"We agreed that a full and unconditional ceasefire must begin on Monday, May 12, for at least 30 days. We jointly demand this from Russia, and we know we are supported in this by the United States," Zelensky said.
The announcement follows mounting fears that the two nuclear-armed countries were on the brink of engaging in another full-scale war.
Ukrainian media outlet ZN.UA reported on May 10 that their law enforcement sources confirmed an ongoing probe by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau into suspected embezzlement, money laundering and bribery.
Iran is preparing to send Russia Fath-360 short-range ballistic missile launchers, Reuters reported on May 9, citing Western security and regional officials familiar with the matter.
"Ukraine and all allies are ready for a complete unconditional ceasefire on land, in the air, and at sea for at least 30 days, starting as early as Monday," Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote.
U.S. President Donald Trump has acknowledged in private that Russia is difficult to negotiate with because they "want the whole thing," referring to Ukraine, the WSJ reported, citing sources familiar with the comments.
The visit marks Merz’s first trip to Ukraine, and the first time all four leaders have travelled there together.
A notice about the airspace closure was published on the U.S. Defense Department's NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) website on May 10, as cited by Ukrainian defense news outlet Militarnyi.
"As in the past, it is now for Russia to show its willingness to achieve peace," the EU's statement reads.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov rejected the idea of a 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, claiming in an interview with ABC News on May 10 that it would be "an advantage" for Ukraine.
"Our involvement in the war was justifiable, and this belongs to our sovereign rights," North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un said. "I regard this as part of the sacred mission we must execute for our brothers and comrades-in-arms."
The number includes 1,310 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.
Ukraine to resume construction of unfinished nuclear power plant, Energoatom says
Ukraine is preparing to resume the construction of the previously abandoned Chyhyryn plant in Cherkasy Oblast, state nuclear energy agency Energoatom reported on Aug. 27.
“The Energoatom team is actively working to find new construction sites. The most promising of them is Chyhyryn, near the town of Orbita in Cherkasy oblast,” said Energoatom.
According to Energoatom, the plant will be equipped with AP1000 reactors built by U.S. company Westinghouse.
The members of the Chyhyryn City Council voted to grant Energoatom permission to resume construction of the plant. “The first steps have been taken,” said Energoatom.
“Energoatom intends to revive Orbita. Successful implementation of these plans is undoubtedly a significant investment in the post-war recovery and support of the state's energy security,” said Energoatom CEO Petro Kotin.
“The introduction of innovative nuclear technologies will make Ukraine a leader in the field of nuclear energy with unique experience and its own technological solutions.”
The Chyhyryn station is an unfinished nuclear power plant located in Cherkasy Oblast, near the shore of the Kremenchuk reservoir, between the villages of Stetsivka and Vitove.
The Orbita settlement was being built for the plant's employees before the fall of the Soviet Union triggered the cancellation of the project.
Since 2022, Ukraine has been experiencing significant shortages of electricity due to constant Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities and the occupation of one of four Ukraine’s nuclear power plants.
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest nuclear plant in Europe, has been under Russian occupation since March 2022. Throughout its occupation, the plant has been repeatedly disconnected from the Ukrainian power grid due to Russian attacks on the country's energy infrastructure.
Energoatom's press service reported on April 15 that it has started building reactor units 5 and 6 at the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant using U.S. technology, which would help prevent power outages in case of Russian attacks.
If the new reactors are completed, the Khmelnytskyi plant, located in Ukraine's west, would then replace the Zaporizhzhia plant as the largest one in Europe.
Daria Svitlyk
Most Popular
After 3 years of full-scale war in Ukraine, Europe announces plan to ban all Russian gas imports
Ukraine, Europe's ceasefire proposal includes US security guarantees, no recognition of Crimea, Reuters reports
Journalist Roshchyna's body missing organs after Russian captivity, investigation says
After Russia's deadly attack on Kyiv, Vance reposts denunciation of Zelensky
Ukrainian sea drone downs Russian fighter jet in 'world-first' strike, intelligence says
Editors' Picks
How medics of Ukraine’s 3rd Assault Brigade deal with horrors of drone warfare
As Russia trains abducted children for war, Ukraine fights uphill battle to bring them home
'I just hate the Russians' — Kyiv district recovers from drone strike as ceasefire remains elusive
