"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.
Trump 'frustrated' by inability to broker end to Russia's war against Ukraine, WSJ reports
U.S. President Donald Trump is expressing his frustration in private to donors about his inability to broker an end to Russia's war against Ukraine, the Wall Street Journal reported on May 9.
Trump originally claimed during the 2024 presidential campaign that he would end the war on his first day in office. He then went on to say that he would end it during his first 100 days in office, repeatedly adding that the war "never would have happened" if he'd had a consecutive second term in office.
However, Trump has since 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.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance has also said publicly that Russia is "asking for too much" to end its war against Ukraine.
This change in rhetoric comes after Trump had a number of public missteps with President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him "a dictator without elections" and claiming that Ukraine was "more difficult" to deal with than Russia.
Trump has asked advisers in recent weeks whether they think Russian President Vladimir Putin has "changed" since his last term in office, and voiced concern over Moscow’s military actions, including strikes in areas with children, the WSJ reported.
Trump called for an "unconditional" 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine on May 8, adding that "if the ceasefire is not respected, the U.S. and its partners will impose further sanctions (against Russia)."
Zelensky and Ukraine's European allies have endorsed Trump's calls for a 30-day ceasefire.
The Kyiv Independent news desk
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