"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.
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.
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.
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."
"We have a plan B and a plan C. But our focus is plan A, the essence of which is to get everyone's support" for Ukraine's accession, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said.
"(T)he presence at the Victory Parade of a country that bombs cities, hospitals, and daycares, and which has caused the deaths and injuries of over a million people over three years, is a shame," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said.
President Volodymyr Zelensky meets with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya in Kyiv during Iwaya's unannounced trip to the capital on Nov. 16, 2024. (President's Office/web)
Editor's note: This article has been updated to reflect comments made by Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha following his meeting with Iwaya.
Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya met with President Volodymyr Zelensky on Nov. 16 during an unannounced visit to the capital, marking his first trip to Ukraine since being appointed to the post in September.
According to a statement from the President's Office, Zelensky and Iwaya discussed a number of topics in support of Ukraine, including Japan's concern regarding the presence of North Korean troops along Ukraine's eastern front.
"In light of what is happening with the intervention of the North Korean military in Russia's war against Ukraine, it is important to discuss how to prevent further escalation by Russia, already together with North Korea," Zelensky said in a statement.
Training alongside Russian forces in Kursk Oblast, the first North Korean soldiers stationed in the region reportedly came under fire on Nov. 4.
During the meeting, Iwaya noted that "Japan stands with Ukraine," echoing a statement released by Group of Seven (G7) reaffirming their "unwavering support for Ukraine for as long as it takes" and commitment to "severe costs" for Russia on Nov. 16.
Iwaya further emphasized that Japan is committed to further strengthening relations with Ukraine, including the expansion of economic cooperation, as well as applying additional sanctions against Russia.
Zelensky and Iwaya also discussed Ukraine's "Peace Formula" as well as Zelensky's five-point victory plan.
"Japan supports the early realization of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, as set out in the victory plan," Iwaya said, according to a readout released by Japan's foreign ministry.
Earlier in the day, Iwaya met with his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha following a visit to Bucha — a suburb northwest of Kyiv, occupied by Russian troops shortly after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine which saw some of Russia's worst atrocities against civilians during the war.
During a press conference with Iwaya following the meeting, Sybiha emphasized that the presence of North Korean troops poses a threat not only to Europe but to Southeast Asian countries.
"It is not only Russia that receives drones, missiles, and soldiers. In return, Moscow strengthens Tehran and Pyongyang," Sybiha said.
No information was provided by either country as to any specific agreements reached at the meetings.
The meeting marks the first trip to Kyiv by a Japanese minister since Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba took office last month. During the meeting with Iwaya, Zelensky invited Ishiba to a visit of the country.
Japan has played a key role in providing support to Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, delivering nearly $12 billion in support for the embattled country. Ukraine's finance ministry said on Nov. 15 that Japan has provided a total of $6.3 billion in external budget financing for the embattled nation.
Dmytro Basmat is a senior news editor for The Kyiv Independent. He previously worked in Canadian politics as a communications lead and spokesperson for a national political party, and as a communications assistant for a Canadian Member of Parliament. Basmat has a Master's degree in Political Management from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, and a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Governance from Toronto Metropolitan University.
Dmytro Basmat
