Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv on May 10, President Volodymyr Zelensky rebuked the idea of a demilitarized zone in the war and emphasized the importance of first securing a ceasefire.
"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."
German Finance Minister Christian Lindner and Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko in Kyiv on Aug. 14, 2023. (Vitali Klitschko/Telegram)
Germany's Finance Minister Christian Lindner arrived in Kyiv on Aug. 14 for his first official visit to Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion.
Upon arrival in Kyiv, Lindner said that "we stand at Ukraine's side, shoulder to shoulder" and that he wanted to discuss how his ministry could support Ukraine in the future.
"Ukraine must not lose this war," he told reporters. Lindner last traveled to Ukraine in 2020.
He met Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko to discuss further financial assistance, weapons supplies, and the situation in the capital.
The visit comes after unconfirmed claims from a Ukrainian member of parliament, Yehor Cherniev, that Germany plans to send long-range Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. Cherniev is also the head of Ukraine's delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.
The claim is yet to be confirmed by Germany. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was cautious and "did not want to be rushed on this issue" when questioned about Taurus missiles in an interview with public broadcaster ZDF on Aug. 13.
Taurus missiles have a range of up to 500 kilometers. This means Ukraine could use them to strike deep into Russian-occupied territories, including Crimea.
In May, German media reported that Ukraine had submitted a request asking Germany to supply long-range cruise missiles.
In July, Scholz said that Germany expects to provide Ukraine with $19 billion, or 17 billion euros, in arms deliveries until 2027.
Scholz said the calculations began in 2022, when Russia launched its full-scale invasion, and track projected spending until the year 2027.
The $19 billion estimate only accounts for weapons donated or financed by Germany and does not include other forms of aid to Ukraine.
Anastasiia Lapatina
