"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.
Republican Michael McCaul is one of the main proponents of the "Guaranteeing Ukrainian Autonomy by Reinforcing its Defence Act" (GUARD) bill. (Michael McCaul/ Facebook)
A new bill that's about to be introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives advocates for the U.S. to increase military funding to Ukraine and implement strict measures against Russia immediately, according to Politico.
The bill, titled "Guaranteeing Ukrainian Autonomy by Reinforcing its Defense Act" (GUARD), is signed by several top Republicans who hold positions in Foreign Affairs, Armed Services, and Intelligence committees.
The bill comes as the West holds a number of meetings with Russia this week to discuss Moscow's military buildup along the Ukrainian border and security in Europe.
The Republicans' proposal would provide Ukraine with $200 million to help Ukraine bolster its defense capabilities, specifically to fund air defense and maritime vessels.
Voice of America reported that the document also suggests instating Ukraine as a "NATO Plus" member, such as Japan or South Korea, who are not part of NATO but are considered partners of the alliance.
The Republicans also reportedly seek to reinstate sanctions on Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Nord Stream 2 is an undersea gas pipeline from Russia to Germany allowing Russia to bypass Ukraine. If it’s allowed to operate, Ukraine can lose up to $2 billion in transit fees per year, as well as an important bargaining chip to hold back Russia’s aggression.
"(Russian President) Vladimir Putin must take note that Congress will not stand for the reconstitution of Russia’s sphere of influence nor the abandonment of Ukraine and our other NATO allies and partners in Central and Eastern Europe," said Republican House representative Michael McCaul, one of the sponsors of the GUARD bill, as quoted by Politico.
When asked if the bill would hinder NATO's and U.S. negotiations with Russia in upcoming meetings this week, Republican spokeswoman Leslie Shedd said the bill will instead strengthen President Joe Biden's position and should be present at upcoming discussions.
U.S. Democrats currently hold a majority in the House of Representatives meaning the bill is unlikely to be passed into law.
Additionally, nine bipartisan senators from the NATO Observer Group sent a letter expressing that NATO should reinforce its position on the Black Sea and on its eastern flank. They also stressed that Russia must not be given veto power over the alliance's decisions.
The upcoming talks are a result of Russia exerting pressure on Ukraine by massing over 100,000 troops on its borders in what Western and Ukrainian intelligence see a threat of a large-scale invasion.
On Dec. 17, Russia published drafts of its demands for NATO and the U.S. which include ending expansion of NATO and reducing its military presence in Eastern Europe.
The NATO-Russia Council meeting is scheduled for Jan. 12. The OSCE Permanent Council will meet on Jan. 13.
Sergiy Slipchenko is a staff writer at the Kyiv Independent. He studied at York University in Toronto, Canada and worked as a reporter at the Kyiv Post.
