"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.
The launcher of a Patriot air defense system on Oct. 14, 2020, in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. (Thomas Frey/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, in an interview with Politico on March 25, urged Kyiv's partners to supply Ukraine with more Patriot air defenses to help protect Ukrainian cities.
"If we had enough air defense systems, namely Patriots, we would be able to protect not only the lives of our people but also our economy from destruction."
Air defense ammunition has been dwindling recently as $60 billion in U.S. aid remains effectively blocked in Congress by political disputes. The American media wrote that Ukraine may soon be forced to "ration" its air defense missiles, targeting only one out of every five enemy projectiles.
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Patriots and other air defenses also play a vital role on the battlefield. Kuleba underscored the danger posed by Russia's aerial guided bombs: "You cannot jam it. It just falls on your head and destroys everything."
"This is how we're losing positions, and the only way to prevent this is to shoot down the planes carrying the bombs," the minister explained.
Kuleba said in the interview that while he is grateful for Western support, the rhetoric of Kyiv's partners does not always match their actions. He noted he is "tired" of discussing Taurus missiles, the long-range weaponry that Germany persistently refuses to provide.
According to Ukraine's foreign minister, delays or constraints in weapons supplies undermine Kyiv's defense efforts and cause it to lose ground. This creates a vicious circle where Ukraine's losses convince allies of the futility of providing "game-changing weapons," Kuleba said.
Ukraine finds itself in an increasingly precarious position in the war as Russia ramps up pressure along the front. Last month, Russian forces captured the key front-line city of Avdiivka, their first major win since conquering Bakhmut last May. Ammunition shortages, namely in artillery shells, contributed to the loss of the city.
Martin Fornusek is a news editor at the Kyiv Independent. He has previously worked as a news content editor at the media company Newsmatics and is a contributor to Euromaidan Press. He was also volunteering as an editor and translator at the Czech-language version of Ukraïner. Martin studied at Masaryk University in Brno, Czechia, holding a bachelor's degree in security studies and history and a master's degree in conflict and democracy studies.
Martin Fornusek
