"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.
Shortage of personnel in Ukrainian labor market increased significantly since last year
Seventy-four percent of surveyed companies in Ukraine are experiencing a personnel shortage, according to a new study published by the European Business Association (EBA) on April 24. This is a significant increase from the 55% of surveyed employers experiencing a shortage in 2023.
The study noted that nearly three-quarters of surveyed employers are struggling with a hiring shortage, 17% are experiencing a partial shortage, and only 7% are not experiencing a shortage of any kind. Previous studies of Ukraine's labor market took place in the fall of 2023 and revealed that 55% of employers struggled to hire personnel.
According to the study, scarcity is mainly caused by talent shortages, mobilization, employee desires to work remotely, outflow of qualified personnel abroad, burnout, and employee fatigue.
Participants in the study noted that several changes may be instituted to try to remedy ongoing constraints. Some of these changes involve salary increases and expanded training and development programming.
Research participants mainly represent Ukraine's wholesale and retail markets, the pharmaceutical sector, food production, and specialized consulting services such as legal support, auditing, marketing, and recruiting. The study was conducted between August 2023 and April 2024.
Earlier this year, Ukrainian business associations publicly called for reform to the country's mobilization law, fearing that its draft policies could cripple an already-struggling domestic economy.
The Ukrainian Business Council urged the removal of certain proposals that could hurt businesses already operating in "survival" mode, including online call-ups and provisions that would allow Ukraine's military to seize privately owned vehicles.
Ukraine's government only recently passed the highly controversial mobilization bill following several contentious rewrites. Lawmakers have proposed over 4,000 amendments to the bill since then.
Elsa Court
Most Popular
After 3 years of full-scale war in Ukraine, Europe announces plan to ban all Russian gas imports
Ukraine, Europe's ceasefire proposal includes US security guarantees, no recognition of Crimea, Reuters reports
Journalist Roshchyna's body missing organs after Russian captivity, investigation says
After Russia's deadly attack on Kyiv, Vance reposts denunciation of Zelensky
Ukrainian sea drone downs Russian fighter jet in 'world-first' strike, intelligence says
Editors' Picks
How medics of Ukraine’s 3rd Assault Brigade deal with horrors of drone warfare
As Russia trains abducted children for war, Ukraine fights uphill battle to bring them home
'I just hate the Russians' — Kyiv district recovers from drone strike as ceasefire remains elusive
