"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.
UK, French foreign ministers urge to boost aid for Ukraine, saying 'we all lose' otherwise
U.K. Foreign Secretary David Cameron and French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne called on allies to increase support for Ukraine in The Telegraph's article published on April 7.
Ukraine faces an ongoing ammunition shortage, with the country being in dire need of shells and missiles. Several European countries joined a Czech-led initiative to procure 800,000 sorely needed artillery shells for Ukraine.
Amid intensified Russian attacks against the energy infrastructure, President Volodymyr Zelensky pleaded for more weapons, saying Ukraine needs 25 Patriot air defense systems to protect the country.
Cameron and Sejourne said that the costs of failing to support Kyiv now would be "far greater than the costs of repelling (Russia's President Vladimir) Putin."
"We are both absolutely clear — Ukraine must win this war. If Ukraine loses, we all lose," the officials wrote. They said that "we can rally others to join us in overcoming" and that the allies "must do even more to ensure we defeat Russia."
Cameron is expected to visit the U.S. later this week to urge U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and other lawmakers to approve a package of military aid to Ukraine.
Delays in U.S. assistance of roughly $60 billion have already had a direct impact on the battlefield, contributing to the loss of the key front-line city of Avdiivka.
Top Republican officials reportedly said that a vote on the aid for Ukraine in Congress might be still weeks away despite Johnson's assertion on April 1 that it would be held "right after Easter."
President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 7 that "Ukraine will lose the war" if the U.S. Congress fails to approve military aid to Kyiv.
In March, Zelensky said in late March that the situation on the battlefield has been stabilized, but he did not rule out that a major Russian offensive may come at the end of May or in June.
Carla Norrlöf
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