"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.
President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during a New Year's Eve address to the nation on Dec. 31. (President's Office)
President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Russian President Vladimir Putin's words about an Orthodox Christmas ceasefire.
"Those who continued the terror against our country and sent their people to be slaughtered definitely do not value life and even more so do not seek peace," Zelensky said.
Furthermore, National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksii Danilov said the proposed truce is a facade.
“Who will believe scum that kills children, bombards maternity hospitals, tortures prisoners? A ceasefire? Lies and hypocrisy,” Danilov tweeted. “Take the junk and go back to Russia," Danilov told the Ukrainska Pravda news outlet.
Mykhailo Podolyak, President's Office advisor, said that Russian troops “must leave the occupied territories.”
"Only then will it have a temporary truce," Podolyak tweeted.
“Russia is trying in every possible way to reduce the intensity of fighting and attacks on its logistics centers, at least for some time," Podolyak told Ukrainska Pravda.
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that Russia’s “unilateral ceasefire” can't be taken seriously.
“Russia has been ignoring (Ukraine's peace formula) and instead shelling Kherson on Christmas Eve, launching mass missile and drone strikes on New Year's,” Kuleba tweeted.
Putin said on Jan. 5 that he ordered Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to implement a temporary ceasefire along the 1,300 km (800 miles) front line in Ukraine from noon on Jan. 6 to midnight on Jan. 7, when Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas.
On Dec. 24 Christmas Eve, a Russian strike on central Kherson killed ten and injured 58 civilians.
In addition, on New Year’s Eve, Russia launched yet another mass missile attack on Ukrainian cities, killing one and injuring 28 civilians around the country.
We are the news team of the Kyiv Independent. We are here to make sure our readers get quick, essential updates about the events in Ukraine. Feel free to contact us via email with feedback and news alerts.
