"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.
Ukrainian borshch added to UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage
Ukrainian traditional beetroot soup, borshch, is now inscribed on UNESCO’s list of endangered intangible cultural heritage.
On July 1, UNESCO approved a decision to add borshch to the list after Ukraine requested the agency fast track the procedure amid Russia’s war.
The UN cultural agency said in a statement Russia’s war had threatened the traditional dish.
“The displacement of people and bearers threatens the element, as people are unable not only to cook or grow local vegetables for borshch, but also to come together to practice the element, which undermines the social and cultural well-being of communities,” the statement reads.
Ukrainian Culture Minister Oleksandr Tkachenko welcomed the decision: “Victory in the war for borshch is ours.”
Borshch, a dish traditionally made with beets and potatoes, is a staple in every Ukrainian household. The dish is also eaten in other countries in the region, which has led to a long-lasting debate over who it belongs to.
When Russia started its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, the question of protecting Ukrainian culture became more urgent than ever. With national cuisine being a key element of culture, the “borshch debate” took on an even more significant meaning.
In 2019, Russia's official Twitter account tweeted, "Borshch is one of Russia's most famous and beloved dishes and a symbol of traditional cuisine."
The tweet ignited a global debate, which later resulted in Ukrainian celebrity chef Yevhen Klopotenko launching an initiative to nominate the culture of Ukrainian borshch cooking for UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Today, the initiative reached its final goal.
Klopotenko believes the decision goes beyond the recognition of Ukrainian borshch. It is also a recognition of Ukrainian cuisine.
"Earlier, Ukrainians said – Ukrainian cuisine exists, and Russians said – Ukrainian cuisine does not exist. Now UNESCO, as a judge, has recognized by its decision that Ukrainian cuisine exists," Klopotenko told the Kyiv Independent.
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
