Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has reiterated his call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the ongoing war with Russia, now in its third year, urging Kyiv’s allies to intensify pressure on the Kremlin to bring about a meaningful halt to the conflict.
Speaking at a joint news conference in Prague alongside Czech President Petr Pavel, Zelenskiy emphasised that a ceasefire could be achieved at any moment—if the international community applied the necessary diplomatic weight on Moscow.
“We believe that a ceasefire is possible at any moment, even starting today, and should last at least 30 days to give diplomacy a real chance,” Zelenskiy said, noting that Russia had ignored a US-backed ceasefire proposal for the past 54 days. “Without increased pressure, Russia will not take real practical steps to end the war.”
The Ukrainian leader dismissed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent announcement of a symbolic three-day ceasefire from May 8 to 10—meant to commemorate the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany—as ineffective. Instead, Zelenskiy endorsed a US proposal for a month-long ceasefire that he believes could pave the way for diplomatic negotiations.
Zelenskiy’s visit to the Czech Republic underscores the country’s key role in supporting Ukraine. Since the Russian invasion in 2022, the Czech government has spearheaded a major international initiative to supply Ukraine with large-calibre ammunition, leveraging its industrial and diplomatic networks.
President Pavel confirmed that over the past year, Ukraine has received 1.6 million rounds of large-calibre ammunition through the Czech-led programme, with a projected 1.8 million more expected in 2025. He praised the initiative’s success, saying the Czech Republic would continue to rally NATO allies for increased defence support.
Zelenskiy also highlighted future military cooperation with the Czech Republic, including joint efforts in military aviation, pilot training expansion, and sustaining Ukraine’s fleet of F-16 fighter jets. He described the ammunition initiative as “effective” in an earlier social media post, expressing optimism about ongoing defence partnerships.
“Three things are needed,” Zelenskiy said. “More sanctions against Russia, continued support for Ukraine, and a significant increase in defence cooperation across Europe. Russia must know that Europeans will defend themselves.”
President Pavel echoed the sentiment, stating that real progress depended solely on Putin’s will to end the war. “If someone has all the cards in their hand to end the war, it is President Putin, who can do it with a single decision,” Pavel said. “But so far, the will has not appeared.”
Zelenskiy, accompanied by First Lady Olena Zelenska, is expected to meet Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala on Monday. The meeting will further address defence cooperation and strategies for increasing pressure on Moscow.
On social media, Zelenskiy noted that he is preparing for a series of foreign policy meetings focused on securing a lasting ceasefire. He also revealed that during a recent meeting with former US President Donald Trump at Pope Francis’ funeral, the two agreed that a 30-day ceasefire would be a crucial first step toward ending hostilities.
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