Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Sunday that a ceasefire with Russia could happen at any time. However, he urged Ukraine's allies to exert more pressure on Moscow to make it happen. Speaking at a press conference in Prague with Czech President Petr Pavel, Zelensky emphasised that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not take any meaningful action to end the ongoing conflict without this increased pressure. 

“We believe that without increased pressure, Russia will not take real, practical steps to end the war. Today marks the 54th day that Russia has ignored even the American proposal to completely cease fire,” Zelensky said to reporters. He continued, “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.”

Last week, Putin announced a three-day ceasefire from May 8-10 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. However, Zelensky dismissed this as ineffective and instead called for an unconditional ceasefire lasting at least 30 days, aligning with a U.S. proposal made in March. The Czech government has been a firm supporter of Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022 and has taken a leading role in providing Ukraine with large-calibre ammunition. 

The Ukrainian president stated that instead of showcasing tanks at the May 9 victory parade, Putin should be focusing “on how to actually end his war.” “Three things are needed. More sanctions against Russia, continued support for Ukraine, and a significant increase in defence cooperation across Europe,” he expressed. “Russia must know that Europeans will defend themselves.”

Moscow has stated that it expects a clear and direct response from Zelensky regarding its three-day proposal. Pavel noted that Russia has not yet shown any real sign of wanting to take steps toward ending the war. “If someone has all the cards in their hand to end the war, then it is President Putin, who can do it with a single decision,” Pavel informed reporters. “But so far, the will has not appeared.”

As part of a military effort, the Czech Republic has leveraged its diplomatic ties, business networks, and industrial know-how to source and deliver large-calibre ammunition to Ukraine, with financial backing from NATO countries. Czech President Pavel mentioned in February that Ukraine had received 1.6 million rounds over the past year. President Zelensky expressed hope that Ukraine would receive 1.8 million shells through the same initiative in 2025. In a social media post, Zelensky called the programme “effective” and added that further collaboration would focus on military aviation, enhancing pilot training, and strengthening Ukraine’s F-16 fleet.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, joined by First Lady Olena Zelenska, is visiting the Czech Republic and is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Petr Fiala on Monday. One of the key topics on their agenda is the Czech-led initiative to supply ammunition. On Saturday, Zelensky shared on X that he is preparing for several diplomatic meetings to pressure Russia into agreeing to a ceasefire. He also mentioned that during Pope Francis’ funeral on April 26 at the Vatican, he spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump, and both discussed sanctions against Russia and air defence systems. Both leaders agreed that a 30-day ceasefire would be essential to ending the conflict.