Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Sunday that a ceasefire in the ongoing war with Russia is achievable immediately if international pressure on Moscow is significantly increased.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Prague alongside Czech President Petr Pavel, Zelenskiy emphasized the need for Kyiv’s allies to intensify diplomatic and economic efforts against Russia to force meaningful progress toward ending the conflict, now in its fourth year.
“We believe that without increased pressure, Russia will not take real practical steps to end the war,” Zelenskiy told reporters. “Today marks the 54th day that Russia has ignored even the American proposal to completely cease fire.”
He reiterated Ukraine’s support for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, originally proposed by the United States in March, saying it would provide a critical window for diplomacy to take hold. “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,” he said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently announced a limited three-day ceasefire from May 8 to 10 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. However, Zelenskiy dismissed the gesture as symbolic and ineffective, arguing that a temporary truce tied to historical observances fails to address the need for sustained peace efforts.
The Czech Republic has remained a staunch supporter of Ukraine since the full-scale Russian invasion began in 2022. It has played a leading role in organizing the supply of large-calibre ammunition to Ukrainian forces and has consistently called for tougher international measures against the Kremlin.
President Pavel echoed Zelenskiy’s concerns during the press conference, reaffirming the Czech government’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. The two leaders also discussed expanding Czech support in military aid, reconstruction, and long-term defense cooperation.
With the humanitarian toll of the war mounting and diplomatic solutions still elusive, Zelenskiy’s renewed call for a longer ceasefire comes at a critical moment for Ukraine and its Western allies.
