The approval marks a key step in international efforts to hold Moscow accountable for what is considered the gravest violation of international law committed against Ukraine.
Although Moscow declared on April 28 that it would halt all military actions from May 8 to midnight on May 11 to mark Victory Day, strikes on civilian areas have continued.
Under Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin's rule, millions of Ukrainians died during the Holodomor, a man-made famine in 1932–1933. The dictator also oversaw mass deportations, purges of Ukrainian intellectuals and leaders, and the suppression of the Ukrainian language and culture.
According to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), this marks the first time Ukrainian authorities have exposed a Hungarian military intelligence network conducting activities harmful to Ukraine.
Delegations from 35 countries and the Council of Europe gathered in Lviv as EU officials prepare to approve both new defense aid and steps toward establishing a tribunal for Russian leadership.
The ruling marks a significant victory for RFE/RL amid growing concerns about U.S. funding cuts to independent media countering Russian disinformation.
U.S. Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected the new pope and leader of the Roman Catholic Church on Thursday, taking the name Pope Leo XIV, a senior cardinal announced on May 8 to crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square, according to Vatican News.
George Simion, leader of Romania's far-right AUR party, who won the first round of the presidential election with nearly 40% of the vote, reiterated that if elected, he would oppose any further assistance to Ukraine and shift Romania’s focus inward.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping hailed their countries' relationship on May 8, vowing to increase cooperation in all areas, including military ties.
"There is Turkey, which maintains channels of communication. And then, above all, there is the People's Republic of China, which, more than anyone else, has the means to make (Russian President Vladimir) Putin come to the negotiating table and soften his demands," Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said on May 8.
The United States will be ready to "walk away" from the negotiating table if it does not see Russia making progress in negotiation to end the war, U.S. Vice President JD Vance told Fox News on May 8.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico arrived in Moscow on May 9 to celebrate Victory Day, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.
US President Donald Trump on May 8 called for a "30-day unconditional ceasefire" between Ukraine and Russia. Writing on Truth Social, Trump expressed his hope for "an acceptable ceasefire," with both countries "held accountable for respecting the sanctity of... direct negotiations."
The aftermath of a Russian attack against Dnipro, Ukraine, on April 17, 2025. (State Emergency Service / Telegram)
At least five people were killed and 68 injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine over the past day, regional officials reported on April 17.
Russia launched 75 drones, including Shahed-type drones, two Iskander-M ballistic missiles, and three S-300/400 anti-aircraft guided missiles against Ukraine overnight, according to the Air Force.
Air defenses intercepted 25 drones, while 30 vanished from radars — likely deployed as decoys to overwhelm Ukraine's air defense systems.
The assault was repelled by a combination of Ukraine's electronic warfare units, aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, and mobile fire groups.
In Dnipro, a drone strike killed three people, including a child, and injured 30, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Governor Serhii Lysak said. Five of the injured are children. The strike damaged a dozen apartment buildings, numerous houses, a school, a dormitory, and a gymnasium.
In Kherson Oblast, one person was killed and 15 others wounded, including a child, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said. Russian forces targeted residential areas and critical infrastructure.
Russian attacks in Kharkiv Oblast left 16 people injured, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported. The strikes damaged residential buildings and civilian infrastructure across multiple communities.
In Donetsk Oblast, a resident of Pokrovsk was killed, and six others were injured across the region, according to Governor Vadym Filashkin.
In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, a 55-year-old man was injured, and Russian forces carried out 350 strikes on 15 settlements during the day, Governor Ivan Fedorov reported.
The widespread attacks come amid continued Russian rejection of a full ceasefire agreement and follow recent intensification of strikes on civilian areas across Ukraine.
Tim Zadorozhnyy is a news editor at The Kyiv Independent. Based in Warsaw, he is pursuing studies in International Relations, focusing on European Studies. Tim began his career at a local television channel in Odesa. After moving to Warsaw, he joined the Belarusian opposition media outlet NEXTA, starting as a news anchor and later advancing to the position of managing editor.
The Kyiv Independent news desk
