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."
President Volodymyr Zelensky had a "constructive" phone call with United States President Donald Trump on May 8, discussing the war, continued pressure on Russia, and a potential ceasefire.
The survey, conducted between April 24 and May 4, shows that 56.9% of respondents would not be willing to compromise on either territorial integrity or Ukraine’s pro-Western direction in any potential talks with Moscow.
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.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov attend a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base on April 21, 2023 in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany. (Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images)
The Ukraine Defense Contact Group has delivered more than 230 tanks and 1,550 armored vehicles "in just a few short months," U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said after the group's meeting on April 21.
Ukraine has also received other equipment and ammunition to support more than nine new armored brigades, according to Austin.
The alliance of 54 countries supporting Ukraine's defense against Russia's full-scale invasion has met for the 11th time at the U.S. Ramstein air base in Germany. Ramstein summits are held to coordinate efforts to provide military aid to Ukraine.
At a press conference, the Pentagon chief said that some allies, including Germany and the Netherlands, had agreed to provide Ukraine with mine rollers, refuelers, additional heavy equipment, and transport vehicles.
Many Contact Group members are also stepping up the supply of air defense and critically needed ammunition for the systems, read Austin's remarks.
Commenting on the recent leak of the U.S. classified military and intelligence documents, some of which reportedly shed light on Washington's doubts about Ukraine's counteroffensive efforts, Austin said he took this matter "extremely seriously."
"As I have discussed this issue with our allies and partners, I've been struck by their solidarity and their commitment to reject efforts to divide us, so nothing will fracture our unity or reduce our determination."
We are the news team of the Kyiv Independent. We are here to make sure our readers get quick, essential updates about the events in Ukraine. Feel free to contact us via email with feedback and news alerts.
