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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.
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Friday, May 9
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.
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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.
(Updated: )Victory Day
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.
Friday, May 9
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.
A three-day-long military exercise has begun in the southern Gomel Region, according to the Defense Ministry of Belarus. On July 12-14, the Belarusian territorial forces, a homeland defense unit, will train to defend local sites and serve at the checkpoints during the martial law.
The announcement of the drills comes on the backdrop of intensifying tensions between the Belarusian government and Ukraine, and fears that Belarus may officially enter Russia's war against Ukraine and send in troops.
Read also: Threat from Belarus. Will the country's military help Russia fight its war?
Although Belarus is not a direct participant in Russia's war, it has been assisting the invasion by providing its territory and airspace for the Russian military to attack Ukraine.
Earlier this month, dictator Alexander Lukashenko said that "the participation of Belarus" in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was "pre-determined long ago," adding Belarus and Russia “have a unified army.” It contrasts with Lukashenko's statement in March, when he said that the Belarusian army "doesn't intend" to participate in the invasion.
Last week, Belarus transferred an airfield near the southern city of Gomel, close to Ukraine, under complete control of Russian troops, according to Oleksii Hromov, Deputy Chief of the Main Operational Department of the Ukrainian General Staff. He said the Russian Iskander-M and S-400 SAM missile system divisions have already been deployed to the airfield.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said in June Russia will give Belarus Iskander-M systems, which could carry nuclear weapons.
On July 1, Vadym Skibitskyi, Deputy Head of Ukraine’s military intelligence, said that seven battalions of the Belarusian Armed Forces are on the border with Ukraine.
He added the threat of an invasion of Ukraine by the Belarusian army remains, but a direct military offensive from Belarus is "unlikely." On June 26, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky published an address to the Belarusian people, urging them to oppose the war that they are "being dragged into."
Read also: Discontent grows between Kyiv, Belarus opposition as Russia drags Belarus further into war
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