While serving as a bishop in Peru, Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, called the full-scale war "a true invasion, imperialist in nature, where Russia seeks to conquer territory for reasons of power.”
Speaking to CNN on May 10, Peskov commented on the latest ceasefire proposal from Ukraine and Europe, responding that Russia needs to "think about" it, but is "resistant" to pressure.
Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv on May 10, President Volodymyr Zelensky rebuked the idea of a demilitarized zone in the war and emphasized the importance of first securing a ceasefire.
"We agreed that a full and unconditional ceasefire must begin on Monday, May 12, for at least 30 days. We jointly demand this from Russia, and we know we are supported in this by the United States," Zelensky said.
Ukrainian media outlet ZN.UA reported on May 10 that their law enforcement sources confirmed an ongoing probe by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau into suspected embezzlement, money laundering and bribery.
Iran is preparing to send Russia Fath-360 short-range ballistic missile launchers, Reuters reported on May 9, citing Western security and regional officials familiar with the matter.
"Ukraine and all allies are ready for a complete unconditional ceasefire on land, in the air, and at sea for at least 30 days, starting as early as Monday," Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote.
U.S. President Donald Trump has acknowledged in private that Russia is difficult to negotiate with because they "want the whole thing," referring to Ukraine, the WSJ reported, citing sources familiar with the comments.
A notice about the airspace closure was published on the U.S. Defense Department's NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) website on May 10, as cited by Ukrainian defense news outlet Militarnyi.
Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov shows his resignation statement at the Ukrainian parliament on Sept. 4, 2023. (Oleksii Reznikov/Facebook)
Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov submitted his resignation to the Ukrainian parliament on Sept. 4 after President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Reznikov's dismissal.
In his resignation statement, Reznikov mentioned the ministry's achievements since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, saying he completed the key tasks set for him over his 22-month tenure.
"In this regard, I ask the parliament to accept my resignation. I want to sincerely thank you for the trust, support, and the opportunity to serve my country at such a crucial moment," Reznikov wrote.
"One of the main priorities at the moment is to rebuild a long-term partnership with key allies to provide Ukraine with real security guarantees and defense capabilities."
On Sept. 3, Zelensky publicly announced his decision to dismiss Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov and replace him with 41-year-old Rustem Umerov, the chairman of the State Property Fund of Ukraine.
The President said that the decision would be voted on next week.
Reznikov's dismissal comes in the wake of several scandals within the Defense Ministry brought to light by Ukrainian media, particularly involving the procurement of equipment and supplies for Ukrainian soldiers.
"I believe that the ministry needs new approaches and other formats of interaction both with the military and with society as a whole," Zelensky said in an evening address to the nation following the announcement of Reznikov's dismissal.
The Kyiv Independent news desk
