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."
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.
French troops in VBCI infantry fighting vehicles arrive after crossing the Vistula River during the NATO Dragon 24 military exercise on March 5, 2024 near Gniew, Poland. (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
The European Union is considering sending "military advisors" to Ukraine to organize training for the Ukrainian military, European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper said on April 16 at a press briefing in Brussels.
Hipper's statement comes after Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said EU member states discussed the initiative during the EU Foreign Ministers Council meeting in Luxembourg on April 14.
"Indeed, this was discussed," Hipper said. "But the main point is here to support Ukraine and strengthen Ukraine as much as possible."
"The discussions are ongoing as regards the adaptation to the mission, but there is nothing further I can share at this moment," she added.
Hipper refused to specify if the plan included sending military advisors during the war or after it ended.
Following the April 14 meeting, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also mentioned discussions on a possible training mission.
"We have the mission of training Ukrainian soldiers, over 73,000 soldiers have already been trained. So today (April 14), we also discussed what more we can do when it comes to the missions," Kallas said.
"Should we expand the mandate of the missions to contribute to the security guarantees of the coalition of the willing?" she added.
Kallas did not provide any further details.
The coalition is a group of countries that have pledged peacekeeping troops and other security guarantees for Ukraine in a potential ceasefire.
At least 37 countries, including European, Asian, and Commonwealth nations, have been involved in the coalition's discussions, with 15 reportedly ready to contribute their troops. Other members have been asked to provide other forms of support, including intelligence, arms, or naval support.
U.S. President Donald Trump has yet to offer any clear security guarantees to Ukraine and the coalition as Washington moves toward a reduced military presence on the continent.
Kateryna Hodunova is a News Editor at the Kyiv Independent. She previously worked as a sports journalist in several Ukrainian outlets and was the deputy chief editor at Suspilne Sport. Kateryna covered the 2022 Olympics in Beijing and was included in the Special Mentions list at the AIPS Sport Media Awards. She holds a bachelor's degree in political journalism from Taras Shevchenko University and a master's degree in political science from the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy.
Daria Shulzhenko
