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.
European Council President Charles Michel during his Feb. 3 visit to Kyiv for the Ukraine-EU summit. Photo: Charles Michel/Twitter.
European Council President Charles Michel has arrived in Kyiv for the historic Ukraine-EU summit set to take place later on Feb. 3. "There will be no let up in our resolve. We will also support you every step of the way on your journey to the EU," Michel wrote on Twitter.
The Ukraine-EU summit is an annual event as part of Article 5 of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU.
According to Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, at the Feb. 3 summit, EU and Ukrainian officials will discuss the country's progress in meeting seven requirements for joining the union and the following opening of accession negotiations.
The meeting will also focus on new sanctions against Russia, implementing the "peace formula" proposed by Ukraine, holding Russia accountable for its war crimes, and the country's post-war reconstruction.
"We are preparing to present the implementation results of all seven recommendations of the European Commission and expect a positive assessment of our efforts by the EU," said Kuleba. "We expect significant progress in approaching the EU internal market, cooperation in the energy sector..."
On Jan. 31, Euractive reported, citing a draft summit communique, that the European Union's top officials wouldn't commit to Ukraine's quick entry into the union at the summit.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on Jan. 30 that he expects Ukraine to achieve the "pre-entry stage of negotiations" to join the European Union this year. He said he hopes Ukraine can make a "significant leap forward" at the upcoming meeting.
European Commission Head Ursula von der Leyen, with 15 more Commission members and European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell came to Kyiv on Feb. 2. Upon arrival in the morning, the delegation of more than a dozen members from the EU's executive branch held a meeting with the Ukrainian government.
On that day, the EU council announced that it would provide Ukraine with another 500 million euros ($542 million) for the seventh tranche of military aid, along with an additional 45 million euros ($49 million) for the training of Ukrainian troops.
Borrell said that the bloc would also double the number of Ukrainian soldiers to be trained this year to 30,000 and provide 25 million euros ($27.5 million) to help Ukraine demine liberated areas.
Ukraine applied for EU membership in February 2022, a few days after Russia launched its full-scale invasion. The European Union granted Ukraine candidate status on June 23.
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.
