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.
People look on damaged residential building in the city centre on Oct. 8, 2023 in Kharkiv, Ukraine. (Oleksandr Magula/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)
Finland’s Foreign Ministry announced on Oct. 9 allocating an additional 92 million euros ($97 million) to provide humanitarian support to Ukraine, Moldova, and other countries affected by Russia’s war.
In Ukraine, the assistance will address needs in the health, transport, energy, agriculture, housing, and social security sectors, according to the ministry.
The funds will contribute to the Crisis Facility launched by the World Bank Group’s International Development Association (IDA) earlier this year.
Finland will send 62 million euros to Support Programme for Ukraine and Moldova Recovery, from which 12 million will be allocated as a grant and 50 million as a loan, reads the announcement.
In Ukraine, the program aims to improve access to healthcare services, increase the availability of services to address acute energy shortages, repair infrastructure and housing as well as support agricultural activities.
“It will also accelerate long-term efforts to support Ukraine’s recovery and the reconstruction of critical sectors,” the ministry wrote, adding that special attention will be paid to the rights of women and people with disabilities.
In Moldova, the IDA Crisis Facility will mainly help cover the costs of hosting Ukrainian refugees, as well as finance development programs and ensure preparedness for crises.
Finland said the remaining 30 million euros will be provided in loans to countries affected by Russian aggression to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases, among other efforts.
Dinara Khalilova is a reporter at the Kyiv Independent, where she has previously worked as a news editor. In the early weeks of Russia’s full-scale invasion, she worked as a fixer and local producer for Sky News’ team in Ukraine. Dinara holds a BA in journalism from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and a Master’s degree in media and communication from the U.K.’s Bournemouth University.
Kenneth Rogoff
