Although Moscow declared on April 28 that it would halt all military actions from May 8 to midnight on May 11 to mark Victory Day, strikes on civilian areas have continued.
Under Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin's rule, millions of Ukrainians died during the Holodomor, a man-made famine in 1932–1933. The dictator also oversaw mass deportations, purges of Ukrainian intellectuals and leaders, and the suppression of the Ukrainian language and culture.
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.
(L-R) Ukrainian infrastructure minister Oleksandr Kubrakov, Governor of Chernihiv Oblast Viacheslav Chaus, CEO of Expertise France Jeremie Pellet on March 4, 2024, in Kyiv, Ukraine. (Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine/Facebook)
Ukrainian officials signed a memorandum of understanding with France to invest over 5 million euros towards the reconstruction of Chernihiv Oblast, Ukrainian infrastructure minister Oleksandr Kubrakov announced on March 4.
Work is reportedly already underway on several restoration projects, including on the roof of the Chernihiv regional academic theater, development of anti-radiation centers in local hospitals, as well as local government trainings on recovery, decentralization, innovation, mobility, and more.
"Our shared goal is to facilitate the rapid recovery and lasting transformation of the region through community recovery programs and plans," Kubrakov stated.
"A successful partnership between French and Ukrainian communities is essential for the sustainable development of Chernihiv region, especially given Ukraine's gradual integration into the European Union economic space."
Chernihiv Oblast is located on Ukraine's northern border with Russia. The region was invaded and partially occupied during Russia's initial onslaught in February 2022, but the invading forces withdrew in April 2022 after the Kremlin failed to take Kyiv.
Since then, settlements in the region come under regular Russian attacks.
Several European countries have already committed funds towards the reconstruction of different regions across Ukraine.
Earlier this year, Italy announced its plan to commit 500,000 euros to the restoration of the Transfiguration Cathedral in downtown Odesa.
In addition to the more than $1.4 million in cooperative funds with Ukrainian major cities, Denmark has prioritized restoring the southern Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv and the surrounding region, devoting 60% of its development aid to the region.
The Kyiv Independent news desk
