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.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius during an unannounced visit to Kyiv, Ukraine on Nov. 21, 2023. (Vitalii Nosach /Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)
Europe needs to step up its defense production to protect itself and Ukraine as the U.S. will likely decrease its involvement on the continent in the near future, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius told die Welt am Sonntag in a Dec. 16 interview.
Ukraine is facing an increasingly difficult situation on the battlefield with a lack of ammunition, while disputes in Washington are preventing the delivery of further support.
Pistorius noted that Europe may have to replace U.S. aid to Ukraine if Washington fails to approve new funding.
At the same time, Russia is increasing its weapon production, which Europeans need to compete with without relying on the U.S., the minister added.
"We Europeans should be more involved in guaranteeing security on our continent. We have about 5-8 years to make up for what we have lost, from the point of view of the armed forces, industry, and society," Pistorius said.
He believes that Washington will begin to shift its focus to the Indo-Pacific region by the end of the decade. As such, Europe needs to be ready and take Russia’s threats to the Baltic countries, Georgia and Moldova “very seriously”.
"This is not just saber rattling. We may face dangers at the end of this decade. But by then we will be ready for them,” he said.
Washington’s infighting has caused concern for Brussels and Kyiv. A $61-billion funding request for Ukraine has been stalled amid political disputes in Congress and opposition from parts of the Republican Party that insist any further aid for Ukraine or Israel must include significant changes to the U.S. border and immigration policy.
Congress failed to come to a deal before the start of a three-week winter break on Dec. 15. With just $1 billion remaining, funding for Ukraine is expected to run out within one month.
Dominic is the business reporter for the Kyiv Independent. He has written for a number of publications including the Financial Times, bne IntelliNews, Radio Free Europe/Liberty, Euronews and New Eastern Europe. Previously, Dominic worked with StopFake as a disinformation expert, debunking Russian fake news in Europe.
Elsa Court
