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.
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.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in Kyiv on Aug. 14, 2023. (Photo by Thomas Imo via Getty Images)
The Ukrainian government has approved the draft budget for 2024 with the deficit set at over Hr 1.54 trillion ($40 billion), Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal reported on Sept. 15.
The draft budget's expenditures on security and defense amount to around $45.6 billion, which is $3 billion more than this year and constitutes over half of all funds allocated for 2024, according to Shmyhal. The total amount of state budget expenditures planned for next year is Hr 3.1 trillion ($84 billion).
"There will be even more weapons and equipment. More drones, ammunition, missiles. Just like this year, every penny of citizens' and businesses' taxes will go to support our Security and Defense Forces," the PM said on Telegram.
Defense and security expenses are followed by expenditures on social payments, medicine and education, and support for war veterans, reads the report. The draft budget is yet to be approved by the Ukrainian parliament.
Another budget priority for 2024 is the recovery of Ukraine's economy, Shmyhal added.
"No increase in taxes is foreseen. The government continues the preferential lending programs, the program of non-refundable grants, and support for Ukrainian startups. We are also launching new support programs for industrial parks, investment projects, and Ukrainian manufacturers."
Ukraine will need $10-15 billion only for the short-term recovery in 2024, the prime minister said on the same day at a press conference. Kyiv hasn't laid down funding for the Recovery Fund from the state budget for next year as it expects to receive assistance from partners, Shmyhal told reporters.
However, the official emphasized that the primary funding source for Ukraine's reconstruction should be confiscated Russian assets.
"We have made progress in negotiations with the United States, Canada, and the European Union regarding such a mechanism for obtaining (confiscated) Russian funds," Shmyhal added.
"There are discussions on how to confiscate. Regarding the oligarchs, no one has any doubts … as for sovereign assets, the discussion is difficult so far. We want all these assets to be confiscated for the benefit of Ukraine."
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
