(Updated: )Victory Day
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Friday, May 9
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.
Friday, May 9
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.
(Updated: )
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.
Despite the Kremlin’s announcement of a May 8–11 truce, heavy fighting continued in multiple regions throughout the day.
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ISW: Prigozhin indicates possible delay of Russian relief operation in Bakhmut
• 2 min read
Wagner Group financier Yevgeny Prigozhin announced that the Russian relief operation in Bakhmut may not be completed by the initial deadline of June 1 and take until June 5. On May 28, he explained that Wagner forces require a few additional days to transfer all equipment in good condition, thus necessitating a delay in their withdrawal from the city.
Prigozhin clarified that the intention of Wagner forces is to complete a full withdrawal from Bakhmut to rear field camps by June 5. The Washington Post reported on May 28 that Ukrainian personnel in the Bakhmut area have witnessed Wagner forces departing from Bakhmut city itself, with regular Russian personnel assuming control of Wagner's former positions in the city.
However, the Ukrainian personnel said that they cannot confirm the complete replacement of Wagner forces throughout Bakhmut city by regular Russian forces.
Meanwhile, Russian sources have shared footage on May 27 and 28, purportedly showing elements of the "Nevsky" volunteer battalion and the irregular 1st "Wolves" Sabotage and Reconnaissance Brigade operating on the flanks in the Bakhmut area. The "Wolves" brigade was previously assessed to be active in the Avdiivka area, suggesting a potential transfer of irregular forces and elements associated with the Russia's proxies in the occupied parts of Donetsk Oblast from Avdiivka to the Bakhmut area. This development may result in a decrease in the tempo of Russian offensive operations along the Avdiivka-Donetsk city front, as previously assessed by the Institute for the Study of War.
"The decreased tempo of Russian offensive operations in the Bakhmut area and the ongoing relief in place operation are likely providing Ukrainian forces in the area the initiative to launch a new round of operations around the city if they so choose," the ISW concluded.
Russia launches 15th mass aerial assault against Ukraine this month, targeting Kyiv
Russia launched a new wave of air attacks against Ukraine in early hours on May 29 using drones and cruise missiles, with the Kyiv City Military Administration saying that defense forces shot down over 40 targets. According to officials, Kyiv experienced Russia’s 15th air assault on the city in May…
Olena Goncharova
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