Tougher sanctions "should be applied to (Russia's) banking and energy sectors, targeting fossil fuels, oil, and the shadow fleet," the leaders of Ukraine, the U.K., France, Germany, and Poland said in a joint statement.
"Russia is ready for negotiations without any preconditions," Putin claimed in an address marking the end of the three-day Victory Day ceasefire. He invited Ukraine to begin talks in Istanbul on May 15.
While serving as a bishop in Peru, Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, called the full-scale war "a true invasion, imperialist in nature, where Russia seeks to conquer territory for reasons of power.”
Speaking to CNN on May 10, Peskov commented on the latest ceasefire proposal from Ukraine and Europe, responding that Russia needs to "think about" it, but is "resistant" to pressure.
Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv on May 10, President Volodymyr Zelensky rebuked the idea of a demilitarized zone in the war and emphasized the importance of first securing a ceasefire.
"We agreed that a full and unconditional ceasefire must begin on Monday, May 12, for at least 30 days. We jointly demand this from Russia, and we know we are supported in this by the United States," Zelensky said.
Ukrainian media outlet ZN.UA reported on May 10 that their law enforcement sources confirmed an ongoing probe by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau into suspected embezzlement, money laundering and bribery.
Iran is preparing to send Russia Fath-360 short-range ballistic missile launchers, Reuters reported on May 9, citing Western security and regional officials familiar with the matter.
"Ukraine and all allies are ready for a complete unconditional ceasefire on land, in the air, and at sea for at least 30 days, starting as early as Monday," Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote.
U.S. President Donald Trump has acknowledged in private that Russia is difficult to negotiate with because they "want the whole thing," referring to Ukraine, the WSJ reported, citing sources familiar with the comments.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak meets with French President, Emmanuel Macron at the Grand Prince Hotel in Hiroshima during the G7 Summit on May 20, 2023 in Hiroshima, Japan. Photo for illustrative purposes. (Photo by Stefan Rousseau - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak held a call with French President Emmanuel Macron on April 8 and discussed further support for Ukraine, among other issues, as reported on the websites of the U.K. government and the Elysee Palace.
Sunak and Macrontalked on the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale, a series of agreements signed on 8 April, 1904, between France and the U.K. to strengthen Anglo-French relations.
The U.K. prime minister and the French president agreed on "the importance of intensifying efforts to deny Russia a victory" in its war against Ukraine, the U.K. government's statement read.
Sunak and Macron discussed priorities for the coming months and further coordination on the path of aiding Ukraine, including increased supplies of munitions, drones, and air defenseto the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
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War Notes
The leaders also agreed to jointly work on the U.K.-hosted European Political Community meeting, where the assistance for Ukraine will be one of the key topics.
The situation in Gaza and the wider Middle East, further cooperation on artificial intelligence, and joint efforts to tackle illegal migration and organized crime were among the discussed issues as well.
Sunak and Macron also expressed their commitment to Moldova's sovereignty and independence.
France announced a military aid delivery to Ukraine in March containing Aster 30 anti-aircraft missiles and hundreds of armored vehicles. This supply was part of a new military aid package, which was unveiled by Macron in February.
The U.K. also announced in the previous month a further 60 million pounds ($75.5 million) in military aid for Ukraine, providing new surveillance drones and air defense systems.
Kateryna Hodunova is a News Editor at the Kyiv Independent. She previously worked as a sports journalist in several Ukrainian outlets and was the deputy chief editor at Suspilne Sport. Kateryna covered the 2022 Olympics in Beijing and was included in the Special Mentions list at the AIPS Sport Media Awards. She holds a bachelor's degree in political journalism from Taras Shevchenko University and a master's degree in political science from the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy.
Martin Fornusek
