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.
Editor's note: The story was updated with comments from Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko.
An unidentified assailant stabbed Yurii Makarov, journalist and executive producer of Ukraine's public broadcaster Suspilne, in Kyiv on April 16, the broadcaster reported.
"Yurii Makarov is currently hospitalized and is in a serious condition. His life is not in danger, however," Suspilne said in a statement on April 17, adding that the police have launched a criminal investigation.
"We call upon the interior minister (Ihor Klymenko) to take the investigation under his personal supervision."
The attack occurred in Kyiv's Solomianskyi district, near a residential complex, according to Ukraine's National Police.
"According to preliminary data, the attacker suddenly stabbed a passerby and fled the scene. The victim was a 69-year-old resident of Kyiv, an employee of a national media outlet. He was hospitalized," the police said.
Police are establishing the identity of the attacker and their motive, Interior Minister Klymenko said.
"I am personally overseeing the process of solving and investigating this brazen crime," Klymenko wrote on Telegram.
Law enforcement officers have opened a case under Article 121 of the Criminal Code for intentionally inflicting grievous bodily harm. A manhunt is underway for the attacker.
Makarov is a prominent figure in Ukraine's media landscape — a journalist, documentarian, television host, and writer known for his work on historical and cultural programming.
Authorities have not yet confirmed a motive for the attack.
Tim Zadorozhnyy is a news editor at The Kyiv Independent. Based in Warsaw, he is pursuing studies in International Relations, focusing on European Studies. Tim began his career at a local television channel in Odesa. After moving to Warsaw, he joined the Belarusian opposition media outlet NEXTA, starting as a news anchor and later advancing to the position of managing editor.
Martin Fornusek
