(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.
Belgium will hand over 240 Volvo military trucks to Ukraine, with the first batch to be sent as early as next week, Belgian newspaper De Standaard reported on March 16.
Ukraine's military will use the tracks to transport troops and equipment to the eastern front line, according to the publication.
"The focus is often on arms deliveries, but the Ukrainian units are also really waiting for these trucks. During a conflict, logistics are at least as important as weapons," the Belgian defense ministry said, cited by De Standaard.
A key advantage of Volvo cars is that they are relatively easy to repair and maintain, which means Ukrainian servicepeople will not need additional training to use them or carry out basic repairs.
The Belgian army reportedly owns 400 Swedish-made Volvo trucks of four models, including freight models, lifting vehicles, and breakdown trucks. They have been in service since the early 1990s but remain in good condition, according to the country's defense ministry, cited by De Standaard. Ukraine will also receive spare parts and manuals for these trucks.
Belgian Defense Minister Ludivine Dedonder said that in addition to delivering trucks, Belgium would send 100 instructors to train the Ukrainian military, De Standaard wrote.
Belgium to provide Ukraine with 92 million euro military aid package
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