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.
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.
A seller arranges tomatoes on the stall at the Pryvoz Market in Odesa. (Photo by NurPhoto/ Getty Images)
The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) expects the Ukrainian economy to grow by 3.6% this year, chairman Andrii Pyshnyi said in a press briefing published on Jan. 25.
"Despite the war, economic growth will continue. In 2024, real GDP is expected to increase by 3.6%, primarily due to the maintenance of high budget expenditures amid anticipated levels of international assistance at a sufficient level," he said.
Pyshnyi highlighted the implementation of extensive reconstruction projects as a stimulus for economic recovery in Ukraine. Western partners have also in recent times shown more serious intent to facilitate the transfer of frozen Russian assets to Ukraine.
"Their retrieval for the benefit of Ukraine will significantly improve key macroeconomic indicators," reported Pyshnyi.
The economy recovered throughout the past year due to the high adaptability of businesses and the population to the conditions of war, as well as a lenient fiscal policy supported by extensive international financing.
International financial support for Ukraine is expected to be maintained over 2024 but at reduced levels. This will allow the country to keep international reserves at a high level and ensure exchange rate stability.
Over 2025-2026, economic growth is expected to accelerate to 4-6% per year due to a reduction in security risks. This is the key assumption of the NBU's future forecast.
The Ukrainian economy fell to its lowest point in 2022. The Ministry of Economy reported that the GDP declined by 30.4% over the year.
Vladyslav Kudryk
