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.
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.
A view of an empty road between partially damaged residential buildings in Bakhmut, Ukraine, on Febю 24, 2023. (Marek M. Berezowski/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on March 6 asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate the alleged execution of a Ukrainian prisoner of war.
Earlier in the day, a video was shared online in which an unarmed man in a military uniform with a Ukrainian flag on it appears to be shot dead after saying "Slava Ukraini (Glory to Ukraine)," a Ukrainian national salute.
The video sparked nationwide outrage, with many public figures, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, condemning what they believe to be the execution of a Ukrainian prisoner of war.
The source of the video is unknown, but it has been widely shared online. Neither the man who is shot in the video nor the shooters have been identified. Those who shot the man are not visible in the frame.
Kuleba called the video "horrific," adding that "it's imperative (the ICC) launches an immediate investigation into this heinous war crime."
Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin said that Ukraine launched an official investigation into the alleged summary execution of an unarmed prisoner. The Security Service will carry out the investigation.
"Even war has rules. There are norms of international law that are systematically neglected by the criminal Russian regime. Sooner or later, the crime will be punished. All those involved will be held accountable," Kostin said.
We are the news team of the Kyiv Independent. We are here to make sure our readers get quick, essential updates about the events in Ukraine. Feel free to contact us via email with feedback and news alerts.
