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.
News Feed
Friday, May 9
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.
News Feed
Moldovan parliament approves declaration condemning Russian aggression against Ukraine
• 2 min read
The Moldovan parliament approved a declaration on March 2 condemning Russian aggression against Ukraine, reported Newsmaker.
According to the report, Moldovan President Maia Sandu's ruling Party of Action and Solidarity introduced the declaration on the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion.
The declaration deems Russia's actions in Ukraine as war crimes and a severe breach of international law, urging Russia to end the conflict and remove its forces from the entirety of Ukraine's territory within the borders acknowledged by the international community.
On March 1, the Moldovan communist and socialist parties, which tend to have Eurosceptic and pro-Russian policies, registered their own declaration "on guarantees for ensuring peace in Moldova." Communist lawmaker Vladimir Voronin also proposed forming a committee to put out a joint statement, but the majority of lawmakers rejected his idea.
According to Newsmaker, the lawmakers from both parties left the meeting room after parliament Speaker Igor Grosu called them out for not explicitly condemning the Russian invasion.
Russia's war in Ukraine has led to heightened security concerns in neighboring Moldova. Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Rechan told TV8 that authorities were aware of "several" Russian scenarios to destabilize the country, including a plan to take control of the Chisinau airport.
The Russian Foreign Ministry accused Ukraine on Feb. 23 of preparing a provocation against Transnistria with members of the Azov battalion, which Moldovan authorities quickly denied.
Transnistria is a breakaway region internationally recognized as part of Moldova and has been under heavy Russian influence since 1990. The region hosts 1,500 Russian troops and a large Soviet-era arms depot.
Natalia Humeniuk, spokesperson for Ukraine's Southern Operational Command, said on Feb. 27 that Russia lacks enough troops in Transnistria to open a new front. Regardless, Ukraine strengthened its border control with Transnistria as a precautionary measure.
Ukraine war latest: China, Belarus urge ceasefire as Russia continues striking civilian sites in Ukraine
Most Popular
After Russia's deadly attack on Kyiv, Vance reposts denunciation of Zelensky
Ukraine, Europe's ceasefire proposal includes US security guarantees, no recognition of Crimea, Reuters reports
Shoigu threatens Europe with nuclear weapons if Russia is faced with 'unfriendly actions'
Journalist Roshchyna's body missing organs after Russian captivity, investigation says
Ukrainian sea drone downs Russian fighter jet in 'world-first' strike, intelligence says
Editors' Picks
How medics of Ukraine’s 3rd Assault Brigade deal with horrors of drone warfare
As Russia trains abducted children for war, Ukraine fights uphill battle to bring them home
'I just hate the Russians' — Kyiv district recovers from drone strike as ceasefire remains elusive
