In an interview with French broadcaster TF1 on May 13, Macron discussed new Russia sanctions and stationing French nuclear weapons in other European countries as a deterrent against Russia.
Performing their song "Bird of Pray," Ukrainian band Ziferblat passed the Eurovision semi-finals on May 13, qualifying Ukraine for the grand final on May 17.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that a Russian delegation will be in Istanbul on May 15 for direct peace talks with Ukraine. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Putin’s foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov will likely represent Russia.
While serving as a bishop in Peru, Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, called the full-scale war "a true invasion, imperialist in nature, where Russia seeks to conquer territory for reasons of power."
Speaking to CNN on May 10, Peskov commented on the latest ceasefire proposal from Ukraine and Europe, responding that Russia needs to "think about" it, but is "resistant" to pressure.
Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv on May 10, President Volodymyr Zelensky rebuked the idea of a demilitarized zone in the war and emphasized the importance of first securing a ceasefire.
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.
When pressed about whether he would invite Russia back to the group, President Donald Trump responded that "it's not good timing now," contradicting previous statements on the matter.
The European Commission is preparing its 17th sanctions package against Russia, adding more individuals and over 100 vessels associated with Russia's shadow fleet to the sanctions list.
The Kremlin has released a guest list of countries and foreign leaders planning to attend the contentious May 9 Victory Day parade. Military personnel from 13 countries are expected to march through Moscow and at least 29 world leaders are expected to attend the event.
The sanctions will target Russia's energy sector, including state-owned energy giant Gazprom. Major entities in the natural resources and banking sectors will also be targeted.
The equipment and services include aircraft modifications and upgrades as well as personnel training related to operation, maintenance, and sustainment support.
"Our long-range capabilities are a clear and effective guarantee of Ukraine’s security," President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 2.
The Swiss sanctions against eight Russian propaganda outlets will come into force on April 23, 2025.
During a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Ukraine Ma Shengkun, Deputy Foreign Minister Yevgen Perebyinis shared evidence that companies are producing military equipment for Russia.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff were originally expected to attend, but have since pulled out, U.S. and European officials told the Financial Times.
The shipment included 3,288 access points, 500 routers, 460 charging stations with solar panels, and 872 phones – with a total value of about 2 million euros ($2.3 million).
Russian officials discussed the possibility of reviving plans for a Trump Tower in Moscow to entice U.S. President Donald Trump to reset relations, the Moscow Times reported on April 21.
Ekaterina Barabash, a Russian journalist who was arrested earlier this year for speaking out against the war in Ukraine, has escaped house arrest and is now wanted by police, Russian state media reported on April 21.
Moldova's parliament voted on April 17 to hold elections on Sept. 28 – a vote that could potentially threaten the majority currently held by pro-Western President Maia Sandu's party.
The U.S. indicated during recent talks in Paris that it has developed a draft concept for how a comprehensive ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia might be monitored if one can be achieved, a Western official said.
The attacks come shortly after Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced that the 30-day partial ceasefire on energy infrastructure strikes had expired.
The United Kingdom would support a potential German decision to send Taurus missiles to Ukraine, the Telegraph reported on April 16, citing an undisclosed British foreign policy official.
European Union officials have warned on April 15 that Serbia could be blocked from joining the EU if its president travels to Moscow for Russian President Vladimir Putin's May 9 Victory Parade.
Russian independent media outlet, Mediazona, in collaboration with the BBC Russian service, has confirmed the identities of 101,833 Russian military personnel killed in Ukraine.
"This Friday marked exactly one month since Russia spurned the U.S. proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire. They are not afraid...Only pressure – only decisive action – can change this."
Russia's 112th and 448th missile brigades attacked the city of Sumy with two Iskander-M ballistic missiles, Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) reported.
The meeting will focus on upholding peace in the Black Sea after a potential ceasefire, sources from Turkey's defense ministry told regional media outlets.
"Reports indicate, as in Kryvyi Rih, cluster munitions were used, increasing the devastation and harm to civilians," outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink said.
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a new sanctions package targeting Russia’s “shadow fleet” during his nightly address on April 10.
