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.
Delegations from 35 countries and the Council of Europe gathered in Lviv as EU officials prepare to approve both new defense aid and steps toward establishing a tribunal for Russian leadership.
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.
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.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak exiting 10 Downing Street in London on Sept. 6. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will visit Kyiv on Jan. 12 to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky and announce a major new military aid package for Ukraine, including largest-ever commitment of drones, the U.K. government reported.
U.K. Foreign Secretary David Cameron said earlier this month that support for Ukraine within the country is bipartisan and not as controversial as in the U.S. and that London is ready to help for many years to come.
Sunak is set to announce in Kyiv that the U.K. will provide Ukraine with 2.5 billion pounds (around $3.2 billion) in military aid in 2024-2025, which is 200 million pounds more than in the previous two years.
“The funding will help to leverage the best of U.K. military expertise and defense production to ensure Ukraine’s victory on the battlefield, including in critical areas like long-range missiles, air defense, artillery ammunition, and maritime security,” the U.K. government wrote in a press release published on Jan. 12.
Of the 2.5 billion pounds, at least 200 million will be spent to procure and produce thousands of military drones for Ukraine, including surveillance, long-range strike, and sea drones, reads the press release.
“This will be the largest delivery of drones to Ukraine from any nation.”
Sunak and Zelensky are also set to sign a historic U.K.-Ukraine Agreement on Security Cooperation, the first finalized bilateral agreement on security guarantees under the Group of Seven (G7) declaration.
The agreement reportedly “formalizes a range of support the U.K. has been and will continue to provide for Ukraine’s security, including intelligence sharing, cyber security, medical and military training, and defense industrial cooperation.”
The document will also commit the U.K. to consult with Ukraine if the country is ever attacked by Russia again and to provide “swift and sustained” assistance for Ukraine's defense.
During his visit to Ukraine, Sunak is also expected to meet emergency workers responding to the aftermath of Russian attacks. There, he will announce a further 18 million pounds (around $23 million) in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, building on almost 340 million pounds ($434 million) already provided.
Some of these funds will go to organizations like the U.N. and Red Cross, supporting civilians in front-line areas, and eight million pounds ($10 million) will help fortify Ukraine's energy infrastructure against Russian strikes.
According to the U.K. government, London will also provide additional funding and resources for English language training in Ukraine.
Including the latest funding, the U.K. has provided almost 12 billion pounds (over $15 billion) in support to Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion.
Dinara Khalilova is a reporter at the Kyiv Independent, where she has previously worked as a news editor. In the early weeks of Russia’s full-scale invasion, she worked as a fixer and local producer for Sky News’ team in Ukraine. Dinara holds a BA in journalism from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and a Master’s degree in media and communication from the U.K.’s Bournemouth University.
The Kyiv Independent news desk
