(Updated: )Victory Day
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Friday, May 9
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.
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.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin won't be participating in the United Nations General Assembly session this year, Ukrainska Pravda reported on Aug.18.
In lieu of his attendance, Putin authorized a delegation for the 78th session that includes Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin, as well as UN Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya and State Duma Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Leonid Slutsky.
Earlier this year, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Putin and the Russian Commissioner for Children's Rights, Maria Lvova-Belova, for the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children. The decision to skip the session is likely related to the ICC warrant, which significantly restricts Putin's international travels.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is planning to travel to New York in September to attend the session. President Zelensky is expected to advocate for his "peace formula" proposal, as reported by Bloomberg.
The UN General Assembly session, which takes place every year in the fall, provides countries with a platform to publicly address global issues, engage in diplomacy, and foster international cooperation. This session will be the first one held in-person after three years of virtual and hybrid convenings.
Belarus Weekly: China’s defense minister makes controversial visit to Russia, Belarus
This week, China’s defense minister touts Beijing and Minsk’s “continuously strengthening” relations during a controversial visit to Russia and Belarus. Meanwhile, the U.S. and Canada expand their sanctions against Belarus to mark the third year anniversary of the fraudulent 2020 Belarusian preside…
Maria Yeryoma
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