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.
French President Emmanuel Macron (L) and Chinese President Xi Jinping take part in a Franco-Chinese business council meeting in Beijing on April 6, 2023. (LUDOVIC MARIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
During their talks in Beijing, Chinese leader Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to "work hard" on achieving a negotiated end to Russia's war against Ukraine, Reuters reported on April 6, citing a French diplomatic source.
The source did not specify whether China had changed its position on Russia's invasion but said the two sides had agreed on further negotiations.
Macron arrived in China on April 5 for a three-day visit, joined by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The European leaders have hoped to talk Xi out of supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine amid reports of Beijing considering sending lethal aid to Moscow. They also aimed to persuade Xi to use his influence on Putin to help peace efforts in Ukraine.
"The Russian aggression in Ukraine has dealt a blow to (international) stability," Macron told Xi in Beijing, according to Reuters." I know I can count on you to bring Russia back to its senses and everyone back to the negotiating table."
After the April 6 meeting with Macron, Xi reportedly called on Kyiv and Moscow to resume peace negotiations and find a political solution, echoing China's 12-point "peace plan" released on the first anniversary of the full-scale invasion.
According to von der Leyen, the Chinese leader also "reiterated his willingness to speak" with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, adding that the conversation could happen when "conditions and time are right."
Macron called the meeting "frank and constructive" and urged China not to supply anything that Russia can use in its war against Ukraine, Reuters wrote.
China's President Xi Jinping (C), his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron (L), and European Commission President Ursula von de Leyen meet in Beijing on April 6, 2023. (LUDOVIC MARIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
China's President Xi Jinping (C), his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron (L), and European Commission President Ursula von de Leyen meet for a working session in Beijing on April 6, 2023. (LUDOVIC MARIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
China's President Xi Jinping (L) and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron review a honor guard during the official welcoming ceremony in Beijing on April 6, 2023. (NG HAN GUAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
French President Emmanuel Macron (C) and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (L) arrive for a working session with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on April 6, 2023. (LUDOVIC MARIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
China's so-called peace plan was criticized by many of Ukraine's Western allies. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Feb. 25 that there was no clear demand for the full withdrawal of Russian troops and cautioned against "dictated peace Russian-style."
China has so far refused to condemn Russia's aggression against Ukraine and annexation of Ukrainian territories, which is at odds with respect for international law and sovereignty outlined in the plan.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said he did not consider China's proposal a peace plan, adding that the document included respect for international law, which already made it possible to work with China. Zelensky repeatedly said he wanted to speak with China's Xi, inviting him to visit Ukraine days after the Chinese president traveled to Moscow for a meeting with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.
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.
Timothy Ash
