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.
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.
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.
Despite the Kremlin’s announcement of a May 8–11 truce, heavy fighting continued in multiple regions throughout the day.
Russian forces shelled communities in Sumy Oblast on 36 occasions during Sept. 12, according to Sumy Oblast Military Administration.
The communities of Krasnopillia, Khotin, Velyka Pysarivka, Esman, Seredyna-Buda, Shalyhyne, Putyvl, Myropillia came under fire, with 163 explosions recorded.
In Krasnopillia, 17 explosions from mortars and eight from rockets were recorded, as well as two attacks from so-called kamikaze drones, resulting in damage to the community’s water tower.
In the Khotin community, 34 explosions from mortars and two grenades dropped from quadcopter drones were recorded, while in Velyka Pysarivk six explosions from a grenade launcher, 21 from mortars, 14 from artillery, and four rockets fired from a helicopter were recorded. Additionally, one explosive device was dropped from a drone.
Artillery was responsible for eight explosions in Seredyna-Buda, which damaged one private house. Seven mines were dropped in Shalyhyne and 28 mortar rounds were fired into Esman, in addition to six artillery rounds.
No casualties have been reported, according to the administration.
Francis Farrell
