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.
President Volodymyr Zelensky shakes hands with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Sweden on Aug. 19, 2023. (Photo: President's Office)
President Volodymyr Zelensky and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson signed a "statement of intent" symbolizing the two countries' will to "strengthen cooperation in production, operation, training, and servicing" of the Swedish armored combat vehicles CV90.
The two leaders met during Zelensky's visit to Sweden on Aug. 19.
"Acknowledging that CV90 is a highly effective and modern combat vehicle, Sweden and Ukraine share the conviction that further cooperation on the CV90 platform will be mutually beneficial," reads the statement.
"This statement of intent, therefore, symbolizes Sweden's and Ukraine's will to strengthen cooperation in production, operation, training, and servicing of the CV90 platform."
Zelensky wrote on Telegram the two countries "will do everything possible to make the first CV90 produced in Ukraine appear as soon as possible."
"Our warriors have a lot of praise for the CV90 and are grateful not only because these machines keep guys moving forward but also because the CV90 helps save lives. Life is the most valuable thing," he said.
Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska arrived in Sweden on a working visit to discuss further military aid with the country's leadership earlier in the day.
Zelensky was also set to meet with King Carl XVI, Queen Silvia, Swedish Parliament Speaker Andreas Norlén, and the heads of parliamentary parties.
The visit comes after the Swedish parliament announced on Aug. 17 that it had approved the transfer of 3.25 billion Swedish kronor (almost $300 million) in military aid to Ukraine, including munitions, spare parts, and vehicles.
The package reportedly includes ammunition and spare parts for CV90s and Archer artillery systems, as well as trucks and demining equipment.
"We are currently preparing the transfer of the new 13th package of Swedish military aid. This package contains what is important: ammunition for air defense and combat vehicles, spare parts for armored vehicles, and equipment for demining," Zelensky said.
According to Zelensky, he and Kristersson have also discussed Swedish JAS Gripen jet fighters during the visit.
"We also talked about another strong Swedish machine, the Gripen aircraft. This is the pride of Sweden. And I am sure that Gripens can make our freedom much more secure," Zelensky said, adding that Ukrainian pilots are already taking part in the the trials of the jets.
Sweden has previously agreed to train Ukrainian pilots on its Gripen jets but stopped short of pledging the aircraft itself.
Daria Shulzhenko is a reporter at the Kyiv Independent. She has been a lifestyle reporter at the Kyiv Post until November 2021. She graduated from Kyiv International University with a bachelor’s in linguistics, specializing in translation from English and German languages. She has previously worked as a freelance writer and researcher.
The Kyiv Independent news desk
