(Updated: )
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.
News Feed
Friday, May 9
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.
(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.
(Updated: )Victory Day
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.
Editor’s Note: The following is the latest edition of the Kyiv Independent’s newsletter, Ukraine Daily. If you would like to receive news about Ukraine in your mailbox six days a week subscribe here.
Russia’s war against Ukraine
US State Department: Nord Stream 2 sanctions bill undermines Western unity.State Department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters on Jan. 6 that the U.S. and EU needed to show a unified front against Russian threats towards Ukraine. According to Price, this unity would be undermined if a bill introduced by Republican Senator Ted Cruz on sanctions against Russia’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline to Europe is passed.
NATO foreign ministers reaffirm support for Ukraine ahead of talks with Russia. The alliance’s top diplomats met on Jan. 7 to discuss Russia's military buildup near Ukraine. “Allies continue to stand with Ukraine and fully support its sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the principle that all countries have the right to decide on their own path and their alliances,” the official statement reads.
Ukraine calls on volunteers to join Territorial Defense Force. According to new legislation that came into force on Jan. 1, these volunteers will defend Ukraine as “weekend warriors” — working their usual civilian jobs but doing occasional drills and exercises in their spare time. Pretty much anyone aged between 18 and 60 can enlist in the force, which expects to recruit 11,000 service members across the country.
Business
8,153 cars made in Ukraine in 2021, up 65% from 2020. Ukrainian car manufacturer association Ukravtoprom announced on Jan. 7 that the number of cars manufactured in Ukraine in 2021 increased significantly, with a 75% rise in passenger car manufacturing.
Region
Kazakh government reasserts control with help of Russian military. Government forces largely regained control of Almaty, the main hotspot of anti-government protests that started in the city of Zhanaozen on Jan. 2. Kazakh and Russian forces jointly assumed control of Almaty airport, as Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said that protesters would be shot and killed without warning.
Economist Timothy Ash writes about what Kazakhstan’s protests mean for the global economy. According to Ash, the broader landscape of U.S.-Russia relations and Kazakhstan’s importance in the global raw material supply chain will likely be significant.
Most Popular
After Russia's deadly attack on Kyiv, Vance reposts denunciation of Zelensky
Ukraine, Europe's ceasefire proposal includes US security guarantees, no recognition of Crimea, Reuters reports
Shoigu threatens Europe with nuclear weapons if Russia is faced with 'unfriendly actions'
Journalist Roshchyna's body missing organs after Russian captivity, investigation says
Ukrainian sea drone downs Russian fighter jet in 'world-first' strike, intelligence says
Editors' Picks
How medics of Ukraine’s 3rd Assault Brigade deal with horrors of drone warfare
As Russia trains abducted children for war, Ukraine fights uphill battle to bring them home
'I just hate the Russians' — Kyiv district recovers from drone strike as ceasefire remains elusive
