Peter Szijjarto's announcement came after Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) allegedly dismantled a Hungarian military intelligence network operating in Zakarpattia Oblast.
The approval marks a key step in international efforts to hold Moscow accountable for what is considered the gravest violation of international law committed against Ukraine.
Although Moscow declared on April 28 that it would halt all military actions from May 8 to midnight on May 11 to mark Victory Day, strikes on civilian areas have continued.
Under Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin's rule, millions of Ukrainians died during the Holodomor, a man-made famine in 1932–1933. The dictator also oversaw mass deportations, purges of Ukrainian intellectuals and leaders, and the suppression of the Ukrainian language and culture.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ukraine, Estonia prepare to start negotiations on security agreement
Ukraine and Estonia have agreed to start negotiations on a bilateral security agreement "as soon as possible," Ukraine's Presidential Office reported following a meeting between Ukrainian Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Ihor Zhovkva and Estonian Deputy Foreign Minister Kyllike Sillaste-Elling on Feb. 7.
The agreement would aim to provide Ukraine with "effective security guarantees" along with the commitment of NATO leaders at the 2023 Vilnius Summit, Zhovkva said.
The Group of Seven (G7) members agreed on a joint declaration on "security guarantees" for Ukraine on July 12, 2023, at the NATO summit in Vilnius, aiming to entail explicit and long-lasting obligations that will bolster Ukraine's ability to resist Russian aggression.
The guarantees will also address sanctions, financial aid, and post-war reconstruction.
As of August 2023, 12 countries have joined the G7's declaration.
During the meeting, Ukraine and Estonia discussed the future bilateral security agreement structure and its thematic blocks.
"It was agreed to start negotiations on its conclusion as soon as possible," Zhovkva said.
The deputy head of the Presidential Office thanked Estonia for its "proactive position" on several priority areas, including using frozen Russian assets to rebuild Ukraine.
Zhovkva also pointed out Estonia's "leadership role in IT and cybersecurity," noting that relevant provisions should be appropriately reflected in the bilateral agreement.
Estonia has been one of the leading military donors to Ukraine in terms of gross domestic product shares since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion. The Baltic country delivered Javelin anti-tank missiles, ammunition, and other weaponry in its latest military aid package earlier in February.
The Kyiv Independent news desk
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
After 3 years of full-scale war in Ukraine, Europe announces plan to ban all Russian gas imports
Shoigu threatens Europe with nuclear weapons if Russia is faced with 'unfriendly actions'
Journalist Roshchyna's body missing organs after Russian captivity, investigation 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
