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.
State grid operator Ukrenergo warned of electricity shortages in Ukraine on Nov. 22, and urged consumers to use electricity sparingly until evening.
"Do not turn on powerful electrical appliances at the same time, turn off the lights in empty rooms, postpone washing to night hours," Ukrenergo advised.
According to the state grid operator, the shortages result from increased consumption due to the onset of cold weather and an insufficient volume of electricity imported from the EU.
Additionally, "some power units are still being rebuilt after being hit by Russian missiles and drones, and the restored ones cannot carry the same load as before the damage."
As of the morning of Nov. 22, Russian attacks have damaged energy networks in Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv oblasts, and 427 settlements are cut off from electricity, Ukrenergo reported.
Ukraine is bracing for an uptick in Russian strikes against the energy grid as temperatures fall below zero.
Preparations have been made to mitigate the damage and defend critical infrastructure from Russian attacks in the winter months.
Alexander Query
