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.
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.
Members of the United Nations General Assembly attend a meeting for a special session at the United Nations headquarters on Feb. 24, 2025, in New York City. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
The United States voted against a U.N. General Assembly resolution on cooperation between the U.N. and the Council of Europe because of its language regarding Russia’s war, according to a letter from Jonathan Shrier, acting U.S. representative to the U.N. Economic and Social Council, dated April 16.
The resolution passed despite U.S. opposition, with nine countries voting against it – the United States, Russia, Belarus, Eritrea, Congo, Mali, Nicaragua, Niger, and Sudan.
As U.S. President Donald Trump pushes for a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, Washington is increasingly softening its tone on Russia.
Commenting on the April 16 resolution, Shrier said Washington opposed it because of repeated statements about the war in Ukraine that the U.S. considers “unhelpful in advancing the cause of peace.”
“Maintaining international peace and security, including through the peaceful settlement of disputes, is the primary goal for which the United Nations was created,” Shrier said, adding that the U.S. supports efforts for a durable resolution of the war in Ukraine.
The U.S. also criticized the resolution’s endorsement of the Global Compacts on Migration and Refugees, arguing they undermine national sovereignty and fail to address the destabilizing effects of mass migration.
Washington also objected to references to the 2030 Agenda and the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, labeling them as soft global governance that could contradict U.S. interests.
Earlier on Feb. 24, the U.S. voted against a UN General Assembly resolution that reaffirmed Ukraine’s territorial integrity and named Russia an aggressor.
Instead, the U.S. backed a separate, less confrontational resolution at the UN Security Council that avoided direct blame and called broadly for an end to the conflict. Days later, the U.S. declined to sign a WTO statement condemning Russian aggression.
Ukraine and the U.S. previously agreed to a complete 30-day ceasefire during talks in Jeddah on March 11. Russia rejected the proposal unless it included concessions that would undermine Kyiv’s ability to defend itself, including a full halt to foreign military aid.
While U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to end the war are ongoing, Ukrainian officials say Russia continues to insist on maximalist demands and has shown little willingness to pursue a comprehensive peace agreement. Kyiv maintains it is ready for a complete ceasefire if Moscow agrees to reciprocate.
Anna Fratsyvir is a news editor at the Kyiv Independent, with a background in broadcast journalism and international affairs. Previously, she worked as a TV journalist at Ukraine’s public broadcaster Suspilne, covering global politics and international developments. Anna holds a Bachelor's degree in International Communications from Taras Shevchenko National University and is currently an MA candidate in International Relations at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).
Andrea Januta
