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.
Despite the Kremlin’s announcement of a May 8–11 truce, heavy fighting continued in multiple regions throughout the day.
Weekend in Kyiv – Feb. 11-13

Our picks of the best art, music, film and more in the capital. Listed venues require one of the following: certificate of vaccination, negative PCR or antigen test, or proof of recovery from Covid-19.
- Kryhitka will once again touch hearts on the eve of Lovers’ Day at the Bel Etage Music Hall. After a five-year hiatus, the Ukrainian pop-rock band released two singles during the lockdown, and fans expect more new music at the show. The same night, Ukrainian musicians will perform Jazz Love Songs at the Zhovtnevyi Palace.
Kryhitka. Megalyubov (pop-rock, indie). Bel Etage Music Hall (16A Shota Rustaveli St.) Feb. 13. 8 p.m. Hr 550
- The Hippie Love party at the Closer nightclub will set the right mood on Feb. 12 for the upcoming Valentine’s Day. French DJ Dyed Soundorom and German DJ Edward will make sure of that.
Hippie Love (electronic music). Closer (31 Nyzhnoiurkivska St.) Feb. 12. 11:59 p.m. Hr 760
- The chaos of Kyiv streets in disrepair is brought to conceptual order in sculpture and drawings by young artist Oleksiy Polovets. Saturday is the last day to see his "Pothole" exhibition at the Ya Gallery.
Oleksiy Polovets. Pothole. Ya Gallery (49B Khoryva St.) Feb. 11-12. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Free
- Vintage clothes, perfumes, jewelry, and decor – the romantic edition of the curated Kyivness market will surely have something for your valentine on Feb. 12-13. The event seems to have found a permanent home at the Chocolate House estate.
Kyivness (curated vintage and local brands market). Chocolate House (17/2 Shovkovychna St.) Feb. 12-13. 12-8 p.m. Hr 200.
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
