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.
A still from "Licorice Pizza," 2022 U.S. Academy Awards nominee for best film, that has a limited run in Kyiv this weekend. (Universal Pictures)
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.
Paul Thomas Anderson’s nostalgic 1970s love story about self-discovery and this year's Oscar nominee for best film, "Licorice Pizza" has limited screenings only in English at the Zhovten cinema, Multiplex and Planeta Kino chains. The new adaptation of Agatha Christie’s "Death on the Nile" runs in English at Zhovten, Planeta Kino chain, Kinoman and Oscar (Gulliver).
"Licorice Pizza" (comedy, drama, romance in English with Ukrainian subtitles). Zhovten, Multiplex (Respublika, Prospect, Tsum, Retroville, Lavina), Planeta Kino (Blockbuster, River Mall). Feb. 17-23. Hr 105-995
The national opera and philharmonic will have requiem concerts for the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred Day on Feb. 20. On that day during the EuroMaidan Revolution in 2014, security forces of the disgraced ex-president Viktor Yanukovych killed most of the protesters who became known as the Heavenly Hundred.
Mozart’s Requiem for the Heavenly Hundred (classical music). National Opera of Ukraine (50 Volodymyrska St.) Feb. 20. 7 p.m. Hr 100-600
Music discoveries are guaranteed on Feb. 19 at Mezzanine and Otel’ clubs, who are both hosting alternative music events and offer a joint ticket. Mezzanine’s Loonyfest will feature punk and post-punk bands from Ukraine and Poland, while Otel’ is hosting the 18 Years of Neformat music media party with more indie bands ranging from dark country to post-metal.
Loonyfest & 18 Years of Neformat (alternative rock). Mezzanine & Otel’ (31 Nyzhnoiurkivska St.) Feb. 19. 6 p.m. Hr 250-350 for one event, Hr 450 for both events
Hamlet Zinkivskyi will present the drawings he made over two years in almost a diary-like format at the M17 Contemporary Art Center. It’s an opportunity to glimpse into the creative process of the Kharkiv artist famous for his thought-provoking murals and urban art inscriptions.
Hamlet Zinkivskyi. 3652019 + ⅔ (contemporary art). M17 Contemporary Art Center (102-104 Antonovycha St.) Feb. 19 - March 17. Tue-Sun. 11 a.m. — 9 p.m. Hr 70-100.
Artur Korniienko is a reporter at the Kyiv Independent, currently on a leave to serve in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. He previously reported on Ukrainian literature, art, music, film and social issues for the Kyiv Post, including the controversial Babyn Yar memorial and other development projects opposed by the community. In 2021, he ran a podcast about Ukrainian migrant workers for RFE/RL on the Vaclav Havel Fellowship in Prague. With a Master's in Journalism from the Ukrainian Catholic University, Korniienko had also worked as a freelance journalist and a TV correspondent.
