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.
President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks at the 17th annual Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference, held on Sept. 9-10 in Kyiv. (President's Office)
President Volodymyr Zelensky took part in the 17th annual Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference where he spoke about the country's EU membership, the Russian-orchestrated energy crisis, and what Ukraine needs to win the war.
The president emphasized that there are "three fundamental conditions for achieving peace – weapons, ammunition, finances," adding that the "support for Ukraine in the war must be maintained."
"Russia is doing everything to break the resistance of Ukraine, the resistance of Europe, and the world in the next 90 days of this (upcoming) winter," said Zelensky.
"The 90 days ahead will be more crucial than 30 years of Ukraine's independence. These 90 days will be more crucial than all the years of the existence of the European Union. Winter will determine our future and the risks," Zelensky said.
According to the president, Russia has no intention to supply Europe gas and is using energy as the last bargaining chip in an attempt to decrease European support for Ukraine. "Be sure that Russia will provide zero gas supplies, and our energy systems must be fully prepared for this," he said.
However, according to Zelensky, Europe can overcome the current difficulties.
"We must fight. Endure the winter. Help those who are weaker. Protect those who need protection. Limit ourselves in what can be limited. And limit Russia in everything that should limit it," he added.
During his speech, Zelensky also said that currently, negotiations with Russia aren't possible, as Russian President Vladimir Putin can't be trusted.
"Currently, no negotiations with the Russian Federation regarding the end of the war are possible," he said. "There is no confidence that they will keep their promises."
Zelensky added that Ukraine has no other way than to defeat Russia on the battlefield.
"All of us believe in victory, and that's the main thing. Our main weapon is that we believe, know, feel victory," he added.
As for Ukraine's international goals, joining the EU remains the number one priority.
"Russia creates the illusion that Europeans must make a choice – a difficult choice between (energy) prices and values, between freedom and security, between independence and peace," said Zelensky. "But there is no such choice."
"Completing the unification of Europe is impossible without Ukraine," he said. "It will be a historic moment, a historic time – when it will be an honor for Europe to welcome our state. The state that wins."
Oleksiy Sorokin is the co-founder and deputy chief editor at the Kyiv Independent. He is tasked with building the organization and leading the hiring, editing, and newsletter workstreams. Oleksiy is the author of the "WTF is wrong with Russia?" newsletter, sent out every Thursday. For his work, Oleksiy was included in the 2022 Forbes 30 Under 30 list. Oleksiy holds a BA from the University of Toronto.
