The sanctions appear to be in response to Russia's rejection of a 30-day ceasefire that the U.K., alongside Ukraine, France, Germany, and Poland, demanded during a visit to Kyiv on May 10.
"We now know for sure that the great fire of the Marywilska shopping centre in Warsaw was caused by arson ordered by the Russian special services," Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on X. "Some of the perpetrators have already been detained, all the others are identified and searched for."
The publications' latest report covers the period of February 24, 2022 to May 8, 2025. Since it was last updated at the end of April, 2,857 additional Russian military personnel have been confirmed killed.
Hungary cancelled a meeting planned for May 12 with a Ukrainian delegation on the rights of national minorities, Hungary's Deputy Foreign Minister said on May 11, amid a deepening spying scandal between the two countries.
Three were injured in Russia's Kursk Oblast when the town of Rylsk was allegedly struck by a missile attack on May 11, local governor Alexander Khinshtein claimed.
This week, the world watched in anticipation for Russia’s Victory Day parade after President Volodymyr Zelensky commented that he could not guarantee the safety of those attending. Meanwhile, the European Union moves one step forward to banning Russian gas from the European continent. It is also revealed this week that U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has fallen out of step with the White House.
"(Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin... doesn't want to have a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine, but rather wants to meet on Thursday, in Turkey, to negotiate a possible end to the bloodbath. Ukraine should agree to this, immediately," U.S. President Donald Trump said.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to to Antalya, Turkey, for a NATO foreign ministers’ meeting from May 14–16, where he is expected to address the war in Ukraine and push for stronger Allied defense commitments.
The Kremlin said the leaders held a detailed discussion about the Russian initiative and Erdogan expressed full support, reiterating Turkey’s readiness to provide a venue and assist in organizing the negotiations.
President Volodymyr Zelensky in his office. (Ukraine's Presidential Office)
President Volodymyr Zelensky wished a happy Easter Sunday to Ukrainians who celebrate according to the Gregorian calendar on March 31.
"Congratulations to Ukrainians and all Christians celebrating Easter today," Zelensky wrote on Telegram.
"A holiday that reminds us of the strength of the spirit that will not allow the darkness to win. He will not let his will be overshadowed. And which units – units families, peoples, and continents."
Ukraine's Catholic, Protestant, and Greek Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter Sunday according to the Gregorian calendar. Easter Sunday falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox, typically between March 22nd and April 25th.
Ukraine's Orthodox Christians follow the Julian calendar, meaning Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox, typically between April 4th and May 8th. This year, Orthodox Easter will fall on May 5.
"Now there is not a day or night when Russian terror does not try to break our lives," Zelensky said. "This night – again rockets, again Shaheds (drones were used) against people."
"But we defend ourselves, we endure, our spirit does not give in and knows that death can be averted. Life can prevail."
Russia launched another missile and drone attack against Ukraine overnight on March 31, targeting critical infrastructure facilities and killing at least one person.
Russian troops hit Ukraine with drones and missiles, including 11 Shahed drones, 14 cruise missiles, an Kh-59 guided missile, and an Iskander-M ballistic missile, the Air Force reported. A total of nine cruise missiles and nine drones were downed.
"May all prayers for protection from evil be heard today," Zelensky said in his Easter Sunday address.
"May faith unite all good hearts and strengthen those who defend their home. And may real peace become closer for all of our Ukraine and all peoples who suffer from wars. Have a quiet Easter!"
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The Kyiv Independent news desk
