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 during a press briefing in Kyiv on June 2, 2023. (Photo: President's Office)
President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke of the country's goals for security, modernization, and development during his address to the parliament on Constitution Day on June 28.
Zelensky noted that, since the restoration of its independence, Ukraine has been dealing with corruption and injustice, but is now making strides toward development and progress.
"We need a doctrine for our state that should answer all the fundamental questions about Ukraine and our future — for ourselves, for our neighbors, and for everyone in the world. We need a new system, new rules, new opportunities," he said.
"I would like to propose the main points of reference for national discussion: the philosophy of our victory, the global nature of Ukrainian security, the politics of heroes, the politics of justice, and transformation in 10 years."
Zelensky said that Ukraine's victory means the restoration of sovereignty in its legal borders, and the opportunity to join NATO and the EU. He commented that Russia's defeat will create a safer region in the Black Sea, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and elsewhere.
According to the head of state, Ukraine faces the task of economic and industrial restoration and development. The country aims for the benchmark of $1 trillion of gross domestic product, Zelensky said.
Ukraine is to focus on modernizing education and helping to nurture skilled labor at home. According to Zelensky, the Ministry of Digital Transformation is developing a program in that regard.
According to the president, Ukraine has the potential to become a guarantor of Europe's energy security by developing nuclear and renewable energy. He also reminded the need for a strong domestic defense industry in the face of Russian aggression.
Zelensky touched upon legal reforms, saying that no person should be able to call themself an oligarch and all should be equal before the law. The president also voiced support for the legalization of medical cannabis.
The president highlighted Ukraine's role as a pioneer in innovation and digitalization, such as in the digitalization of bureaucratic processes which provides inspiration to other countries.
Ukraine's head of state praised the country's social progress, saying culture should become one of Ukraine's main exports.
Zelensky talked of the importance of civil society in fighting corruption and crime, naming Kateryna Handziuk, an anti-corruption activist who was killed in 2018.
Martin Fornusek is a news editor at the Kyiv Independent. He has previously worked as a news content editor at the media company Newsmatics and is a contributor to Euromaidan Press. He was also volunteering as an editor and translator at the Czech-language version of Ukraïner. Martin studied at Masaryk University in Brno, Czechia, holding a bachelor's degree in security studies and history and a master's degree in conflict and democracy studies.
Lesia Ogryzko
