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.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks at the Arab League summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on May 19, 2023. (Ukraine's Presidential Office)
At a summit of Arab countries in Saudi Arabia, President Volodymyr Zelensky called on their leaders to support Ukraine "no matter how hard the Russians try to influence."
"I hope that most of us are here for the sake of peace and justice," Zelensky said on May 19 at the Arab League summit. "Even if there are people here at the summit who have a different view on the war, on our land, calling it a conflict, I am sure we can all be united in saving people from the cages of Russian prisons."
"Unfortunately, there are some in the world, and here among you, who turn a blind eye to those cages and illegal annexations," he added.
According to CNN, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad attended the event for the first time in a decade. Ukraine cut diplomatic ties with Syria in June last year after Damascus recognized the Russian-occupied areas of eastern Ukraine as independent states.
Zelensky arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, together with Mustafa Dzhemilev, a representative of the predominantly-Muslim Crimean Tatars and the former chair of the Crimean Tatar Mejlis.
"For centuries, the Crimean Tatars have been, and should remain, an integral and strong part of the Muslim community of the world," Ukraine's president told his counterparts. "But Crimea was the first to suffer from the Russian occupation. And until now, most of those who are subjected to repression in the occupied Crimea are Muslims."
Zelensky also met with the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as well as top officials of the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, and Iraq.
During bilateral talks with bin Salman, Zelensky reportedly outlined the 10-point peace formula and expressed interest in continuing joint efforts with Saudi Arabia to release prisoners of war.
In September last year, Saudi Arabia helped to release POWs from the U.S., Sweden, Croatia, Morocco, and the U.K., who had fought for Ukraine and were captured by Russia.
We are the news team of the Kyiv Independent. We are here to make sure our readers get quick, essential updates about the events in Ukraine. Feel free to contact us via email with feedback and news alerts.
The Kyiv Independent news desk
