Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov rejected the idea of a 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, claiming in an interview with ABC News on May 10 that it would be "an advantage" for Ukraine.
"Our involvement in the war was justifiable, and this belongs to our sovereign rights," North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un said. "I regard this as part of the sacred mission we must execute for our brothers and comrades-in-arms."
"We have a plan B and a plan C. But our focus is plan A, the essence of which is to get everyone's support" for Ukraine's accession, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said.
"(T)he presence at the Victory Parade of a country that bombs cities, hospitals, and daycares, and which has caused the deaths and injuries of over a million people over three years, is a shame," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said.
"According to the participants of the performances, their goal is to remind the civilized world of the barbaric actions of Moscow, which for many years and decades has systematically violated international law," a source in Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) told the Kyiv Independent.
"I have great hope that an agreement for a ceasefire in Ukraine will be reached this weekend," German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on May 9, shortly before traveling to Kyiv alongside the leaders of France, Poland, and the U.K.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk will arrive in Kyiv early on May 10.
The United States embassy in Kyiv on May 9 issued a warning that Russia could launch "a potentially significant" attack in the coming days, despite Putin's self-declared Victory Day "truce."
The sanctioned oil tankers have transported over $24 billion in cargo since 2024, according to Downing Street. The U.K. has now sanctioned more shadow fleet vessels than any other country.
President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska in picture to mark New Year's Eve (President Volodymyr Zelensky/X)
President Volodymyr Zelensky on Dec. 31 said 2024 was "another step towards justice, a fair peace, our victory, and a life without war," in a post on social media to mark New Year's Eve.
"Every single day of it has been won by our warriors, by all our people, by everyone who defends, works, strengthens, and helps," he said.
"We Ukrainians know what it means not to wait for what tomorrow will bring, but to fight for every single day, and every year of freedom. And 2024 was exactly that — a year hard-won and free," he added.
Our 2024. Every single day of it has been won by our warriors, by all our people, by everyone who defends, works, strengthens, and helps.
Hard work and courage, humanity and integrity of the entire nation filled this year. Along with care, development and love, the desire to… pic.twitter.com/uL3Tq3Gb13
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 31, 2024
Ukraine has faced a particularly tough year on the battlefield. The entire year saw Ukrainian troops on the back foot, losing territory to the advancing Russian troops in northeastern Kharkiv Oblast and eastern Donetsk Oblast.
Russia captured Avdiivka — an industrial city in Donetsk Oblast — in February, kickstarting Moscow's offensives all across the region.
Taking advantage of a poorly conducted rotation of Ukrainian units, Russian troops launched a push toward Toretsk and Niu-York, towns in the mid-part of Donetsk Oblast that used to enjoy little engagement.
Russia continued to gain ground on the eastern part of the region over the summer, gradually approaching Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, and Vuhledar.
Vuhledar was captured in October. Experts say that Russia could capture Pokrovsk within "months."
As well as further challenges on the battlefield, 2025 will also bring with it U.S. President Donald Trump.
Trump’s previous criticism of U.S. military aid to Ukraine and his intent to “get out” of the war has sparked concerns that his approach may involve pressuring Kyiv into concessions to achieve a settlement.
Zelensky's full post reads:
Our 2024. Every single day of it has been won by our warriors, by all our people, by everyone who defends, works, strengthens, and helps. Hard work and courage, humanity and integrity of the entire nation filled this year. Along with care, development and love, the desire to change reality for the better, no matter what. We Ukrainians know what it means not to wait for what tomorrow will bring, but to fight for every single day and every year of freedom. And 2024 was exactly that — a year hard-won and free. Another step towards justice, a fair peace, our victory, and a life without war. I wish us all strength, unity, and inspiration in the coming year. Happy New Year of life and freedom—Happy Our Year!
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
