"(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.
Washington and its partners are considering additional sanctions if the parties do not observe a ceasefire, with political and technical negotiations between Europe and the U.S. intensifying since last week, Reuters' source said.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu on May 17, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
Moldovan President Maia Sandu said on April 13 that she hopes her country can wrap up EU accession talks by the end of 2027, warning that upcoming parliamentary elections will be critical in preserving Moldova’s pro-European trajectory.
Speaking on a Russian-language podcast with journalist Ivan Svyatchenko, Sandu said the Moldovan government is committed to pushing forward swiftly with EU talks.
"We want to conclude the negotiations by the end of 2027. This is a very serious and realistic plan. I truly hope we do not miss this chance," Sandu said.
Moldova formally launched accession negotiations with the EU in June 2024, two years after applying for membership alongside Ukraine.
Sandu emphasized that continued progress will depend on the outcome of this year’s parliamentary elections, which she described as "decisive for preserving peace and the European path."
Sandu warned that a pro-Russian majority in the next legislature, which will be voted on no later than October, could derail Moldova’s strategic direction and expose the country to geopolitical risks.
"First of all, it creates huge risks for our peace. We know that Russia wants to use Moldova against Ukraine. This is clear to everyone and implies serious risks for our country," Sandu said.
Russia has occupied the eastern Moldovan region of Transnistria since the 1990s, currently stationing some 1,000 soldiers near the Ukrainian border.
Moldova has seen growing political polarization over its future alignment, with many citizens supporting closer ties with the EU while others remain skeptical or favor closer ties with Russia.
Moldovans narrowly approved a constitutional referendum to enshrine EU integration in October 2024, though the result was largely driven by votes from the diaspora. Turnout stood at 50.35%, with domestic voters mostly rejecting the initiative.
Despite the split at home, Sandu has consistently framed EU integration as essential for Moldova’s future.
"We always say that Moldova will be safer in the EU," she said. "And there are a lot of things we can lose."
The Moldovan president also highlighted the benefits of EU support, pointing to infrastructure development and economic assistance. "Moldova needs the EU’s support - whether for economic growth or building roads and bridges. Everything we do today is mostly done with EU help."
Moldova has faced a campaign of foreign interference, with Prime Minister Dorin Recean saying that Russia spent nearly 200 million euros ($230 million), about 1% of Moldova’s GDP, to influence the presidential election and a referendum on EU accession in 2024.
Anna Fratsyvir is a news editor at the Kyiv Independent, with a background in broadcast journalism and international affairs. Previously, she worked as a TV journalist at Ukraine’s public broadcaster Suspilne, covering global politics and international developments. Anna holds a Bachelor's degree in International Communications from Taras Shevchenko National University and is currently an MA candidate in International Relations at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).
The Kyiv Independent news desk
