While serving as a bishop in Peru, Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, called the full-scale war "a true invasion, imperialist in nature, where Russia seeks to conquer territory for reasons of power.”
Speaking to CNN on May 10, Peskov commented on the latest ceasefire proposal from Ukraine and Europe, responding that Russia needs to "think about" it, but is "resistant" to pressure.
Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv on May 10, President Volodymyr Zelensky rebuked the idea of a demilitarized zone in the war and emphasized the importance of first securing a ceasefire.
"We agreed that a full and unconditional ceasefire must begin on Monday, May 12, for at least 30 days. We jointly demand this from Russia, and we know we are supported in this by the United States," Zelensky said.
Ukrainian media outlet ZN.UA reported on May 10 that their law enforcement sources confirmed an ongoing probe by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau into suspected embezzlement, money laundering and bribery.
Iran is preparing to send Russia Fath-360 short-range ballistic missile launchers, Reuters reported on May 9, citing Western security and regional officials familiar with the matter.
"Ukraine and all allies are ready for a complete unconditional ceasefire on land, in the air, and at sea for at least 30 days, starting as early as Monday," Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote.
U.S. President Donald Trump has acknowledged in private that Russia is difficult to negotiate with because they "want the whole thing," referring to Ukraine, the WSJ reported, citing sources familiar with the comments.
A notice about the airspace closure was published on the U.S. Defense Department's NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) website on May 10, as cited by Ukrainian defense news outlet Militarnyi.
Russian opposition leader Ilya Yashin speaks during a livestream on Aug. 4, 2024. (Screenshot / YouTube)
The best way foreign countries can support opposition activists in Russia is by helping Ukraine win the war, Russian opposition leader Ilya Yashin said during a livestream on Aug. 4, days after his release in a historic prisoner exchange.
Yashin was one of 24 detainees swapped by Russia and Western nations on Aug. 1, the largest such exchange in almost 15 years. The activist had spoken out against Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and was jailed in 2022 for "discrediting" the Russian military.
"The criminal war of aggression against Ukraine should be stopped immediately," Yashin said during the video livestream.
"Russia must withdraw absolutely all troops from the territory of Ukraine."
Yashin said that Western countries can best support Russian opposition movements by continuing to work to free political prisoners and providing aid to Ukraine.
"The main task of the Western world today, as it semes to me, is to save Ukraine from (Russian President Vladimir) Putin," he said.
In response to an official who asked Yashin what Western countries can do to help activists in Russia, Yashin reiterated this point.
"If you want to help the Russian opposition and Russian society and Russia as a whole, save Ukraine from Putin," he said.
Yashin's rhetoric positions Putin as Ukraine's primary enemy. A former politician who served in the Moscow City Council from 2017-2021, Yashin identifies as a Russian patriot and argues that is antiwar stance is not in conflict with his patriotism.
"Yes, indeed, it is possible to be against Putin and the war but at the same time be a Russian patriot," he said, insisting that the "natural" patriotic position is to demand Russia's withdrawal form Ukrainian territory.
Following the prisoner swap, Yashin characterized his release as an "illegal expulsion" from Russia and said his goal was to return home and work toward a "free and happy Russia."
Yashin said on Aug. 4 that he understood why some Ukrainians might be frustrated with his statements and that it was their right to be angry with him, but that he is a friend to Ukraine and advocates for peace.
"The war with Ukraine is criminal and illegal it brings grief and death to the Ukrainian people while simultaneously causing colossal damage to the interests of my country," he said.
Katie Marie Davies
