"(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.
Ukraine's Deputy Defense Minister Valerii Churkin talks during the Estonian-Ukrainian defense forum on April 8, 2025. (Ukraine's Defense Ministry / Official website)
Ukraine's Deputy Defense Minister Valerii Churkin encouraged international partners to test their military technology in combat on April 8, the Defense Ministry reported.
"The opportunities offered by Ukraine to international partners include testing products in real combat conditions and developing long-term partnerships within joint ventures," Churkin said at the Estonian-Ukrainian defense forum.
His remarks came during Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur's visit to Ukraine, which was accompanied by representatives of more than 30 Estonian defense companies.
The delegation attended a forum where nearly 90 Ukrainian defense firms showcased domestic products and explored cooperation with their Estonian counterparts.
"The strength of the Estonian defense industry is certainly everything related to drones, technology, and intelligence. However, our entrepreneurs should not limit themselves to these areas," Pevkur said.
"We certainly have something to learn from the Ukrainians."
Ukraine has significantly expanded its domestic defense industry in response to Russia's full-scale invasion. President Volodymyr Zelensky said in February that around 40% of the weapons and equipment used on the battlefield are produced domestically.
In its 2025 budget, Ukraine allocated Hr 55 billion ($1.3 billion) to defense manufacturing in an effort to reduce dependence on foreign deliveries.
Zelensky has underscored that international support remains essential, warning that delays or cuts — especially from the U.S. — could severely weaken Ukraine's ability to hold the front.
Estonia, one of Ukraine's most consistent supporters, has emphasized the importance of long-term defense cooperation and joint development.
Tim Zadorozhnyy is a news editor at The Kyiv Independent. Based in Warsaw, he is pursuing studies in International Relations, focusing on European Studies. Tim began his career at a local television channel in Odesa. After moving to Warsaw, he joined the Belarusian opposition media outlet NEXTA, starting as a news anchor and later advancing to the position of managing editor.
Tim Zadorozhnyy
