"(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.
President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska arrive at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport in Helsinki, Finland, on March 18, 2025. (Volodymyr Zelensky/Telegram)
President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska arrived in Finland for an official visit on March 18. The plane carrying the couple landed at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport in the afternoon.
The visit was organized by Finnish President Alexander Stubb and his wife, Suzanne Innes-Stubb. The meeting will begin with a welcome ceremony in the courtyard of the Presidential Palace in Helsinki, according to a statement from the Finnish president’s office.
"Europe should be at the table, and everything that concerns Europe's security should be decided together with Europe," Zelensky wrote on Telegram, announcing the visit.
Zelensky will discuss Finland's support for Ukraine and steps to end the Russian war. In addition to Zelensky and Stubb, Finnish Finance Minister Riikka Purra, Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen, and Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen will participate in the discussions.
The presidents are also expected to hold a joint press conference.
The talks will continue afterward, involving local defense company representatives to discuss potential investments in Ukraine’s defense industry and further military support.
During the visit to Finland, Zelensky also plans to meet with Finnish Parliament Speaker Jussi Halla-Aho and Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.
On March 19, Zelensky will attend an event at the University of Helsinki, where Stubb will deliver a speech.
Ukraine's First Lady will hold a series of meetings focused on educational cooperation, including the expansion of the Coalition of Ukrainian Studies and the security of educational space, the construction of school shelters, and the exchange of experience in the school catering system.
Olena Zelenska will also meet with representatives of the business and cultural community, as well as philanthropists.
Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, Finland has provided Ukraine with 2.5 billion euros ($2.6 billion) in defense aid.
Finland announced its 28th military aid package for Ukraine, valued at approximately 200 million euros ($217.4 million)on March 13.
Kateryna Hodunova is a News Editor at the Kyiv Independent. She previously worked as a sports journalist in several Ukrainian outlets and was the deputy chief editor at Suspilne Sport. Kateryna covered the 2022 Olympics in Beijing and was included in the Special Mentions list at the AIPS Sport Media Awards. She holds a bachelor's degree in political journalism from Taras Shevchenko University and a master's degree in political science from the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy.
Oleg Sukhov
