"(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.
Faithful join a long line outside St Peter's Square to view the body of Pope Francis lying in state inside St Peter's Basilica, on April 25, 2025, in Vatican City, Vatican. (Antonio Masiello/Getty Images)
President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska arrived in Rome to attend Pope Francis's funeral in Vatican City, RBK-Ukraine reported on April 26, citing Zelensky's spokesperson.
Leaders from around the world are gathering for the ceremony at St. Peter's Basilica's steps, with thousands of believers also arriving to bid their farewells.
Pope Francis, lauded by his supporters as a reformer and champion of the weak, died on April 21 at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke.
U.S. President Donald Trump has also arrived to attend the ceremony, and he has signaled a possible meeting with Zelensky.
The two leaders have not met in person since a tense February meeting in the Oval Office, where Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelensky for what they called a lack of gratitude for U.S. support in Ukraine’s fight against Russia.
Following the pope's death, Zelensky said: "We grieve together with Catholics and all Christians who looked to Pope Francis for spiritual support."
Zelensky last met Pope Francis on Oct. 11, 2024, during an official visit to the Vatican. He gifted the pontiff an oil painting titled The Bucha Massacre — the Story of Marichka, which references one of the most infamous atrocities committed by Russian forces during the early stages of the invasion.
Pope Francis repeatedly called for peace throughout the war, though some of his remarks — particularly those equating suffering on both sides — sparked backlash in Ukraine.
On Dec. 15, 2024, the pope referred to Russia and Ukraine as "brothers," prompting criticism for minimizing Russian responsibility for the war.
Kate Tsurkan
