"(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 for a visit to the United Arab Emirates. (Screenshot / Volodymyr Zelensky / Facebook)
President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with First Lady Olena Zelenska for an official visit on Feb. 16.
The trip comes directly after Zelensky's appearance at the Munich Security Conference and kicks off a regional tour that includes official visits to Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
Zelensky and Zelenska met UAE officials upon their arrival in the country on Feb. 16.
"Our top priority is bringing even more of our people home from captivity," Zelensky said.
The visit will center on economic partnership and bilateral cooperation in investment, Zelensky added.
Zelensky hinted at a possible important agreement between the two nations, mentioning a "large-scale humanitarian program" in his announcement.
Zelensky told reporters on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference that he intends to pay official visits to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. Delegations from Saudi Arabia and Ukraine met on Feb. 16 to discuss increased investment and bilateral cooperation between the two nations ahead of Zelensky's visit.
The president's Middle Eastern tour begins as senior U.S. and Russian officials prepare to meet in Saudi Arabia in the coming days to discuss Russia's war against Ukraine.
Zelensky said he has no plans to meet with any Russian or U.S. delegations in the Middle East.
Volodymyr Ivanyshyn is a news editor for The Kyiv Independent. He is pursuing an Honors Bachelor of Arts at the University of Toronto, majoring in political science with a minor in anthropology and human geography. Volodymyr holds a Certificate in Business Fundamentals from Rotman Commerce at the University of Toronto. He previously completed an internship with The Kyiv Independent.
Abbey Fenbert
