"(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.
Zelensky holds a phone call with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Jan. 29, 2024. (Volodymyr Zelenskyy / X)
President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in a phone call on May 5 and thanked him for supporting Ukraine amid Russia's ongoing war.
"We appreciate that Germany plays a pivotal role in supporting Ukraine throughout the years of war. Ukraine is also grateful for your personal commitment," Zelensky said in a post to social media.
Scholz held power in Germany throughout Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, playing a key role in Europe's response to Russia's aggression. The leader has been praised for providing Ukraine with military aid and criticized for his cautious approach towards Russia.
"There are many milestones to reflect upon: the Zeitenwende speech, the historic coffee break that helped open the way for Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations, three Patriot batteries and other air defense supplies — and much more," Zelensky said.
The Zeitenwende speech was made by Scholz just days after Russia began its full-scale war against Ukraine, affirming Germany's support for Ukraine and signaled a renewed commitment to defense.
Zelensky thanked Scholz for "standing for Ukraine" and described the relationship between the two leaders as "friendly."
"Thank you for your trusting partnership... My deepest appreciation for your courage, bravery and determination in the fight against Russian aggression. It remains clear: Ukraine can count on Germany," Scholz later said in response to Zelensky.
Incoming German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz is set to take over the chancellery and has vowed to continue support for Ukraine.
Germany, on April 17, announced a military assistance package for Ukraine, including IRIS-T air defense systems and missiles for Patriots.
Air defense systems are crucial amid Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, which regularly target civilian infrastructure.
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.
The Kyiv Independent news desk
