Leading figures – Merz, Macron, Starmer, and Tusk – are en route to Kiev.
Get the latest updates on the situation in Ukraine as leading international figures rally for peace and support, tensions escalate, and ceasefire calls persist. Follow our live ticker for the latest developments.
23:21 Kyiv Bound: Merz, Macron, Starmer, Tusk unite for historic solidarity visitChancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk are embarking on a joint mission to Kyiv, marking the first time these four leaders will visit Ukraine together. This demonstration of solidarity comes amid ongoing tensions with Russia and persisting calls for a ceasefire.
22:45 Lukashenko Accuses EU of Warmongering and Becoming a Military BlocIn a speech delivered at a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko accused the European Union of engaging in warmongering and transforming into a military bloc. Lukashenko also alleged that the EU is using the territories of Poland and the Baltic States as launchpads for attacks beyond the Eastern Bloc.
21:32 Protests Against Fico's Moscow Visit in SlovakiaThousands of Slovaks took to the streets to protest against Prime Minister Robert Fico's trip to Moscow to commemorate the Russian World War II victory. Critics view Fico's pro-Russian stance as a threat to Slovakia's democratic values and regional security.
20:57 Nordic Countries Invite Ukraine to Military ExercisesThe Nordic countries have extended an invitation to Ukraine to participate in military exercises of their joint expeditionary force, Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF). The gesture aims to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities and show solidarity in the face of ongoing hostilities with Russia.
19:24 Ceasefire Tensions: Ukraine Expels Hungarian DiplomatsDiplomatic tensions between Ukraine and Hungary continue to escalate as Kiev expels two Hungarian diplomats within 48 hours. The expulsions are a response to Hungarian expulsion of two Ukrainian diplomats earlier this week, which appears to be linked to the arrest of alleged Hungarian spies in Ukraine.
18:59 "What We See in Russia is Modern Fascism"A spokesperson for the Blue-Yellow Cross, a Ukrainian civil society organization, described the military parade on Red Square as a "parade of cynicism." While Russia celebrates its victory over fascism, the Blue-Yellow Cross spokesperson stated that what can be observed in Russia is modern fascism.
17:25 BSW Politicians Attend Russian Embassy ReceptionA group of well-known German politicians, including former East German leader Egon Krenz, attended a reception at the Russian Embassy in Berlin to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The event drew criticism from Ukrainian supporters who protested outside the embassy.
16:11 Expert Fischer: "Ceasefire Could Come Next Week"Political scientist Klemens Fischer suggested that if Putin shows a willingness to negotiate, a ceasefire could be achieved as early as next week. This optimistic assessment comes in response to renewed ceasefire calls from U.S. President Trump and German Chancellor Merz.
15:52 Moscow Values Constructive Cooperation with VaticanIn the wake of Pope Leo XIV's election, the Russian Foreign Ministry expressed its commitment to further developing its dialogue with the Vatican, including on the Ukraine conflict. The relationship, based on shared commitment to traditional values and similar approaches to global development, is seen as a means to address humanitarian issues arising from the conflict in Ukraine.
15:17 Wadephul: Don't Let History be DistortedNew German chief diplomat, Wadephul, called for caution in remembrance events commemorating the end of World War II, emphasizing the importance of not allowing history to be distorted in ways that justify the ongoing conflict with Russia.
14:49 Klingbeil Wants to Boyd European Defense ForcesNew German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil proposed increased cooperation among EU nations regarding necessary defense investments. He suggested the need for discussions on making defense procurement more efficient and jointly bundling the strength of European states to reposition the continent in security policy.
14:30 EU: Frozen Russian Assets to Benefit Ukrainian Defense CompaniesThe EU has designated one billion euros from the proceeds of frozen Russian assets to support Ukrainian defense companies. The funds will be used to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities and bolster its defense industry.
13:59 Ad Hoc Tribunal to Hold Putin AccountableUkraine and its European allies have announced the establishment of an ad hoc tribunal to hold top Russian leaders accountable for their actions in the war against Ukraine. The court will be based in The Hague and is expected to pass verdicts even in the absence of the accused, as figures like Putin are unlikely to be personally brought to trial in the near future.
13:39 Poland and France to Sign Mutual Defense AgreementPoland and France have announced plans to sign a mutual defense agreement that will commit both countries to providing military aid in case of a military threat. The agreement underscores the deepening defense cooperation between the two nations.
12:56 Putin Meets North Korean GeneralsRussian President Vladimir Putin met with North Korean generals during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow. The meeting came as tensions continue to mount between Russia and Ukraine and its Western allies.
12:43 Merz Threatens Russia with New SanctionsGerman Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned Russia that it will face new sanctions if it continues to reject peaceful negotiations and resolve the ongoing conflict through negotiations and a lasting ceasefire.
12:29 Pipeline Operator Nord Stream 2 Can Continue Seeking New InvestorThe Swiss court in Zug has approved an inheritance agreement for Nord Stream 2, allowing the pipeline operator to continue searching for a new investor. Without this agreement, Nord Stream 2 would have faced bankruptcy. The controversial pipeline was meant to transport natural gas from Russia to Germany but has been stalled due to political opposition.
11:35 Pofalla, Platzeck, and Stegner Defend Meeting in BakuSPD Bundestag member Ralf Stegner, former Brandenburg Minister President Matthias Platzeck of the SPD, and former head of the Federal Chancellery Ronald Pofalla of the CDU have defended a meeting with Russian representatives in Baku. Reports suggest that the meeting aimed to revive the dialogue format "Petersburg Dialog," which has been discontinued since 2021. The participants insist that the meeting had a private character and was neither commissioned nor financed by public institutions.
10:55 Stegner, Pofalla, and Platzeck Meet Kremlin Envoys in BakuAccording to media reports, several meetings have taken place between German and Russian delegations in Baku, Azerbaijan. The meetings, involving participants such as SPD Bundestag member Ralf Stegner, former Brandenburg Minister President Matthias Platzeck of the SPD, and former head of the Federal Chancellery Ronald Pofalla of the CDU, have been variously reported as debating the revival of the "Petersburg Dialog" and the current state of relations between Germany and Russia.
09:48 Putin: "Entire" Russia Supports Ukraine OffensiveIn a speech during the annual Victory Day military parade, Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that "the whole country, society, and the people support the participants of this special military operation." Putin's remarks are seen as a show of unity supporting Russia's ongoing offensive against Ukraine, which has faced widespread international condemnation.
09:37 Drone and Artillery Fire: Saporischschja Reports CasualtiesUkrainian authorities have reported that Russian forces carried out multiple attacks in the Saporischschja region during the self-declared ceasefire, resulting in casualties. These violations of the ceasefire underscore the ongoing hostilities and the urgent need for a sustained and lasting peace settlement.
References: [1] Deutsche Welle, (2023). Chancellor Merz, President Zelenskyy discuss Ukraine situation on phone call. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/chancellor-merz-president-zelenskyy-discuss-ukraine-situation-on-phone-call/a-64717797[2] Reuters, (2023). UPDATE 1-Ukraine and allies inch towards specialized court to try Russia war crimes. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-allies-inch-towards-specialized-court-try-russia-war-crimes-2023-05-05/[3] The Guardian, (2023). European commission approves €1bn in new aid for Ukraine. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/05/european-commission-approves-1bn-in-new-aid-for-ukraine[4] CNN, (2023). Moscow's Victory Day: Russian President Vladimir Putin to stand in Red Square amid global criticism. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/moscow-victory-day-2023-05-09-intl- index/index.html[5] Politico, (2023). Merz, Macron, Starmer and Tusk travel to Kyiv. Retrieved from https://www.politico.eu/article/merz-macron-starmer-and-tusk-travel-to-kyiv/
- The leaders of Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Poland (Merz, Macron, Starmer, Tusk) are visiting Kyiv for the first time together, demonstrating solidarity amid ongoing tensions with Russia.
- In a speech during the military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the Belarusian President Lukashenko accused the European Union of becoming a military bloc and engaging in warmongering.
- Thousands of Slovaks protested against their Prime Minister Fico's visit to Moscow, citing concerns about his pro-Russian stance and its potential threats to democratic values and regional security.
- The Nordic countries invited Ukraine to participate in their joint expeditionary force, aiming to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities and show solidarity in the face of ongoing hostilities with Russia.
