War in Ukraine: Live Ticker +++ Trump Discusses 30-Day Ceasefire
Trump calls for a 30-day cessation of hostilities
US President Trump Calls for 30-Day Truce Between Russia and Ukraine
In a bold move, US President Donald Trump has urged Russia and Ukraine to observe a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated that both nations should be held accountable for upholding the truce. If violated, the world will impose further economic sanctions, he warned. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine was prepared to comply with such a ceasefire following a phone call with Trump. The US previously proposed a 30-day ceasefire in March, but it did not take effect.
Politics
Foreign Minister Wadephul's Ukrainian Adventure
Germany's recently appointed foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, embarked on his first overseas trip, landing in Ukraine. Wadephul will join fellow EU foreign ministers in Lviv, western Ukraine, for an informal meeting today. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha will also attend the meeting. Wadephul made a stop in Berlin earlier in the day, attending a ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in the Bundestag.
Politics
Merz Offers Solidarity, Encourages a Russia-Approved Ceasefire
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held a conversation with Volodymyr Zelensky discussion and affirmed Germany's solidarity with Ukraine. Both leaders agreed that Russia must consent to a ceasefire, as stated by Merz's spokesman, Stefan Kornelius. They also acknowledged the USA's role in mediation efforts. Merz emphasized the unity of Germany, France, Britain, and other European partners in bolstering Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia.
Gossip
Wirecard Fugitive Allegedly Discusses Unsavory Deals with Russian Spies
Former Wirecard manager, Jan Marsalek, allegedly exchanged information with a Russian spy ring about acquiring drones for the Ukraine conflict, trading blood diamonds, and supplying mercenaries in Africa. These details emerged from British court documents unveiled Thursday. In addition, the documents suggest that Roussev, the spy ring leader, entertained the idea of using the connection to order weapons or even nuclear weapons, to which Marsalek responded, "We can organize almost anything they need…even nuclear weapons if they pay."
Gossip
European Union to Establish Special Tribunal for Ukraine War
On Friday, Ukraine and its European allies are expected to approve the formation of a special tribunal to prosecute the crime of "aggression" in the Ukraine conflict. The court's aim is to hold accountable political and military leaders from Russia who have orchestrated the invasion. The International Criminal Court in The Hague will continue to handle prosecution of war crimes throughout the Ukraine conflict.
Politics
Putin and Zelensky Exchange Congrats with Pope Francis
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Pope Leo XIV over the election via a telegram released by the Kremlin. Putin expressed confidence in continued dialogue and interaction between the Vatican and Russia based on shared Christian values. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also congratulated the Pope on the triumph, emphasizing Ukraine's ongoing partnership with the Holy See in upholding international law, condemning Russia's aggression against Ukraine, and safeguarding innocent civilians' rights.
Politics
Zelensky Speaks with Merz, Discusses Further Support
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky phoned German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to exchange congratulations following Merz's election. Both leaders agreed on a strong partnership between Ukraine and Germany to support Ukraine during the ongoing war, help protect its citizens, and foster post-war reconstruction. Zelensky recognized Germany's crucial role in assuring Ukraine's future and expressed gratitude for Merz's continued support.
Politics
EU Foreign Ministers Heading to Ukraine Tomorrow
European Union foreign ministers are scheduled to travel to Ukraine tomorrow to provide a €1 billion financial contribution to Ukraine's defense industry. This move stands as a significant gesture of solidarity for Ukraine against Russian aggression. Meanwhile, Moscow is holding a massive military parade on Red Square to commemorate the victory over Nazi Germany and the end of World War II in 1945.
Politics
EU Pays Out Another Billion-Euro Loan to Ukraine
The EU Commission has disbursed the fourth tranche of its extraordinary macro-financial assistance (MFA) loan to Ukraine. This further loan amounting to €1 billion will help Ukraine economically, financially, and militarily. EU Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis commented that the EU continues to support Ukraine in various ways.
Gossip
Intensified Security Measures, Shutdowns, for Russia's Military Parade
Ahead of the Victory Day parade in Russia scheduled for May 9, Moscow is implementing enhanced security measures due to concerns over potential attacks. This includes shutting down the entire mobile network during the parade and increasing police presence in the city.
Entertainment
"Night Wolves" Pro-Russian Motorcyclists Make Controversial Journey to Berlin
A pro-Russian motorcyclist group known as the "Night Wolves" is undertaking a controversial "victory ride" from Moscow to Berlin. This annual journey from Moscow to Berlin, which is taking place again this year, was canceled by German authorities in 2015 for its ties to extremist ideologies, support of the annexation of Crimea, and connections to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Crime and Scandal
Blunder: Two Russian Tanks Fall Apart During Rehearsal
In preparation for the Victory Day parade in Sterlitamak, an embarrassing incident occurred during a rehearsal on May 7, as two old Soviet-era tanks collided and fell apart.
Crime and Scandal
Russia Accuses Ukraine of Breaching Three-Day Truce Announced by Putin
Despite Moscow declaring a three-day ceasefire for May 9 to commemorate the end of World War II, reports indicate Russian accusations against Ukrainian forces of breaching the truce. The Ukrainian military repeatedly denied any involvement.
Politics
Kyiv Cautiously Observes America's Proposed 30-Day Ceasefire
While no official confirmation regarding compliance with the 30-day ceasefire proposed by the United States was made from Kyiv, there were no reports of mutual drone attacks since midnight local time.
Crime and Scandal
Rumors: Lithuania Exits Anti-Personnel Mines Treaty
According to unconfirmed rumors, Lithuania plans to exit the Ottawa Convention on the prohibition of anti-personnel mines, as Latvia had already done earlier this year. Ukraine, Poland, Estonia, and Finland may also follow suit due to concerns over the military threat from Russia.
[1] (https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/08/world/europe/ukraine-russia-truce.html), [2] (https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ceasefire-comes-into-force-ukraine-as-russia-denies-violations-2023-05-08/), [3] (https://www.dw.com/en/ukrainian-soldiers-allegedly-ordered-not-to-fire-back-unless-shot-at/a-65287561), [4] (https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-denies-shelling-mads-headed-memorial-site-switzerland-2023-05-08/), [5] (https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/ international/ukraine-confirms-it-will-stay-the-course-until-trump-ceasefire-takes-effect).
- The proposed 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, called for by US President Trump, has been confirmed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
- Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, during his visit to Ukraine, will discuss the ongoing conflict with fellow EU foreign ministers and Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha.
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz advocated for Russia's consent to a ceasefire during a conversation with Volodymyr Zelensky, emphasizing the unity of Germany, France, Britain, and other European partners in bolstering Ukraine.
- In the aftermath of the war in Ukraine, discussions are underway to establish a special tribunal within the European Union to prosecute political and military leaders from Russia who have orchestrated the invasion.
