ukraine

ukraine's security agency has apprehended two former Ukrainian military members suspected of spying for Hungary in the Zakarpattia region. Accused of treason, they allegedly gathered intelligence on ukraine's military under the direction of a Hungarian military intelligence officer. This marks the first instance of uncovering a Hungarian espionage operation within ukraine, amidst strained relations between the two nations.

US President Donald Trump has urged a 30-day unconditional ceasefire between Russia and ukraine, following discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy affirmed ukraine's readiness for negotiations, contingent upon a complete ceasefire. This call coincides with the Kremlin's symbolic three-day ceasefire for Russia’s Victory Day, which ukraine has dismissed as insincere, citing past violations of similar agreements.

ukraine's parliament on Thursday was set to vote on ratifying a resources deal with the United States that Kyiv hopes will pave the way to further military support. Kyiv was initially hoping the United States would provide security guarantees to help deter future Russian attacks, in exchange for preferential access to ukraine's mineral resources.

In a show of European solidarity, the leaders of France, Germany, Poland, and the UK are set to meet with ukraine's president Zelensky in Kyiv, sending a strong message to Russia following Putin's Victory Day address. The leaders jointly called for a 30-day ceasefire, mirroring Trump's proposal, and warned of increased support for ukraine if Russia refuses.

France will tap income from frozen Russian assets to help maintain some 60 French-made Caesar howitzers delivered to ukraine, France's foreign minister said on Friday. "By mobilising income from frozen Russian assets, France... will be able to ensure the continued maintenance of the Caesar cannons it has supplied to ukraine to help resist Russian attacks," said Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.

ukraine reports Russian attacks across the front line. This happened despite Putin's order for a three-day truce. ukraine calls the truce a farce. Russia claims its forces are observing the ceasefire. However, they accuse ukraine of violations. Sumy region faced guided bomb strikes. Earlier, Russia struck a residential area near Bilopillya. The conflict continues amidst ceasefire claims.

A ceasefire in ukraine must be implemented without pre-conditions, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Saturday, warning that Moscow would face more sanctions if it breached it. We stand ready to maintain strong pressure on Russia and impose further biting sanctions in the event of a breach of a ceasefire," said the commission president The Kremlin has shown no signs of halting its invasion of ukraine, despite US President Donald Trump pushing for a ceasefire.

ukraine's Defence Intelligence announced the downing of a Russian Su-30 fighter jet in the Black Sea using a seaborne drone, a world first. The $50 million aircraft was reportedly destroyed near Novorossiisk. Meanwhile, a Russian drone strike on Kharkiv injured 47 people, prompting Zelenskyy to urge stronger support from allies for air defense.

US vice president JD Vance has said that Russia's demands to end the ukraine conflict are excessive. He mentioned the Trump administration wants direct talks between ukraine and Russia. The US aims to help both sides agree on basic guidelines for formal negotiations, he said. Vance defended the administration’s approach as strategic realism.

The leaders of France, Britain and Germany arrived in ukraine on Saturday for talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, vowing to ratchet up pressure on Russia until it agrees a ceasefire the day after a lavish military parade in Moscow. Until Russia agrees to an enduring ceasefire, we will ratchet up pressure on Russia's war machine."

Norway's prime minister on Friday said a group of northern European nations and the UK supported a US proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire between Russia and ukraine. Trump on Thursday called for "a 30-day unconditional ceasefire" on his Truth Social network after speaking to Zelensky.

Xi Jinping visited Moscow for Victory Day amid ukraine's accusations of Russia violating its declared truce with airstrikes. Putin and Xi affirmed their shared stance against what they perceive as historical distortions and "hegemonic bullying." Despite a ceasefire announcement, ukraine reported immediate Russian attacks, while Zelenskyy condemned Moscow's commemorations as cynical and urged continued resistance.

Vladimir Putin stated nuclear weapons use in ukraine is unnecessary and hopefully will remain so. He affirmed Russia's capacity to achieve its goals in ukraine. A 72-hour ceasefire for Victory Day was declared, but Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed it as a tactic. He proposed a 30-day pause. Meanwhile, Kyiv faced a Russian drone attack, wounding eleven, including children.

Over 40 world leaders are supporting a new international tribunal to prosecute senior Russian officials for the crime of aggression in ukraine, a gap the International Criminal Court can't address since Russia isn't a member. This joint effort by ukraine and the Council of Europe aims to deliver justice for the widespread suffering caused by the war.

In a dramatic escalation of the conflict, Russia and ukraine exchanged intense drone strikes, resulting in casualties in Kyiv and airport closures in Moscow ahead of the May 9th military parade. Despite a unilateral truce declared by the Kremlin to coincide with the parade, ukraine dismissed it as a manipulation, demanding an unconditional ceasefire backed by the US.

In a landmark move, the US and ukraine have formalized a deal establishing the United States-ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund. This initiative aims to harness ukraine's mineral wealth for post-war recovery, with profits shared equally. ukraine retains full control over its resources, and the fund, exempt from taxes, will attract global investment.

Ukrainian drone attacks disrupted Moscow airport operations for the third consecutive day, coinciding with preparations for Russia's Victory Day parade. Aeroflot cancelled over 100 flights, and numerous others were delayed due to the drone threat. Russia claims to have repelled attacks and downed hundreds of drones, while ukraine refuses to guarantee the safety of foreign dignitaries attending the Moscow celebrations.

A Russian drone strike, utilizing Iranian-made Shahed drones, targeted Kharkiv, ukraine's second-largest city, injuring over 40 people, including an 11-year-old girl. President Zelenskyy condemned the attack on residential areas and civilian infrastructure, emphasizing the lack of military targets. He urged world leaders to bolster ukraine's air defenses, while a separate Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia wounded over 20.

The United States and ukraine have finalized a minerals deal granting Washington access to ukraine's rare earth resources in exchange for military aid. This agreement, requiring Ukrainian parliamentary ratification, establishes a joint Reconstruction Investment Fund with equal voting rights.

President Xi Jinping's visit to Moscow underscores the deepening ties between China and Russia, highlighted by participation in the Victory Day parade. Discussions will encompass the ukraine conflict and Russia-US relations, signaling a united front against unilateralism. This partnership, solidified by increased trade and military cooperation, is viewed with concern by the West amid ongoing tensions.

Germany's new Chancellor Friedrich Merz, on his first foreign trip to Paris, pledged closer security cooperation with France's President Macron amid Russian threats and concerns over US commitment to European security. Both leaders announced a joint defense council and emphasized the need for continued US involvement in resolving the ukraine conflict.

Following a failed ceasefire proposal, Russia has intensified attacks on ukraine, resulting in numerous civilian casualties. Since March 11, at least 117 civilians have been killed in Russian aerial attacks, with many more wounded. Despite unilateral ceasefire declarations, Russia's military campaign continues, while ukraine retaliates with drone attacks on Russian regions.

Following ukraine's incursion into Russia's Kursk region, thousands of residents like Marina fled their homes, facing a humanitarian crisis marked by intense fighting and uncertainty. Despite Russia's claims of regaining control, conflicting reports persist, leaving locals in fear and questioning the support from their government.

The United States and ukraine have signed a new agreement granting Washington access to ukraine's critical minerals and natural resources. Kyiv anticipates this deal will secure long-term military and financial aid amidst ongoing Russian aggression. The agreement establishes a reconstruction fund and ensures ukraine retains ownership and control over its resources, with profits reinvested in rebuilding the nation's infrastructure.

Lithuanian lawmakers voted on Thursday to quit a treaty banning anti-personnel mines, as the Baltic NATO member seeks to reinforce its security in the face of Russian aggression in ukraine. The treaty bans signatories from acquiring, producing, stockpiling or using anti-personnel mines, which are designed to be buried or hidden on the ground.

President Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin pledged deepened cooperation, aiming to counter US influence and establish a new world order. They emphasized strengthened ties, including military, and sought to resolve the ukraine conflict by addressing its "root causes," echoing Russia's justification for the war. Xi's visit and joint statement provide Putin with crucial support amidst US pressure.

A Ukrainian drone attack resulted in multiple casualties, coinciding with a Russian strike on Odesa. These events unfolded shortly after the U.S. and ukraine finalized an agreement granting American access to ukraine's mineral resources. The agreement has sparked mixed reactions in Kyiv, with some expressing concerns about ukraine's sovereignty and reliance on foreign support.