❗️Parts of Europe were left without electricity — power suddenly went out in Spain, Portugal, Andorra, and France, reports La Vanguardia.

The metro in Lisbon was stopped. Telecommunications networks and transport were also disrupted.

The reasons are still being clarified.

Roman Catholic cardinals will gather for a secret conclave to elect a new pope starting May 7, Reuters reported, citing a senior Vatican source.

The date was decided during a closed meeting of cardinals at the Vatican, the first such gathering since Pope Francis' funeral on Saturday, the source said. An official announcement is expected soon.

Around 135 cardinals under the age of 80 from around the world are eligible to participate in the conclave to choose the next leader of the 1.4 billion-member church.

The previous two conclaves, held in 2005 and 2013, each lasted just two days.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is declaring a ceasefire on the day of the 80th anniversary of Victory (May 9th in Russia), the Kremlin announced.

Russia expects that the Ukrainian side will also follow this example.

🤦‍♂️ Russia has officially outlined its conditions for ending the war in Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with the Brazilian outlet O Globo. Moscow's demands are as follows:

▪️ Ukraine must formally abandon plans to join NATO and adopt a neutral, non-aligned status.

▪️ Ukraine must recognize Crimea, the so-called "DPR" and "LPR," as well as the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, as Russian territory at the international level.

▪️ Ukraine must lift its current ban on negotiations with Russia.

▪️ Ukraine must undergo "demilitarization" and "denazification," according to Russia's interpretation.

▪️ All sanctions imposed against Russia must be lifted, and all frozen Russian assets must be returned.

▪️ Ukraine must repeal laws that limit the use of the Russian language, culture, and church.

▪️ Russia also firmly rejects the U.S. proposal to transfer control over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to Washington and Kyiv.

Military spending in Europe, including Russia, rose by 17% to $693 billion, becoming the main driver of global growth in 2024, according to a study by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

NATO members accounted for 55% of global military spending last year, the study said.

Russia is preparing a new army near NATO borders, reports The Wall Street Journal.

In the city of Petrozavodsk, about 100 miles from Finland, Russia is expanding bases to create a new army command that will oversee tens of thousands of troops in the coming years. Western analysts and intelligence officials believe the force is preparing for war with NATO.

North Korea officially acknowledged sending its troops to Russia to participate in the war against Ukraine, reported Yonhap.

Pyongyang said the soldiers were sent on Kim Jong-un’s orders as part of a mutual defense treaty with Moscow. North Korea also confirmed the participation of its troops in fighting in the Kursk region.

Earlier, Russia officially acknowledged for the first time the presence of North Korean troops in the war against Ukraine.

Ukraine is proposing that the United States introduce a special duty on imports of Russian goods, with the funds going to the Ukrainian recovery fund, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said.

“This is an economic mechanism for reparations, which allows us to act without waiting for political changes in Russia,” he said.

AASM Hammer air bomb ʼdeliveredʼ to Russian base in Kursk

Super successful night hunt from the warriors with BULAVA

A lot of transport and someone else burned down in Russia.

A sniper from the "PRYVYD" group eliminates the invader at a distance of 2,070 m.

Border guards showed the moment a “Shahed” fell after being shot down by a mobile fire group in the sky over the Kyiv region at night.

Ukraine has received 400,000 rounds of ammunition this year under the “Czech initiative,” said Czech Defense Minister Černohová on the Otázky Václava Moravce program.

When asked if Ukraine would receive more shells this year than last year, she said she “does not want to be tied to numbers.”

“We will supply as much ammunition as we can find in the world. And we still have enough resources, about one and a half million additionally,” she added.

President Zelenskyy said that Russia is trying to deceive the US and other countries and prolong the war against Ukraine, as no real preparations for calm by Russia have been recorded.

He also noted that Ukrainian forces continue their operations in the Kursk and Belgorod regions and maintain their presence on Russian territory.

On April 24, during a russian attack on Kyiv, 14-year-old Yana lost her parents and 17-year-old brother, Danylo. Her older siblings, Ihor and Daria, are now her closest relatives and guardians. Yana is currently undergoing treatment at Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital, recovering from both physical and emotional trauma caused by profound loss.

Russia is ready for some concessions on Ukraine and seeks a balance of interests, said Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

He also voiced the following positions:

▫️ Russia has not received proposals from the US to lift sanctions, but Washington is interested in doing business together.

▫️ Russia is not negotiating the ownership of Crimea or its territorial integrity.

▫️ If necessary, Russia will explain to the US that the Zaporizhzhia NPP is in good hands and changes in its control are impossible.

Russia is ready for some concessions on Ukraine and seeks a balance of interests, said Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

He also voiced the following positions:

▫️ Russia has not received proposals from the US to lift sanctions, but Washington is interested in doing business together.

▫️ Trump told the truth about Crimea’s ownership and understands that Russia is not negotiating its territorial integrity.

▫️ If necessary, Russia will explain to the US that the Zaporizhzhia NPP is in good hands and changes in its control are impossible.

Ukrainian NASAMS Crew Take Down 11 Russian Missiles in Just Two Minutes

https://united24media.com/latest-news/ukrainian-nasams-crew-take-down-11-russian-missiles-in-just-two-minutes-7911

Malta allegedly sold EU passports to Russians on sanctions lists — The Financial Times.

At least seven Russian businessmen and officials under EU, US, or Ukrainian sanctions obtained Maltese passports through a “golden visa” scheme that allows them to bypass entry bans, according to leaked documents and official figures.

These passport holders are part of a larger group of 16 people who bought Maltese citizenship despite being politically exposed individuals or later being added to sanctions lists or convicted of crimes.

Malta is the last EU country still selling citizenship for money, angering the European Commission, which has taken the country to the European Court of Justice. The EC argues the scheme “undermines both the essence and integrity of EU citizenship.” The court is expected to rule on the case on Tuesday.

British intelligence reveals how Russia is recruiting foreigners for its war against Ukraine.

The latest review focuses on how Russia is bringing foreigners into its armed forces to fight in Ukraine.

According to a study by independent Russian media outlet Vazhnye istorii, more than 1,500 foreign nationals were recruited in Moscow between April 2023 and the end of May 2024.

Most volunteers came from South and East Asia (771 people), followed by former Soviet republics (523 people) and Africa (72 people).

The intelligence notes that the recruitment of foreigners is largely unsystematic.

❗️ McDonald’s denied rumors about returning to Russia.

It began when Russian media reported that the company filed several trademark re-registration applications in Russia at the end of 2024.

McDonald’s explained it acted to stop Russian businesses from using its trademarks.

“Our position is clear and unchanged,” the company said.

At night, the enemy attacked the Odesa region with drones. A three-story residential building and several cars were damaged in the Odesa district. A 35-year-old local resident was injured and taken to the hospital, according to the Odesa region prosecutor’s office. The inspection is ongoing, and the full extent of the destruction is still being determined.

Denmark has allocated 42.5 million euros for the purchase of artillery ammunition for Ukraine as part of the 25th aid package.

Russians demonstrate a new air-to-surface cruise missile for tactical aircraft during Medvedev’s visit to the Kapustin Yar test site.

The missile, whose characteristics and name have not been disclosed, visually resembles the American AGM-158 JASSM cruise missile.

Russian assault convoy of vehicles destroyed in Donetsk region

A Russian military man records the consequences of the hit of a kamikaze drone at their position.

Special attention was paid to the preparation of the 17th package of EU sanctions. It is important that it be aimed at key sectors of the Russian economy and become one of the elements of pressure on Russia to restore peace, said President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy following the meeting with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

“We talked about steps that will help protect the lives of Ukrainians, restore security and bring an unconditional ceasefire closer. We discussed strengthening cooperation between Ukraine and the EU, in particular through the ReArm Europe initiative.
We appreciate the support of the European Union. We work together for the security of people, a just peace and the European future of Ukraine.”

I am deeply grateful to Donald Trump and his team for their hard work to bring the war in Ukraine, which was sparked by Putin’s barbaric invasion, to a dignified and just end, Senator Lindsey Graham said.

“On additional sanctions against Putin’s Russia:
I have introduced a bipartisan bill, which already has nearly 60 co-sponsors, that would impose secondary tariffs on any country that buys Russian oil, gas, uranium, or other goods.

The Senate is ready to move in this direction, and will do so with overwhelming support, unless Russia agrees to a dignified, just, and lasting peace.”

During our conversation, special attention was paid to the path to a just and lasting peace and the efforts of Ukraine, the United States and Europe to establish a complete, unconditional ceasefire, — President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy following the meeting with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

“We expect that the Holy See will continue to help unite international efforts to achieve peace, the return of Ukrainian children deported by Russia and the release of prisoners. Thank you for supporting Ukraine’s right to self-defense and the principle that peace conditions cannot be imposed on a victim country.”

We are grateful for the Vatican’s assistance to Ukraine in returning Ukrainian children illegally deported and displaced by Russia and in releasing prisoners, — President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy following the meeting with Cardinal Matteo Zuppi.

“The most important thing for our state is to return all our people, more life home, to loved ones, to relatives. There are a lot of children who are being held against their will on the territory of Russia. We want to return them home, and that is why we are once again turning to the Vatican for such assistance.”

US President Donald Trump has promised the Estonian president not to walk away from the Ukraine talks.

“I asked him how the peace process was going and asked him to do everything to keep the process going so that the US doesn’t step back from the role of mediator. He promised to do so and said that we are pretty close to a solution because he had just met with Zelensky. Of course, I didn’t ask him too much about what the meeting was about,” said Alar Karis.

French President Emmanuel Macron said that Putin must prove he really wants peace.

“Ukraine is ready for an unconditional ceasefire. President Zelenskyy confirmed this to me today. He wants to work side by side with the Americans and Europeans to achieve this. Now it’s up to President Putin to prove he really wants peace,” Macron wrote on social media.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a one-on-one meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the residence of the British ambassador to Italy.

The meeting lasted over an hour.

They discussed the war, continued support for Ukraine, and the results of Zelenskyy’s meeting with Donald Trump.

Donald Trump said that Putin had no reason to fire missiles at civilian areas, cities, and towns over the past few days.

“It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just stalling for time,” Trump added.

He also noted that this situation should perhaps be handled differently, mentioning the use of “banking” or “secondary sanctions.”

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Rome. According to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, the leaders are discussing further efforts to establish peace.

A photo from the meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump shows the two leaders speaking briefly before the start of the farewell ceremony for Pope Francis.

After their conversation, they were greeted by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump have agreed to continue bilateral talks after the farewell ceremony for Pope Francis, Sky News reports.

Both leaders are now in St. Peter’s Square, alongside other world leaders who have come to honor Pope Francis. President Zelenskyy was greeted with applause.

President Zelenskyy is meeting with US President Donald Trump, confirmed presidential spokesman Serhiy Nikiforov.

President Zelenskyy has arrived in Rome to participate in the farewell ceremony for Pope Francis, presidential spokesman Serhiy Nikiforov confirmed.

Ukraine continues to insist on receiving security guarantees similar to those the United States provides to Israel, President Zelenskyy said. He emphasized that Ukraine also counts on the support of European partners, including the potential deployment of a military contingent.

According to Zelenskyy, the United States could join these guarantees without deploying troops to Ukraine — by providing support in areas like cyber defense and air defense systems.

HMMWV M1152, MaxxPro, BvS 10, BMP-1TS, YPR-765 and T-64BV spr.22 in service with the 40th Separate Coastal Defense Brigade.

2 minutes of powerful detonation—Russian position on fire.

Russians.

Russian drone manufacturer Alabuga plans to increase the recruitment of girls from poor countries by 25 times, according to Bloomberg. This expansion of foreign hiring has prompted Interpol to launch a human trafficking investigation.

Alabuga Start has been running advertising campaigns that promise high salaries and vocational training, specifically targeting countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. These recruitment efforts, along with growing reports of employment scams, have raised red flags internationally.

Interpol’s investigation began in Botswana, where, according to Senior Superintendent Selebatso Mokgosi, the local organizer of promotional events for Alabuga has already been questioned.

The World Bank will provide Ukraine with $70 million to support the stability of the Ukrainian energy system. The agreement was signed in Washington with the Managing Director of the World Bank, Anna Bjerde, according to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

The funds will be used to purchase energy storage systems by Ukrhydroenergo, which will help create a reserve of electricity and strengthen Ukraine’s energy resilience.

Shmyhal also met with World Bank President Ajay Banga during the Spring Meetings in Washington. They discussed ongoing joint projects, the launch of new programs, and financial support for 2026 to assist in implementing reforms.

President Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine will never legally recognize any temporarily occupied territories as Russian.

“Our position is unchanged: only the Ukrainian people have the right to decide which territories are Ukrainian. And the Constitution of Ukraine decides: all temporarily occupied territories are temporarily occupied, they all belong to Ukraine, to the Ukrainian people. Ukraine will not legally recognize any temporarily occupied territories,” he said.

During a meeting between Vladimir Putin and U.S. Presidential Special Representative Steve Witkoff, the sides discussed the potential for resuming direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, according to Putin’s adviser Yuri Ushakov.

Earlier, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that one possible subject for such negotiations could be Ukraine’s proposal to introduce a moratorium on strikes against civilian targets.

A vessel from Russia’s so-called “shadow” fleet has been detained in the internal waters of the Black Sea, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reported. The ship was carrying five thousand tons of looted Ukrainian grain taken from the occupied territory of Crimea.

To conceal its role in the smuggling operation, the dry cargo ship was sailing under the flag of an Asian country. However, during a search, Ukrainian investigators discovered documents, navigation equipment, and other physical evidence linking the vessel to the illegal scheme.

The ship and its crew have been detained. Investigative actions are currently underway to determine all the details of the Kremlin’s crimes and ensure those responsible are held accountable.

❗️Peskov reported that Witkoff is currently holding talks with Putin in Moscow.

A powerful car explosion in Balashikha, Moscow Region, killed Russian Lieutenant General Yaroslav Moskalik, according to Russian media reports. Moskalik served as the deputy chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces.

The blast reportedly occurred at 10:40 local time as the general was walking past a parked car near his residence. The explosion was so strong that it threw him several meters from the vehicle.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in an interview with The Telegraph, expressed hope that a ceasefire in Russia's war against Ukraine could be declared by the summer. He emphasized that Ukraine must have the sole right to determine the terms of any peace agreement with Russia, indirectly challenging proposals put forward by U.S. President Donald Trump.

“We are in an intensive stage of negotiations. Ultimately, I always remember that it is Ukraine that should decide these issues – not other people should decide on behalf of Ukraine. This should be decided by Ukraine. And Russia should sit at the negotiating table on an unconditional ceasefire,” Starmer stated.

A Russian missile strike on a residential building in Pavlohrad has killed at least three people, including a minor girl, according to the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Prosecutor’s Office. The number of victims is still being clarified.

Ten people have been reported injured, with eight hospitalized. Among them is a 17-year-old boy in moderate condition. Most patients are reported to have suffered from smoke inhalation, head injuries, fractures, and lacerations. A 36-year-old woman is in serious condition. Medical teams are providing all necessary care, according to regional head Serhiy Lysak.

Ukrainians are being buried where they once lived, played and walked. In the city of Pokrovsk, what were once popular parks, quiet courtyards, and the backyards of apartment buildings have become improvised cemeteries. Families dig graves in alleys and yards—often where their loved ones died.

Russian shelling has turned this eastern Ukrainian city into an open-air graveyard. The scale of destruction and death in Pokrovsk is yet another reminder of the brutality of war, with civilians paying the highest price.

The BULAVA unit destroys the enemy and its vehicles.

A powerful detonation in the Donetsk region after a Ukrainian FPV drone successfully struck a Russian 122mm Grad multiple launch rocket system (MLRS).

Mobile air defense groups in the Kharkiv region successfully shot down a Russian “Shahed-136” kamikaze drone using MANPADS fire.

The enemy knows how to dig trenches, but that means little to the Vampire drone operators from the “Steel Border” brigade. In the Sumy direction, two shelters along with the enemy infantry inside were destroyed.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine are using the rare Danish M113G3DK armored personnel carrier.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the aftermath of the deadly Russian missile strike on Kyiv, emphasizing that rubble is still being cleared and rescue efforts continue. Families of those potentially trapped remain at the scene alongside emergency workers, who will not stop until every person’s fate is known.

Zelenskyy stated that, based on preliminary data, a ballistic missile used in the attack may have been produced in North Korea. Intelligence services are investigating. If confirmed, it would be further evidence of what he called a “criminal alliance” between Russia and Pyongyang — one that jointly mocks human life and enables mutual advancements in deadly weaponry.

He reported that more than 200 weapons were used in this latest attack, including missiles and drones, with over 100 people injured and at least 12 killed. Expressing his condolences, Zelenskyy called for real pressure on Russia, stating that ongoing strikes in the face of diplomatic efforts show that Putin feels no fear or consequences.

He repeated Ukraine’s demand for a full and unconditional end to the strikes, stressing that true safety requires a just end to the war and strengthened air defenses. He thanked international partners and called on countries that value human life to unite against “the alliances of killers.”

The body of Viktoria Roshchina, a Ukrainian journalist who died in Russian captivity, has been returned to Ukraine. According to Yuriy Belousov, head of the Department for Combating Crimes Committed in Armed Conflict at the Prosecutor General’s Office, there are signs of brutal torture.

Traces of abrasions and hemorrhages were found on various parts of her body, as well as a broken rib and possible marks from electric shocks. Due to the condition of the body, the cause of death could not be determined immediately. Samples have been taken, and an additional forensic examination involving French experts is being arranged.

President Zelenskyy stated, “We consider the US a strong strategic and influential partner, and we would really like to achieve peace through force. It would be useful for Russia for force to be directed against it, since it is an aggressor.”

Russia, while declaring a desire for peace, carried out a deadly airstrike on Kyiv. This is not a pursuit of peace, but a mockery of it. The real obstacle is not Ukraine, but Russia, whose goals in this war remain unchanged, said the head of European diplomacy, Kaja Kallas.

President Zelenskyy, at a joint press conference with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, stated that Ukraine’s readiness to sit down at the negotiating table with terrorists after a complete ceasefire is already a significant compromise.

“The US said that if one of the parties does not agree to a complete ceasefire, there will be strong steps forward, including sanctions. I do not see strong pressure on Russia now.
We are very straightforward — we believe that with greater pressure on Russia, we will be able to bring our parties closer to a complete ceasefire. This is step number one,” Zelenskyy said.

He emphasized that it is currently Russia exerting pressure on the United States, not the reverse. According to him, the latest missile and drone attack on Ukraine, “one of the most complex and most impudent,” is clear proof of that.

The death toll in Kyiv has risen to 12. Rescuers have recovered two more bodies from under the rubble.

After Russia’s massive missile strike on Ukraine, President Emmanuel Macron stated that he wanted to “remind people of the facts” regarding the war. He emphasized that there is only one aggressor in this situation – Russia. Macron added that “America’s anger should be directed at only one person: President Putin.”

The death toll from the rocket attack on Kyiv has increased. Rescuers found the body of a 27-year-old woman under the rubble of a residential building in the Sviatoshynskyi district. Search operations continue.

Trump urged Putin to stop attacks on Ukraine