Russia ignored Ukraine's unilateral ceasefire proposal, continuing strikes ahead of May 8-9 Victory Day, escalating conflict with significant human and economic costs.
Russia’s 2026 Victory Day parade will exclude military vehicles for the first time since 2008, reflecting heightened security concerns amid Ukrainian counterattacks on Russian infrastructure.
The EU may suspend €1.5 billion in funding to Serbia amid concerns over democratic backsliding and judicial independence, challenging the country's EU accession path.
Lithuania and Latvia have blocked Slovak PM Fico’s flight to Moscow, reflecting EU divisions over engagement with Russia amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.