**Ukraine Advances in Russia, US and EU Warn Against Appeasement**
As the world marks Victory Day to commemorate the end of World War II, the conflict in Ukraine continues to intensify. The war’s legacy has become a battleground for global powers, with Trump and Putin clashing over the significance of Victory Day while Ukraine holds historical evidence that it bore the heaviest civilian toll during WWII.
**Ukraine Makes Gains in Southern Russia**
In recent days, Ukrainian forces have reportedly advanced into southern Tetkino in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. The advance was made possible by the use of mine-clearing systems, which allowed Ukrainian troops to push forward towards Tetkino and Novyi Put. This development comes as Ukraine calls for a 30-day ceasefire, which Russia has so far failed to honor.
**Russian Aggression Continues**
Despite declaring its own ceasefire, Russia bombed Sumy Oblast on the first day of the supposed truce. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russian forces continued to target the area despite Moscow’s claims of a unilateral ceasefire.
**British Veteran Reveals Horrors of Russian Torture**
A British veteran who fought in Ukraine has spoken out about the cruelty he witnessed during his time there. Macer Gifford, a volunteer soldier, revealed that Russian soldiers used ISIS-style torture tactics, forcing his unit to adopt a rule never to be taken prisoner alive.
**International Condemnation**
The international community has condemned Russia’s actions, with many countries calling for an end to the war. The US and EU have warned against appeasement of Russia, with Joe Biden labeling Trump’s pressure on Ukraine to cede land to Russia as “modern-day appeasement.”
**Russia Faces Environmental Disaster**
A €75,000 drone purchased by Russia punched a 15-meter hole in the Chornobyl sarcophagus, causing an estimated €100 million in damage. The international community is facing a critical decision on how to fund the extensive repairs needed to prevent further environmental risks.
**China and Russia Join Forces Against US**
Russia and China have declared a joint front against the US, with Xi Jinping calling for an “end to external interference” in Moscow. This move signals lasting opposition to the US-led world order and economic and military coordination between the two nations.
**Historian Timothy Snyder Weighs In**
American historian Timothy Snyder has weighed in on the conflict, stating that Ukraine, not Russia, bore the heaviest civilian toll during WWII. Snyder also warned that Russia uses history to justify aggression against Ukraine.
**Germany Reverses Decision on AfD’s “Extremist” Status**
The German intelligence agency has been forced to backtrack its decision to label the far-right AfD party as extremist. The move comes after half of Germany called for the party to be banned due to its active support for Russia.
**Zelenskyy Marks Victory Day with Stark Message**
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy marked Victory Day by warning that Russians who committed atrocities in Bucha will one day shout about Nazi crimes on a “day of shame.”
**European Parliament Condemns Russia’s Deportation of Ukrainian Children**
The European Parliament has adopted a resolution condemning Russia’s deportation of Ukrainian children and calling for their immediate return.
As the world continues to watch the conflict unfold, it is clear that the stakes are high. The international community must come together to condemn Russian aggression and support Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty and self-determination.
**New Developments**
* A Ukrainian bakery chain has opened its first store in South Korea.
* Russia has dropped a guided bomb on an apartment block in Kostiantynivka, leaving multiple injured and one missing.
* The Berlin court has upheld a ban on USSR symbols for 8-9 May.
* Ukraine is considering shifting its currency anchor from the dollar to the euro.
**Stay Up-to-Date**
For our earlier daily review, please click here.
