Lavrov insists Russia isn’t negotiating over its "territorial integrity" — meaning Crimea is off the table. No U.S. offers on ZNPP or sanctions either, but Moscow is "ready" to seek a balance.

Former U.S. Colonel Daniel Davis believes direct talks between Putin and Zelensky are impossible. According to him, Putin’s latest statement about "defeating so-called Nazis" is a clear sign that direct negotiations are off the table. They're so far apart, they've left the boxing ring behind.

The Russian military leadership once again boasts about imaginary victories, only to get tangled in its own lies. Yesterday, Gerasimov reported the "full liberation" of Kursk, and Putin rushed to congratulate the troops. But wait — the commander of Russia's 810th Marine Brigade reported to Putin that Ukrainian forces are still in the area.

Lavrov dodges straight questions on a Ukraine ceasefire, falling back on tired talking points: “You want a truce just to keep arming Ukraine? Kallas and Rutte say they’ll only back a deal that strengthens Ukraine,” сlaiming the goal isn’t peace but “Ukraine’s victory.”

Russian and Chechen sources report the death of Buvaysar Umkhanov, call sign “Tarzan,” commander of the “Akhmat” Chechen battalion. Known for brutal assaults in Severodonetsk, he was a propaganda figure until ZSU eliminated him in Kursk.

Two Russian military quad bikes hit mines almost simultaneously during an assault on Ukrainian positions in Sumy Oblast.

Yonhap reports that Kim Jong Un has confirmed he sent his troops to support Russia under the mutual defense treaty.
The U.S. State Department urged Pyongyang to stop deploying troops to Russia and called on Moscow to cease any support for North Korea.
The United States is deeply concerned.

UAV operators of the 1st Separate Tank Siversk Brigade rescued their comrades using a drone.

On a Russian propaganda channel, they showed how North Korean soldiers were being trained to fight against Ukraine.

"Trump needs to be ready to turn Putin and Russia into 'fish food'." - U.S. Senator John Kennedy from the Republican Party.

Russia has put forward its terms for "peace," which essentially contradict the proposals of the United States. These were announced by Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov:

▪️ Kyiv must renounce joining NATO by establishing a neutral, non-aligned status.
▪️ Crimea, the so-called "DPR," "LPR," as well as Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions must be internationally recognized as Russian territories.
▪️ Ukraine must lift its ban on negotiations with the Russian Federation.
▪️ "Demilitarization" and "denazification" of Ukraine are required.
▪️ All sanctions against Russia must be lifted, and frozen assets must be returned.
▪️ Ukraine must repeal laws restricting the use of the Russian language, culture, and church.
▪️ Russia rejects the U.S. proposal to transfer control over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to Washington and Kyiv.

Russian media report that Putin has announced a ceasefire on May 9, which will last from 00:00 on May 8 until 00:00 on May 11.

This is simply ridiculous. He is offered a complete ceasefire, he refuses, yet again announces a temporary ceasefire. Just like last time?

Some European countries have suddenly plunged into a blackout.
According to media reports, a massive power outage occurred in the western part of Europe. Electricity unexpectedly disappeared in Spain, Portugal, and Andorra. Partial outages have also been reported in France. The cause of the widespread network failure is still unknown.

"Why wait until May 8 if the ceasefire can start right now? If Russia truly wants peace, it must immediately cease fire. If the fire can be stopped now or from any chosen date for 30 days, then it is truly possible — not just for show." - said Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sybiha.

The White House stated that Trump is "increasingly disappointed with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine because he wants a permanent ceasefire."

Or perhaps he simply wants to strike a quick deal and aim for the Nobel Peace Prize.

What do Ukrainians think about trading Crimea for Trump's "ceasefire".

Ukraine has offered assistance to European countries that experienced massive power outages.