Three-Day Ceasefire Begins in Ukraine
At 00:00 on May 8, a three-day ceasefire began in Ukraine, unilaterally proposed by the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin. The official authorities in Kyiv did not issue any statements supporting the initiative and instead offered a counterproposal for a 30-day ceasefire. Moscow has not responded to Ukraine’s terms.
Although airstrikes have temporarily ceased, media reports indicate that clashes continue along the front line. Both sides claim their forces only return fire in self-defense.
Massive Aerial Battle Between Indian and Pakistani Jets
CNN reported one of the largest aerial dogfights in aviation history between the air forces of Pakistan and India. According to journalists, a total of 125 aircraft were involved from both sides. The fighter jets did not cross into each other’s airspace, with some attacks carried out from as far as 160 kilometers away.
Pakistan claims to have shot down five enemy aircraft and took all possible steps to warn civilians in the affected areas.
Meanwhile, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar stated that New Delhi does not intend to escalate the conflict but is ready to respond firmly if Islamabad launches an attack.
Bessent Calls Putin a “Criminal”
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, when asked by journalists whether he considers Russian President Vladimir Putin a criminal, replied affirmatively. He added that despite this, dialogue with the Russian leader must continue, as this is the essence of diplomacy.
Bitcoin Continues to Surge
Bitcoin’s value continues to rise, reaching $99,300 per coin.
Lithuania Withdraws from Ottawa Convention on Landmines
107 members of the Lithuanian parliament voted in favor of the decision, with three abstentions and none opposed.
AfD No Longer Labeled as Extremist in Germany
The classification of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as extremist has been lifted after the party filed a lawsuit against the previous designation.
Ukrainian Parliament Ratifies Resource Agreement with the US
338 out of 348 registered MPs voted in favor of the agreement. Nine members of parliament did not vote.
Later, in comments and social media posts, some MPs admitted they had not read or seen the full text of the document they voted for.
Bill Gates Pledges to Donate Entire Fortune to Charity
The billionaire announced plans to donate his entire wealth — estimated at $200 billion — through the Gates Foundation over the next 20 years to save and improve lives globally.
Gates also stated that the foundation will permanently close its doors on December 31, 2045.
Trump Announces First Trade Deal
The U.S. President announced that Washington had signed its first trade agreement, with the United Kingdom as the other party.
New Pope Elected in the Vatican
On the third attempt, the cardinals in the Vatican elected a new head of the Holy See — 69-year-old American Cardinal Francis Prevost from Chicago. He took the name Leo XIV.
Previously a missionary in Peru, he headed the Vatican department responsible for bishop appointments starting in 2023.
Leo XIV follows in the footsteps of the late Pope Francis, advocating for environmental protection, aid to the poor and migrants, and the inclusion of divorced and remarried Catholics in receiving Communion.
In his inaugural address, the Pope urged the faithful not to fear, to seek unity with God, and to build bridges in the name of peace.
Earlier, WNTab published footage from Pope Francis’s funeral.
It was also reported that a resource agreement had been signed between U.S. and Ukrainian representatives.
