Clash between Ukraine and Russia on 30th May 2025: Recap
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of yet another deception in the ongoing peace talks over the war in Ukraine. As the conflict reaches its 1,192nd day, Zelensky accused Moscow of failing to deliver its peace proposal ahead of a possible meeting between the two nations.
"Even the so-called 'memorandum' that they promised and apparently prepared for more than a week has still not been seen by anyone," Zelensky said in a video message on Friday night. "Ukraine has not received it. Our partners have not received it. Not even Turkey, the host of the first meeting, has received the new agenda."
Zelensky's comments come days before Russia and Ukraine are expected to hold their second round of direct talks in Istanbul on June 2. The Russian delegation for the talks will be the same as in the first round, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has urged the United Nations Security Council to increase pressure on Russia, following "recent Russian attacks that resulted in civilian casualties." These attacks included drone strikes on the regions of Kharkiv, Odesa, and Donetsk.
Russia has also taken the town of Kindrashivka in the northeastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv, where Moscow has intensified its offensive to create a security zone. However, the Ukrainian military claims that Russian troops have not made significant advances.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on Russia and Ukraine not to "close the door" to dialogue, expressing hope that the talks will resume next Monday. Turkey has reportedly proposed a meeting between the Russian, Ukrainian, and American leaders once the negotiations show more progress.
Meanwhile, Ukraine expects Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to visit Kiev "very soon" to discuss peace efforts in which Turkey is involved as a mediator. Fidan recently traveled to Moscow to speak with the Russian side about the continuation of direct contacts between the two nations, which opened on May 16 in Istanbul.
Russia has also reportedly accused Serbia of supplying ammunition to Ukraine via NATO countries. The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) claims that Serbian defense companies continue to supply ammunition to Kiev, despite Belgrade's declared neutrality.
The International Monetary Fund and Ukraine reached an agreement at staff level on the eighth review of the Extended Fund Facility for $15.5 billion. Subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board, Ukraine would receive access to approximately $500 million.
The war in Ukraine raises questions about European security, with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán accusing "Brussels bureaucrats" of using the conflict to gradually strip member countries of more and more competencies and money. Orbán warns that Ukraine's entry into the EU would be "a monetary suicide" and stresses that Europe's defense capabilities need to be strengthened.
As diplomats and military personnel continue to work towards a lasting peace in Ukraine, tensions remain high on both sides.
- Despite Ukraine's anticipation for increased coverage on the peace talks, the alleged Russian peace proposal remains unseen, with no confirmation from Moscow about its delivery, even to Turkey, the host of the first meeting.
- The ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, coupled with recent political developments, have raised substantial concerns about general-news, particularly in Europe, with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán questioning the motives of Brussels bureaucrats and warning that Ukraine's entry into the EU could lead to "a monetary suicide."
