EU Parliament endorses Commission's suggested plan.
Get the latest news on the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, as diplomats scramble to find a solution to end the violence.
CDU Politician Kiesewetter: Putin evades action, not words
Foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter of the CDU views Putin's proposal for direct talks with Ukraine as a diversionary tactic. The crucial test for Putin is whether he will agree to a 30-day ceasefire, according to Kiesewetter. Talks should focus on issues like the return of kidnapped children and handling of people in occupied territories, he said. The relentless attacks on Kyiv and Pokrovsk by Russian forces have intensified. Kiesewetter emphasizes that it's Putin's actions that matter, not his words.
Political Scientist: Putin pressures Trump
Political scientist Klemens Fischer notes that the "G3 plus" ceasefire initiative exerts pressure on Moscow, providing an opportunity for Ukrainian President Zelenskyy not seen in years.
Trump Optimistic about End of Fighting
U.S. President Donald Trump expresses optimism about imminent peace in the Ukraine war, writing on Truth Social, "Think of the countless lives that could be saved if this never-ending 'bloodbath' comes to an end." Trump's comments follow recent diplomatic initiatives and Russia's proposal for negotiations in Istanbul on May 15. Western supporters critically view Putin's proposal as a ploy to buy time.
Ukraine Reports 1310 Enemy Losses in 24 Hours
The Ukrainian General Staff reports 1310 losses on the Russian side within the past day. Since the invasion began, the Russian army has suffered 965,890 killed and wounded, according to this tally. Furthermore, two enemy tanks, six armored vehicles, one artillery system, one multiple rocket launcher, 55 tactical drones, and 117 vehicles were destroyed.
Macron Criticizes Putin's Offer
French President Emmanuel Macron considers Putin's proposal for direct negotiations insufficient. A prerequisite for any talks is an unconditional ceasefire, Macron said at his return from a visit to Kyiv with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Putin's proposal serves to buy time, according to Macron.
Air Strikes on Kupyansk
The city of Kupyansk in Donbass endured multiple air attacks by the Russian army on Saturday, leaving two civilians injured. Ten days ago, Russia heavily bombarded Kupyansk from the air, destroying a corporate building and burying two men beneath the rubble. Their bodies were only recovered a week later during cleanup operations.
Injuries in Air Strikes on Kupyansk
Three civilians were injured in Russian air strikes on the Kupyansk district in the Kharkiv region. In the past 24 hours, six more people were injured in Russian attacks in the Kharkiv region, including an 11-year-old boy.
Sanctions Target Russia's Energy and Banking Sector
European and US nations push Russia for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, starting May 9. If Russia rejects this proposal, stricter sanctions will target the Russian banking and energy sectors, according to a joint statement issued by the leaders of France, Germany, the UK, Poland, and Ukraine.
Germany Approved to Deliver Weapons to Ukraine
The USA has given the green light for Germany to deliver 125 long-range artillery rockets and 100 Patriot air defense missiles to Ukraine, according to the New York Times. The delivery consists of weapons made in the USA and cannot be exported without the US government's permission.
Putin Proposes Direct Talks with Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed resuming direct talks with Ukraine, suggesting a meeting in Istanbul on May 15. This comes after failed negotiations shortly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Ukraine has expressed readiness for direct talks, provided a cease-fire is in place.
- Russia proposed direct talks with Ukraine on May 15 in Istanbul.
- Ukraine is ready for talks but wants a cease-fire first.
- international leaders are pressuring Russia to agree to a 30-day cease-fire and are threatening further sanctions and military support for Ukraine if Moscow does not comply.
- The conflict remains a major concern for the international community, as the loss of life and destruction in Ukraine continues.
- Foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter of the CDU views Putin's proposal for direct talks with Ukraine as a diversionary tactic and emphasizes that it's Putin's actions, not his words, that matter.
- Political scientist Klemens Fischer notes that the "G3 plus" ceasefire initiative exerts pressure on Moscow, providing an opportunity for Ukrainian President Zelenskyy not seen in years.
- French President Emmanuel Macron considers Putin's proposal for direct negotiations insufficient, and a prerequisite for any talks is an unconditional ceasefire, according to Macron.
- European and US nations push Russia for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, starting May 9, and if Russia rejects this proposal, stricter sanctions will target the Russian banking and energy sectors.
