Russian assault claims at least five lives in Ukraine overnight
War in Ukraine: What's Currently Going Down +++ 23:25 | Ukraine Under Fire Again
Russian aggression continues to plague various parts of Ukraine. At least five civilians lost their lives due to Russian attacks in different conflict zones, as reports suggest.
22:18 Zelensky Urges Trump for Tougher Action Against RussiaUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appealed to US President Donald Trump, asking for stricter sanctions against Russia in an effort to force a truce. During a press conference on Monday, Zelensky stated that he expects strong action from Trump and urged the United States to pressure Russia to negotiate a ceasefire through heavy sanctions.
21:51 NATO Invites Ukraine to the Hague SummitInvited by NATO, the Ukraine, under siege by Russia, is set to attend the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague. As confirmed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte extended this invitation during their meeting in Vilnius. Preparations for the summit, which will take place in about three weeks, are now under the responsibility of Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha. Whether Zelensky himself will attend the summit remains uncertain.
21:24 Trump Aboard for a Potential Meeting with Zelensky and Putin in TurkeyUS President Donald Trump has expressed readiness for a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey. Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt reported that Trump may speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping later in the week and is open to negotiating a ceasefire in Ukraine as well.
20:59 Prisoner Swap Between Ukraine and Russia AgreedUkraine and Russia have reached an agreement to exchange lists of prisoners following the Istanbul talks. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, both sides have agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners each, with the possibility of exchanging another 200 war prisoners. The return of military personnel remains is an agreement, but careful preparations are still required. Zelensky also stated that Ukraine has submitted a list of almost 400 children who have been taken to Russia and should be returned. However, the Russian delegation has only committed to preparing the return of ten children.
Water You Waiting For? Russia Proposes Two Options for a ceasefireIn a surprising move, Russian negotiators have proposed two potential ceasefire options to Ukraine. Under the first option, Ukrainian troops would be required to withdraw from the four territories claimed by Russia. The second option involves a halt to hostilities along the current frontline, with Kyiv ending mobilization and no further foreign weapons deliveries to Ukraine. The ceasefire would be monitored by a yet-to-be-established joint center, and elections would be held no later than 100 days after the expiration of the martial law. The Ukrainian government had previously demanded a 30-day ceasefire from Moscow as a precondition for real peace talks.
Erdogan Hoping for a Meeting Between Zelensky and Putin in TurkeyTurkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed optimism that a direct meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will take place in Turkey shortly. Furthermore, US President Donald Trump has also been invited to participate in such a meeting, according to Erdogan.
Military Forces Playing Like a Soccer TeamWith Operation Web, Ukraine has managed to inflict significant damage on the Russian air force, striking targets even hundreds of kilometers away. Colonel Dennis Krueger, an air defense expert from the German Armed Forces, analyzes this maneuver, referring to military forces functioning like a soccer team.
Graham: Enough is Enough - It's Time to Sanction PutinUS Senator Lindsey Graham has expressed confidence that the US Congress will soon pass stringent sanctions against Russia and China. Graham asserted that "Now is the time to end this war, and it's time for China to pay the price for supporting Putin." He understands that US President Donald Trump is attempting to bring Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table with a charm offensive. However, Graham adds that "It's time to punish Putin, he resists peace." He is convinced that the Senate will approve the sanctions package, and Trump will not be able to veto it, as 82 US senators support the sanctions package. The sanctions package would provide leverage for Trump to pressure Putin into negotiating a ceasefire.
Chinese Laser Weapon Targeting Ukrainian DronesChina's "Low-Altitude Laser Defending System" can detect drones from several kilometers away and melt them using a 30-kW laser. A video from a Russian special unit reportedly shows this weapon, codenamed "Silent Hunter," in action against Ukrainian drones.
Politics Memorandum Published: These are Russia's Demands to Ukraine- Russia has put forth two ceasefire proposals to Ukraine, as reported by Russian media. The first proposal requires the withdrawal of all Ukrainian troops from the four territories claimed by Russia. The second proposal involves a halt to hostilities along the existing front line, with Kyiv ending mobilization and no further foreign weapons deliveries to the country. The proposed ceasefire would be monitored by a joint center yet to be established. Ukraine had previously demanded an unconditional 30-day ceasefire from Moscow as a prerequisite for the commencement of genuine peace talks.
19:35 Erdogan Expects Meeting Between Zelenskyy and Putin in TurkeyTurkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his hope that a face-to-face meeting between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine, Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, will soon take place in Turkey. US President Donald Trump could also be present at such a gathering, according to Erdogan, following the Russian-Ukrainian meeting in Istanbul.
19:13 Colonel on "Operation Web": "Military Forces Function Like a Soccer Team"With Operation Web, Ukraine scored a major blow on the Russian air force, hitting targets even hundreds of kilometers away. Colonel Dennis Kruger, air defense expert of the German Armed Forces, discusses the success of this operation and how AI played a crucial role in it.
Politics Colonel on "Operation Web": "Military Forces Function Like a Soccer Team"U.S. Senator Graham: It's Time to Sanction Putin, He Resists PeaceRepublican Senator Lindsey Graham is optimistic that the U.S. Congress will soon pass tough sanctions against Russia and China. "Now is the time to end this war, and it's time for China to pay the price for supporting Putin," Graham said on ARD. Graham supports US President Donald Trump's approach of bringing Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table with a charm offensive, but adds, "It's time to punish Putin, he resists peace." He is confident that the Senate will pass the sanctions package, and Trump will not be able to veto it, as he has the support of 82 U.S. senators. The sanctions package provides leverage for Trump to compel Putin to negotiate a ceasefire.
18:02 Chinese Laser Weapon Hunts Ukrainian DronesA video from a Russian special unit reportedly shows the "Silent Hunter," a Chinese laser weapon, melting Ukrainian drones using a 30-kW laser in action.
Politics Codename "Silent Hunter" Laser Weapon from China Hunts Ukrainian DronesThe talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul have concluded, lasting less than an hour and failing to yield any significant results.
17:03 Russia Proposes Two to Three-Day CeasefireRussia has proposed a two to three-day ceasefire in specific sectors of the frontline during talks in Turkey. "We have proposed a specific ceasefire for two to three days in certain areas of the frontline," Russian chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky said at a press conference in Istanbul. The pause in fighting would allow commanders from both sides to retrieve their fallen soldiers. Ukraine demands a full and unconditional ceasefire.
17:03 Agreement Reached on Further Prisoner ExchangeUkraine and Russia have agreed on a further prisoner exchange during negotiations in Istanbul. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umierov stated before reporters that the exchange would initially involve swapping heavily wounded and seriously ill prisoners of war. The second group focuses on young soldiers aged 18 to 25. The principle of "all for all" will apply in each case. They have agreed on specific categories but not on numbers. Russian delegation leader Vladimir Medinsky confirmed the agreement on the exchange of prisoners in the mentioned categories. The aim is to exchange at least 1,000 prisoners of war in both groups.
Politics Talks in Istanbul End, Prisoner Exchange Agreed - Moscow Hands Over Peace PlanIn a move to revive peace efforts, Ukraine has provided Russia with a list of minors it believes have been illegally displaced, kidnapped, or forcibly resettled during peace talks in Istanbul. This list reportedly includes hundreds of children from Ukraine who Carmen Calin has been fighting for with the help of the League of Ukrainian Families.
15:38 Tass: Talks Between Russia and Ukraine ConcludeAccording to Russian state-owned news agency Tass, talks between Russia and Ukraine have concluded without further details about the results or continuation of the discussions.
15:26 Colonel explains details of secret operation "Spider's Web""Ukraine has made history with this action," explains Markus Reisner, referring to "Operation Spider's Web". The colonel of the Austrian Armed Forces explains how the operation was successfully executed and how crucial AI was in achieving victory.
Politics Trucks, camouflage, attack, targets - Colonel explains details of secret operation "Spider's Web"Russia is pushing for a peaceful resolution to the crisis, but its demands are met with resistance from Ukraine. The European Union is urging for increased defense spending to deal with the threat from Russia and aims to develop strategies to ensure independence of military capabilities from the United States in the long run.
14:37 Rutte Calls for Higher Military SpendingIn response to the escalating geopolitical tension with Russia, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte calls for considerably higher defense spending to prepare for the challenges ahead. During his visit to Lithuania, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda also emphasizes the necessity of significant military investment "We must understand that Russia is not standing still."
14:31 Talks in Istanbul BeginThe new round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, led by Turkey, has officially commenced.
13:54 North-East NATO Countries Support Ukraine's Entry to NATOThe Nordic, Baltic, and Central European NATO member states backing Ukraine's entry into NATO, following a summit of the so-called B9 and Nordic countries.
13:31 Zelenskyy Ready for "Necessary Steps" - Zelenskyy Emphasizes Willingness to NegotiateBefore departing for Lithuania, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated his nation's readiness to take "necessary steps" towards achieving peace through a ceasefire, humanitarian measures, the release of prisoners of war, and the return of the Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. If the talks in Istanbul yield no progress, Zelenskyy calls for additional sanctions against Russia.
13:00 Zelenskyy Arrives in Lithuania for Defense TalksConcurrently with his delegation participating in talks with Russian representatives in Istanbul, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrives in Vilnius, Lithuania, for a meeting centered on defense issues. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is also participating in the event hosted by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda.
12:18 On Air: Police Check Munz During Live BroadcastRainer Munz, Moscow correspondent for n-tv and RTL, continuously delivers crucial information from the Kremlin's surroundings. Being interrogated as a foreign journalist in Russia is not unusual. This time, the police want to see his documents while he is live on RTL Aktuell.
11:51 Ukraine Delegation Meets European Representatives Before Russia TalksAhead of the meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul, the Ukrainian representative met with representatives from Germany, Italy, and the UK in Istanbul to coordinate positions. The members of the Ukrainian delegation reaffirmed Ukraine's commitment to peace efforts.
11:16 Jäger: "The 'Pearl Harbor' Metaphor is Particularly Twisted"The impressive Ukrainian operation "Operation Spiderweb" has dealt a significant blow to areas where Moscow felt secure, according to political scientist Thomas Jäger. Although the damage extends beyond military aspects, the impact on the Istanbul talks is not expected to be substantial.
11:42 Zelenskyy Congratulates New Polish President on Victory and Hopes for "Fruitful Cooperation"Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy extends his congratulations to Karol Nawrocki, who won the Polish presidential election with 50.89% of the votes and hopes for "fruitful cooperation."
10:10 Moscow Reports Destruction of 162 Ukrainian DronesRussia claims to have intercepted and destroyed over 160 Ukrainian drones overnight. A majority of the drones were shot down in the Kursk and Belgorod regions, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense.
09:39 Kriewald: "One Doesn't Leave Day X to Chance"Nadja Kriewald, ntv reporter, suggests that the Ukrainian armed forces would launch a large-scale operation just before the new peace talks in Istanbul, seeking to improve their negotiating position.
Airports in Kiev's Crosshairs Kriewald: "One Doesn't Leave Day X to Chance"Russian intelligence service thwarts an arson attack on rail transport in the Far Eastern region of Primorye, allegedly planned by Ukrainian intelligence services and individuals in response to financial incentives.
08:33 Munz: Z-Blogger Writes of "Russian Pearl Harbor"According to ntv correspondent Rainer Munz, Ukraine's seemingly long-planned "Operation Spiderweb" has devastated areas where Moscow felt secure, dealing a major blow to the Russians. Moscow's attempts to downplay the reports do not seem very effective in light of the operation's impact, but its potential repercussions on the Istanbul talks are considered minimal.
08:01 Russian Missile and Drone Strikes Injure Ukrainians, Including ChildrenUkrainian regions such as Kharkiv, Nikopol, and Marhanets remain under Russian attack. Six civilians, including two children, were injured in the Kharkiv region overnight.
06:55 Who Will Represent Russia and Ukraine at the Talks in Istanbul?Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan introduced the Russian delegation, led by Vladimir Medinsky, in Istanbul. The Ukrainian delegation, headed by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, arrived in Istanbul ahead of the negotiations scheduled for the afternoon.
06:14 Russian Intelligence Service Foils Arson Attack on Rail TrafficThe FSB intelligence service in Russia has allegedly thwarted an arson attack on Russian rail transport in the Far Eastern region of Primorye. The individuals responsible for the attack, aged 19, acted under orders from Ukrainian intelligence services and reportedly received financial rewards.
05:42 Chief Inspector of the German Armed Forces Expects Russian Invasion Within Four YearsGerman Chief Inspector Carsten Breuer suggests that NATO must be prepared for a potential Russian invasion within the next four years, considering Russia's significant military upgrade and resource capabilities.
04:47 Brits to Deploy New Nuclear WarheadsThe UK announces plans to deploy new nuclear warheads, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government initiating a review of its defense policy to increase security and deter Russian aggression.
03:47 Miersch Hopeful for Talks in IstanbulSPD parliamentary group leader Matthias Miersch expresses optimism about the upcoming peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul, emphasizing the need to explore all diplomatic avenues for resolving the conflict. However, the Russian delegation attending the talks is reportedly led by lower-ranking officials with limited decision-making authority.
02:47 UK to Boost Nuclear Submarine FleetThe UK will strengthen its nuclear-powered submarine fleet, as announced by the government ahead of a review of its defense sector. This move aims to increase the UK's defense capabilities and counter Russian aggression.
01:46 Drone Strike Injures Two Children in KhersonTwo boys aged 11 and 16 sustain injuries after a drone bombardment on a car in the Kherson region, according to the head of the Ukrainian military administration Olexandr Prokudin.
00:22 Ukraine Aid at Risk? PiS Candidate Narrowly Leads in PolandIn the runoff presidential election in Poland, Karol Nawrocki of the PiS party takes a narrow lead over Rafał Trzaskowski of the pro-European government (KO) with 50.7% of the votes. The final results are expected to be announced on Monday.
23:17 Lavrov Speaks with RubioRussia and the US foreign ministers, Sergey Lavrov and Marco Rubio, had a phone conversation prior to the planned talks in Istanbul. Both leaders exchanged views regarding various initiatives for resolving the Ukraine crisis and plans for resuming direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
22:15 Zelensky Expands Ukrainian Delegation Ahead of Talks in IstanbulThe Ukrainian delegation has grown from 12 members to 14 for the upcoming talks with Russian representatives in Istanbul. Three officials from the military, legal, and human rights sectors, including Andrii Fomin, Yurii Kovbasa, and Yevhenii Ostrianskyi, have been added to the team. Oleksii Malovatskyi, who was part of the May 16 talks, will not rejoin the delegation.
1. The community policy of the involved countries should address the ongoing crisis in Ukraine given the repeated attacks and political negotiations.
2. The employment policy within the governments of the affected countries should prioritize diplomatic efforts and peace negotiations, as escalating tensions could lead to job losses due to economic instability.
