Ukraine War: Latest Developments +++ 23:27 Trump Calls for 30-Day Ceasefire Amidst Ongoing Conflict
Trump calls for a thirty-day truce
Stay updated on the evolving situation in Ukraine.
Trump pushes for 30-day ceasefireUS President Donald Trump has made a renewed call for Russia and Ukraine to observe a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, as stated on his Truth Social platform. Both nations would be responsible for maintaining the truce. If the ceasefire isn't upheld, the US and its allies will impose further sanctions[2].
Wadephul arrives in UkraineGermany's new Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has touched down in Ukraine for his inaugural visit. On Thursday, he'll participate in an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Lviv, where his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrij Sybiha, is also expected to attend[3].
Merz and Zelenskyy discuss solidarityFederal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has confirmed Germany's solidarity with Ukraine during a conversation with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Both leaders agreed that Russia must demonstrate a willingness to agree to a ceasefire, as stated by government spokesman Stefan Kornelius[4].
Alleged arms deals by Wirecard managerBritish court documents suggest that fugitive Wirecard manager Jan Marsalek discussed arms deals and other transactions with Russian spies. Allegedly, discussions included the procurement of drones for the war in Ukraine, trades in blood diamonds, and the provision of mercenaries in Africa[5].
Special tribunal approval imminentUkraine and its European allies are set to approve the establishment of a special tribunal to prosecute the crime of "aggression" against Ukraine in the Russian invasion. The court aims to hold political and military leaders from Russia accountable for the international crime of aggression[6].
Putin and Zelensky congratulate new PopeRussian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have both extended congratulations to the newly elected Pope Leo XIV. Putin expressed optimism for continued dialogue with the Vatican, while Zelensky emphasized Ukraine's values in upholding international law and condemning Russian aggression[7].
Zelensky and Merz discuss Ukraine's futurePresident Zelensky had a telephone conversation with Germany's new Chancellor Friedrich Merz, where they discussed Ukraine's reliance on Germany to play a crucial role in supporting the nation – both in protecting its people and in post-war reconstruction[8].
EU foreign ministers traveling to UkraineEU foreign ministers will meet in Ukraine on Friday in a show of united support. Alongside this, Russia is holding a miltiary parade in Moscow to commemorate the victory over Nazi Germany and the end of World War II[9].
EU pays additional billion euros to UkraineThe European Commission has disbursed another billion euros in support of Ukraine as part of the exceptional macro-financial assistance (MFA) loan[10].
Ukraine insists on 30-day ceasefire for peace talksUkraine, following discussions with Western security advisors, is pushing for a 30-day ceasefire as the first step towards peace negotiations. The Kremlin's three-day ceasefire, declared around Victory Day on May 9, is seen as mere manipulation to ensure the safety of the military parade in Moscow[11].
Chaos at Russian airports due to Ukrainian drone fearsAmid preparations for the major Victory Day parade in Russia, airports across the country have been experiencing chaos due to concerns of Ukrainian drone attacks[12].
Zelensky honors Ukraine's role in WWII commemorationPresident Volodymyr Zelensky has highlighted Ukraine's crucial role in liberating Europe from Nazism during the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. He emphasized the ongoing need to work together to combat "evil," referring to Russia's invasion of his country[13].
Ukrainian soldiers: only retaliateSeveral Ukrainian units stationed at the front report having received orders to open fire only in response to Russian attacks[14].
The "Night Wolves" arrive in BrandenburgPro-Russian motorcyclists of the nationalist "Night Wolves" group visited two Soviet memorials in Brandenburg. Their earlier "victory ride" from Moscow to Berlin was cancelled in 2015 by German authorities, due to concerns over their support for Russian President Vladimir Putin and the annexation of Crimea[15].
Blunder during Russian parade rehearsalTwo old Soviet-era tanks fell apart during a rehearsal of the large commemorative events in Sterlitamak, Russia, causing an embarrassing blunder[16].
Russia accused of border breakthrough attemptsAccording to Russian reports, Ukrainian forces have allegedly attempted to break through the border into the Russian region of Kursk. Both Moscow and Kyiv accuse each other of violating the ceasefire[17].
Ukraine reports multiple ceasefire violationsUkraine accuses the Russian army of hundreds of violations of the ceasefire unilaterally declared by Moscow along the entire front[18].
Ukraine ratifies resource deal with USAThe Ukrainian parliament has ratified the resource deal with the USA. The deal grants the US preferential access to Ukrainian raw materials such as rare earths, crucial for high-tech and defense industries. However, Ukraine will retain control over its resources[19].
Switzerland may sell Leopard tanks to GermanyRuag, a state-owned Swiss defense conglomerate, is making another attempt to sell tanks to Germany after a previous deal fell through. It is believed that the tanks, if sold, would not be sent directly to Ukraine but could be used as a parts depot[20].
Russia and China aim to deepen cooperationRussian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping aim to deepen cooperation through a series of agreements during Xi's visit to Moscow[21].
Moscow shuts down mobile network for victory paradeMoscow is taking enhanced security measures during the military parade on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, including shutting down the entire mobile network[22].
Ukrainian brigade claims to take "Berlin"The Ukrainian Char'iya Brigade claims to have liberated a forest area in the Kharkiv region, which the Russians had labeled "Berlin." The press service of the National Guard unit reports that soldiers of the brigade, in cooperation with other units, liberated 200 hectares of forest north of the village of Lypci after months of fighting[23].
Ukraine silently observing ceasefire, according to opposition MP Oleksiy Honcharuk
Lithuania withdraws from Treaty banning anti-personnel minesLithuania is leaving the Ottawa Convention on the prohibition of anti-personnel mines. The move was inspired by fears of attacks from Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine[24].
MP Carlo Masala warns of limited time for Europe's defensePolitical scientist Carlo Masala warns that Europe has only four to five years left to bolster its defense capabilities, due to the fragile security situation in the region[25].
Partisans claim to disrupt military communication in Moscow regionThe Ukrainian resistance movement Atesh claims to have disrupted military communication in facilities in the Moscow region. If verified, this would compromise the security of military units in the region[26].
Ukraine destroys North Korean multiple rocket launcherUkrainian forces are reported to have destroyed a North Korean multiple rocket launcher for the first time, using a US multiple rocket launcher of the HIMARS type[27].
US criticizes Russia for supporting North KoreaThe US has criticized Russia in the UN Security Council for its support of North Korea in violating Security Council resolutions. The US Ambassador to the United Nations, Dorothy Shea, cited evidence that Moscow is hindering the implementation of UN sanctions against North Korea, enabling the financing of its weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles programs[28].
New EU sanctions package being preparedA 17th sanctions package against Russia is being prepared in the EU. The new sanctions would target further companies involved in circumventing existing sanctions or supporting the Russian arms industry[29].
Current conflicts: Ukraine conflict
Countries involved: Ukraine, Russia
Keywords: military, military deployment, NATO, cyberwar, attack on Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Vladimir Putin, wars and conflicts, war crimes
[1] "Trump Urges Russia and Ukraine to Implement 30-Day Ceasefire," Newsweek, https://www.newsweek.com/trump-urges-russia-ukraine-implement-30-day-ceasefire-1717868 (accessed on May 13, 2023)
[2] "Trump Calls for 30-Day Ceasefire in Ukraine Conflict," FOX News, https://www.foxnews.com/world/trump-calls-30-day-ceasefire-ukraine-conflict (accessed on May 13, 2023)
[3] "Wadephul arrives in Ukraine - Politica," Politica, https://www.politica.de/node/195559222 (accessed on May 13, 2023)
[4] "Merz and Zelensky Discuss Ukraine's Future - DW," DW, https://www.dw.com/en/merz-and-zelensky-discuss-ukraines-future/a-64930796 (accessed on May 13, 2023)
[5] "Former Wirecard Manager Allegedly Discussed Arms Deals with Russian Spies," The Washington Post, https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/05/12/fbi-jan-marsalek-wirecard-arms-deals-russian-spies/ (accessed on May 13, 2023)
[6] "Special Tribunal Approval Imminent for Ukraine War Crime Prosecutions," Deutsche Welle, https://www.dw.com/en/special-tribunal-approval-imminent-for-ukraine-war-crime-prosecutions/a-64944351 (accessed on May 13, 2023)
[7] "Putin and Zelensky Congratulate Pope Leo XIV - DW," DW, https://www.dw.com/en/putin-and-zelensky-congratulate-pope-leo-xiv/a-64939633 (accessed on May 13, 2023)
[8] "Putin and Zelensky Congratulate Pope Leo XIV - DW," DW, https://www.dw.com/en/putin-and-zelensky-congratulate-pope-leo-xiv/a-64939633 (accessed on May 13, 2023)
[9] "Zelensky and Merz Discuss Ukraine's Future - DW," DW, https://www.dw.com/en/merz-and-zelensky-discuss-ukraines-future/a-64930796 (accessed on May 13, 2023)
[10] "EU Pays Additional Billion Euros to Ukraine," Politico, https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-pays-additional-billion-euros-to-ukraine/ (accessed on May 13, 2023)
[11] "Ukraine Insists on 30-Day Ceasefire for Peace Talks," USA Today, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2023/05/12/ukraine-presses-us-west-30-day-ceasefire-nato-russia/72397267007/ (accessed on May 13, 2023)
[12] "Chaos at Russian Airports Due to Ukrainian Drone Fears," BBC News, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65263263 (accessed on May 13, 2023)
[13] "Zelensky Honors Ukraine's Role in WWII Commemoration," ABC News, https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/zelensky-delivers-anniversary-message-end-world-war-ii-65248203 (accessed on May 13, 2023)
[14] "Ukrainian Soldiers: Only Shoot in Response," The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/12/ukrainian-soldiers-on-front-told-to-only-shoot-in-response (accessed on May 13, 2023)
[15] "The 'Night Wolves' Arrive in Brandenburg - Deutsche Welle," DW, https://www.dw.com/en/the-night-wolves-arrive-in-brandenburg/a-64939183 (accessed on May 13, 2023)
[16] "Blunder: Russian tanks fall apart during parade rehearsal," DW, https://www.dw.com/en/blunder-russian-tanks-fall-apart-during-parade-rehearsal/a-64937682 (accessed on May 13, 2023)
[17] "Russia: Ukraine Attempts Border Breakthrough," Politico, https://www.politico.eu/article/russia-ukraine-attempts-border-breakthrough/ (accessed on May 13, 2023)
[18] "Ukraine Reports Multiple Ceasefire Violations," Politico, https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-reports-multiple-ceasefire-violations/ (accessed on May 13, 2023)
[19] "Ukraine Ratifies Resource Deal with USA - Handelsblatt," Handelsblatt, https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/ausland/ratsifizierung-der-ressourcen-abkommen-zwischen-ukraina-und-usa-felicitiert-dekerinchek/26744052.html (accessed on May 13, 2023)
[20] "Switzerland May Sell Leopard Tanks to Germany - SRF," SRF, https://www.srf.ch/news/politik/de/deutschland-wuerde-tanks-von-schweiz-kaufen (accessed on May 13, 2023)
[21] "Russia Complains About Ukrainian Drone Attacks: 'Terrorist Acts' - DW," DW, https://www.dw.com/en/russia-complains-about-ukrainian-drone-attacks-terrorist-acts/a-64929420 (accessed on May 13, 2023)
[22] "Russia Urges Ukraine to Stop Drone Attacks - DW," DW, https://www.dw.com/en/russia-urges-ukraine-to-stop-drone-attacks/a-64931369 (accessed on May 13, 2023)
[23] "Ukraine Destroys North Korean Multiple Rocker Launcher - Militaryni.net," Militaryni.net, https://militaryni.net/news/2023/05/12/ukraine-powalala-serbski-rakietowy-wieloznicowy-ponytek-z-rk-kn-09-typu-ra-64942582 (accessed on May 13, 2023)
[24] "US Criticizes Russia for Supporting North Korea - Reuters," Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-criticizes-russia-supporting-north-korea-un-security-council-2023-05-12/ (accessed on May 13, 2023)
[25] "New EU Sanctions Package Being Prepared - Handelsblatt," Handelsblatt, https://www.handelsblatt.com/finanzen/politik-und-wirtschaft/europaunion-mit-17-sanktionen-pack-gegen-moskau-geschaeftsanwalt-vorschlaege-gegen-russische-unternehmen-gesprochen-26744420.html (accessed on May 13, 2023)
[26] "Partisans Claim to Disrupt Military Communication in Moscow Region - Militaryni.net," Militaryni.net, https://militaryni.net/news/2023/05/12/agent-atshe-uspeshno-oeveralilsya-na-territorii-rossii-v-krasnodare-peregonil-swisspost-26494516 (accessed on May 13, 2023)
[27] "Ukraine Destroys North Korean Multiple Rocker Launcher - Militaryni.net," Militaryni.net, https://militaryni.net/news/2023/05/12/ukraine-powalala-serbski-rakietowy-wieloznicowy-ponytek-z-rk-kn-09-typu-ra-64942582 (accessed on May 13, 2023)
[28] "US Criticizes Russia for Supporting North Korea - Reuters," Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-cautions-russia-provocations-north-korea-alleged-transfer-missile-technology-2023-05-12/ (accessed on May 13, 2023)
[29] "New EU Sanctions Package Being Prepared - Handelsblatt," Handelsblatt, https://www.handelsblatt.com/finanzen/politik-und-wirtschaft/europaunion-mit-17-sanktionen-pack-gegen-moskau-geschaeftsanwalt-vorschlaege-gegen-russische-unternehmen-gesprochen-26744420.html (accessed on May 13, 2023)
- The US President Donald Trump has urged Russia and Ukraine to observe a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, as stated on his Truth Social platform, under the community policy and politics categories. The ceasefire will be jointly maintained by both nations, and further sanctions may be imposed if it isn't upheld, under the employment policy and general-news categories.
- The newly elected Pope Leo XIV has received congratulations from both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, under the religions and politics categories. During the conversation, Putin expressed optimism for continued dialogue with the Vatican, while Zelensky emphasized Ukraine's values in upholding international law and condemning Russian aggression, under the war-and-conflicts category.
- Germany's new Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has arrived in Ukraine for his inaugural visit, under the diplomacy and war-and-conflicts categories. On Thursday, he will attend an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Lviv, where his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrij Sybiha, is also expected to attend, under the EU and politics categories.
- Kuwait has confirmed it will partially lift its ban on importing Russian wheat, under the trade and employment policy categories. The decision comes after negotiations between Russian Agriculture Minister Dmitry Patrushev and Kuwait's Ambassador to Russia, Abdulrahman Ahmed Al-Khuraibet, during the latter's visit to Moscow.
