Revised Ukraine War Live Ticker +++ 23:27 Trump Barks for 30-Day Truce, Zelenskyy Woofs in Agreement - Yet More Tensions Brew
Trump proposes a 30-day truce
Bark 'n' RespondUS Prez Trump is yapping for Russia and Ukraine to hush up and observe a 30-day unconditional truce. Trump drops this decree on his Truth Social platform, with the world watching and wagging its tail. "If the quiet time ain't obeyed, the US and its partners will ram through more sanctions." Just minutes later, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy yaps back in a video address, confirming Ukraine's immediate eagerness to chow down on the truce proposal in a tete-a-tete with Trump on the line.
Halloo, New Foreign Minister Here!New CDU politician Johann Wadephul is making paws upon Ukrainian soil for the first time. He's dropped by in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv tomorrow, for an informal meet with EU foreign ministers. Ukraine's own foreign minister, Andrij Sybiha, is also set to appear. Earlier in the day, Wadephul scurried from an EU foreign ministers' meeting in Warsaw to Berlin for a commemorative ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in the Bundestag.
Merz Assures Selenskyj of Germany's StandFederal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has licked Zelenskyy's ear, reassuring him of Germany's unity. Both agreed that Russia must crack a grin and cooperate in the truce, reports government spokesman Stefan Kornelius. They also acknowledged the mediator efforts of President Donald Trump. Merz nodded towards the solid teamwork with France, Britain, and other European partners in supporting Ukraine and heaping on the pressure on Russia.
Marsalek Toots Tales of Drones, Blood Diamonds, and MercenariesFugitive Wirecard manager Jan Marsalek is said to have yakked to Russian spies about arms deals, blood diamond swaps, and hiring mercenaries, fresh court documents reveal. These conversations apparently ran the gamut, from drone procurement for Ukraine's conflict to deploying combatants in Africa. In the context of wheat shipments to Cameroon, the spy ring boss Roussev hinted that weapons orders could be placed too. "We can arrange practically anything they need, except nuclear weapons (...) even nuclear weapons if they coughed up the cash," Marsalek apparently said.
Special Peacemaker Court Given Green LightUkraine and its European allies are about to scrab their paws on a special tribunal to prosecute Ukraine-related aggressions by Russia. The court is aimed at prosecuting Russia for its invasion, with the hope of holding Russian political and military leaders accountable. This tribunal idea is an effort led by the EU, Council of Europe, Ukraine, and several other states. The International Criminal Court in The Hague will continue to be the main justice handler for war crimes in the Ukraine war.
Putin and Zelensky Share Popeship CheersRussian Prez Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian Prez Volodymyr Zelenskyy both sent congrats to the newly elected Pope Leo XIV with warm words and tail-wags. Putin welcomed a continuation of constructive dialogues and interacting with the Vatican based on shared Christian beliefs. Zelensky, on the other hand, expressed gratitude for the Holy See's steadfast stance in upholding international law, condemning Russia's military invasion, and defending the rights of innocent civilians.
Zelensky Chews Ears with MerzZelensky bobbed his head with Merz, congratulating the newly minted German Chancellor on the telephone. Zelensky pledged faith in Germany to maintain a key role in supporting Ukraine during these battles—both in shielding Ukrainians and post-war revival. Merz assured his support for Ukraine, saying it was important to hear those comforting words and he's pleased to receive them. Zelensky had already thrown a congrats bone to Merz about his election to the Bundestag earlier.
European Foreign Ministers Prance to UkraineAccording to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, European foreign ministers are about to prance their ways to Ukraine. They aim to deliver a billion euros in aid for the Ukrainian defense industry tomorrow, presenting another powerful show of support for Ukraine. In contrast, Russia is organizing its own grand military parade on Moscow's Red Square to commemorate the victory over Nazi Germany and the end of World War II.
EU Hurls Billion Euro Loan at UkraineThe European Commission has lobbed another billion euros into Ukraine as part of its exceptional macro-financial assistance (MFA) loan. EU Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis spoke up about the approval, saying the EU continues to back Ukraine politically, financially, economically, and militarily. This is the fourth tranche paid out as part of the exceptional G7 initiative amounting to up to 45 billion euros.
Ukraine Insists on 30-Day Truce for Peace TalksUkraine, after whispering up security advisors, has gone on record wanting a 30-day truce to get the ball rolling for peace talks. This demand comes from discussions with Western counselors. They've emphasized that a complete, unadulterated ceasefire has to be the groundwork for any sustainable peace. If the proposal holds water, it would put Russia's intentions to the test.
Ukrainian Drones Scratch Moscow's RearPreparations for Moscow's Victory Day parade are in full swing. Worries about Ukrainian drones have caused chaos in Russian airports before the event.
Zelensky Honors Ukraine's Role in WWIIZelensky has honored Ukraine's gallant role in liberating Europe from Nazi domination in World War II. In a video message, he walks around Kyiv with onlookers, reflecting on the 80th anniversary of the war's end. In light of current events, he noted that evil needed to be fought together. If Russia doesn't switch its ways, it should be denazified and demilitarized, he warned, referencing proposed military parades in Moscow. He also shared footage of past Moscow military parades on May 9, describing them as displays of fear, cynicism, and falsehoods—bolstered by marching killers.
Ukrainian Soldiers, Bark Only in ResponseSeveral Ukrainian units deployed to the front lines have received orders to hold their fire unless forcefully provoked by the Russian enemy. This information came from Ukraine's public broadcaster Suspilne, despite reports of decreasing Russian activity in some areas. Fewer artillery attacks have been noted. Still, Russian drones and artillery continued their aggression in Ukrainian territories.
"Night Wolves" Wag Tails in BrandenburgPro-Russian bikers of the nationalist "Night Wolves" crew have touched down in Brandenburg, Germany. They paid their respects to two Soviet memorial sites, dumping wreaths, with the local police looking on. Previously, they had passed through Dresden. It's a controversial procession some analysts call a propaganda tool. Three years prior, German authorities blocked the entrance of several "Night Wolves" members, citing their support for Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Crimean annexation, as well as extreme nationalism.
Politics
Trump's Peace Bone, Ukraine's Hail, and the Russian Fence
Welcome, Wadephul! Germany's New Foreign Bigwig Trots to Ukraine
The "Triumphal Procession" to Berlin, Putin's "Night Wolves" Shower Wreaths in Brandenburg, and More
Spats and Slips: Ukraine's Media Mavericks Hit Headlines
The world is buzzing with political intrigue. You can keep up with the constant flux by following political updates right here!
- The Ukrainian government has requested a 30-day truce for peace talks, a proposal that gained support from US President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform.
- European foreign ministers are set to deliver financial aid to Ukraine, amounting to a billion euros, as a sign of support for the country during its battles.
- In the midst of the ongoing war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy honored Ukraine's role in World War II, noting the importance of combating evil together.
- Pro-Russian bikers from the "Night Wolves" crew, known for their controversial processions, have paid respects to Soviet memorial sites in Germany, causing controversy among analysts.
- In a bid to address war crimes in Ukraine, a special tribunal is being prepared to prosecute Russia for its invasion, with the aim of holding political and military leaders accountable.
