Ukraine War Live Updates: Turkey Steps In to Facilitate Peace Talks
Turkish President Erdogan to facilitate talks between Ukraine and Russia, aiming for diplomatic resolution.
Here's the latest news on the Ukraine conflict:
13:58 BREAKING: Erdogan Ready to Mediate Peace Talks Between Ukraine and Russia
Turkey is preparing to step in as a mediator for direct peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, following conversations with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron. Turkey is eager to contribute in any way possible to bring about a sustainable ceasefire and lasting peace, including by facilitating negotiations.
13:25 Warning: Putin's Tactics Remain Suspect
In response to a joint appeal by Ukraine and the Coalition of the Willing for a 30-day ceasefire, Putin proposed direct talks with Kyiv. However, security expert Frank Umbach cautions that this might simply be another strategic move from the Kremlin.
13:01 Merz Insists on Ceasefire Before Negotiations
In a strong stand, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has once again urged Putin to agree to a ceasefire starting Monday. He stressed that, if Russia signals a willingness to talk, that's a positive sign, but it's far from being enough. The Russians must first commit to a ceasefire that enables negotiations, and weapons must be silenced before talks can commence.
12:28 Sumy Under Heavy Attack: 100+ Russian Drone Strikes
The Sumy region in eastern Ukraine has suffered over 100 guided bomb, multiple rocket launcher, and drone attacks in the past 24 hours, according to regional reports. 31 inhabited areas in 14 districts have been hit.
12:00 Russia Claims Ukraine Violated Ceasefire Over 14,000 Times
Russia has accused Ukraine of violating the 3-day ceasefire declared by Putin over 14,000 times. The Russian Defense Ministry also alleges that Ukrainian troops attempted to advance in southern Russia five times. Both sides have trade accusations about the ceasefire's implementation, as it was intended to last from May 8 to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany, but fighting has persisted on front lines, reports suggest.
11:45 Zelenskyy Wants Negotiations—With a Ceasefire
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed his readiness for negotiations with Russia, but stipulates a 30-day ceasefire starting Monday. "Let's stop murdering each other," he wrote on social media. "We expect Russia to agree to a full, consistent, and reliable ceasefire, starting tomorrow, May 12. If so, we're ready for a meeting."
11:27 Macron Also Demands Ceasefire Before Negotiations
French President Emmanuel Macron has echoed Zelenskyy's stand, insisting that any negotiations can only take place once the guns fall silent. "There can be no negotiations as long as the battle rages and civilians are being bombed," Macron wrote on the X platform.
11:14 CDU Expert: Putin Is Only Stalling
CDU foreign policy specialist Roderich Kiesewetter views Putin's proposal for direct talks as a stalling tactic. The defining moment for Putin, according to Kiesewetter, will be whether he accepts the demand for a 30-day ceasefire. "If so, what should the topic of the talks be? Recovery of abducted children? Handling of the people in the territories occupied by Russia?" he questions. Kiesewetter highlights the resumption of devastating attacks on Kyiv and Pokrovsk by Russian forces.
10:33 Political Scientist: Putin Is Not Just Stalling Trump
Political scientist Klemens Fischer suggests that the recent diplomatic initiatives, such as the "G3 plus" ceasefire proposal, are having an effect on Moscow, compelling Putin to react. This could provide Ukrainian President Selenskyj with an opportunity he hasn't had in years.
10:19 Trump: "A Big Week Ahead"
US President Donald Trump expresses optimism about an end to the Ukraine conflict. "We might see an end to the fighting soon," he expressed on his Truth Social platform. Regarding Putin's proposal for direct talks in Istanbul starting next Thursday, Trump tweeted, "A big week lies ahead!" The degree of support from Western allies for Putin's initiative remains mixed, as many security experts view it as a diversionary tactic.
09:58 Ukraine Reports 1310 Russian Losses Since Yesterday
The Ukrainian military has reported 1310 losses on the Russian side in the past 24 hours. Since the full-scale invasion, the Russian army has suffered 965,890 wounded or killed, according to Ukrainian estimates.
09:27 Macron: Putin's Talk Proposal Not Adequate
French President Emmanuel Macron asserts that Putin's proposal for direct negotiations is "inadequate." Macron states that any negotiations must be preceded by an unconditional ceasefire, following a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer upon his return from a visit to Kyiv. Macron implied that Putin's proposal is aimed at buying time, while acknowledging that Putin has made some movements, which can be interpreted as a diversionary tactic.
08:54 Ukrainian Soldier, Nicolai, Fights Back with One Leg
Every day, soldiers die in Ukraine fighting against the Russian invasion. However, the dire personnel shortage forces some survivors who have lost limbs to return to the front lines. Nicolai, a soldier who lost a leg, was met by ntv reporter Kavita Sharma.
08:38 Ukraine Reports 161 Engagements Since Yesterday
Since yesterday, there have been 161 engagements at the front, with 60 in the Pokrovsk sector, according to the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The Russians have launched 63 air strikes on Ukrainian positions and populated areas, and dropped 96 guided bombs. In addition, they have conducted over 4,000 shellings, including 85 with multiple rocket launchers, and employed 2,470 kamikaze drones.
08:21 Russia Continues Drone Attacks on Ukraine After Ceasefire
Russia has resumed drone attacks on Ukraine, according to reports from Kyiv. Capital cities and several regions, including Odessa, Kharkiv, and Dnipro, have reported increased air alerts and intensified drone attacks overnight and in the morning. No initial reports of damage have been made. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko urges residents to seek shelter in bunkers.
Follow all previous developments here.
Source: ntv.de, gut/mau/dpa/rts/AFP
Ukraine crisis, Conflict in Ukraine, Russia, Ukraine war, Volodymyr Zelensky, Vladimir Putin, Politics, Military operations, NATO, Cyberwar, Attack on Ukraine
Turkey's role as a peace mediator could bring new dynamics and diplomatic implications, potentially impacting ceasefire probabilities and conflict resolution. However, skepticism and challenges remain due to the complex geopolitical landscape and Russia's intentions.
- The employment of Turkey as a peace mediator in the Ukraine-Russia conflict could introduce new dynamics, potentially influencing the chances of a ceasefire and resolution.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin's tactics in the war-and-conflicts remain under suspicion, as evidenced by the ongoing skepticism surrounding his proposed direct talks with Kyiv.
- In the Ukraine crisis, Western allies such as France and the Coalition of the Willing have emphasized the need for a ceasefire to enable negotiations before any discussions with Russia.
- Political experts have suggested that the recent diplomatic initiatives, such as the "G3 plus" ceasefire proposal, have sparked a reaction in Moscow, potentially providing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with a long-awaited opportunity.
