U.S.: "Prepared to seal an agreement no matter the price"
Headline: Ukraine War Live Ticker +++ 16:01 Sharma: "USA pushing for a deal at any cost"
Social Media Share: Click to share updates on the ongoing Ukraine conflict as tensions rise between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia. 🛰️🚀💥🇷🇺🇺🇦
Updates from the frontlines as the Russia-Ukraine conflict intensifies and key players aim to sought a resolution...
Politics Sharma reports from Pawlograd "USA pushing for a deal at any cost" 15:45 Kremlin disagrees with Trump: Ukraine still controls Crimea The Kremlin disagrees with U.S. President Donald Trump's statement that Ukraine lost Crimea years ago. "That statement does not correspond to our understanding of the situation," says Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov in Moscow. Trump had claimed via social media channels that the recovery of the Crimea by Ukraine would not even be discussed. The Ukrainian government has repeatedly refused to cede Crimea as part of any agreement with Moscow.
Politics Kremlin kept in reserve "Trump's peace plan is a surrender agreement" 14:15 Trump: "Vlad, lay off already!" U.S. President Donald Trump calls on Russian President Vladimir Putin to cease attacks near Kyiv. "Vlad, lay off already!" writes Trump on his Truth Social platform. He is unhappy about the increasing number of casualties. "It's unnecessary and really bad timing." Instead, Trump suggests a better agreement for peace. In the largest Russian attack on Kyiv to date, using missiles and drones, at least 12 people have been killed, over 100 injured, according to recent reports.
Politics Multiple explosions leave many dead in Kyiv 13:50 Jaeger: If U.S. withdraws, "Ukraine could be completely absorbed by Russia" The U.S. proposal for a possible ceasefire in Ukraine raises concern over Ukraine's sovereignty and the end of U.S.-Europe relations, according to political expert Thomas Jaeger.
Politics Jaeger sees no assurances If U.S. withdraws, "Ukraine could be completely absorbed by Russia" 12:35 "Now, a disaster is looming: complete capitulation" Within just a few hours, Trump hopes to bring an end to the war in Ukraine. "He should have done this sooner," says political analyst Klemens Fischer. In the Oval Office, the U.S. president now speaks of agreements with Russia and Ukraine. However, there appears to be no real balance in his proposal, according to Fischer.
Politics Fischer on Trump, Putin, and Kyiv "Now, a disaster is looming: complete capitulation" 12:00 Russia allegedly uses North Korean rocket in fatal attack on Kyiv Russian forces reportedly used a North Korean rocket in the deadly attack on Kyiv, according to unverified insider sources. It is said to be a ballistic rocket of type KN-23 (KN-23A), reported by Ukrainian military sources. In the attack, a residential building was hit by a Kremlin missile.
10:50 Russia may still annex more territory The Kremlin continues to escalate its demands. According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Russia is ready for a ceasefire and peace agreement with Ukraine if Kyiv recognizes the full control of Moscow over the four regions partially occupied by Russia. "There are four regions included in our constitution," Peskov explained in an interview with the French news magazine "Le Point". These regions include Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. Peskov's position contradicts rumors of a Russian freeze on the front line in the war against Ukraine without gaining full control of the four regions. Russia had illegally annexed these four Ukrainian regions following full-scale invasion.
10:35 Russia seeks to shed its pariah state image The outcome of peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine remains uncertain. It appears that President Trump is paving the way for economic deals with a political agreement. Journalist Rainer Munz explains the economic interests Russia may pursue.
Politics Ukraine peace talks Munz: Russia seeks to shake off its pariah state image 10:10 US mulls sanctions relief for Nord Stream 2 and other Russian energy facilities According to U.S. media reports, officials in the Trump administration are exploring the possibility of lifting sanctions against the Russian gas pipeline Nord Stream 2 and other Russian energy facilities. US special envoy Steve Witkoff, who is slated to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on April 25, is believed to have advocated for this idea. However, the idea has not gained widespread support within the White House, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has spoken out against it, according to the report. U.S. officials deny the report.
09:40 Reaction to attacks: Zelensky returns to Kyiv early After the overnight Russian missile attack on Kyiv, which killed at least eight, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ended his visit to South Africa early. Zelensky announced via social media that he will return to Ukraine immediately after meeting with the President of South Africa. Zelensky also calls for an immediate stop to the Russian air strikes. "The attacks need to stop immediately and unconditionally," he stated. “For 44 days, Ukraine has agreed to a full ceasefire. Russia has continued to kill our people for 44 days.”
09:15 Moscow criticizes Zelensky for ineptitude The Russian leadership criticizes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for his alleged inability to reach a deal to end the war. His inability to secure an agreement is becoming increasingly apparent, according to Russia's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova. Yesterday, Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump had a heated dispute regarding the Crimean Peninsula. Russia illegally annexed Crimea in 2014 but to no widespread global recognition. The Ukrainian government has consistently stated that its goal is to reclaim all Ukrainian territory, including Crimea.
08:50 UK and EU Commission reportedly working on joint defense pact The UK and EU Commission are reportedly nearing the final stages of negotiations for a joint defense pact, according to sources familiar with the discussions between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in London. The parties are expected to announce the agreement at a summit on May 19.
08:10 Russia reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in defense Russia reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in the case of "aggression" from Western countries, according to security council secretary and former defense minister Sergei Shoigu. The nuclear policy change, reported by the Russian state news agency TASS, refers to alterations in Russia’s nuclear doctrine, which now allow nuclear weapons to be used in conjunction with conventional weapons, in case of attack on Russia or its allies, Belarus.
Politics Ex-Kremlin diplomat dismisses nuclear fears "Putin doesn't need a nuclear doctrine, it's nonsense" 08:00 Trump "wants modern version of Hitler-Stalin pact" with Putin Trump sees himself as a mediator between Ukraine and Russia, with the intention of fulfilling "all of Putin's maximum demands" to reach an agreement, according to a report by ntv journalist Peter Kleim. Trump is said to be pursuing a plan for long-term benefits, including business with Putin and a new world order.
Politics "Perverse" ambitions drive Trump "wants modern version of Hitler-Stalin pact" with Putin 07:45 Russian mercenaries recruited from around the world According to leaked information reported by the Russian investigative portal iStories, mercenaries from at least 48 countries have joined Russian military efforts during the conflict. Over 1,500 foreign nationals were allegedly recruited in Moscow between April 2023 and May 2024. The report suggests that a recruitment center for the army on Jablotchkovaya Street 5 was used. The majority of foreign fighters (603) are said to have come from Nepal. Russian officials have publicly stated in September 2023 that Russia does not need foreign mercenaries, as it has a sufficient domestic fighting force.
07:30 Beneath the rubble, phone calls can still be heard Under the rubble in Kyiv, victims are still believed to be trapped. "Beneath the rubble, phone calls can still be heard - the search continues until we are certain we have found everyone," says Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, according to the Unian news agency. Rescue teams continue the rescue effort, searching for two children unaccounted for after the attack. Russian forces allegedly launched a massive air attack against Ukraine overnight, using drones, missiles, and modern guided missiles of the Kalibr type, according to Ukrainian authorities.
07:05 Zelensky seeks support in South Africa Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrives in South Africa to meet with President Cyril Ramaphosa to discuss bilateral cooperation and efforts to end the Russian war in Ukraine. Zelensky seeks international support for his country's war effort amid growing pressure by U.S. President Donald Trump to recognize Russia's claim to the Ukrainian peninsula. South Africa maintains positive relations with Russia and has remained neutral during the conflict.
06:45 Death toll rises in Kyiv The death toll from a Russian attack on Kyiv overnight has risen again, with 13 confirmed deaths and over 90 injuries reported, according to authorities. Drones, ballistic missiles, and sea-based modern guided missiles of the Kalibr type were used in the attack, according to reports.
Politics Multiple explosions in the cityMany dead after massive Russian air strike on Kyiv06:30 Trump makes new accusations against Zelensky U.S. President Donald Trump has once again accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. By refusing to recognize Russia's annexation of Crimea, he is allegedly prolonging the war, according to Trump's latest social media posts. "If he wanted the Crimea, why didn't they fight for it 11 years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a fight?" Trump writes. Trump argues that his statement is harmful to peace talks with Russia.
06:00 Russian Ambassador to Attend Commemoration in Torgau
The Russian Ambassador, Sergei Nechaev, will participate in a commemoration event in Saxony's Torgau marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. In Torgau, the meeting of American and Soviet soldiers on the Elbe will be commemorated. Ambassador Sergei Nechaev will "accept the invitation from the city of Torgau and attend the planned events," a spokesman for the Russian embassy in Berlin said. Saxony's Minister-President Michael Kretschmer of the CDU will also attend. In contrast, no U.S. representative will be present.
Politics "The Second World War: When Germany Plunged the World into the Abyss"
05:40 German organizations fall under increased Russian espionage activity German organizations with Eastern European ties are becoming increasingly targeted by Russian intelligence activities, according to Philipp Schmädeke, Chairman of the Academic Network Osteuropa (Akno). "Even scientists and their organizations here in Germany are now being targeted by Russian services, which is a new development," Schmädeke said, citing hacking incidents at Akno as evidence. Akno believes that a Russian intelligence agency is behind the cyberattacks.
Politics "Network with 'disposable agents' - Russian Intelligence service suspected in package bomb attacks" 05:20 NATO Secretary-General Rutte visits Washington for talks NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is traveling to the U.S. for a meeting, where he will discuss military topics, including the conflict in Ukraine, with high-level U.S. officials, such as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and President Donald Trump’s National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz, according to NATO. Talks come two months before the NATO summit in The Hague.
04:00 U.S. Treasury Secretary seeks economic agreement with Ukraine as soon as possible U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal and Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko to discuss the possibility of a swift economic agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine, according to a statement from the U.S. Treasury Department.
Early Morning Updates
03:42 Air strikes in Kharkiv The mayor of Kharkiv, Igor Terekhov, reports on Telegram that his city is under attack with explosions heard.
02:42 Air Raid and Explosions Rock Kyiv The head of Kyiv’s military administration reports at least 5 people injured and buildings destroyed in a Russian air strike using missiles and drones in the Ukrainian capital. Fires are reported in several districts.
00:42 Trump hints at possible agreement with Putin US President Donald Trump suggests a possible agreement with Russia in the Ukraine conflict. Russia is reportedly willing to negotiate, says Trump to reporters at the White House. "And I'm convinced we have an agreement with Russia," Trump says, adding that an agreement with Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky could be more challenging. Details have not been announced, and neither Kyiv nor Moscow have offered any statements. Trump's press secretary later accused Zelensky of "moving in the wrong direction."
- The USA's employment policy, as indicated by Sharma, seems to be pushing for a resolution in the Ukraine conflict at any cost.
- Trump's peace plan, according to Fischer, could be viewed as a complete capitulation, contradicting investment in the US-Ukraine alliance.
- The Kremlin employs its politics in the war-and-conflicts of Ukraine, threatening to use nuclear weapons in self-defense if necessary, as stated by Shoigu.
- The UK and EU Commission have an ongoing employment policy discussion regarding the formation of a joint defense pact in war-and-conflicts situations. The agreement is expected to be announced at a summit on May 19.
