Russia seems to be preparing a significant offensive in Ukraine as it is moving troops toward key positions on the front, the Financial Times reported on May 13, citing undisclosed Ukrainian intelligence officials.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said he will meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, but said both leaders are ready to fly to Istanbul if Russian President Vladimir Putin chooses to attend the talks there.
Andriy Yermak, Zelensky's chief of staff, said that the new pontiff had a phone call with Zelensky on Monday, during which the pope expressed willingness to facilitate meetings between global leaders and vowed to support efforts for "a just and lasting peace."
In an interview with French broadcaster TF1 on May 13, Macron discussed new Russia sanctions and stationing French nuclear weapons in other European countries as a deterrent against Russia.
Performing their song "Bird of Pray," Ukrainian band Ziferblat passed the Eurovision semi-finals on May 13, qualifying Ukraine for the grand final on May 17.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that a Russian delegation will be in Istanbul on May 15 for direct peace talks with Ukraine. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Putin’s foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov will likely represent Russia.
The move follows Ukraine's ratification of the minerals agreement, deepening U.S.-Ukraine economic ties and signaling expanded U.S. involvement in Ukraine's long-term recovery.
"Ukraine has initiated a coordinated campaign to vilify Hungary in order to undermine our initiative to hold a poll on (Kyiv's) EU membership," Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said.
Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the von der Leyen Commission, stands in the European Parliament building and speaks. (Photo by Philipp von Ditfurth/picture alliance via Getty Images)
EU chief diplomat Josep Borrell made an unannounced visit to Odesa on Sept. 30, during which he reiterated the EU's support for Ukraine.
"Odesa is a beautiful historic city. It should be in the headlines for its vibrant culture (and) spirit," Borrell wrote on Twitter. "Instead, it marks the news as frequent target of Putin's war."
As Russia's illegal annexation of parts of Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts reaches the one-year mark, Borrell said Ukraine has "every right to defend itself against the Russian aggression and regain full control of its territory."
"The EU stands with Ukraine for as long as it takes," he continued.
Borrell also spoke at the Defense Industry Forum in Kyiv via video address, where he lauded the successes of the forum's work.
He noted the importance of marking the achievements of the European defense industry in its support for Ukraine, but also added that the local Ukrainian industry also had many valuable experiences to share with its European counterparts.
There is a need for increased cooperation between Ukrainian and European defense industries, Borrell said, stressing that the maintenance of strong local military industry will be crucial for Ukraine's ability to ensure its security.
Josep Borrell
