Trump says he will not impose new sanctions on Russia
“Because I think there’s a chance of getting something done, and if you do that, you could also make it much worse," Trump told reporters from the Oval Office on May 19.
Abbey Fenbert
Articles
European leaders to speak with Trump before Putin call, Merz says
French President Emmanuel Macron, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will speak to Trump before he calls Putin on the morning of May 19.
Nicusor Dan wins Romanian presidential election, defeating anti-Ukraine Simion
In an anxiously watched race, Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan won the presidency against the far-right candidate George Simion, who is banned from entering both Ukraine and Moldova due to his extremist views.
Denmark announces nearly $600 million in military aid to Ukraine
The package includes additional artillery and shells via the Czech ammunition initiative as well as equipment for fighter jets and funds for expanded training, the Danish Defense Ministry announced.
Russia detains oil tanker leaving Estonian port
"Today's incident shows that Russia continues to behave unpredictably," Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said. Estonia will redirect port traffic through its own territorial waters.
Trump growing impatient with Russia, Finnish president says
"If you put it together, you could say that Zelensky is patient and President Trump is getting impatient, but in the right direction, which is towards Russia," Finnish President Alexander Stubb said after holding separate talks with both Trump and Zelensky this weekend.
Zelensky names formerly imprisoned Crimean Tatar activist as Ukraine's ambassador to Turkey
Nariman Dzhelial, deputy chair of the Crimean Tatar Mejlis, was released in a prisoner exchange with Russia on June 28, 2024.
Ukrainian actor Maksym Nelipa killed in action
Ukrainian actor and TV presenter Maksym Nelipa was killed in action on May 12, his friends and family reported on May 14. The details of his death have not been disclosed.
Drone attacks in 2025 shut down Russian airports record number of times since start of full-scale war
From January to May 10, 2025, Russian airports suspended operations 217 times — more closures than in 2023 and 2024 combined.
US, Europe urge Zelensky to commit to Istanbul peace talks whether or not Putin shows up, WP reports
European and U.S. officials, including Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, reportedly convinced Zelensky that attending the peace talks would reflect positively on Kyiv, diplomats told the Washington Post.
Air raid alarms sound throughout Ukraine as May 12 deadline passes with no ceasefire
Russia attacked Ukraine with drones and guided bombs during the night, targeting multiple regions after the May 12 deadline for an unconditional ceasefire expired.
Some ReArm Europe funds to be funneled to Ukraine's defense, EU official says
"Only member states can take out loans within the 150 billion euros instrument, but they can use these funds for joint procurement with Ukraine," EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius said.
European officials pledge support for Ukraine, new Russia sanctions at London summit
"We agreed to pursue ambitious measures to reduce Russia's ability to wage war by limiting Kremlin revenues, disrupting the shadow fleet, tightening the Oil Price Cap, and reducing our remaining imports of Russian energy."
Zelensky dismisses ex-deputy defense minister from top military command body
Zelensky on May 12 removed Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk from the Headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, the top command and control body for all branches of Ukraine's defense apparatus.
US to continue working 'with both sides' to end war in Ukraine, Trump says
"Think of the hundreds of thousands of lives that will be saved as this never ending 'bloodbath' hopefully comes to an end... I will continue to work with both sides to make sure that it happens."
Putin's proposed talks 'a first step, but not enough,' Macron says
"An unconditional ceasefire is not preceded by negotiations," French President Emmanuel Macron told reporters on May 11.
'We'll judge Russia by actions, not words' — US State Department spox calls for ceasefire
U.S. State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce called for "concrete proposals from both sides" in order for Washington to "move forward" in peace negotiations.
Witkoff uses Kremlin translators in meetings with Putin, NBC reports
"If they speak to each other in Russian, he doesn't know what they are saying," one Western official told NBC News. Michael McFaul, former U.S. ambassador to Russia, called Witkoff's approach "a very bad idea."
Kyiv, European allies pledge harsher sanctions on Russia's banking, energy sectors if Moscow refuses ceasefire
Tougher sanctions "should be applied to (Russia's) banking and energy sectors, targeting fossil fuels, oil, and the shadow fleet," the leaders of Ukraine, the U.K., France, Germany, and Poland said in a joint statement.
Putin rejects ceasefire, calls on Ukraine to begin direct talks in Istanbul next week as Victory Day 'truce' ends
"Russia is ready for negotiations without any preconditions," Putin claimed in an address marking the end of the three-day Victory Day ceasefire. He invited Ukraine to begin talks in Istanbul on May 15.
US approves transfer of 125 long-range missiles, 100 Patriots from Germany to Ukraine, NYT reports
The American-made weapons cannot be exported, even by a country that owns them, without approval from the U.S. government.
Russia-Ukraine ceasefire agreement possible this weekend, Merz says
"I have great hope that an agreement for a ceasefire in Ukraine will be reached this weekend," German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on May 9, shortly before traveling to Kyiv alongside the leaders of France, Poland, and the U.K.
Western leaders to visit Kyiv in show of support for Ukraine amid Putin's sham 'truce'
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk will arrive in Kyiv early on May 10.
US embassy in Kyiv warns of potential mass attack amid Putin's Victory Day 'truce'
The United States embassy in Kyiv on May 9 issued a warning that Russia could launch "a potentially significant" attack in the coming days, despite Putin's self-declared Victory Day "truce."
UK targets 101 ships in 'largest ever' sanctions against Russia's shadow fleet
The sanctioned oil tankers have transported over $24 billion in cargo since 2024, according to Downing Street. The U.K. has now sanctioned more shadow fleet vessels than any other country.
Ukraine's drones target Moscow second night in a row, Russian official claims, ahead of Victory Day parade
Debris from one of the drones reportedly fell on the Kashirskoye Highway, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said. The reported attack comes just days before Russia's Victory Day parade and three-day "truce."
Economy minister to meet with party leaders before parliament ratifies minerals deal
MPs will be able to ask questions and learn more about the details of the agreement in meetings with Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko May 6-7, MP Serhii Sobolev told the news outlet Suspilne. The ratification vote is scheduled for May 8.
Russian attacks on Sumy Oblast kill 3, injure 7, including teen
Attacks against the border villages of Bilopillia and Vorozhba damaged civilian infrastructure and triggered emergency evacuations, the regional military administration reported.
Trump discusses war in Ukraine with Turkey's Erdogan in phone call
"I look forward to working with President Erdogan on getting the ridiculous, but deadly, war between Russia and Ukraine ended — now!" U.S. President Donald Trump said on May 5.
'It's a lot' — Trump on Putin's proposed 3-day truce
Putin's Victory Day truce "doesn't sound like much, but it's a lot, if you know where we started from," Trump told reporters at the White House on May 5.
Ukraine, US sign minerals deal
Ukraine and the United States on April 30 signed a long-awaited minerals agreement that establishes a joint investment fund for reconstruction in Ukraine.
Zelensky congratulates new Canadian PM
President Zelensky and Mark Carney also discussed "the necessity of continuing strong sanctions" against Russia as well as Kyiv's air defense needs.
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