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6:56 PM

Azovstal

‘No one saw surrender as an option’ – Mariupol defender on historic Azovstal fight and brutal Russian captivity

Warning: This article contains descriptions of graphic scenes. A bullet fired by a Russian sniper hit Azov Brigade member Artem Dubyna in the head and passed through his neck. "He's dead," crackled the message over the radio to his comrades. But Dubyna's heart was still beating. Evacuating his unconscious body

6:45 PM

Kyiv to receive 400,000 more shells from Czech initiative, Ukraine's PM says.

The country's opposition party, ANO, has threatened to suspend the munitions initiative if it wins parliamentary elections in October 2025.

6:16 PM

Russia sends 20,000 recently naturalized citizens to fight in Ukraine, top official says.

"Already 20,000 'young' citizens of Russia, who for some reason do not like living in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, are on the front lines," Russian Investigative Committee Head Alexander Bastrykin said.

6:11 PM

Zelensky proposes free trade agreement to Trump, Kyiv says.

Ukraine and the U.S. launched initial talks on a free trade zone back in 2021.

4:53 PM

Russia releases Green Admire tanker seized after leaving Estonian port.

The detention followed recent moves by Estonia and its neighbors to clamp down on Russia's so-called "shadow fleet," which is used to bypass Western oil sanctions.

4:43 PM

Trump administration considers deporting nearly 200,000 Ukrainians using foreign aid funds, WP reports.

During Joe Biden's presidency, Ukrainians and Haitians were granted temporary protection, allowing them to stay in the U.S. if they could not return to their home country.

Norway's Crown Prince Haakon arrives in Ukraine in historic visit, meets Zelensky

2:44 PM

(Updated: May 20, 2025 3:54 pm)

Norway's Crown Prince Haakon arrives in Ukraine in historic visit, meets Zelensky.

Crown Prince Haakon of Norway arrived in Ukraine on May 20, marking the first visit by a member of the Norwegian royal family during Russia's invasion.

3:28 PM

Zelensky had to remind Trump peace talks already underway during call with EU leaders, Axios reports.

Donald Trump told the leaders that Vladimir Putin agreed to start direct negotiations on a ceasefire immediately, which led to a few seconds of "puzzled silence," Axios reported.

2:57 PM

Opinion

Polish FM: Europe’s existential choice

POZNAN — For years, I have taken every opportunity to urge the European Union and its member states to invest more in defense. When Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine, I repeatedly asked (as a member of the European Parliament) what further proof we would need to

2:20 PM

'Russia is trying to buy time to continue the war' — Zelensky says after Putin-Trump call.

"Clear and realistic proposals must be on the table. Ukraine is ready for any effective negotiation format. And if Russia continues to put forward unrealistic conditions and undermine possible results, there must be harsh consequences," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

1:40 PM

UK unveils new Russia sanctions, accuses Moscow of delaying peace efforts.

The measures, announced in coordination with the EU's 17th sanctions package, target "entities supporting Russia’s military machine, energy exports and information war, as well as financial institutions" supporting the Russian war effort.

1:11 PM

'Status quo hasn't changed' — Ukraine reacts to Putin-Trump call.

Putin and Trump held a phone call on May 19, during which the Russian leader refused to agree to a ceasefire and instead declared readiness to negotiate a "memorandum regarding a potential future peace treaty."

12:42 PM

EU approves 17th package of Russia sanctions, targets shadow fleet.

"New measures also address hybrid threats and human rights. More sanctions on Russia are in the works," Kaja Kallas said on X.

12:24 PM

Hungary's parliament passes bill on ICC withdrawal.

The government-proposed bill, supported by 134 lawmakers, would see Hungary exit the international body that it co-founded in 2002. The Hague-based court is tasked with prosecuting international crimes of genocide, war crimes, or crimes against humanity.

'It's our land' — Zelensky responds to Putin's call with Trump

9:48 PM

(Updated: May 20, 2025 11:52 am)

Peace Talks

'It's our land' — Zelensky responds to Putin's call with Trump.

A source in the President's Office told the Kyiv Independent that Trump and Zelensky spoke twice on May 19 — once before the scheduled call with Putin and again after it.

11:37 AM

EU to adopt 17th sanctions package against Russia on May 20; 18th package underway.

EU ambassadors on May 14 agreed on the bloc's 17th package of sanctions against Russia, primarily targeting its shadow fleet of oil tankers.

10:58 AM

Ukraine's French-trained brigade faces fresh misconduct allegations; Ground Forces commander launches probe.

Ukrainska Pravda published an investigation into a possible involvement of the brigade's command in handing out falsified bonus payments and demanding bribes.

As Russia’s fiber optic drones flood the battlefield, Ukraine is racing to catch up

10:29 AM

War analysis

As Russia’s fiber optic drones flood the battlefield, Ukraine is racing to catch up

Editor’s Note: In accordance with the security protocols of the Ukrainian military, soldiers featured in this story are identified by first names and callsigns only. Every year, as the way war is fought constantly evolves on the battlefields of Ukraine, the visuals of the fighting on the ground that

9:38 AM

Russian attacks kill 1, injure 13 in Ukraine over past day.

Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 93 of the 108 Shahed-type attack drones and decoy drones launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force said. Thirty-five of them were shot down, while 58 were neutralized by electronic warfare systems, according to the statement.

9:06 AM

Ukraine could launch war crime probe against Kim Jong Un over backing Russia, former ICC chief says.

There are sufficient legal grounds for Ukraine to initiate a case against North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un for assisting Russia in the war, according to Song Sang-hyun, former president of the ICC.

8:16 AM

General Staff: Russia has lost 975,800 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022.

The number includes 1,030 casualties Russian forces suffered just over the past day.

7:50 AM

Nearly 56,000 residents evacuated from Sumy Oblast, additional efforts ongoing, governor says.

Currently, over 86,000 residents are subject to mandatory evacuation orders in the region, with approximately 65% of the population having already evacuated, Sumy Oblast Governor Oleh Hryhorov told Suspilne Sumy.

7:11 AM

Majority of Americans believe Putin stalling peace talks, back sanctions if Russia refuses to negotiate, poll shows.

Over 60% of Americans believe Russian President Vladimir Putin is "stalling" peace talks involving the United States, and back weaponry shipments to Ukraine and additional sanctions if Russia refuses to negotiate a peace deal, according to a Harvard CAPS Harris poll released on May 19.

6:07 AM

'Enabling the smuggling of migrants' —Lithuania files ICJ proceedings against Belarus amid border security concerns.

Lithuania instituted legal proceedings against Belarus in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on May 19, alleging that Minsk is "facilitating, supporting, and enabling the smuggling of migrants" into Lithuania.

Trump threatens to 'back away' from Ukraine-Russia peace talks if progress is not made

1:10 AM

(Updated: May 20, 2025 3:03 am)

Trump threatens to 'back away' from Ukraine-Russia peace talks if progress is not made.

"I tell you, big egos involved, but I think something's going to happen. And if it doesn't, I just back away, and they're going to have to keep going," U.S. President Donald Trump said.

'Strong EU sanctions' coming soon, US expected to sanction Russian banks, energy, Zelensky says

10:26 PM

(Updated: May 20, 2025 2:47 am)

'Strong EU sanctions' coming soon, US expected to sanction Russian banks, energy, Zelensky says.

Ukraine knows the date that the EU package will go into effect, though the president did not share that detail in his remarks. Zelensky also said he expects the U.S. to impose sanctions 'when they see fit.'

Trump says he will not impose new sanctions on Russia

12:52 AM

(Updated: May 20, 2025 2:39 am)

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.

Trump says he trusts Putin, won't sanction Russia, prepared to 'back away' from Ukraine peace talks

12:50 AM

(Updated: May 20, 2025 2:06 am)

Trump says he trusts Putin, won't sanction Russia, prepared to 'back away' from Ukraine peace talks.

U.S. President Donald Trump, in separate statements, told reporters on May 19 that he trusts Russian President Vladimir Putin, will not sanction Russia, but will abandon Ukraine peace efforts if progress is not made.

1:35 AM

Romania

Romania’s new president faces daunting challenges after surprise victory over far-right upstart

There was a wave of euphoria and relief across Europe following the election of pro-European liberal Nicusor Dan as Romania’s new president. “For Ukraine — as a neighbour and friend — it is important to have Romania as a reliable partner. And we are confident we will,” said President Volodymyr Zelensky

Ukraine war latest: Putin refuses ceasefire after Trump call; Zelensky rejects Russia's demand to withdraw troops from 4 regions

11:46 PM

War update

Ukraine war latest: Putin refuses ceasefire after Trump call; Zelensky rejects Russia's demand to withdraw troops from 4 regions.

Key developments on May 19: * After call with Trump, Putin still refuses full ceasefire, again cites Russia's 'root causes' of war in Ukraine * Zelensky dismisses Putin's demand to withdraw troops from 4 Ukrainian regions * Commander of Ukraine's 59th Brigade replaced, media reports * Ukrainian drones destroy Russian radar, supply depots on

11:24 PM

EU to push G7 to lower Russian oil price cap, commissioner says.

EU officials told Reuters they would propose bringing the cap down from $60 to $50 per barrel, as Brussels and its allies seek to further reduce the Kremlin's revenue from fossil fuel exports.

10:51 PM

Trump seeks direct peace talks between Ukraine, Russia, Zelensky says.

"For Trump, the most important thing is direct talks between Ukraine and Russia," President Volodymyr Zelensky said, adding that Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Russian President Vladimir Putin's adviser, Vladimir Medinsky, held a call on May 19 and discussed a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange.

News Feed

10:32 PM

UK sanctions Russian officials and lab over chemical weapons use in Ukraine.

According to the updated sanctions list published on the U.K. government's official website, the new measures target Russia's Scientific Research Institute of Applied Chemistry, as well as Lieutenant General Alexei Rtishchev, head of Russia's Radiological, Chemical and Biological Defense Troops, and his deputy, Andrei Marchenko.

10:27 PM

War update

Ukraine war latest: Russian airports cancel nearly 300 flights amid drone attacks on Russia

8:59 PM

EBRD to unlock $1 billion in credit for Ukraine's key sectors, considers mineral projects.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development will enable Ukrainian banks to provide up to 900 million euros ($1.05 billion) in new loans by sharing credit risks.

8:23 PM

Russian weapons contain growing number of Chinese components, Zelensky's adviser says.

Russia’s growing ability to sustain weapons production despite Western sanctions is being driven by a flow of Chinese components and materials, Vladyslav Vlasiuk, the Ukrainian president’s commissioner for sanctions, told journalists on July 7.

7:45 PM

Minerals

Exclusive: Ukraine pitches deepwater gas, oil refinery projects to US under landmark minerals deal

7:43 PM

Opinion

War has changed: Ukraine’s tech pioneers are leading the fight West can’t afford to ignore

6:00 PM

(Updated: July 7, 2025 7:29 pm)

Russian-Chinese relations

Russia striking NATO while China invades Taiwan 'plausible' scenario, experts say

6:54 PM

Interview

‘Neither side wasted time' — Ukraine's economy minister on minerals deal negotiations with Trump’s ‘business-oriented’ administration

6:44 PM

Russia strikes conscription offices in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine says.

Three people were reported injured in Kharkiv, while one soldier was wounded in Zaporizhzhia.

5:49 PM

5 suspects charged over deadly explosion in Ukraine's Zhytomyr Oblast.

According to prosecutors, one of the company directors had established illegal production of explosive materials and involved unqualified personnel without the necessary training or certification.

12:17 PM

(Updated: July 7, 2025 5:42 pm)

Ukraine confirms drone strike on Russian chemical plant near Moscow.

The Krasnozavodsk Chemical Plant is one of the city's biggest employers and an important part of Russia's defense-industrial complex.

5:23 PM

Russian airlines face $254 million losses from just 2 days of Ukrainian drone strikes, Kremlin media reports.

Since the start of mass disruptions on July 5, a total of 485 flights were canceled, 88 were diverted to alternate airports, and another 1,900 were delayed across major hubs, according to Russia's aviation agency Rosaviatsiya.

5:12 PM

EXCLUSIVE: Ukraine economy minister breaks down US minerals deal.

The Kyiv Independent's business editor Liliane Bivings sits down with Ukraine's Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko to discuss the U.S.-Ukraine "minerals deal" and address the myths surrounding it.

4:10 PM

(Updated: July 7, 2025 4:45 pm)

Russian transport minister fired by Putin reportedly shoots himself dead.

According to Russian media, ex-Transport Minister Roman Starovoit's body was found near Moscow. Preliminary findings suggest that the suicide may be linked to a possible criminal case.

3:01 PM

Ukrainian drone strike hits major oil refinery in Russia's Krasnodar Krai, HUR source claims.

Located roughly 500 kilometers (311 miles) from Ukrainian-controlled territory, the refinery is among the largest in southern Russia, producing over 6 million tons of fuel annually.

2:38 PM

HUR publishes Russian military order, claims proof of Moscow increasing military footprint in Armenia.

HUR first made the claim on July 5, saying Russia was increasing its forces at the Gyumri base to exert greater influence in the South Caucasus and "destabilize the global security situation."

2:19 PM

(Updated: July 7, 2025 1:43 pm)

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