Russian strike injures medic, patient in Kherson Oblast

2:44 PM

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

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.

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.

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.

10:29 AM

War analysis

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

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.

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.

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.'

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.

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

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.

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.

10:10 PM  (Updated:  May 19, 2025 10:39 pm)

Ukraine eyes peace talks with Russia, US, and EU in neutral venue, possibly Vatican, Zelensky says.

President Volodymyr Zelensky on May 19 said that Kyiv is exploring the possibility of a meeting with delegations from Ukraine, Russia, the United States, and the EU in Turkey, the Vatican, or Switzerland.