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.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that further concessions from Ukraine during negotiations would be unreasonable if Russia continues to attack civilian targets.
U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg, will travel to Istanbul for possible peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, Reuters reported on May 13, citing three undisclosed sources.
The aftermath of a purported Ukrainian attack against Belgorod on May 11, 2024. (Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov/Telegram)
A large-scale Ukrainian attack hit Belgorod and the surrounding region on the evening of May 11, inflicting damage and casualties, claimed the regional governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov.
Ukraine does not usually comment on reported attacks against Belgorod. The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claims made by Russian officials.
Gladkov reported a missile attack alert in the oblast at around 8:15 p.m. local time. Russian Telegram channels published footage of burning cars and smoke rising over Belgorod soon after.
According to Gladkov, a woman was killed in the attack, and 29 people, including a child, were injured and hospitalized.
Several apartment buildings, commercial enterprises, cars, and medical and educational facilities were allegedly damaged.
Damage was also reported in the nearby village of Dubovoye, Gladkov said on his Telegram channel.
The governor did not specify whether the damage and casualties resulted from direct hits or falling fragments of downed projectiles.
Belgorod Oblast borders Ukraine's Sumy, Kharkiv, and Luhansk oblasts. Claims of rocket or drone attacks against the region have become a common occurrence in recent months.
Russia reportedly often uses Belgorod Oblast as a launching ground for cross-border missile strikes against Ukraine.
Nate Ostiller
