US Ambassador to Russia Tracy leaving post, embassy says
The U.S. Embassy said that Ambassador Lynne Tracy is "concluding her mission at the U.S. Embassy in Russia," without providing further details.
Diplomacy
Zelensky holds first meeting with Romania's new president Dan
President Volodymyr Zelensky hosted a trilateral meeting with Moldovan President Maia Sandu and newly elected Romanian President Nicusor Dan.
US-Russia talks to be held in Moscow 'very soon,' Russian ambassador claims
"I can confirm that the next round of negotiations between the delegations will take place very soon in Moscow," Russian Ambassador to the United States Alexander Darchiev said.
Why did Russia invade Ukraine? Debunking Putin’s ‘root causes' claims
As Russia continues to bombard cities and towns across Ukraine, Russian officials have hardened their position against a ceasefire, continuing to repeat the obscure demand that the war’s "root causes" be addressed before agreeing to any truce. For months, the phrase "root causes" has become a go-to talking point
Russia 'categorically' rejected unconditional ceasefire in peace talks, Ukrainian official says
"I do not think that (the Russian negotiating team's) directives had a position that allowed for the possibility of reaching an agreement with the Ukrainian side on a ceasefire," Kyslytsia said.
Ukraine brings home 303 POWs in final phase of biggest prisoner swap with Russia
The prisoner exchange took place in three phases carried out over three days, and was agreed on during peace talks held in Turkey on May 16, the first direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in three years.
Zelensky meets Vance for first time since Oval Office showdown, discuss Istanbul peace talks, sanctions on Russia
"During our talks we discussed negotiations in Istanbul to where the Russians sent a low level delegation of non-decision-makers," Zelensky wrote on X.
'It was my duty to step down' — Former US Ambassador to Ukraine confirms resignation over Trump's policy
Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink, who held the role since 2022, accused the Trump administration of prioritizing pressure on Ukraine, the victim of Russia's full-scale invasion, rather than confronting the Kremlin.
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.
Poland closing Russian consulate in Krakow after blaming Moscow for Warsaw mall arson
Previously, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk accused the Russian intelligence services of orchestrating a May 2024 arson attack on the Marywilska shopping centre in Warsaw.
Bessent agrees Putin is a war criminal, but peace talks should continue, he says
When asked if he considers Russian President Vladimir Putin a "war criminal," U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent replied, saying, "Yes."
Zelensky thanks outgoing German Chancellor Scholz for Ukraine support
"We appreciate that Germany plays a pivotal role in supporting Ukraine throughout the years of war. Ukraine is also grateful for your personal commitment," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
Ukraine not responsible for safety of foreign officials traveling to Moscow for May 9 parade, Zelensky says
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky cautioned that Russia could orchestrate provocations, including “arsons, explosions, or other actions,” and then attempt to blame Ukraine.
What to know about the 5 ‘key territories’ at the heart of Ukraine peace talks
As U.S. officials continue to push for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, five Ukrainian territories have emerged as a central focus — and sticking point — in the negotiations. “This peace deal is about these so-called five territories,” U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff said in comments to Fox News
Lithuania summons Russian diplomat over deadly missile strike on Sumy
"Those behind this attack will not escape justice. Responsibility is also shared by everyone working for Kremlin's criminal regime, including Russian diplomats," Lithuania's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Ukraine, Somalia establish diplomatic relations at Antalya forum
"We appreciate Somalia's support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said.
US-Russia talks in Istanbul were 'constructive,' State Department says
The closed-door consultations lasted approximately six hours.
Russia expels 2 Romanian diplomats in response to removal of Russian diplomats
Two Romanian diplomats were ordered to leave Russia on April 9 in response to the expulsion of Russian diplomats from Romania in March.
Diplomacy may be 'only way' to restore occupied territories, Zelensky says
"These are Ukrainian territories ... this is one of the main red lines for us, in any case, this is a temporary occupation of territories," Zelensky said.
Temporary ceasefire or redrawing borders? What ‘territorial concessions’ mean to Ukraine, Russia, and the US
After Ukrainian and U.S. officials met in Saudi Arabia for peace deal talks to end the war with Russia, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed on March 12 that potential "territorial concessions" from Ukraine were part of the discussion. Since U.S. President Donald Trump was inaugurated
Russia expels 2 British diplomats, accuses them of espionage
The British Embassy denied the allegations as "completely baseless," independent outlet Meduza reported, citing the Embassy's spokesperson.
Zelensky names delegation for meeting with US in Saudi Arabia
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced his delegation to represent Ukraine in upcoming talks with the U.S. in Saudi Arabia on March 8.
Discussions with Trump team currently 'most intensive work to date,' Zelensky says
"The agenda is clear – peace as soon as possible, security as reliable as possible. Ukraine is committed to the most constructive approach," Zelensky said on March 7.
Romania expels 2 Russian diplomats in connection to Georgescu's case, media reports
Romania said on March 5 that it had expelled Russian military attache Victor Makovskiy and his deputy, Evgeny Ignatiev, for breaching diplomatic rules of conduct.
Russia formally appoints new ambassador to US
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on March 6 appointing Alexander Darchiev as Russia's new ambassador to Washington.
Washington approves new Russian ambassador to US, Russian Foreign Ministry says
Alexander Darchiev, a veteran diplomat with a half-decade of experience in Washington, previously served as Russia's ambassador to Canada from 2014 to 2021 and later as the director of the North American Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry.
'Initial steps' identified — US comments on Istanbul talks with Russia about embassy operations
"The United States raised concerns regarding access to banking and contracted services as well as the need to ensure stable and sustainable staffing levels at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow," the U.S. State Department said.
Zelensky meets Irish prime minister ahead of Washington visit
President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Ireland for its support of Ukrainians who fled Russia's full-scale invasion.
In talks with Russia, Trump repeats his Afghanistan playbook
Donald Trump is elected U.S. president after criticizing a war abroad and calling for its end. He negotiates a deal with an adversary of the United States under heavy sanctions, cutting an ally out of their own country’s peace talks. The disastrous deal is viewed as a surrender
US, Russian participants held unofficial talks on Ukraine in Switzerland, Reuters reports
The informal meetings were described as "track two meetings," a type of unofficial diplomacy meant to lower tension, three unnamed sources told Reuters.
Ukraine calendar: What will happen this week
Editor's note: This article is an on-site version of KI Insights' public newsletter, The Week Ahead, covering events from June 16-22. Sign up here to start your week with an agenda of Ukraine-related events delivered directly to your inbox every week. In response to reader feedback, The Week Ahead by
State Secretary Rubio holds phone call with Russia's Lavrov
"Both sides expressed a mutual willingness to engage on key international issues, including the situation in Ukraine," the readout from the Russian Foreign Ministry read. "Lavrov and Rubio reaffirmed their readiness to work together to restore a mutually respectful interstate dialogue in line with the tone set by the presidents."
(Updated: )
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