This week, the world watched in anticipation for Russia’s Victory Day parade after President Volodymyr Zelensky commented that he could not guarantee the safety of those attending. Meanwhile, the European Union moves one step forward to banning Russian gas from the European continent. It is also revealed this week that U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has fallen out of step with the White House.
"(Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin... doesn't want to have a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine, but rather wants to meet on Thursday, in Turkey, to negotiate a possible end to the bloodbath. Ukraine should agree to this, immediately," U.S. President Donald Trump said.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to to Antalya, Turkey, for a NATO foreign ministers’ meeting from May 14–16, where he is expected to address the war in Ukraine and push for stronger Allied defense commitments.
The Kremlin said the leaders held a detailed discussion about the Russian initiative and Erdogan expressed full support, reiterating Turkey’s readiness to provide a venue and assist in organizing the negotiations.
Erdogan told Macron that international cooperation is critical for initiating peace negotiations and the "sensitive implementation" of Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction processes, the Turkish Presidency reported.
The assault began around 2 a.m. on May 11, with Russian forces deploying 108 Shahed-type attack drones and decoy UAVs from multiple directions, Ukraine’s Air Force said.
"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."
President Volodymyr Zelensky records a video address near the Avdiivka city limit sign at the entrance to Avdiivka, Donetsk Oblast, during his visit to Ukrainian military positions in the area on Dec. 29, 2023. (Presidential Office)
President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the positions of Ukraine's 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade in embattled Avdiivka on Dec. 29 as Russia tries to encircle the eastern town just kilometers from Russian-occupied Donetsk.
The brigade's commander briefed Zelensky on the operational situation on the battlefield and the status of defensive actions, the Presidential Office wrote.
"According to the commander, the Russian invaders do not spare people, but our defenders hold their positions and even capture enemy soldiers."
The president discussed with the soldiers their most pressing needs, which included replenising personnel and electronic warfare equipment. "At the same time, the fighters noted that the supply of drones has improved significantly recently," reads the report.
Zelensky also presented soldiers with state awards and thanked them for their service.
"I have the honor to be here today with our team, at your place in Avdiivka, to thank you for your service and reward you. You are strong people. Thanks to you, we have Ukraine, our land, our relatives and loved ones," Zelensky told the soldiers, as cited by the Presidential Office.
"I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and thank you on behalf of all the people of Ukraine for this year that you endured. The whole country survived thanks to you and people like you."
Russia intensified its attacks against Avdiivka, Donetsk Oblast, in early October, reportedly suffering heavy losses in an attempt to encircle the front-line town.
Ukrainian forces have continued to defend the now-destroyed Avdiivka and largely prevented Russia from securing significant gains.
Avdiivka still remains a primary direction of Russian attacks in the area, but Russian forces likely want to avoid actually entering the city and engaging in the type of brutal street combat that was seen in the battle for Bakhmut, according to the Ukrainian military.
Francis Farrell
