#ukrainerussia — Public Fediverse posts

https://www.europesays.com/uk/953416/ EU Imposes Sanctions on 16 People Linked to Russia’s Abductions of Ukrainian Children #EU #Genocide&CrimesAgainstHumanity #homepage_regional_europe #PaywallFree #PostToBuffer #Russia #Sanctions #Ukraine #UkraineRussia

https://www.cyclingeu.com/878336/ukrainian-drones-left-russian-units-with-nothing-not-even-time-to-react-combat-footage/ Ukrainian Drones Left Russian Units With Nothing — Not Even Time to React | Combat Footage #Bicycling #BicyclingUkraine #Biking #BorderGuard #CombatFootage #Cycling #Donetsk #DroneStrike #DroneWarfare #EasternFront #FpvDrone #FpvStrike #frontline #Kherson #Lyman #MagyarBirds #MilitaryFootage #RiverCrossing #russia #RussiaUkraineWar #SBUAlpha #Signum #ukraine #UkraineMilitary #UkraineRussia #UkraineWar #UkrainianArmy #War2026 #WarFootage

https://www.europesays.com/videos/10629/ PUTINS KRIEG: “Das Ganze wird hier in der Ukraine gefeiert!” Das ist ein Desaster für die Russen! #2026 #aktuell #desaster #fernsehen #ganze #krieg #krise #n24 #nachrichten #NachrichtenAktuell #news #Putin #Putins #rusalanbd #russen #RussiaNews #russland #topnews #tv #Ukraine #UkraineNews #UkraineRussia #video #welt #WELTNews

https://www.europesays.com/videos/6241/ Dramatic moment Ukraine drops US ‘smart bombs’ on Russian war hub #bomb #BreakingNews #BreakingNewsLive #CurrentEvents #DailyNews #DonaldTrump #DroneStrike #GlobalEvents #InternationalNews #LatestNews #news #NewsLive #NewsToday #NewsTodayUK #politics #Putin #RussiaUkraineWar #TheSun #TheSunNews #TheSunNewspaper #UkraineAndRussiaWar #UkraineNews #UkraineNewsToday #UkraineRussia #UkraineUpdate #UkraineWar #UkraineWarFootage2026 #VladimirPutin #WorldNews

https://www.cyclingeu.com/858822/ukrainian-fpv-nemesis-detected-a-truck-full-of-russian-troops-then-this-happened/ Ukrainian FPV Nemesis Detected a Truck Full of Russian Troops – Then THIS Happened… #Bicycling #BicyclingUkraine #Biking #Cycling #Military #MilitaryDrones #MilitaryForce #russia #RussiaUkraine #RussiaUkraineWar #RussiaVsUkraine #ukraine #UkraineDrone #UkraineFpvDrone #UkraineRussia #UkraineRussiaWar #UkraineVsRussia #UkraineWar #UkraineWarNews #UkraineWarNewsUpdateToday #WarInUkraine

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/12/tuesday-december-23-2025/

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/12/tuesday-december-23-2025/

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/12/tuesday-december-23-2025/

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/12/tuesday-december-23-2025/

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/12/tuesday-december-23-2025/

Moldovan Foreign Minister Interview on Russia, Ukraine, Trump, and Transnistria https://www.byteseu.com/1621841/ #DonaldTrump #EasternEurope #EnergyPolicy #eu #FpInsider #Moldova #Russia #RussiaWar #Ukraine #UkraineRussia #War

Moldovan Foreign Minister Interview on Russia, Ukraine, Trump, and Transnistria

Moldova, which is among Europe’s poorest nations, has battled through years of high-level corruption, oligarchic influence over politics,…
#Moldova #MD #Europe #Europa #EU #DonaldTrump #EasternEurope #energypolicy #fpinsider #Russia #russiawar #Ukraine #ukrainerussia #war
https://www.europesays.com/2629544/

https://www.cyclingeu.com/796487/ukrainian-bicycle-bomb-drone-strike-russias-2-7b-moscow-shipyard-russian-ukraine-war/ Ukrainian Bicycle Bomb & Drone STRIKE Russia’s $2.7B Moscow Shipyard | Russian Ukraine War #AirForce #Bicycling #BicyclingUkraine #Biking #Cycling #defence #Forces #MilitaryHorizon #MilitaryNews #RussiaDroneAttack #RussiaUkraineWar #RussiaVsUkraine #RussiaVsUkraineWar #RussiaWar #RussianUkraineWar #RussianWar #soldiers #tanks #troops #ukraine #UkraineDroneAttack #UkraineRussia #UkraineRussiaNews #UkraineRussiaWar #UkraineVsRussia #UkraineWarNews #UkraineWarNewsUpdateToday

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/11/wednesday-november-26-2025/

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/11/wednesday-november-26-2025/

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/11/wednesday-november-26-2025/

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/11/wednesday-november-26-2025/

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/11/wednesday-november-26-2025/

Saturday, September 13, 2025

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/09/saturday-september-13-2025/

Saturday, September 13, 2025

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/09/saturday-september-13-2025/

Saturday, September 13, 2025

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/09/saturday-september-13-2025/

Saturday, September 13, 2025

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/09/saturday-september-13-2025/

Saturday, September 13, 2025

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/09/saturday-september-13-2025/

Friday, July 25, 2025

Over 23,000 civilians, 113 children trapped in active combat zones in Donetsk Oblast — Russian glide bombs strike Kharkiv residential high-rise building, injuring at least 41 — Marjorie Taylor Greene is spreading lies about Ukraine’s protests. Russia is taking note — Georgian-Ukrainian music festival ICKPA returns to Kyiv amid shared resistance to Russian imperialism … and more

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/07/friday-july-25-2025/

Friday, July 25, 2025

Over 23,000 civilians, 113 children trapped in active combat zones in Donetsk Oblast — Russian glide bombs strike Kharkiv residential high-rise building, injuring at least 41 — Marjorie Taylor Greene is spreading lies about Ukraine’s protests. Russia is taking note — Georgian-Ukrainian music festival ICKPA returns to Kyiv amid shared resistance to Russian imperialism … and more

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/07/friday-july-25-2025/

Friday, July 25, 2025

Over 23,000 civilians, 113 children trapped in active combat zones in Donetsk Oblast — Russian glide bombs strike Kharkiv residential high-rise building, injuring at least 41 — Marjorie Taylor Greene is spreading lies about Ukraine’s protests. Russia is taking note — Georgian-Ukrainian music festival ICKPA returns to Kyiv amid shared resistance to Russian imperialism … and more

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/07/friday-july-25-2025/

Friday, July 25, 2025

Over 23,000 civilians, 113 children trapped in active combat zones in Donetsk Oblast — Russian glide bombs strike Kharkiv residential high-rise building, injuring at least 41 — Marjorie Taylor Greene is spreading lies about Ukraine’s protests. Russia is taking note — Georgian-Ukrainian music festival ICKPA returns to Kyiv amid shared resistance to Russian imperialism … and more

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/07/friday-july-25-2025/

Friday, July 25, 2025

Over 23,000 civilians, 113 children trapped in active combat zones in Donetsk Oblast — Russian glide bombs strike Kharkiv residential high-rise building, injuring at least 41 — Marjorie Taylor Greene is spreading lies about Ukraine’s protests. Russia is taking note — Georgian-Ukrainian music festival ICKPA returns to Kyiv amid shared resistance to Russian imperialism … and more

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/07/friday-july-25-2025/

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

The Russians have no conscience: Ukraine hit by yet another mass drone, missile attack, 1 killed, 9 injured in Kyiv — Russia’s ‘largest and most secret’ drone factory showcased in Kremlin-media propaganda video — US, Germany agree to deliver 5 Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine — UK to pay for EU defense fund access amidst growing Russia threat … and more

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/07/tuesday-july-22-2025/

Meet Vasyl Malyuk: The Tough Strategist Behind Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb

#UkraineWar
#VasylMalyuk
#OperationSpiderweb
#DroneWarfare
#UkraineRussia
https://eng.harbouchanews.com/2025/06/meet-vasyl-malyuk-tough-strategist.html

Monday, June 2, 2025

Russian soldiers surrendered because ‘abuse in units is worse than captivity’ — As Trump fails to sanction Moscow, few expect breakthrough during upcoming Russia-Ukraine talks — Ukraine in photos; May 2025 — [vlog/video] Germany steps up aid after Russia’s unprecedented attacks … and more

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/06/monday-june-2-2025/

Monday, June 2, 2025

Russian soldiers surrendered because ‘abuse in units is worse than captivity’ — As Trump fails to sanction Moscow, few expect breakthrough during upcoming Russia-Ukraine talks — Ukraine in photos; May 2025 — [vlog/video] Germany steps up aid after Russia’s unprecedented attacks … and more

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/06/monday-june-2-2025/

Monday, June 2, 2025

Russian soldiers surrendered because ‘abuse in units is worse than captivity’ — As Trump fails to sanction Moscow, few expect breakthrough during upcoming Russia-Ukraine talks — Ukraine in photos; May 2025 — [vlog/video] Germany steps up aid after Russia’s unprecedented attacks … and more

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/06/monday-june-2-2025/

Monday, June 2, 2025

Russian soldiers surrendered because ‘abuse in units is worse than captivity’ — As Trump fails to sanction Moscow, few expect breakthrough during upcoming Russia-Ukraine talks — Ukraine in photos; May 2025 — [vlog/video] Germany steps up aid after Russia’s unprecedented attacks … and more

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/06/monday-june-2-2025/

Merz Says ‘Prepare For Longer War’ As Germany Steps Forward As Key Backer Of Ukraine: https://newscats.org/merz-says-prepare-for-longer-war-as-germany-steps-forward-as-key-backer-of-ukraine

#Russia-UkraineWar, #GermanySupportsUkraine, #Merz, #UkraineRussia, #NATO, #Geopolitics, #EuropeanSecurity, #StrikeBack, #WesternWeapons, #NoLimits, #RedLinesCrossed, #UkraineDefense, #EscalationRisk

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Thousands protest in Hungary against Russia-style bill targeting media, NGOs — Russia declares Amnesty International an ‘undesirable organization’ — Aestheticized aggression, why Gosha Rubchinskiy’s ‘Victory Day’ photo book is Russian propaganda — Ukrainian drones destroy Russian radar, supply depots on Black Sea gas platforms … and more

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/05/tuesday-may-20-2025/

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Thousands protest in Hungary against Russia-style bill targeting media, NGOs — Russia declares Amnesty International an ‘undesirable organization’ — Aestheticized aggression, why Gosha Rubchinskiy’s ‘Victory Day’ photo book is Russian propaganda — Ukrainian drones destroy Russian radar, supply depots on Black Sea gas platforms … and more

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/05/tuesday-may-20-2025/

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Thousands protest in Hungary against Russia-style bill targeting media, NGOs — Russia declares Amnesty International an ‘undesirable organization’ — Aestheticized aggression, why Gosha Rubchinskiy’s ‘Victory Day’ photo book is Russian propaganda — Ukrainian drones destroy Russian radar, supply depots on Black Sea gas platforms … and more

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/05/tuesday-may-20-2025/

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Thousands protest in Hungary against Russia-style bill targeting media, NGOs — Russia declares Amnesty International an ‘undesirable organization’ — Aestheticized aggression, why Gosha Rubchinskiy’s ‘Victory Day’ photo book is Russian propaganda — Ukrainian drones destroy Russian radar, supply depots on Black Sea gas platforms … and more

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/05/tuesday-may-20-2025/

Global Headlines Breakdown: Gaza Crisis, South Asia Talks & Crime Fight | May 19, 2025 #GlobalNews, #GazaConflict, #IndiaPakistanTalks, #CrimeUpdate, #UkraineRussia, #PortugalPolitics, #USPolitics, #InternationalRelations, #BreakingNews, #Greenground Stay informed with https://t.co/B1epWMHbww on https://twitter.com/AcerboLivio/status/1924346730239185157

Global Headlines Breakdown: Gaza Crisis, South Asia Talks & Crime Fight | May 19, 2025 #GlobalNews, #GazaConflict, #IndiaPakistanTalks, #CrimeUpdate, #UkraineRussia, #PortugalPolitics, #USPolitics, #InternationalRelations, #BreakingNews, #Greenground Stay informed with https://t.co/B1epWMHbww on https://twitter.com/AcerboLivio/status/1924346730239185157

Global Headlines Breakdown: Gaza Crisis, South Asia Talks & Crime Fight | May 19, 2025 #GlobalNews, #GazaConflict, #IndiaPakistanTalks, #CrimeUpdate, #UkraineRussia, #PortugalPolitics, #USPolitics, #InternationalRelations, #BreakingNews, #Greenground Stay informed with https://t.co/B1epWMHbww on https://twitter.com/AcerboLivio/status/1924346730239185157

Global Headlines Breakdown: Gaza Crisis, South Asia Talks & Crime Fight | May 19, 2025 #GlobalNews, #GazaConflict, #IndiaPakistanTalks, #CrimeUpdate, #UkraineRussia, #PortugalPolitics, #USPolitics, #InternationalRelations, #BreakingNews, #Greenground Stay informed with https://t.co/B1epWMHbww on https://twitter.com/AcerboLivio/status/1924346730239185157

Saturday, May 17The Kyiv Independent [unofficial]

Before you start reading, a minute of your attention. The Kyiv Independent’s journalism is backed by our readers. Right now, we need 2,000 more people to back us. Can we count you in?

SUPPORT US

Russia’s war against Ukraine

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan chairs Turkiye-Russia-Ukraine Trilateral Meeting at Dolmabahce Presidential Office in Istanbul, Turkiye on May 16, 2025. (Arda Kucukkaya / Anadolu via Getty Images)

Ukraine-Russia talks in Istanbul end, Moscow demands Kyiv withdraw from 4 regions, no ceasefire agreement. Some of Russia’s demands include the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from their own territory as a condition for a ceasefire, an unnamed Ukrainian source told Sky News.

Ukraine, Russia agree to hold follow-up meeting after Istanbul peace talks. “Parties have agreed in principle to come together again,” Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said.

‘Time to increase the pressure‘ — Zelensky, European leaders speak with Trump following Istanbul peace talks. The conversation took place shortly after the conclusion of the Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul, which ended with little progress beyond an agreement on prisoner exchange.

Russia, Ukraine agree on 1,000-for-1,000 POW exchange in Istanbul, Umerov says. “We know the date, but we’re not going to say it yet,” Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said.

Your contribution helps keep the Kyiv Independent going. Become a member today.

Trump says he’s returning to US, expects to meet Putin ‘as soon as we can set it up.’ “I think it’s time for us to just do it,” U.S. Presidnet Donald Trump said in Abu Dhabi, adding that the meeting between the two would happen “as soon as we can set it up.”

Up to 640,000 Russian troops fighting against Ukraine, Syrskyi says. Vadym Skibitskyi, the deputy head of Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR), reported in March that Russia had deployed 620,000 soldiers to fight in Ukraine, a rise from his previous estimate of nearly 580,000 in November 2024.

Putin appoints general who led Mariupol assault as new Russian Ground Forces Commander. Under Andrey Mordvichev’s command, Russian troops carried out the destruction of civilian infrastructure and committed atrocities against both civilians and the Ukrainian military, Ukraine has said.

Explosions rock occupied Crimea as drone attack reportedly sets Russian ammo depot on fire. A fire broke out at an ammunition depot in the village of Perevalne in Russian-occupied Crimea following a series of explosions during a drone attack on the morning of May 16, the Crimean Wind Telegram channel reported, citing local residents.

Read our exclusives

Ukraine war latest: Moscow demands Kyiv withdraw from 4 regions following the talks, no ceasefire agreement

Ukrainian and Russian delegations concluded their talks in Istanbul on May 16 after speaking for less than two hours, with no agreement reached on a full, 30-day ceasefire, and Moscow demanding Kyiv withdraw completely from Ukraine’s four oblasts that President Vladimir Putin claims to have annexed.

Photo: Arif Yaman / Anadolu via Getty Images

Learn more

‘Putin is laughing at Trump’ — Ukraine in disbelief as Russia makes a mockery of US-led ceasefire attempts

Russian President Vladimir Putin had rebuffed President Volodymyr Zelensky, his European allies, and the U.S., and in response, Donald Trump simply went along with it, excusing his Russian counterpart for not attending the peace talks in Istanbul that Putin himself proposed.

Photo: Brendan Smialowski / AFP via Getty Images

Learn more

‘It’s all a farce’ — Ukrainian soldiers on Russia’s ‘smokescreen’ peace talks in Istanbul

Ukraine continues to insist on a ceasefire, supported by the U.S. and Europe, saying that a halt to active warfare must come before any real peace talks are possible. Russia has so far rejected a truce four times — on March 11, March 25, May 11 and the most recent one on May 16 in Istanbul.

Photo: Contributor / Getty Images

Learn more

Who is Vladimir Medinsky? The Putin aide leading Russia’s delegation at Ukraine peace talks

Despite an invitation from Volodymyr Zelensky to meet in Istanbul, Vladimir Putin was a no-show in Turkey, sending instead an aide, Vladimir Medinsky, to head the Russian delegation in peace talks. Medinsky headed the only other direct talks between the two sides in March–April 2022.

Photo: Yasin Akgul / AFP via Getty Images

Learn more

Human cost of Russia’s war

Ukraine brings back bodies of 909 fallen soldiers. The bodies of soldiers were recovered from Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts as well as from morgues in Russia.

With Ukraine’s Peaky Blinders chasing Russian soldiers near Pokrovsk

International response

‘This is turkey time’ — Trump vows sanctions on Moscow if peace talks fail, says Putin is ‘tired’ of war. “Honestly, I will (impose sanctions), if we’re not gonna make a deal,” Trump told Fox News’ Bret Baier in an interview published on May 16. “This would be crushing for Russia because they’re having a hard time now with the economy.”

‘We have to increase the pressure‘ — Von der Leyen vows new Russia sanctions after Putin skips peace talks. Ursula von der Leyen announced that the European Commission is preparing a new sanctions package, which would include sanctions on the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, additional listings of vessels from Russia’s shadow fleet, a lower oil price cap, and sanctions on Russia’s financial sector.

As Russia sticks to hardline demands during peace talks, Europe frustrated with Trump’s swerves, Bloomberg reports. European officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they remain unsure of U.S. President Donald Trump’s next move and fear that his unpredictable stance could undercut momentum toward a unified Western response.

‘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.

This issue was powered by the Kyiv Independent’s community of 18,000 paid members. We wouldn’t be here without them.

In other news

Russian economic growth slowing down, Rosstat reports. Russia’s economy is experiencing a sharp slowdown in growth, according to a report released by the governmental statistics agency Rosstat on May 16. GDP only grew by 1.4% in the first quarter of 2025 – a notable decline from 4.5% growth in the previous quarter and 5.4% in the same period last year.

This newsletter is open for sponsorship. Boost your brand’s visibility by reaching thousands of engaged subscribers. Click here for more details.

Today’s Ukraine Daily was brought to you by Martin Fornusek, Kateryna Denisova, Francis Farrell, Tymur Zadorozhnyy, Olena Goncharova, and Lucy Pakhnyuk.

If you’re enjoying this newsletter, consider joining our membership program. Start supporting independent journalism today.

Saturday, May 17The Kyiv Independent [unofficial]

Before you start reading, a minute of your attention. The Kyiv Independent’s journalism is backed by our readers. Right now, we need 2,000 more people to back us. Can we count you in?

SUPPORT US

Russia’s war against Ukraine

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan chairs Turkiye-Russia-Ukraine Trilateral Meeting at Dolmabahce Presidential Office in Istanbul, Turkiye on May 16, 2025. (Arda Kucukkaya / Anadolu via Getty Images)

Ukraine-Russia talks in Istanbul end, Moscow demands Kyiv withdraw from 4 regions, no ceasefire agreement. Some of Russia’s demands include the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from their own territory as a condition for a ceasefire, an unnamed Ukrainian source told Sky News.

Ukraine, Russia agree to hold follow-up meeting after Istanbul peace talks. “Parties have agreed in principle to come together again,” Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said.

‘Time to increase the pressure‘ — Zelensky, European leaders speak with Trump following Istanbul peace talks. The conversation took place shortly after the conclusion of the Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul, which ended with little progress beyond an agreement on prisoner exchange.

Russia, Ukraine agree on 1,000-for-1,000 POW exchange in Istanbul, Umerov says. “We know the date, but we’re not going to say it yet,” Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said.

Your contribution helps keep the Kyiv Independent going. Become a member today.

Trump says he’s returning to US, expects to meet Putin ‘as soon as we can set it up.’ “I think it’s time for us to just do it,” U.S. Presidnet Donald Trump said in Abu Dhabi, adding that the meeting between the two would happen “as soon as we can set it up.”

Up to 640,000 Russian troops fighting against Ukraine, Syrskyi says. Vadym Skibitskyi, the deputy head of Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR), reported in March that Russia had deployed 620,000 soldiers to fight in Ukraine, a rise from his previous estimate of nearly 580,000 in November 2024.

Putin appoints general who led Mariupol assault as new Russian Ground Forces Commander. Under Andrey Mordvichev’s command, Russian troops carried out the destruction of civilian infrastructure and committed atrocities against both civilians and the Ukrainian military, Ukraine has said.

Explosions rock occupied Crimea as drone attack reportedly sets Russian ammo depot on fire. A fire broke out at an ammunition depot in the village of Perevalne in Russian-occupied Crimea following a series of explosions during a drone attack on the morning of May 16, the Crimean Wind Telegram channel reported, citing local residents.

Read our exclusives

Ukraine war latest: Moscow demands Kyiv withdraw from 4 regions following the talks, no ceasefire agreement

Ukrainian and Russian delegations concluded their talks in Istanbul on May 16 after speaking for less than two hours, with no agreement reached on a full, 30-day ceasefire, and Moscow demanding Kyiv withdraw completely from Ukraine’s four oblasts that President Vladimir Putin claims to have annexed.

Photo: Arif Yaman / Anadolu via Getty Images

Learn more

‘Putin is laughing at Trump’ — Ukraine in disbelief as Russia makes a mockery of US-led ceasefire attempts

Russian President Vladimir Putin had rebuffed President Volodymyr Zelensky, his European allies, and the U.S., and in response, Donald Trump simply went along with it, excusing his Russian counterpart for not attending the peace talks in Istanbul that Putin himself proposed.

Photo: Brendan Smialowski / AFP via Getty Images

Learn more

‘It’s all a farce’ — Ukrainian soldiers on Russia’s ‘smokescreen’ peace talks in Istanbul

Ukraine continues to insist on a ceasefire, supported by the U.S. and Europe, saying that a halt to active warfare must come before any real peace talks are possible. Russia has so far rejected a truce four times — on March 11, March 25, May 11 and the most recent one on May 16 in Istanbul.

Photo: Contributor / Getty Images

Learn more

Who is Vladimir Medinsky? The Putin aide leading Russia’s delegation at Ukraine peace talks

Despite an invitation from Volodymyr Zelensky to meet in Istanbul, Vladimir Putin was a no-show in Turkey, sending instead an aide, Vladimir Medinsky, to head the Russian delegation in peace talks. Medinsky headed the only other direct talks between the two sides in March–April 2022.

Photo: Yasin Akgul / AFP via Getty Images

Learn more

Human cost of Russia’s war

Ukraine brings back bodies of 909 fallen soldiers. The bodies of soldiers were recovered from Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts as well as from morgues in Russia.

With Ukraine’s Peaky Blinders chasing Russian soldiers near Pokrovsk

International response

‘This is turkey time’ — Trump vows sanctions on Moscow if peace talks fail, says Putin is ‘tired’ of war. “Honestly, I will (impose sanctions), if we’re not gonna make a deal,” Trump told Fox News’ Bret Baier in an interview published on May 16. “This would be crushing for Russia because they’re having a hard time now with the economy.”

‘We have to increase the pressure‘ — Von der Leyen vows new Russia sanctions after Putin skips peace talks. Ursula von der Leyen announced that the European Commission is preparing a new sanctions package, which would include sanctions on the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, additional listings of vessels from Russia’s shadow fleet, a lower oil price cap, and sanctions on Russia’s financial sector.

As Russia sticks to hardline demands during peace talks, Europe frustrated with Trump’s swerves, Bloomberg reports. European officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they remain unsure of U.S. President Donald Trump’s next move and fear that his unpredictable stance could undercut momentum toward a unified Western response.

‘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.

This issue was powered by the Kyiv Independent’s community of 18,000 paid members. We wouldn’t be here without them.

In other news

Russian economic growth slowing down, Rosstat reports. Russia’s economy is experiencing a sharp slowdown in growth, according to a report released by the governmental statistics agency Rosstat on May 16. GDP only grew by 1.4% in the first quarter of 2025 – a notable decline from 4.5% growth in the previous quarter and 5.4% in the same period last year.

This newsletter is open for sponsorship. Boost your brand’s visibility by reaching thousands of engaged subscribers. Click here for more details.

Today’s Ukraine Daily was brought to you by Martin Fornusek, Kateryna Denisova, Francis Farrell, Tymur Zadorozhnyy, Olena Goncharova, and Lucy Pakhnyuk.

If you’re enjoying this newsletter, consider joining our membership program. Start supporting independent journalism today.

Saturday, May 17The Kyiv Independent [unofficial]

Before you start reading, a minute of your attention. The Kyiv Independent’s journalism is backed by our readers. Right now, we need 2,000 more people to back us. Can we count you in?

SUPPORT US

Russia’s war against Ukraine

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan chairs Turkiye-Russia-Ukraine Trilateral Meeting at Dolmabahce Presidential Office in Istanbul, Turkiye on May 16, 2025. (Arda Kucukkaya / Anadolu via Getty Images)

Ukraine-Russia talks in Istanbul end, Moscow demands Kyiv withdraw from 4 regions, no ceasefire agreement. Some of Russia’s demands include the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from their own territory as a condition for a ceasefire, an unnamed Ukrainian source told Sky News.

Ukraine, Russia agree to hold follow-up meeting after Istanbul peace talks. “Parties have agreed in principle to come together again,” Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said.

‘Time to increase the pressure‘ — Zelensky, European leaders speak with Trump following Istanbul peace talks. The conversation took place shortly after the conclusion of the Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul, which ended with little progress beyond an agreement on prisoner exchange.

Russia, Ukraine agree on 1,000-for-1,000 POW exchange in Istanbul, Umerov says. “We know the date, but we’re not going to say it yet,” Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said.

Your contribution helps keep the Kyiv Independent going. Become a member today.

Trump says he’s returning to US, expects to meet Putin ‘as soon as we can set it up.’ “I think it’s time for us to just do it,” U.S. Presidnet Donald Trump said in Abu Dhabi, adding that the meeting between the two would happen “as soon as we can set it up.”

Up to 640,000 Russian troops fighting against Ukraine, Syrskyi says. Vadym Skibitskyi, the deputy head of Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR), reported in March that Russia had deployed 620,000 soldiers to fight in Ukraine, a rise from his previous estimate of nearly 580,000 in November 2024.

Putin appoints general who led Mariupol assault as new Russian Ground Forces Commander. Under Andrey Mordvichev’s command, Russian troops carried out the destruction of civilian infrastructure and committed atrocities against both civilians and the Ukrainian military, Ukraine has said.

Explosions rock occupied Crimea as drone attack reportedly sets Russian ammo depot on fire. A fire broke out at an ammunition depot in the village of Perevalne in Russian-occupied Crimea following a series of explosions during a drone attack on the morning of May 16, the Crimean Wind Telegram channel reported, citing local residents.

Read our exclusives

Ukraine war latest: Moscow demands Kyiv withdraw from 4 regions following the talks, no ceasefire agreement

Ukrainian and Russian delegations concluded their talks in Istanbul on May 16 after speaking for less than two hours, with no agreement reached on a full, 30-day ceasefire, and Moscow demanding Kyiv withdraw completely from Ukraine’s four oblasts that President Vladimir Putin claims to have annexed.

Photo: Arif Yaman / Anadolu via Getty Images

Learn more

‘Putin is laughing at Trump’ — Ukraine in disbelief as Russia makes a mockery of US-led ceasefire attempts

Russian President Vladimir Putin had rebuffed President Volodymyr Zelensky, his European allies, and the U.S., and in response, Donald Trump simply went along with it, excusing his Russian counterpart for not attending the peace talks in Istanbul that Putin himself proposed.

Photo: Brendan Smialowski / AFP via Getty Images

Learn more

‘It’s all a farce’ — Ukrainian soldiers on Russia’s ‘smokescreen’ peace talks in Istanbul

Ukraine continues to insist on a ceasefire, supported by the U.S. and Europe, saying that a halt to active warfare must come before any real peace talks are possible. Russia has so far rejected a truce four times — on March 11, March 25, May 11 and the most recent one on May 16 in Istanbul.

Photo: Contributor / Getty Images

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Who is Vladimir Medinsky? The Putin aide leading Russia’s delegation at Ukraine peace talks

Despite an invitation from Volodymyr Zelensky to meet in Istanbul, Vladimir Putin was a no-show in Turkey, sending instead an aide, Vladimir Medinsky, to head the Russian delegation in peace talks. Medinsky headed the only other direct talks between the two sides in March–April 2022.

Photo: Yasin Akgul / AFP via Getty Images

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Human cost of Russia’s war

Ukraine brings back bodies of 909 fallen soldiers. The bodies of soldiers were recovered from Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts as well as from morgues in Russia.

With Ukraine’s Peaky Blinders chasing Russian soldiers near Pokrovsk

International response

‘This is turkey time’ — Trump vows sanctions on Moscow if peace talks fail, says Putin is ‘tired’ of war. “Honestly, I will (impose sanctions), if we’re not gonna make a deal,” Trump told Fox News’ Bret Baier in an interview published on May 16. “This would be crushing for Russia because they’re having a hard time now with the economy.”

‘We have to increase the pressure‘ — Von der Leyen vows new Russia sanctions after Putin skips peace talks. Ursula von der Leyen announced that the European Commission is preparing a new sanctions package, which would include sanctions on the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, additional listings of vessels from Russia’s shadow fleet, a lower oil price cap, and sanctions on Russia’s financial sector.

As Russia sticks to hardline demands during peace talks, Europe frustrated with Trump’s swerves, Bloomberg reports. European officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they remain unsure of U.S. President Donald Trump’s next move and fear that his unpredictable stance could undercut momentum toward a unified Western response.

‘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.

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In other news

Russian economic growth slowing down, Rosstat reports. Russia’s economy is experiencing a sharp slowdown in growth, according to a report released by the governmental statistics agency Rosstat on May 16. GDP only grew by 1.4% in the first quarter of 2025 – a notable decline from 4.5% growth in the previous quarter and 5.4% in the same period last year.

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Friday, May 16, 2025

Russian fighter jet violated NATO territory after Estonia tried to detain shadow fleet tanker — Kyiv hits back as Russian Foreign Ministry insults — Ukraine shows its latest ship-killer Magura drone series to the public for the first time — Pro-Ukraine partisans sabotage railway track near Russia’s Smolensk — Slap in the face as Estonia blasts Russia’s low-level peace delegation in Istanbul … and more

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/05/friday-may-16-2025/

Friday, May 16, 2025

Russian fighter jet violated NATO territory after Estonia tried to detain shadow fleet tanker — Kyiv hits back as Russian Foreign Ministry insults — Ukraine shows its latest ship-killer Magura drone series to the public for the first time — Pro-Ukraine partisans sabotage railway track near Russia’s Smolensk — Slap in the face as Estonia blasts Russia’s low-level peace delegation in Istanbul … and more

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/05/friday-may-16-2025/

Friday, May 16, 2025

Russian fighter jet violated NATO territory after Estonia tried to detain shadow fleet tanker — Kyiv hits back as Russian Foreign Ministry insults — Ukraine shows its latest ship-killer Magura drone series to the public for the first time — Pro-Ukraine partisans sabotage railway track near Russia’s Smolensk — Slap in the face as Estonia blasts Russia’s low-level peace delegation in Istanbul … and more

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/05/friday-may-16-2025/

Global Power Plays & Rising Tensions: Today’s News Breakdown | May 4, 2025 #WorldNews, #Geopolitics, #SingaporeElections, #GazaCrisis, #UkraineRussia, #BreakingNews, #GlobalUpdates, #CurrentEvents, #InternationalAffairs, #AlvinGreenground **Description:** Dive into today’s most https://t.co/IU5SOk41ie on https://twitter.com/AcerboLivio/status/1918924492497093064