#unpredictable — Public Fediverse posts

AI: Not Conscious, but UNPREDICTABLE!

AI: Not Conscious, but UNPREDICTABLE makes for a dangerous cocktail!

AI is obviously NOT conscious. To be con-scious one needs something ELSE to go with the science... At least etymologically speaking. But the science of AI fully explains AI, there is no need for anything else to go with the knowledge. Present AI, Large Language Models, LLM, all about finding gradients in extremely high dimensional spaces

Another type of AI is possible: WMs: World Models, where the AI basically learns physics. WMs will be superior to LLMs for most applications beyond Internet searches.

Consciousness requires the feeling of existing: present day AI do not have this capability, all the more because we do not know what it consists of.

The smallest known structures in the brain are Dendritic Nano Tubes, DNTs, and they are of the order of 100 nanometers across… 1000 atoms wide (molecules causing Alzheimer squeeze through them). At a scale ten times smaller, Quantum effects will appear. It is likely that they will play a crucial role in consciousness. Why? Because at this sort of scale, Quantum effects are going to appear, first of all (there are libraries of geometries and the Casimir Effect they bring… At the ten nano scale, so not only will there be Quantum effects, but Quantum Field Theory effects, and the dynamics of vacuum… Turns out the soul’s material is vacuum energy… Something like that is looming… It’s curious that QFT is not vibrating more in the collective consciousness… Obviously a problem with the High Energy physicists’ lack of elocution or imagination…)

Present day AI rests on electronics which work like canal systems (canals carrying electrons, not water molecules)… Quantum effects caused by said electrons are deliberately obliterated so that “semiconductors” can behave like classical canal systems.

The Quantum Computer, QC, is the exact opposite: far from avoiding Quantum effects, they are maximally exploited to compute with. The QC rests on entanglement, nonlocality and a new property called “magic” (basically what classical entanglement can’t duplicate)..

If Twenty-first Century technology can do it, it would be naive to believe that evolution did not get there first, especially since Quantum effects have been shown to play a direct role in neurology already (for example in birds seeing the Earth magnetic field).

Thus, if we want consciousness, we need the QC.

QC will enable us to create AC, Artificial Consciousness.

***

A different question is whether present AI can SIMULATE consciousness. The answer is obviously yes. Confusing this simulation with a creature with (Quantum) consciousness is the AI DELUSION. Dawkins who wrote a book called the God Delusion is himself suffering from an arguably worse condition, the AI Delusion. It’s worse because AI as we have it, is just classical canal engineering and smart high dimension calculus… There is no mystery whatsoever. .

***

Even though the AI we have now are not conscious, and can’t be conscious, they are still unpredictable. I actually have a mathematical PROOF of this (using mathematics and logics from the 1870-1940 period…).

That makes uncontrolled AI a potential master of humanity.

Lest we be very smart and careful…

Patrice Ayme

Coming soon to a neighborhood near you… Robot contemplates Valles Marineris on the equator of Mars, 10 kilometers deep… The colonization of Mars will be initially driven by AI… Next NASA Mars mission will be propelled by a nuclear engine, and three AI helicopters will fly away with supersonic blades before hitting the ground… And communicate with Earth through overhead satellites…

AI: Not Conscious, but UNPREDICTABLE!

AI: Not Conscious, but UNPREDICTABLE makes for a dangerous cocktail!

AI is obviously NOT conscious. To be con-scious one needs something ELSE to go with the science... At least etymologically speaking. But the science of AI fully explains AI, there is no need for anything else to go with the knowledge. Present AI, Large Language Models, LLM, all about finding gradients in extremely high dimensional spaces

Another type of AI is possible: WMs: World Models, where the AI basically learns physics. WMs will be superior to LLMs for most applications beyond Internet searches.

Consciousness requires the feeling of existing: present day AI do not have this capability, all the more because we do not know what it consists of.

The smallest known structures in the brain are Dendritic Nano Tubes, DNTs, and they are of the order of 100 nanometers across… 1000 atoms wide (molecules causing Alzheimer squeeze through them). At a scale ten times smaller, Quantum effects will appear. It is likely that they will play a crucial role in consciousness. Why? Because at this sort of scale, Quantum effects are going to appear, first of all (there are libraries of geometries and the Casimir Effect they bring… At the ten nano scale, so not only will there be Quantum effects, but Quantum Field Theory effects, and the dynamics of vacuum… Turns out the soul’s material is vacuum energy… Something like that is looming… It’s curious that QFT is not vibrating more in the collective consciousness… Obviously a problem with the High Energy physicists’ lack of elocution or imagination…)

Present day AI rests on electronics which work like canal systems (canals carrying electrons, not water molecules)… Quantum effects caused by said electrons are deliberately obliterated so that “semiconductors” can behave like classical canal systems.

The Quantum Computer, QC, is the exact opposite: far from avoiding Quantum effects, they are maximally exploited to compute with. The QC rests on entanglement, nonlocality and a new property called “magic” (basically what classical entanglement can’t duplicate)..

If Twenty-first Century technology can do it, it would be naive to believe that evolution did not get there first, especially since Quantum effects have been shown to play a direct role in neurology already (for example in birds seeing the Earth magnetic field).

Thus, if we want consciousness, we need the QC.

QC will enable us to create AC, Artificial Consciousness.

***

A different question is whether present AI can SIMULATE consciousness. The answer is obviously yes. Confusing this simulation with a creature with (Quantum) consciousness is the AI DELUSION. Dawkins who wrote a book called the God Delusion is himself suffering from an arguably worse condition, the AI Delusion. It’s worse because AI as we have it, is just classical canal engineering and smart high dimension calculus… There is no mystery whatsoever. .

***

Even though the AI we have now are not conscious, and can’t be conscious, they are still unpredictable. I actually have a mathematical PROOF of this (using mathematics and logics from the 1870-1940 period…).

That makes uncontrolled AI a potential master of humanity.

Lest we be very smart and careful…

Patrice Ayme

Coming soon to a neighborhood near you… Robot contemplates Valles Marineris on the equator of Mars, 10 kilometers deep… The colonization of Mars will be initially driven by AI… Next NASA Mars mission will be propelled by a nuclear engine, and three AI helicopters will fly away with supersonic blades before hitting the ground… And communicate with Earth through overhead satellites…

AI: Not Conscious, but UNPREDICTABLE!

AI: Not Conscious, but UNPREDICTABLE makes for a dangerous cocktail!

AI is obviously NOT conscious. To be con-scious one needs something ELSE to go with the science... At least etymologically speaking. But the science of AI fully explains AI, there is no need for anything else to go with the knowledge. Present AI, Large Language Models, LLM, all about finding gradients in extremely high dimensional spaces

Another type of AI is possible: WMs: World Models, where the AI basically learns physics. WMs will be superior to LLMs for most applications beyond Internet searches.

Consciousness requires the feeling of existing: present day AI do not have this capability, all the more because we do not know what it consists of.

The smallest known structures in the brain are Dendritic Nano Tubes, DNTs, and they are of the order of 100 nanometers across… 1000 atoms wide (molecules causing Alzheimer squeeze through them). At a scale ten times smaller, Quantum effects will appear. It is likely that they will play a crucial role in consciousness. Why? Because at this sort of scale, Quantum effects are going to appear, first of all (there are libraries of geometries and the Casimir Effect they bring… At the ten nano scale, so not only will there be Quantum effects, but Quantum Field Theory effects, and the dynamics of vacuum… Turns out the soul’s material is vacuum energy… Something like that is looming… It’s curious that QFT is not vibrating more in the collective consciousness… Obviously a problem with the High Energy physicists’ lack of elocution or imagination…)

Present day AI rests on electronics which work like canal systems (canals carrying electrons, not water molecules)… Quantum effects caused by said electrons are deliberately obliterated so that “semiconductors” can behave like classical canal systems.

The Quantum Computer, QC, is the exact opposite: far from avoiding Quantum effects, they are maximally exploited to compute with. The QC rests on entanglement, nonlocality and a new property called “magic” (basically what classical entanglement can’t duplicate)..

If Twenty-first Century technology can do it, it would be naive to believe that evolution did not get there first, especially since Quantum effects have been shown to play a direct role in neurology already (for example in birds seeing the Earth magnetic field).

Thus, if we want consciousness, we need the QC.

QC will enable us to create AC, Artificial Consciousness.

***

A different question is whether present AI can SIMULATE consciousness. The answer is obviously yes. Confusing this simulation with a creature with (Quantum) consciousness is the AI DELUSION. Dawkins who wrote a book called the God Delusion is himself suffering from an arguably worse condition, the AI Delusion. It’s worse because AI as we have it, is just classical canal engineering and smart high dimension calculus… There is no mystery whatsoever. .

***

Even though the AI we have now are not conscious, and can’t be conscious, they are still unpredictable. I actually have a mathematical PROOF of this (using mathematics and logics from the 1870-1940 period…).

That makes uncontrolled AI a potential master of humanity.

Lest we be very smart and careful…

Patrice Ayme

Coming soon to a neighborhood near you… Robot contemplates Valles Marineris on the equator of Mars, 10 kilometers deep… The colonization of Mars will be initially driven by AI… Next NASA Mars mission will be propelled by a nuclear engine, and three AI helicopters will fly away with supersonic blades before hitting the ground… And communicate with Earth through overhead satellites…

AI: Not Conscious, but UNPREDICTABLE!

AI: Not Conscious, but UNPREDICTABLE makes for a dangerous cocktail!

AI is obviously NOT conscious. To be con-scious one needs something ELSE to go with the science... At least etymologically speaking. But the science of AI fully explains AI, there is no need for anything else to go with the knowledge. Present AI, Large Language Models, LLM, all about finding gradients in extremely high dimensional spaces

Another type of AI is possible: WMs: World Models, where the AI basically learns physics. WMs will be superior to LLMs for most applications beyond Internet searches.

Consciousness requires the feeling of existing: present day AI do not have this capability, all the more because we do not know what it consists of.

The smallest known structures in the brain are Dendritic Nano Tubes, DNTs, and they are of the order of 100 nanometers across… 1000 atoms wide (molecules causing Alzheimer squeeze through them). At a scale ten times smaller, Quantum effects will appear. It is likely that they will play a crucial role in consciousness. Why? Because at this sort of scale, Quantum effects are going to appear, first of all (there are libraries of geometries and the Casimir Effect they bring… At the ten nano scale, so not only will there be Quantum effects, but Quantum Field Theory effects, and the dynamics of vacuum… Turns out the soul’s material is vacuum energy… Something like that is looming… It’s curious that QFT is not vibrating more in the collective consciousness… Obviously a problem with the High Energy physicists’ lack of elocution or imagination…)

Present day AI rests on electronics which work like canal systems (canals carrying electrons, not water molecules)… Quantum effects caused by said electrons are deliberately obliterated so that “semiconductors” can behave like classical canal systems.

The Quantum Computer, QC, is the exact opposite: far from avoiding Quantum effects, they are maximally exploited to compute with. The QC rests on entanglement, nonlocality and a new property called “magic” (basically what classical entanglement can’t duplicate)..

If Twenty-first Century technology can do it, it would be naive to believe that evolution did not get there first, especially since Quantum effects have been shown to play a direct role in neurology already (for example in birds seeing the Earth magnetic field).

Thus, if we want consciousness, we need the QC.

QC will enable us to create AC, Artificial Consciousness.

***

A different question is whether present AI can SIMULATE consciousness. The answer is obviously yes. Confusing this simulation with a creature with (Quantum) consciousness is the AI DELUSION. Dawkins who wrote a book called the God Delusion is himself suffering from an arguably worse condition, the AI Delusion. It’s worse because AI as we have it, is just classical canal engineering and smart high dimension calculus… There is no mystery whatsoever. .

***

Even though the AI we have now are not conscious, and can’t be conscious, they are still unpredictable. I actually have a mathematical PROOF of this (using mathematics and logics from the 1870-1940 period…).

That makes uncontrolled AI a potential master of humanity.

Lest we be very smart and careful…

Patrice Ayme

Coming soon to a neighborhood near you… Robot contemplates Valles Marineris on the equator of Mars, 10 kilometers deep… The colonization of Mars will be initially driven by AI… Next NASA Mars mission will be propelled by a nuclear engine, and three AI helicopters will fly away with supersonic blades before hitting the ground… And communicate with Earth through overhead satellites…

RE: https://mastodon.social/@badastro/116516951068876386

Interesting article! Recommended read.

#science #srm #solarradiation #responsible #unpredictable

RE: https://mastodon.social/@badastro/116516951068876386

Interesting article! Recommended read.

#science #srm #solarradiation #responsible #unpredictable

RE: https://mastodon.social/@badastro/116516951068876386

Interesting article! Recommended read.

#science #srm #solarradiation #responsible #unpredictable

RE: https://mastodon.social/@badastro/116516951068876386

Interesting article! Recommended read.

#science #srm #solarradiation #responsible #unpredictable

RE: https://mastodon.social/@badastro/116516951068876386

Interesting article! Recommended read.

#science #srm #solarradiation #responsible #unpredictable

April Variety Show Brand Reputation Rankings Announced

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.soompi.com/article/1836760wpp/april-variety-show-brand-reputation-rankings-announced-8

"Better a known rival than an unpredictable friend." - Futurist Jim Carroll

There's a lot of talk online about what happens when partnerships become unstable.

When one side of a partnership slides over the abyss of rationality, into a mindset of madness.

When what was once reliable becomes volatile, when the predictable becomes uncertain, and the rational, irrational.

And the lesson is that you have to pick your partners carefully.

Strategically.

Wisely.

With caution.

With due diligence.

With both eyes wide open and elbows up.

You'll never move forward if you keep trying to rely on a relationship that has become untenable.

Partnership involves predictable, rational action.

And when that disappears, so should the reliance on the partnership - because it becomes time to form new ones.

Those partnerships might involve choices that, in an old world, might not have made sense but, in a new world, demand attention.

That's simply reality!

----

Futurist Jim Carroll often speaks about the importance of organizations to develop the capability for 'fast partnerships.' He realizes it now applies to nations, too.

**#Partnership** **#Strategy** **#Alliances** **#Trust** **#Reliability** **#Choices** **#Change** **#Wisdom** **#Caution** **#Reality** **#Relationships** **#Stability** **#Leadership** **#Adaptation** **#NewWorld** **#DueDiligence** **#Rationality** **#Forward** **#Decisions** **#Resilience** **#Unpredictable** **#Strategic** **#Eyes** **#Elbows** **#Onwards**

Original post: https://jimcarroll.com/2026/01/daily-inspiration-better-a-known-rival-than-an-unpredictable-friend/

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

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‘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.

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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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