Macron: Russia has no desire to cease fire, we must 'step up pressure'
French President Emmanuel Macron believes that pressure on Russia must be intensified because it shows no willingness to stop the fighting.
Politics - Latest news
16 May 2025
Ukraine-Russia talks in Istanbul conclude
The negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul have concluded, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.
Zelensky, Macron, Starmer, Merz, Tusk hold phone call with Trump
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, along with the leaders of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Polish prime minister — who are all currently in Tirana — held a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Trump says he may soon call Putin again
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that he may soon call Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin to discuss ending Russia's war against Ukraine.
Sybiha in Turkey: We need concrete decisions, starting with 30-day ceasefire
Russia is facing a moment where it must demonstrate its seriousness, while Ukraine, the United States, and Turkey stand united in the need to swiftly advance the peace process.
Umerov: Ukraine, Turkey, US discussed prisoner release, return of children
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who leads the Ukrainian delegation in Istanbul, stated after talks with representatives of Turkey and the United States that the war must end with a lasting and just peace.
Ukrainian delegation communicating with Russian side via interpreter – source
The Ukrainian delegation at the negotiations in Istanbul is communicating with the Russian delegation through an interpreter.
Zelensky urges tough sanctions against Russia if talks end without results
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that the international community must impose severe sanctions on Russia's banking and energy sectors if the negotiations in Istanbul end without tangible results.
Pope proposes holding Ukraine-Russia talks at Vatican
Pope Leo XIV has suggested holding peace talks between Ukraine and Russia at the Vatican after a meeting in Istanbul failed to bring together the main players in the conflict.
Rutte on Putin's refusal to attend talks: ‘He made a big mistake’
Putin made a “big mistake” by sending a low-level negotiating team to Istanbul today.
Umerov: Ukraine ready for full ceasefire, direct high-level talks
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who is leading Ukraine’s delegation in Istanbul, has announced that Ukraine is ready for a full ceasefire and direct negotiations at the highest level. This statement followed his talks with advisors to the leaders of the United States, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
Von der Leyen: Putin does not want peace, so we have to increase pressure
Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin ignored the peace negotiation with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, clearly demonstrating his unwillingness to end the war. Therefore, pressure on Russia, including sanctions, must be increased.
Ukrainian delegation coordinates positions with partners ahead of talks with Russians in Istanbul
Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andrii Yermak stated that before beginning negotiations with the Russians in Istanbul, the Ukrainian delegation coordinated its position with advisors to the leaders of partner countries — the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.
Turkey announces meeting schedule with US, Russian, and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul
Turkey has published a schedule of separate meetings of Ukrainian, Russian, Turkish and American delegations in Istanbul on Friday.
Zelensky arrives in Albania
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in Albania, where he will take part in the summit of the European Political Community (EPC).
Fire breaks out in Kyiv's Sviatoshynskyi district following drone attack
A fire has been reported in a non-residential area of Kyiv's Sviatoshynskyi district following a drone attack, with firefighters currently working at the scene.
Zelensky holds talks with FIFA president
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has held a conversation with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and renowned Ukrainian footballer Andriy Shevchenko.
EU may approve new sanctions against Russia on May 20 – Merz
A new package of EU sanctions against Russia could be approved at the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels on May 20.
15 May 2025
Zelensky approves delegation for talks in Istanbul
President Volodymyr Zelensky has approved the composition of the delegation for negotiations with representatives of the Republic of Turkey, the United States of America and the Russian Federation, scheduled for May 15-16 in Istanbul.
Russian delegate in Istanbul says Moscow seeks to resume 2022 negotiations
The Russian delegation views the talks in Istanbul as a continuation of the peace process that was interrupted in 2022.
‘At least sanctions’: Zelensky urges stronger pressure on Russia to achieve peace
Ukraine has consistently taken concrete steps toward ending the war, but pressure must also be applied to Russia.
Zelensky: Peace was the main priority in talks with Erdoğan
The primary focus of the hours-long conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was achieving peace in Ukraine
Meeting of four delegations in Istanbul will take place this evening or tomorrow – Zelensky
A meeting of Ukrainian, Russian, American, and Turkish delegations may take place in Istanbul on Thursday evening or Friday.
Zelensky: Status of temporarily occupied territories is not subject to negotiation
President Volodymyr Zelensky has emphasized that Ukraine’s territorial integrity is enshrined in the Constitution, making any discussions on the status of temporarily occupied territories, including Crimea, impossible.
Zelensky says ceasefire talks in Türkiye can be held without Putin
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky stated that negotiations between Ukraine and Russia on an unconditional ceasefire can be held in Türkiye at the technical group level, without the participation of the heads of state.
Zelensky to send delegation led by Umerov to Istanbul
President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that he will send a Ukrainian delegation to Istanbul, headed by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, for talks with the Russian delegation.
EU calls on Russia to show willingness to achieve peace
The European Union joins Ukraine and international partners, including the United States, in calling for a full and unconditional ceasefire for at least 30 days. As before, it is now up to Russia to demonstrate a genuine willingness for peace.
Trump says ‘nothing will happen’ until he meets with Putin
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that when it comes to peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, "nothing will happen" until he meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
This week critical for advancing peace efforts – Ukraine’s FM
Ukraine is demonstrating openness and support for President Trump’s efforts to achieve a just peace. This week is critical, as pressure on the aggressor must intensify — Russia must face consequences for openly mocking peace efforts.
Putin misses opportunity offered by Zelensky – NATO Secretary General
Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin failed to take advantage of a genuine opportunity for peace offered by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who expressed his readiness for a personal meeting. Instead, Russia sent a low-level delegation to negotiations in Istanbul.