Every easing of sanctions on Russia delays peace, Zelensky says
Every easing of sanctions against Russia weakens global security and delays peace.
Politics
23 May 2026
Zelensky: Ukraine preparing new sanctions decisions
The Ukrainian government is preparing new sanctions decisions in addition to those enacted on Saturday, including sanctions targeting Russians involved in the strike on the Okhmatdyt National Children's Specialized Hospital.
Tsikhanouskaya seeks stronger political and civil society cooperation with Ukraine
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the leader of the Belarusian democratic forces, plans to discuss cooperation with Ukraine and the challenges that Belarusian citizens sometimes face in Ukraine during her visit to Kyiv.
Ukraine unlocks another source of funding within PURL – FM Sybiha
During the meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Helsingborg, Ukraine received new commitments from partners to contribute to the PURL initiative.
Ukraine, Albania to jointly host ministerial meeting of Southeast European countries
A ministerial meeting involving representatives of Ukraine and Southeast European countries will take place in Albania next month.
Melnyk responds to Nebenzya’s invitation to visit Russia at UN Security Council
Ukraine’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Andrii Melnyk rejected a rhetorical invitation from Russia’s UN envoy Vasily Nebenzya to visit Russia and see the state of the Russian economy for himself.
U.S. again calls for “immediate and comprehensive ceasefire” in Russia’s war
U.S. Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Tammy Bruce called for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in order to achieve a lasting diplomatic end to Russia’s war against Ukraine.
FM Sybiha announced Tsikhanouskaya visit to Ukraine
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced that Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the leader of Belarus’s democratic forces, will soon arrive in Ukraine.
Sikorski says Putin may reconsider war calculations as Western aid to Ukraine grows
The situation on the battlefield is improving for Ukraine, and continued assistance from the European Union could prompt Russian leader Vladimir Putin to reassess his expectations regarding the war.
22 May 2026
Possible European mediator must be decided by Zelensky – German Conservative spokesman
Any participation by representatives of Germany or the European Union in possible peace talks between Ukraine and Russia must be decided by Ukraine's leadership.
Europe must speak to Russia with one voice, not seek individual contacts with Putin – Sybiha
Ukraine insists on a consolidated European approach to negotiations with Russia on ending the war – one that foresees a common position, a mediation format, and excludes individual contacts between separate politicians and Putin.
Zelensky on peace talks: Update on U.S. readiness may come by end of the week
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held talks with Ukraine’s international partners—the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. According to him, by the end of the week, “there may be an update on the Americans’ readiness.”
FM Sybiha: U.S.-led diplomatic track is stalled; Ukraine calls for new dialogue format
The negotiation process led by the United States to resolve the war is currently on hold, so Ukraine is advocating for a renewed format of dialogue, specifically one that involves Europe.
Putin “not very happy” about Ukraine’s recent gains – Rutte
Ukraine is currently defending itself very effectively, including by regaining some territory, which is creating problems for Russia.
European Commission comments on joint Russia-Belarus nuclear drills
The European Union said it remains “vigilant” regarding any threats linked to the joint military exercises conducted by Russia and Belarus, while also calling on all parties to refrain from nuclear threats.
China not interested in mediating between Ukraine and Russia – Volker
China is not interested in playing the role of mediator between Ukraine and Russia, and visits by either U.S. President Donald Trump or Russian leader Vladimir Putin to Beijing should not be expected to bring any meaningful progress toward ending the war.
France reaffirms NATO commitments, prepares long-term peace framework for Ukraine – Barrot
France is reaffirming its defense commitments within NATO amid rising Russian threats and says that its strong role in the Alliance is fully compatible with efforts to build a "coalition of the willing" aimed at preparing future security guarantees for Ukraine.
Italy supports Ukraine's full EU membership, Tajani says
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stressed the need to strengthen Ukraine's position and pave the way for its full membership in the European Union.
FM Sybiha comments on first meeting with Hungarian foreign minister
During their first in-person meeting in Helsingborg, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orbán agreed to hold a second round of expert-level consultations as early as next week.
Council of Europe representative urges partners to focus more on return of Ukrainian children
Ukraine’s partners need to pay more attention to the human dimension, particularly the return of Ukrainian children and support for them.
France calls on China to help stop war in Ukraine
France is using its dialogue with China to urge Beijing to influence Russia and help bring about an end to the war against Ukraine.
Expert: Ukraine should lead coalition to counter Russia’s cognitive warfare
Given the danger of cognitive warfare, we must begin forming a coalition and institutions right now to counter Russian information influence, with Ukraine playing a key role.
Yermak says he believes in Ukrainian justice
Former Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak has said he believes in the Ukrainian justice system.
21 May 2026
French senator: If France wants to help Ukrainians, it should not block their return home
France needs to improve the temporary protection mechanism for Ukrainians so that they can receive the necessary rights and assistance without having to apply for refugee status and without losing the option to return to Ukraine.
FM Sybiha tells Rutte about growing threats from Russia and Belarus, urges strong collective deterrence
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reported on substantive talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte upon his arrival at the Alliance’s ministerial meeting in the Swedish city of Helsingborg.
Zelensky, Estonian PM discuss NB8 preparations and diplomatic and security situation
During a phone call, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal discussed preparations for the NB8 meeting with Ukraine, which will take place in Estonia.
German politician explains why he sees Ukraine's 'associate membership' in EU as good idea
Ukraine's "associate membership" of the European Union is a good idea because it could serve as a step toward full membership.
Zelensky says Lukashenko must 'stay alert' in case of aggression against Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Ukraine will further strengthen its northern border amid threats from Russia's Bryansk region and Belarus, adding that sufficient funding has already been allocated for all defense measures on the Chernihiv-Kyiv axis.
Lukashenko says Belarus not planning to enter war, ready to meet Zelensky
Self-proclaimed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has said that Belarus does not intend to become involved in the war in Ukraine and expressed readiness to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.