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Sybiga mentioned the outcomes of negotiations in Turkey with Kallas: We agreed that stress on Russia must be elevated
Minister of Overseas Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sybiga knowledgeable Kaja Kallas in regards to the outcomes of diplomatic contacts in Turkey. The events agreed to extend stress on Moscow.
Editor's observe: This opinion first appeared in German in Süddeutsche Zeitung.
Russia’s President — a needed battle legal — Vladimir Putin failed to point out up in Istanbul for the “direct talks” with Ukraine that he himself proposed. For the Kremlin to wage an unprovoked battle of conquest, reject a ceasefire, and name it a peace effort is nothing new. Russia lies.
In 2022, increase troops on the Ukrainian border, the Kremlin advised us it had no intentions of invading. Russia lied.
Eleven years in the past, Putin claimed that the unmarked troops seizing administrative buildings in Ukrainian Crimea weren't his. Russia lied.
Ninety years in the past, Moscow starved hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians in an effort to interrupt a nation’s will to dwell free. What the world is aware of because the Holodomor — and what 35 nations have acknowledged as genocide — Russia denies.
Russia lies on a regular basis.
A lot ink has already been spilled over the Istanbul talks, the Kremlin’s venal theatrics, and Washington’s blended indicators. However the fundamentals stay unchanged. Nobody longs for peace greater than Ukraine — it accepted an unconditional ceasefire in March. Russia didn’t. It nonetheless refuses to cease killing Ukrainians for the crime of being Ukrainian.
To name out Russia’s lies is now not sufficient. Europe should confront — and discard — 5 deadly delusions of its personal.
Moscow frames its battle of aggression as a neighborly dispute that spiraled uncontrolled — a cynical and callous lie. However many countries entertain the declare, absolving themselves of the accountability to assist Ukraine expel the invaders.
With an financial system ten instances the scale of Russia’s and 3 times the inhabitants, Europe pretends it has achieved all it may — sanctions, help, ideas, and prayers. However half-measures, laced with appeasement, have predictably didn’t quench Moscow’s urge for food for battle. When Russia invaded Georgia in 2008, it marked the collapse of the post-Chilly Conflict order. Europe flinched. A widely known serial killer isn’t simply knocking on the door — he’s already inside the home.
To name out Russia’s lies is now not sufficient. Europe should confront — and discard — 5 deadly delusions of its personal.
First, our concern of escalation fuels Russian aggression.
The response to 2008 wasn’t ignorance — it was concern. As an alternative of pacifying Moscow, our self-restraint emboldened it. Paralyzed by the assumption that confronting Russia was too dangerous, Europe missed the memo: not confronting it was and stays probably the most harmful choice of all.
Second, it’s not Putin’s battle — it’s Russia’s.
Blaming one man is reassuring, however a critical misreading of historical past. Russia was born an empire and by no means grew to become a nation. Its rulers modified — tsars, commissars, now kleptocrats — however the colonizer impulses stay. The precursor state to at present’s Federation of Oppression, Muscovy, started as a tax collector for the Mongol khans, and it by no means stopped extracting, erasing, increasing. If the West denies company to the hundreds of thousands of Russian folks at present and spares them accountability for their authorities, it’ll assure that historical past repeats itself.
Third, yielding to nuclear coercion rewards the menace and ensures its return.
The world modified ceaselessly when Moscow rattled its nukes — and the West responded not with resolve, however retreat. Timothy Snyder stated it greatest: "By taking nuclear blackmail severely, we now have truly elevated the general probabilities of nuclear battle. If nuclear blackmail allows a Russian victory, the results shall be incalculably terrible." The chance of a nuclear strike is rarely zero — but when Russia walks away with something resembling a victory, the collapse of the non-proliferation regime is all however assured.
Fourth, the frozen asset debate is backwards.
Europe agonizes over whether or not transferring $300 billion in frozen Russian property to Ukraine would possibly set a harmful precedent. However the flipside is worse: doing nothing indicators {that a} pariah state can wage a battle of annihilation — and maintain the earnings. After WWII, German property helped rebuild what Hitler destroyed. What’s completely different now? The Kremlin selected to launch a legal battle and thus forfeited any declare to be handled as a decent sovereign actor. Making Russia pay is the one truthful end result.
Lastly, Ukraine is a safety supplier for Europe, not a safety burden.
By resisting the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has severely degraded Moscow's army capabilities. It selected to face and struggle reasonably than give up — a present the Free World has but to completely recognize. Ukraine’s valour is Europe’s defend. A NATO-integrated Ukraine isn’t a legal responsibility — it’s what a reputable and efficient deterrent seems to be like.
Our needs however, Istanbul was no turning level, however yet one more chapter in a centuries-long sample of deceit pushed by Moscow’s imperial ambition. Russia’s personal former overseas minister, Andrei Kozyrev, put it plainly: by appointing Vladimir Medinsky — a fringe propagandist loathed even in Russia — to steer the talks, Putin signaled open contempt for diplomacy and for Washington specifically. This wasn’t negotiation — it was provocation in an affordable go well with.
The Free World, and Europe specifically, has the means, the direct strategic curiosity, and — if it finds the need — the ethical accountability to assist Ukraine restore its sovereignty. Not simply to punish aggression, however to interrupt the cycle of appeasement that introduced us right here. Victory for Ukraine just isn’t a present. It’s the worth of peace in Europe — and one of the best assure that your kids gained’t be drafted within the coming months or years to defend what stays of it.
The Kyiv IndependentAndrew Chakhoyan
Trump plans to speak to Putin to seek out out what occurred in Istanbul – Macron
Donald Trump intends to seek out out the main points of the negotiations in Istanbul. Macron supported the ceasefire in Ukraine and expressed remorse over Putin's refusal to fulfill.
Key developments on Could 16:
Ukrainian and Russian delegations concluded their talks in Istanbul on Could 16 after talking for lower than two hours, with no settlement reached on a full, 30-day ceasefire, and Moscow demanding Kyiv withdraw utterly from Ukraine's 4 oblasts that President Vladimir Putin claims to have annexed.
A supply within the Ukrainian President's Workplace briefed on the talks confirmed to the Kyiv Unbiased that Moscow's delegation insisted that Ukraine retreat from Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts, regardless of Russia not controlling any of them of their entirety.
The Kremlin illegally declared the annexation of the 4 oblasts following sham referenda in late 2022, incorporating them into Russia’s structure — a transfer that holds no weight internationally.
Regardless of the calls for, the supply mentioned the Ukrainian delegation's "impression was that (the Russian) delegation merely didn’t have any actual authority."
"They now must return to Moscow, simply to determine what they will even say in response to what they heard right here," they added.
In response to the supply, through the talks, Ukraine supplied a right away ceasefire, an all-for-all prisoner alternate and to carry a face-to-face assembly between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Putin.
In a single constructive improvement, Russia and Ukraine reached an settlement for the exchange of prisoners of war (POWs) on a 1,000-for-1,000 foundation, Protection Minister Rustem Umerov, who was main Ukraine's delegation, instructed reporters after the talks on Could 16.
"We all know the date, however we're not going to say it but," he said.
Quickly after, Vladimir Medinsky, head of the Russian delegation, confirmed the agreed alternate in feedback to Russian state media.
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After the talks ended, Zelensky and a number of other high European leaders held a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, the Ukrainian chief introduced on Telegram.
French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk joined Zelensky through the name.
"Ukraine is able to take the quickest doable steps for actual peace, and it’s important that the world holds robust positions," Zelensky wrote.
"If the Russians refuse an entire and unconditional cease to the hearth and killings, there should be robust sanctions. Stress on Russia should be maintained till Russia is able to finish the conflict."
Quickly after, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk echoed the condemnation of Russia's unwillingness to cease the preventing.
"The Russians in Istanbul have de facto damaged off negotiations and refused to stop fireplace," Tusk wrote on X. "Time to extend the stress."
No additional particulars have been supplied concerning the content material or period of the decision.
"Trump nonetheless hopes one thing will be performed," the supply within the President’s Workplace mentioned.
In response to the supply, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Particular Envoy Keith Kellogg see the scenario as it’s. The identical supply mentioned that Particular Envoy Steve Witkoff is, in flip, "overpromising."
In a while Could 16, European Fee President Ursula von der Leyen referred to as for new sanctions against Russia, she mentioned through the European Political Group Summit.
The European Fee is making ready a brand new sanctions bundle, which would come with sanctions on the Nord Stream 1 and a pair of pipelines, further listings of vessels from Russia's shadow fleet, a decrease oil value cap, and sanctions on Russia's monetary sector, von der Leyen introduced.
Ukraine and Russia have agreed in principle to carry a follow-up assembly, Turkish International Minister Hakan Fidan introduced, based on the nation's state-run Anadolu Company.
"The events have agreed in precept to come back collectively once more," Fidan said.
The Kyiv IndependentKateryna Hodunova
After Moscow proposed to carry peace talks in Turkey this week, Zelensky agreed and invited Putin for a face-to-face assembly. The Russian chief declined to attend and appointed his aide, Medinsky, to guide the talks.
The Russian delegation included deputy ministers and lower-level aides and excluded high officers like International Minister Sergey Lavrov. Zelensky commented that Moscow has dispatched a "sham delegation," whereas Western officers introduced the transfer as a sign that Putin just isn’t severe about peace efforts.
Although Zelensky has since then left for Albania, a Ukrainian delegation, together with Presidential Workplace head Andriy Yermak, International Minister Andrii Sybiha, and Umerov, has arrived in Istanbul to satisfy the Russian delegates.
The Ukrainian delegation additionally held meetings with U.S. officers, together with Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier within the day.
Kyiv and its allies have urged Moscow to undertake an unconditional ceasefire beginning Could 12 as step one towards peace talks — a proposal Russia has ignored.
Whereas Ukrainian officers mentioned they hope to debate a doable truce in Istanbul, Russia introduced the assembly because the continuation of the 2022 talks and careworn the necessity to tackle what it sees because the "root causes" of the conflict.
The Kyiv IndependentAlex Cadier
As much as 640,000 Russian troops preventing in opposition to Ukraine, Syrskyi saysRussia has deployed as much as 640,000 troopers in fight in opposition to Ukraine, Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi mentioned on the NATO-Ukraine Council on Could 15.
Vadym Skibitskyi, the deputy head of Ukraine's navy intelligence company (HUR), reported in March that Russia had deployed 620,000 troopers to struggle in Ukraine, an increase from his earlier estimate of nearly 580,000 in November 2024.
"Moscow has turned its aggression in opposition to Ukraine right into a conflict of attrition and is utilizing a mixed pressure of as much as 640,000 troops," Syrskyi instructed members of the NATO-Ukraine Council.
"Our troopers proceed to conduct an efficient protection operation, inflicting vital losses on the enemy."
The entire variety of Russian navy personnel marks a rising development, as Russia continues to intensify operations in numerous areas of the entrance line.
The Monetary Instances reported on Could 13, citing undisclosed Ukrainian intelligence officers, that Russia seems to be making ready a major offensive regardless of anticipated ceasefire talks this week and calls by Kyiv and its companions for an unconditional 30-day truce.
Russia has gained floor in japanese Ukraine and Kursk Oblast in latest months, however at the price of heavy casualties in addition to tools losses.
As of Could 15, Russia has misplaced a complete of 970,590 troops for the reason that full-scale invasion started, Ukraine's Normal Employees reported. The estimate, which is broadly according to estimates made by Western intelligence businesses, probably contains these killed, captured, wounded, and lacking.
On Feb. 24, unbiased Russian media shops Meduza and Mediazona estimated in a report that round 165,000 Russian troops have been killed for the reason that launch of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, together with practically 100,000 in 2024.
President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed on Feb. 15 that Moscow had misplaced round 250,000 troopers, with 20,000 killed in battles for Russia's Kursk Oblast alone. Whereas Kyiv doesn’t frequently disclose the whole variety of casualties, that quantity has probably considerably elevated in latest months.
In an interview with NBC printed on Feb. 16, Zelensky said over 46,000 Ukrainian troopers have been killed and 380,000 injured on the battlefield.
The Kyiv IndependentNatalia Yermak
Ukraine 'misplaced contact' with F-16 throughout fight, pilot ejected, Air Drive saysThe Air Drive "misplaced contact" with an F-16 jet throughout a mission to repel a Russian aerial assault in a single day on Could 16 following an emergency scenario on board, the Air Drive reported.
The pilot diverted the airplane away from populated areas and ejected, after which he was discovered by a search and rescue crew, based on the statement.
In response to preliminary information, the F-16 pilot destroyed three Russian aerial targets and was attacking a fourth one with an plane cannon. Following an unspecified emergency, contact was misplaced at round 3:30 a.m., forcing the pilot to eject.
The Air Drive didn’t present additional particulars on the airplane's final destiny or its probably crash web site.
"The pilot's situation is passable, he’s protected and his life and well being are usually not in peril," the assertion learn.
Ukraine obtained its first U.S.-made fourth-generation F-16 jets from the Netherlands and Denmark in 2024, deploying them to counter Russian missile and drone assaults throughout Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Air Drive misplaced its first F-16 aircraft in a crash in August 2024, resulting in the loss of life of its pilot, Oleksii Mes. A second F-16 pilot, Pavlo Ivanov, was killed throughout a fight mission this April.
The Kyiv IndependentAnna Fratsyvir
Putin appoints common who led Mariupol assault as new Russian Floor Forces CommanderRussian President Vladimir Putin has appointed Colonel Normal Andrey Mordvichev, who led the assault on Mariupol in 2022, because the Commander of the Russian Floor Forces, Russian state-controlled media reported on Could 15.
The appointment comes amid media stories claiming that Russia is preparing a major new offensive in Ukraine regardless of ongoing peace efforts led by the U.S.
Mordvichev was a commander of the eighth Guards Mixed Arms Military of Russia’s Southern Navy District, which was closely concerned within the devastating 2022 siege of Mariupol which killed tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilians, based on Kyiv.
The Safety Service of Ukraine (SBU) in September 2022 mentioned that whereas stationed in Mariupol, Mordvichev reportedly met with Chechen chief Ramzan Kadyrov to approve plans for the ultimate assault on the town, together with the encirclement and storming of Azovstal, the place Ukrainian troops and civilians have been sheltering.
Beneath Mordvichev’s command, Russian troops carried out the destruction of civilian infrastructure and dedicated atrocities in opposition to each civilians and the Ukrainian navy, the SBU mentioned.
It additionally discovered that Mordvichev has been instantly involved in different areas of Russia’s full-scale invasion, together with the coordination of Russian forces within the Donetsk Oblast.
It was additionally reported that Putin personally praised him and awarded him the title of Hero of Russia for the seize of Avdiivka on March 28, 2024.
Mordvichev has been notified of suspicion underneath half 3 of Artwork. 110 (encroachment on Ukraine's territorial integrity and inviolability leading to deaths and different grave penalties), half 2 of Artwork. 437 (waging an aggressive conflict), half 2 of Artwork. 28 (committing against the law by a gaggle of people in prior conspiracy) of the Felony Code of Ukraine.
Mordvichev will change Normal Oleg Saliukov, who was appointed as deputy secretary of the Safety Council on Could 15.
Saliukov, who turns 70 on Could 21, had led Russia’s Floor Forces and the Moscow Garrison since 2014, according to Radio Liberty.
Recognized for overseeing annual Victory Day parades on Crimson Sq. from 2014 by means of 2025, he’s at the moment underneath Western sanctions for his position in Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
His retirement from lively navy service had been anticipated this month underneath Russian legislation, which mandates retirement at age 70 except a particular exemption is granted.
Sergei Shoigu, Russia’s former protection minister, has headed the Safety Council since Could 2024 and now has a number of deputies, together with Saliukov.
The Kyiv IndependentMartin Fornusek
Explosions rock occupied Crimea as drone assault reportedly units Russian ammo depot on fireplaceA fireplace broke out at an ammunition depot within the village of Perevalne in Russian-occupied Crimea following a sequence of explosions throughout a drone assault on the morning of Could 16, the Crimean Wind Telegram channel reported, citing native residents.
The 126th Separate Coastal Protection Brigade of the Russian Black Sea Fleet is claimed to be stationed close to Perevalne. In response to the incident, authorities reportedly blocked the street connecting Simferopol and Alushta.
Crimean Wind shared footage taken by locals exhibiting smoke rising from completely different places throughout Crimea.
Explosions have been additionally reported close to the Belbek and Kacha navy airfields in Sevastopol, in addition to close to Cape Fiolent, Balaklava, and Bakhchisarai.
"The loud sounds that have been heard within the metropolis are the work of our troopers," claimed the Russian-installed proxy head of Sevastopol, Mikhail Razvozhayev.
In response to Razvozhayev, six drones have been downed over the occupied peninsula. He didn’t report any injury or casualties because of the assault. Russia's Protection Ministry claimed that as many as 21 drones have been shot down over Crimea, in addition to 43 within the Black Sea and one in Belgorod Oblast.
Ukraine has not formally commented on the reported strikes, and the Kyiv Unbiased couldn’t independently confirm the claims.
All through Russia's all-out conflict, Ukraine has carried out a number of profitable assaults in opposition to Russian targets in occupied Crimea and its neighborhood, closely degrading the Russian Black Sea Fleet.
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Limitedly match Ukrainians should re-undergo a navy medical examination: the police will forcibly ship those that don’t seem to the TCC
These chargeable for navy service who had been deemed partially match earlier than Could 4 should endure a repeat navy medical examination. Those that don’t seem by June 5 shall be forcibly taken to the TCC by the police.
European Fee President Ursula von der Leyen known as for brand new sanctions towards Russia after President Vladimir Putin didn’t attend Ukraine-Russia peace talks in Istanbul, she stated on Might 16 through the European Political Neighborhood Summit.
The European Fee is making ready a brand new sanctions bundle, which would come with sanctions on the Nord Stream 1 and a pair of pipelines, extra listings of vessels from Russia's shadow fleet, a decrease oil worth cap, and sanctions on Russia's monetary sector, von der Leyen introduced.
The absence of Russia's prime management from the Istanbul negotiations — proposed by the Kremlin however attended solely by lower-ranking aides — was broadly considered as a sign that Moscow stays unwilling to interact in significant talks.
Whereas President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed to attend and known as for Putin to satisfy head to head, Russia despatched a delegation headed by Putin's aide, Vladimir Medinsky. International Minister Sergey Lavrov and different high-level officers had been absent.
"President Zelensky was prepared to satisfy, however President Putin by no means confirmed up," von der Leyen stated. "This reveals that President Putin doesn’t need peace. So we’ve to extend the stress."
Von der Leyen's remarks echoed earlier warnings from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who stated on Might 13 that if Russia failed to indicate actual progress in peace talks, the EU would push for "vital tightening" of sanctions.
Ukrainian and Russian delegations concluded their talks in Istanbul on Might 16 after lower than two hours, with no settlement reached on an unconditional 30-day ceasefire.
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The proposed measures come amid mounting concern over Russia's capability to proceed circumventing sanctions utilizing its shadow fleet — growing older tankers that function below obscure possession and flag preparations to export sanctioned oil.
Ukraine lately sanctioned ship captains working on this community.
Though Nord Stream 2 was by no means activated, and Nord Stream 1 ceased operation after suspected sabotage in 2022, the transfer is symbolic. It goals to shut loopholes and stop future makes an attempt to revive Russian vitality exports to Europe.
In Washington, the U.S. Senate is making ready its personal response.
Republican lawmakers have superior the "Russian Sanctions Act of 2025," which incorporates sweeping measures similar to 500% tariffs on nations that proceed to purchase Russian vitality merchandise. At the very least 72 senators reportedly assist the invoice.
Regardless of rising frustration amongst allies, the White Home has not but imposed new sanctions or taken direct steps to penalize Russia for refusing a ceasefire.
Kyiv and European governments proceed to push for an unconditional truce, which Ukraine accepted in March. Moscow has ignored the provide and intensified its strikes on Ukrainian cities.
The Kyiv IndependentKateryna Denisova
We count on it to have an effect on banks, oil and the shadow fleet: Zelenskyy on the preparation of the seventeenth sanctions bundle
The President of Ukraine met with EU leaders, thanking them for the preparation of the seventeenth sanctions bundle. They mentioned rising stress on Russia and supporting Ukraine on its path to the EU.
Editor's observe: This can be a creating story and is being up to date.
Ukraine and Russia have agreed in precept to carry a follow-up assembly throughout their talks in Istanbul on Could 16, Turkish Overseas Minister Hakan Fidan introduced, in keeping with the nation's state-run Anadolu Company.
"The events have agreed in precept to come back collectively once more," Fidan stated.
This assertion comes because the Ukrainian and Russian delegations concluded their talks in Istanbul after talking for lower than two hours. These had been the primary direct peace negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow since 2022.
Vladimir Medinsky, who led the Russian delegation, confirmed that either side had exchanged proposals associated to a possible ceasefire and agreed to proceed the dialogue.
A supply within the Ukrainian President's Workplace confirmed to the Kyiv Unbiased that Moscow's delegation insisted that Ukraine retreat from all of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson Oblasts, regardless of Russia not controlling any of them of their entirety.
The Kremlin illegally declared the annexation of the 4 oblasts following sham referenda in late 2022, incorporating them into Russia’s structure — a transfer that holds no weight internationally.
In a optimistic improvement arising from the talks, Russia and Ukraine reached an settlement for the alternate of prisoners of struggle (POWs) on a 1,000-for-1,000 foundation, Protection Minister Rustem Umerov, who was main Ukraine's delegation, stated.
After the talks ended, Zelensky and a number of other prime European leaders held a cellphone name with U.S. President Donald Trump, the Ukrainian chief introduced on Telegram.
French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk joined Zelensky throughout the name.
Kyiv and its allies have urged Moscow to undertake an unconditional ceasefire beginning Could 12 as step one towards peace talks — a proposal Russia has ignored.
Whereas Ukrainian officers stated they hope to debate a doable truce in Istanbul, Russia introduced the assembly because the continuation of the 2022 talks and burdened the necessity to tackle what it sees because the "root causes" of the struggle.
The Kyiv IndependentKateryna Denisova
"That is their conventional habits": The Nationwide Safety and Protection Council reacted to the threats of the Russians to grab new areas of Ukraine
Andriy Kovalenko said that the threats from the Russians are conventional habits, which regularly has no foundation. Throughout negotiations in Istanbul, the Russians demanded that Ukraine withdraw its troops from the occupied territories.
Editor's observe: It is a growing story and is being up to date.
Russia and Ukraine have reached an settlement in Istanbul for the alternate of prisoners of struggle (POWs) on a 1,000-for-1,000 foundation, Protection Minister Rustem Umerov, who was main Ukraine's delegation, advised reporters after the talks on Might 16.
"We all know the date, however we're not going to say it but," he stated.
Quickly after, Vladimir Medinsky, head of the Russian delegation, confirmed the agreed alternate in feedback to Russian state media.
Ukraine floated the concept of an all-for-all prisoner alternate again in 2024, however Russia has not agreed to the proposal.
The Kyiv IndependentKateryna Denisova