Articles in this Cluster
13-05-2025
US President Donald Trump is considering attending potential peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Turkey on Thursday, saying he could detour there "if I thought it would be helpful." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has welcomed the possibility, stating his country "would appreciate" Trump's attendance and supporting Trump's call for direct talks between himself and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The talks come after Ukraine's European allies gave Russia an ultimatum to agree to a 30-day ceasefire or face new sanctions, a move supported by Trump. Russia has not confirmed whether Putin will attend the talks, with the Kremlin saying he is serious about finding peace through talks but giving no further indication. Zelensky has expressed readiness to meet Putin, but said Moscow has been "silent" regarding Putin's proposal to meet.
13-05-2025
Russia launched over 100 drones at Ukraine despite calls for a ceasefire, according to the Ukrainian air force. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet in Turkey for face-to-face peace talks, but the Kremlin has not responded. The US and European governments have pushed for a 30-day ceasefire, but Russia rejected the proposal and instead offered direct talks with Ukraine. Zelenskyy said Ukraine is willing to negotiate, but expects "appropriate steps" from Russia. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of soldiers and over 10,000 Ukrainian civilians, with Russia controlling around one-fifth of Ukraine.
13-05-2025
US President Donald Trump's presidency is set for a consequential week as he embarks on a Middle East tour, with significant developments unfolding on multiple global challenges. The Trump administration has confirmed talks with Hamas on a potential Gaza ceasefire and hostage release, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has agreed to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Istanbul, following Trump's urging. Additionally, the US and China have reportedly made progress in trade talks, with the White House claiming a "trade deal" has been struck, although Beijing's description was more cautious. These developments have raised the stakes for Trump's diplomatic trip, which will take him to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other key regional players.
13-05-2025
US President Donald Trump is considering attending potential peace talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Istanbul, Turkey. Zelenskyy had invited Putin to meet on Thursday, but Russia has not confirmed whether Putin will attend. Trump, who is currently on a trip to the Middle East, said he is "thinking" of going to Turkey, and Zelenskyy has welcomed the possibility of Trump's attendance. However, Russia's Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov refused to confirm whether anyone from the Russian side would be travelling to Turkey, and Ukraine's allies remain sceptical about the prospects for talks.
13-05-2025
Poland's foreign minister, Radek Sikorski, claims that Russia recruited people on Telegram to start a massive fire at a Warsaw shopping centre in 2024, and that Poland has evidence to support this. The fire destroyed 1,400 small businesses and was investigated by Polish authorities, who concluded that it was orchestrated by Russia's intelligence services. As a result, Poland closed one of Russia's two consulates, in Krakow, and now has only one consulate and an embassy remaining. Russia has denied involvement and accused Poland of being "Russophobic".
13-05-2025
Polish officials have ordered the closure of Russia's consulate in Krakow after an investigation concluded that Moscow was responsible for a 2024 arson attack that destroyed a shopping center in Warsaw. Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski announced the closure, stating that the arson was "completely unacceptable" and that further action would be taken if such attacks continue. Russian officials have denied wrongdoing and condemned Poland's decision. The incident comes ahead of a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Turkey.
