Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Zelensky had to remind Trump peace talks already underway during call with EU leaders — For war-weary Europe, Trump-Putin call yet another signal to wake up — Trump doesn’t know how to deal with gangsters — US lets Ukraine down, once again — Because of Russia, my child understood fear early … and more
https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/05/tuesday-may-20-2025-2/
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Thousands protest in Hungary against Russia-style bill targeting media, NGOs — Russia declares Amnesty International an ‘undesirable organization’ — Aestheticized aggression, why Gosha Rubchinskiy’s ‘Victory Day’ photo book is Russian propaganda — Ukrainian drones destroy Russian radar, supply depots on Black Sea gas platforms … and more
https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/05/tuesday-may-20-2025/
Monday, May 19, 2025
New clips from Putin documentary suggest Russia dismissed Ukraine peace talks, ceasefire weeks ago — Uncovering the secret Russian FSB operation to loot Ukraine’s museums — Russia launches record 273-drone attack on Ukraine ahead of planned Trump-Putin call — Nicusor Dan wins Romanian presidential election, defeating anti-Ukraine Simion … and more
https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/05/monday-may-19-2025/
Russia kills 76-year-old man in Kherson Oblast by dropping explosive from drone
The #Russians have dropped an explosive device from a drone on a 76-year-old local resident in the# village of #Vesele in #Kherson Oblast, killing him instantly.
https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/05/18/7512802/
#WarCrimes #RussianAggression #CiviliansTargeted #CiviliansKilled #StandWithUkraine
Sunday, May 18, 2025
How Russia’s Shaheds are getting more dangerous & what Ukraine is doing about it — Three years into full-scale war, Eurovision still hasn’t solved its Russia problem — Moscow questions Kyiv’s authority, says Ukraine’s choice of signatory key to any peace deal — Ukrainian drones strike Russian ammunition depot in occupied Crimea … and more
https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/05/sunday-may-18-2025/
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?
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
‘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
‘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
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
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.
Share
Friday, May 16, 2025
Russian fighter jet violated NATO territory after Estonia tried to detain shadow fleet tanker — Kyiv hits back as Russian Foreign Ministry insults — Ukraine shows its latest ship-killer Magura drone series to the public for the first time — Pro-Ukraine partisans sabotage railway track near Russia’s Smolensk — Slap in the face as Estonia blasts Russia’s low-level peace delegation in Istanbul … and more
https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/05/friday-may-16-2025/
Thursday, May 15, 2025
From spy rings to arson — Russia’s sabotage across Europe continues unpunished — Russia likely preparing major offensive in Ukraine despite peace efforts — Zelensky’s trust rating rises to 74%, highest since 2023, poll shows — [vblog] Putin on trial? Dutch minister on EU-led tribunal … and more
https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/05/thursday-may-15-2025/
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Russia threatens to ‘neutralize’ all NATO efforts against Moscow amid alliance drills in Lithuania — Macron promises new Russia sanctions, discusses French nuclear deterrent for Europe — Russia has lost 968,130 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022 — Russia killed Ukrainian author Victoria Amelina — but not her words or quest for justice … and more
https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/05/wednesday-may-14-2025/
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Russia brings in top-level FSB Presidential Regiment to Chasiv Yar; If Russians are using this level of specialists in urban combat, they are probably facing difficulties — International Civil Aviation Organization rules Russia responsible for downing MH17 — Russia decreased but didn’t cease attacks during Victory Day truce — 6 Bulgarian nationals sentenced in the UK for spying for Russia … and more
https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/05/tuesday-may-13-2025/
Monday, May 12, 2025
Tusk says Russia ordered 2024 arson attack on Warsaw shopping centre — Ukraine allegedly targets Russia’s Kursk Oblast in missile attack — [vblog/video] Putin’s Victory Day and White House chaos; Hegseth goes behind Trump’s back — Zelensky ready to meet Putin in Turkey, calls for immediate ceasefire … and more
https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/05/monday-may-12-2025/
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Russian regime’s legitimacy rests on the manipulation of history — Western leaders to visit Kyiv in show of support for Ukraine amid Putin’s sham truce — 5 things Putin conveniently left out of his Victory Day speech in Moscow — Russian glide bomb attacks on Sumy Oblast despite ceasefire … and more
https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/05/saturday-may-10-2025/
Friday, May 9, 2025
The front is noisy for Ukraine’s soldiers, Russia’s Victory Day ‘ceasefire’ is yet another sham — I’m not fine; Intimate scenes of life during war (Photos) — What Putin won’t tell you about Russia’s Victory Day — Clearly, Ukraine is holding card; economist on why US pressure won’t force Kyiv to concede … and more
https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/05/friday-may-9-2025/
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Ukrainian drones hit Russian fiber optic plant in Saransk — Theater, drag shows, an&d art studios; Kharkiv’s cultural scene thrives, even in wartime — Military communications in Moscow Oblast sabotaged amid Russia’s Victory Day celebrations — [video/vlog] How Putin weaponized WW2 and Victory Day, historian explains … and more
https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/05/thursday-may-8-2025/
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
‘Putin doesn’t want peace, he wants Ukraine;’ Pence rebukes Trump’s stance on Russia — Russian Baltic Sea provocations increasing threat of accidental military incidents, Latvian intelligence says — Ukraine stabilizes Pokrovsk front, seizes tactical initiative in some areas — Russian soldiers executed 3 unarmed Ukrainian POWs in Donetsk Oblast … and more
https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/05/wednesday-may-7-2025/
So Israel can just bomb the civilian airplanes and facilities of an airport in Yemen?
All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.
#israel #civilianstargeted #yemen
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Special tribunal against Russian leadership may be launched in 2026 — France is sending Ukraine more AASM Hammer bombs & here’s what they can do — As Russia trains abducted children for war, Ukraine fights uphill battle to bring them home — Czech Republic ready to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16, L-39 aircraft, Czech PM says … and more
https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/05/tuesday-may-6-2025/
Monday, May 5, 2025
Ukraine reportedly attacks Russian Strela electromechanical plant in Bryansk Oblast — US to send refurbished Patriot air defense system from Israel to Ukraine — Czech initiative to deliver up to 1.8 million shells to Ukraine in 2025 — [vblog] Tortured journalist and Russia’s intensified assaults: Ukraine This Week … and more
https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/05/monday-may-5-2025/
Sunday, May 4, 2025
Ukrainian sea drone downs Russian fighter jet in world-first strike — Russia used thermobaric weapons in drone strike on Kharkiv, Ukrainian prosecutors say — Russian drone attack on Kyiv injures 11 people, including 2 children, damages shopping mall — France to ramp up AASM Hammer smart bomb production for Ukraine … and more
https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/05/sunday-may-4-2025/
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Massive drone attack reportedly targets Russian military sites in occupied Crimea — [vlog] One night with 3rd Assault Brigade medics in a new age of war — Belgium’s Euroclear to redistribute $3.4 billion from frozen Russian assets — Azerbaijani lawmaker blames Russia for February cyberattack … and more
https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2025/05/saturday-may-3-2025/
