U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff deemed Hamas’s counter-proposal for a 60-day ceasefire “totally unacceptable,” demanding their acceptance of the U.S. framework. Hamas offered the release of 10 hostages and 18 bodies in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, contingent on a temporary independent authority being established. Witkoff insisted on immediate proximity talks based on the U.S. proposal, emphasizing Hamas compliance as the only path to a ceasefire. The White House confirmed Israel’s approval of the U.S. framework, though official Israeli comment remains pending.
Read More
President Zelenskyy expressed skepticism regarding the next Istanbul talks, citing Russia’s failure to provide a promised memorandum outlining ceasefire terms and continued aggression. This lack of preparation and Moscow’s disregard for international calls for a ceasefire suggest the meeting may be unproductive. Zelenskyy nevertheless thanked Turkey for its peace efforts, particularly the prisoner exchange, and ongoing diplomatic support. Ukraine remains prepared for negotiations, but Russia’s actions indicate a possible attempt to stall peace efforts.
Read More
A US-brokered ceasefire proposal, endorsed by Israel, has been rejected by Hamas. The plan, involving a phased hostage release in exchange for a 60-day truce and prisoner releases, failed to meet Hamas’ core demands for a complete end to hostilities and a restoration of humanitarian aid flows. Hamas indicated its response will be forthcoming, while Israel remains silent publicly, although Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly informed hostages’ families of his acceptance. The proposal’s rejection follows the collapse of a previous ceasefire and amid escalating conflict resulting in thousands of casualties and widespread displacement in Gaza.
Read More
Following a large-scale Russian missile attack on May 24-25, resulting in at least three child deaths, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha urged intensified international pressure on Russia for an immediate ceasefire. The attack, involving hundreds of drones and missiles, constitutes one of the largest recent assaults on Ukrainian cities. Sybiha stressed the urgent need for a complete and unconditional ceasefire as a prerequisite for any peace efforts. Poland’s response included scrambling fighter jets in reaction to the barrage.
Read More
Russian President Putin’s announcement of a “security buffer zone” along the Ukrainian border, echoing previous statements, is viewed by Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as further evidence of Russia’s obstruction of peace efforts. Spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi highlighted the timing of this announcement, amidst calls for a ceasefire, as proof that Putin is solely responsible for the ongoing war. Tykhyi suggests that any necessary buffer zone should be located within Russia itself, referencing ongoing Ukrainian operations on Russian territory. This statement underscores Ukraine’s position that Russia, under Putin’s leadership, must be pressured to accept peace and a lasting ceasefire.
Read More
Following a May 19th phone call between Presidents Trump and Putin, Russia, through Foreign Minister Lavrov, rejected calls for a Ukrainian ceasefire. Instead, Russia insisted on negotiating a future peace treaty addressing what it terms the “root causes” of the conflict. These negotiations, including a May 16th meeting, saw Russia reiterate maximalist demands, including Ukrainian concessions on Crimea and eastern territories, and featured a low-level Russian delegation, signaling a lack of commitment to meaningful progress. Lavrov accused Western leaders of pressuring Trump for stricter sanctions, further hindering peace efforts.
Read More
Following a two-hour call, Trump informed European leaders that Putin had only agreed to discuss a ceasefire, a statement that shocked them. This contradicted Trump’s claim of a successful conversation resulting in immediate ceasefire negotiations, leaving European leaders confused and questioning his assessment. Trump’s apparent willingness to disengage from brokering a deal and forgo further sanctions further surprised them. Zelensky also pointed out that Moscow had already agreed to negotiations.
Read More
Russia demanded that Kyiv withdraw its troops from all Ukrainian regions claimed by Moscow as a precondition for a ceasefire, according to a Ukrainian source. This demand, predictably, has been met with widespread skepticism and outrage. The sheer audacity of the request, given the ongoing conflict and Russia’s own aggression, highlights the deep chasm between the two sides and the difficulties in achieving a lasting peace.
The suggestion that Ukraine should unilaterally cede territory currently under its control before any ceasefire agreement is inherently unbalanced. It essentially asks Ukraine to surrender significant portions of its land, rewarding Russian aggression and undermining the principle of self-determination.… Continue reading
The first direct Russia-Ukraine peace talks in over three years concluded after less than two hours, resulting in a significant prisoner exchange of 1,000 POWs each. Despite this progress, key disagreements remain, primarily concerning a ceasefire—a condition Ukraine and its Western allies insist upon as a prerequisite for further negotiations, while Russia has not yet agreed to. Russia introduced new, unacceptable territorial demands, further highlighting the significant chasm between the two sides. Despite the stalemate, both delegations expressed a willingness to continue dialogue.
Read More
India firmly rejected US President Trump’s claim to have mediated a ceasefire and his assertion of threatening trade sanctions. The government reiterated its long-held position that the Jammu and Kashmir issue is a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan, and that India’s military actions were purely conventional, countering Pakistan’s nuclear posturing. India’s response to the April 22 terrorist attack targeted terrorist infrastructure, with any subsequent military engagement ceasing only after Pakistan’s cessation of hostilities. The government further clarified that the ceasefire agreement was reached directly between the two countries’ Directors General of Military Operations.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood