During a Southeast Asian tour, French President Macron asserted that Russia’s war in Ukraine, aided by North Korean soldiers, destabilizes both Europe and Asia, urging partner nations to diversify arms suppliers away from Moscow. He believes that President Trump now recognizes Putin’s deceptive peace overtures, highlighting the inherent contradiction of simultaneously claiming readiness for negotiations while escalating attacks. Macron stressed the unacceptable nature of Russia’s actions and advocated for the longest possible ceasefire. This follows Trump’s recent condemnation of Russia’s aggression, although he also criticized Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.
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Following Russia’s largest-ever aerial assault on Ukraine, resulting in at least 12 deaths and numerous injuries, former US President Trump issued a sharp condemnation of Vladimir Putin, labeling him “absolutely crazy” for the attacks. Trump, while expressing displeasure with Putin’s actions and promising increased sanctions, also criticized Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s rhetoric, urging him to adopt a less inflammatory tone. This unprecedented barrage of 367 drones and missiles prompted Zelenskyy to call for stronger international pressure on Russia. Trump’s statements represent a rare public rebuke of Putin from a former US president.
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In response to Russia’s widespread airstrikes on Ukrainian civilians, Keith Kellogg, President Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, condemned the attacks as a blatant violation of the 1977 Geneva Peace Protocols. Kellogg highlighted the horrific targeting of innocent women and children, emphasizing the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire. This condemnation contrasts with Representative Don Bacon’s proposed response of escalating military aid and sanctions against Russia. President Zelenskyy has also called for increased international pressure on the Kremlin.
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Russia launched its largest-ever air attack on Ukraine, using over 360 missiles and drones, resulting in at least 14 deaths, including three children, and widespread damage across 13 regions. Ukrainian forces reported shooting down numerous missiles and drones, but the attack caused significant damage to residential buildings and infrastructure. The assault, which targeted military and civilian sites, came amidst ongoing calls for a ceasefire, which Russia has ignored. President Zelenskyy emphasized the need for stronger international pressure on Russia to halt the escalating violence.
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Following Russia’s largest aerial assault on Ukraine, President Zelenskyy criticized the international community’s silence, urging stronger sanctions against Russia. The attack, involving hundreds of drones and missiles, resulted in civilian casualties and underscored the ongoing conflict. While a prisoner exchange occurred, efforts towards a ceasefire remain stalled, hampered by differing approaches from the US and European allies. Despite new EU and UK sanctions targeting Russia’s oil exports, the US administration’s position on further sanctions remains uncertain.
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A major Russian attack on Kyiv involved 250 drones and 14 ballistic missiles, resulting in at least 14 injuries and significant damage to residential areas. Ukrainian forces intercepted a large number of these projectiles, but the assault constituted one of the largest combined aerial attacks on the city to date. The attack occurred amidst ongoing prisoner exchanges between the two countries, prompting President Zelensky to call for further sanctions on Russia. Zelensky emphasized that Moscow’s actions prolong the war.
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President Zelenskyy denounced Russia’s week-long drafting of a ceasefire memorandum as a mockery of the global community, emphasizing the urgent need for a genuine peace process and increased pressure on Russia. He highlighted the recent prisoner exchange as the only tangible result of Russo-Ukrainian talks, with Russia obstructing further progress. Zelenskyy stressed the daily loss of life necessitates immediate action, including new sanctions against Russia. The lack of a concrete date for further negotiations underscores the stalled diplomatic efforts.
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Following a phone call between Presidents Putin and Trump, during which a full ceasefire remained elusive, President Zelensky rejected Russia’s demand for Ukrainian troop withdrawal from occupied territories. Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s right to its land and advocated for a ceasefire and Ukrainian involvement in any peace negotiations. A prisoner exchange is planned, and Zelensky mentioned potential future sanctions from the EU and US. Negotiations continue, with discussions of a broader meeting involving Ukraine, Russia, the US, and the EU.
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President Zelensky firmly rejected Russia’s territorial demands, stating Ukraine will not withdraw troops from its own land. These demands, reiterated in Istanbul negotiations, included ceding Crimea and four eastern oblasts, even though Russia doesn’t fully control them. Russia’s maximalist position, including eliminating the “root causes” of the war, remains unchanged, while Ukraine continues to push for a full, unconditional ceasefire, a position supported by President Trump but causing friction with European allies. Despite this, no new U.S. sanctions against Russia have been enacted.
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President Trump initiated ceasefire negotiations concerning the Ukraine conflict with a phone call to President Zelenskyy on May 19th, deviating from expectations of initially contacting Vladimir Putin. Following the Zelenskyy call, Trump subsequently spoke with Putin, as previously announced. The calls aimed to advance efforts toward ending the war between Russia and Ukraine. Trump’s planned diplomatic outreach also includes conversations with NATO allies.
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John Q. Hosedrinker