Following a meeting in Rome, Australian Prime Minister Albanese confirmed to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy that pledged Abrams tanks are en route to Ukraine. Discussions also covered increasing pressure on Russia, including further sanctions, and the ongoing case of Australian citizen Oscar Jenkins imprisoned in Russia. Separately, Albanese cautiously responded to the European Union’s proposal for a deepened security partnership, suggesting further consideration was needed. Despite delays, the Australian government remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion.
Read More
In Rome on May 18th, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy held a productive meeting with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The discussion centered on the unrealistic Russian demands presented during Istanbul peace talks, with Zelenskyy emphasizing Ukraine’s commitment to genuine diplomacy and a complete, unconditional ceasefire. He highlighted Russia’s lack of negotiating authority and ceasefire violations, underscoring the need for continued international pressure to compel Russia to end the war. The meeting also covered sanctions, trade, defense cooperation, and prisoner exchanges.
Read More
Following Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural mass, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and First Lady Zelenska met with the Pontiff, marking his first audience with a foreign leader. Discussions centered on the war in Ukraine, focusing on potential Vatican mediation, prisoner releases, and the repatriation of deported children. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the Vatican’s potential role in peace negotiations and highlighted the Pope’s symbolic importance in fostering a just peace. The meeting also addressed humanitarian concerns, with Zelenska thanking the Vatican for medical aid and requesting continued cooperation. The Pope reaffirmed the Vatican’s support for Ukraine.
Read More
The Shopping Trends team operates independently from CTV News journalists. The team’s recommendations may result in commissions when readers utilize provided shopping links. Full transparency regarding this process is available for review.
Read More
Former US President Donald Trump announced plans for a Monday phone call with Vladimir Putin to discuss ending the Ukraine conflict, aiming to halt the ongoing violence. This call, confirmed by the Kremlin, will reportedly be followed by conversations with President Zelenskyy and NATO leaders. While a previous face-to-face meeting between Trump and Putin was proposed but declined, this phone call follows earlier discussions on the subject and seeks to facilitate a ceasefire. The initiative comes amidst ongoing international efforts to resolve the conflict, including recent talks in Istanbul.
Read More
Despite initial suggestions of President Trump’s and President Putin’s attendance, neither leader will participate in Thursday’s Istanbul peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. The Kremlin will instead send a delegation of experienced officials, including Vladimir Medinsky and Alexander Fomin. The absence of both presidents lowers expectations for significant progress, particularly given President Zelenskyy’s conditional participation dependent on Putin’s presence. Potential discussion topics include a 30-day ceasefire and a prisoner exchange.
Read More
Despite President Zelensky’s invitation, President Trump will not attend the May 15th Ukraine-Russia peace talks in Istanbul; however, special envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg will represent the U.S. Russia’s delegation, lacking top-level political figures like Foreign Minister Lavrov, will be led by Vladimir Medinsky. The absence of both Presidents Trump and Putin from the talks is noteworthy, given Zelensky’s previous call for their participation. Trump has previously indicated potential for further sanctions against Russia should the talks fail to produce a peace agreement.
Read More
Despite Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s call for a face-to-face meeting, Russian President Putin will not attend Thursday’s peace talks in Istanbul. Instead, presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky will lead the Russian delegation. These talks, following Putin’s earlier suggestion for direct negotiations, were prompted by recent calls for a ceasefire from Western powers. The US will send a high-level delegation, including Senator Marco Rubio, to participate in related discussions.
Read More
The US opposes inviting Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague, a decision reportedly stemming from strained relations between the two leaders. This opposition is being discussed amongst NATO foreign ministers, with concerns raised that excluding Zelenskyy would be a significant diplomatic setback. However, the summit is still six weeks away, leaving room for potential changes. The situation is further complicated by EU efforts to avoid conflict with the US ahead of the summit, particularly regarding increased defense spending targets.
Read More
President Zelensky extended an invitation to President Putin for direct peace talks in Turkey on May 15, a meeting that would mark the first such engagement since 2022. While Ukraine remains prepared to discuss all options, contingent upon a ceasefire, a failure by Putin to attend would strongly indicate Russia’s unwillingness to pursue peace. Ukraine’s readiness for negotiations contrasts sharply with Russia’s continued attacks despite international calls for an unconditional ceasefire. The absence of a response from the Kremlin regarding Putin’s participation leaves the prospect of peace talks uncertain.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker