Russia’s recent warning to Kyiv of an “endless war” during peace talks in Turkey underscores a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict. The implication is clear: Russia believes it can’t win a decisive victory, yet is unwilling or unable to withdraw. This admission, however veiled, reveals a concerning shift in Russia’s strategy.
Instead of aiming for a swift and decisive victory, the stated goal seems to have transitioned to a protracted conflict, seemingly accepting a scenario of indefinite warfare. This is a dramatic departure from the initial narrative of a rapid “special military operation,” and highlights a growing desperation within the Russian leadership.… Continue reading
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.
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Reports indicate that Russian forces are training Ukrainian orphans to fight in their war against Kyiv. This deeply disturbing claim raises serious questions about the ethical boundaries being crossed in this conflict. The alleged training of children, potentially kidnap victims rather than true orphans, constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law.
The age of these children suggests they possess sufficient cognitive capacity to recall their experiences and understand the implications of their involvement in the conflict. This raises the chilling possibility that they are being exploited and manipulated, forced to participate in a war against their own countrymen. Their future actions, even if initially directed by their captors, remain uncertain, hinting at the potential for long-term psychological damage and unpredictable consequences.… Continue reading
Vladimir Putin rejected a 22-point peace plan presented by the US, Ukraine, and European partners. This decision, communicated to US special envoy Steve Witkoff on May 8th, prompted the postponement of planned meetings between Witkoff and Putin. The plan, discussed extensively by Ukrainian and US officials including Andrii Yermak and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, included a proposed 30-day ceasefire. The rejection follows a joint statement from four European leaders urging a ceasefire and threatening further sanctions if Russia refused.
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Vladimir Putin’s choice of Vladimir Medinsky, a historian with ultranationalist views, to lead the Russian delegation in Istanbul peace talks signals a lack of seriousness. Medinsky, a former culture minister, has a history of promoting a pro-Russian narrative, including authorship or ghostwriting of texts justifying the invasion of Ukraine. His past negotiating efforts have been unsuccessful, marked by demands for Ukrainian capitulation. This low-level delegation, lacking Kremlin heavyweights, is widely seen as a symbolic gesture rather than a genuine attempt at peace.
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In a recent Fox News interview, Donald Trump asserted that Vladimir Putin desires a peace deal, but that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s perceived lack of leverage is hindering negotiations. Trump attributed this to Zelenskyy’s actions and stated that Putin’s war aims were initially expected to be swiftly accomplished. Trump further claimed his own unique ability to broker a peace agreement, suggesting economic sanctions as a last resort if diplomatic efforts fail. He emphasized his strong relationship with Putin as a key factor in his belief that a deal is achievable.
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Despite initial optimism surrounding a large prisoner exchange, the Istanbul peace talks yielded minimal progress. Russia rejected Ukraine’s proposed ceasefire and face-to-face meeting between Zelensky and Putin, instead reiterating maximalist territorial demands. This outcome, facilitated by Donald Trump’s support of Putin, is viewed by Ukrainian officials as a stalling tactic by Russia to prepare for further offensives. The talks exposed a lack of Western unity on the issue, with Trump’s approach exacerbating Ukraine’s precarious situation. Continued Russian aggression underscores the urgent need for a stronger, unified international response.
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Following Russia’s first direct talks with Ukraine in three years, Kremlin negotiator Vladimir Medinsky expressed satisfaction with the discussions and a commitment to continued negotiations. He invoked the 21-year Great Northern War as a historical precedent for Russia’s willingness to sustain its military campaign in Ukraine indefinitely. Medinsky reportedly conveyed Russia’s preparedness for a prolonged conflict, emphasizing their resolve even at the cost of further casualties. This stance suggests a hardened negotiating position and a commitment to achieving their objectives regardless of the duration required.
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In a last-minute shift, Russia demanded a bilateral meeting in Istanbul, excluding Turkey and the U.S., derailing expectations for broader peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. This move, viewed by Kyiv and the West as insincere, saw Russia send a delegation lacking top officials, despite President Zelensky’s invitation to President Putin. While a Ukrainian delegation, including key ministers, arrived in Istanbul, Moscow framed the meeting as a continuation of previous negotiations focused on addressing the conflict’s underlying causes, rather than an unconditional ceasefire as Ukraine had proposed. The talks come after a period of relative inactivity in direct negotiations.
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Steve Witkoff, a real estate developer with no prior diplomatic experience, serves as President Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, a role secured largely due to his longstanding friendship with the president. His responsibilities unexpectedly expanded to include brokering peace between Russia and Ukraine, leading to criticism regarding his qualifications. Witkoff’s unconventional approach includes self-directed research through documentaries and direct, often protocol-breaking, meetings with Vladimir Putin. The White House, however, defends Witkoff, emphasizing his negotiating skills and contributions to Trump’s foreign policy goals.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker