Ukraine says peace talks “will take place in the coming days,” and the anticipation surrounding these discussions is palpable. But the situation is complex, and the underlying sentiment suggests a deep skepticism about the nature and potential outcomes of these talks. The feeling is that this whole situation is, at least in part, a carefully staged performance.
The primary concern revolves around the potential involvement of certain figures who might be more interested in personal gain than a just resolution. The fear is that a proposed “peace plan” could essentially be a surrender, a way for Russia to secure its objectives while Ukraine is forced to make significant concessions.… Continue reading
Former President Trump asserted that within approximately two weeks, it will become clear whether Russia genuinely seeks to end the war in Ukraine, with his envoy currently negotiating. He expressed disapproval of recent Russian missile attacks during these ongoing diplomatic efforts, even suggesting a personal meeting with Zelensky and Putin if needed. Russia has proposed a new round of peace talks in Istanbul on June 2, offering a memorandum outlining its perspective on the conflict’s origins. Trump’s assessment is based on ongoing negotiations and recent events, including a large-scale drone attack and a prisoner exchange.
Read More
To end the war in Ukraine, President Putin demands a written Western pledge to halt NATO’s eastward expansion, along with sanctions relief for Russia. He also seeks Ukrainian neutrality, resolution of frozen assets, and protection for Russian speakers in Ukraine. Failure to meet these terms, according to Russian sources, could lead to further military escalation and a more painful peace for Ukraine. However, Kyiv and NATO have consistently rejected these conditions.
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
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
Trump threatens sanctions on Moscow if Ukraine peace talks fail. This isn’t a new threat; it feels like we’ve heard this same refrain countless times. The sheer repetition makes the threat itself seem almost comical, a broken record stuck on a loop. It’s exhausting to see headline after headline repeating the same cycle of threats, failures, and inaction.
The consistent pattern of failed talks raises serious questions about the effectiveness of these pronouncements. How many times can a “threat” be issued before it loses all meaning? At what point does the sheer volume of unfulfilled promises undermine any credibility whatsoever? The feeling here is one of deep-seated cynicism – a sense that nothing will actually happen, no matter how many times Trump says it.… 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.
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 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
Brazilian President Lula da Silva plans to personally urge Russian President Putin to participate in face-to-face peace talks with Ukrainian President Zelensky in Istanbul on Thursday. These talks, if they occur, would mark the first direct engagement between Putin and Zelensky in over three years. The Kremlin has yet to confirm Putin’s attendance but will announce the Russian delegation on Thursday. Ukraine frames Putin’s participation as a crucial test of his commitment to peace negotiations.
Read More
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker