Ukraine Invasion: Part 56

[MagicFox]

The (free) world has gone mad. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

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Agree. The power of always knowing where someone is at all times? Irresistible to the current US administration and its coterie of techbroliarchists. Thiel who is behind Vance runs Palantir. Etc.

I truly hope the ‘bone crushing’ sanctions the US has alluded to applying in the case of Putin disagreeing to the ceasefire come to pass.

Well yes, exactly.

In previous decades the answer to the questions "Are they keeping this data? And are they actively making use of it?" was "Probably only in individual cases of interest, because the volume is simply too great to handle".

That protection is melting away with the improvements in storage, increase in processing power, and advent of AI.

It's a stepchange.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights Thread

⚡️Ukraine plans to discuss only ceasefire (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-ready-to-meet-russian-delegation-in-turkey-only-to-discuss-ceasefire-media-reports/) with Russia at Istanbul talks, media reports.

⚡️ Trump says (kyivindependent.com/trump-says-he-still-might-join-ukraine-peace-talks-on-may-16/) he might still join Russia-Ukraine peace talks on May 16 if progress is made.

⚡️Rubio arrives in Turkey ahead of Ukraine-Russia peace talks, meets (kyivindependent.com/rubio-arrives-in-turkey-ahead-of-planned-ukraine-russia-peace-talks/) with FM Sybiha.

⚡️ 'Slap in the face' — Estonia blasts (kyivindependent.com/russias-low-level-peace-delegation-slap-in-the-face-estonia-says/) Russia's low-level peace delegation in Istanbul.

⚡️Most Ukrainians oppose (kyivindependent.com/majority-of-ukrainians-against-holding-elections-ahead-of-peace/) elections ahead of peace deal as ceasefire talks in Turkey loom, poll shows.

⚡️Ukraine-Russia peace efforts could see progress (kyivindependent.com/rutte-sees-chance-for-progress-in-ukraine-russia-peace-talks-within-next-2-weeks/) within 2 weeks, NATO chief says.

⚡️ US reportedly opposes (kyivindependent.com/us-reportedly-opposes-zelenskys-invitation-to-june-nato-summit-in-the-hague/) Zelensky's invitation to June NATO summit in The Hague.

⚡️ 'Key milestone' — Ukraine takes step toward opening 1st EU negotiation cluster. (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-takes-step-toward-opening-1st-eu-negotiations-cluster/)

⚡️ Poland detects (kyivindependent.com/poland-detects-foreign-funded-election-ads-amid-fears-of-russian-interference/) foreign-funded election ads amid fears of Russian interference.
The disclosure follows a warning from Digital Affairs Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski, who on May 6 said Moscow was carrying out an "unprecedented" interference campaign.

⚡️Drone attacks in 2025 shut down Russian airports (kyivindependent.com/drone-attacks-in-2025-shut-down-russian-airports-record-number-of-times-since-start-of-full-scale-war/) record number of times since start of full-scale war.
From January to May 10, 2025, Russian airports suspended operations 217 times — more closures than in 2023 and 2024 combined.

⚡️ Russian political, corporate interests seize thousands of Ukrainian businesses, assets in occupied Mariupol (kyivindependent.com/russian-political-corporate-interests-seize-ukrainian-businesses-properties-assets-in-mariupol/), research reveals.
More than 1,000 Russian government entities and 1,200 private companies are involved in the economy of occupied Mariupol, a major southeastern city captured by Russia after it invaded Ukraine in 2022, according to a research paper published on May 14.
A Serious Organized Crime & Anti-Corruption Evidence (SOC ACE) research paper titled "Looting Mariupol: Russia's use of illicit finance and economic crime in Ukraine" has identified individuals and companies leading and benefiting from the Russian occupation.

⚡️ Zelensky's trust rating rises to 74% (kyivindependent.com/ukrainians-trust-in-zelensky-increases-in-1st-half-of-may-poll-shows/), highest since 2023, poll shows.
President Volodymyr Zelensky's trust rating increased from 69% in March to 74% in the first half of May, while 22% of respondents said they do not trust the Ukrainian leader, according to a poll published by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) on May 14.

⚡️ Germany detains Ukrainians in alleged Russia-backed sabotage plot, media reports. (kyivindependent.com/germany-charges-ukrainians-in-alleged-russia-backed-sabotage-plot-media-reports/)
German authorities have accused three Ukrainian nationals of an alleged Russia-orchestrated plot to send out parcels with explosives in Europe, Der Spiegel news outlet reported on May 14.
Two of the suspects were reportedly detained over the weekend, and the third on May 13, during police raids in Germany and Switzerland.

⚡️ Ukraine's fugitive ex-security council deputy secretary detained (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-fugutive-ex-security-council-official-detained-in-spain/) in Spain.
The statement did not name the ex-official, but details of the case indicate it relates to Oleh Hladkovsky, a former first deputy secretary of Ukraine's top security body who has been charged with abuse of office and is wanted in Ukraine.

⚡️ Russian election monitor sentenced (kyivindependent.com/russian-election-monitor-sentenced-to-5-years-over-undesirable-links/) to 5 years over 'undesirable' organization links.

⚡️Zelensky names formerly imprisoned Crimean Tatar (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-names-formerly-imprisoned-crimean-tatar-activist-as-ukraines-ambassador-to-turkey/) activist as Ukraine's ambassador to Turkey.

⚡️ MPs appeal (kyivindependent.com/mps-appeal-to-zelensky-with-request-to-award-title-of-hero-of-ukraine-to-journalist-roshchyna/) to Zelensky with request to award title of Hero of Ukraine to journalist Roshchyna.
A total of 246 MPs voted in favor of awarding journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who was killed in Russian captivity, the title.

⚡️Ukrainian actor Maksym Nelipa (https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-actor-maksym-nelipa-killed-in-action/) killed in action. 

⚡️Update: 3 killed, 9 injured in a Russian missile strike (kyivindependent.com/russia-strikes-sumy-hitting-industrial-infrastructure-facility-injuring-civilians/) on city of Sumy.

⚡️As potential peace talks in Turkey loom, Russia kills (kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-against-ukraine-7/) 5 civilians, injures 29 in Ukraine.
Ukrainian forces downed 62 out of the 100 Shahed-type attack drones and other drones launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force reported.

‪Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 27m
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA – MAY 15, 2025
■ Battles rage on while negotiations are set to begin
■ Equipment losses well above average; include a helicopter loss (no further info on that)
■ 🇷🇺 shelling, drone strikes & MLRS strikes up between days

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

❗️Putin has confirmed the composition of the Russian delegation for negotiations with Ukraine, the Kremlin announced.
• Vladimir Medinsky – Assistant to the President of Russia (head of the delegation)
• Mikhail Galuzin – Deputy Foreign Minister (member of the delegation)
• Igor Kostyukov – Chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces (member of the delegation)
• Alexander Fomin – Deputy Defense Minister (member of the delegation)

A window of opportunity for a peaceful settlement in Ukraine will open in the next 14 days, NATO Secretary General Rutte said in an interview with the Turkish news agency Anadolu.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will hold a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara, after which further steps regarding possible negotiations with Russia will be determined, AFP reports.

All 155-mm CAESAR self-propelled guns produced in 2025 will be sent to Ukraine, the French president told TF1Info.
KNDS is increasing production to 12 CAESAR guns per month.

The Czech company LPP Holding has delivered several dozen new MTS-series strike drones with AI to Ukraine, the Czech outlet E15 reports.
There are three versions of these UAVs:

1. MTS05 – electric motor, range of several dozen kilometers;
2. MTS25 – internal combustion engine, range of hundreds of kilometers;
3. MTS40 – more powerful engine, can carry warheads up to 12 kg. The drones operate autonomously, even under strong electronic warfare. They navigate using offline maps and a camera, without GPS. Each is equipped with a self-destruct mechanism if the mission cannot be completed.

Rheinmetall to Launch Joint Ammunition Production Venture in Ukraine, — Ukrainian Defense Industry
The German defense conglomerate Rheinmetall is planning to establish a joint venture in Ukraine for the production of artillery ammunition, according to JSC "Ukrainian Defense Industry" (UOP).
On the eve of the announcement, Ukroboronprom signed a memorandum of cooperation with Rheinmetall in Madrid, outlining plans to explore the creation of an additional joint enterprise.
Under the memorandum, the parties expressed their intention to collaborate—subject to future agreements—on developing production facilities for artillery ammunition within Ukraine.
This initiative follows the launch of the first joint venture between Ukroboronprom and Rheinmetall in June 2024, which included a workshop for the repair and production of armored vehicles.

The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe has supported the creation of a Special Tribunal for Russia’s crimes, according to Maria Mezentseva, head of the Verkhovna Rada’s permanent delegation to PACE. The task of establishing the tribunal has been assigned to Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset.
“Unlike the International Criminal Court, which lacks jurisdiction over the crime of aggression in this case, the special tribunal will allow Russia’s top leadership—including Putin, Shoigu, Lavrov, and others—to be held accountable for the very fact of the war, not just for war crimes,” Mezentseva said.

Japanese clothing brand Uniqlo will not return to the Russian market.
The company left Russia at the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and its founder, Tadashi Yanai, later promised it would not resume operations there.
"I gave my word and I will keep it, because honor matters to me," he said. [A rare company leader]

In the Moscow region, a "special military operation" fighter was painted on a building for Victory Day at a cost of 1.6 million rubles—but it turned out to be a soldier from "Azov."
Once this was discovered, officials rushed to fix the mistake. At first, they planned to repaint the mural, but later they covered it up completely.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Russia has called (www.kyivpost.com/post/52632) France’s offer to deploy its nuclear umbrella in Europe a needless escalation despite the rampant nuclear threats made by Moscow to the West.

Jean-Noël Barrot France’s foreign minister has called (www.kyivpost.com/post/52645) for “devastating sanctions” against Moscow, arguing that current sanctions remain lackluster as evidenced by Moscow’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine’s “Magura” Unveils Sea Drones That Destroy Enemy Targets
Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, HUR, has introduced a new sea drone that can travel up to 800 nautical miles and stay active for up to seven days. It uses satellite control, can resist electronic jamming, and carries up to 650 kilograms of weapons.
The drone can be used for spying, striking targets, or even suicide missions. It’s armed with missiles, machine guns, and cameras that work day and night.

Britain strikes back (www.kyivpost.com/post/52641) at Russian subs. Royal Navy deploys secret AI gliders to “illuminate the oceans” and catch Kremlin subs sneaking near UK waters.

A former Ukrainian defense official has been detained (www.kyivpost.com/post/52654) and awaits extradition in Spain over a $450,000 graft scandal involving smuggled Russian parts.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

The United States and Europe convinced Zelensky not to withdraw from the negotiations in Istanbul, The Washington Post reports.
According to the newspaper’s sources, Zelensky was disappointed with the prospects of the talks in Istanbul — it is still unknown whether Putin will attend. Therefore, he wanted to prohibit the Ukrainian delegation from meeting with the Russian one. However, Western partners persuaded him not to do so.
The Americans and Europeans emphasized that it was critically important to send the Ukrainian delegation to Istanbul. Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff also advocated for this.
According to him, participation in direct negotiations with Russia benefits both sides. If Ukrainian representatives come to Turkey and the Russians do not, it will have consequences for Moscow. But if both sides are present, it could bring a ceasefire closer. Nonetheless, Zelensky reportedly saw no point in going at all.

🇩🇪🇨🇭 Three Ukrainians detained in Germany and Switzerland — suspected of planning sabotage for Russian intelligence
Investigators believe the three Ukrainian men were preparing arson attacks and explosions on behalf of Russian special services.
They allegedly tested the operation by sending packages equipped with GPS trackers from Switzerland to Germany and then to Ukraine — in order to study delivery routes for potential explosive shipments.

⚡️Overnight, Ukrainian air defense shot down 62 Russian drones; 29 decoy UAVs failed to reach their targets
In total, Russia launched 110 UAVs — including strike drones and decoys — across Ukraine.
Air defense was active in the east, north, west, and center of the country.
The attack affected the regions of Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk, Poltava, Kyiv, and Ivano-Frankivsk.

“Why should Putin go if I won’t be there?” — Trump reacts to the Kremlin leader’s absence from talks
Putin, who himself proposed resuming negotiations with Ukraine, is not part of the official Russian delegation heading to Istanbul.

Beware of Russians who bring peace

In order to achieve that, They don't need anything more than the self-monitoring everyone does by carrying a mobile phone. We know this from the attempted insurrection in January four years ago.

Perhaps he's trying to find an Antonov big enough to ship his enormous table.

Japanese clothing brand Uniqlo will not return to the Russian market.
The company left Russia at the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and its founder, Tadashi Yanai, later promised it would not resume operations there.
"I gave my word and I will keep it, because honor matters to me," he said. [A rare company leader]

Indeed, most companies seem to be lining up to get back into the russian market as soon as circumstances allow, or never left/dragged their feet (I’m still boycotting Pepsi and Unilever) nice to hear of someone with principles in business.
I will be supporting Uniqlo in my own small way whenever possible.

"I gave my word and I will keep it, because honor matters to me," he said. [A rare company leader]

Well he is Japanese.

In the Moscow region, a "special military operation" fighter was painted on a building for Victory Day at a cost of 1.6 million rubles—but it turned out to be a soldier from "Azov."

I do hope that was a magnificent piece of trolling by someone somewhere along the way.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-may-14-2025

Key Takeaways:

• Russian officials continue to reiterate Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent call to base future negotiations with Ukraine on the early 2022 Istanbul protocols that included Russian demands for Ukraine's complete capitulation.
• Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov also reiterated the Kremlin's demands that any resolution to the war must result in regime change in Ukraine and restrictions against the West ahead of negotiations in Istanbul.
• Polling from early May 2025 indicates that the majority of Ukrainians support Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as the legitimate leader of Ukraine and are against holding elections before a final end to the war — in accordance with Ukrainian law and the Ukrainian Constitution.
• Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Pokrovsk, and Russian forces recently advanced near Kupyansk, Toretsk, Kurakhove, and Velyka Novosilka.

What do we think about the buildup of Russian forces along the Finnish border?

I thought this summed up my thoughts quite well https://www.kyivpost.com/post/52738

Once Finland became part of NATO, they really had to take measures to increase their military presence there. Let's say a conflict with NATO broke out elsewhere. That border being undefended would invite a counterattack there.

Finland and Sweden will now have to reorient their forces in response.

I suspect both Sweden and Finland will have known this for some while.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-may-15-2025

Key Takeaways:

• Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's invitation to engage in bilateral negotiations in Istanbul and continues refusing to offer concessions to end the war in Ukraine.
• The Russian delegation in Istanbul does not include officials in Putin's innermost circle and is largely the same delegation that Russia sent to the Russian-Ukrainian negotiations in 2022 in Istanbul.
• Medinsky explicitly described the May 2025 Russian-Ukrainian negotiations in Istanbul as a continuation of the early 2022 Istanbul negotiations during which Russia issued demands that were tantamount to Ukraine's complete capitulation.
• Medinsky also reiterated Putin's longstanding demands that any resolution to the war must result in regime change in Ukraine and restrictions on NATO.
• Reported Kremlin instructions to Russian media explaining how to cover the Istanbul negotiations indicate that the Kremlin is preparing the Russian population for a longer war in Ukraine and is not interested in engaging in good-faith negotiations that require compromises from both sides.
• Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Toretsk, and Russian forces recently advanced near Lyman, Novopavlivka, and Velyka Novosilka.

A new NATO command is being set up in Finland so that is one step. There's also an experiment going on in one area of the Eastern border about improving border security with various tools including drones and AI (somehow). And we're increasing the size of our military reserve, but increasing it by raising the retirement age of reservists which tbh isn't a great way of doing it.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Putin appoints Russian Ground Forces Commander Saliukov (kyivindependent.com/putin-appoints-russian-ground-forces-commander-saliukov-to-security-council-role/) to Security Council role.
It remains unclear who will replace General Oleg Saliukov as commander of the Ground Forces.

⚡️Upwards of 640,000 Russian troops fighting (kyivindependent.com/upwards-of-640-000-russian-troops-fighting-against-ukraine-syrskyi-says/) against Ukraine, Syrskyi says.

⚡️Putin extends Russia’s current defense strategy to 2027 (kyivindependent.com/putin-extends-russias-defense-plan-to-2027-amid-expected-peace-talks-with-ukraine-in-turkey/) amid expected peace talks with Ukraine in Turkey.
The extension of the current defense plan, initially set for 2021–2025, was confirmed by the Kremlin, though specific details remain classified.

⚡️'Putin did not show up' — EU to adopt Russian sanctions (https://kyivindependent.com/putin-did-not-show-up-eu-to-adopt-russian-sanctions-on-may-20-after-putin-snubbed-peace-talks-with-zelensky/) on May 20 after Putin snubbed peace talks with Zelensky.

⚡️Zelensky sends delegation to Istanbul, (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-and-erdogan-conclude-meeting-in-ankara-source-confirms/) will not attend Russia talks personally.
His remarks followed a nearly three-hour closed-door meeting with Erdogan in the Turkish capital, ahead of the planned peace talks in Istanbul.

⚡️ Ukraine, Russia, Turkey to hold trilateral peace talks after midday, media reports. (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-russia-turkey-to-hold-trilateral-peace-talks-after-noon-media-reports/)
The discussions, which will reportedly take place at the Presidential Dolmabahce Office, should be preceded by a meeting among Ukrainian, Turkish, and U.S. officials at 10:45 a.m., the news agency reported.

⚡️Ukrainian delegates reportedly meet (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-top-officials-meet-kellogg-french-german-uk-advisors-before-instanbul-talks/) Kellogg, French, German, UK advisors before Istanbul talks.

⚡️Zelensky arrives (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-arrives-in-albania-for-european-political-community-summit/) in Albania for European Political Community summit.

⚡️US proposes reviving NATO-Russia Council (kyivindependent.com/us-proposes-reviving-nato-russia-council/), Bloomberg reports.

⚡️ Russian fighter jet 'violated NATO territory (kyivindependent.com/russian-jet-violated-nato-territory-after-estonia-tried-to-detain-shadow-fleet-tanker/)' after Estonia tried to detain 'shadow fleet' tanker.
"Russia is ready to protect the 'shadow fleet'... the situation is really serious," Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said on May 15.

⚡️Norway to complete F-16 deliveries to Ukraine (kyivindependent.com/norway-to-complete-f-16-deliveries-to-ukraine-by-end-of-2025-minister-says/) by end of 2025, minister says.

⚡️Ukraine faces more diplomatic pressure (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-faces-more-diplomatic-pressure-to-end-war-than-russia-zelensky-says/) to end war than Russia, Zelensky says.

⚡️'We didn't oppose it' — Rubio denies (kyivindependent.com/we-didnt-oppose-it-rubio-denies-opposing-zelenskys-participation-at-nato-summit/) opposing Zelensky's participation at NATO summit.

⚡️Ukraine to receive $84 million from World Bank to restore (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-to-receive-84-million-from-world-bank-to-restore-homes-damaged-in-russias-war/) homes damaged in Russia's war.

⚡️Explosions rock occupied Crimea (kyivindependent.com/explosions-rock-occupied-crimea-as-drone-attack-reportedly-sets-russian-ammo-depot-ablaze/) as drone attack reportedly sets Russian ammo depot on fire.

⚡️ Russia seeks to 'remove root causes of conflict,' not ceasefire — Lavrov (kyivindependent.com/russia-seeks-to-remove-causes-of-conflict-not-ceasefire-lavrov-on-istanbul-talks-with-ukraine/) on Istanbul talks.
Moscow's goal in the expected peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul is achieving "sustainable peace" by addressing the "root causes of the conflict" rather than a ceasefire, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on May 15.

⚡️Ukrainian citizen charged (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-citizen-charged-with-arson-amid-attacks-on-uk-prime-ministers-property/) in arson attacks on UK Prime Minister's property.
Ukrainian citizen, Roman Lavrynovych, was charged on May 15 following a series of arson attacks on property linked to U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

⚡️ Ukraine 'lost contact (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-lost-contact-with-f-16-during-combat-pilot-ejected-air-force-says/)' with F-16 during combat, pilot ejected, Air Force says.
The Air Force "lost contact" with an F-16 jet during a mission to repel a Russian aerial attack overnight on May 16 following an emergency situation on board, the Air Force reported.
The pilot diverted the plane away from populated areas and ejected, after which he was found by a search and rescue team, according to the statement.

⚡️ ‘My heart goes out to the beloved people of Ukraine’ — Pope Leo XIV (kyivindependent.com/my-heart-goes-out-to-the-beloved-people-of-ukraine-pope-leo-xiv-receives-list-of-ukrainian-pows-at-vatican/) receives list of Ukrainian POWs at Vatican.

⚡️ Update: Ukraine downs 73 of 112 Russian drones (kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-9/) launched overnight, Air Force says.
Thirty-six decoy drones disappeared from radars without causing damage, according to Ukraine's Air Force.

⚡️ Russian attacks (https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-9/) kill 3, injure 15 in Ukraine over past day.

KIU ✪ Russian Officers killed in Ukraine
@KilledInUkraine
At least 6000 Russian officers have been eliminated in the Russian invasion of Ukraine since 24 February 2022. Milestone update: +31 newly registered. Sources: public Russian obituaries and graves.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 36m
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA – MAY 16, 2025
■ Casualties below avg, engagements slightly so
■ Equipment well above avg; good tank & APV losses
■ Officers KIA reach 6k (5.4/day, last four batches)
■ Shelling & MLRS strikes above avg, relatively few air strikes

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

The level of the Russian delegation is similar to a sham. We will decide on further steps after the meeting with Erdoğan, said Zelenskyy.
“The Ukrainian delegation is represented at the highest level: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of the Office of the President, the military, and all intelligence agencies—to make decisions that could lead to a just peace,” he said.
The President added that Ukraine will consider its next steps after talks with the Turkish leader. For now, it remains unclear whether the Russian delegation has a mandate to make any decisions.

❗️The Ukrainian delegation attending possible negotiations in Türkiye includes SBU Head Vasyl Malyuk, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and Chief of the General Staff Anatoliy Hnatov.

Merz Outlines Three Principles for Germany’s Support of Ukraine — DW
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged continued support for Ukraine and firm resistance to Russian aggression, outlining three core principles during a 45-minute speech in the Bundestag, most of which focused on foreign policy.
According to Merz, “the fate of the continent is being decided in Ukraine,” and Berlin will base its policy on the following principles:
▫️ First, Germany will maintain its support for Ukraine but “is not and does not want to become a party” to the war. However, it will not remain a neutral mediator or outside observer.
▫️ Second, confronting Russia and assisting Ukraine must be a collective effort by the free world. Merz stressed that Russia would not be content with territorial gains or victory in Ukraine, pointing to Moscow’s alleged involvement in cyberattacks, espionage, sabotage, and disinformation campaigns across Europe.
▫️ Third, he firmly opposed any “dictated peace” imposed by Moscow against Ukraine’s will.

Pope Leo XIV Receives Lists of Ukrainian Prisoners Held by Russia
The newly elected Pope Leo XIV has been given lists of Ukrainian soldiers currently held in Russian captivity.

Kherson Railway Infrastructure Shelled Again, Ukrzaliznytsia Reports
Russian forces shelled the Kherson railway infrastructure again this morning, according to Ukrzaliznytsia.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

As Russia bluffs about a truce, Putin is quietly preparing a major summer offensive (www.kyivpost.com/post/52634) to seize more Ukrainian land by force, before he’s pressured to give it up at the negotiating table.

Who is Vladimir Medinsky, (www.kyivpost.com/post/52713) Russia’s Ukraine-born negotiator slated to lead Thursday’s Istanbul talks?

Key statements from Zelensky’s press conference in Turkey:
▪️The main goal of the talks in Istanbul is achieving a ceasefire.
▪️After assessing the composition of the Russian delegation, it became clear that Moscow is not serious about negotiations.
▪️If Russia doesn’t move toward ending the war, Ukraine will call on the U.S., EU, and Global South countries to impose tough sanctions.
▪️Putin must demonstrate leadership and a willingness to meet in person.
▪️Erdogan reaffirmed his support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and stated that Crimea is Ukrainian.
▪️Discussing territorial concessions would violate Ukraine’s Constitution. Ukraine does not recognize the Russian occupation of its land.
▪️Russia has launched offensive operations along the entire front line, and this has been ongoing for several months.

The Kremlin has called Zelensky a “clown” (www.kyivpost.com/post/52704) and a “failure” after he criticized Russia’s delegation in Istanbul as a “sham.”

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇪🇺 EU seeks to impose “punitive tariffs” on imports from Russia after Putin’s no-show in Istanbul — Politico
The idea echoes a proposal from U.S. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who introduced a bill calling for 500% tariffs on countries that purchase Russian oil, gas, and uranium. The scale of Graham’s proposal reportedly inspired European leaders.
The EU plans to discuss tightening sanctions against Russia on May 16 at a meeting of EU, Ukrainian, and Turkish leaders in Albania.

🇳🇴 Ukraine to receive all promised Norwegian F-16s by the end of 2025
Some of the jets have already been delivered. However, Norwegian Defense Minister Tore Sandvik emphasized that details will not be disclosed for security reasons. He noted that deliveries are proceeding according to plan.
▪️Norway has officially announced plans to transfer 6 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.

🇪🇺 EU plans to raise tariffs on agricultural products and fertilizers from Russia and Belarus by 50%
The European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade has approved the draft legislation.
The proposal includes higher tariffs on sugar, vinegar, flour, and animal feed. It also suggests a 6.5% duty on fertilizers imported from Russia and Belarus.
Additionally, between 2025 and 2026, an extra €40–45 per ton of fertilizer will be charged, with tariffs set to rise to €430 per ton by 2028.

Ukraine imports 2.6 times more electricity than it exports
The country still lacks the capacity to fully meet its energy needs independently at any given moment — the infrastructure remains heavily damaged, even though much has been repaired.

🇵🇱🇭🇺 Polish and Hungarian foreign ministers exchange public jabs on X over dispute concerning the arrest of Hungarian agents in Ukraine

🇹🇷 Earthquake of magnitude 5.2 strikes Turkey while President Zelensky and Ukrainian delegation are in the country
The earthquake occurred at 15:46 in the Konya-Kulu region at a depth of over 18 km.
Tremors were felt in Ankara, where President Volodymyr Zelensky was meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
No negative consequences have been reported so far.
The infographic shows the epicenter of the quake.

The AI is being used to analyze the video taken by the drones. It can recognize military vehicles, suspicious movements of people, etc.

Similar technology has been used to analyze images taken by surveillance satellites for some time.

Vitaliy Shevchenko BBC is reporting that the Istanbul talks are over, although possible rumour that it may just be a pause. That's less than 2 hours.