NYT: Putin believes Ukraine’s collapse is near — and he’s acting like it
Despite Trump’s frustration, Kremlin insiders say Putin sees no reason to stop his full-scale invasion.
Browsing Tag
talks
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Ukraine conducts fourth POW swap in a week, returns defenders held since 2022
The latest group includes wounded and ill personnel captured during major battles.
ISW: Ukraine denies Russian claims on alleged blocking of POW and KIA body exchange
Ukrainian authorities insist that no agreement had been finalized for the exchange as of 6 June.
Bloomberg: Trump denies Europe air support for Ukraine force post-war
Washington’s reluctance complicates the UK and France’s plans for long-term security guarantees.
ISW: Russia wants Ukraine out of its own cities, Ukraine says ‘let’s talk more’ in ceasefire negotiations memos
Ukraine seeks continued dialogue, Russia reiterates capitulation demands in the second useless round of the Trump-pushed talks.
Putin wants a buffer zone in Ukraine — Kyiv says put it in Russia
As Russia ramps up threats of new invasions, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry says such a zone could just as well exist inside Russia, referencing Ukraine’s operations in Kursk Oblast.
FT: Witkoff cancels Moscow trip as Kremlin snubs 22-point US-Ukraine-European-backed ceasefire plan
The cancellation halted what would have been Witkoff’s fifth meeting with Putin since February.
Denmark readies 26th military package for Ukraine, Zelenskyy says
With diplomacy ongoing, the countries' leaders pledge to maintain pressure if Russia resists efforts to end hostilities.
Trump said he might join talks if Putin showed—instead Russia sent low-level delegation and continues to bomb Ukraine
Meanwhile, West's promised sanctions are nowhere in sight.
Putin dodges Zelenskyy face-off in Turkey, sends low-level negotiators
Zelenskyy calls Kremlin’s lineup “decorative” after Putin skips and sends aides instead to direct talks in Istanbul. Trump also opts out of the Türkiye summit.
Ukraine’s FM Sybiha meets Rubio, Graham in Antalya ahead of Kyiv-Moscow talks
Sybiha reportedly presented Ukraine’s peace plan to US officials, emphasizing the need for Russian reciprocity.
ISW: Russian officials lay groundwork for Putin to chicken out of Istanbul talks he himself demanded
Kremlin officials have remained silent, while lower-ranking figures dismiss the proposed meeting. Putin initially proposed renewed Istanbul talks on 11 May.
Putin rejects 30-day ceasefire, proposes direct talks on Ukraine capitulation
Putin proposes restarting direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul without preconditions, revisiting a format that collapsed in 2022 over Russian demands for capitulation.
Putin claims direct Ukraine talks possible as US pressure mounts
The Russian dictator stated Moscow has "a positive attitude towards a ceasefire."
Ukraine “willing to give up 20% of its land,” senior US official claimed talking to NYP
The US expects Russia and Ukraine to respond to a peace deal within days.
ISW: White House refuses economic deals with Russia without ceasefire
Russia rejects Trump’s March ceasefire plan, continues recruitment, and holds to non-negotiable demands including regime change in Ukraine.
ISW: Russia continues strikes on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure under energy ceasefire cover
This "is not in line with US President Donald Trump's goal of using the temporary ceasefire to facilitate a lasting peace in Ukraine."
UK PM Starmer says sanctions on Russia should increase, not weaken
He said Putin is "playing games" with peace talks, demanding sanctions be lifted first.
Bloomberg: White House still aims for Ukraine-Russia truce by Easter
American negotiators are holding separate talks with both Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Saudi Arabia, seeking a ceasefire by 20 April amid Putin's maximalist demands.
Trump’s Witkoff to meet Putin in Moscow this week, media report
The visit will take place amid Trump's broader push to force Ukraine into concessions to Russia, allegedly to end Russia’s war.