Just days before the first US-Russia summit in four years, Russia has unleashed some of its most aggressive attacks in months striking Ukrainian defence plants, drone facilities, and key supply lines.
With fierce fighting across six regions, including the battle for Donbas, every battlefield gain could shape the talks between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.
The fate of Ukraine could be decided in the next 48 hours.

Trump, Putin To Hold First Meeting In 4 Years; Ukraine's Fate May Be Decided in 48 Hours | GRAVITAS

Just days before the first US-Russia summit in four years, Russia has unleashed some of its most aggressive attacks in months striking Ukrainian defence plants, drone facilities, and key supply lines.

With fierce fighting across six regions, including the battle for Donbas, every battlefield gain could shape the talks between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.


Russian Troops Break Through Ukraine's Defensive Lines Across Eastern Frontline

In a crucial prelude to the upcoming Trump-Putin summit, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warmly welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Berlin. The leaders discuss Ukraine’s future and coordinate strategies as global attention turns to the high-stakes meeting. Stay with us for live updates and expert analysis on this pivotal moment.


German Chancellor Merz Welcomes Zelensky In Germany Ahead Of Trump-Putin Meet

All eyes are on US President Donald trump's meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin next week in Alaska for Ukraine peace talks.  But trump's claim of an economic windfall from higher tariff collections ahead of that meeting seems to be playing another narrative. In July, the US Budget deficit jumped 20 percent from a year earlier to 291 billion dollars, despite a record surge in tariff revenues.


Trump Tariffs: US Marks Worst Ever Debt Crisis Amid BRICS Challenge


Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed on Tuesday not to give eastern Ukrainian land to Russia, saying that abandoning the Donbas region would open the door for Russian President Vladimir Putin to “start a third war” in Ukraine.


Trump-Putin Meet: Vladimir Putin To Be First Russian President To Visit Alaska

Trump-Putin Meeting: US Lowers Expectations For Trump-Putin Alaska Summit | Russia Ukraine War

Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have held a high-stakes call ahead of the upcoming Alaska summit. Experts weigh in on whether this marks the formation of a new alliance aimed against the United States. Stay tuned as we break down what this means for global security and U.S. foreign policy.


Putin And Kim Jong Un Unite Before Alaska Summit; A New Threat To The US?

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed on Tuesday not to give eastern Ukrainian land to Russia, saying that abandoning the Donbas region would open the door for Russian President Vladimir Putin to “start a third war” in Ukraine.

Trump-Putin Meet: Trump's Land Swap Plan Meets Zelensky's Resistance | Russia-Ukraine War

Ukraine's Zelensky Rules Out Ceding Donbas Region In Deal With Russia | Trump-Putin Talks | Russia-Ukraine War


Russia Ukraine War: Ukraine's Zelensky Rules Out Ceding Donbas Region In Deal With Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday (August 10) stressed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is trying to legalise the occupation of Kyiv's territories as the attempts to reach the Russia-Ukraine ceasefire deal, calling it Putin's tactics.Zelensky shared a video message on X, slamming Putin, while he lauded the US and President Donald Trump's efforts to mediate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine as the war is in its fourth year."Everyone can clearly see Putin's tactics. He fears sanctions and is doing everything to bail on them. He wants to exchange a pause in the war, in the killings, for the legalisation of the occupation of our land," the Ukrainian president said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">I have not heard any partners express doubts about America&#39;s ability to ensure that the war ends. The President of the United States has the levers and the determination. Ukraine has supported all of President Trump’s proposals, starting back in February. Ceasefire, all formats… <a href="https://t.co/klG8tMqpIq">pic.twitter.com/klG8tMqpIq</a>&mdash; Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1954266592411357597?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"He wants to gain territorial spoils for the second time already. But, now we will not allow his second attempt, Zelensky said, noting what happened with Crimea," Zelensky added.He stressed that there must be a just end to the war, which depends on Russia.Zelensky said that Ukraine and its allies have the same understanding of the need for a ceasefire, but only "one actor stands against this, Putin". "His only card is the ability to kill, and he is trying to sell the cessation of killings at the highest possible price," he added.The Ukrainian president further said that Trump has the levers and the determination, stressing that Ukraine has supported every proposal of Trump's, starting back in February."I have not heard any partners express doubts about America's ability to ensure that the war ends. The President of the United States has the levers and the determination. Ukraine has supported all of President Trump’s proposals, starting back in February. Ceasefire, all formats have been supported," he said in his video message.Zelensky said, “What is needed now is not a pause in the killings, but a real, lasting peace. Not a ceasefire sometime in the future, in months, but immediately.”

Zelensky shared a video message on X, slamming Putin, while he lauded the US and President Donald Trump's efforts to mediate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine as the war is in its fourth year.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday (August 10) stressed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is trying to legalise the occupation of Kyiv's territories as the attempts to reach the Russia-Ukraine ceasefire deal, calling it Putin's tactics. Zelensky shared a video message on X, slamming Putin, while he lauded the US and President Donald Trump's efforts to mediate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine as the war is in its fourth year. "Everyone can clearly see Putin's tactics. He fears sanctions and is doing everything to bail on them. He wants to exchange a pause in the war, in the killings, for the legalisation of the occupation of our land," the Ukrainian president said.

Zelensky shared a video message on X, slamming Putin, while he lauded the US and President Donald Trump's efforts to mediate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine as the war is in its fourth year.

Putin trying to sell ceasefire for a price? Zelensky blasts Russian president over ceasefire - WATCH his video message

Amid the ongoing standoff between the US and Russia, US &nbsp;President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (August 5). Witkoff arrived in Russia today, just two days ahead of the August 8 deadline set by Trump for Russia to reach a ceasefire deal with Ukraine.&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin held "constructive" talks with Witkoff in Moscow over the Ukraine conflict, the Kremlin said Wednesday after the three-hour meeting.&nbsp;"A quite useful and constructive conversation took place," Putin's aide Yuri Ushakov said, adding that as well as Ukraine, Russia-US strategic cooperation was discussed.&nbsp;This comes as the US keeps threatening India with tariffs over its purchase of Russian oil amid its war with Ukraine. While the Russian president has stressed that he will not end his campaign in Ukraine, according to a Bloomberg report.&nbsp;WATCH | India pushes back against US criticism on Russian oil imports | Doval's Moscow visit amid US tariff&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-pushes-back-against-us-criticism-on-russian-oil-imports-doval-s-moscow-visit-amid-us-tariff-1754476165894/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-pushes-back-against-us-criticism-on-russian-oil-imports-doval-s-moscow-visit-amid-us-tariff-1754476165894/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Trump has been frustrated with Russia over its continued war in Ukraine, as hundreds of people are getting killed. Expressing “disappointment” with the Russian leader, Trump even reduced his 50-day deadline for Russia to 10-12 days because Putin “just won't stop killing people.”<h2>Russia attacks gas transportation facilities in Ukraine</h2>Just hours before Witkoff met Putin, Russia struck a gas facility in Ukraine's Odesa region. The Russian defence ministry confirmed that they have attacked the gas transportation facilities in Ukraine.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that it was an attempt to undermine Ukrainian preparations for winter, according to a Reuters report.&nbsp;“This was a deliberate blow to our preparations for the heating season, absolutely cynical, like every Russian blow to the energy sector,” Zelenskyy said on Telegram.&nbsp;Notably, Ukraine has faced a major gas shortage since a series of devastating Russian missile strikes this year, significantly reducing domestic gas production.

Trump's special envoy and Russian President Putin meets as the US keeps threatening India with tariffs over its purchase of Russian oil amid its war with Ukraine.

Amid the ongoing standoff between the US and Russia, US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (August 5). Witkoff arrived in Russia today, just two days ahead of the August 8 deadline set by Trump for Russia to reach a ceasefire deal with Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin held "constructive" talks with Witkoff in Moscow over the Ukraine conflict, the Kremlin said Wednesday after the three-hour meeting. "A quite useful and constructive conversation took place," Putin's aide Yuri Ushakov said, adding that as well as Ukraine, Russia-US strategic cooperation was discussed. This comes as the US keeps threatening India with tariffs over its purchase of Russian oil amid its war with Ukraine. While the Russian president has stressed that he will not end his campaign in Ukraine, according to a Bloomberg report. WATCH | India pushes back against US criticism on Russian oil imports | Doval's Moscow visit amid US tariff https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-pushes-back-against-us-criticism-on-russian-oil-imports-doval-s-moscow-visit-amid-us-tariff-1754476165894/embed Trump has been frustrated with Russia over its continued war in Ukraine, as hundreds of people are getting killed. Expressing “disappointment” with the Russian leader, Trump even reduced his 50-day deadline for Russia to 10-12 days because Putin “just won't stop killing people.” Russia attacks gas transportation facilities in Ukraine Just hours before Witkoff met Putin, Russia struck a gas facility in Ukraine's Odesa region. The Russian defence ministry confirmed that they have attacked the gas transportation facilities in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that it was an attempt to undermine Ukrainian preparations for winter, according to a Reuters report. “This was a deliberate blow to our preparations for the heating season, absolutely cynical, like every Russian blow to the energy sector,” Zelenskyy said on Telegram. Notably, Ukraine has faced a major gas shortage since a series of devastating Russian missile strikes this year, significantly reducing domestic gas production.

Trump's special envoy and Russian President Putin meets as the US keeps threatening India with tariffs over its purchase of Russian oil amid its war with Ukraine.

'Discussed Ukraine conflict': Trump's envoy Witkoff holds 'three-hour' long meeting with Putin amid US-Russia standoff

&nbsp;As Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine in the past weeks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stressed that Ukraine might consider creating its own private military companies (PMCs). This happened in June after Russian President Vladimir Putin gave an ultimatum, demanding that Ukraine dissolve military formations.&nbsp;Zelensky, while speaking to media outlets, hinted at building his own military companies for equipment.&nbsp;"I will be thinking about it after these ultimatums," the Ukrainian president said in June. However, he did not specify what he meant by "private formations".&nbsp;Andrii Osadchuk, a lawmaker from the Holos party and first deputy head of the parliament's Law Enforcement Committee, said that he is "cautiously positive" about Zelensky's idea. But he called it "abstract" for now.&nbsp;"On the one hand, we'll have a human resource well-suited for this kind of work. And as a society, I believe we have an interest in offering these individuals meaningful employment," Osadchuk said.&nbsp;WATCH: Russia-Ukraine War: Trump warns of 'very severe tariffs' on Russiahttps://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-trump-warns-of-very-severe-tariffs-on-russia-1752671647372/embed<h2>Is it possible to create private military companies?</h2>According to Ukrainian law, it is not allowed to establish private military companies and prohibits the creation of paramilitary or armed formations. Despite the law, several organisations in Ukraine claim to be de facto PMCs and have been operating in a legal gray zone.&nbsp;"Today we are working in the interests of the (Ukrainian) state… One can deny the fact of our company's existence, but it does exist," Tetiana Kebkalo, a deputy director of the Kyiv Oblast-based Omega Consulting Group, told the Kyiv Independent.&nbsp;The Omega Consulting Group is a Ukrainian company that provides mission-critical solutions to government and commercial clients, specifically in areas of security, intelligence and military training.&nbsp;In the last seven years, three draft laws were aimed at legalising military consulting and international defence firms in Ukraine. The latest draft was introduced in April last year.&nbsp;However, these laws have been shown as efforts to build PMCs, but they don't really target that concern. A member of parliament's defence and intelligence committee told the outlets that Ukrainian lawmakers are ready to vote for a proper bill. While some lawmakers are cautious to do that.&nbsp;

Amid raging war with Russia, Zelensky has been eyeing to creating its own private military companies in Ukraine. A Ukrainian lawmaker said that he is "positive" about the Ukrainian president's idea, while also calling "abstract" for now. 

As Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine in the past weeks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stressed that Ukraine might consider creating its own private military companies (PMCs). This happened in June after Russian President Vladimir Putin gave an ultimatum, demanding that Ukraine dissolve military formations. Zelensky, while speaking to media outlets, hinted at building his own military companies for equipment. "I will be thinking about it after these ultimatums," the Ukrainian president said in June. However, he did not specify what he meant by "private formations". Andrii Osadchuk, a lawmaker from the Holos party and first deputy head of the parliament's Law Enforcement Committee, said that he is "cautiously positive" about Zelensky's idea. But he called it "abstract" for now. "On the one hand, we'll have a human resource well-suited for this kind of work. And as a society, I believe we have an interest in offering these individuals meaningful employment," Osadchuk said. WATCH: Russia-Ukraine War: Trump warns of 'very severe tariffs' on Russia https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-trump-warns-of-very-severe-tariffs-on-russia-1752671647372/embed Is it possible to create private military companies? According to Ukrainian law, it is not allowed to establish private military companies and prohibits the creation of paramilitary or armed formations. Despite the law, several organisations in Ukraine claim to be de facto PMCs and have been operating in a legal gray zone. "Today we are working in the interests of the (Ukrainian) state… One can deny the fact of our company's existence, but it does exist," Tetiana Kebkalo, a deputy director of the Kyiv Oblast-based Omega Consulting Group, told the Kyiv Independent. The Omega Consulting Group is a Ukrainian company that provides mission-critical solutions to government and commercial clients, specifically in areas of security, intelligence and military training. In the last seven years, three draft laws were aimed at legalising military consulting and international defence firms in Ukraine. The latest draft was introduced in April last year. However, these laws have been shown as efforts to build PMCs, but they don't really target that concern. A member of parliament's defence and intelligence committee told the outlets that Ukrainian lawmakers are ready to vote for a proper bill. While some lawmakers are cautious to do that.

Amid raging war with Russia, Zelensky has been eyeing to creating its own private military companies in Ukraine. A Ukrainian lawmaker said that he is "positive" about the Ukrainian president's idea, while also calling "abstract" for now.&nbsp;

Zelensky plans to build private military companies amid Russia's raging war - But is it really possible for Ukraine?

The leaders of Russia and China, two of BRICS’ most influential founding members, have decided not to attend the upcoming summit in Brazil. For the first time in over a decade, Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend a BRICS summit. Instead, Premier Li Qiang will represent Beijing in Brazil. The official explanation mentions “scheduling conflicts”, but the lack of clarity has prompted speculation that China may be reconsidering the group’s strategic value, especially after its rapid expansion.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-wants-putin-back-in-g7-and-make-it-g8-as-earlier-why-was-russia-kicked-out-can-it-return-1750155798487">Trump wants Putin back in G7 and make it G8 as earlier. Why was Russia kicked out?&nbsp;Can it&nbsp;return?</a>Russian President Vladimir Putin is also skipping the summit, a move widely linked to the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against him. Brazil, the host nation, is a signatory to the ICC statute, and though it hasn’t indicated it would act on the warrant, Putin is avoiding any potential embarrassment for his hosts. He had similarly withdrawn from last year’s summit in South Africa over the same legal concerns.Putin stands accused by the ICC of playing a key role in the forced deportation of Ukrainian children, a charge that has further isolated him from international platforms.<h2>Expansion may have diluted the bloc’s core vision</h2>BRICS was originally formed as a unified voice of emerging economies, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, positioning itself as a counterweight to the G7 and Western dominance.But the group’s recent expansion to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE has made it less ideologically cohesive. Many of the new members are authoritarian regimes, and not all share the original BRICS focus on reforming global governance or promoting multilateralism. This ideological drift could be part of why China and Russia are choosing to step back from active participation.Brazil, the summit host, sees BRICS as a platform to champion inclusive global governance, rather than an arena to vent frustration at the West. According to Antonio Patriota, Brazil’s ambassador to the UK and former foreign minister, a shift towards a multipolar world is already underway, thanks in part to past US policies under Donald Trump.Speaking recently in London, Patriota said, “The US, through its policies, including on tariffs and sovereignty, is accelerating the transition to multipolarity in different ways.”Brazil’s proposals for this year’s summit include:• Green energy cooperation• Vaccine collaboration• Expanding Most-Favoured Nation status within the WTOThe absence of Putin and Xi, both known for focusing heavily on anti-West narratives, may help Brazil steer the summit toward more constructive discussions on reform and global cooperation.<h2>A sign of internal strain, or strategy?</h2>While BRICS still presents itself as a powerful bloc, internal contradictions are becoming more visible. India remains wary of China. Brazil is trying to avoid being seen as anti-West. And some of the new members have divergent economic goals or existing partnerships with Western institutions.Xi’s absence, in particular, comes at a time when the US is retreating from global leadership, offering China a rare opportunity to take centre stage. Why Beijing would choose to pass on this chance remains unclear, and could signal a recalibration of its global alliances.Patriota dismissed the idea that a multipolar world would be chaotic. “There is strong support for preserving multilateralism, but that does not mean that we need to preserve it as it stands,” he said.But he also warned that waiting too long to reform existing systems could be dangerous, “Unless there is a strong movement towards reform now, we run the risk of reaching a tipping point.”

BRICS was originally formed as a unified voice of emerging economies, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, positioning itself as a counterweight to the G7 and Western dominance.

The leaders of Russia and China, two of BRICS’ most influential founding members, have decided not to attend the upcoming summit in Brazil. For the first time in over a decade, Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend a BRICS summit. Instead, Premier Li Qiang will represent Beijing in Brazil. The official explanation mentions “scheduling conflicts”, but the lack of clarity has prompted speculation that China may be reconsidering the group’s strategic value, especially after its rapid expansion. Also read: Trump wants Putin back in G7 and make it G8 as earlier. Why was Russia kicked out? Can it return? Russian President Vladimir Putin is also skipping the summit, a move widely linked to the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against him. Brazil, the host nation, is a signatory to the ICC statute, and though it hasn’t indicated it would act on the warrant, Putin is avoiding any potential embarrassment for his hosts. He had similarly withdrawn from last year’s summit in South Africa over the same legal concerns. Putin stands accused by the ICC of playing a key role in the forced deportation of Ukrainian children, a charge that has further isolated him from international platforms. Expansion may have diluted the bloc’s core vision BRICS was originally formed as a unified voice of emerging economies, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, positioning itself as a counterweight to the G7 and Western dominance. But the group’s recent expansion to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE has made it less ideologically cohesive. Many of the new members are authoritarian regimes, and not all share the original BRICS focus on reforming global governance or promoting multilateralism. This ideological drift could be part of why China and Russia are choosing to step back from active participation. Brazil, the summit host, sees BRICS as a platform to champion inclusive global governance, rather than an arena to vent frustration at the West. According to Antonio Patriota, Brazil’s ambassador to the UK and former foreign minister, a shift towards a multipolar world is already underway, thanks in part to past US policies under Donald Trump. Speaking recently in London, Patriota said, “The US, through its policies, including on tariffs and sovereignty, is accelerating the transition to multipolarity in different ways.” Brazil’s proposals for this year’s summit include: • Green energy cooperation • Vaccine collaboration • Expanding Most-Favoured Nation status within the WTO The absence of Putin and Xi, both known for focusing heavily on anti-West narratives, may help Brazil steer the summit toward more constructive discussions on reform and global cooperation. A sign of internal strain, or strategy? While BRICS still presents itself as a powerful bloc, internal contradictions are becoming more visible. India remains wary of China. Brazil is trying to avoid being seen as anti-West. And some of the new members have divergent economic goals or existing partnerships with Western institutions. Xi’s absence, in particular, comes at a time when the US is retreating from global leadership, offering China a rare opportunity to take centre stage. Why Beijing would choose to pass on this chance remains unclear, and could signal a recalibration of its global alliances. Patriota dismissed the idea that a multipolar world would be chaotic. “There is strong support for preserving multilateralism, but that does not mean that we need to preserve it as it stands,” he said. But he also warned that waiting too long to reform existing systems could be dangerous, “Unless there is a strong movement towards reform now, we run the risk of reaching a tipping point.”

BRICS was originally formed as a unified voice of emerging economies, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, positioning itself as a counterweight to the G7 and Western dominance.

Is BRICS’ importance waning? Why Xi and Putin are skipping the Brazil summit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said his country is open to a ceasefire brokered by the United States, as he accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of seeking Ukraine’s “total defeat”.In an exclusive interview with ABC News on Sunday (June 08), Zelensky insisted that only “hard pressure” from the US and its European allies would be enough to push Putin towards a diplomatic solution.“Then they will stop the war,” Zelensky said. “I am convinced that the president of the United States has all the powers and enough leverage to step up,” he added.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/la-protest-trump-2000-national-guard-los-angeles-marines-next-all-you-need-to-know-1749400097503">Trump sends 2,000 National Guard to Los Angeles. Are Marines next? - All you need to know</a><h2>Ukraine rejects past ceasefires as Russia kept launching attacks</h2>Zelensky warned that temporary ceasefires in the past were never respected by Russia, as missile strikes and attacks continued.“People have to understand that we are under strikes, under attack every day,” he said. “You might remember that when they were talking about ceasefires, they still continued attacking and launching strikes,” he added.Zelensky said Ukraine is willing to accept a 30-day ceasefire without demanding a US security guarantee, as long as Russia also halts hostilities.<h2>Zelensky disagrees with Trump’s ‘children fighting’ comparison</h2>Zelensky pushed back on US President Donald Trump’s comments, where Trump compared the war in Ukraine to “two young children fighting like crazy”.The remark was made during Trump’s meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office. Trump said the war in Ukraine is like "two young children fighting like crazy" and "sometimes you're better off letting them fight for a while and then pulling them apart."Zelensky recalled the story of a Ukrainian man who lost his wife and children in a missile strike. “He told me, ‘I’m still looking for them beside me in the flat. And they are not there,’” Zelensky said.“Do people who haven’t lost the kids feel something like that? Probably not. Can a president who is in America feel exactly like this father? No,” he added."We are not kids with Putin at the playground in the park. This is why I am saying he is a murderer who came to this park to kill the kids," he said.<h2>Operation ‘Spiderweb’: Ukraine’s major strike on Russian bombers</h2>Just days earlier, Ukraine carried out a coordinated drone attack targeting Russian airfields. The operation, called “Spiderweb”, reportedly destroyed around a third of Russia’s strategic bombers.Zelensky said the secret mission had been in planning for 18 months and only hit military targets.“We can only counter [Russia’s aggression] with force. We understood if [Ukraine’s special services could] take some steps, we can stop [Russia] in their tracks,” Zelensky said.<h2>Kremlin calls it terrorism, Zelensky says it’s a clean military operation</h2>Russia called the drone attacks “an act of terrorism”, a claim Zelensky strongly rejected.“It’s [a] clean and clear military operation. It’s a step that showed everyone that we do not want this war,” he said. “We do not want to fight.”

Zelensky warned that temporary ceasefires in the past were never respected by Russia, as missile strikes and attacks continued.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said his country is open to a ceasefire brokered by the United States, as he accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of seeking Ukraine’s “total defeat”. In an exclusive interview with ABC News on Sunday (June 08), Zelensky insisted that only “hard pressure” from the US and its European allies would be enough to push Putin towards a diplomatic solution. “Then they will stop the war,” Zelensky said. “I am convinced that the president of the United States has all the powers and enough leverage to step up,” he added. Also read: Trump sends 2,000 National Guard to Los Angeles. Are Marines next? - All you need to know Ukraine rejects past ceasefires as Russia kept launching attacks Zelensky warned that temporary ceasefires in the past were never respected by Russia, as missile strikes and attacks continued. “People have to understand that we are under strikes, under attack every day,” he said. “You might remember that when they were talking about ceasefires, they still continued attacking and launching strikes,” he added. Zelensky said Ukraine is willing to accept a 30-day ceasefire without demanding a US security guarantee, as long as Russia also halts hostilities. Zelensky disagrees with Trump’s ‘children fighting’ comparison Zelensky pushed back on US President Donald Trump’s comments, where Trump compared the war in Ukraine to “two young children fighting like crazy”. The remark was made during Trump’s meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office. Trump said the war in Ukraine is like "two young children fighting like crazy" and "sometimes you're better off letting them fight for a while and then pulling them apart." Zelensky recalled the story of a Ukrainian man who lost his wife and children in a missile strike. “He told me, ‘I’m still looking for them beside me in the flat. And they are not there,’” Zelensky said. “Do people who haven’t lost the kids feel something like that? Probably not. Can a president who is in America feel exactly like this father? No,” he added. "We are not kids with Putin at the playground in the park. This is why I am saying he is a murderer who came to this park to kill the kids," he said. Operation ‘Spiderweb’: Ukraine’s major strike on Russian bombers Just days earlier, Ukraine carried out a coordinated drone attack targeting Russian airfields. The operation, called “Spiderweb”, reportedly destroyed around a third of Russia’s strategic bombers. Zelensky said the secret mission had been in planning for 18 months and only hit military targets. “We can only counter [Russia’s aggression] with force. We understood if [Ukraine’s special services could] take some steps, we can stop [Russia] in their tracks,” Zelensky said. Kremlin calls it terrorism, Zelensky says it’s a clean military operation Russia called the drone attacks “an act of terrorism”, a claim Zelensky strongly rejected. “It’s [a] clean and clear military operation. It’s a step that showed everyone that we do not want this war,” he said. “We do not want to fight.”

Zelensky warned that temporary ceasefires in the past were never respected by Russia, as missile strikes and attacks continued.

‘Putin is a murderer who came to kill the kids’: Zelensky hits back at Trump’s ‘children fighting’ remark — Here’s what he said

After Russia launched the "most powerful attack" on Ukraine's Kharkiv, US President Donald Trump appeared to justify the Kremlin's large-scale attack on Ukrainian cities, in retaliation to Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb.The US president said that they had the Russian president a reason to go in and bomb.“They gave (Russian President Vladimir) Putin a reason to go in and bomb the hell out of them last night," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One."That's the thing I don't like about it. When I saw it I said 'here we go now it's going to be a strike,' Trump added.Russia launched more than 400 drones and 40 missiles across Ukrainian cities, killing six people and injuring more than 80."Today, rescue and emergency operations continued all day across various regions and cities of our country. Over 400 drones and more than 40 missiles were launched by the Russians. 80 people were injured, and some may still be under the debris," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Saturday in a post on X.However, according to a BBC report, Ukrainians pointed out that it is absurd to talk of retaliation when Russia has been bombing Ukrainian cities for more than three years.The night before Ukraine launched Operation Spiderweb, Russia launched 472 drones over Ukraine in one of the largest aerial assaults of the war so far."Unfortunately, not everyone in the world condemns such attacks. This is exactly what Putin exploits. He is buying himself time to keep waging war," the Ukrainian president stated on Saturday.The Ukrainian State Emergency Service confirmed the deaths of three firefighters in Kyiv, including three civilians.Zelensky said that the Russians constantly try to drive wedges into the unity of the world in order to prevent stronger pressure for their war.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-s-most-powerful-attack-on-kharkiv-unleashes-400-drones-40-missiles-as-it-retaliates-to-ukraine-s-operation-spiderweb-1749291073723">Also read: Russia's 'MOST POWERFUL' attack on Kharkiv: Unleashes 400 drones, 40 missiles as it retaliates to Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb</a>&nbsp;

Russia launched more than 400 drones and 40 missiles across Ukrainian cities, killing six people and injuring more than 80.

After Russia launched the "most powerful attack" on Ukraine's Kharkiv, US President Donald Trump appeared to justify the Kremlin's large-scale attack on Ukrainian cities, in retaliation to Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb. The US president said that they had the Russian president a reason to go in and bomb. “They gave (Russian President Vladimir) Putin a reason to go in and bomb the hell out of them last night," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. "That's the thing I don't like about it. When I saw it I said 'here we go now it's going to be a strike,' Trump added. Russia launched more than 400 drones and 40 missiles across Ukrainian cities, killing six people and injuring more than 80. "Today, rescue and emergency operations continued all day across various regions and cities of our country. Over 400 drones and more than 40 missiles were launched by the Russians. 80 people were injured, and some may still be under the debris," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Saturday in a post on X. However, according to a BBC report, Ukrainians pointed out that it is absurd to talk of retaliation when Russia has been bombing Ukrainian cities for more than three years. The night before Ukraine launched Operation Spiderweb, Russia launched 472 drones over Ukraine in one of the largest aerial assaults of the war so far. "Unfortunately, not everyone in the world condemns such attacks. This is exactly what Putin exploits. He is buying himself time to keep waging war," the Ukrainian president stated on Saturday. The Ukrainian State Emergency Service confirmed the deaths of three firefighters in Kyiv, including three civilians. Zelensky said that the Russians constantly try to drive wedges into the unity of the world in order to prevent stronger pressure for their war. Also read: Russia's 'MOST POWERFUL' attack on Kharkiv: Unleashes 400 drones, 40 missiles as it retaliates to Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb

Russia launched more than 400 drones and 40 missiles across Ukrainian cities, killing six people and injuring more than 80.

'Gave Putin a reason to bomb the hell out of them': Trump defends Russia's 'BIGGEST ATTACK' on Ukraine

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (June 5) warned Russian President Vladimir Putin as war with Ukraine intensifies, saying that if Russia is out of line, the US will be very tough.Trump further pointed out that he is not friends with either Russia or Ukraine."If Russia is out of line, you'll be amazed how tough we are. I'm not friends with anybody," Trump said during his meeting with Germany Chancellor Friedrich Merz at White House."Don't think Putin is playing games. I have always thought Putin wants all of Ukraine," the US president said, adding that he doesn't think Russia-Ukraine will sign a deal.Trump said that Putin got hit hard, "he wanted the whole thing.""When I see the moment when we're not going to make a deal and it's not going to stop, we will be very tough. It could be on both Russia or Ukraine. Actually, sometimes you're better off letting them fight for a while before pulling them apart," Trump said.He added that he told Putin, that "maybe you're going to have to keep fighting for a while before being pulled apart from Ukraine. There is some additional fighting going on with Ukraine and Russia. I told Putin don't retaliate to Ukraine, you should stop it," Trump said.Meanwhile, German Chancellor Merz told Trump that he is the 'key person' who can put pressure on Russia.When asked whether he agreed with an analogy Trump made on the war between Russia and Ukraine as being a fight between two kids, Merz said, "I think we both agree on this war and how terrible this war is and we are both looking for ways to stop it very soon.""I told the president before we came in that he is the key person in the world who can really do that now by putting pressure on Russia."The German chancellor said that we all have the duty to do something to stop the war, adding that his personal view "is clear"."We are on the side of Ukraine and we are trying to get them stronger and stronger just to make Putin stop this war," he said.&nbsp;

"If Russia is out of line, you'll be amazed how tough we are. I'm not friends with anybody," Trump said during his meeting with Germany Chancellor Friedrich Merz at White House.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (June 5) warned Russian President Vladimir Putin as war with Ukraine intensifies, saying that if Russia is out of line, the US will be very tough. Trump further pointed out that he is not friends with either Russia or Ukraine. "If Russia is out of line, you'll be amazed how tough we are. I'm not friends with anybody," Trump said during his meeting with Germany Chancellor Friedrich Merz at White House. "Don't think Putin is playing games. I have always thought Putin wants all of Ukraine," the US president said, adding that he doesn't think Russia-Ukraine will sign a deal. Trump said that Putin got hit hard, "he wanted the whole thing." "When I see the moment when we're not going to make a deal and it's not going to stop, we will be very tough. It could be on both Russia or Ukraine. Actually, sometimes you're better off letting them fight for a while before pulling them apart," Trump said. He added that he told Putin, that "maybe you're going to have to keep fighting for a while before being pulled apart from Ukraine. There is some additional fighting going on with Ukraine and Russia. I told Putin don't retaliate to Ukraine, you should stop it," Trump said. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Merz told Trump that he is the 'key person' who can put pressure on Russia. When asked whether he agreed with an analogy Trump made on the war between Russia and Ukraine as being a fight between two kids, Merz said, "I think we both agree on this war and how terrible this war is and we are both looking for ways to stop it very soon." "I told the president before we came in that he is the key person in the world who can really do that now by putting pressure on Russia." The German chancellor said that we all have the duty to do something to stop the war, adding that his personal view "is clear". "We are on the side of Ukraine and we are trying to get them stronger and stronger just to make Putin stop this war," he said.

"If Russia is out of line, you'll be amazed how tough we are. I'm not friends with anybody," Trump said during his meeting with Germany Chancellor Friedrich Merz at White House.

'If Russia is out of line...': Trump warns Putin as war with Ukraine escalates, says he's 'no friend' to Putin or Zelensky

US President Donald Trump once again slammed Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying that he is playing with fire as the war between Russia-Ukraine continues for more than three years now.Trump on Tuesday took to Truth Social, and stressed that Putin doesn't realised that if it weren't for him, "lots of bad things would have happened to Russia.""What Vladimir Putin doesn’t realize is that if it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. He’s playing with fire!," Trump said in his post.post

Earlier on Monday, Trump called Putin “absolutely CRAZY” for “needlessly killing a lot of people”.“I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY! He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and I’m not just talking about soldiers.”However, Kremlin spokesperson react to Trump's remarks, saying that it may be due to “emotional overload” at this “very important moment.”“We are really grateful to the Americans and to President Trump personally for their assistance in organising and launching this negotiation process,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov added when asked about Trump’s remarks, reported Reuters.Trump’s comments come following a Russian strike in 30 Ukrainian cities and villages over the weekend that killed at least 12 people, including three children.Notably, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had earlier said that Washington’s “silence” over recent Russian attacks was encouraging Putin. He also urged “strong pressure” on Moscow with tougher sanctions.Weeks ago, Trump also insisted that there would be no peace between Russia and Ukraine "until (Vladimir) Putin and I get together". Following news of the Russian President Putin skipping the vital talks, US President Trump said that it was "obvious" Putin was going to snub the Istanbul peace talks.&nbsp;

Trump on Tuesday took to Truth Social, and stressed that Putin doesn't realised that if it weren't for him, "lots of bad things would have happened to Russia."

US President Donald Trump once again slammed Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying that he is playing with fire as the war between Russia-Ukraine continues for more than three years now. Trump on Tuesday took to Truth Social, and stressed that Putin doesn't realised that if it weren't for him, "lots of bad things would have happened to Russia." "What Vladimir Putin doesn’t realize is that if it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. He’s playing with fire!," Trump said in his post. post

Trump on Tuesday took to Truth Social, and stressed that Putin doesn't realised that if it weren't for him, "lots of bad things would have happened to Russia."

'Putin playing with fire': Trump slams Russian president, says REALLY BAD things would have happened if weren't for him

President Donald Trump on Monday called a reporter fake news when he asked him what he was going to do about the increased incursion and aerial assault from Russia. He replied, “We will see what we can do about it.” He then responded agitatedly, “I’m going to tell you? You're the fake news, aren't you?”Trump has been involved in ceasefire negotiations, yet Putin's actions, such as the large-scale drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, complicate these efforts.During his Presidential campaign, Trump repeatedly said he would end the Russia-Ukraine war within 24 hours. During his presidential debate, Trump said twice that it was in the best interest of the US to end the war when asked if he wanted Ukraine to win the war. He then blamed Biden for starting the war. &nbsp;Earlier in March, he suspended all military aid to Ukraine. Then, in May, he said that nothing would happen until Putin and he get together and talk.&nbsp;But now it seems like a daunting task. So his frustration is palpable. Even after a two-hour-long phone call with Putin, he does not seem to conjure up a concrete plan of action to restrict hostilities from both sides.In a truth social post, Trump said, “He has gone absolutely CRAZY! He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and I’m not just talking about soldiers. Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever. I’ve always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe that’s proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!”&nbsp;Kremlin replied to Trump's remark by saying he is suffering from “emotional overload” and claimed Russia is still committed to peace. Amidst this, Russia continues its aerial onslaught on Ukraine. However, Russia's response shows they don't want to antagonise the US president.On May 25, a Russian news agency claimed that there was an attempt to shoot down Putin's helicopter, which has complicated the situation even more and led to a serious escalation.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Trump is visibly frustrated at his inability to stop the hostility between Russia and Ukraine and lashes out at a reporter when asked about Washington's plan of action.

President Donald Trump on Monday called a reporter fake news when he asked him what he was going to do about the increased incursion and aerial assault from Russia. He replied, “We will see what we can do about it.” He then responded agitatedly, “I’m going to tell you? You're the fake news, aren't you?” Trump has been involved in ceasefire negotiations, yet Putin's actions, such as the large-scale drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, complicate these efforts. During his Presidential campaign, Trump repeatedly said he would end the Russia-Ukraine war within 24 hours. During his presidential debate, Trump said twice that it was in the best interest of the US to end the war when asked if he wanted Ukraine to win the war. He then blamed Biden for starting the war. Earlier in March, he suspended all military aid to Ukraine. Then, in May, he said that nothing would happen until Putin and he get together and talk. But now it seems like a daunting task. So his frustration is palpable. Even after a two-hour-long phone call with Putin, he does not seem to conjure up a concrete plan of action to restrict hostilities from both sides. In a truth social post, Trump said, “He has gone absolutely CRAZY! He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and I’m not just talking about soldiers. Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever. I’ve always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe that’s proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!” Kremlin replied to Trump's remark by saying he is suffering from “emotional overload” and claimed Russia is still committed to peace. Amidst this, Russia continues its aerial onslaught on Ukraine. However, Russia's response shows they don't want to antagonise the US president. On May 25, a Russian news agency claimed that there was an attempt to shoot down Putin's helicopter, which has complicated the situation even more and led to a serious escalation.

Trump is visibly frustrated at his inability to stop the hostility between Russia and Ukraine and lashes out at a reporter when asked about Washington's plan of action.

Frustrated Trump calls a reporter "you're fake news" when asked what he was going to do about Vladimir Putin

The Kremlin on Monday (May 26) said that US President Donald Trump’s remarks on Russian President Vladimir Putin may be due to “emotional overload” at this “very important moment.” It also thanked the US president for his assistance in the Ukraine peace talks.&nbsp;This comes after Trump took to his Truth Social to call his Russian counterpart “absolutely CRAZY” for “needlessly killing a lot of people”.&nbsp;“We are really grateful to the Americans and to President Trump personally for their assistance in organising and launching this negotiation process,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said when asked about Trump’s remarks, reported Reuters.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-not-trump-s-war-us-president-calls-putin-crazy-blames-zelensky-for-causing-problems-1748238456076">‘Not Trump’s war’: US President calls Putin ‘CRAZY’, blames Zelensky for ‘causing problems’</a>&nbsp;“Of course, at the same time, this is a very crucial moment, which is associated, of course, with the emotional overload of everyone absolutely and with emotional reactions.”&nbsp;<h2>Trump calls Putin ‘crazy’</h2>&nbsp;Slamming Putin, Trump wrote, “I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY! He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and I’m not just talking about soldiers.”&nbsp;He further added, “Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever. I’ve always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe that’s proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!”&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-won-t-stop-uranium-enrichment-amid-nuclear-talks-with-us-dismisses-trump-s-sancyion-threat-not-like-we-ll-die-of-hunger-1748255863387">Iran won't stop uranium enrichment, dismisses Trump's sanction threat 'not like we'll die of hunger'</a>&nbsp;Trump’s comments come following a Russian strike in 30 Ukrainian cities and villages over the weekend that killed at least 12 people, including three children.&nbsp;Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had said that Washington’s “silence” over recent Russian attacks was encouraging Putin. He also urged “strong pressure” on Moscow with tougher sanctions.&nbsp;In the post, Trump also blamed Zelensky for “causing problems”, saying that the Ukrainian leader is “doing his country no favours”. Trump also reiterated that the war is not his but Zelensky’s, Putin’s and former president Joe Biden’s.

This comes after Trump took to his Truth Social to call his Russian counterpart “absolutely CRAZY” for “needlessly killing a lot of people”.

The Kremlin on Monday (May 26) said that US President Donald Trump’s remarks on Russian President Vladimir Putin may be due to “emotional overload” at this “very important moment.” It also thanked the US president for his assistance in the Ukraine peace talks. This comes after Trump took to his Truth Social to call his Russian counterpart “absolutely CRAZY” for “needlessly killing a lot of people”. “We are really grateful to the Americans and to President Trump personally for their assistance in organising and launching this negotiation process,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said when asked about Trump’s remarks, reported Reuters. Also read | ‘Not Trump’s war’: US President calls Putin ‘CRAZY’, blames Zelensky for ‘causing problems’ “Of course, at the same time, this is a very crucial moment, which is associated, of course, with the emotional overload of everyone absolutely and with emotional reactions.” Trump calls Putin ‘crazy’ Slamming Putin, Trump wrote, “I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY! He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and I’m not just talking about soldiers.” He further added, “Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever. I’ve always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe that’s proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!” Also read | Iran won't stop uranium enrichment, dismisses Trump's sanction threat 'not like we'll die of hunger' Trump’s comments come following a Russian strike in 30 Ukrainian cities and villages over the weekend that killed at least 12 people, including three children. Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had said that Washington’s “silence” over recent Russian attacks was encouraging Putin. He also urged “strong pressure” on Moscow with tougher sanctions. In the post, Trump also blamed Zelensky for “causing problems”, saying that the Ukrainian leader is “doing his country no favours”. Trump also reiterated that the war is not his but Zelensky’s, Putin’s and former president Joe Biden’s.

This comes after Trump took to his Truth Social to call his Russian counterpart “absolutely CRAZY” for “needlessly killing a lot of people”.

‘Emotional overload’: Kremlin responds to Trump’s ‘crazy’ remark for Putin

For the first time in three years, Russia and Ukraine have opened low-level talks. The first round, held in Turkey, ended with no apparent signs of progress. Meanwhile, intense fighting continues on the frontlines, with Moscow claiming new territorial gains. As both diplomacy and warfare unfold in parallel, the stakes remain dangerously high.

Ukraine Calls On Allies To Keep Pressure On Russia After Talks Yield No Ceasefire

Russia & Ukraine To Exchange 1000 Prisoners Of War, Have Not Agreed To A Ceasefire

First Russia-Ukraine Talks in 3 Years Begin Amid Fierce Fighting

In the midst of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio did say that a ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv can only be achieved through direct talks between Trump and Putin.

Trump Pushes For Direct Talks With Putin Amid Russia-Ukraine Peace Efforts

Putin Will Not Travel To Istanbul For Peace Talks With Zelensky

In a significant development, Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered Ukraine the opportunity to restart peace talks without preconditions, proposing Turkey as the meeting venue. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed a desire for a ceasefire and welcomed Putin to Turkey for dialogues. Both leaders have not met face-to-face since 2019, raising questions about the feasibility of these peace talks.

Russia-Ukraine War: Marco Rubio to participate in Russia-Ukraine talks on Thursday

Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky urges Trump to meet with Putin happen

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday that US President Donald Trump joining peace talks with Russia in Turkey might give Vladimir Putin an &lsquo;impetus&rsquo; to attend. &ldquo;We have invited President Trump to join us. I do not know the US president&rsquo;s decision, but if he confirms his participation, I think it would give additional impetus for Putin to come,&rdquo; Zelensky said at a press conference in Kyiv. The Kremlin has made no comment on whether Putin will travel to Turkiye himself or not.
President Trump offered to join the talks that Russia&rsquo;s President Vladimir Putin suggested should be held directly with Ukraine after criticism of the Western &ldquo;ultimatums&rdquo; to end the conflict between the two nations.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-gets-f-15-escort-lavender-carpet-welcome-to-saudi-arabia-9064913">Trump gets &lsquo;lavender&rsquo; carpet welcome to Saudi Arabia after F-15 escort</a> Trump said on Monday he was &ldquo;thinking about actually flying over&rdquo; to the Turkish city of Istanbul to attend the negotiations expected to take place on Thursday. The initiative was welcomed by Zelensky, but there was no reaction from Moscow. &ldquo;All of us in Ukraine would appreciate it if President Trump could be there with us at this meeting in Turkey. This is the right idea. We can change a lot,&rdquo; Zelenskyy said.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-mamnwjtg-8jxz1rf3-rgnch6tf">
I have just heard President Trump's statement. Very important words. I supported <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> idea of a full and unconditional ceasefire &mdash; long enough to provide the foundation for diplomacy. And we want it, we are ready to uphold silence on our end. I supported President Trump&hellip;
&mdash; Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1921955780682502280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2025</a></blockquote>
 Trump publicly asked Zelensky to attend after Putin proposed the direct talks following a rejection of a 30-day ceasefire Ukraine and its Western allies insisted should come first. The Ukrainian leader&rsquo;s adviser, Mykhailo Podolyak, reiterated that Zelensky would only meet Putin and no other members of the Russian delegation.
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-compares-agility-of-indias-modern-weapons-to-maharana-prataps-legendary-horse-chetak-9064665" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PM Modi compares agility of India&rsquo;s modern weapons to Maharana Pratap&rsquo;s legendary horse Chetak</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-compares-agility-of-indias-modern-weapons-to-maharana-prataps-legendary-horse-chetak-9064665" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;</a> &ldquo;We are committed to a serious search for ways of a long-term peaceful settlement,&rdquo; Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday but did not say whether Putin will travel to Turkiye. If Zelensky and Putin happen to meet on Thursday, it would be their first face-to-face meeting since December 2019. Meanwhile, Ukraine said its air defence units destroyed all 10 drones that Russia launched overnight on Tuesday. Russia accused Ukraine of attacking its Belgorod region, with the governor Vyacheslav Gladkov saying on Tuesday that Ukrainian forces used 65 drones and more than 100 rounds of ammunition to attack his region in the past day.
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/world-saw-the-true-face-of-pak-when-its-army-officials-attended-funerals-of-terrorists-pm-modi-9064451" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&lsquo;World saw the true face of Pak when its army officials attended funerals of terrorists&rsquo;: PM Modi</a>
&nbsp;

World: President Trump offered to join the talks that Russia’s President Vladimir Putin suggested should be held directly with Ukraine after criticism of the Western “ultimatums” to end the conflict between the two nations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday that US President Donald Trump joining peace talks with Russia in Turkey might give Vladimir Putin an ‘impetus’ to attend. “We have invited President Trump to join us. I do not know the US president’s decision, but if he confirms his participation, I think it would give additional impetus for Putin to come,” Zelensky said at a press conference in Kyiv. The Kremlin has made no comment on whether Putin will travel to Turkiye himself or not. President Trump offered to join the talks that Russia’s President Vladimir Putin suggested should be held directly with Ukraine after criticism of the Western “ultimatums” to end the conflict between the two nations. Also Read | Trump gets ‘lavender’ carpet welcome to Saudi Arabia after F-15 escort Trump said on Monday he was “thinking about actually flying over” to the Turkish city of Istanbul to attend the negotiations expected to take place on Thursday. The initiative was welcomed by Zelensky, but there was no reaction from Moscow. “All of us in Ukraine would appreciate it if President Trump could be there with us at this meeting in Turkey. This is the right idea. We can change a lot,” Zelenskyy said. I have just heard President Trump's statement. Very important words. I supported @POTUS idea of a full and unconditional ceasefire — long enough to provide the foundation for diplomacy. And we want it, we are ready to uphold silence on our end. I supported President Trump… — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 12, 2025 Trump publicly asked Zelensky to attend after Putin proposed the direct talks following a rejection of a 30-day ceasefire Ukraine and its Western allies insisted should come first. The Ukrainian leader’s adviser, Mykhailo Podolyak, reiterated that Zelensky would only meet Putin and no other members of the Russian delegation. Also Read | PM Modi compares agility of India’s modern weapons to Maharana Pratap’s legendary horse Chetak “We are committed to a serious search for ways of a long-term peaceful settlement,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday but did not say whether Putin will travel to Turkiye. If Zelensky and Putin happen to meet on Thursday, it would be their first face-to-face meeting since December 2019. Meanwhile, Ukraine said its air defence units destroyed all 10 drones that Russia launched overnight on Tuesday. Russia accused Ukraine of attacking its Belgorod region, with the governor Vyacheslav Gladkov saying on Tuesday that Ukrainian forces used 65 drones and more than 100 rounds of ammunition to attack his region in the past day. Also Read | ‘World saw the true face of Pak when its army officials attended funerals of terrorists’: PM Modi

Zelensky says Trump’s presence at peace talks would prompt Putin to attend

Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky Demands Ceasefire In Response To Putin's Call For Talks | World DNA

Over the next five years, India plans to launch 52 spy satellites, significantly enhancing its surveillance capabilities from space.

India to launch 52 spy satellites, which were extensively used in Russia-Ukraine war

Russia's shadow fleet will be hit with the largest ever sanctions package today, ramping up pressure on Putin

UK Announces New Russia 'Shadow Fleet' Sanctions

Following a &ldquo;good&rdquo; telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump on Thursday (May 8), Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that &ldquo;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ukraine">Ukraine</a>&nbsp;is ready to engage in talks in any format&rdquo;, but demanded that Russia must demonstrate the seriousness of its intentions to end the three-year-long war.
&ldquo;I had a good conversation with @POTUS. We congratulated our nations on Victory in Europe Day &mdash; the victory over Nazism,&rdquo; the Ukrainian leader said in an X post. &ldquo;We welcomed the Ukrainian Parliament&rsquo;s ratification of the Economic Partnership Agreement &mdash; a truly historic document that opens up many new opportunities for cooperation.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-confirms-the-full-and-comprehesive-deal-is-with-the-uk-further-details-to-be-revealed-9048595">Trump confirms the 'full and comprehesive' deal is with the UK, further details to be revealed</a>
Zelensky added that he discussed the need for continued peace efforts, including concrete steps that could be taken. He said that Trump asked him about the situation on the battlefield, and he provided &ldquo;a brief overview&rdquo;.
&ldquo;I also informed him that Ukraine is ready for a 30-day ceasefire, starting even today. We are waiting for Russia to support this proposal. I also reaffirmed that Ukraine is ready to engage in talks in any format. But for that, Russia must demonstrate the seriousness of its intentions to end the war, starting with a full unconditional ceasefire,&rdquo; Zelensky wrote on X. &ldquo;President Trump confirmed that he wants this war to end, is ready to help, and supports the need for a ceasefire. We agreed on our further contacts.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-holds-good-and-productive-phone-call-with-turkish-president-discuss-russia-ukraine-war-gaza-syria-9038408">Trump holds &lsquo;good and productive&rsquo; phone call with Turkish President, discuss Russia-Ukraine war, Gaza, Syria</a>
<h2>Trump calls for &lsquo;30-day unconditional ceasefire&rsquo;</h2>
Trump said that the talks with Russia and Ukraine are ongoing and the US has called for a &ldquo;30-day unconditional ceasefire&rdquo;.
&ldquo;Hopefully, an acceptable ceasefire will be observed, and both Countries will be held accountable for respecting the sanctity of these direct negotiations. If the ceasefire is not respected, the U.S. and its partners will impose further sanctions,&rdquo; the US president wrote on his Truth Social platform.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-she-hopes-nuclear-weapons-will-not-be-required-against-ukraine-video-9031926">Putin says he 'hopes' nuclear weapons 'will not be required' against Ukraine | VIDEO</a>
&ldquo;As President, I will stay committed to securing Peace between Russia and Ukraine, together with the Europeans, and a Lasting Peace it will be! This ceasefire must ultimately build toward a Peace Agreement. It can all be done very quickly, and I will be available on a moment&rsquo;s notice if my services are needed,&rdquo; he added.
Watch | Russia Victory Day parade: Putin's order for three-day truce with Ukraine enters force
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/0805_ARJUN_DRONES_730AM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/0805_ARJUN_DRONES_730AM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=141&amp;tags=Russia, Victory Day Parade, World News, WION" title="Russia Victory Day parade: Putin's order for three-day truce with Ukraine enters force" id="PL_iframe_block-mafw1nmj-bl3jxfvo-df18lgs7"></iframe>
&nbsp;

Zelensky added that he discussed the need for continued peace efforts, including concrete steps that could be taken. He said that Trump asked him about the situation on the battlefield and he provided “a brief overview”. World

Following a “good” telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump on Thursday (May 8), Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that “Ukraine is ready to engage in talks in any format”, but demanded that Russia must demonstrate the seriousness of its intentions to end the three-year-long war. “I had a good conversation with @POTUS. We congratulated our nations on Victory in Europe Day — the victory over Nazism,” the Ukrainian leader said in an X post. “We welcomed the Ukrainian Parliament’s ratification of the Economic Partnership Agreement — a truly historic document that opens up many new opportunities for cooperation.” Also read | Trump confirms the 'full and comprehesive' deal is with the UK, further details to be revealed Zelensky added that he discussed the need for continued peace efforts, including concrete steps that could be taken. He said that Trump asked him about the situation on the battlefield, and he provided “a brief overview”. “I also informed him that Ukraine is ready for a 30-day ceasefire, starting even today. We are waiting for Russia to support this proposal. I also reaffirmed that Ukraine is ready to engage in talks in any format. But for that, Russia must demonstrate the seriousness of its intentions to end the war, starting with a full unconditional ceasefire,” Zelensky wrote on X. “President Trump confirmed that he wants this war to end, is ready to help, and supports the need for a ceasefire. We agreed on our further contacts.” Also read | Trump holds ‘good and productive’ phone call with Turkish President, discuss Russia-Ukraine war, Gaza, Syria Trump calls for ‘30-day unconditional ceasefire’ Trump said that the talks with Russia and Ukraine are ongoing and the US has called for a “30-day unconditional ceasefire”. “Hopefully, an acceptable ceasefire will be observed, and both Countries will be held accountable for respecting the sanctity of these direct negotiations. If the ceasefire is not respected, the U.S. and its partners will impose further sanctions,” the US president wrote on his Truth Social platform. Also read | Putin says he 'hopes' nuclear weapons 'will not be required' against Ukraine | VIDEO “As President, I will stay committed to securing Peace between Russia and Ukraine, together with the Europeans, and a Lasting Peace it will be! This ceasefire must ultimately build toward a Peace Agreement. It can all be done very quickly, and I will be available on a moment’s notice if my services are needed,” he added. Watch | Russia Victory Day parade: Putin's order for three-day truce with Ukraine enters force

‘Ukraine ready for talks in any format’: Zelensky tells Trump, but demands Russia to show ‘intentions to end war’

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