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.

Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky says both sides must come forward to negotiate

In a major shakeup within Russia's military leadership, President Vladmir Putin has dismissed the head of the country's land forces, General Oleg Salyukov. The decision marks another significant shift at the top of Russia's defense establishment amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Kremlin removes General Oleg Salyukov ahead of Ukraine peace talks

Ukraine war: US Secy of State Marco Rubio insists on 'face-to-face' meeting between Trump & Putin

Ahead of ceasefire talks in Turkey&rsquo;s Istanbul, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during a press conference in Ankara on Thursday (May 15), said that Moscow failed to show any willingness to engage in negotiations to end the war. He added that other nations should put more political and economic pressure on Russia and impose further sanctions.
&ldquo;Russia does not feel that it needs to end [the war], which means there is not enough political, economic and other pressure on the Russian Federation,&rdquo; he said.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-to-skip-first-direct-peace-talks-with-ukraines-zelensky-in-turkey-despite-proposing-them-9069991">Putin to skip first direct peace talks with Ukraine's Zelensky in Turkey &mdash; despite proposing them</a>
&ldquo;And so we ask, if there is no ceasefire, if there are no serious decisions &hellip; we ask for appropriate sanctions.&rdquo;
Earlier, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Russian President Vladimir <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/putin">Putin</a> has no plans to travel to Turkey for the talks. CNN reported, citing a source familiar with the situation, that Zelensky has decided against flying for the talks in Istanbul after Putin decided to skip the meeting.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-not-going-for-istanbul-peace-talks-with-zelensky-experts-claims-he-fears-assassination-9070012">Putin a no-show at Istanbul peace talks: Experts think he fears coming face to face with Zelensky, who has called his 'bluff'</a>
During the press conference in Ankara, the Ukrainian leader said that Ukraine will send a delegation for talks in Istanbul headed by its defence minister.
<h2>Zelensky urges Europe, US to impose sanctions</h2>
Zelensky said he expects more sanctions on Russia if Putin does not take steps to end the three-year-long war.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-donald-trump-welcomed-in-uae-abu-dhabi-with-traditional-hair-flip-al-ayyala-dance-middle-east-trip-9072331">Trump welcomed in UAE with traditional 'hair flip' Al-Ayyala dance: Here's more about it | WATCH</a>
US President Donald Trump and several European nations had threatened Moscow with fresh sanctions if it did not agree to the US-backed proposal for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Ukraine was moving towards a format that could bring us all a little closer to ending the war. But this cannot be unilateral, only from one side. And pressure cannot be one-sided. That is why we really want to see a (pressure) against Russia and Putin. Sanctions from Europe, the United States, and other countries. At least sanctions,&rdquo; Zelensky said on Thursday.
Watch | Putin Will Not Travel To Istanbul For Peace Talks With Zelensky
<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/1505_PEACE_730AM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1505_PEACE_730AM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=166&amp;tags=putin, russia, ukraine" title="Putin Will Not Travel To Istanbul For Peace Talks With Zelensky" id="PL_iframe_block-mapk6j18-x1b3p45h-u5m9ja31"></iframe>

During the press conference in Ankara, the Ukrainian leader said that Ukraine will send a delegation for talks in Istanbul headed by its defence minister. World

Ahead of ceasefire talks in Turkey’s Istanbul, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during a press conference in Ankara on Thursday (May 15), said that Moscow failed to show any willingness to engage in negotiations to end the war. He added that other nations should put more political and economic pressure on Russia and impose further sanctions. “Russia does not feel that it needs to end [the war], which means there is not enough political, economic and other pressure on the Russian Federation,” he said. Also read | Putin to skip first direct peace talks with Ukraine's Zelensky in Turkey — despite proposing them “And so we ask, if there is no ceasefire, if there are no serious decisions … we ask for appropriate sanctions.” Earlier, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Russian President Vladimir Putin has no plans to travel to Turkey for the talks. CNN reported, citing a source familiar with the situation, that Zelensky has decided against flying for the talks in Istanbul after Putin decided to skip the meeting. Also read | Putin a no-show at Istanbul peace talks: Experts think he fears coming face to face with Zelensky, who has called his 'bluff' During the press conference in Ankara, the Ukrainian leader said that Ukraine will send a delegation for talks in Istanbul headed by its defence minister. Zelensky urges Europe, US to impose sanctions Zelensky said he expects more sanctions on Russia if Putin does not take steps to end the three-year-long war. Also read | Trump welcomed in UAE with traditional 'hair flip' Al-Ayyala dance: Here's more about it | WATCH US President Donald Trump and several European nations had threatened Moscow with fresh sanctions if it did not agree to the US-backed proposal for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. “Ukraine was moving towards a format that could bring us all a little closer to ending the war. But this cannot be unilateral, only from one side. And pressure cannot be one-sided. That is why we really want to see a (pressure) against Russia and Putin. Sanctions from Europe, the United States, and other countries. At least sanctions,” Zelensky said on Thursday. Watch | Putin Will Not Travel To Istanbul For Peace Talks With Zelensky

Not enough pressure on Russia? Zelensky says ‘Kremlin does not feel it needs to end war’ amid Turkey visit

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 is pushing for a ceasefire in response to Putin's call for talks, while US President Trump considers joining Russia-Ukraine negotiations. Turkish President Erdogan has offered to host talks between Russia and Ukraine, but Moscow remains silent on Putin's potential attendance.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia remains silent on whether Putin will attend Istanbul talks

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

Russia opens door for Ukraine peace talks amidst EU pressure

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

US President Donald Trump has pressed Vladimir Putin to accept a 30-day unconditional ceasefire with Ukraine. Trump said that he is committed to securing peace between Russia and Ukraine and asserted that if the two countries do not respect the ceasefire, the US and its partners will impose further sanctions.

Russia-Ukraine war: Trump presses Putin for 30-day 'unconditional ceasefire'

Russian President Vladimir Putin's order for a three-day truce with Ukraine took effect Thursday, a move the Kremlin said would "test" Kyiv's readiness for peace but that Ukraine has slammed as a farce.
It was not immediately clear whether either side was observing the ceasefire, even with world leaders -- including China's Xi Jinping, Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Serbia's Aleksandar Vucic -- in Moscow for commemorations of the end of World War II.
Putin unilaterally ordered the move to coincide with Moscow's Victory Day parade on Friday. Ukraine never agreed to the proposal, has dismissed it as theatrics and called instead for a 30-day ceasefire.
Also Read -&nbsp;<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-president-xi-jinping-arrives-in-moscow-as-putins-guest-of-honour-for-victory-day-parade-9046279" aria-label="Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Moscow as Putin's 'guest of honour' for Victory Day parade">Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Moscow as Putin's 'guest of honour' for Victory Day parade</a>
US President Donald Trump has sought to end Moscow's three-year military assault on Ukraine since his inauguration in January, but has failed to ease hostilities between the enemies.
Hours before Putin's order was scheduled to enter force, Moscow and Kyiv staged aerial attacks, prompting airport closures in Russia and leaving at least two dead in Ukraine.
The Kremlin has said Russian forces will honour Putin's order for the duration of the holiday, but will respond "immediately" if Ukraine launches any fire.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky renewed his call for a 30-day ceasefire in his evening address on Wednesday.
"We are not withdrawing this proposal, which could give diplomacy a chance. But the world is not seeing any response from Russia," he said.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Today, air raid sirens across Ukraine have sounded almost the entire day. Overnight, there was yet another Russian attack with missiles and drones&mdash;ballistic strikes and more than 140 attack drones in a single night. It was loud in Kyiv and in other cities. Tragically, there are&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/RGhRGcNAGe">pic.twitter.com/RGhRGcNAGe</a>
&mdash; Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1920216630052987002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>'Direct negotiation'</h2>
Putin announced the truce last month as a "humanitarian" gesture, following pressure from the United States to halt his three-year assault on Ukraine.
The Russian leader rejected a joint US-Ukrainian proposal for an unconditional ceasefire in March, and has since offered only slim contributions to Trump's peace efforts.
Ukraine has said it does not believe Russia will adhere to this truce and accused Moscow of hundreds of violations during a previous, 30-hour ceasefire ordered by Putin for Easter.
Russia, which launched a full-scale military offensive on Ukraine in 2022, fired over 100 drones and multiple ballistic missiles at its neighbour between late Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, killing a mother and her son, Kyiv said.
The White House has become increasingly frustrated at the lack of progress towards a peace deal between the warring sides, despite US President Donald Trump's efforts.
US Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday called on the two to enter direct talks. "We think it's probably impossible for us to mediate this entirely without at least some direct negotiation between the two," he said.
<h2>'Peaceful atmosphere'</h2>
Russia marks Victory Day with a grand parade of military equipment on Red Square, as well as an address from Putin.
More than 20 world leaders were expected in Moscow for the May 9 parade.
"Our military and special services are taking all necessary measures to ensure that the celebration of the great victory takes place in a calm, stable and peaceful atmosphere," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
He also said authorities had jammed internet connections ahead of the parade, citing the threat from Kyiv.
"We need to take into account that dangerous neighbourhood that we have," Peskov said, referring to Ukraine.
"As long as guests are here, until May 10, we need to be ready for restrictions," he added, calling on Muscovites to be understanding.&nbsp;
The Kremlin's forces occupy a fifth of Ukraine and this spring hit the country with a string of deadly attacks on civilian areas.&nbsp;
<h2>'Nothing scares us'</h2>
Russians from outside Moscow visiting the heavily policed capital for the parade appeared unfazed.
"We are from Rostov-on-Don. Nothing scares us," said 22-year-old student Valeria Pavlova. The southern city serves as a command and logistics hub for the Ukraine offensive and has regularly been targeted.
"It's much calmer here," she added.
But scenes at airports in Moscow, Saint Petersburg and other cities were more chaotic.
Ukraine launched a barrage of drones at Russia earlier in the day, forcing airports to halt traffic with 60,000 people seeing their flights disrupted, according to Moscow.
Kyiv's drone attacks disrupted some 350 flights Tuesday and Wednesday, Russia's Association of Tour Operators said. Social media videos showed people sleeping on the floor and airports with rows of over a dozen planes queueing on the tarmac.
Ukraine's airspace has been forced to close since Russia launched its offensive in February 2022.
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

It was not immediately clear whether either side was observing the ceasefire, even with world leaders -- including China's Xi Jinping, Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Serbia's Aleksandar Vucic -- in Moscow. World

Russian President Vladimir Putin's order for a three-day truce with Ukraine took effect Thursday, a move the Kremlin said would "test" Kyiv's readiness for peace but that Ukraine has slammed as a farce. It was not immediately clear whether either side was observing the ceasefire, even with world leaders -- including China's Xi Jinping, Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Serbia's Aleksandar Vucic -- in Moscow for commemorations of the end of World War II. Putin unilaterally ordered the move to coincide with Moscow's Victory Day parade on Friday. Ukraine never agreed to the proposal, has dismissed it as theatrics and called instead for a 30-day ceasefire. Also Read - Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Moscow as Putin's 'guest of honour' for Victory Day parade US President Donald Trump has sought to end Moscow's three-year military assault on Ukraine since his inauguration in January, but has failed to ease hostilities between the enemies. Hours before Putin's order was scheduled to enter force, Moscow and Kyiv staged aerial attacks, prompting airport closures in Russia and leaving at least two dead in Ukraine. The Kremlin has said Russian forces will honour Putin's order for the duration of the holiday, but will respond "immediately" if Ukraine launches any fire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky renewed his call for a 30-day ceasefire in his evening address on Wednesday. "We are not withdrawing this proposal, which could give diplomacy a chance. But the world is not seeing any response from Russia," he said. Today, air raid sirens across Ukraine have sounded almost the entire day. Overnight, there was yet another Russian attack with missiles and drones—ballistic strikes and more than 140 attack drones in a single night. It was loud in Kyiv and in other cities. Tragically, there are… pic.twitter.com/RGhRGcNAGe — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 7, 2025 'Direct negotiation' Putin announced the truce last month as a "humanitarian" gesture, following pressure from the United States to halt his three-year assault on Ukraine. The Russian leader rejected a joint US-Ukrainian proposal for an unconditional ceasefire in March, and has since offered only slim contributions to Trump's peace efforts. Ukraine has said it does not believe Russia will adhere to this truce and accused Moscow of hundreds of violations during a previous, 30-hour ceasefire ordered by Putin for Easter. Russia, which launched a full-scale military offensive on Ukraine in 2022, fired over 100 drones and multiple ballistic missiles at its neighbour between late Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, killing a mother and her son, Kyiv said. The White House has become increasingly frustrated at the lack of progress towards a peace deal between the warring sides, despite US President Donald Trump's efforts. US Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday called on the two to enter direct talks. "We think it's probably impossible for us to mediate this entirely without at least some direct negotiation between the two," he said. 'Peaceful atmosphere' Russia marks Victory Day with a grand parade of military equipment on Red Square, as well as an address from Putin. More than 20 world leaders were expected in Moscow for the May 9 parade. "Our military and special services are taking all necessary measures to ensure that the celebration of the great victory takes place in a calm, stable and peaceful atmosphere," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. He also said authorities had jammed internet connections ahead of the parade, citing the threat from Kyiv. "We need to take into account that dangerous neighbourhood that we have," Peskov said, referring to Ukraine. "As long as guests are here, until May 10, we need to be ready for restrictions," he added, calling on Muscovites to be understanding. The Kremlin's forces occupy a fifth of Ukraine and this spring hit the country with a string of deadly attacks on civilian areas. 'Nothing scares us' Russians from outside Moscow visiting the heavily policed capital for the parade appeared unfazed. "We are from Rostov-on-Don. Nothing scares us," said 22-year-old student Valeria Pavlova. The southern city serves as a command and logistics hub for the Ukraine offensive and has regularly been targeted. "It's much calmer here," she added. But scenes at airports in Moscow, Saint Petersburg and other cities were more chaotic. Ukraine launched a barrage of drones at Russia earlier in the day, forcing airports to halt traffic with 60,000 people seeing their flights disrupted, according to Moscow. Kyiv's drone attacks disrupted some 350 flights Tuesday and Wednesday, Russia's Association of Tour Operators said. Social media videos showed people sleeping on the floor and airports with rows of over a dozen planes queueing on the tarmac. Ukraine's airspace has been forced to close since Russia launched its offensive in February 2022. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

As Ukraine calls for 30-day truce, Putin's order of three-day peace comes into effect on Victory Day

US President Donald Trump has cast his apprehensions about brokering peace between Russia and Ukraine despite claiming he would end the war within days of his second term. Trump said he now believes that a US-brokered permanent ceasefire after three years of fighting may be out of reach.

Russia-Ukraine war: Trump says he could walk away from Ukraine peace talks

While US President Donald Trump has cast his apprehensions about brokering peace between Russia and Ukraine despite claiming he would end the war within days of his second term, Trump said he now believes that a US-brokered permanent ceasefire after three years of fighting may be out of reach.

Ukraine War: US President Donald Trump: ‘Maybe It’s Not Possible’ To Reach Russia-Ukraine Peace Deal

At least 3 killed in Russian drone strikes on Ukraine, targeting Kyiv, Donetsk, and Kharkiv. Tensions escalate as Zelensky rejects Russia's proposed truce and Xi Jinping plans to visit Moscow on Victory Day. Watch for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow launches deadly drone attack on Kyiv, at least 3 killed

India's external affairs minister Dr. S. Jaishankar spoke with his Russian counterpart, foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, on the situation developing in the aftermath of the terror attack in Pahalgam on the 22nd of April. During the talks, the Russian side restated their position that India and Pakistan should resolve issues bilaterally. Watch in for more details!

Pahalgam attack: Russia's Lavrov urges India, Pakistan to resolve issues bilaterally

Russia continues to pound Ukraine. Russian shelling has killed two people in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region as of Saturday, while a drone strike on the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson left one other person dead. Watch in for more details!

Ukraine War: Russian shelling killed two people in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk

Russia launches strikes on Kharkiv, damaging residential buildings and civilian infrastructure. In retaliation, Ukraine conducts drone attacks on Russian city of Novorossiysk, injuring 5. The conflict intensifies as Zelensky rejects Russia's proposed 3-day truce.

Russia-Ukraine war: US withdraws from Ukraine peace talks

Russian forces launched heavy attacks on Ukraine’s Kharkiv city, causing widespread destruction and injuring at least 50 people. The assault marks a new escalation in the ongoing war, drawing international condemnation.

Russia-Ukraine War: Kharkiv devastated by Russian strikes, 50 reported injured

Ukraine's ongoing struggle with corruption has reached a new level, as authorities reveal a scheme involving the production and distribution of over 120,000 defective mortar shells sent to the frontline, putting soldiers at serious risk and highlighting deeper issues within the country's defense sector.

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine corruption scandal: 120,000 faulty mortar rounds sent to frontline

In a move that marks a major shift in US foreign policy, the Trump administration has announced it will step back from its role as mediator in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. This new stance comes just as Washington finalised a long-awaited minerals deal with Kyiv, an agreement that had previously stalled over accusations of exploitation.
The contrast between these two developments prompts the question: Is the US helping Ukraine secure peace, or simply cashing out?
<h2>&ldquo;This is not our war&rdquo;</h2>
Vice President JD Vance laid the groundwork for the policy shift on Wednesday, telling Fox News the war &ldquo;is not going to end any time soon.&rdquo;
&ldquo;This is going to be up to the Russians and Ukrainians now that each side knows what the other's terms for peace are,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;It's going to be up to them to come to an agreement and stop this brutal, brutal conflict,&rdquo; he added.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/russia-ukraine-war-trumps-ukraine-peace-plan-isnt-about-peace-its-a-pr-stunt-8862762" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Trump&rsquo;s Ukraine &lsquo;peace&rsquo; plan isn&rsquo;t about peace. It&rsquo;s a PR stunt</a>
His words came a day after Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, &ldquo;This is not our war.&rdquo;
Trump&rsquo;s stance was equally clear. On April 18, he told reporters, &ldquo;If one of the two parties makes it very difficult, we're just going to say: &lsquo;You're foolish, you're fools, you're horrible people,&rsquo; and we're just going to take a pass.&rdquo;
<h2>A &ldquo;historic&rdquo; minerals deal, or a royal flush?</h2>
Just before the US pulled back from its mediator role, it signed a minerals agreement with Ukraine, a deal that had once included highly controversial terms. Earlier drafts gave the US veto power over future contracts and exclusive rights to key natural resources.
But in the final version signed on April 30, Ukraine keeps control over its resources. The US now has preferential, not exclusive, rights in extraction projects.
Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-moscow-views-minerals-deal-a-direct-challenge-to-its-influence-9027155" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow views minerals deal a direct challenge to its influence</a>
Karoline Leavitt, Trump&rsquo;s press secretary, hailed the agreement as &ldquo;historic,&rdquo; calling it proof that the president is still the &ldquo;dealmaker in chief&rdquo; and committed to &ldquo;securing a lasting peace&rdquo; in the region.
But the timing of the deal, coinciding with the US pulling back from peace talks is sure to raise eyebrows. 
<h2>Stalled ceasefire efforts and rising tensions</h2>
The US had been pushing hard earlier this year to broker a 30-day ceasefire, alongside other temporary truces. These were aimed at protecting civilian infrastructure, particularly during harsh winter months.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-vladimir-putin-russia-needs-to-be-dealt-with-differently-after-meeting-with-zelensky-9005354" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'Putin doesn&rsquo;t want to stop the war': Trump says Russia needs to be 'dealt with differently' after meeting with Zelensky</a>
But Russia refused to engage. On April 24, it launched a massive barrage of 215 missiles and drones, killing at least 12 civilians and injuring 87 in Kyiv.
Trump reacted by calling the attacks &ldquo;not necessary&rdquo; and &ldquo;very bad timing,&rdquo; before appealing directly to Vladimir Putin with the words, &ldquo;Vladimir, Stop!&rdquo;
<h2>Zelensky&rsquo;s hand: Royal flush or last good card?</h2>
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who led talks on the minerals deal, told US media the agreement strengthens Ukraine&rsquo;s position in any future negotiations with Russia.
Trump had previously told Zelenskyy during a tense Oval Office exchange that he didn&rsquo;t &ldquo;have the cards&rdquo; in the peace talks. The minerals deal, some argue, may not change that.
&ldquo;President Trump has now dealt him the royal flush,&rdquo; Bessent said of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. &ldquo;Now we can take these cards and go and show the Russian leadership that there is no daylight between the Ukrainian people and the American people between our goals,&rdquo; he added.
But one should ask, has Ukraine gained leverage, or simply lost its final set of bargaining chips?
<h2>A new phase, or a missed opportunity?</h2>
Tammy Bruce, speaking for the State Department, confirmed the shift in US posture on May 1.
&ldquo;We are not going to fly around the world at the drop of a hat to mediate meetings,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;That is now between the two parties&hellip; Now is the time they need to present and develop concrete ideas about how this conflict is going to end,&rdquo; she added.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russia-war-putin-zelensky-three-day-ceasefire-trump-effect-9011105" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'Ukraine should follow this example': Russia's Putin announces surprise three-day ceasefire: Did Trump effect finally work?</a>
Whether this hands-off approach will lead to peace or prolong the war remains uncertain.

World: Just before the US pulled back from its mediator role, it signed a minerals agreement with Ukraine, a deal that had once included highly controversial terms.

In a move that marks a major shift in US foreign policy, the Trump administration has announced it will step back from its role as mediator in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. This new stance comes just as Washington finalised a long-awaited minerals deal with Kyiv, an agreement that had previously stalled over accusations of exploitation. The contrast between these two developments prompts the question: Is the US helping Ukraine secure peace, or simply cashing out? “This is not our war” Vice President JD Vance laid the groundwork for the policy shift on Wednesday, telling Fox News the war “is not going to end any time soon.” “This is going to be up to the Russians and Ukrainians now that each side knows what the other's terms for peace are,” he said. “It's going to be up to them to come to an agreement and stop this brutal, brutal conflict,” he added. Also read: Trump’s Ukraine ‘peace’ plan isn’t about peace. It’s a PR stunt His words came a day after Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, “This is not our war.” Trump’s stance was equally clear. On April 18, he told reporters, “If one of the two parties makes it very difficult, we're just going to say: ‘You're foolish, you're fools, you're horrible people,’ and we're just going to take a pass.” A “historic” minerals deal, or a royal flush? Just before the US pulled back from its mediator role, it signed a minerals agreement with Ukraine, a deal that had once included highly controversial terms. Earlier drafts gave the US veto power over future contracts and exclusive rights to key natural resources. But in the final version signed on April 30, Ukraine keeps control over its resources. The US now has preferential, not exclusive, rights in extraction projects. Watch: Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow views minerals deal a direct challenge to its influence Karoline Leavitt, Trump’s press secretary, hailed the agreement as “historic,” calling it proof that the president is still the “dealmaker in chief” and committed to “securing a lasting peace” in the region. But the timing of the deal, coinciding with the US pulling back from peace talks is sure to raise eyebrows. Stalled ceasefire efforts and rising tensions The US had been pushing hard earlier this year to broker a 30-day ceasefire, alongside other temporary truces. These were aimed at protecting civilian infrastructure, particularly during harsh winter months. Also read: 'Putin doesn’t want to stop the war': Trump says Russia needs to be 'dealt with differently' after meeting with Zelensky But Russia refused to engage. On April 24, it launched a massive barrage of 215 missiles and drones, killing at least 12 civilians and injuring 87 in Kyiv. Trump reacted by calling the attacks “not necessary” and “very bad timing,” before appealing directly to Vladimir Putin with the words, “Vladimir, Stop!” Zelensky’s hand: Royal flush or last good card? Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who led talks on the minerals deal, told US media the agreement strengthens Ukraine’s position in any future negotiations with Russia. Trump had previously told Zelenskyy during a tense Oval Office exchange that he didn’t “have the cards” in the peace talks. The minerals deal, some argue, may not change that. “President Trump has now dealt him the royal flush,” Bessent said of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. “Now we can take these cards and go and show the Russian leadership that there is no daylight between the Ukrainian people and the American people between our goals,” he added. But one should ask, has Ukraine gained leverage, or simply lost its final set of bargaining chips? A new phase, or a missed opportunity? Tammy Bruce, speaking for the State Department, confirmed the shift in US posture on May 1. “We are not going to fly around the world at the drop of a hat to mediate meetings,” she said. “That is now between the two parties… Now is the time they need to present and develop concrete ideas about how this conflict is going to end,” she added. Also read: 'Ukraine should follow this example': Russia's Putin announces surprise three-day ceasefire: Did Trump effect finally work? Whether this hands-off approach will lead to peace or prolong the war remains uncertain.

‘Dealmaker in chief’ or dealbreaker? Is Trump walking away from Ukraine peace talks after sealing key minerals deal?

A day after Ukraine secured a key minerals deal with Western powers, Russia today launched a fresh wave of attacks across the country. Ukraine says one person was killed and dozens were injured in a Russian drone strike on Zaporizhzhia. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow views minerals deal a direct challenge to its influence

Russia's direct attack on Zelensky's city: a barrage of 170 drones targeted the cities of Kyiv, Sumy, Kropyvnytsky and the regions of Kharkiv and Cherkasy. Ukraine emergency crews respond after Russia launches drone barrage. Emergency workers in Ukraine's Kharkiv and Sumy regions battle fires after an overnight wave of Russian strikes which saw 170 Iranian-made drones target multiple cities. On Thursday, Zelensky called for pressure on Moscow to come to a negotiating table, claiming Russia is ignoring US calls for an unconditional ceasefire.

Russia attacks Zelensky's city, barrage of 170 drones launched in Russia-Ukraine war

On May 1, 2025, a Russian drone strike killed seven people in Oleshky, Kherson region, Ukraine. The attack occurred shortly after Ukraine and the U.S. signed a significant minerals deal. This agreement grants the U.S. preferential access to Ukrainian mineral resources and establishes a joint reconstruction fund, aiming to bolster Ukraine's economy amid ongoing conflict with Russia .

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia's MASS drone attack destroys Ukraine's Oleshky

The US and Ukraine signed a "historic" economic partnership deal, agreeing to split profits from the sale of Ukrainian minerals and rare earths in the future. President Donald Trump had hinted that the deal would provide financial motivation for America to continue to invest in Kyiv's defence and its reconstruction after a future peace deal with Russia. The deal has been signed after weeks of intense negotiation to allow Washington access to Kyiv's rare minerals deposits, both countries said.

US and Ukraine sign critical minerals deal after months of negotiations

US And Ukraine Sign Long-awaited Minerals Deal

US And Ukraine Sign Minerals Deal That Solidifies Kyiv’s Defense Against Russia

US And Ukraine Sign Critical Minerals Deal, 'new Form Of Commitment'

Ukraine has struck a symbolic and strategic blow, a drone attack on the Kinburn Spit, a sliver of land at the mouth of the Dnipro River that’s vital to Kyiv’s access to the Black Sea. But Russia isn’t holding back. It has launching deadly drone strikes on Kharkiv and Dnipro overnight, injuring dozens.

Ukraine strikes strategic Kinburn Spit, Russia hits back in Kharkiv

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