U.S. President Donald Trump “issued an ultimatum” to Moscow and Kyiv to make progress in peace negotiations, otherwise the U.S. will abandon the process, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said in an interview with Breitbart News published on May 12.

“The president has issued an ultimatum to both sides that without those direct talks and if they don’t occur quickly, then he believes the United States ought to step back from this conflict whatever that means and just not be involved,” Witkoff said in an interview recorded on May 8, before discussions about possible high-level talks in Turkey on May 15.

Witkoff has been a key figure in Trump’s efforts to broker a peace between Moscow and Kyiv, personally meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin as well as Ukrainian and European officials.

The real estate investor-turned-negotiator has faced criticism over his poor negotiation record, tendency to adopt Russian talking points on Ukraine, and reported reliance on Kremlin translators during talks with Putin.

Witkoff told Breitbart News last week that a meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Putin is “entirely possible."

Zelensky has proposed meeting Putin in Istanbul on May 15, which would mark their first meeting during the full-scale war, and urged an unconditional ceasefire starting on May 12. Moscow has ignored the proposals for a truce and a meeting of the two leaders but backed starting direct talks this week.

According to Witkoff, the key topics in peace talks are the fate of the five partially or fully occupied Ukrainian regions, the status of the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and Ukraine’s access to the Dnipro River and the Black Sea.

Russia currently occupies roughly 20% of Ukraine’s territory, including the entire Crimean peninsula, almost the entire Luhansk Oblast, and large parts of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts.

The Kremlin has illegally declared these territories as part of the Russian Federation and insisted on Ukraine’s full withdrawal from these areas to achieve a peace deal.

“Russia has control — overwhelming control — of two of those regions. The Ukrainians have some degree of control over three other regions, so it’s about how we’re going to assess — there’s a difference between where the battle line are, where the troops are, and the administrative lines,” Witkoff said.

“The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant is a big part of this discussion because it’s a little bit of a crown jewel and it’s been closed, but we need to reopen that because it delivers a lot of electricity into some of the cities (like) Kyiv."

The U.S. has reportedly proposed taking control of the Zaporizhzhia power plant while ensuring it provides electricity to both Ukraine and Russia. Washington’s peace proposals have also reportedly included the U.S. formally recognizing Russian annexation of Crimea, a step resolutely rejected by Ukraine and its European allies.

During the interview, Witkoff also defended his criticized meetings with Putin, saying: “There is no deal without President Putin’s sign off. He is the leader of the Russian Federation, so the notion of not talking to President Putin is somehow something people are against, I don’t understand that logic."

‘Not what Putin was expecting’ — What we know (and don’t know) about Ukraine, Russia peace talks in Istanbul

Russian President Vladimir Putin may have gotten more than he bargained for when, on May 11, he rejected calls for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire and invited Ukraine to engage in direct talks in Istanbul later this week. In what may have been a surprise for the Russian leader, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded by accepting the invitation, saying he was ready to meet Putin in Turkey on May 15. “This is not what Putin was expecting,” Oleksandr Merezhko, a Ukrainian lawmaker and

The Kyiv IndependentChris York,

U.S. President Donald Trump is considering easing sanctions on Syria as its leader, President Ahmed al-Sharaa, proposed signing a minerals agreement and building a Trump Tower in Damascus, the Times reported on May 12.

Al-Sharaa is reportedly offering a deal that would give U.S. companies access to Syria’s natural wealth, reminiscent of the minerals agreement Washington recently signed with Kyiv.

The new Syrian leader, who assumed power following the ousting of Russian-backed dictator Bashar al-Assad in a rebel offensive last December, has moved to end Syria’s years of isolation and crippling international sanctions.

Al-Sharaa, a former Al-Qaeda affiliate who remains designated as a terrorist by the U.S., is reportedly seeking a meeting with Trump during the latter’s visit to Saudi Arabia this week, though no such meeting has been confirmed.

Trump suggested on May 12 that he might ease some of the Assad-era sanctions imposed on Syria, explaining he wants to give the country a “fresh start."

The U.S. and Ukraine signed the minerals agreement on April 30 after months-long, contentious negotiations. Initial plans to sign the deal in late February even collapsed following a heated White House argument between Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The deal establishes a Reconstruction Investment Fund jointly managed by Kyiv and Washington and gives the U.S. special access to projects developing Ukraine’s vast deposits of critical minerals, including lithium, titanium, and rare earth elements.

‘Not what Putin was expecting’ — What we know (and don’t know) about Ukraine, Russia peace talks in Istanbul

Russian President Vladimir Putin may have gotten more than he bargained for when, on May 11, he rejected calls for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire and invited Ukraine to engage in direct talks in Istanbul later this week. In what may have been a surprise for the Russian leader, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded by accepting the invitation, saying he was ready to meet Putin in Turkey on May 15. “This is not what Putin was expecting,” Oleksandr Merezhko, a Ukrainian lawmaker and

The Kyiv IndependentChris York,

Russia has lost 968,130 troops in Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces reported on May 13.

The number includes 1,070 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.

According to the report, Russia has also lost 10,802 tanks, 22,487 armored fighting vehicles, 48,256 vehicles and fuel tanks, 27,780 artillery systems, 1,381 multiple-launch rocket systems, 1,162 air defense systems, 372 airplanes, 335 helicopters, 35,778 drones, 28 ships and boats, and one submarine.

‘Not what Putin was expecting’ — What we know (and don’t know) about Ukraine, Russia peace talks in Istanbul

Russian President Vladimir Putin may have gotten more than he bargained for when, on May 11, he rejected calls for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire and invited Ukraine to engage in direct talks in Istanbul later this week. In what may have been a surprise for the Russian leader, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded by accepting the invitation, saying he was ready to meet Putin in Turkey on May 15. “This is not what Putin was expecting,” Oleksandr Merezhko, a Ukrainian lawmaker and

The Kyiv IndependentChris York,

Russia attacked Ukraine with drones and guided bombs during the night, continuing to launch weapons at various regions after the May 12 deadline for an unconditional ceasefire expired.

Ukraine and European allies on May 10 demanded that Russia accept a full, unconditional ceasefire for 30 days or face new sanctions. Germany warned that the Kremlin had until the end of May 12 to implement the truce.

Russia proceeded to target Mykolaiv, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, and Odesa oblasts with drones after midnight, the Air Force reported. Moscow also launched KAB guided bombs at Sumy Oblast in the northeast.

The overnight threats followed a day of ongoing Russian attacks on the date the ceasefire was supposed to begin. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha informed European allies at a London summit that Russian forces continued attacking Ukrainian positions across the front and injured seven people in an overnight drone strike.

The Kremlin has rejected the call for an unconditional ceasefire as an “ultimatum” and instead invited Ukraine to participate in direct talks in Istanbul later this week. President Volodymyr Zelensky accepted the invitation, saying he was ready to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey on May 15.

Putin has not said whether or not he will attend.

European countries have promised to enact sanctions against Russia’s banking and energy sectors if ceasefire demands are not met. The proposed deadline for implementing the truce has now passed.

“We agreed to pursue ambitious measures to reduce Russia’s ability to wage war by limiting Kremlin revenues, disrupting the shadow fleet, tightening the Oil Price Cap, and reducing our remaining imports of Russian energy,” the foreign ministers of several European countries, including Germany, France, and the U.K., wrote following the London summit.

“We will keep Russian sovereign assets in our jurisdictions immobilized until Russia ceases its aggression and pays for the damage caused."

The EU also plans to unveil a new round of sanctions against Russia on May 14, an EU official told the Kyiv Independent.

U.S. President Donald Trump has been more evasive about sanctions against Moscow. While he originally backed the Ukraine-Europe ceasefire demand, he soon changed tack, urging Ukraine to accept Putin’s invitation to peace talks and attempt to negotiate a ceasefire there.

Trump said on May 12 that he might even consider joining Zelensky and Putin in Istanbul himself.

“I even thought about flying over — I’m not sure where I’ll be on Thursday, I have so many meetings,” he said.

‘Not what Putin was expecting’ — What we know (and don’t know) about Ukraine, Russia peace talks in Istanbul

Russian President Vladimir Putin may have gotten more than he bargained for when, on May 11, he rejected calls for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire and invited Ukraine to engage in direct talks in Istanbul later this week. In what may have been a surprise for the Russian leader, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded by accepting the invitation, saying he was ready to meet Putin in Turkey on May 15. “This is not what Putin was expecting,” Oleksandr Merezhko, a Ukrainian lawmaker and

The Kyiv IndependentChris York,

A portion of the 800 billion euros (approximately $888 billion) for the ReArm Europe program will be used to provide military support to Ukraine, EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius said in an interview with European Pravda published May 12.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on March 4 presented the ReArm Europe plan, a five-point initiative to strengthen the continent’s defense capabilities in the face of escalating Russian aggression and shifting U.S. policy on transatlantic relations.

The plan involves a projected 650 billion euros ($684 billion) in increased defense spending and 150 billion euros ($158 billion) in loans for defense investments.

Member states can use these funds to provide Ukraine with weapons and invest in the country’s defense industry, Kubilius told European Pravda.

“Only member states can take out loans within the 150 billion euros instrument, but they can use these funds for joint procurement with Ukraine, in particular procurement in the Ukrainian defense industry for the needs of the Armed Forces,” he said.

National defense funds can also be used to buy weapons for Ukraine, Kubilius said.

“And of those 650 billion that are intended for national defense spending, part can also be spent on weapons for Ukraine,” he said. “This will be a decision of the member states.”

Officials have warned that Europe faces critical arms shortages, pointing out that Russia’s military expenditures in 2024 surpassed Europe’s spending by approximately $5 billion.

At a meeting of European foreign ministers and the EU High Representative in London on May 12, representatives from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the United Kingdom pledged to “play a still greater role in assuring our own security."

“We will use all feasible levers to strengthen our collective defense capability and production and reinforce Europe’s technological and industrial base,” the ministers wrote in a joint statement. The officials also promised to ramp up military support for Ukraine.

Didn’t Zelensky impose a ban on talks with Putin? Not really

President Volodymyr Zelensky’s willingness to hold direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week in Istanbul sparked a question over whether such a move contradicts his earlier decree. In the fall of 2022, Zelensky signed a decree that “stated the impossibility of holding negotiations with Russian President Putin,” as a response to Russia’s illegal annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts, parts of which Moscow didn’t even control. “He (Putin) does not k

The Kyiv IndependentKateryna Denisova

Ukraine’s European allies called for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire and threatened additional sanctions against Russia in a joint statement issued May 12.

The foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom, along with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, convened in London for a meeting of the Wemair+ group dedicated to Euro-Atlantic security and Russian aggression against Ukraine.

“We joined Ukraine in calling for an immediate, full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire to create space for talks on a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace,” the officials wrote in a joint statement published after the summit.

Earlier in the day, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha joined the meeting via video link and confirmed that Russian forces have not honored the proposed ceasefire set to begin May 12. Ukraine and its top European allies warned Russia on May 10 that it would impose harsher sanctions if the Kremlin did not accept the 30-day truce.

The ministers detailed some of the promised penalties in their statement.

“We agreed to pursue ambitious measures to reduce Russia’s ability to wage war by limiting Kremlin revenues, disrupting the shadow fleet, tightening the Oil Price Cap, and reducing our remaining imports of Russian energy,” they wrote.

“We will keep Russian sovereign assets in our jurisdictions immobilized until Russia ceases its aggression and pays for the damage caused."

The ministers also affirmed their commitment to strengthening Ukraine’s military, providing “robust security guarantees,” and promoting a strong NATO.

Russian President Vladimir Putin countered the allied demand for a ceasefire by inviting Ukraine to participate in direct negotiations in Istanbul starting May 15. According to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, these talks would be based on the terms of the 2022 Istanbul discussions and the “current situation on the battlefield."

President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was prepared to meet Putin in Turkey and has reiterated the demand for a full and unconditional ceasefire.

An undisclosed Ukrainian official told Axios that Zelensky will be in Turkey on May 15 even if Moscow does not agree to the ceasefire proposal.

Asked by the Kyiv Independent whether Zelensky plans to make the trip even if Russia does not support the truce, a source close to the Presidential Office said: “We are ready for all options. But of course, we are separately waiting for a response on the ceasefire."

Putin has yet to formally confirm his attendance on May 15.

Germany threatened to introduce new sanctions on Moscow if it did not implement a ceasefire by the end of May 12. The EU also plans to unveil another round of sanctions against Russia on May 14,an EU official told the Kyiv Independent.

The Weimar+ group was formed in February 2025, expanding from the regional alliance of France, Germany, and Poland to include the U.K., Spain, Italy, and the European Commission. The group’s establishment came in response to shifting U.S. policy toward Ukraine and Russia following the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump.

‘Like a game of tennis’ — Russia, Ukraine court Trump to avoid being blamed for peace talks failure

In the middle of the night, Russian President Vladimir Putin gathered Russian state TV to inform them that he is ready to begin direct peace talks with Ukraine on May 15. A day later, President Volodymyr Zelensky said he’ll be waiting for Putin in Turkey. “We expect Russia to confirm a full, durable, and reliable ceasefire starting May 12, and Ukraine is ready to meet,” Zelensky said. The statements by Moscow and Kyiv caught the attention of the main viewer — U.S. President Donald Trump. “I

The Kyiv IndependentAsami Terajima

President Volodymyr Zelensky on May 12 dismissed former Deputy Defense Minister Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk from the Headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief.

Havryliuk voluntarily stepped down from his role as first deputy defense minister on April 11, amid scandal over the ministry’s handling of defense procurement.

Zelensky issued a decree on May 12 officially removing Havryliuk from the Headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, the top command and control body for all branches of Ukraine’s defense and security apparatus.

The Presidential Office did not provide details on the reasons for the dismissal.

A source in the Defense Ministry reportedly told the news outlet Suspilne that the firing was related to Havryliuk’s decision to transfer 78 billion hryvnia (approximately $1.8 billion) from the Defense Procurement Agency (DPA) to a Polish intermediary company to purchase ammunition for Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service.  

Havryliuk was appointed first deputy defense minister in charge of procurement in May 2024. The defense procurement sector was reformed in December 2023, aiming to comply with NATO standards.

One of NATO and European partners' requirements for Ukraine was the establishment of two agencies that would be directly responsible for procurement for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, not through the Defense Ministry or contractors.

Shortly before his resignation, Havryliuk on April 7 announced that the ministry planned to merge the DPA and the State Rear Operator (DOT), a sister agency overseeing the procurement of non-lethal supplies for the Armed Forces.

The announcement came as Defense Minister Rustem Umerov faced scrutiny and accusations of corruption for his efforts to undermine the DPA. In January Umerov fired Maryna Bezrukova, the head of the DPA, in a move that sparked outrage among anti-corruption activists.

Havryliuk announced his resignation on April 11 and was replaced by Serhii Boyev shortly thereafter.

‘Not what Putin was expecting’ — What we know (and don’t know) about Ukraine, Russia peace talks in Istanbul

Russian President Vladimir Putin may have gotten more than he bargained for when, on May 11, he rejected calls for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire and invited Ukraine to engage in direct talks in Istanbul later this week. In what may have been a surprise for the Russian leader, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded by accepting the invitation, saying he was ready to meet Putin in Turkey on May 15. “This is not what Putin was expecting,” Oleksandr Merezhko, a Ukrainian lawmaker and

The Kyiv IndependentChris York,

Taiwan intends to contribute up to $2 million for demining efforts in Ukraine, Lithuania’s Defense Ministry announced on May 12.

The commitment comes as Lithuanian defense officials met with Taiwan’s representative office in Vilnius.

“Lithuania, which is leading the international demining capability coalition for Ukraine, welcomes Taiwan’s interest in supporting this critical humanitarian initiative,” a statement from Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry read. “The removal of explosive hazards remains one of the most pressing challenges for Ukrainian civilian safety and economic recovery."

Ukraine remains the most mined country in the world. Nearly one-third of Ukraine’s territory, approximately 174,000 square kilometers, had been mined since Russia began its full-scale invasion of the country in February 2022.

Despite ongoing hostilities, Ukraine has reduced the area considered as potentially hazardous by over 35,000 square kilometers (13,500 square miles).

Over 400 civilians have been killed, and approximately 1,000 more have been injured by mines since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, according to U.N. monitors.

Multiple countries have been assisting Ukraine with demining efforts and providing training and equipment. On March 28, Sweden allocated 40 million Swedish kronor ($3.8 million) to support Ukraine’s demining efforts.

Ukraine’s Defense Ministry said on Feb. 26 that Ukraine expects to receive about $732 million in demining equipment by 2034 from Western allies.

Ukraine war latest: Trump says ‘both leaders’ will be at Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul

Key developments on May 12: * Trump says ‘both leaders’ will be at Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul * Russia ignores May 12 ceasefire proposal, Ukraine tells allies at London meeting * ‘Clock is ticking’ — Germany gives Russia until midnight to implement ceasefire, threatens sanctions * EU to unveil new sanctions against Russia on May 14, source says * EU to send extra $1 billion from frozen Russian asset profits for Ukraine’s defense U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism t

The Kyiv IndependentThe Kyiv Independent news desk

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a phone call with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on May 12 to discuss a proposed meeting in Turkey between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian state-media outlet TASS reported.

The phone call comes as Moscow once again rejected a 30-day ceasefire, with Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova claiming that a ceasefire would give “Kyiv a break to restore its military potential and continue its confrontation with Russia."

Russia, who unilaterally launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, rejected U.S.-backed calls for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. Putin instead invited Ukraine to engage in direct talks in Istanbul later this week.

Zelensky responded by accepting the invitation, saying he was ready to meet Putin in Turkey on May 15 — a decision that various experts told the Kyiv Independent may have caught Putin off-guard.

To coordinate the meeting, Zelensky also held a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan earlier in the day on May 12.

“We are ready for direct negotiations with Putin. And it is very important that all of us in Europe are working together for long-term security guarantees,” Zelensky said following the phone call.

No details were immediately released on the phone call between the Russian and Turkish Foreign Ministers.

Despite offering the meeting, Putin has yet to formally confirm his attendance on May 15.

“Moscow has remained silent all day regarding the proposal for a direct meeting. A very strange silence,” Zelensky said in his evening address on May 12.

Russia is facing mounting pressure from Western allies to agree to a ceasefire and begin top-level direct negotiations.

Following a meeting in Kyiv, the leaders of the U.K., Germany, France, and Poland threatened to implement additional sanctions if it did not agree to a ceasefire by May 12. Upping pressure on Putin, U.S. President Donald Trump said that he believed “both leaders are going to be there,” adding “I even thought about flying over — I’m not sure where I’ll be on Thursday."

Ukraine war latest: Trump says ‘both leaders’ will be at Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul

Key developments on May 12: * Trump says ‘both leaders’ will be at Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul * Russia ignores May 12 ceasefire proposal, Ukraine tells allies at London meeting * ‘Clock is ticking’ — Germany gives Russia until midnight to implement ceasefire, threatens sanctions * EU to unveil new sanctions against Russia on May 14, source says * EU to send extra $1 billion from frozen Russian asset profits for Ukraine’s defense U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism t

The Kyiv IndependentThe Kyiv Independent news desk

The Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) concluded on May 12 that Russia was responsible for downing flight MH17 in July 2014.

Flight MH17 departed from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport en-route to Kuala Lumpur International Airport on July 17, 2014. Three hours into the flight, the Boeing-777 was shot down by Russian proxy forces using a Buk surface-to-air missile above Ukraine’s Donetsk Oblast.

All 283 passengers and 15 crew members on board, among them 196 Dutch citizens, were killed.

Russia never claimed responsibility for the disaster, instead fanning conspiracy theories to shift the blame elsewhere.

A “large majority” of ICAO members ruled in favor of the Netherlands and Australia in a case brought forth before the international body in 2022, the Dutch Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The ruling deemed Russia “responsible for the downing of Flight MH17” adding that Russia’s actions “violated the Convention on International Civil Aviation, known as the Chicago Convention,” the statement added.

“In the coming weeks the ICAO Council will consider what form of reparation is in order,” Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp said. “In that context the Netherlands and Australia are requesting that the ICAO Council order the Russian Federation to enter into negotiations with the Netherlands and Australia, and that the Council facilitate this process."

Relatives of the MH17 crash victims insist that Russia’s recognition of responsibility for the downing of the plane should be part of a possible peace deal on ending Moscow’s all-out war against Ukraine, European Pravda reported on Feb. 26, citing obtained copies of letters.

Ukraine’s Ambassador to Canada Yulia Kovaliv, who also serves as Kyiv’s ICAO representative, told European Pravda that the decision marks “another important step in holding (Russia) accountable."

“Civil aviation is a painful topic for the Russians, and we will continue working to ensure that violators of the Chicago Convention, such as Russia and Iran, are held accountable,” Kovaliv added.

The District Court of The Hague in November 2022 sentenced in absentia two Russian nationals and one Ukrainian national to life imprisonment for their involvement in the downing of flight MH17. A fourth defendant, also a Russian national, was acquitted on the grounds of insufficient evidence connecting him to the crime.

In another incident on Dec. 25, a Russian Pantsir air defense missile likely caused an Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash over Russian airspace, killing 38 of the 67 people on board.

Baku has previously accused Russia of accidentally shooting down the plane and demanded an admission of guilt and reparations.

The downing of MH17, and Russia’s responsibility

At best, Russia denied responsibility for the crime — at worst, it spread disinformation blaming Ukraine for the downing.

The Kyiv IndependentElsa Court

President Volodymyr Zelensky’s willingness to hold direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week in Istanbul sparked a question over whether such a move contradicts his earlier decree.

In the fall of 2022, Zelensky signed a decree that “stated the impossibility of holding negotiations with Russian President Putin,” as a response to Russia’s illegal annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts, parts of which Moscow didn’t even control.

“He (Putin) does not know what dignity and honesty are. We are ready for a dialogue with Russia, but with a different president of Russia,” Zelensky said at the time.

Moscow has cited Zelensky’s decree as a ban on talks with Putin and used it as an excuse for avoiding direct talks with Kyiv. Putin has also falsely claimed that Zelensky lacks legitimacy and can’t represent Ukraine.

Putin said that such talks would be considered “illegitimate” and therefore “their outcomes could also be declared illegitimate.” Now, Putin himself said that he’s open to direct talks with Ukraine.

According to a source in Ukraine’s president’s office, the decree was a “signal to those in Ukraine who wanted to speak (to Russians) bypassing the central government."

“Back then we stated the impossibility, now we can state the possibility, the president as the head of state determines this,” the source added.

“There is no ban as such, the Russians twisted it."

‘Like a game of tennis’ — Russia, Ukraine court Trump to avoid being blamed for peace talks failure

In the middle of the night, Russian President Vladimir Putin gathered Russian state TV to inform them that he is ready to begin direct peace talks with Ukraine on May 15. A day later, President Volodymyr Zelensky said he’ll be waiting for Putin in Turkey. “We expect Russia to confirm a full, durable, and reliable ceasefire starting May 12, and Ukraine is ready to meet,” Zelensky said. The statements by Moscow and Kyiv caught the attention of the main viewer — U.S. President Donald Trump. “I

The Kyiv IndependentAsami Terajima

What is the decree about?

The decree concerning negotiations with Putin was a response to the five decisions approved by the National Security and Defense Council adopted on Sept. 30, 2022. Days later, the document was signed by Zelensky.

Although the decree does not explicitly mention a ban on holding talks, many have seen it as a de facto ban on direct talks with Putin.

Ukrainian lawmaker and chair of the parliament's foreign affairs committee, Oleksandr Merezhko, told the Kyiv Independent that the problem lies in the interpretation of the decree.

"This has given rise to false interpretations. The fact that the president allegedly forbade himself from communicating with Putin. No, that's illogical," he said.

According to Ukraine's constitution, the president represents the state in international relations, manages foreign policy, and negotiates and concludes international treaties on behalf of Ukraine.

"The constitution is always above a presidential decree," Merezhko said. "The constitution clearly says that he (the president) negotiates. That is, he decides with whom to negotiate, when to negotiate, and in what format," he added.

"The decree was aimed at preventing attempts and prohibiting others from conducting any negotiations with Putin."

Tetiana Shevchuk, a lawyer with the Anti-Corruption Action Center in Kyiv, said that Ukrainian law does not require such a decree.

Why did Zelensky sign the decree?

Zelensky himself has committed extensively on his 2022 decree.

In January, Zelensky said that such a move was made to prevent any unauthorized talks with Russia that might involve Ukrainian politicians.

According to the president, Putin rapidly began establishing "a large number of different channels" aimed at influencing Ukraine, together with "separatists" and "representatives of other countries."

"There were many negotiation processes, many shadow dealings. I stopped it quickly. I just stopped separatism in our country," Zelensky added.

At the beginning of the full-scale war, Russia also sought to pressure Ukrainian lawmakers, European officials, and the U.S., he said.

Without specifying names, the president said that those involved in the behind-the-scenes efforts were later arrested and exchanged for Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs). Presumably, Zelensky referred to Viktor Medvedchuk, the pro-Kremlin politician who was arrested and sent to Russia amid a prisoner swap in September 2022.

People who spoke to the Kyiv Independent said there are no legal barriers and that Zelensky doesn't have to revoke the decree or make amendments to it.

"This ban applies to others. Therefore, I see no need to cancel this decree," Merezhko said.

Asked whether there should be a new decree lifting the ban on talks with Putin, the source close to the president replied that there's no need for this.

‘Not what Putin was expecting’ — What we know (and don’t know) about Ukraine, Russia peace talks in Istanbul

Russian President Vladimir Putin may have gotten more than he bargained for when, on May 11, he rejected calls for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire and invited Ukraine to engage in direct talks in Istanbul later this week. In what may have been a surprise for the Russian leader, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded by accepting the invitation, saying he was ready to meet Putin in Turkey on May 15. “This is not what Putin was expecting,” Oleksandr Merezhko, a Ukrainian lawmaker and

The Kyiv IndependentChris York,

Key developments on May 12:

• Trump says ‘both leaders’ will be at Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul
• Russia ignores May 12 ceasefire proposal, Ukraine tells allies at London meeting
• ‘Clock is ticking’ — Germany gives Russia until midnight to implement ceasefire, threatens sanctions
• EU to unveil new sanctions against Russia on May 14, source says
• EU to send extra $1 billion from frozen Russian asset profits for Ukraine’s defense

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism that President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend peace talks in Istanbul on May 15, suggesting the meeting could yield “a good result."

“I think we may see a good result from Thursday’s meeting in Turkey between Russia and Ukraine,” Trump said during a press conference on May 12.

“I believe both leaders are going to be there. I even thought about flying over — I’m not sure where I’ll be on Thursday, I have so many meetings."

The statement comes as Putin has rejected an immediate ceasefire and instead suggested that direct peace talks be held in Istanbul beginning May 15. Zelensky said he is ready to meet Putin in Turkey in person. The Kremlin has not formally responded to his statement.

Trump claimed that he strongly advocated for the Istanbul meeting, calling it a critical opportunity to stop the war.

“Thursday’s meeting between Russia and Ukraine is very important. I strongly pushed for it to happen. I think good things can come from it,” the U.S. president said.

Reacting to Trump’s comment, Zelensky said he welcomed the possibility of Trump attending the meeting in Turkey, calling it “the right idea."

“I supported President Trump with the idea of direct talks with Putin. I have openly expressed my readiness to meet. I will be in Turkey. I hope that the Russians will not evade the meeting,” Zelensky wrote on X.

“And of course, all of us in Ukraine would appreciate it if President Trump could be there with us at this meeting in Turkey. President (Recep Tayyip) Erdogan can indeed host highest-level meetings."

The last face-to-face meeting between Putin and Zelensky took place in 2019 in Paris during a Normandy Format summit. Since then, there have been no direct in-person meetings between the two leaders.

‘Not what Putin was expecting’ — What we know (and don’t know) about Ukraine, Russia peace talks in Istanbul

Russian President Vladimir Putin may have gotten more than he bargained for when, on May 11, he rejected calls for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire and invited Ukraine to engage in direct talks in Istanbul later this week. In what may have been a surprise for the Russian leader, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded by accepting the invitation, saying he was ready to meet Putin in Turkey on May 15. “This is not what Putin was expecting,” Oleksandr Merezhko, a Ukrainian lawmaker and

The Kyiv IndependentChris York,

Russia ignores May 12 ceasefire proposal, Ukraine tells allies at London meeting

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called in to a ministerial meeting held in London on May 12, joining his counterparts from the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, and the European Union via video link, the Foreign Ministry said.

Speaking after the meeting, Sybiha thanked U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy for convening the allies in what he called an “effective and regular format” and said discussions focused on coordinating peace efforts and joint work with the United States.

“This week will be decisive for peace and accountability,” Sybiha said. He also shared front-line intelligence from Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, confirming that Russian forces have not honored the proposed ceasefire from May 12 and continue attacking Ukrainian positions across the front.

Sybiha said Ukraine and its allies discussed tougher sanctions against Russia’s banking sector, central bank, and energy industry, potentially to be introduced alongside new defense aid packages. “Putin must understand the cost of rejecting peace and choosing war,” he said.

According to Poland’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pawel Wronski, ministers from the “Weimar Plus” group, France, Germany, Poland, and the U.K., will also hold a joint phone call on May 12 with their counterparts from the U.S. and Turkey. They plan to discuss organizing potential peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul, according to Ukrinform.

‘Like a game of tennis’ — Russia, Ukraine court Trump to avoid being blamed for peace talks failure

In the middle of the night, Russian President Vladimir Putin gathered Russian state TV to inform them that he is ready to begin direct peace talks with Ukraine on May 15. A day later, President Volodymyr Zelensky said he’ll be waiting for Putin in Turkey. “We expect Russia to confirm a full, durable, and reliable ceasefire starting May 12, and Ukraine is ready to meet,” Zelensky said. The statements by Moscow and Kyiv caught the attention of the main viewer — U.S. President Donald Trump. “I

The Kyiv IndependentAsami Terajima

‘Clock is ticking’ — Germany gives Russia until midnight to implement ceasefire, threatens sanctions

Germany gave Russia until the end of May 12 to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine, warning that failure to do so would trigger preparations for new sanctions, government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius said during a briefing, Tagesschau reported on May 12.

“The clock is ticking — we still have 12 hours until the end of this day,” Kornelius reportedly said, adding that Berlin is coordinating with European partners on additional sanctions.

The ultimatum follows Russia's refusal of a 30-day unconditional ceasefire starting May 12, proposed by Ukraine and its allies last week when European leaders visited Kyiv.

The demand for the unconditional 30-day ceasefire was the main outcome of talks between Ukraine, France, the U.K., Germany, and Poland, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reacted to the remarks, saying that “ultimatum language” in talks with Russia is “unacceptable."

“This kind of ultimatum language is unacceptable for Russia. It’s not appropriate. You cannot talk to Russia in this language,” Peskov told a pool of Russian journalists on May 12.

Over the past 24 hours, Russian attacks injured at least 22 people in Ukraine. This includes at least seven people injured in drone attacks overnight on May 12, a date from which the 30-day unconditional truce should have started.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian on May 12 said that Beijing endorses all efforts aimed at establishing lasting peace in Ukraine, in response to inquiries regarding Kyiv and Europe’s suggestion for a 30-day ceasefire.

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EU to unveil new sanctions against Russia on May 14, source says

The EU plans to unveil on May 14 its next package of sanctions imposed against Russia over its aggression against Ukraine, an EU official told the Kyiv Independent on condition of anonymity.

The European bloc has previously announced 16 separate sanctions packages since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. The measures have targeted individuals, companies, and state institutions involved in supporting Russia's war machine in Ukraine.

Details of the 17th package remain unclear, though earlier reporting suggested it could include measures aimed at Russia's military-industrial complex, Moscow's shadow shipping fleet, and related support networks.

Russia has been using the shadow fleet to avoid Western sanctions and ship out its oil above the G7-imposed price cap. European countries have also linked the fleet to espionage and sabotage operations.

Talks on the 17th package began shortly after the EU adopted the 16th package on Feb. 24. The last package also targeted Russia's shadow fleet of tankers, financial institutions, entities involved in the Russian military-industrial complex, and more.

The U.K. hit the shadow fleet with its largest sanctions package yet on May 9, targeting 101 vessels.

"What we do on our side is to continue our pressure on Russia, be it with sanctions, be it with our support, be it on military humanitarian throughout all the strengths," European Commission Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Anita Hipper told the Kyiv Independent.

The EU has often faced opposition from some member states, namely Hungary, in implementing certain sanctions, at times forcing the bloc to water down the packages.

Paula Pinho, the chief commission spokesperson, commented that "whenever and when the proposal in the initiative starts with the (European) Commission in terms of sanctions, obviously there are discussions with all the member states to make sure that this can really go through."

"And so such talks take place constantly in terms of... making sure that there is wide support for whenever new sanctions are being proposed," she added in comments for the Kyiv Independent.

Tusk says Russia ordered 2024 arson attack on Warsaw shopping centre

“We now know for sure that the great fire of the Marywilska shopping centre in Warsaw was caused by arson ordered by the Russian special services,” Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on X. “Some of the perpetrators have already been detained, all the others are identified and searched for.”

The Kyiv IndependentDmytro Basmat

EU to send extra $1 billion from frozen Russian asset profits for Ukraine's defense

The EU will allocate 900 million euros ($1 billion) from profits generated by frozen Russian assets to fund weapons and ammunition for Ukraine, EU Deputy Secretary General for Peace, Security and Defense Charles Fries said on May 12.

The new tranche brings total recent EU defense support for Ukraine to 3.3 billion euros ($3.6 billion), marking a significant expansion of European efforts to boost Kyiv's defense industry.

Speaking at the second EU-Ukraine Defense Industries Forum, Fries said contracts signed last week in Lviv will channel the funds into modern sectors of Ukraine's defense industry, including drone and missile production.

On May 9, EU Foreign Affairs Chief Kaja Kallas and foreign ministers signed a landmark agreement in Lviv to transfer 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) in profits from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine.

That agreement focuses on joint production and procurement of military equipment.

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, Western countries have frozen approximately $300 billion in Russian sovereign assets.

In October 2024, the Group of Seven (G7) approved nearly $50 billion in loans for Ukraine to be repaid from the proceeds of those frozen funds.

Kyiv has consistently urged allies, particularly the U.S. Treasury, to formalize mechanisms for using frozen Russian assets to finance defense and reconstruction.

Western governments have primarily relied on reallocating interest income generated by the frozen funds to support Kyiv.

The Kremlin has warned of retaliation if Russian assets are confiscated outright for Ukraine's benefit. In early 2024, Moscow amended its legislation to allow counter-seizure of Western-owned property in response to asset seizures abroad.

Note from the author:

Ukraine War Latest is put together by the Kyiv Independent news desk team, who keep you informed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you value our work and want to ensure we have the resources to continue, join the Kyiv Independent community.

President Volodymyr Zelensky held a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on May 12 to discuss the details of a proposed meeting in Turkey between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“I am grateful for the support and the readiness at the highest level to promote diplomacy,” Zelensky said of the phone conservation with Erdogan. “We share the same view on the need for a ceasefire."

Following his self-declared Victory Day ‘truce’, Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected calls for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. Putin instead invited Ukraine to engage in direct talks in Istanbul later this week.

Zelensky responded by accepting the invitation, saying he was ready to meet Putin in Turkey on May 15 — a decision that various experts told the Kyiv Independent may have caught Putin off-guard.

“We are ready for direct negotiations with Putin. And it is very important that all of us in Europe are working together for long-term security guarantees,” Zelensky said following the phone call. “We will remain in constant contact with the United States."

In a read-out provided by the Turkish president’s office, during the call Erdogan “emphasized that he considers the resumption of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine to be extremely important and stated that (Turkey) is ready to provide the necessary support at every stage of the process."

The statement added that Turkey would be “pleased to host the Russian and Ukrainian delegations."

Despite offering the meeting, Putin has yet to formally confirm his attendance on May 15.

“Moscow has remained silent all day regarding the proposal for a direct meeting. A very strange silence,” Zelensky later said in his evening address.

Russia is facing mounting pressure from Western allies to agree to a ceasefire and begin top-level direct negotiations.

Following a meeting in Kyiv, the leaders of the U.K., Germany, France, and Poland threatened to implement additional sanctions if it did not agree to a ceasefire by May 12. Upping pressure on Putin, U.S. President Donald Trump said that he believed “both leaders are going to be there,” adding “I even thought about flying over — I’m not sure where I’ll be on Thursday."

Ahead of the May 15 meeting, a source close to the President’s Office told the Kyiv Independent that Ukraine is “ready for all options” — but there are still several unanswered questions, potential curveballs from the White House,  and multiple ways the week could turn out.

‘Not what Putin was expecting’ — What we know (and don’t know) about Ukraine, Russia peace talks in Istanbul

Russian President Vladimir Putin may have gotten more than he bargained for when, on May 11, he rejected calls for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire and invited Ukraine to engage in direct talks in Istanbul later this week. In what may have been a surprise for the Russian leader, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded by accepting the invitation, saying he was ready to meet Putin in Turkey on May 15. “This is not what Putin was expecting,” Oleksandr Merezhko, a Ukrainian lawmaker and

The Kyiv IndependentChris York,

A London court on May 12 sentenced six Bulgarian nationals to prison terms for operating a Russian espionage network in Britain, according to Reuters.

The convictions mark a significant development in Britain’s efforts to counter Russian intelligence operations amid heightened tensions stemming from Moscow’s war against Ukraine and repeated Kremlin threats toward Kyiv’s allies.

Orlin Roussev, 47, identified as the ringleader, was sentenced to 10 years and 8 months for conducting six espionage operations that threatened U.K. national security. Judge Nicholas Hilliard described Roussev’s actions as posing a serious threat to the country.

Roussev’s deputy, Bizer Dzhambazov, 44, received a sentence of 10 years and 2 months. Both men had pleaded guilty.

Katrin Ivanova, 33, who was recruited by Dzhambazov, was sentenced to 9 years and 8 months, while Vanya Gaberova, 30, received 6 years, 8 months, and 3 weeks.

Tihomir Ivanchev, 39, was sentenced to 8 years after the court acknowledged that he had ceased his involvement before the group’s 2023 arrest. Ivan Stoyanov, 33, who entered a late guilty plea, was sentenced to 5 years and 3 weeks.

Prosecutors said the network acted not directly as part of the Russian intelligence network but rather for financial gain. The Russian embassy in London did not comment on the verdict.

The Kremlin has traditionally denied espionage allegations.

Police uncovered thousands of communications linking Roussev to fugitive Jan Marsalek, a former executive at financial services company Wirecard, accused of coordinating the Bulgarian network from abroad.

Marsalek, suspected of being an agent of Russian intelligence, fled to Belarus and reportedly remains in Russia under Federal Security Service (FSB) protection.

Western intelligence agencies believe Marsalek used Wirecard to funnel money supporting covert Russian operations worldwide. Wirecard collapsed in 2020 after 1.9 billion euros ($2.1 billion) vanished from its accounts.

The verdict comes as British officials have reportedly been ordered to revise contingency plans to put the country on war alert following repeated Russian threats.

The U.K. has remained one of Ukraine’s staunchest allies since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, supplying advanced weaponry, military training, and diplomatic support for Kyiv’s sovereignty.

Upping pressure on Putin, Trump says ‘both leaders’ will be at Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul

“I believe both leaders are going to be there,” U.S. President Donald Trump said.

The Kyiv IndependentTim Zadorozhnyy

Russian companies ended 2024 short of 2.6 million employees, a record high, the pro-state publication Izvestia reported on May 12, citing an analysis by Russia’s Higher School of Economics.

The deepening labor shortage reflects growing strain on Russia’s workforce as the Kremlin aggressively recruits men for its war against Ukraine.

The shortages are sharpest in manufacturing (391,000), trade (347,000), and transportation (219,000). Employers in these sectors now offer salaries exceeding 100,000 rubles ($1,200) monthly — 1.5 times higher than Russia’s national average.

The average monthly gross salary in Russia rose 20% to 88,000 rubles (around $1,000) in 2024, marking the fastest annual wage growth on record against official inflation of 9.5%. Workforce participation also hit a historic high, with 61% of Russians over 15 engaged in the labor market.

Inflation in the country reached its highest level in 2024, driven by war spending and rising food prices. To curb inflation, Russia’s Central Bank raised its interest rate from 7.5% in July 2023 to the current 21%.

Researchers linked the rise in vacancies to a collapse in labor migration, a weakening ruble, and multiple economic shocks. Engineers, scientists, teachers, and doctors were the most in-demand skilled workers.

The shortage has sharply worsened since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. To bolster its military ranks, the Kremlin has relied on lucrative contracts and aggressive recruitment campaigns rather than formal conscription.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Jan. 15 that 600,000 Russian troops are deployed in Ukraine. Russia plans to increase its forces there by 150,000 in 2025, according to Ukrainian President’s Office Deputy Head Pavlo Palisa.

The General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces reported on May 12 that Russia has lost 967,060 troops in Ukraine since the start of its full-scale invasion.

‘Not what Putin was expecting’ — What we know (and don’t know) about Ukraine, Russia peace talks in Istanbul

Russian President Vladimir Putin may have gotten more than he bargained for when, on May 11, he rejected calls for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire and invited Ukraine to engage in direct talks in Istanbul later this week. In what may have been a surprise for the Russian leader, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded by accepting the invitation, saying he was ready to meet Putin in Turkey on May 15. “This is not what Putin was expecting,” Oleksandr Merezhko, a Ukrainian lawmaker and

The Kyiv IndependentChris York,

The newly established 12th Army Corps (12-й армійський корпус) has effectively disclosed its composition. In recent days, the unit’s official Facebook page has become notably active, frequently tagging various Ukrainian…

Source

Russian President Vladimir Putin may have gotten more than he bargained for when, on May 11, he rejected calls for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire and invited Ukraine to engage in direct talks in Istanbul later this week.

In what may have been a surprise for the Russian leader, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded by accepting the invitation, saying he was ready to meet Putin in Turkey on May 15.

“This is not what Putin was expecting,” Oleksandr Merezhko, a Ukrainian lawmaker and chair of the parliament’s foreign affairs committee, told the Kyiv Independent.

“This is an incredible move that turns the tables completely — Putin thought that he would send a Russian delegation, and create the illusion of negotiations,” he said, adding: “But now, because of this move by Zelensky, he is faced with a dilemma which cannot be solved."

Ahead of the May 15 meeting, a source close to the President’s Office told the Kyiv Independent that Ukraine is “ready for all options” — but there are still several unanswered questions, potential curveballs from the White House,  and multiple ways the week could turn out.

The ceasefire

With all the talk of possible meetings, it’s easy to forget that it all resulted from one thing — Russia’s refusal to agree to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire.

Initially proposed by the U.S. back in March, Ukraine signed up for a full, 30-day ceasefire on March 11. Russia has consistently refused to agree to the truce, instead unilaterally announcing short-term ceasefires that Ukraine says have all been violated by Moscow itself.

The idea was given fresh impetus over the weekend after talks between Ukraine, France, the U.K., Germany, and Poland, after which they said that no negotiations can begin without a full and unconditional ceasefire.

Putin made no mention of any ceasefire during his televised address on May 11 when he floated the idea of talks, but Kyiv’s European allies have kept up the pressure, insisting Moscow agree by midnight on May 13.

“The clock is ticking — we still have 12 hours until the end of this day,” German government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius said, adding that Berlin is coordinating with European partners on additional sanctions.

According to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Russian forces have so far not honored the proposed ceasefire from May 12 and continued attacking Ukrainian positions across the front throughout the day.

The sanctions

With no indication at present that the Kremlin is going to agree to a ceasefire, the European nations demanding it will have to follow through with their threat of imposing additional sanctions on Russia.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, an EU official told the Kyiv Independent that the bloc will unveil its next package of sanctions against Russia on May 14.

Details of what will be the 17th package imposed on Moscow since the start of the full-scale invasion remain unclear, though earlier reporting suggested it could include measures aimed at Russia’s military-industrial complex, Moscow’s shadow shipping fleet, and related support networks.

The meeting

While Zelensky has clearly stated his intention to travel to Istanbul — seemingly walking back on the demand for a full ceasefire to be implemented before negotiations can begin — Putin has not, and now faces what Merezhko referred to as a "dilemma."

"If he doesn't come, it will be obvious even to (U.S. President Donald) Trump, that Putin is not a person with whom he can negotiate, that he is incapable of negotiations," Merezhko said.

But if he does travel to Istanbul, "then again, he loses," Merezhko said.

Putin does not see himself as Zelensky's equal, and has repeatedly mocked him and called him "illegitimate," so to appear on the same level on the global stage would, in Russian eyes, make him look "really weak," Merezhko.

"He has no solution," he added.

Whether or not Putin attends in person, there is deep skepticism in Kyiv regarding the prospects of a meeting bearing anything significant.

"Putin does not want any peace talks, because his goal is to seize Ukraine," Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, a lawmaker from the Holos party and chairman of the parliamentary committee on freedom of speech, said.

"Therefore, he is looking for any opportunity to stall for time, gushing with proposals for meetings and demands, hoping that Ukraine will refuse and this will show us in an unfavorable light," he added.

Yurchyshyn said Zelensky has "seized the initiative" when saying he would attend the meeting, but expects "Putin will find another excuse not to come."

The possible excuse

One possible excuse on the cards is a decree approved by Zelensky in the fall of 2022, that "stated the impossibility of holding negotiations with Russian President Putin," as a response to Russia's illegal annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts, parts of which it didn’t even control.

Moscow has previously cited Zelensky’s decree as a ban on talks with Putin and used it as an excuse for avoiding direct talks with Kyiv.

But according to a source in the President's Office, the decree was a "a signal to those in Ukraine who wanted to speak (to Russians) bypassing the central government."

They added that it had been "twisted" by the Kremlin and it was in fact solely up to Zelensky to determine if he could speak directly with Putin.

Regardless, Ukrainian lawmakers who spoke to the Kyiv Independent all believe the Kremlin will find some way to get out of it.

"Therefore, this will be another illustration that Ukraine is looking for a solution, and Russia is not. Whether Trump will recognize this is an open question," Yurchyshyn said.

The Trump factor

Trump has been vocal and enthusiastic about the meeting in Istanbul, despite it still falling far short of the full 30-day ceasefire that Trump himself has been calling for.

And in a significant development on May 12, he said he believed "both leaders are going to be there," in reference to Zelensky and Putin, putting huge pressure on the Russian president.

"I think we may see a good result from Thursday's meeting in Turkey between Russia and Ukraine," Trump said during a press conference, adding: "I even thought about flying over — I'm not sure where I'll be on Thursday, I have so many meetings."

Despite placing enormous amounts of pressure on Ukraine to end the full-scale invasion, Trump has so far made no concrete moves to do the same with the side ultimately responsible for starting — and ending — the war.

The U.S. president's stance has hardened in recent weeks, and in Kyiv, there is hope that Russia can only stall and distract for so long until Washington acknowledges the game the Kremlin is playing.

"It is important that Trump finally begins to understand that Putin has been pulling the wool over his eyes, deceiving him, and using him for the Kremlin’s advantage," Volodymyr Ariev, a Ukrainian lawmaker from the opposition European Solidarity Party, told the Kyiv Independent.

Ukraine's objective

Aside from hoping the U.S. will see the light and start treating Russia as the only ones who can stop their own full-scale invasion, Ukraine is still hoping for some solid progress in the peace talks process.

"Our key objective in Istanbul must be to secure a real ceasefire — starting with a 30-day halt in hostilities. That’s our short-term goal," Halyna Yanchenko, a lawmaker from the Servant of the People party, told the Kyiv Independent.

"I believe it’s achievable, but only with the support of our international partners and strong external pressure on Russia, including through sanctions."

Yelyzaveta Yasko, also from the Servant of the People party, told the Kyiv Independent that developments over the last few days and the European unity with Ukraine on display had been "optimistic," but cautioned that it didn't mean there would be a "positive outcome" for the peace process "anytime soon."

Failing any concrete progress, Ukraine must make sure it is in a position to defend against further offensives from Russia, Ariev said.

"If China does not begin direct support to Russia in 2026, Russia will not be able to continue a total war," he said.

"The Ukrainian goal is to keep a very strong relationship and coordination with the European Union and the American administration, convince our partners to level sanctions against the Russian Federation, and to maintain support and supply the Ukrainian army with weapons and everything that it needs."

‘Like a game of tennis’ — Russia, Ukraine court Trump to avoid being blamed for peace talks failure

In the middle of the night, Russian President Vladimir Putin gathered Russian state TV to inform them that he is ready to begin direct peace talks with Ukraine on May 15. A day later, President Volodymyr Zelensky said he’ll be waiting for Putin in Turkey. “We expect Russia to confirm a full, durable, and reliable ceasefire starting May 12, and Ukraine is ready to meet,” Zelensky said. The statements by Moscow and Kyiv caught the attention of the main viewer — U.S. President Donald Trump. “I

The Kyiv IndependentAsami Terajima

In the middle of the night, Russian President Vladimir Putin gathered Russian state TV to inform them that he is ready to begin direct peace talks with Ukraine on May 15.

A day later, President Volodymyr Zelensky said he’ll be waiting for Putin in Turkey.

“We expect Russia to confirm a full, durable, and reliable ceasefire starting May 12, and Ukraine is ready to meet,” Zelensky said.

The statements by Moscow and Kyiv caught the attention of the main viewer — U.S. President Donald Trump.

“I think we may see a good result from Thursday’s meeting in Turkey between Russia and Ukraine,” Trump said during a press conference on May 12.

"I believe both leaders are going to be there. I even thought about flying over — I'm not sure where I'll be on Thursday, I have so many meetings."

A day prior, Trump outlined his expectations for a potential meeting.

"At least they will be able to determine whether or not a deal is possible, and if it is not, European leaders, and the U.S., will know where everything stands, and can proceed accordingly," Trump, who called for a "30-day unconditional ceasefire" and threatened to impose further sanctions in case of violations, said in his Truth Social post on May 11.

Both sides have long rejected direct talks, with Ukraine saying that it can't negotiate with a counterpart that constantly breaks agreements it had signed. While it is unclear whether Putin would actually show up to the talks, a source close to the Ukrainian President's Office told the Kyiv Independent that Kyiv is "ready for all options."

Putin and Zelensky met once — in Paris, in 2019.

The back and forth

Trump has promised to end Russia's war against Ukraine in "24 hours," and later "in days." It's been months, and the White House's inability to end the war as promised is irritating Trump, who now blames everyone but himself for the failure.

As a result, Russia and Ukraine are trying to play their part in the peace talks process to avoid being blamed by the U.S. for its failure.

"This is a bit like a game of tennis," Anatol Lieven, the director of the Eurasia Program at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, told the Kyiv Independent.

"The two sides knocking the ball to and fro and to and fro. And we have to see where the ball ends," he said, explaining that the U.S. may blame whichever side it views as interfering with the peace-making efforts.

Trump and his team's threats in April to walk away from the peace process if there is no progress in the near future have kept Ukraine and Europe on alert. Kyiv has warned that a potential U.S. exit would be "very dangerous."

Concerns persist over the U.S. potentially halting its military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine if the exit will take place.

"Ukraine's military position would be much, much worse, and there would be a much bigger risk that Ukraine would suffer a really heavy defeat and lose much more territory," Lieven said.

The most worrying concerns are if the stretched out Ukrainian defense eventually cracks over time.

What were the Minsk Agreements and why did they fail to bring peace in Ukraine?

Kyiv, under pressure from allies and a difficult battlefield situation, was forced to sign unfavorable deals.

The Kyiv IndependentKateryna Hodunova

Peace processes have historically taken months or years through multiple rounds of talks to end wars, hence a quick end to the Russian invasion of Ukraine is unlikely, the expert said. He added that Russia may have a bigger appetite for compromise later this year if Ukraine can sustain inflicting heavy casualties and Russia won't be able to advance at the pace it anticipates.

"A lot of uncertainties" remain over a potential Putin-Zelensky meeting in Istanbul, including whether Putin would show up, though it is still "a progress," according to Oleksiy Melnyk, the co-director of foreign policy and international security at the Kyiv-based think tank Razumkov Center. But Putin could list last-minute demands for his attendance and then blame Ukraine for not agreeing to them, he stressed.

Both sides are "definitely" afraid of the U.S. walking away from the peace talks, with Ukraine adjusting its objectives in war, such as Zelensky ruling out potentially liberating Crimea through military means and opening up to an unconditional ceasefire.

Russia is now also forced to play along, showing readiness for talks, Melnyk said.

"(Putin) understands that America or President Trump is a serious player, especially in his culture of making radical and unpredictable decisions," Melnyk told the Kyiv Independent.

He added that Russia is likely aware of "pretty strong evidence that Trump can do more things to harm the Russian economy and the Russian international position if he decides so."

Other factors that would affect the process would include whether Trump would be "open" to siding with Russia and its justification for the all-out war it started, and how skillful the Ukrainian delegation would be, especially given that "the Russians are bloody good in playing this — the Russian culture of diplomacy," he added.

Elina Beketova, a non-resident fellow with the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) 's Democratic Resilience Program, argued that Russia would benefit more than Ukraine if the U.S. withdraws from the peace talks procedure.

"(Russia) would likely interpret this as a green light to continue its attacks," Beketova told the Kyiv Independent.

This would prompt Europe to take on a larger role, having to balance between supporting Ukraine and managing its own resources, according to Beketova.

"Russia would continue its aggressive actions, as it does now," the expert said, stressing that it has not shown any signs that it is "serious about de-escalating."

There have been two "ceasefires" over the past month, both of which Ukraine said Russian troops violated multiple times. The first was meant to last for a day and a half over Easter in April. The second, which was proposed by Moscow and rejected by Kyiv for being "theoretical," lasted three days to mark Russia's cherished Victory Day celebration.

Beketova reiterated the need for a mechanism "backed by real power and unity" that would force Russia to end its war, which she said is where "continued leadership from both Europe and the U.S. is essential."

"Russia keeps talking about peace, but its actions tell a very different story," Beketova said.

Upping pressure on Putin, Trump says ‘both leaders’ will be at Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul

“I believe both leaders are going to be there,” U.S. President Donald Trump said.

The Kyiv IndependentTim Zadorozhnyy