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Spies, Lies, and Algorithms
Amy B. Zegart
Russia
Putin is FEARFUL on the eve of talks in Turkey. Fighting ON THE FRONTLINE does not stop
Ukraine
Russia
Photos
USA
NATO starts work on plan to increase defense spending after Trump criticism
NATO allies have begun working on a plan to increase defense spending, aiming to meet U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for each country to allocate 5% of GDP to their militaries, Bloomberg reported on May 14.
Citing diplomats familiar with the …
Ukraine
Russia
Photos
Germany detains Ukrainians in alleged Russia-backed sabotage plot, media reports
German authorities have accused three Ukrainian nationals of an alleged Russia-orchestrated plot to send out parcels with explosives in Europe, Der Spiegel news outlet reported on May 14.
Two of the suspects were reportedly detained over the weekend, …
Ukraine
Russia
Photos
USA
Russian political, corporate interests seize thousands of Ukrainian businesses, assets in occupied Mariupol, research reveals
More than 1,000 Russian government entities and 1,200 private companies are involved in the economy of occupied Mariupol, a major southeastern city captured by Russia after it invaded Ukraine in 2022, according to a research paper published on May …
Ukraine
Russia
Photos
USA
Zelensky's trust rating rises to 74%, highest since 2023, poll shows
President Volodymyr Zelensky’s trust rating increased from 69% in March to 74% in the first half of May, while 22% of respondents said they do not trust the Ukrainian leader, according to a poll published by the Kyiv International Institute of …
Ukraine
Russia
Photos
Despite the hype, EU's latest Russia sanctions 'not as strong as they should be'
The European Union’s 17th package of sanctions against Russia, agreed on May 14, is being hailed in Brussels as a symbol of steady resolve.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the move, insisting it would “keep the …
Ukraine
Russia
Photos
'Key milestone' — Ukraine takes step toward opening 1st EU negotiation cluster
Ukraine has concluded all domestic procedures needed to launch the first cluster in the EU accession talks, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced on May 14.
The government has approved “reform roadmaps in the rule of law, public administration, …
Ukraine
Russia
Photos
Ukraine's fugitive ex-security council official detained in Spain
A former first deputy secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, wanted for fraud and abuse of office, was detained in Spain, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) announced on May 14.
The statement did not …
Ukraine
Russia
Photos
Brazil's Lula says he'd ask Putin to go to Turkey for Ukraine peace talks
Brazilian President Lula da Silva said he will ask Russian President Vladimir Putin to go to Turkey for peace talks with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, CNN reported on May 14.
Russia invited Ukraine to direct talks in Istanbul after …
Russia
ZELENSKYY: This is PUTIN'S war, and negotiations should be with him! #shorts
Ukraine
Russia
Photos
USA
Trump needs to understand that Putin lies, blocks peace efforts, Zelensky says
U.S. President Donald Trump must realize that Russian President Vladimir Putin is an obstacle to peace efforts, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in comments reported by the Guardian on May 13.
“Trump needs to believe that Putin actually …
Ukraine
Russia
Photos
USA
Russian attacks across Ukraine kill 4, injure 26 over past day
Russian attacks against Ukraine killed at least four civilians and injured at least 26 others over the past day, regional authorities reported on May 14.
Russian forces launched an Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missile from Russian-occupied Crimea and …
Russia
Photos
EU agrees on 17th package of Russia sanctions, source says
Editor’s note: This is a developing story.
The EU on May 14 agreed on its 17th package of sanctions against Russia, a senior EU official speaking on condition of anonymity told the Kyiv Independent.
The measures target almost 200 ships of …
Ukraine
Russia
Protests
Photos
EU to hike tariffs on Ukrainian imports amid Poland's push, FT reports
The EU plans to significantly increase tariffs on Ukrainian goods after the current duty-free deal lapses on June 6, the Financial Times reported on May 14, citing undisclosed diplomatic sources.
The move follows Poland’s call for the European …
Ukraine
Russia
Protests
Photos
Polish protesters end blockade at Ukraine's border after court ruling
Polish truckers lifted the blockade at the Yahodyn-Dorohusk checkpoint on the Ukrainian border, Ukraine’s State Border Guard said on May 13.
The protesters ended the blockade after the Lublin Court of Appeal upheld Dorohusk Mayor Wojciech …
Ukraine
Russia
Photos
USA
Russia likely preparing major offensive in Ukraine despite peace efforts, FT reports
Russia seems to be preparing a significant offensive in Ukraine as it is moving troops toward key positions on the front, the Financial Times reported on May 13, citing undisclosed Ukrainian intelligence officials.
These reported preparations indicate …
Ukraine
Russia
Photos
USA
General Staff: Russia has lost 969,370 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022
Russia has lost 969,370 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 14.
The number includes 1,240 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the …
Ukraine
Russia
Photos
USA
Yermak tells Reuters Zelensky may travel to Vatican for Pope Leo’s inauguration
President Volodymyr Zelensky plans to attend the inaugural Mass of newly elected Pope Leo at the Vatican this Sunday, if his wartime obligations allow, his chief of staff Andriy Yermak told Reuters on May 13.
The event, taking place in St. Peter’s …
Ukraine
Russia
Photos
USA
Despite growth claims, Russia’s war economy shows deep risks, Reuters reports
Russia’s economy faces mounting pressure due to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and Western sanctions, according to a new report from the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE) presented for talks of European Union finance ministers on …
Ukraine
Russia
Drone attacks disrupt Russian naval ambitions in Port Sudan
Since early May, Port Sudan has been hit by a series of intensive drone strikes, primarily targeting critical infrastructure—believed to be the work of insurgents affiliated with the "Rapid Support Forces" (RSF). Among the sites hit are crucial fuel …
Ukraine
Russia
EU vows permanent break from Russian energy sources
Even if a peace agreement is reached between Ukraine and Russia, the European Union will not resume imports of Russian energy, EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen announced Tuesday during a meeting with European energy ministers in Warsaw.
The …
Ukraine
Russia
Photos
Macron promises new Russia sanctions, discusses French nuclear deterrent for Europe
French President Emmanuel Macron promised to impose new sanctions on Russia if it rejects an unconditional ceasefire. He also suggested that France is open to stationing its nuclear weapons in other European countries as a deterrent against Russia. …
Ukraine
Russia
USA
Russia's key demands in upcoming Istanbul talks: 'denazification' of Ukraine and territorial claims
Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergey Ryabkov, has articulated Moscow's firm stance ahead of anticipated talks in Istanbul slated for May 15. Speaking at a press briefing, Ryabkov said that Russia intends to emphasize the "denazification of the …
Ukraine
Russia
Photos
Ukraine's Ziferblat progresses to Eurovision 2025 grand finals
Represented by the band Ziferblat, Ukraine is moving on to the grand finals of Eurovision 2025.
Performing their song “Bird of Pray,” Ziferblat passed the Eurovision semi-finals on May 13. Along with 10 other qualifying countries, Ukraine …
Ukraine
Russia
Photos
Kremlin confirms delegation will attend Istanbul peace talks — Lavrov, Ushakov will likely represent Russia
On May 13, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that a Russian delegation will be in Istanbul later this week for direct peace talks with Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin invited Ukraine to engage in direct talks in Istanbul after …