Deadly tornado: 21+ killed in Missouri, Kentucky

At least 21 people have died following a tornado that devastated the U.S. states of Missouri and Kentucky.

Trump: Putin not a barrier to Ukraine peace talks

Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated during a Fox News town hall event that he does not view Russian President Vladimir Putin as a roadblock to peace negotiations over the war in Ukraine.

Zelenski: Putin missed chance to end war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski claims that "this week was a real chance for significant steps towards ending the war, if Putin hadn't been afraid to come to Turkey."

Russia-Ukraine peace talks resume. Experts: Putin stalling for concessions

Russian and Ukrainian delegations are scheduled to meet in Istanbul today. The Kremlin's delegation for these direct negotiations, proposed by President Putin, includes lower-level officials. This group consists of an aide to the president, two deputy ministers, and two officials from the Russian military intelligence agency (GRU). Some members of this delegation were also part of the Russian team that negotiated with Ukraine shortly after the invasion began in March 2022. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he would not personally participate in the talks but would instead send a Ukrainian delegation led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, according to The Kyiv Independent.

Why is Putin dodging Zelensky talks? Experts explain

Russia is attempting to use the ceasefire concept as a strategy for military consolidation and geopolitical advantage, say experts. They explain that Vladimir Putin is avoiding a meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky because Moscow has not yet reached its strategic goal of preventing Kyiv from becoming a functioning democracy and a NATO member. Additionally, they believe the international community can influence the outcome of negotiations.

How have Russian-Ukrainian peace negotiations evolved during the three years of war?

Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine are set to begin today in Istanbul, marking the first direct negotiations in three years. Over the weekend, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his desire to resume discussions, aiming to continue from where they last paused in 2022.

Brussels sanctions Russia ghost fleet, hybrid threats

On May 14, EU ambassadors agreed on the bloc's 17th package of sanctions against Russia, primarily targeting its ghost fleet of oil tankers, The Kyiv Independent reports.

EU tariffs return for Ukraine farm exports

The EU plans to significantly increase tariffs on Ukrainian goods after the current duty-free agreement expires on June 6, according to The Kyiv Independent, which cited the Financial Times.

Ukraine War: Peace talks unlikely, Russia eyes US

Vladimir Putin's refusal to come to Istanbul will demonstrate that the true intention was to use a potential armistice as a pretext for new military actions, rather than participating in peace negotiations.

Crete 6.3M quake felt as far as Egypt

A 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck off the Greek island of Crete on Wednesday, the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) announced.

Marco Rubio to attend Russia–Ukraine talks in Turkey this week

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to attend the Russia–Ukraine peace talks in Turkey, President Donald Trump announced, according to the BBC.

Zelensky to meet only Putin at Istanbul peace summit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that he will only hold direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the upcoming meeting scheduled for May 15 in Istanbul.