Russia and Ukraine exchanged 307 military personnel each on Saturday, marking the second day of what is expected to become the largest prisoner swap since the war between the two countries began three years ago.
Kyiv faced a large-scale Russian drone and missile assault overnight, with explosions and gunfire echoing throughout the city, forcing residents to shelter in subway stations.
Russia and Ukraine have carried out a major prisoner exchange, each returning 270 military personnel and 120 civilians to the other side, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to support international efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire in Ukraine, during their first official phone conversation since Merz took office.
The settlement of Radkivka in Ukraine's Kharkiv region was captured in an operation, according to the Russian Defence Ministry.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday that a major prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine has been completed, describing the development as a potential turning point in efforts to ease tensions between the two countries.
German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil expressed hope that the G7 will issue a joint communique supporting Ukraine, despite tensions with the US over wording related to the conflict with Russia. Talks also continue on trade issues and sanctions.
The Kremlin, asked on Thursday about a planned prisoner of war swap with Ukraine of 1,000 captives each, said that work was underway, and that each side wants to complete the exchange as quickly as possible.
The European Union has approved a landmark €150 billion (nearly $170 billion) Defense Industrial Readiness Loan Instrument, known as SAFE, aimed at bolstering the bloc’s defense sector in the face of rising geopolitical threats.
Russia and Ukraine could meet for technical-level talks as early as next week, potentially at the Vatican, according to Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
Russian state-sponsored hackers are actively targeting Western organizations supporting Ukraine, prompting a joint cybersecurity warning from the UK, US, and several allies, according to sources.
Anton Kobyakov, adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin, claimed at the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum that the USSR’s dissolution was legally invalid and that the Soviet Union still exists under constitutional law, framing the Ukraine war as an “internal process.”
Ukraine will urge the EU next week to take stronger independent steps to isolate Moscow, including seizing Russian assets and imposing sanctions on some buyers of Russian oil, amid uncertainty over Washington’s support.
Finance ministers from the G7 countries are meeting in Banff for a three-day summit to talk about major global issues, including support for Ukraine, trade tensions with China, and concerns over U.S. policy under President Donald Trump.
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the western Kursk region for the first time since Russian forces pushed Ukrainian troops out last month.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has said Donald Trump did not intentionally betray Europe, but rather overestimated his power and misjudged his role during talks with Vladimir Putin.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Tuesday that Pope Leo XIV confirmed his readiness to host the next round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks at the Vatican, expressing her gratitude for his support.
Ukraine reported that a Russian artillery attack on Kherson killed one woman and injured at least ten people.
The EU and UK unveiled new sanctions targeting Russia’s shadow oil fleet and financial networks, acting independently of the US after talks failed to yield a Ukraine ceasefire.
Norway's Crown Prince makes a historic visit to Ukraine, showing strong solidarity. His trip includes meetings, memorial visits, and aid program oversight.
EU pushes ahead with its 17th sanctions package against Russia, while preparing even stronger measures. Ukraine-Russia talks may begin soon, following a call between Putin and Trump.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has emphasized the importance of U.S. involvement in the Ukraine peace efforts while urging consultation with European nations and Ukraine for a balanced approach.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held two separate phone calls with US President Donald Trump, centered on a potential ceasefire and how to respond if Russia continues to block peace efforts.
EU foreign ministers will convene in Brussels on 20th May. The upcoming Foreign Affairs Council will be chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.
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