Vatican willing to host Ukraine peace talks
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’s air force successfully intercepted a significant portion of drones launched by Russia in a major overnight attack, while President Zelenskyy stresses the critical need for enhanced air defense systems as an international defense meeting approaches.
In a major overnight assault, Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting 61 out of 103 drones launched by Russia. Another 42 drones were lost due to electronic warfare, according to Ukraine’s military.
Fortunately, no major damage or casualties were reported following the attack, underscoring Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to defend its airspace amid the escalating conflict.
The attack also prompted security measures in Russia, with airports in Nizhnekamsk, Izhevsk, and Perm temporarily halting flights on Sunday morning. The closures were linked to fears of potential Ukrainian drone strikes, further highlighting the intensifying security concerns as the war continues.
Moscow has frequently stated that its military actions are in response to perceived security threats from Kyiv and its Western allies. Russian officials have accused Ukraine of targeting civilian infrastructure in its strikes, particularly in Russian-held territories, and have called for international scrutiny of Kyiv's tactics. However, these accusations are contested, with both sides accusing each other of violations of international law.
Amid these heightened tensions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of strengthening Ukraine’s air defense capabilities. Speaking ahead of the upcoming international defense meeting in Ramstein, Germany, Zelenskyy stressed, “The task remains unchanged – strengthening our air defense. We’re already preparing for the upcoming meeting, where dozens of partner countries will participate, including those capable of boosting our defense against missiles, guided bombs, and Russian aircraft.”
He further noted that the discussion would focus on ensuring air defense systems are operational to protect Ukrainian lives. “Lives need protection here and now in Ukraine,” he said. “Air defense systems must be operational for this purpose. I want to thank all our partners who understand this and help us develop an air shield.”
As the international community prepares for the Ramstein meeting, discussions on bolstering Ukraine’s defense systems are expected to take center stage, with Ukraine calling for additional support to strengthen its air defense infrastructure amid the ongoing conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on May 15, with discussions reportedly focusing on upcoming peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegates in Istanbul.
Tensions flare in the India-France Rafale deal as France refuses to share the fighter jet’s source code, limiting India’s ability to integrate indigenous weapons and reducing its combat autonomy.
Qatar signed a landmark agreement with U.S. aerospace giant Boeing on Wednesday to acquire 160 aircraft for Qatar Airways, a deal valued at $200 billion. The signing took place in Doha during the visit of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Ukrainian and Russian delegations meet behind closed doors at Istanbul’s Dolmabahçe Palace at 10:00 local time today to explore security guarantees, territorial integrity and a possible ceasefire.
EU approves 17th Russia sanctions, blacklisting almost 200 shadow‑fleet ships, 30 evasion firms and 75 defence figures, banning missile chemicals and arming Brussels to strike Kremlin hybrid and operations.
China has threatened legal action against entities that support U.S. restrictions on Chinese semiconductors, escalating tensions after Washington warned companies against using Huawei’s advanced AI chips.
Google announced a new “AI Mode” for its search engine in the United States, aiming to make searching feel more like talking to an expert who can answer almost any question.
Elon Musk confirmed he plans to stay as Tesla’s chief executive for at least five more years. Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum, Musk said despite pressure over his ties to Donald Trump’s administration, he remains committed to leading the electric car company.
Severe drought in Syria this year is threatening about 75% of local wheat crops, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warns, risking food shortages for millions.
A major naval operation ended Monday in the Baltic Sea, involving 12 warships and 19 teams of divers and underwater drone operators from 13 NATO countries.
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