The U.S. and Russia will hold more talks on ending the war in Ukraine, despite Kyiv’s exclusion and European concerns over U.S. concessions to Moscow. Russia hardened its stance, demanding NATO formally withdraw its 2008 pledge to admit Ukraine.
The meeting in Riyadh brought together U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov for 4.5 hours of talks, marking the first direct U.S.-Russia negotiations on the war.
"A refusal to accept Kyiv into NATO is not enough. The alliance must formally disavow its 2008 Bucharest pledge."
– Maria Zakharova, Russian Foreign Ministry
Moscow also rejected any form of NATO peacekeeping presence in Ukraine, even under alternative banners such as the European Union.
"This is unacceptable to us."
– Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister
Ukraine and European leaders fear that Trump’s administration may strike a quick deal with Russia at Ukraine’s expense.
"There must be no decision over the heads of Ukraine."
– Olaf Scholz, German Chancellor
"February 2025 shows us that the Americans no longer feel responsible for European security – and that their interests are fundamentally different from ours."
– Jana Puglierin, European Council on Foreign Relations
Both Trump and Putin have expressed interest in a direct meeting, but no date has been set. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts between Washington and Moscow will continue.
"There is high interest in lifting economic barriers," Lavrov said, referring to Western sanctions on Russia.
However, U.S. officials remain cautious, with Rubio stating:
"The European Union will have to be at the table, because they have sanctions as well."
With Ukraine excluded from initial discussions, questions remain over how negotiations will unfold. The U.S. shift in diplomacy raises concerns about the future of NATO, European security, and Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty.
U.S. President Donald Trump called for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy saying Kyiv is ready to comply immediately.
Russia and Ukraine launched more overnight air attacks on each other's capitals, resulting in two deaths in Kyiv. The drone strikes on Kyiv sparked fires, while Moscow's air defences destroyed multiple drones.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy urged greater pressure on Russia to implement a ceasefire, claiming it could happen at any moment. He emphasized that without increased pressure, Russia will not take significant steps to end the war.
A Russian drone attack on Kyiv has left 11 injured and homes damaged, as Ukraine rejects Moscow’s proposed ceasefire as political theater.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed Russia’s proposed three-day ceasefire as a political stunt, arguing that only a longer truce could pave the way for meaningful talks.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 9th , covering the latest developments you need to know.
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Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 9th , covering the latest developments you need to know.
Each year, Italians gather in Monte di Nese to commemorate a little-known World War II tragedy—the massacre of Azerbaijani soldiers who resisted fascist forces in 1945 and paid with their lives for choosing freedom.
Britain's King Charles has called on the world to work toward lasting peace and preventing future wars during a speech marking the end of four days of events celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost shared rare insights on faith, unity, and modern challenges in a few candid interviews.
A humanitarian ship carrying 20,000 tons of Ukrainian wheat docked in Samsun, Türkiye, on Thursday, marking a major World Food Program initiative to supply crisis-hit regions, including Syria.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 9th , covering the latest developments you need to know.
Each year, Italians gather in Monte di Nese to commemorate a little-known World War II tragedy—the massacre of Azerbaijani soldiers who resisted fascist forces in 1945 and paid with their lives for choosing freedom.
Britain's King Charles has called on the world to work toward lasting peace and preventing future wars during a speech marking the end of four days of events celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost shared rare insights on faith, unity, and modern challenges in a few candid interviews.
A humanitarian ship carrying 20,000 tons of Ukrainian wheat docked in Samsun, Türkiye, on Thursday, marking a major World Food Program initiative to supply crisis-hit regions, including Syria.
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