Hours after Russian and Ukrainian delegations met in Turkey’s Istanbul beneath the shadow of Kyiv’s drone assault on Russian airbases damaging round 41 plane, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has known as upon the European allies and West to increase extra assist to Kyiv. Zelenskyy mentioned that Ukraine has proven its functionality by hanging deep inside Russia. Zelesnkyy speculated that Russia may plan a contemporary assault in opposition to Ukraine post-Belarus meet.
“Europe, along with America, has higher weapons than Russia. We even have stronger tactical options – our operation “Spiderweb” yesterday proved that. Russia should really feel what its losses imply. That’s what will push it towards diplomacy. And when Russia takes losses on this battle, it’s apparent to everybody that Ukraine is the one holding the road – not only for itself, however for all of Europe,” mentioned Zelenskyy.
The Ukrainian President additionally mentioned Kyiv wants extra power in opposition to Russia. “Ask your intelligence – what’s Russia planning this summer season in Belarus? In the event that they’re daring sufficient to organize assaults from there, then we want extra power – collectively. And proper now, meaning strengthening Ukraine – so we are able to cease this battle and forestall it from spreading. That’s why weapons manufacturing issues. At in the present day’s summit in Vilnius with the Bucharest 9 and the Nordic Nations, I thanked our companions for his or her assist, and we’re coordinating our steps collectively,” mentioned Zelenskyy.
As contemporary peace talks get underway, Moscow’s lead negotiator, Vladimir Medinsky, has confirmed Russia obtained Ukraine’s draft memorandum for a peace settlement. Russia, in flip, introduced it could current its personal draft, together with unspecificied ceasefire proposals. Main the Ukrainian delegation is Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, whose group notably arrived carrying fight fatigues, a stark visible reminder of the continued battle.
The earlier spherical of talks in Istanbul on Might 16, 2025, noticed the biggest prisoner swap of the battle, with 1,000 detainees freed by either side. Nonetheless, regardless of this change, there was no progress on peace or a ceasefire, as either side offered vastly completely different opening negotiation positions.