{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Military operation in Ukraine

Europe delaying peace in Ukraine due to fear of bearing responsibility for mistakes

Statements of Europeans that Kiev can win on the battlefield and the time for truce has not yet come are only protracting the conflict in Ukraine, Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said

Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto Valery Sharifulin/TASS

Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto

© Valery Sharifulin/TASS

GENEVA, May 10. /TASS/. European leaders are postponing the moment of concluding peace in Ukraine due to concerns that they will have to bear responsibility for their wrong strategy of conflict solving, Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said in an interview with the Swiss newspaper Neue Zürcher Zeitung.

Statements of Europeans that Kiev can win on the battlefield and the time for truce has not yet come are only protracting the conflict in Ukraine, Szijjarto said. "European politicians chose the wrong strategy. This created problems in the daily life of their citizens and the end of war will have consequences for these politicians. Therefore, they want to postpone this moment for as long as possible," the minister noted.

Russia has repeatedly confirmed its readiness to hold direct talks with Ukraine without any conditions precedent. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced truce for the period of celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Victory but the Russian Defense Ministry reported about 500 violations of ceasefire by Ukraine as early as in first hours of truce.

Tags

Ukraine Hungary Military operation in Ukraine

Serbian leader rejects European Council president's call to condemn Russia

Aleksandar Vucic emphasized that his duty was to serve the people of Serbia and he was not obliged to obey anyone

Russia may close Poland’s diplomatic missions in Kaliningrad, Irkutsk — diplomat

Earlier in the day, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski decided to shut down the Russian Consulate General’s Office in Krakow

Kiev’s strikes on Russian regions leave 70 civilians wounded, 21 killed over week — envoy

According to Rodion Miroshnik, residents of the Kursk, Belgorod, and Kherson regions as well as the Donetsk People’s Republic were hardest hit

Hungary rejects EC’s plans to halt Russian oil, gas imports — PM Orban

Viktor Orban noted that the initiative would lead to soaring oil, natural gas and electricity prices and "simply destroy the Hungarian economy"

Gagauzian leader decries house arrest as 'political persecution', vows to fight

Earlier in the day, the Chisinau District Court ruled to extend Gutsul's house arrest by 30 days

Top Russian, Turkish diplomats discuss Putin’s initiative on talks in Istanbul on May 15

Speaking to reporters in the Kremlin on May 11, Russian President Vladimir Putin invited the Kiev authorities to resume the direct talks they broke off in 2022 without any preliminary conditions

Turkish, French top diplomats discuss Ukrainian reconciliation — sources

Earlier on Monday, Fidan discussed Ukrainian reconciliation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio

US to cut tariffs on China shipments to 54% from 120% — executive order

US President Donald Trump said earlier that the tariff on China shipments would be raised to 120%

UAC delivers another batch of Su-35S fighter jets to Russian Defense Ministry

The 4++ generation aircraft have run the gamut of tests by the manufacturer, have been tested in various working modes, and have performed a flight to the base aerodrome

Trump to sign decree on May 12 to reduce drug prices in the US by 30-80%

US President stressed that he has been concerned for years about the high cost of drugs

Drones, gunfire reported in northern India near border with Pakistan — newspaper

In turn, the ANI news agency reported that explosions were heard in the area as India’s air defenses engaged aerial targets

China to cut tariffs on US goods to 10%

Beijing and Washington agreed to establish a mechanism to continue discussions about economic and trade relations

Nord Streams’ case exposes Europe’s ‘impotence’ in defending national interests

According to Alexander Grushko, Europe "quietly swallowed this act of sabotage"

Top Turkish, Russian diplomats discuss Ukrainian settlement — sources

Earlier in the day, the top Turkish diplomat raised the topic of the Ukrainian settlement in his calls with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot

Russia rejects outcome of prejudiced probe into MH17 disaster — Kremlin

According to the Dutch cabinet, the International Civil Aviation Organization Council has ruled that Russia was responsible for downing the civilian aircraft

Russian forces destroy Ukrainian army strongholds near Makeyevka in Lugansk region

Andrey Marochko added that Russian forces moved forward, took two wooded areas under their control and mopped up forest terrain

Six people killed in clashes in Libyan capital

On Tuesday night, the Defense Ministry, subordinate to the Government of National Unity (GNU), announced the successful conclusion of the military operation in the capital following hours of heavy combat

Putin declares creation of unstoppable nuclear-powered missile

Putin showed a video modelling the flight of a nuclear power plant-equipped cruise missile circumventing missile defenses

Global oil demand rises by 1.7 mln bpd in Q1 2025 — Saudi Aramco CEO

Amin Nasser also noted that global oil refining volumes hit record levels in the first quarter

Australian mercenary eliminated in Kharkov Region — ABC

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the country’s Foreign Ministry have confirmed Parsons’ death and advised Australians against traveling to Ukraine

EU waits for talks in Turkey before pushing for sanctions against Russia — report

According to Bloomberg, US officials made it clear to their European counterparts on May 12 that they wanted to allow an opportunity for Russian and Ukraine to hold the talks

Details over Ukraine territory, ZNPP, access to major waterways remain key — Witkoff

US president’s special envoy called the Zaporozhye nuke plant "a big part of this discussion because it’s a little bit of a crown jewel"

EU capitals to agree on 17th package of anti-Russia sanctions on Wednesday — FT

Ambassadors from the EU’s 27 member states "largely agreed on the latest batch of measures" on Monday

EU to prepare fresh anti-Russian sanctions unless truce in Ukraine starts by May 13

If the ceasefire is not in place by the end of the day, the European side will move for further sanctions, German Government Spokesman Stefan Kornelius said

Zelensky's Istanbul meeting comments 'pure theatrics' — senior Russian senator

"That’s not how high high-level meetings are arranged, especially given the seriousness of the situation", Konstantin Kosachev said

Russia, as winning party, made generous proposal to Ukraine — expert

Rangarirai Shoko, the CEO of Zimbabwe's New Ziana News Agency, said that Russian President Vladimir Putin's "peace talks are meant to find common ground to end the conflict durably"

Over 50% of Russia’s oil output by 2030 to come from hard-to-recover reserves — expert

According to Russia’s Energy Strategy through 2050, the country is expected to reach an oil production volume of 540 mln tons by 2030 and maintain that level through mid-century

US sanctions 3 individuals, 1 company from Iran

The restrictions will freeze any assets that the designated persons and entity have in the US and ban US nationals and companies from doing business with them

Brazil to launch small NPP construction with Rosatom soon — minister

Alexandre Silveira also praised collaboration with Russia on completing the third reactor at the Angra nuclear power plant in Rio de Janeiro state

Russian forces advance within 1 km of Ukrainian border in Dnepropetrovsk, DPR advisor says

Russian forces have been pushing forward along the entire line of contact in the DPR, Igor Kimakovsky noted

Russia proceeds with groundwork for Istanbul negotiations — Kremlin spokesman

According to Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin currently has no plans to provide additional comment on the projected Russia-Ukraine meeting in Istanbul

Over 20 Russian residents wounded, six killed in Kiev's strikes during 3-day truce — envoy

The "most outrageous" cases of Kiev’s strikes during the ceasefire were recorded in the Kursk Region, Rodion Miroshnik said

Russia has enough coal reserves to last it over 500 years — deputy PM

Alexander Novak noted that Russia has a vast resource base and every opportunity to efficiently extract and use these reserves to reliably meet domestic demand and expand export supplies

Russian women most beautiful in world, over 80% of citizens surveyed say in new poll

The poll data shows that 11% of young Russian women aged 18 to 24 years old would like to take part in a beauty contest, while 70% of Russian men would be willing to see their significant other participate

Russian troops liberate Kotlyarovka community in Donetsk region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 440 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy armored fighting vehicles and two artillery guns in its area of responsibility

Foreign ministers of China, Brazil call for settling Ukraine crisis

The meeting took place in Beijing on May 12 and was also attended by the Brazilian president’s foreign policy advisor, Celso Amorim

Unrest erupts in Libya’s capital

The Interior Ministry of the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity urged the residents to stay in their homes

Russia totally right regarding special operation — Republika Srpska leader

In Milorad Dodik's opinion, Russia’s victory will improve the stability situation in Europe

Russia’s GDP growth rate slows to 2% in Q1 2025 — Central Bank

According to the Central Bank's forecast, the GDP growth rate will slow down to 1-2% in 2025 and to 0.5-1.5% in 2026

60th Mendeleev Chemistry Olympiad to be held in Moscow

Each of the 10 members of the Russian team at the 59th International Mendeleev Chemistry Olympiad that kicked off in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on May 6, has won a gold medal

Zelensky says wants Trump to be present at talks in Istanbul

Trump said earlier that he could travel to Istanbul if he felt this would be useful for the Ukraine settlement talks

Revision of NATO’s military doctrine signals bloc is preparing for conflict — Russian MP

Andrey Kartapolov noted that NATO countries "aim to revive their defense industry and continue preparations for a future war"

Russia to send delegation to Istanbul talks on May 15 regardless of Kiev’s stance — MP

Leonid Slutsky called on Kiev to listen to the only viable position, formulated by the Russian president, that can bring peace

Press review: Turkey to host Russia-Ukraine talks as NATO starts drills by Russian border

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, May 12th

Russia gives targeted response to Poland shutting down Consulate General in Krakow — MFA

Russia's response will be appropriate and guided by its national interests, Maria Zakharova stated

Leading European nations plan to use ‘all feasible levers’ to strengthen NATO — statement

The countries also pledged to continue providing weapons to Ukraine, enhance its defense industry capacity and explore the creation of a "coalition of air, land and maritime reassurance forces"

India to talk with Pakistan only on countering terrorism, Kashmir — PM Modi

"This is not an era of war, but it is not an era of terrorism either," the prime minister said

Russian sailors to be evacuated from Seven Pearls tanker within next few days — embassy

The vessel was damaged by US airstrikes on Ras Isa in late April

Russian diplomat accuses France, Germany, UK of seeking to extend Ukraine conflict

According to Alexander Grushko, statements by European politicians are hard to comment on because their position changes dramatically within a short span of time

World community supports Putin's approach on Ukrainian settlement — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov recalled that the Russian leader had made a statement in which he clearly and unambiguously outlined Moscow's position on the resumption of direct talks in Istanbul "without any preconditions"

West insists on 30-day ceasefire to give Kiev time to regroup — Russian diplomat

The diplomat recalled that the 2019 Paris summit will be remembered for Zelensky's surprise move when he unexpectedly refused to approve the final document that had been preliminarily agreed by all signatories

The Netherlands, Australia want ICAO to oblige Russia begin talks on MH17 case

According to the Dutch government, the ICAO Council ruled earlier in the day that Russia "is responsible for the downing of flight MH17"

Russian troops destroy Ukraine’s HIMARS MLRS used to shell Kursk Region — top brass

The reconnaissance unit of Russia’s battlegroup North uncovered the location of the system near the settlement of Nagornovka in the Sumy Region

Russia’s oil output growth to 540 mln tons needs extensive use of hard-to-recover reserves

According to Alexander Novak, hard-to-recover, waterlogged, and depleted reserves account for about 60% of Russia’s total oil reserves

Russia’s peace terms at Istanbul talks to be tougher than in 2022 — Russian MP

Speaking to reporters in the Kremlin on May 11, Russian President Vladimir Putin invited the Kiev authorities to resume the direct talks they broke off in 2022 without any preliminary conditions

Ceasefire with Ukraine can’t be achieved without due preparations — Russian envoy

A ceasefire is an instrument that "must be built into a separate peace mechanism," Rodion Miroshnik pointed out

Rubio calls EU, Ukraine counterparts to discuss settlement prospects — State Department

US Secretary of State spoke with top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas and the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Poland, the UK and Ukraine

Trump says may depart to Istanbul if this facilitates negotiations on Ukraine

When asked whether he was ready to join Europe and toughen anti-Russian sanctions, Trump replied: "If I felt it would be important toward getting the deal done"

Japan reiterates push for dialogue toward peace deal with Russia — PM

Shigeru Ishiba stressed that it was essential to sustain communication and share information closely with Russia

Russia to retaliate closure of its Consulate General in Krakow — ministry spokeswoman

Maria Zakharova said that the response will be "asymmetric"

UN hails initiatives on Ukrainian settlement — spokesman for UN chief

According to Stéphane Dujarric, the United Nations is ready to "support any and all meaningful initiatives to that end"

Data centers consume over 1% of global electricity, may increase usage 2-4 times — Novak

Earlier, Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin emphasized that existing energy capacities are already insufficient to meet the growing demand from data centers

Leading EU countries, UK express support for 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine

The participants in the meeting also agreed "to pursue ambitious measures to reduce Russia’s ability to wage war"

Russia’s Krakow consulate to close in at least 30 days — senior Polish diplomat

Three diplomats will be declared personae non gratae

PREVIEW: Putin to hold meeting with Delovaya Rossiya business group on Tuesday

He also plans to talk to participants of the organization's conference via video link

Russian troops expand control area in Kharkov Region on 30 km frontline — military expert

Troops "are demonstrating positive dynamics in that frontline area," Andrey Marochko said

Russia’s ownership of Crimea not up for debate, Republika Srpska leader insists

Commenting on the European Union as a bloc, Milorad Dodik questioned its powers

All Russian participants at Mendeleev Olympiad win gold medals setting new record

Last year, Russian participants took home five gold and five silver medals

Trump issues ultimatum, saying Russia, Ukraine should hold direct talks — Witkoff

According to the US President special envoy, if direct talks between Russia and Ukraine bring any result, there will be "a strong chance to getting an end to this conflict"

Zelensky says ready for talks in Istanbul

This statement came after US President Donald Trump called on Ukraine to immediately agree to the negotiations proposed by Russian leader Vladimir Putin, which could take place in Turkey on May 15

Russia says Ukraine lost many armored vehicles, heavy drones in fighting for Kotlyarovka

The statement followed the Russian Defense Ministry’s announcement on May 12 that units of the battlegroup had liberated the village

Russia now has no channels of dialogue with French president — Kremlin

Meanwhile, Macron, together with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, arrived in Kiev on Saturday

European countries pledge to rearm Ukraine

The sides also expressed commitment "to robust security guarantees for Ukraine"

Berlin's silence over video showing Merz, Macron is telling — MFA

Maria Zakharova noted that the Elysee Palace had immediately labeled the news as fake, but had not asked the Kiev regime to stop spreading false information

Drone attack in Lugansk kills two Emergencies Ministry employees, injures 15

Two were hospitalized, while thirteen were discharged for outpatient treatment

Russian diplomat sees NATO exercise in Lithuania as directed against Russia

According to Alexander Grushko, two military districts are being re-established and a tank corps is being formed in Karelia as a measures

Russian investigators launch criminal probe into Ukrainian attack on Rylsk in Kursk Region

Investigators are currently looking at which Ukrainian armed formations may have been behind this crime

Europe fully backs Kiev, unfit to mediate in conflict resolution talks

Dmitry Peskov noted that Europe’s stance "is rather pro-war, geared toward prolonging the war"

Kremlin says will reveal team for Ukraine talks as soon as Putin thinks fit

The Russian leader proposed to launch a dialogue on May 15 in Istanbul

Control of border village of Kotlyarovka to help repulse enemy attacks on DPR, expert says

Earlier the Russian Defense Ministry reported the liberation of the bordering village in the DPR by Russia’s Battlegroup Center

Russian army to start battles for Krasnoarmeysk after seizure of Kotlyarovka — expert

Since 2014, Ukrainian troops have built "a large number of fortifications" in Krasnoarmeysk, Andrey Marochko noted

Germany ready to lend diplomatic hand at potential Istanbul talks — government

Stefan Kornelius warned that if the parties fail to reach a ceasefire, it will be up to Kiev to decide whether to come to the negotiating table in Istanbul

Turkey’s top diplomat thinks Russia, Ukraine may soon reach compromise on talks

Hakan Fidan described the current situation where Ukraine demands a ceasefire before any talks and Russia insists that negotiations be held first as a political impasse

Kotlyarovka’s liberation paves way for Russian troops to Dnepropetrovsk Region

Kotlyarovka neighbors the Dnepropetrovsk Region to the southwest of Krasnoarmeisk

Putin’s talks proposal, new sanctions threats — key themes of Kremlin briefing

According to Dmitry Peskov, Russia is set "to seriously seek ways for a long-term peaceful settlement of the Ukraine conflict"

Tripoli-based officials say military operation in Libya’s capital over

The Defense Ministry said it directed the troops to "complete the implementation of its plan in the region to ensure sustainable security and stability"

Zelensky approves ratification of minerals deal with US

He has also signed a bill to create the US-Ukrainian reconstruction investment fund

China to provide $9.2 bln worth of loans to Latin American countries

According to Xi Jinping, the China wants to import even more high-quality products from the region’s countries

Ukraine peace deal impossible without dialogue with Russia, Trump’s special envoy says

Steven Witkoff expressed his confidence that Russia was looking to find a peaceful solution to the Ukraine crisis

Afghanistan bans chess over ‘religious considerations’

All events related to this sport have been canceled

Edan Alexander arrives in Israel after release from Hamas captivity

With Alexander being release, Hamas continues to hold 58 hostages in the Gaza Strip, according to the Israeli side

Ukraine has no strategy for responding to Russia's ceasefire offer, expert says

According to Zheng Renyi, Russia’s call for talks carries elements of both inevitability and surprise

Trump arrives in Saudi Arabia as part of his first foreign tour — media

The US president is expected to meet with Saudi leaders on Tuesday and also take part in a Saudi-US investment forum

UK counter-terror police investigate fire at prime minister’s home

the fire broke out at Keir Starmer’s personal property in north London, estimated at approximately $2.6 million, which is rented out

Russian ambassador to Poland says outlook for bilateral relations not good

Sergey Andreyev that while Russia has kept its door open for Polish citizens who wish to visit Kaliningrad, Warsaw is making maintaining normal ties impossible

Press review: Russia, Ukraine mull peace as US, China slash tariffs amid tensions

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, May 13th

Russian Security Council Secretary Shoigu extends military contract until 2030

Sergey Shoigu's military rank is Army General

Novosibirsk university develops model to improve energy supply in Arctic

The Arctic has the potential for oil and gas production, and its development is strategically important for the country's economy

Rubio thanks Turkish foreign minister for helping with Russia-Ukraine talks

They also discussed the NATO informal ministerial meeting in Antalya that is set to take place from May 14-15

Kurdish PKK decides to dissolve itself, embracing democratic politics

The PKK added that at this stage, it is important that Turkey’s parliament assume its historical role