Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy called out Russia’s “very strange silence” in a post last night, as he sought to put more pressure on Vladimir Putin. He insisted that “Ukraine has always supported diplomacy,” and repeated his offer to personally attend the talks in Turkey. “One way or another, Russia will have to end this war — and the sooner, the better,” he said. He also said it was “important” that Trump supported the meeting, adding: “We would like him to find an opportunity to come”. European leaders had demanded that Russia commit to a ceasefire by midnight last night, warning of further sanctions if it failed to comply. The deadline has passed without action, and Moscow continues to stall, raising doubts about whether Thursday’s scheduled talks between Russia and Ukraine in Turkey will even take place. But curiously, Ukraine’s air force reported just ten Russian drones launched overnight, the lowest numbers in several weeks, Reuters noted. Could it mean that there is something afoot? On Monday Donald Trump suggested Vladimir Putin would attend the meeting on Thursday and that he himself might take part. “You may have a good result out of the Thursday meeting in Turkey … and I believe the two leaders are going to be there. I was thinking about flying over. I don’t know where I am going be on Thursday, I’ve got so many meetings … There’s a possibility there I guess if I think things can happen.” The US president starts his Gulf trip today with a visit to Saudi Arabia, but will no doubt keep an eye on developments in discussions between Kyiv and Moscow. One to watch. I will bring you all the key updates throughout the day. It’s Tuesday, 13 May 2025, it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live. Good morning.
Author: Jakub Krupa