The morning saw continuing coverage of Putin's proposal for direct Ukraine-Russia negotiations in Istanbul on May 15, responding to the European "Willing" group's 30-day ceasefire ultimatum delivered yesterday. By mid-morning, Zelensky countered, demanding an immediate ceasefire starting Monday before any talks.

At noon, Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Regina Caeli address to 150,000 faithful at St. Peter's Square. The first American pope made a passionate "no more war" plea, specifically calling for "just peace in Ukraine" and "ceasefire in Gaza," continuing the peace themes from his election on May 8th.

By afternoon, coverage shifted to a tragedy in Milan, where escaped prisoner Emanuele De Maria committed suicide by jumping from Milan Cathedral. His missing colleague Chamila Wijesuriya was found dead in a lake at Parco Nord.

By evening, headlines announced Zelensky would meet Putin in Turkey Thursday, framing it as challenging Putin's sincerity while maintaining his ceasefire precondition.