May
01.05.2025
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Thursday
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Day Market Massacre Overshadowed US-Ukraine Minerals Deal

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The alleged Ukrainian drone strike on Aleshki market dominated Russian media, with reports claiming seven civilians killed and more than 20 injured. Russian officials classified it as a terrorist act and war crime, with the Foreign Ministry claiming the attack was deliberately timed for a holiday to maximize casualties.

The US-Ukraine natural resources agreement received extensive coverage, with Russian sources highlighting Rada statements that the deal would override Ukrainian laws. Multiple outlets reported Ukraine's readiness for a ceasefire and territorial concessions following the agreement.

Trump's national security team underwent a significant reshuffle, with Mike Waltz reportedly removed and later nominated as UN Ambassador, while Rubio temporarily assumed the national security advisor role.

Russian officials rejected any possibility of restoring Ukraine's 1991 borders, while Vance set a 100-day timeline for direct Russia-Ukraine negotiations, with Washington abandoning its mediator role.
02.05.2025
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Friday
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Day Massive Drone Battle While Vance Seeks Peace Points

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The early hours saw reports of a massive Ukrainian drone attack on Russian territory, with 121 UAVs destroyed overnight, including 89 over Crimea. Moscow described this as Sevastopol's largest attack of 2025, possibly targeting military airfields. Russia simultaneously conducted drone strikes on Ukraine, with Moscow Times reporting 29-31 casualties in Zaporizhzhia.

US Vice President Vance continued seeking common ground in peace proposals from both sides, while Trump declared May 8 as "Victory Day in World War II," prompting Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zakharova to remind that Roosevelt acknowledged the USSR's decisive contribution to the victory.

The minerals deal between Trump and Zelensky continued to receive attention, with reports it "alarmed Russian elites" and contained "secret agreements." By evening, Reuters reported the US was preparing new sanctions against Russia, suggesting growing pressure despite peace talks.
03.05.2025
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Saturday
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Day Victory Day Truce Rejection After Massive Drone Strikes

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The day began with extensive reporting on a massive Ukrainian drone attack overnight, with Russian sources claiming 170 drones were shot down across six regions. Four to five people were injured in Novorossiysk, where authorities declared a state of emergency after drones damaged apartment buildings.

By mid-morning, Russian media highlighted Zelensky's rejection of Putin's proposed Victory Day truce. Kremlin spokesman Peskov responded that the ceasefire offer was a "test of Kyiv's readiness for peace." Former president Medvedev threatened that if Ukraine provoked Russia on May 9, "there are no guarantees May 10 would come" for Ukraine.

The afternoon focused on reports of Ukrainian forces allegedly attempting to infiltrate Kursk region, with claims that Kadyrov's "Akhmat" special forces prevented the incursion. Russia also reported destroying Ukrainian maritime drones in the Black Sea and intercepting drones over Murmansk region, marking an expansion of the conflict's geography.
04.05.2025
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Sunday
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Day Putin's Nuclear Denial While Moscow Apartment Burns

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A biographical film commemorating Putin's 25 years in power dominated morning coverage, with Putin asserting Russia had no need to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine despite Western expectations. He claimed Russia stands alone against the collective West while insisting reconciliation with Ukraine is inevitable.

Security measures intensified with temporary restrictions at multiple airports including Vnukovo, Petrozavodsk, and two in Arkhangelsk. This coincided with reports of drone interceptions over Russian regions.

Diplomatic preparations for Victory Day accelerated with confirmation of Serbian President Vučić's attendance despite illness, Cuban President's arrival, and announcement of Chinese President Xi's May 7-10 visit.

Evening coverage shifted to a deadly apartment building explosion in southwest Moscow that killed at least two people and injured fifteen. Meanwhile, Russian media reported Trump's claim that European leaders asked him to call Putin regarding Ukraine.
05.05.2025
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Monday
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Day Police Blood In Makhachkala While Moscow Drones Intensify

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Moscow's air defenses intercepted four drones over Podolsk heading toward the capital early in the day, part of a larger assault with Russia claiming 26 Ukrainian drones destroyed overnight across multiple regions. This continues the pattern of intensifying drone attacks reported in previous days.

By midday, attention shifted to a deadly attack on police in Makhachkala, Dagestan, where initial reports indicated three officers killed, though later revised to two. Security forces claimed to have eliminated two attackers while others escaped in a stolen police vehicle.

Ukrainian forces launched what Russian media described as a new offensive in the Kursk region, with reports of destroyed bridges and heavy fighting along the border. Several civilians were reportedly injured in Ukrainian strikes on Rylsk, including two teenagers.

Trump's comments about Russia "wanting all of Ukraine" received significant coverage, alongside his praise for Putin's previously announced Victory Day ceasefire.
06.05.2025
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Tuesday
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Day Triple Threats Converge: Drone Barrage, Prisoner Exchange, Indian Strike

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The night began with Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow and 10 other Russian regions, with Russian air defenses claiming to have destroyed 105 UAVs overnight. The Moscow mayor reported 19 drones intercepted over the capital, with additional attacks continuing throughout the day, causing disruptions at Vnukovo and Domodedovo airports.

Mid-day brought a significant 205-for-205 prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, with the Kremlin simultaneously reiterating that Putin's three-day Victory Day truce initiative remains valid despite ongoing hostilities. Russian military claimed to have liberated Lysovka village in Donetsk.

29 foreign leaders are expected at Moscow's May 9 Victory Day parade, though Lithuanian airspace was closed to flights carrying Serbian President Vučić.

Evening headlines pivoted dramatically to India's "Operation Sindur" - missile strikes against Pakistan that reportedly killed two people. Pakistan's prime minister called the attack "an act of war."
07.05.2025
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Wednesday
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Day India-Pakistan War Erupts While Drones Paralyze Russian Airspace

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Russia experienced its largest Ukrainian drone attack since the conflict began, with military claiming 524 drones shot down. The barrage paralyzed air traffic across the country, stranding over 60,000 passengers as major airports closed. Mobile communications, internet, and banking services faced disruptions in Moscow and other regions.

The India-Pakistan conflict escalated dramatically with Indian "Operation Sindur" airstrikes killing 26-70 people in Pakistan. Pakistan's military received "freedom of action" for counterstrikes as Russia urged restraint.

Despite the security threats, Putin's diplomatic agenda advanced with the signing of a strategic partnership with Venezuela's Maduro and meetings with Cuba's and Mongolia's presidents. Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow while Azerbaijan's President Aliyev canceled his Victory Day attendance.

By evening, Putin's three-day Victory Day ceasefire officially began, though Ukrainian drones continued targeting Moscow with at least 12 intercepted throughout the day.
08.05.2025
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Thursday
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Day Pope Made History While Victory Day Ceasefire Balanced On Edge

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Putin's three-day Victory Day ceasefire took effect, though Russian media immediately reported Ukrainian violations in border areas. The day was dominated by Xi Jinping's visit to Moscow, with negotiations lasting over seven hours. Both leaders signed 26 strategic documents and issued joint statements on global security, with Putin calling their relations at "the highest level in history."

Meanwhile, the India-Pakistan conflict continued escalating, with reports of a massive air battle involving approximately 100 fighter jets and claims of successful strikes from both sides.

By late afternoon, white smoke appeared above the Sistine Chapel, signaling the historic election of American Cardinal Robert Prevo as Pope Leo XIV – the first US pontiff. Putin quickly extended congratulations to the new Pope.

Presidential aide Ushakov indicated movement toward a potential Russia-US presidential summit, as Trump called for a 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
09.05.2025
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Friday
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Day Victory Banner Flew While Belgorod Deputy Governor Bled

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Russia celebrated the 80th anniversary of Victory Day with expanded military displays, including drones presented for the first time in Red Square. Putin's speech avoided direct mentions of Ukraine while emphasizing Russia's stance against Nazism, Russophobia, and anti-Semitism. Foreign leaders' attendance, including Xi Jinping, was framed as evidence of diplomatic isolation failure.

Despite the ceasefire announced for Victory Day, a Ukrainian drone struck a Belgorod government building, wounding the deputy governor. Russian media reported Ukrainian attempts to breach borders during the truce.

Diplomatic developments intensified with Putin-Trump exchanging Victory Day greetings through aides. Presidential aide Ushakov confirmed ongoing Russia-US talks about European gas supplies. German Chancellor expressed hope for a potential ceasefire "within days," though Kremlin spokesperson Peskov stated substantive discussion of a 30-day ceasefire is "impossible without considering nuances."
10.05.2025
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Saturday
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Day Ceasefire Proposals Cross While India-Pakistan War Paused

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The morning headlines focused on Pakistan's military operation against India, with multiple sources reporting casualties and troop movements. By midday, Trump unexpectedly announced an India-Pakistan ceasefire, which both nations confirmed despite subsequent reports of violations in Kashmir.

Simultaneously, a diplomatic dance around Ukraine ceasefire proposals intensified. Ukraine and allies proposed a 30-day ceasefire starting May 12, while Russia demanded cessation of Western weapons supplies as a precondition. Kremlin spokesman Peskov stated Russia would "consider" the proposal without being pressured.

Putin conducted marathon diplomatic meetings with leaders from Vietnam, Zimbabwe, Palestine, Burkina Faso, Abkhazia, and South Ossetia, emphasizing Russia's global partnerships despite Western isolation attempts. The Victory Day ceasefire announced by Russia officially expired in the evening, with Putin scheduled to make a "substantive statement" to journalists after midnight.
11.05.2025
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Sunday
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Day Putin's Olive Branch Creates Diplomatic Whirlwind

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Russian state media extensively covered Putin's proposal for direct peace negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15, framing it as Putin outmaneuvering Zelensky. The offer, described as resuming talks interrupted in 2022, generated immediate international reactions. Trump urged Ukraine to accept "immediately," calling it potentially "a great day" for both countries, while Macron deemed it insufficient.

By midday, Erdogan confirmed Turkey's willingness to host the talks after discussing the initiative with Putin. Russian media simultaneously reported over 14,000 Ukrainian ceasefire violations during the Victory Day truce.

By evening, Zelensky conditionally agreed to meet Putin personally in Turkey on Thursday, but demanded a ceasefire first. Meanwhile, Russian media reported Ukrainian strikes on Rylsk in Kursk region, with injuries reported.

The proposal marked a significant shift from previous days' focus on Victory Day celebrations and competing ceasefire proposals between Russia and Ukraine.
12.05.2025
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Monday
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Day Istanbul Peace Mirage Solidifies As Trump Eyes Participation

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Putin's Istanbul peace talks initiative gained momentum with multiple parties positioning themselves around the May 15 negotiations. Zelensky declared readiness for direct talks with Putin while Macron and Germany set ultimatums, demanding Russia accept a ceasefire by evening. The Kremlin rejected this "language of ultimatums."

By midday, Trump announced he might personally attend the Istanbul talks, calling them "very important." Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan predicted Russia and Ukraine would reach a compromise on contacts "in coming days" while Erdogan characterized his May 11 discussions with Putin as "comprehensive."

Russian media reported military advances, claiming liberation of Kotlyarovka in DPR and approaching Dnipropetrovsk oblast's border. They also highlighted destruction of the HIMARS system that allegedly struck Rylsk in Kursk region.

UN representatives expressed encouragement about direct negotiations, while Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zakharova claimed the West sought a 30-day truce merely to give Kyiv "a breather."
13.05.2025
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Tuesday
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Day Russian Delegation Awaits While Putin Dictates Terms

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Russian media coverage focused extensively on the Istanbul peace talks scheduled for May 15, with the Kremlin announcing their delegation would wait for Ukrainian representatives there. Putin set steep conditions for Western businesses returning to Russia, stating "apologies aren't enough" and that Russia would find "a thousand reasons" to exclude unwanted companies.

Military operations remained a significant focus, with reports of Russia liberating Mirolyubovka in DPR and attacking Ukrainian training centers in Vinnitsa. Ten former prisoners reportedly fled a military training ground before deployment to Ukraine, while two emergency workers died in a Ukrainian drone attack in Luhansk.

International dimensions included the UN aviation body ruling Russia responsible for downing Malaysian airliner MH17, the European Parliament investigating MEPs who attended Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, and Trump potentially attending Istanbul talks if Putin participates.
14.05.2025
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Wednesday
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Day Medinsky Dispatched As Istanbul Meeting Solidifies

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Russian media extensively covered the preparations for the May 15 Istanbul peace talks. By evening, Putin appointed his aide Vladimir Medinsky to lead the delegation, signaling the Kremlin's serious but measured approach. Trump announced readiness to adjust his schedule for potential Putin meetings "to save lives," while Brazilian President Lula da Silva briefly stopped in Moscow, speaking with Putin by phone about Ukrainian settlement.

Military operations continued with Russia claiming liberation of Mikhaylovka in DPR and a military correspondent announcing the beginning of the battle for Slavyansk. Russian media reported Ukrainian drone attacks against Belgorod region that injured 16 people, including three ambulance workers.

Economic news revealed Russia classifying a record 32% of its budget and Chinese bank subsidiaries achieving top profitability in Russia. The EU approved its 17th sanctions package targeting Russia's "shadow fleet," while Putin declared that "apologies aren't enough" for Western companies seeking to return.
15.05.2025
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Thursday
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Day Istanbul Peace Postponement While Delegations Circle

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The much-anticipated Istanbul peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, scheduled for May 15, underwent multiple delays throughout the day. By morning, Russia's delegation led by Putin's aide Vladimir Medinsky arrived in Istanbul, following Putin's special briefing the previous evening. Scheduled initially for 10:00 MSK, the talks were postponed to afternoon, and eventually rescheduled for May 16.

Medinsky stated Russia was ready for "possible compromises" while emphasizing the goal of establishing "lasting peace." Throughout the day, Russian media reported Zelensky refused to personally participate, with Ukrainian delegation reportedly willing to discuss only one specific topic.

By evening, after meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan, Medinsky announced the Russian delegation would wait for Ukrainian representatives at 10:00 the next morning. Moscow Times reported that state media received instructions to prepare Russians for potential negotiation failure and new sanctions.
16.05.2025
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Friday
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Day Istanbul Talks Yielded Prisoner Exchange While Future Meetings Loom

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The long-anticipated direct Russia-Ukraine negotiations finally occurred in Istanbul, dominating Russian media throughout the day. Initially scheduled for 10:00, the talks were delayed until 12:30 and lasted less than two hours. Despite earlier reported tensions and Russia's opposition to American presence, delegations from the US, Turkey and Ukraine met before Russia and Ukraine convened directly.

By early afternoon, Medinsky announced the key outcome: a prisoner exchange agreement in "1000 for 1000" format. He expressed "satisfaction" with results while responding to ceasefire proposals with a Napoleon quote. Ukrainian representatives reportedly requested direct Putin-Zelensky talks.

Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan confirmed both sides agreed to future meetings. Russian media claimed Ukraine's demands were unrealistic while The Moscow Times reported Russia threatened to seize additional Ukrainian territories.

In parallel developments, Trump expressed readiness to meet Putin "within 2-3 weeks," while Russian air defense reportedly intercepted 65 Ukrainian drones overnight before the talks.
17.05.2025
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Saturday
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Day Trump's Call Crowns Istanbul Aftermath

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Following yesterday's Istanbul talks, Russian media focused on Trump's growing involvement in potential Ukraine peace efforts. By morning, Kremlin spokesman Peskov outlined conditions for a possible Putin-Zelensky meeting, stating it would only occur after delegations reach specific agreements. Russian outlets portrayed the Istanbul negotiations as "Putin's tactical victory."

At midday, Foreign Minister Lavrov discussed the talks with Trump's envoy Rubio, while Moscow Times reported Trump's special envoy had previously canceled a Russia visit after Putin refused to discuss a ceasefire plan.

The afternoon brought Trump's announcement of a phone call with Putin scheduled for May 19, which the Kremlin promptly confirmed. Secretary of State Rubio indicated Trump wants to meet Putin "as soon as possible" and revealed Russia is preparing a document outlining ceasefire demands, with the Vatican suggested as a potential negotiation venue.
18.05.2025
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Sunday
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Day Putin Declares Long-Term Peace Goal While Advancing Forces Take Bogatyr

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Following the Istanbul negotiations, Putin defined Russia's desired outcome for the "special operation" as creating conditions for "long-term peace," with multiple state media outlets amplifying this message throughout the day. Russian forces claimed control of Bogatyr village in Donetsk, described as dealing a "serious blow" to Ukrainian defenses.

Russia appears to be preparing formal ceasefire demands, with Rubio noting "positive moments" in Istanbul talks while warning about potential sanctions if negotiations stall. Reports indicated Trump and Putin will speak by phone on May 19, with Whitcoff suggesting this could "clear the logjam" on Ukraine.

In parallel news, Telegram founder Durov claimed a Western European country requested censorship of Romanian conservatives during their presidential elections, which Russian Foreign Ministry portrayed as absurd interference allegations. By evening, Russian media reported Biden's cancer diagnosis while Romania's pro-EU Bucharest mayor led in presidential voting.
19.05.2025
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Monday
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Day Putin-Trump Call Brings Peace Memorandum Offer

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The two-hour phone conversation between Putin and Trump dominated Russian media coverage. Following the Istanbul talks, Putin offered to work with Ukraine on a memorandum for a peace agreement that could include ceasefire provisions, while emphasizing the importance of addressing "root causes" of the conflict. Trump subsequently announced Russia and Ukraine would "immediately" begin negotiations.

Morning coverage focused on Biden's prostate cancer diagnosis and Romania's presidential election results. Military updates included claims of capturing British and Canadian mercenaries in Zaporizhzhia and neutralizing 35 Ukrainian drones overnight.

Economic news suggested the government and Central Bank were considering devaluing the ruble to 100 per dollar to address budget deficits, while the EU proposed lowering the Russian oil price cap to $50 per barrel.

By evening, choreographer Yuri Grigorovich's death and upcoming teen-led terror plot trials in Stavropol appeared in coverage.
20.05.2025
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Tuesday
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Day Trump Threatens Withdrawal While Putin Proposes Peace Memorandum

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Following yesterday's Putin-Trump call, Russian media extensively covered Trump's apparent readiness to withdraw from Ukraine negotiations and unwillingness to impose new sanctions on Russia. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov revealed Putin had confirmed Russia's goal of achieving a "fair settlement" in Ukraine, while state media claimed European leaders were "shocked" by Trump's position.

By midday, the EU approved its 17th sanctions package against Russia despite Trump's opposition. Putin aide Ushakov disclosed that Putin had told Trump about thwarted terrorist attacks near the Kremlin before Victory Day celebrations.

Former president Medvedev declared Ukraine has "one last chance" for negotiations without preconditions, claiming Ukraine lacks legitimate leadership authorized to sign a peace agreement. Military reports throughout the day claimed Russian forces destroyed 70 Ukrainian soldiers in Sumy region and shot down numerous Ukrainian drones over Russian territory.
21.05.2025
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Wednesday
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Day Putin Tours Liberated Kursk While Moscow Withstands Drone Barrage

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Following yesterday's discussions of a peace memorandum, Putin made his first visit to Kursk region after its "complete liberation" from Ukrainian forces. During this symbolic trip, he met with volunteers, visited the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, and reportedly joked about Sumy region potentially joining Russia.

Media extensively covered Trump's continued involvement in peace efforts, with reports claiming he told European leaders Russia would win the conflict and saw "progress" after his conversation with Putin. Lavrov emphasized Russia would no longer accept ceasefire proposals without addressing root causes.

By afternoon, Moscow faced an escalating drone attack, with air defenses intercepting 37 drones by evening. The barrage intensified, with mayor Sobyanin reporting 77 drones shot down over multiple regions by day's end.

In parallel development, former Ukrainian President Yanukovych's advisor Portanov was assassinated in Spain, receiving "five shots, the last to the head."
22.05.2025
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Thursday
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Day Buffer Zone Declared Amid Unprecedented Drone Barrage

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Russian media extensively covered a record overnight Ukrainian drone attack, with 105 drones intercepted across ten regions, including 31 targeting Moscow. By day's end, the count reached 159-485 drones over two days, disrupting air traffic as 80+ planes diverted to alternate airfields.

Putin made his most significant military announcement since the Kursk liberation, declaring the creation of a "buffer zone" along the Ukrainian border. This development follows his visit to Kursk region yesterday and appears connected to recent diplomatic positioning after the Putin-Trump call.

The 1000-for-1000 prisoner exchange negotiations progressed, with both sides exchanging lists. The Kremlin noted the exchange would take several days to complete.

Economic challenges emerged as Gazprom's board recommended against 2024 dividends, while the government extended mandatory foreign currency sales requirements. The Moscow Times reported sharp cuts to economic support programs following oil and gas revenue collapse.
23.05.2025
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Friday
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Day First Wave of Historic Prisoner Exchange Flows

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The first phase of the unprecedented "1000-for-1000" prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine commenced, with Russia reporting the return of 270 military personnel and 120 civilians. This exchange implemented agreements reached during the Istanbul talks.

Ukrainian drone attacks continued for a third consecutive day, with Russian media reporting 112 drones intercepted overnight and eight people injured in Yelets. Putin's buffer zone announcement from yesterday remained prominent in coverage.

Lavrov rejected the Vatican as a venue for future talks while stating Russia would present peace settlement proposals after completing the prisoner exchange. He claimed Ukraine's drone campaign aimed to disrupt negotiations.

Military developments included reports of Russian forces capturing Radkovka in Kharkiv region and beginning battles for Kupyansk. A Mi-8 helicopter crashed in Orlov region, killing the crew.

Trump threatened 50% tariffs on EU goods, signaling potential economic complications for Russia's Western neighbors.
24.05.2025
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Saturday
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Day Second Wave of Prisoner Exchange As Drones Cross Skies

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The second phase of the historic prisoner exchange dominated Russian media, with 307 Russian servicemen returning from Ukrainian captivity, completing another portion of the "1000-for-1000" swap negotiated in Istanbul. The Defense Ministry released footage of the returning soldiers landing in Moscow.

Overnight, Russia claimed to have intercepted 94 Ukrainian drones across six regions, with numbers rising to 95 by evening. Moscow itself faced drone attacks, with Mayor Sobyanin reporting multiple interceptions throughout the day.

Military operations continued with Russian forces reportedly liberating three settlements in Donetsk and Sumy regions. The Defense Ministry claimed strikes on Kyiv's Antonov factory and a vessel carrying military cargo in Odessa port using Iskander missiles.

Economic pressure mounted as Bloomberg reported the EU is preparing to disconnect 20 more Russian banks from SWIFT in new sanctions.

In sports news, FC Krasnodar won its first-ever Russian football championship.
25.05.2025
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Sunday
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Day Record Prisoner Exchange Concludes As Putin's Helicopter Evades Drones

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The historic 1000-for-1000 prisoner exchange with Ukraine concluded, with 303 Russian servicemen returning to Moscow. Multiple sources reported Putin's helicopter was caught in a Ukrainian drone swarm during his recent Kursk visit, presenting this as a narrowly avoided assassination attempt.

Ukrainian drone attacks continued at unprecedented scale, with 110 drones intercepted overnight across 13 regions, followed by another 51 during daylight hours. Moscow faced multiple waves of drone attacks, causing temporary closures at Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Zhukovsky airports.

Russian forces reportedly liberated Romanovka in Donetsk while creating a "security zone" along the Ukrainian border. Turkey's Istanbul was named as the likely venue for a second round of direct negotiations.

Medvedev threatened that buffer zones could extend to "almost all of Ukraine" if Western military support continues, while Putin praised Russian soldiers for repeating the heroic feats of WWII figures Matrosov and Gastello.
26.05.2025
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Monday
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Day West Lifts Weapon Range Restrictions As Trump Criticizes Both Leaders

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Trump's criticism of both Putin ("gone absolutely crazy") and Zelensky ("creating problems for Ukraine") dominated early Russian media coverage, with Kremlin spokesman Peskov attributing Trump's comments to "emotional overload." By midday, focus shifted to Western countries (US, Germany, UK, France) removing restrictions on the range of weapons supplied to Ukraine, allowing strikes deeper into Russian territory. This development, following the completed prisoner exchange, was described as "dangerous" by the Kremlin.

Russian forces reportedly liberated Belovody and Vladimirovka in Sumy region, with the military claiming to have shot down 96 Ukrainian drones overnight. Putin stated Russia's economy has become fourth globally by purchasing power parity and called for "strangling" foreign IT services that haven't fully exited Russia.

FSB reported detaining seven alleged terrorists in Nizhny Novgorod region, claiming they received instructions from Poland.
27.05.2025
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Tuesday
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Day Russia Escalates While Drafting Peace Memorandum

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Following the massive overnight interception of 99 Ukrainian drones across Russian regions, Moscow requested a UN Security Council meeting over European "interference" in Ukraine settlement. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zakharova revealed Russia's peace memorandum will include specific timelines and principles for conflict resolution.

The Defense Ministry publicized targets of "Kinzhal" missile strikes on Ukrainian military infrastructure while claiming Russia only strikes military targets in response to Ukrainian drone attacks. Russian forces reportedly liberated Staraya Nikolaevka in Donetsk and advanced up to 10km in some areas of Sumy region.

Trump's statement that Putin is "playing with fire" generated significant coverage, with Medvedev responding that "World War III would be a truly bad thing." By evening, Russian air defenses intercepted another 112 Ukrainian drones, bringing the day's total to over 200, as diplomatic positioning continued around potential negotiations in Istanbul.
28.05.2025
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Wednesday
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The drone swarm night before Istanbul talks

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The overnight Ukrainian drone attack reached unprecedented scale, with Russian media reporting nearly 300 intercepted drones across 13 regions—the largest single assault to date. Moscow's airports suspended over 100 flights as 42 drones targeted the capital region alone.

Against this backdrop of escalation, diplomatic momentum accelerated rapidly. Foreign Minister Lavrov announced Russia would meet Ukraine on June 2 in Istanbul to exchange peace memorandums, following phone calls between negotiators Medinsky and Ukrainian Defense Minister Umerov. By afternoon, both sides had transmitted their draft ceasefire documents.

Lavrov briefed US Secretary of State Rubio on the Istanbul preparations, while Trump indicated readiness for a three-way meeting with Putin and Zelensky. The Kremlin framed Germany's long-range missile commitments to Ukraine as "war provocation," with Lavrov claiming Berlin was "sliding toward collapse." Russian media reported threats against negotiator Medinsky's family from Ukrainian sources.
29.05.2025
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Thursday
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The deputy mayor assassination morning

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Ukrainian drone debris struck Moscow apartments overnight, with 48 drones intercepted across Russian regions. By morning, media reported the assassination of Zaur Gurtsiev, deputy mayor of Stavropol and veteran of the Mariupol siege, killed by a suicide bomber using a makeshift explosive device. Russian outlets attributed the killing to Ukrainian intelligence services.

The Kremlin maintained its negotiating stance, stating it would not reveal ceasefire conditions while awaiting Kiev's response to Istanbul talks scheduled for June 2. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zakharova confirmed Russia's delegation composition would remain unchanged, with Medinsky continuing as chief negotiator despite reported threats against his family.

Putin met with large families to promote traditional values, discussing his "formula for love" and proposing benefits for fathers with many children. He also received the widow of assassinated Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who cried during their Kremlin encounter. Russian intelligence accused Serbian defense companies of supplying ammunition to Ukraine, prompting President Vučić to promise blocking such deals.
30.05.2025
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Friday
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The delegation departure day

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Russian media reported twelve servicemen received 15 million rubles for downing Ukraine's first F-16 fighter jet, with coverage emphasizing the monetary reward throughout the morning. Explosions occurred at Vladivostok's Desantnaya Bay near military equipment loading areas, initially attributed to gas cylinder ignition in vehicles.

The Kremlin announced its delegation would depart for Istanbul talks scheduled June 2, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zakharova confirming they would arrive with a draft memorandum. Putin welcomed Trump envoy Kellogg's suggestion that NATO might halt eastward expansion, calling it addressing Russia's "fair concerns."

Authorities reported preventing a terrorist attack in Moscow allegedly ordered by Ukrainian intelligence services. By afternoon, UN representative Nebenzia escalated threats over potential German Taurus missile strikes, warning Russia considers "any variants of response." The Moscow Times revealed that earlier reports of Putin "dodging drones" during his Kursk visit were staged Kremlin PR operations designed to demonstrate shared sacrifice with citizens.
31.05.2025
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Saturday
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The Istanbul talks postponement day

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Ukrainian drone strikes on Kursk region dominated morning coverage, with casualty figures rising from seven to fourteen throughout the day. Russian outlets reported the capture of villages Vodolagi in Sumy region and Novopol in DNR, continuing territorial gains ahead of scheduled Istanbul negotiations.

The diplomatic narrative shifted as Trump expressed surprise at Russian missile strikes occurring during peace talks, stating he "saw what he didn't expect." Coverage suggested the June 2 Istanbul meeting might be relocated to Erdogan's office, though no official postponement was announced.

By afternoon, authorities revealed nearly 1,300 missing Kursk residents had been located following Ukrainian incursions, while 576 remain unaccounted for. A domestic scandal emerged involving Primorye doctors arrested for selling thirteen newborns abroad under the guise of fertility treatment.

The day concluded with a bridge collapse in Bryansk region affecting a passenger train, with casualties exceeding forty people.
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