Due to the strikes, Ukraine has reduced Russia's oil refining by 10%, forcing companies to shut down wells. Russia's budget deficit has already exceeded annual targets.
Russian banks are mass-converting non-performing consumer loans into bonds for sale. The market for such assets could grow to $13.3 billion by 2026.
The EU plans to appoint a special representative for peace negotiations between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. Kaja Kallas and Mario Draghi are considered among the main candidates.
The expert reported a raiding attack on Fire Point, the company producing Flamingo missiles. The pressure could lead to a halt in the production of Ukrainian weaponry.
The leaders of the PRC and the Russian Federation agreed to strengthen strategic cooperation at an exhibition in Harbin. They plan to develop their economies by leveraging the geographical proximity of the two countries.
Sandu believes that the Russian Federation simplified the issuance of passports in Transnistria to mobilize people for the war. Residents of the region are choosing Moldovan citizenship en masse.
Tbilisi did not sign the agreement on the committee of the Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. Georgia's Foreign Minister explained this by citing additional risks for the country.
Zelenskyy has instructed intelligence to prepare a response to the simplified issuance of Russian passports in Transnistria. He urged Moscow to take care of its own oil refineries and oil.
Margus Tsahkna warned Europe against negotiations with the Russian Federation due to its vulnerable state and economic problems. The Minister calls for increased pressure and sanctions on the Kremlin.
On May 19-20, Putin will visit the PRC for negotiations with Xi Jinping and the signing of a series of agreements. The visit will take place following the Chinese leader's summit with Donald Trump.
The dictator simplified the procedure for obtaining Russian passports for adults and orphans in Transnistria. The decision is allegedly justified by the protection of human rights.
Russia's GDP contracted by 0. 2% in the first quarter of 2026. This is the first decline of the war economy in the last three years.
Wang Yi announced Xi Jinping's visit to the US in the fall at Trump's invitation. The parties agreed on trade development and discussed the war in Ukraine.
Trump discussed ending the war in Ukraine with Xi Jinping. The US President suggested that the Russian strike on a building in Kyiv could delay the peace process.
Preparations for Putin's visit to China are complete; he will meet with Xi Jinping. The parties will discuss the results of China's negotiations with Donald Trump.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, has survived more than 10 assassination attempts since 2020. Despite the threats, he continues to participate in peace negotiations with the Russian Federation
37 states have approved the creation of the Steering Committee of the Special Tribunal in The Hague. It will try the top military and political leadership of Russia and Belarus for the crime of aggression.
ISW named Russia a bad-faith negotiator due to the massive strike on Kyiv. The Kremlin is tightening censorship to hide the vulnerability of its own rear.
Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz called the Russian attacks on May 14 proof of the Kremlin's insincerity regarding peace statements. He rejected the proposal to involve Gerhard Schröder in the negotiation process.
John Healey has ordered the acceleration of air defense and anti-drone system deliveries due to massive Russian attacks. Britain is strengthening its support for Ukraine in the fight against aggression.
The Kremlin's demands for the withdrawal of the Armed Forces of Ukraine from four regions are a form of tactical pressure on the US. A stable front and strikes deep into the Russian Federation remain Kyiv's main trump cards, says expert Volodymyr Fesenko.
Russia attacked Ukraine with missiles during the meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping. Sybiha urged the leaders of the US and China to use their influence to stop the war.
The Russian State Duma has authorized Putin to use the army abroad to protect Russians. Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs called this law an act of "aggressive lawlessness."
On May 14, Vadim Repin, a violinist funded by the Kremlin, will perform in Sofia. Bulgarian artists are protesting against the performance by the artist from the aggressor state.
Sybiha suggested that Europe initiate an agreement to cease strikes on airports. This step is intended to strengthen diplomacy and involve the EU in the peace process.
Budanov stated Ukraine's readiness for negotiations in the event of Russia's sincerity. He emphasized that there is currently no direct communication between the presidents.
Kaja Kallas called for opening all negotiation clusters with Ukraine by summer. She described the country's accession to the EU as an investment in pan-European security.
Pistorius called Putin's statements on peace a possible deception to cover up the weakness of the Russian army. ISW notes that the Kremlin has no intention of ending the war against Ukraine.
The EU and the UK have imposed sanctions against the organizers of the deportation of Ukrainian children. The British government also announced the allocation of an additional £1.2 million for mechanisms to locate and return Ukrainian children
The expert stated that Russia is imitating diplomacy and putting forward unacceptable conditions for negotiations. A meeting between the presidents currently remains unrealistic.
