Volodymyr Zelenskyy
In Rome, Zelenskyy met with representatives from the US and Europe. The cessation of the war in Ukraine was discussed ahead of Trump's talks with Putin and NATO leaders.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Olena Zelenska met with Pope Leo XIV. The President thanked him for his support of Ukraine and expressed his readiness for dialogue.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with US Vice President J. D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This happened after their argument in the White House.
German Chancellor Merz announced plans to discuss the upcoming conversation with Putin with Trump. He spoke about this with Rubio and Zelensky in preparation for the negotiations.
In the Vatican, Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US Vice President Pence for the first time after their dispute in the White House. It happened at the enthronement of the Pope.
Ukraine and Russia have reached an agreement on the exchange of prisoners of war "1000 for 1000. " According to Umerov, the authorities are doing everything possible to ensure that Ukrainians return home as soon as possible.
Pope Leo XIV officially became the head of the church. Guests and believers gathered in St. Peter's Square to attend the solemn mass and congratulate the new pontiff.
During May 17, 167 combat clashes took place at the front. The Russian army carried out almost 4,800 shellings of the Armed Forces of Ukraine positions, including 122 from MLRS and 75 air strikes.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Rome and reaffirmed Canada's support for Ukraine. He stressed that Russia must agree to peace talks.
European countries are not planning to send peacekeepers to Ukraine, focusing on negotiations for a ceasefire with Russia. The format of peace talks and security guarantees for Ukraine are a priority.
On May 18, 2025, no enemy missile carriers were recorded in the Black and Azov Seas. There are 3 enemy ships in the Mediterranean Sea, one of which is a carrier of Kalibr cruise missiles.
Denmark is allocating the 26th package of military aid to Ukraine in the amount of DKK 4. 2 billion for 2025-2028. The aid includes artillery, ammunition and equipment for the Air Force.
The US Secretary of State announced Trump's desire to negotiate with Putin to resolve the stalemate in relations. Agreement on the details of the meeting is expected in the near future.
The President of Ukraine met with the President of Switzerland in Rome. They discussed increasing pressure on Russia, humanitarian aid, and the participation of Swiss companies in the reconstruction of Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Rome. They discussed the interaction of countries within the coalition of the willing, defense, and countering Russian aggression.
Olena Zelenska said that the meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump was a difficult test. Despite this, the President of Ukraine withstood the tense conversation with dignity.
Dmitry Peskov confirmed the preparation of the conversation between Putin and Trump, which was announced by the head of the White House. Trump also plans to negotiate with Zelensky and NATO leaders on May 19.
As part of the Bring Kids Back UA initiative, a 19-year-old girl returned to the territory controlled by Ukraine. She had not seen her relatives for more than three years, her hometown was under fire.
U. S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for an end to the war after speaking with Lavrov. The U.S. presented a peace plan and supported the prisoner exchange reached in Istanbul.
The President of Ukraine will take part in the solemn ceremony in the Vatican. The presence of many world leaders and about 250,000 pilgrims is expected.
US Special Representative Steve Witcoff canceled his visit to Putin due to his refusal to discuss the 22-point peace plan developed jointly with Ukraine and Europe. The plan was discussed between Ukrainian and American officials.
Johann Wadephul stated a security threat due to Russia's "shadow fleet" and confirmed the EU's plans for new sanctions. The 17th package of sanctions will tighten measures against these vessels.
The EU and Britain have reacted to the Russian Federation's strike on a civilian bus in Sumy region, where 9 people died. Leaders call for an immediate ceasefire.
A meeting of the heads of state is possible after reaching certain agreements between the delegations of the parties. Russia will prepare and submit to Ukraine a list of conditions for a ceasefire.
On the night of May 17, Russia attacked Ukraine with 62 drones. Air defense forces shot down 36 enemy UAVs in the eastern, northern, southern, western and central regions.
The President of Ukraine emphasized that strong sanctions against Russia are necessary for real diplomacy and ending the war. He noted the weakness of the Russian delegation in Istanbul.
As a result of the Russian attack on the bus, 9 people died, including a family. Zelenskyy emphasized the need to strengthen sanctions against the Russian Federation to stop the killings.
According to media reports, Russia demands that Ukraine renounce territories and reparations, and stated that a ceasefire is possible only after the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from 4 regions that Russia considers its own.
On May 16, 145 combat clashes took place at the front. The hottest was in the Pokrovsky direction, where Ukrainian soldiers repelled 52 enemy attacks.
The US President stated that he will likely plan a meeting with Putin, after which a peace agreement will be concluded. However, if there are no results at the negotiations in Turkey, Trump did not rule out the imposition of sanctions.