Germany
The UK, USA, France, Germany and other NATO members have warned of increased Russian cyber activity. Organizations providing support to Ukraine and other important sectors are under attack.
Several German islands in the North Sea are contaminated with paraffin lumps. Environmentalists suspect illegal tanker flushing, authorities urge not to touch the finds due to possible toxicity.
Italian Antonio Omar Dridi, who fought on the side of Ukraine, died in Ukraine. He went missing in March when the bunker where he was staying was bombed.
The President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of Poland discussed further steps for a peaceful settlement. The topic of opening the first negotiation clusters regarding Ukraine's accession to the EU was also raised.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The parties discussed the latest ceasefire negotiations and sanctions against Russia.
The German Defense Minister stated that Trump mistakenly assessed his influence on Putin. Negotiations did not yield results, the EU is preparing new sanctions against the Russian Federation.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a conversation with Friedrich Merz regarding the conversation with Donald Trump. They also discussed coordination of steps and the reconstruction of Ukraine after the war.
The EU has imposed sanctions against 21 individuals and 6 organizations for destabilization and spreading propaganda. The restrictions apply to vessels, aviation, real estate and crypto assets linked to the Russian Federation.
European countries are trying to persuade Trump not to withdraw from the negotiation process between Russia and Ukraine. After Trump's conversation with Putin, European leaders were shocked.
Trump informed European leaders that Putin is ready for negotiations. According to sources, some leaders were "surprised" or "shocked" during the conversation.
In February 2025, the number of first-time asylum seekers in the EU decreased by 23% compared to last year. Most applicants are from Venezuela, Spain received the most.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that Russian President Putin is trying to buy time, and the Kremlin's intentions should be assessed by actions. The statements of the Russian Federation have not yet been supported by evidence.
According to the Estonian Foreign Minister, on May 20, the EU will approve the 17th package of sanctions against Russia, targeting the shadow fleet and energy revenues. The 18th package of restrictions is "already moving".
Donald Trump told European leaders about the details of the conversation with Putin, causing concern about a possible deal at the expense of Ukraine's interests. The leaders confirmed their readiness to continue supporting Kyiv.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Europe will introduce a powerful package of sanctions against Russia. The President added that new sanctions will be introduced if the war continues.
American director Wes Anderson has criticised Donald Trump's idea of tariffs on films shot abroad. He doesn't understand how a film can be detained at customs.
US Vice President Vance said that negotiations on Ukraine have reached a dead end and suggested that the US may withdraw from them. Trump plans talks with Putin and Zelensky.
In the first quarter of 2025, global car sales increased by 3. 1%, reaching 20.97 million. China leads with 5.98 million cars sold, increasing the figure by 4.5%.
Emmanuel Macron called on Vladimir Putin to accept Donald Trump's proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. The leaders of the countries discussed this issue on the eve of Trump's conversation with Putin.
The German Chancellor is trying to reconcile Italy and France over Meloni's exclusion from the meeting on Ukraine. Macron accused her of spreading false information.
British Prime Minister discussed the war in Ukraine with the leaders of the USA, Italy, France and Germany. The discussion focused on a ceasefire and sanctions against the Russian Federation in case of refusal to negotiate.
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.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the continuation of pressure on Russia due to its aggression in Ukraine. He also called on Italy to take a more active part in European efforts.
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.
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.
Rheinmetall plans with Lockheed Martin to produce missiles and aircraft, including for Patriot, in Europe. Investments will reach 5 billion euros, production will start in 2026.
During a flight from Frankfurt to Seville, the co-pilot lost consciousness due to a neurological disease. The Airbus A321 lost control for 10 minutes until the captain returned to the cockpit.
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.
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.
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.