Ukraine
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.
The Ukrainian and Russian delegations agreed on a prisoner exchange in the "1000 for 1000" format at the talks in Istanbul. The exchange may take place as early as next week.
Military equipment was removed from a military unit in occupied Sevastopol. This is likely due to a shortage of equipment at the front and the redirection of vehicles to other areas.
The NOC of Belarus stated that the International Judo Federation has allowed their athletes to compete under state symbols from June 1, 2025. However, there has been no official announcement about the lifting of sanctions yet.
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.
Estonia is hosting the largest military exercises Hedgehog 25, involving 16,000 soldiers from 10 NATO countries. Tallinn is building 600 bunkers and a military base on the border with Russia.
A Russian court sentenced Australian Oscar Jenkins to 13 years in prison for participating in hostilities on the side of Ukraine. Australia has accused Russia of a sham trial.
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.
A man tried to cross the border with Slovakia on a monowheel, but he was caught by a camera trap. He was 300 meters away from the border when he was stopped by a border patrol.
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.
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.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andriy Sybiha, called for increased pressure on Russia after a deadly attack on a bus in the Sumy region. As a result of the attack, 9 people died and 7 more were injured.
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 presidential elections in Poland may influence relations with Ukraine, especially regarding the Volhynia tragedy and support for EU accession. Various scenarios are being considered depending on the winner.
Over the past day, Ukrainian defenders eliminated 910 Russian soldiers. Also, 155 enemy drones and 34 artillery systems were destroyed.
May 17 is World Telecommunication Day, Hypertension Day, Science Day in Ukraine and Pulmonologist Day. They also honor the memory of the Apostle Andronicus and Saint Junia.
On May 17, cloudy weather with clearings is expected in Ukraine, moderate rain in the western and northern regions, thunderstorms with hail in the rest of the territory. Southeast wind, temperature from +8 to +24 °С.
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.
An industrial hemp processing plant with a capacity of 14,000 tons per year has been opened in Zhytomyr region. The company will resume production of fiber for the textile industry.
Minister Sybiha emphasized that the negotiations with Russia in Istanbul showed the need to put pressure on the aggressor. An exchange of 1,000 prisoners was agreed, but Russia is not ready for peace.
During negotiations in Istanbul on May 16, Russia made demands regarding Ukraine's neutral status, renunciation of reparations, and recognition of Russian territories. It also demanded a ceasefire.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed disappointment over Russia's lost opportunity to start ceasefire negotiations. During the talks, Russia made unacceptable demands and threatened to seize new territories.
Those liable for military service who were deemed partially fit before May 4 must undergo a repeat military medical examination. Those who do not appear by June 5 will be forcibly taken to the TCC by the police.
Since the beginning of the day, 115 combat clashes have occurred. Russian troops carried out 47 air strikes and over 3923 shellings of Ukrainian Armed Forces positions and populated areas.
"Kyivstar" plans to launch 5G in Lviv after pilot testing. Ukraine is preparing to switch to new technology, which is already used in developed countries.
Putin's plan to present the meeting in Istanbul as a continuation of March 2022 has failed. Ukraine will insist on a ceasefire and a direct meeting between Zelensky and Putin.
A meeting was held in The Hague regarding the establishment of a commission to review applications for Ukraine. Iryna Mudra emphasized that compensation should cover all damages from 2014.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, discussing support, strengthening air defense, and investments in drone production. He also held talks with the leaders of Denmark, Moldova, Bulgaria, and Sweden.
In a field in Kyiv region, sappers of the State Emergency Service seized the warhead of the Kh-101 cruise missile. It was safely transported to the training ground and destroyed by controlled explosion.