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Military operation in Ukraine

Orban believes Ukraine agreement to follow Putin-Trump meeting

"It could only be reached if President Trump continues his peaceful initiative," the premier added

BUDAPEST, May 17. /TASS/. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban believes that the agreement on settlement of the conflict in Ukraine can only be reached as a result of a meeting between Russian and US presidents, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. Negotiations between Moscow and Kiev will be insufficient, he said.

"This will not work out. If you hope that Russians and Ukrainians will reach an agreement, you are mistaken. Over the past three years it could have happened any day, but it never happened. I conducted negotiations separately with them and was rebuffed," Orban said in an interview broadcast by the ТV2 television channel. In July 2024, he came with a peacekeeping mission to Kiev and Moscow where he met Vladimir Zelensky and Vladimir Putin.

"It could only be reached if President Trump continues his peaceful initiative," the premier added.

Direct talks between Russia and Ukraine, their first since 2022, were held in Istanbul on May 16, lasting nearly two hours. Head of the Russian delegation Vladimir Medinsky, who serves as a Russian presidential aide, said after the talks that the Russian side is satisfied with their results and is ready to continue contacts. According to Russia’s chief negotiator, the sides agreed to exchange 1,000 Russian POWs for 1,000 Ukrainian POWs. He also said that Ukraine had requested direct talks between the two countries’ leaders and the Russian side had "taken note of this request.".

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Moscow ready to work with Kiev on memorandum on potential peace treaty — Putin

"Russia is ready and will continue to work with the Ukrainian side on a memorandum on a potential future peace treaty outlining a number of positions, such as settlement principles, the timeframe for signing a potential peace agreement, and so on, including a potential ceasefire for a certain period in case relevant agreements are reached," the Russian leader said

Slovak PM says Russia is Europe’s second largest LNG supplier to Europe

Robert Fico also slammed the European Union’s policy of curtailing Russian energy imports to the EU countries and stressed that his country is interested in supplies of cheap energy sources from Russia

Russian paratroopers repel Ukrainian army’s attempts to land on left bank of Dnieper River

Expert Vitaly Kiselyov said that the Ukrainian military is aware that its forces are running out

Iranian parliament to approve strategic partnership treaty with Russia soon

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei emphasized that the strategic partnership between Iran and Russia was "very important"

German-made Leopard tanks inferior to Russian armor — Rostec

The state tech corporation said that Russian-made T-72B3M, T-80BVM and T-90M vehicles are the serial-produced tanks best adapted to modern warfare

Conversation with Trump to be based on results of Istanbul talks — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov stated that the Kremlin would give the maximum information possible based on the results of the conversation

Top Hungarian diplomat warns against admitting Ukraine into EU

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto also warned that Ukraine’s hasty accession to the EU, Brussels insists on, will lead to a direct military confrontation with Russia

At least hundred Ukrainian troops wiped out in battles for DPR's Bogatyr — commander

He added that the Ukrainian grouping in the settlement was quite large, but a significant part of the troops, who lacked combat experience, fled when Russian servicemen approached the village

Israeli strikes on Gaza Strip kill over 150 Palestinians on May 18 — TV channel

On March 18, the Israeli army resumed fighting in the Gaza Strip, launching massive attacks on the Palestinian enclave and violating a ceasefire reached in January

Romania’s presidential election was 'odd to say the least' — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov’s comments come in the wake of remarks by Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov about European countries’ interference in the elections in Romania

Lavrov calls Zelensky "nothing man" for demanding Putin come to Istanbul

The Russian foreign minister recalled that Zelensky made some statements demanding that Putin attend in person

Foreign mercenaries fight on Ukrainian side in Volnoye Pole

The uniforms of the dead enemy soldiers had foreign stripes and chevrons

Ukraine redeploys Aidar militants to border with Dnepropetrovsk Region

Тhe security source added that the Ukrainian army is rushing to relocate forces to the border between the two regions attempting to bolster defenses on that section of the frontline

Nicusor Dan winning second round of presidential election in Romania — exit polls

Dan’s rival, the leader of the opposition nationalist Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, George Simion, is scoring 45.9% of votes

Musk supports Telegram founder’s refusal to block channels of Romanian conservatives

Pavel Durov specified that French intelligence chief Nicolas Lerner had asked him to block the channels of Romanian conservatives on the eve of the presidential election but was rebuffed

Press review: Russia, Ukraine may hold new talks in Istanbul as EU eyes Baltic oil flows

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, May 19th

Dialogue between Russia, US evokes cautious optimism — CSTO secretary general

As Imangali Tasmagambetov, the very fact that Russian and US officials remain in contact is important for "normalizing the military and political situation in the world"

Putin says his conversation with Trump lasted more than 2 hours

"It was very substantive and very frank, and on the whole, in my opinion, in this regard, very useful," the Russian leader noted

Trump wants peaceful resolution, ceasefire in Ukraine — White House

"Donald Trump is working very hard to fix it," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said

Liberation of Alexandropol to increase pressure on Ukrainian army in DPR

Additionally, the presence of Russian forces in that residential area will speed up an offensive on Konstantinovka

Russia discovers hundreds of civilians buried in mass graves in Lugansk People’s Republic

Head of the Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin said that investigators continue to search for missing people and are working to identify the bodies of the civilians buried in unmarked graves in Donbass

Russia to prefer to achieve special operation’s goals by diplomatic methods — Kremlin

"When there is no room for maneuvers left on the political and diplomatic track, then a special military operation has to be launched," Dmitry Peskov emphasized

US nukes in Poland to become target for Russia should confrontation with NATO occur — MFA

"The impression is that Warsaw is maniacally seeking to attract even more attention from military planners in the Russian General Staff," Maria Zakharova added

Russia receives first sovereign rating from foreign agency since onset of special op

The agency explained that the Russian economy has been steadily adjusting to sanctions and showing resilience to shocks, while geopolitical risks have been stabilizing

Warsaw Mayor Trzaskowski leads in Poland's presidential election — exit polls

According to these results, Trzaskowski received 31.1% of the votes, while Nawrocki got 29.1%

Expansion of exchanges between Russian, Chinese regions helps find new projects — Lavrov

"The Khabarovsk Region, with its rich experience of successful work with Chinese friends, holds leading positions in regional interaction," the Russian Foreign Minister noted

Russia to feature battle-tested military hardware at Malaysia arms show

According to the report, most weapons systems had undergone severe tests in real combat conditions and their upgrade taking this experience into account

Starmer discusses Ukraine with Trump, Macron, Merz, Meloni

According to the news agency, ahead of Trump's conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 19, Western leaders "discussed the need for an unconditional ceasefire"

Russia repaid lend-lease debts to US only under Putin — Kremlin spokesman

"A total of $11 billion was spent on lend-lease aid," Dmitry Peskov specified

Trzaskowski, Nawrocki to vie for Polish presidential office in second round of voting

The final voting results are expected to be announce either late on May 19 or early on May 20

Ukrainian POWs may not want to leave good treatment in Russia to come back home — lawmaker

During the first talks between the delegations of Russia and Ukraine in three years in Istanbul, the sides reached an agreement on exchanging 1,000 prisoners of war from each side

Poland’s Electoral Commission tallies 99.7% of votes, runoff ahead

According to the calculations, Rafal Trzaskowski has garnered 31.2%, with Karol Nawrocki trailing with 29.7%

Nicusor Dan wins Romanian presidential election — preliminary results

Romanian media outlets have declared Dan the winner, as 850,000 votes remain to be counted, and the current margin between the candidates is 898,000 votes

Trump still considering secondary sanctions against Russia — White House

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that "everything is on the table"

Prosecutor General's Office declares Amnesty International undesirable in Russia

The PGO explained that since the beginning of the special military operation Amnesty International activists have been doing everything possible to fuel the military confrontation in the region

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day

The settlement of Maryino in the Sumy Region and the settlement of Novoolenovka in the DPR were liberated through decisive operations

Vance, Rubio discuss with Zelensky progress of Ukraine talks — White House

During a meeting in Rome, Vance, Rubio, and Zelensky "discussed their shared goal" of concluding the conflict and "provided updates on the current state of negotiations for a ceasefire and lasting peace"

Trump, Putin start phone talks — White House official

According to the official, Trump will speak by phone with Vladimir Zelensky afterward

Russia hopes Iran, US reach agreement on nuclear program — deputy foreign minister

Andrey Rudenko underlined that it is important for Moscow that these discussions yield a positive outcome

Preconditions for stabilization on Korean Peninsula in sight — CSTO secretary general

The Russian Foreign Ministry has reiterated Moscow’s stance, emphasizing that the resolution of issues on the Korean Peninsula must be pursued through political and diplomatic means

Effectiveness of Iran's air defenses increases 3 times — chief of General Staff

Mohammad Bagheri noted that any violation of Iran's airspace would result in significant losses for the enemy

Aviation agency says many countries ready to resume air traffic with Russia

According to Dmitry Yadrov, Russian airlines are ready to fly to certain countries, but they need guarantees that their aircraft will receive necessary maintenance and will not be subject to sanctions-related restrictions

Russia to prepare list of ceasefire terms, hand it over to Ukraine — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the specific content of the document would not be disclosed, as the negotiation process remains confidential

Russian agency investigates over 3,000 Ukrainian shelling attacks of Russian territory

According to Alexander Bastrykin, investigators have recorded the deaths of more than 620 civilians from shelling of Russian territory

West to rig upcoming Moldovan elections just like it did in Romania — opposition leader

Ilan Shor said that the opposition would do everything it could to ensure a fair vote in Moldova

Russia’s special military-op in Ukraine aimed at long-lasting peace — Putin

The president stressed that Russia has ample forces to complete the special military operation and reach the designated objectives

Russia’s West battlegroup destroys Starlink station, 34 UAV control points

Over the past 24 hours the enemy lost 15 mortar crews and 3 robotic platforms

Russian forces hit Ukrainian military’s soft underbelly near Konstantinovka — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the Russian troops are corrently advancing from three directions toward this community

West seeks to use UN reform to curb Russia’s global role — senior diplomat

Kirill Logvinov suggested that a renaissance was in store for the United Nations

Russian air defenses down 75 Ukrainian UAVs, seven JDAM smart bombs over day

Overall, the Russian Armed Forces have destroyed 662 Ukrainian warplanes, 283 helicopters, 57,591 unmanned aerial vehicles, 605 surface-to-air missile systems and 35,641 special military motor vehicles since the start of the special military operation, the ministry reported

Phone call with Trump to be held at 5 p.m. Moscow time — Kremlin

The most recent phone conversation between Putin and Trump was held on March 18

Russia in Ukraine talks follows principles set forth by Putin in 2024 — diplomat

Maria Zakharova stressed that Moscow has been acting based on these guidelines "in a systematic, principled and logical manner"

Argentinian president accuses journalist of deliberately hitting him with microphone

The anchor noted that the reporter had hit Milei with the soft part of the microphone

US, Russia to decide on time, location of Trump-Putin meeting — Rubio

In an interview with CBS News, the top US diplomat noted that currently, the US and Russian sides must determine when and where such a meeting will take place and its main topics

Ex-Moldovan leader says foreign actors meddled in Romania’s presidential rerun

Igor Dodon said that Nicusor Dan secured victory because globalists banned his main rival Calin Georgescu from running

Trump wishes Biden ‘fast and successful recovery’

Earlier, Biden's office released a statement saying that the 46th US president had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer

Kremlin refuses to comment on alleged Istanbul negotiation terms

"Negotiations are taking place behind closed doors, just as they should - to ensure they are productive," Dmitry Peskov noted

Iran to continue enrichment activity, despite US statements — top diplomat

Witkoff said earlier in the day that the United States cannot allow Iran to continue enriching uranium as this may lead to weaponization, and this is his country’s principled position

Durov says rejected French intelligence chief’s request to ban Romanian conservatives

Earlier in the day, he said that a Western European government asked Telegram "to silence conservative voices in Romania" but he refused to do this

Expert describes liberation of Maryino in Sumy Region as Russian army’s strategic success

Maryino is more than 10 kilometers away from the Russian border, and this is a serious bid by the Russian army to create a buffer zone

Zelensky fears Putin, Trump to make him face 'fait accompli' — newspaper

According to the newspaper, the Ukrainian side is experiencing "heightened anxieties" about the upcoming conversation between the leaders of the US and Russia

Israeli army begins demolition of Gaza hospital, locking 55 people inside building — TV

According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the Indonesian Hospital was the last functioning medical facility in northern Gaza and served approximately 400,000 people living in Jabalia, Beit Lahia, and Beit Hanoun

Russian forces encircle Ukraine troops in Donetsk area’s Konstantinovka

Russian Forces are making serious advances to the southwest of Konstantinovka

Putin-Trump meeting depends on deadlines they decide on — Kremlin spokesman

At the same time, Dmitry Peskov emphasized that "the meeting of the presidents should be productive"

Ukrainian troops shell residential areas in DPR eight times in 24 hours

There have been no reports on civilian injuries or fatalities

Trump committed to making Greenland part of US — the White House

The US leader has repeatedly said that Greenland, an autonomous region within Denmark, should be made a part of the United States

Poland to hold runoff presidential election

Rafal Trzaskowski and Karol Nawrocki are heading into Poland’s runoff presidential election which would be held on June 1

Normalization of relations with Russia has become Trump's priority — expert

"This involves re-establishing economic ties in an effort to bring Russia closer to the United States," Carlo Masala specified

Lavrov, Rubio discuss results of Istanbul talks in phone conversation — Foreign Ministry

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Rubio "welcomed agreements to swap the prisoners of war and to prepare each side’s concept of conditions leading to a ceasefire and emphasized Washington’s readiness to continue assistance in seeking ways to settle the situation"

African countries understand root causes of Ukrainian crisis, West’s role in it — diplomat

"Non-alignment with sanctions against Russia is a clear demonstration of the firm and confident position of our African partners," director of the ministry’s department of partnership with Africa Tatiana Dovgalenko said

Center-right coalition winning Portugal’s snap parliamentary elections

According to the ministry, the coalition is garnering 37.61% of votes

Australia delivers promised decommissioned Abrams tanks to Ukraine — PM

Anthony Albanese pointed out that the promised M1A1 Abrams tanks are being delivered to Ukraine and pledged to "continue to provide military support" to the country

Biden diagnosed with prostate cancer with metastasis to bone tissue — statement

The White House has not yet responded to TASS' request for comment on the detection of cancer in the former US leader

Zelensky orders to set up permanent team of negotiators for talks with Russia

While Zelensky did not disclose the names on the expanded team, he said Kiev was ready for direct contacts with Moscow

Nicusor Dan wins Romania's presidential election, losing diaspora vote

Bucharest Mayor received 53.93% of the votes after 99.4% of the ballots were counted

NATO countries are holding Brave Boar exercise in Poland near Russian border

The primary objective of this exercise is to enhance NATO units' operational interoperability under combat conditions

Moscow ready to work with Kiev on memorandum on potential peace treaty — Putin

"Russia is ready and will continue to work with the Ukrainian side on a memorandum on a potential future peace treaty outlining a number of positions, such as settlement principles, the timeframe for signing a potential peace agreement, and so on, including a potential ceasefire for a certain period in case relevant agreements are reached," the Russian leader said

US envoy says hopes Putin-Trump phone call will be successful

Among the topics he cited the Ukrainian settlement and trade. Apart from that, in his words, he would call Zelensky and leaders of NATO countries after his phone talks with Putin

Su-30 jets play key role in strengthening Myanmar's combat aviation capabilities — PM

"I am confident that the Russian side can train qualified specialists in the field of education, which will benefit Myanmar's army and be beneficial for our state," Min Aung Hlaing concluded

Inaugural mass for Pope Leo XIV underway at St. Peter’s Square

The largest delegations that arrived for the ceremony are from Italy, Peru, and the United States

Russia readies lawsuits for UN court against Ukraine, some Western countries — MFA

According to official at the Russian Foreign Ministry’s legal department Konstantin Kosorukov, the West unleashed a full-on legal war against Russia in recent years

US determined not to allow Iran continue uranium enrichment — special envoy

The United States and Iran have held four rounds of Oman-brokered talks on settling differences around Tehran’s nuclear program

Renowned Russian choreographer Yuri Grigorovich dies at age of 98

He was a choreographer at Moscow’s Bolshoi Theater from 2008

Aidar militants abandoning positions on border with Dnepropetrovsk Region

The security source added that survivors who did not manage to escape refuse to take part in further combat

Russia highly values US mediation efforts on Ukraine settlement — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov also confirmed to TASS that preparations were underway for a telephone call between the Russian and US leaders later on Monday

Putin, Trump expected to talk over phone

According to Trump, the conversation will cover the Ukrainian settlement and trade

Biden diagnosed with aggressive form of cancer — media

"The president and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians," The New York Times reported

Kiev lost 4,200 soldiers, mercenaries in one week near LPR — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the most significant damage to enemy manpower occurred within the zone of the West group’s responsibility

Israel engages five divisions in Gaza Strip operation — army

According to the spokesman, as part of the ground maneuvers launched, the Israeli army will "increase operational control in the Gaza Strip, including dividing the territory and distancing the population for its safety"

First batch of 2,000 Gepard kamikaze drones arrives for Russian troops

The Gepard features a ‘blind’ takeoff capability to counter enemy electronic reconnaissance and make the crew safe at the launch site

West will have to stop abusing UN Charter — Russian Foreign Ministry

Kirill Logvinov, Director of the Department of International Organizations at the Russian Foreign Ministry, stressed that Russia is committed to fostering international cooperation

Ukraine loses up to 1,345 troops in special op zone over past day

In the responsibility zone of the Battlegroup North, Ukrainian forces lost an armored combat vehicle, six automobiles, and five field artillery guns

Istanbul meeting draws noose around Zelensky's neck even tighter — politician

Zelensky hoped the Western media would amplify his outcry, declare him a hero, and allow him to return to Kiev in triumph. However, this scenario was doomed from the outset," Viktor Medvedchuk said

Investigative Committee completes probes into 430 cases of Ukrainian soldiers, mercenaries

IC Chief Alexander Bastrykin disclosed that more than 3,300 mercenaries from over 70 countries have participated in the armed conflict on Ukraine’s side

US to pull out of peace process on Ukraine, if parties fail to agree — DJ Vance

The US Vice President noted that "there's a bit of an impasse" at the talks on settling the Ukrainian conflict but the United States is ready to be "a partner for peace"

DPR thwarts over 240 Ukrainian air attacks in past week

The regional Federal Security Service added that Ukrainian troops attempted to attack Gorlovka with two "flying wing" drones and two quadcopters armed with explosive payloads

Russia to prepare document on Ukraine with demands for ceasefire — Rubio

The Secretary of State noted that, during their conversation, he had also wanted to know Lavrov's opinion on the negotiations that took place in Istanbul on May 16

French foreign ministry denies alleged interference in election in Romania

Earlier in the day, Telegram messenger’s co-founder Pavel Durov wrote on his channel that Telegram had refused to silence channels of Romanian conservatives ahead of the presidential election in that country as was requested by a European country

Romanian foreign ministry sees signs of Russia’s interference in presidential election

Romania is holding the runoff presidential election on May 18

Analyst sees loss of Ukraine’s another F-16 as blow to reputation of its Air Force

According to the Mikhail Khodaryonok, Kiev deliberately confined the announcement to general phrases, as it didn’t want to suggest the possibility that the jet could have been shot down by a Russian anti-aircraft missile or a long-range air-to-air missile

Ukrainian army fired about 100 munitions on Belgorod Region in one day

Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said that authorities successfully jammed and shot down twelve drones during these attacks

	
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