Trump says it’s a “big day” for Russia & Ukraine and he’s working to end the “endless bloodbath.” Promises a “better world” and a “BIG week ahead.”

So far? He’s accomplished exactly zero.

Macron on Putin’s offer for Ukraine talks: “A first step, but not enough.” Adding that Putin’s looking for a way out — but also just trying to buy time.

https://www.barrons.com/news/putin-s-proposed-ukraine-talks-a-first-step-but-not-enough-macron-a90f041c

Hungary has postponed consultations with the Ukrainian delegation on national minorities, originally set for May 12. The talks, expected to be the start of regular negotiations, were planned in Uzhhorod, where the Ukrainian team had already arrived.

"We’ll judge Russia by actions, not words," says State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce. Indeed, given how many times Russia has broken its word, talk is cheap. Concrete steps are what matter.

🇺🇦 Ukraine shot down 60 Shahed drones overnight and neutralized 41 decoy UAVs out of 108 launched by Russia. Sumy region suffered damage.

On the Pokrovsk front, Russian armor tried to push through — but the 3rd National Guard Brigade “Spartan” and nearby units were ready. The tank lit up the sky in a fireball, and the crew didn’t make it out.

Putin chose war — and rejected ending it in favor of a summer offensive, said Andrii Kovalenko, Head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation.

Zelensky: “It’s a good sign that Russia is finally thinking about ending the war. The first real step is a ceasefire. There’s no reason to keep killing, even for a day. We expect Russia to confirm a full, lasting, and reliable ceasefire starting May 12. Ukraine is ready to meet.”

Russian channels report that Ukrainian forces are attempting to break through in small infantry groups—without armored vehicles—trying to get control over Tetkino, Kursk region.

On May 7, a strike hit the central workshop of the "Bazalt" defense plant in Krasnoarmeysk, Moscow region — a key producer of air bombs, RPGs, and mortar rounds. The facility also handles R&D and weapons testing.

Putin’s call to negotiate in Istanbul might seem like a step toward peace, but in my opinion, it’s really just a push to revisit the 2022 Istanbul Communique and use this as a basis. That agreement would have forced Ukraine into permanent neutrality, stripping it of military alliances, and limiting its defense options — leaving it vulnerable to future Russian aggression.

The Communique also demanded Ukraine drastically reduce its military forces, making it almost defenseless. The security guarantees were weak and untrustworthy, with Russia holding veto power over any potential protection, which meant Ukraine could be left to fend for itself when faced with renewed Russian threats.

Additionally, Russia sought to impose conditions that undermined Ukraine’s sovereignty, such as recognizing Russian as an official language, lifting sanctions, and even amending Ukraine’s constitution to ensure it could never join NATO or any other defense alliance.

This proposal was not a peace deal; it was a blueprint for Ukraine’s capitulation. Ukraine’s sovereignty must come first in any real negotiations. Neutrality would only invite more Russian encroachment. Any genuine peace talks should focus on real security and long-term protection, not yielding to Russia’s terms.

Head of Ukraine's Presidential Office Andriy Yermak: First, 30 days of silence — then, the next steps. He emphasized that a ceasefire is the beginning of the path to ending the war and a real test of Russia’s willingness to stop the violence.

So predictable: Putin’s aide Ushakov says talks in Istanbul should be based on the 2022 proposals and the current “situation on the ground” — meaning Russia keeps occupied land.

The 2022 Istanbul deal was a blueprint for Ukraine’s surrender. Not a basis for peace.

🇮🇳🌊 India has opened a gate on the Chenab River dam, letting water flow toward Pakistan — right as a fragile ceasefire holds. This comes after India suspended a key water treaty following the Kashmir attack. It's still unclear whether this move is routine or tied to the ceasefire.

On May 7, a newly built facility at the "Shcheglovsky Val" plant — finished just this March — was destroyed in a strike. The site produces key Russian weapons systems like the Pantsir-S/S1 air defense systems, "Bakhcha-U" & "Berezhok" combat modules, and Kornet-EM ATGMs.

🇫🇷 Macron responds to Putin's Istanbul counter-proposal: "France and the U.S. offered a clear, unconditional 30-day ceasefire. Zelensky agreed — no strings attached. Now it’s Russia’s turn. No real talks can happen while bombs are falling. Ceasefire first. Peace talks after."

🇫🇷 President Macron supports the idea of deploying foreign troops in Ukraine to help stabilize the situation after hostilities with Russia. He estimates a few thousand foreign troops could be deployed, emphasizing that Ukraine's own army, with 1 million fighters, remains the largest in Europe

https://www.leparisien.fr/politique/avec-le-president-emmanuel-macron-dans-le-train-pour-kiev-la-cle-cest-davoir-des-troupes-en-ukraine-10-05-2025-UL3CV2SHTJFYJPIBOBYIQZAKGM.php

Putin has made it clear: first, negotiations on the causes, then talks on a ceasefire, said Russian MFA spokesperson Maria Zakharova, commenting on Zelensky's reaction. She claims Kyiv misread Putin’s statement regarding talks.

⚡️Baba Yaga dismantled a building with 5 Russian inside, work by the 38th Marines.

Special forces of the "Vincere Malum" unit 🇺🇦 of the Ukrainian GUR move through the swamp during a raid on enemy territory, possibly somewhere in the border zone.