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.

President Erdogan stated that Turkey is ready to contribute in any way, including organizing negotiations, to ensure a ceasefire and lasting peace in Ukraine. 🇹🇷🇺🇦

🇺🇸 Trump's special envoy Kellogg: First comes an unconditional 30-day ceasefire — only then can peace talks begin. Not the other way around.

🇻🇦 Pope Leo XIV called for a "sincere and lasting peace" in Ukraine and an immediate end to fighting in Gaza with the release of hostages — warning the world is now living through a "third world war in pieces."

https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-leo-xiv-a16ff59f75260ca8baf5d90890523766

Recon troops from the 13th Khartiia Brigade are clearing Russian positions in the Kharkiv region. First person footage.

🇫🇷 French FM Barrot: Europe wants a seat at the table — but only after a ceasefire.

He says Europe's united call, backed by the U.S. and Ukraine, for an unconditional 30-day truce pushed Putin to take "a step in the right direction." Talks can't happen under fire — not after Bucha. Peace starts with silence.

https://www.radiofrance.fr/franceinter/podcasts/questions-politiques/questions-politiques-du-dimanche-11-mai-2025-6758757

Former national security adviser John Bolton thinks Putin might be overplaying his hand with Trump on Ukraine. Says Russia’s asking for too much, risking a backlash.

"Putin’s in one of the best spots he’ll get — and weirdly not grabbing a ceasefire, even though his army desperately needs the break."

https://thehill.com/policy/international/5294094-bolton-putin-at-risk-of-overplaying-his-hand-on-ukraine-talks/