🇺🇸 Trump will make a statement soon, a U.S. administration official told CNN.

I'll give you a preview: I HAD A GREAT CONVERSATION WITH PUTIN. HE MUST STOP THIS WAR - AND HE WANTS TO. I EXPECT SOMETHING TO HAPPEN IN THE NEXT 2 WEEKS. RUSSIA AND UKRAINE ALREADY LOST MILLIONS OF PEOPLE. THIS WOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED IF I WAS PRESIDENT. SLEEPY JOE ALLOWED THIS TO HAPPEN. NOW UKRAINE MUST MAKE CONCESSIONS TOO. THIS MUST STOP. VOLODYMYR AND VLADIMIR, SOLVE THIS!

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov: “Trump’s position is neutral and he’s genuinely engaged in settlement efforts, unlike European politicians whose stance is openly pro-Ukraine.”

🇮🇹 Italy will provide Ukraine with another SAMP/T air and missile defense system as part of its 11th military aid package — this comes on top of the recently reported 400 M113 APCs. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto emphasized Italy's continuous commitment to Kyiv's security.

Trump asked Zelensky before his conversation with Putin what he should discuss with him, according to WSJ. Zelensky said Trump should focus on the already proposed 30-day ceasefire and the possibility of a Russia-Ukraine summit with his involvement.

An even bigger nothingburger than expected:

After a 2-hour chat, Trump claims Russia & Ukraine will begin negotiations for a ceasefire & end to the war. But no real details or breakthroughs, just promises of "massive trade" and "unlimited potential" post-war. He informed Zelensky & European leaders, with the Pope reportedly interested in hosting talks.

Ukraine has been offered the opportunity to submit a case against North Korea to the International Criminal Court for supporting Russia's war against Ukraine. Former ICC President Song Sang-hyun stated that now is the "right moment" for Kim Jong-un to be held accountable for his military aid to Moscow.

The UK and EU struck a post-Brexit deal. Ursula von der Leyen says this boosts support for Kyiv, with stronger security and defense cooperation in the mix.

"This will create new opportunities, of course, for our defence industries and open the option for stronger, more coordinated support also for Ukraine," she said.

According to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, Trump and Putin didn’t discuss any timeline for a possible ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine during their recent call.

In addition, the conversation also focused on a potential 9-for-9 prisoner swap between the US and Russia. Trump reportedly told Putin he’s welcome to call him anytime, though no date or location has been set yet for an in-person meeting.

Zelensky expressed his desire for a ceasefire as a first step to assess Russia's willingness to end the war. He welcomed President Trump's proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, viewing it as a positive development. Ukraine is awaiting Russia's version of the memorandum to proceed.

Zelensky shared details of his recent conversation with Trump, emphasizing that he asked Trump not to make any decisions about Ukraine without Ukraine’s direct involvement. He made it clear that Ukraine will not withdraw its forces from its own territory and will not yield to any ultimatums from Russia.

Discussions are underway about the possibility of another meeting involving delegations from the U.S., Ukraine, Russia, and key European countries. For now, Zelensky said, Ukraine is waiting to see what proposal Russia brings to the table.

🇪🇺 German Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed that the EU will intensify sanctions on Russia, aligning with the U.S. after Trump's call with Putin. Merz emphasized Europe's unified stance and commitment to supporting Ukraine toward a ceasefire.

President Zelensky highlighted the necessity for the U.S. to ensure Russia doesn't profit further from the war.

President Zelensky has firmly stated that Ukraine will not abandon its NATO aspirations or declare neutrality as demanded by Russia. He emphasized that Ukraine's status is enshrined in its Constitution, leaving no room for compromise on this matter.

The 19/05/25 SitRep on Ukraine is ready: https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1924560312780394778.html

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A North Korean supplied 170mm M1978 Koksan self-propelled artillery system used by Russian forces against Ukraine, likely in the Kursk region. The first footage from such a close distance

EU leaders are worried Trump’s stepping back from Ukraine peace efforts — and letting Putin call the shots. After calls with both leaders, Trump said Russia & Ukraine will "immediately start negotiations,” but one EU official said it’s clear he’s “not ready to put greater pressure” on Moscow.

“Putin said he has great respect for my wife,” — Trump

“I jokingly replied: ‘What about me?’ Seems like he likes Melania more than he likes me,” the U.S. president added.

🤦‍♂️

🇺🇸 Trump: "The war in Ukraine should've remained Europe’s problem — the U.S. shouldn't have intervened."

He says if there's no real progress, the U.S. will hand over the lead role in resolving the conflict to Europe — though he's also open to increasing arms supplies if needed.

Good night, sleep well. See you all tomorrow!

Good morning ☕️