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 ☕️

Russian losses per 20/05/25 reported by the Ukrainian General Staff

+1030 men
+1 tank
+5 AFVs
+58 artillery
+1 MLRS
+118 UAVs

🇺🇦 Ukrainian air defense—including aircraft, air defense units, EW systems, and mobile fire teams—intercepted 93 drones (35 shot down, 58 jammed) out of 108 launched.

Trump: “Zelensky is a strong person, though not easy to deal with.” He believes the Ukrainian President wants to end the war. Meanwhile, the Kremlin states there is no set timeline for preparing a memorandum between Russia and Ukraine.

Exactly 6 years ago, on May 20, 2019, Volodymyr Zelensky was inaugurated as President of Ukraine — officially assuming office.

"Our next challenge is returning the lost territories. In all honesty, this wording does not seem entirely correct to me because it is impossible to return what has always been ours. Both Crimea and Donbas have been our Ukrainian land, but the land where we have lost the most important thing — the people," he said in his Inaugural Address.

Trump keeps saying he wants peace—his actions tell a different story. After talking to Putin for two hours, he refuses to impose new sanctions on Russia. Again, it’s all about appeasing the Kremlin. At some point, Europe and Ukraine need to stop pretending this is about peace. It’s not. It’s betrayal dressed up as diplomacy—and deep down, it’s all about money, not morals.

🇺🇦 On the Kursk front, the "Steel Border" brigade of Ukraine’s Border Guard struck Russian forces. Over the past day, Ukrainian forces destroyed Russian personnel shelter, a communications antenna, and two ATVs.