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Russia’s war against Ukraine

Men carry the coffins during the funeral ceremony of 17-year-old Roman Martyniuk, his 11-year-old sister Tamara Martyniuk, and 8-year-old brother Stanislav Martyniuk, who were killed by a Russian missile strike, at a town hall in Korostyshiv, Zhytomyr Oblast, on May 28, 2025. Overnight on May 25, at least 13 Ukrainian civilians were killed in massive Russian strikes. (Roman Pilipey / AFP via Getty Images)
‘We’ll know in two weeks‘ if Putin serious about ending war, Trump says. U.S. President Donald Trump said he disapproved of Russia’s recent missile attacks on Ukrainian cities during ongoing diplomatic efforts. “That’s no good. We’re not going to allow it,” he said.
Putin-Zelensky meeting possible after ‘specific agreements,’ Russia says.
“Our position on the fundamental possibility of such a meeting has not changed,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.
Moscow proposes next round of Russia-Ukraine talks on June 2 in Istanbul. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the talks would be a continuation of negotiations launched in Istanbul on May 16.
Ukraine sends ceasefire memo, urges Russia to respond ahead of June 2 peace talks, Umerov says. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said on May 28 that Kyiv is still awaiting the Russian side’s proposed ceasefire memorandum, which was expected following peace talks in Turkey earlier this month.
11 more Ukrainian children rescued from Russian-occupied territories, Yermak’s advisor says. Among those rescued is a young girl whose mother and brother, both defenders of the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, spent more than three years in Russian captivity.
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Over half of Azov fighters returned to Ukraine, official says. The confirmed statistic, which includes multiple units who fought to defend the Azovstal Steel Plant in Mariupol, comes amid social media outcry criticizing Ukrainian authorities for failing to return certain captives, including Azov fighters, during the war’s largest 1,000-for-1,000 POW exchange.
UN commission says Russian drone attacks against Kherson amount to crimes against humanity. From July 2024, nearly 150 civilians have been killed and hundreds more wounded in drone strikes on Kherson city and 16 surrounding localities, according to the United Nation’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine.
Zelensky confirms his participation in G7 summit in June. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney invited Zelensky in March to attend the summit, shortly after he took office.
Ukrainian Security Service charges captured Russian soldier with executing POWs. According to the SBU, the soldier, a rifleman with Russia’s 40th Separate Marine Brigade, participated in the point-blank shooting of two detained Ukrainian servicemen on Jan. 9 near Kursk.
Ukrainian drones hit Russian cruise missile factory, SBU source says, in one of largest reported strikes of full-scale war. Dozens of Ukrainian drones were shot down by Russian air defenses as they approached Moscow, Mayor Sergey Sobyanin claimed on May 28.
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Ukraine war latest: Moscow proposes next round of Russia-Ukraine talks on June 2 in Istanbul
Moscow has proposed June 2 as the date for the next round of talks with Ukraine in Istanbul, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said. He added that the talks would be a continuation of the process launched during earlier negotiations on May 16 in Turkey.
Photo: Andriy Yermak / Telegram

‘A serious crisis’ — pro-Russian leader in Bosnia threatening peace in the Balkans
When a court convicted Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik of defying an international peace envoy in February, it was supposed to end his career in politics. He faced not only jail time, but a ban on holding public office. But three months later, little has changed.
Photo: Elvis Barukcic / AFP via Getty Images
Human cost of Russia’s war
Russian attacks against Ukraine kill 1, injure 46 over past day. Russia launched five Iskander-M or KN-23 ballistic missiles against Ukraine overnight, as well as 88 Shahed-type attack drones and decoy drones, the Air Force said.
International response
Germany pledges 5 billion euros in new aid to Ukraine, no Taurus missiles announced. The agreement includes direct German investments in Ukraine’s defense industry and a broader treaty between Kyiv and German arms manufacturers.
EU announces new Black Sea security strategy to counter Russian threats, top diplomat says. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas proposed creating a Black Sea Maritime Security Hub, envisioned as an early warning and monitoring system that would enhance situational awareness and protect key infrastructure.
Turkey, Belgium to join drone coalition for Ukraine. With the addition of Belgium and Turkey, the Drone Coalition will grow to 20 member states.
Trump holds off on sanctions to push Ukraine-Russia peace efforts. U.S. President Donald Trump said on May 28 that he has not yet imposed new sanctions on Russia because he believes a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine may be within reach.
Germany to help finance Ukrainian-made long-range systems. Germany and Ukraine will sign a memorandum on the joint purchase of “long-range fires” manufactured by Ukraine, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on May 28.
NASA astronaut on Russian colleagues backing war against Ukraine

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