PRISONER EXCHANGE TALKS
Russia launches one of war's largest air attacks on Kyiv
Russia intensified attacks on Ukraine. Kyiv and Odesa faced significant air strikes. A maternity ward in Odesa was hit. Casualties reported in both cities. Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv suffered damage. Moscow claims retaliation for Ukrainian attacks. Ukraine urges allies to enforce peace and provide air defense. Talks show little progress.
Russia, Ukraine swap first prisoners in large-scale exchange
Russia and Ukraine on Monday swapped a first group of captured soldiers -- part of an agreement reached during peace talks that appeared to be in doubt over the weekend. Russia's defence ministry also confirmed the swap was part of "agreements reached on 2 June in Istanbul".
Russia awaits Ukraine's confirmation on a planned exchange of dead fighters, officials say
Russian and Ukrainian officials trade accusations over a delayed prisoner exchange of 6,000 bodies, while Russia claims advances into Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region. Both sides report aerial attacks, with casualties and damage in Kharkiv and Belgorod. Despite agreements made in Istanbul, the body repatriation process faces obstacles, with each side blaming the other for hindering progress.
Russia says pushing offensive into Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region
Russia announced its forces are pushing into Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. This advance into a new region follows stalled peace talks where Moscow demanded Kyiv's concessions, including ending Western arms support and dropping NATO ambitions.
Russia accuses Ukraine of delaying POW exchange amid massive attack
Russia accused Ukraine of delaying a large-scale exchange of captured soldiers and the handover of killed soldiers' bodies, an agreement reached during peace talks in Istanbul. Moscow claims to have prepared for the exchange, sending bodies and a list of POWs, urging Kyiv to proceed immediately.
Russia accuses Ukraine of 'postponing' POW swap
Russia on Saturday accused Ukraine of postponing a large-scale prisoner swap and the repatriation of the bodies of dead soldiers they had agreed on during peace talks in Istanbul. Delegations from Moscow and Kyiv agreed on Monday to swap all wounded soldiers and those under the age of 25 who were still held as POWs. It was the only concrete outcome from the talks, at which Russia has repeatedly rejected Ukrainian calls for an immediate ceasefire.
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Deadly Russian bombardment of Ukraine further dampens hopes for peace
Russia launched a major aerial attack on Ukraine. The strikes hit several regions, causing casualties and damage. Kyiv emergency workers were among those killed. Ukraine claims to have shot down many missiles and drones. Russia says it targeted military sites. Meanwhile, Ukrainian drones also targeted Russian regions. Air defenses were activated in Moscow.
Russia’s death toll nears a million in its deadliest war since WWII and there's no end in sight yet
Russia is expected to cross one million troop casualties in its war on Ukraine by summer 2025, according to a new CSIS report. With 250,000 Russian soldiers reportedly killed, the war has seen unprecedented losses since World War II. Despite the human and material toll, Russia has captured only 12% of Ukrainian territory. Analysts say President Putin’s strategy shows disregard for soldiers’ lives, and his campaign risks becoming unsustainable unless Western support for Ukraine falters.
Kerch bridge hit by Ukraine with underwater explosives: Why is the Crimean Bridge is so important to Putin?
Ukraine has detonated a massive underwater blast targeting the key road and rail bridge connecting the Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula to Russia, damaging its underwater supports. The Ukrainian Security Service, known by its acronym SBU, claimed it damaged the foundations of the Kerch Bridge linking Russia and illegally annexed Crimea — a key artery for Russian military supplies in the war.
Kremlin says Ukraine peace talks remain complex, no quick resolution expected
The Kremlin has characterised the ongoing efforts to achieve a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine as exceptionally intricate, cautioning against expectations of swift resolutions. Despite agreements reached in Istanbul regarding prisoner exchanges and the repatriation of deceased soldiers' remains, Russia insists on significant territorial concessions and military limitations from Kyiv as preconditions for ending hostilities.
Ukraine and Russia agree to swap 6,000 bodies of soldiers killed in three-year war
Russia and Ukraine have agreed to exchange 6,000 bodies of fallen soldiers, following recent peace talks in Turkey. Despite this agreement and discussions on prisoner releases, the talks yielded no significant progress towards ending the conflict. The meeting occurred after Ukraine's successful drone attacks on Russian air bases, which damaged a substantial portion of Moscow's strategic bomber fleet.
Donald Trump 'open' to meeting Ukraine, Russia leaders to push ceasefire
Donald Trump may meet Russian and Ukrainian leaders in Turkey. This follows stalled ceasefire talks in Istanbul. Recep Tayyip Erdogan proposed the summit. Vladimir Putin has not agreed, but Volodymyr Zelensky is willing. Trump wants both sides to negotiate. A prisoner exchange was agreed upon. Ukraine wants tougher sanctions on Russia. Russia demands Ukraine cede territory for a ceasefire.
Ukraine and Russia agree to swap dead and wounded troops but report no progress toward ending war
Russia and Ukraine met for peace talks, but failed to achieve a breakthrough. They agreed to exchange dead soldiers and wounded troops. Prior to the meeting, Ukraine launched drone attacks on Russian air bases. Russia responded with a large drone attack on Ukraine. Russia presented terms for ending the war, which included Ukraine withdrawing forces from annexed regions.
Asian stocks start cautious, dollar holds drop
Asian shares began cautiously following a tech-driven rally in US stocks, while bonds remained steady. Investors are closely monitoring trade war developments, including extended tariff exclusions and potential US-China talks. Japan faces debt market pressures, and Russia-Ukraine talks concluded without a resolution, setting the stage for a prisoner exchange. Market volatility is expected amid trade tensions and geopolitical concerns.
Piece talks! Kyiv & Moscow end negotiations in an hour
The warring sides met for barely an hour in the Turkish city of Istanbul, for only the second such round of negotiations since March 2022. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan described it as a great meeting and said he hoped to bring together Russia's Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a meeting in Turkey with US President Donald Trump.
"Brilliant operation carried out on enemy territory, Russia suffered significant losses": Zelenskyy
In his address to the nation on Sunday, Zelenskyy thanked Ukraine's Security Service and all those involved in the operation and mentioned that 117 drones were used in the operation. He noted that the preparation of the operation took over a year and a half and mentioned that planning, organisation and every detail were perfectly executed.
How Ukraine's 'Spider Web' attacked Russia's nuclear-capable strategic bombers in Siberia
Ukraine reportedly launched a drone attack on a Russian military base in Siberia, targeting nuclear-capable long-range bombers, marking the conflict's deepest strike into Russian territory. The attack, which involved Tu-95 and Tu-22 strategic bombers, occurred amidst escalating tensions and peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. Simultaneously, a highway bridge in Russia's Bryansk region was destroyed, resulting in casualties.
Russia and Ukraine step up the war on eve of peace talks
Amidst escalating conflict, Ukraine and Russia are set to engage in peace talks in Istanbul, following a major prisoner exchange. However, the lead-up to negotiations has been marked by intensified warfare, including drone battles, attacks on Russian territory, and advancements by Russian forces in Ukraine.
Putin's tough stance on a Ukraine peace plan shows his resolve on Russia's demands
Amid ongoing missile strikes, Putin demands Ukraine cede territory for peace, signaling a willingness to fight until his maximalist terms are met. Trump, while engaging with Putin, has warned against manipulation and threatened sanctions. As Russia intensifies its offensive and Ukraine faces weapons shortages, the specter of a prolonged conflict looms, with potential shifts in U.S. involvement adding further uncertainty.
US envoy Steve Witkoff says Hamas response to Gaza proposal "totally unacceptable"
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has rejected Hamas' response to the proposed ceasefire deal with Israel, deeming it "totally unacceptable." Witkoff urged Hamas to accept the US framework proposal as the basis for proximity talks to secure a 60-day ceasefire.
Evacuation order for 11 villages on Ukraine border with Russia
Authorities in Ukraine's Sumy region bordering Russia on Saturday ordered the mandatory evacuation of 11 villages because of bombardments, as Kyiv feared a Russian offensive there. A spokesman for Ukraine's border guard service, Andriy Demchenko, on Thursday said that Russia was poised to "attempt an attack" on Sumy.
Ukraine says it's ready to restart talks with Russia but needs clarity on Kremlin's terms
Ukraine is prepared to resume direct peace talks with Russia in Istanbul on Monday, pending the receipt of Moscow's proposed memorandum outlining its position on ending the conflict. Ukrainian officials insist on a constructive discussion and clarification of Russia's terms before negotiations proceed.
Israel accepts a US proposal for a temporary Gaza ceasefire and Hamas gives a cool response
A new U.S. proposal for a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been accepted by Israel, while Hamas is considering the draft. The proposal suggests a 60-day pause in fighting in exchange for hostages and the release of Palestinian prisoners.
Germany's Friedrich Merz offers to help Ukraine develop its own long-range missiles to hit Russia
Germany pledges to assist Ukraine in developing long-range missile systems without Western restrictions, aiming to bolster its defense capabilities. Simultaneously, Russia proposes peace talks in Istanbul, while Ukraine seeks a concrete memorandum outlining Moscow's position. Amidst ongoing conflict, both sides continue deep strikes, highlighting the urgent need for de-escalation and resolution.
Ukraine says hit by record drone salvo after Trump rebukes Putin
Russia fired 355 drones at Ukraine overnight in the biggest such attack since Moscow's 2022 invasion, Kyiv said on Monday, a day after Russian strikes killed 13 people. Ukraine's air force said Russia had launched "355 Shahed-type drones"that it was the largest drone attack since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. bur-oc/cad/bc
Trump blows hot and cold on Putin, with Ukraine war in limbo
President Trump is showing signs of frustration with Putin's actions in Ukraine, hinting at a potential shift in US policy. Despite his past admiration for the Russian leader, Trump criticized Putin's ambition to control all of Ukraine, warning of dire consequences for Russia. However, Trump continues to criticize Zelensky, creating uncertainty about the future of US involvement in the conflict.
Russia and Ukraine swap 303 more prisoners, hours after massive drone-and-missile attacks on Ukraine
Russia and Ukraine conducted another prisoner exchange, releasing hundreds. This swap occurred amidst ongoing conflict. A large-scale Russian drone and missile attack targeted Kyiv and other regions. The attack resulted in casualties and injuries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Western partners to increase sanctions on Russia. Fighting continues along the front line despite prisoner swaps. Both sides claim territorial gains.
Trump calls Putin “CRAZY”, predicts Russia's downfall due to the Ukraine war
Donald Trump criticised Vladimir Putin after Russia's extensive aerial attack on Ukraine. The attack involved drones and missiles, causing casualties and damage. Trump warned that Putin's ambition could lead to Russia's downfall. He also criticised Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy urged for stronger international pressure on Moscow. NATO increased defenses. Peace negotiations are currently stalled.
Russia, Ukraine trade drone fire at capitals amid prisoner swap
Amid ongoing conflict, Russia and Ukraine exchanged drone attacks on each other's capitals, resulting in injuries and airport restrictions. Simultaneously, a significant prisoner swap occurred, with hundreds of soldiers released on each side. Despite these developments, diplomatic efforts continue, but a resolution remains elusive as Russia persists with its offensive.
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