Russian military's financial and human costs in Ukraine war reach staggering heights in 2025
The Russian military's losses in its war against Ukraine have reached nearly $94 billion as of May 14, 2025, according to a report published on the Ukrainian Finance Ministry's portal. This figure has been accumulating since the full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022.
The data on Russian troop losses are based on summaries from the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. "The information regarding the average cost of equipment lost by the …
Russia relocates bulk of its strategic bombers to Siberia, 4,000 km from Ukraine
In a significant strategic move, Russia is reportedly moving its strategic aviation assets to the "Belaya" airbase, situated 85 km from Irkutsk in Siberia, a staggering 4,000 kilometers away from Ukraine's border.
Satellite images of the base, now available publicly, reveal the substantial number of bombers amassed by Russia.
According to Defence Express, as of May 7, 2025, the base housed 42 Tu-22M3 aircraft along with 7 each of Tu-95MS and Tu-160 bombers. The presence of 26 MiG-31 aircraft …
Kremlin: Russian delegation to meet Ukrainian representatives in Istanbul on May 15
Russian President Vladimir Putin has confirmed Russia’s readiness to enter into negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15, without any preconditions. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov conveyed the message during a press briefing, emphasizing that the composition of the Russian delegation remains undisclosed, pending instructions from President Putin himself. "Nothing has changed in this regard. We will provide the details once we receive the relevant directives from the president. No …
Zelensky seeks direct talks with Putin in Istanbul
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is pushing for a personal meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin during upcoming negotiations in Istanbul, emphasizing the importance of discussing a total ceasefire and a comprehensive prisoner exchange.
"We cannot expect to agree on everything immediately. It is impossible, as we have different life perspectives. Nevertheless, we must find a way to end the war. There are issues we need to agree on, though technical details can be discussed later. …
Brazil's President Lula aims to convince Putin to join Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has stated he intends to personally persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to participate in planned peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul. Lula da Silva plans to make a stop in Moscow on his return journey from China to Brazil and will "try to talk" to Putin, as he told journalists in Beijing on Wednesday, May 14.
"I have no problem saying: 'Hey, Comrade Putin, go to Istanbul and negotiate, for heaven’s sake,'" he said. The Brazilian President …