Putin to skip Istanbul talks, Lavrov and Ushakov to represent Russia amid ceasefire tensions with Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly not planning to travel to Istanbul on Thursday, reports Gulagu.net, citing sources close to the Putin’s security. Instead, the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Kremlin advisor Yuri Ushakov are said to be preparing to head to Turkey.
According to Gulagu.net, if any (highly unlikely) personal agreement is reached with U.S. President Donald Trump, a visit by Putin could be arranged at any moment.
However, for the time being, meetings are …
Ukrainian drone attack disables key Russian defense plant in Bryansk region
In a significant blow to Russian defense infrastructure, Ukrainian forces have successfully launched an attack on the Strela Radio Engineering Plant in the Bryansk region. The plant, closely tied to Russia's defense sector, was engulfed in flames following the strike, leading to its complete destruction. Satellite images reveal the obliteration of key manufacturing buildings and storage facilities, rendering the site inoperable.
The Strela plant was under contract with Russia's Ministry of …
Russia insists on Istanbul talks with Ukraine before establishing long-term ceasefire
In a recent push for diplomacy, Moscow has emphasized the need for negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul before the potential establishment of a long-term ceasefire. On Sunday, May 11, Maria Zakharova, the official spokesperson for Russia's Foreign Ministry, referenced President Vladimir Putin’s overnight statement, which explicitly highlighted the “necessity of a negotiation process to address the root causes” of the war initiated by Russia against Ukraine.
Zakharova, as cited by Russia's …
Russia launches 108 drones in coordinated overnight assault on Ukraine
In a series of coordinated attacks, Russian forces launched 108 drones targeting multiple locations across Ukraine.
Early Sunday, May 11, Ukraine's Air Defense Forces reported having intercepted 60 Shahed attack drones over the eastern, northern, southern, and central regions of the country. An additional 41 decoy drones failed to reach their targets and were lost, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.
The drone launches were conducted from several Russian regions, including Bryansk, …
Erdogan proposes Istanbul as venue for renewed Ukraine-Russia peace talks
In a recent phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed his offer to host negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul. Erdogan emphasized that the conflict between the two nations has reached a historic turning point and that this opportunity should not be missed. He stressed Turkey's commitment to facilitating a ceasefire and lasting peace, according to a statement from Erdogan's administration.
The Turkish president also …