Latest news with #SpecialMilitaryOperation
Egypt Independent
3 days ago
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
Drone strikes ahead of Russia-Ukraine peace talks leave Trump's credibility hanging by a thread
CNN — It was already hard to imagine a breakthrough emerging from the direct talks between Russia and Ukraine set to be renewed in Istanbul on Monday. But in the aftermath of what appear to have been multiple large-scale Ukrainian drone strikes against strategic bases across Russia, it's even less likely either side will be prepared to shift their red lines. Even before the latest strikes, which targeted Russian strategic aircraft thousands of miles from the Ukrainian border, the Kremlin had declined to formally set out, in the form of an agreed-to memorandum, what exactly it wants in return for ending what it refers to as its 'Special Military Operation'. But Russian officials have made no secret about their hardline terms, including sovereignty over all annexed territories, the demilitarization of Ukraine, immediate sanctions relief and what the Kremlin calls 'de-Nazification', involving things like guaranteeing the rights of Russian-speakers. Concerns about further NATO expansion toward Russian borders – especially Ukraine, but other countries too – have also been a consistent Kremlin grievance, as has the fate of hundreds of billions of dollars in frozen Russian assets abroad. There's been speculation in the Russian and Western media about areas for possible negotiation, and the outcome of the Istanbul talks are being closely watched for any hints of flexibility. But in the aftermath of what appears to have been a spectacular Ukrainian success, talk of Kremlin compromises may, for the moment, be off the table. Ukraine goes into this second round of direct talks bolstered by its apparent destruction of Russian strategic bombers and other crucial air assets. On Sunday, President Volodymyr Zelensky set out some of Ukraine's positions, including an unconditional ceasefire and the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia. But Russian demands for Ukrainian forces to withdraw from territory it claims but has not even conquered remain unpalatable, even more so now Ukraine has shown it can still strike deep behind the front lines. Smoke rises above the area following a Ukrainian drone attack in the Usolsky district of Russia's Irkutsk region, in this still image from a video published Sunday. Governor of Irkutsk Region Igor Kobzev/Handout via Reuters Even before the latest Ukrainian drone strikes, amid preparations for the peace talks in Istanbul, Russia was stepping up attacks on Ukraine in what seems to be the early stages of a new summer offensive. Overnight Saturday, Russia launched its largest drone attack on Ukraine since the beginning of the war – involving 472 drones. On Sunday, a Russian missile strike killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 60 at a training site for the Ukrainian military. As all this unfolds, an increasingly frustrated US President Donald Trump, who used to brag he could end the Ukraine war in short order, is now watching from the sidelines as a cornerstone of his stated foreign policy looks decidedly shaky. Neither his pressure on the Ukrainian leader, who Trump lambasted in the Oval Office, nor his recent scolding of the Kremlin ruler appear to have pushed the two sides any closer to a peace deal. Trump still has powerful levers to pull if he chooses, like imposing tough new sanctions, such as those overwhelmingly supported in the US Senate, or adjusting US military aid in a way that would dramatically increase the costs of fighting on. The measures may not be decisive, but they would send a message of US commitment. What Trump says he is tempted to do, though, is simply walk away from the whole mess. This is Biden's war, he insists, or Putin's and Zelensky's. But walking away – and it is unclear what that means in terms of US policy – may no longer be an option. At least not walking away unscathed. His own insistence on ending the Ukraine conflict, along with his personal interventions with the Ukrainian and Russian leaders, means that Trump and the United States are now inextricably linked with the outcome. That's why events on the battlefield and at the negotiating table in Istanbul are being watched so closely. Despite his regular attempts to disown it, the Ukraine war has very much become Trump's war on which US credibility now hangs by a thread.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Drone strikes ahead of Russia-Ukraine peace talks leave Trump's credibility hanging by a thread
It was already hard to imagine a breakthrough emerging from the direct talks between Russia and Ukraine set to be renewed in Istanbul on Monday. But in the aftermath of what appear to have been multiple large-scale Ukrainian drone strikes against strategic bases across Russia, it's even less likely either side will be prepared to shift their red lines. Even before the latest strikes, which targeted Russian strategic aircraft thousands of miles from the Ukrainian border, the Kremlin had declined to formally set out, in the form of an agreed-to memorandum, what exactly it wants in return for ending what it refers to as its 'Special Military Operation'. But Russian officials have made no secret about their hardline terms, including sovereignty over all annexed territories, the demilitarization of Ukraine, immediate sanctions relief and what the Kremlin calls 'de-Nazification', involving things like guaranteeing the rights of Russian-speakers. Concerns about further NATO expansion toward Russian borders – especially Ukraine, but other countries too – have also been a consistent Kremlin grievance, as has the fate of hundreds of billions of dollars in frozen Russian assets abroad. There's been speculation in the Russian and Western media about areas for possible negotiation, and the outcome of the Istanbul talks are being closely watched for any hints of flexibility. But in the aftermath of what appears to have been a spectacular Ukrainian success, talk of Kremlin compromises may, for the moment, be off the table. Ukraine goes into this second round of direct talks bolstered by its apparent destruction of Russian strategic bombers and other crucial air assets. On Sunday, President Volodymyr Zelensky set out some of Ukraine's positions, including an unconditional ceasefire and the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia. But Russian demands for Ukrainian forces to withdraw from territory it claims but has not even conquered remain unpalatable, even more so now Ukraine has shown it can still strike deep behind the front lines. Even before the latest Ukrainian drone strikes, amid preparations for the peace talks in Istanbul, Russia was stepping up attacks on Ukraine in what seems to be the early stages of a new summer offensive. Overnight Saturday, Russia launched its largest drone attack on Ukraine since the beginning of the war – involving 472 drones. On Sunday, a Russian missile strike killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 60 at a training site for the Ukrainian military. As all this unfolds, an increasingly frustrated US President Donald Trump, who used to brag he could end the Ukraine war in short order, is now watching from the sidelines as a cornerstone of his stated foreign policy looks decidedly shaky. Neither his pressure on the Ukrainian leader, who Trump lambasted in the Oval Office, nor his recent scolding of the Kremlin ruler appear to have pushed the two sides any closer to a peace deal. Trump still has powerful levers to pull if he chooses, like imposing tough new sanctions, such as those overwhelmingly supported in the US Senate, or adjusting US military aid in a way that would dramatically increase the costs of fighting on. The measures may not be decisive, but they would send a message of US commitment. What Trump says he is tempted to do, though, is simply walk away from the whole mess. This is Biden's war, he insists, or Putin's and Zelensky's. But walking away – and it is unclear what that means in terms of US policy – may no longer be an option. At least not walking away unscathed. His own insistence on ending the Ukraine conflict, along with his personal interventions with the Ukrainian and Russian leaders, means that Trump and the United States are now inextricably linked with the outcome. That's why events on the battlefield and at the negotiating table in Istanbul are being watched so closely. Despite his regular attempts to disown it, the Ukraine war has very much become Trump's war on which US credibility now hangs by a thread.
CNN
4 days ago
- Business
- CNN
Drone strikes ahead of Russia-Ukraine peace talks leave Trump's credibility hanging by a thread
It was already hard to imagine a breakthrough emerging from the direct talks between Russia and Ukraine set to be renewed in Istanbul on Monday. But in the aftermath of what appear to have been multiple large-scale Ukrainian drone strikes against strategic bases across Russia, it's even less likely either side will be prepared to shift their red lines. Even before the latest strikes, which targeted Russian strategic aircraft thousands of miles from the Ukrainian border, the Kremlin had declined to formally set out, in the form of an agreed-to memorandum, what exactly it wants in return for ending what it refers to as its 'Special Military Operation'. But Russian officials have made no secret about their hardline terms, including sovereignty over all annexed territories, the demilitarization of Ukraine, immediate sanctions relief and what the Kremlin calls 'de-Nazification', involving things like guaranteeing the rights of Russian-speakers. Concerns about further NATO expansion toward Russian borders – especially Ukraine, but other countries too – have also been a consistent Kremlin grievance, as has the fate of hundreds of billions of dollars in frozen Russian assets abroad. There's been speculation in the Russian and Western media about areas for possible negotiation, and the outcome of the Istanbul talks are being closely watched for any hints of flexibility. But in the aftermath of what appears to have been a spectacular Ukrainian success, talk of Kremlin compromises may, for the moment, be off the table. Ukraine goes into this second round of direct talks bolstered by its apparent destruction of Russian strategic bombers and other crucial air assets. On Sunday, President Volodymyr Zelensky set out some of Ukraine's positions, including an unconditional ceasefire and the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia. But Russian demands for Ukrainian forces to withdraw from territory it claims but has not even conquered remain unpalatable, even more so now Ukraine has shown it can still strike deep behind the front lines. Even before the latest Ukrainian drone strikes, amid preparations for the peace talks in Istanbul, Russia was stepping up attacks on Ukraine in what seems to be the early stages of a new summer offensive. Overnight Saturday, Russia launched its largest drone attack on Ukraine since the beginning of the war – involving 472 drones. On Sunday, a Russian missile strike killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 60 at a training site for the Ukrainian military. As all this unfolds, an increasingly frustrated US President Donald Trump, who used to brag he could end the Ukraine war in short order, is now watching from the sidelines as a cornerstone of his stated foreign policy looks decidedly shaky. Neither his pressure on the Ukrainian leader, who Trump lambasted in the Oval Office, nor his recent scolding of the Kremlin ruler appear to have pushed the two sides any closer to a peace deal. Trump still has powerful levers to pull if he chooses, like imposing tough new sanctions, such as those overwhelmingly supported in the US Senate, or adjusting US military aid in a way that would dramatically increase the costs of fighting on. The measures may not be decisive, but they would send a message of US commitment. What Trump says he is tempted to do, though, is simply walk away from the whole mess. This is Biden's war, he insists, or Putin's and Zelensky's. But walking away – and it is unclear what that means in terms of US policy – may no longer be an option. At least not walking away unscathed. His own insistence on ending the Ukraine conflict, along with his personal interventions with the Ukrainian and Russian leaders, means that Trump and the United States are now inextricably linked with the outcome. That's why events on the battlefield and at the negotiating table in Istanbul are being watched so closely. Despite his regular attempts to disown it, the Ukraine war has very much become Trump's war on which US credibility now hangs by a thread.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Crimea schools renamed en masse to glorify Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine
A large-scale project is underway in Russian-occupied Crimea to rename schools in honour of Russian "heroes" of the war against Ukraine, referred to by Russia as the "special military operation", and the Soviet army, under the initiative titled a hero's name for a school. Source: ( a project by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, citing an anonymous Crimean human rights activist Details: Local activists report that over 200 schools in Crimea have been renamed. Quote: "The Russian occupation authorities in Simferopol, Sudak, Dzhankoi, Kirovskyi, Rozdolne and Chornomorskyi districts are the most actively involved. In Simferopol, the Russian-installed City Council decided to rename 27 schools. For example, School No. 38 was renamed in honour of Vladislav Dorokhin, a so-called 'hero of the special military operation'. Memorial plaques, memory corners, historical displays and museums are being established in schools, and 'patriotic clubs' are being organised." The activist stated that the Russian occupying authorities aim to expand the project to more schools, describing it as having "a long-term ideological impact on Crimean schoolchildren, instilling Russian militaristic values, glorifying military aggression and celebrating participants in the war against Ukraine". Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
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First Post
08-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
FirstUp: All-party meet in Delhi after Operation Sindoor, 3-day ceasefire in Russia-Ukraine war... Today's headlines
The government will convene an all-party meet in New Delhi today following 'Operation Sindoor'. A three-day ceasefire will come into effect in Ukraine following Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and the chiefs of three services. File image/PTI It is set to be a busy Thursday with several events lined up for the day. Firstly, the government has called for an all party meeting today following the 'Operation Sindoor'. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin have announced three-day ceasefire on 'Special Military Operation' in Ukraine following Victory Day celebrations. Putin is set to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping. The Victory Day celebrations are set to take place across the world to mark the official end of World War II in Europe. In India, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is expected to chair a meeting with key trade promotion bodies today. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here is all that is set to take place throughout the day. Government calls for an all-party meeting The government has convened an all-party meeting to be held at 11:00 hours on Thursday, May 8th. This measure is being taken amidst a heightened state of national security following India's execution of cross-border strikes, codenamed 'Operation Sindoor', targeting terrorist infrastructure situated in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Union Minister Kiren Rijiju made the announcement on Wednesday via a post on X, stating that the meeting will be held at Committee Room G-074 in the Parliament Library Building, Parliament Complex, New Delhi. 'Govt has called an All Party leaders meeting at 11 am on 8th May, 2025 at Committee Room: G-074, in the Parliament Library Building, Parliament Complex in New Delhi,' Rijiju said on X. 3-day ceasefire in Russia-Ukraine war PresidXient Vladimir Putin of Russia, on Monday, announced the implementation of a 72-hour ceasefire within the context of the ongoing 'Special Military Operation' in Ukraine, which is to be observed in deference to the approaching Victory Day celebrations. Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a hold on war with Ukraine in view of VE Day celebrations. File image/AP 'By decision of the President of the Russian Federation, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation V.V. Putin, for humanitarian reasons, during the days of the 80th anniversary of the Victory, from midnight on May 7-8 until midnight on May 10-11, the Russian side declares a ceasefire. All military actions are suspended for this period,' read a statement issued by the Kremlin. Putin to hold talks with China's President Xi Jinping China's President Xi Jinping will pay an official visit to Russia from May 7-10, during which he will hold talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and attend the Victory Day celebrations, informed the Kremlin. 'During the talks, the main issues of further development of relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction, as well as current issues of the international and regional agenda will be discussed,' it said. The two leaders would sign several bilateral inter-governmental and inter-departmental documents during Xi's visit at the personal invitation of President Putin, it added. Victory in Europe Day celebrations Europe will mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, commemorating the end of World War II in Europe. Across the continent, nations honoured the sacrifices of the wartime generation with a blend of solemn remembrance and celebratory events. In the United Kingdom, a four-day series of events culminated in a grand military parade and flypast in London on Monday (May 6). King Charles, accompanied by senior royals and veterans, led the commemorations on the first day. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Piyush Goyal to share FTA details Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is expected to chair a meeting with key trade promotion bodies on May 8 to share details of the free trade agreement (FTA) reached between India and the United Kingdom, reported news website Moneycontrol. Commerce minister Piyush Goyal is expected to chair a meeting with key trade promotion bodies on May 8 to share details of the free trade agreement (FTA) reached between India and the United Kingdom, a source said. With inputs from agencies
