Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for resuming direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15, “without preconditions,” seeking a comprehensive, long-lasting peace agreement in place of an armistice that allows Ukraine to rebuild and rearm.

The leaders of Germany, France, Britain and Poland have told Vladimir Putin to agree to a 30-day ceasefire or face possible “massive” sanctions.

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has slammed Brussels for its continued support of Kiev, asserting that Ukraine’s war efforts against Russia are “doomed” to fail.

The United Kingdom has announced its largest-ever sanctions package against Russia in order to deal a blow to Russia’s oil transportation network and reduce Moscow’s energy revenues.

The European Commissioner for Defense Industry and Space says buying weapons for Ukraine from local manufacturers can double their volume.

Shortly after Donald Trump had threatened to walk away from peace talks Kiev agreed to sign a controversial minerals deal that awards half of Ukraine’s natural resources to the United States.

The Trump administration is making preparations for its first sale of military equipment to Ukraine.