This week, the world watched in anticipation for Russia’s Victory Day parade after President Volodymyr Zelensky commented that he could not guarantee the safety of those attending. Meanwhile, the European Union moves one step forward to banning Russian gas from the European continent. It is also revealed this week that U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has fallen out of step with the White House.
"(Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin... doesn't want to have a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine, but rather wants to meet on Thursday, in Turkey, to negotiate a possible end to the bloodbath. Ukraine should agree to this, immediately," U.S. President Donald Trump said.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to to Antalya, Turkey, for a NATO foreign ministers’ meeting from May 14–16, where he is expected to address the war in Ukraine and push for stronger Allied defense commitments.
The Kremlin said the leaders held a detailed discussion about the Russian initiative and Erdogan expressed full support, reiterating Turkey’s readiness to provide a venue and assist in organizing the negotiations.
Erdogan told Macron that international cooperation is critical for initiating peace negotiations and the "sensitive implementation" of Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction processes, the Turkish Presidency reported.
The assault began around 2 a.m. on May 11, with Russian forces deploying 108 Shahed-type attack drones and decoy UAVs from multiple directions, Ukraine’s Air Force said.
"Think of the hundreds of thousands of lives that will be saved as this never ending 'bloodbath' hopefully comes to an end... I will continue to work with both sides to make sure that it happens."
Ukrhydroenergo CEO, Ihor Syrota (L), and Italian Ambassador to Ukraine, Carlo Formosa (R), on April 16, 2025. The Italian government has transferred the first 25 million euros ($28.3 million) installment to help rebuild Ukraine's energy infrastructure. (The Italian Embassy in Ukraine)
The Italian government has transferred the first 25 million euros ($28.3 million) installment to help rebuild Ukraine's war-damaged energy infrastructure, the Italian Embassy in Ukraine told the Kyiv Independent on April 16.
The funds are part of a broader 200 million euros (around $227 million) initiative co-financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
The disbursed funds are directed to Ukraine's state-owned energy company Ukrhydroenergo. The project aims to implement urgent measures to restore energy access, reinforce critical power grids, and ensure delivery of essential services in the hardest-hit regions.
"This first financing is a concrete signal of Italy's strong support for Ukraine's energy sector, which has been severely tested by the war," said Italian Ambassador to Ukraine Carlo Formosa.
The initiative is also part of a 125 million euros (approximately $142 million) Italian assistance package focused on energy security and Ukraine's reconstruction. The aid is being delivered in coordination with Ukrainian institutions and international partners.
"The country's recovery begins with light, heat, and basic services that unite communities and make them resilient," Formosa added.
Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, Moscow has systematically targeted Ukraine's civilian energy infrastructure.
Although Ukraine agreed to a full 30-day ceasefire in U.S.-mediated talks held in Jeddah on March 11, Russia rejected the deal unless it included limitations on Ukraine's military and foreign aid.
A partial ceasefire, covering energy infrastructure and the Black Sea, was reached instead. Russia has since violated the terms of that limited agreement.
Tim Zadorozhnyy is a news editor at The Kyiv Independent. Based in Warsaw, he is pursuing studies in International Relations, focusing on European Studies. Tim began his career at a local television channel in Odesa. After moving to Warsaw, he joined the Belarusian opposition media outlet NEXTA, starting as a news anchor and later advancing to the position of managing editor.
Martin Fornusek
