Russian invasion

Negotiations
Kremlin: Ready for talks with Ukraine

The Kremlin says it is ready to start peace talks with Ukraine, AFP reports, citing state media.

The Kremlin also says that recognition of annexed Ukrainian regions is “absolutely necessary” for talks.

- The Russian side has repeatedly confirmed its readiness, which was also confirmed by the president, to start negotiations with Ukraine without any preconditions, spokesman Dmitry Peskov told state media.

International recognition of Russia’s ownership of Crimea, Sevastopol, the Donetsk People’s Republic, the Luhansk People’s Republic and the Kherson and Zaporizhia regions is absolutely necessary, Lavrov said in an interview with the Brazilian newspaper O Globo, in connection with his participation in a BRICS meeting in Rio de Janeiro. TT reports.

Trump: Believes Zelensky is ready to give up Crimea

Volodymyr Zelensky is probably ready to give up the Russian-annexed Crimean peninsula to achieve a ceasefire, says US President Donald Trump.

– Yes, I think so, said Trump when asked by American reporters last night.

Trump was positive about the meeting in St. Peter's Basilica just before Pope Francis' funeral. It was the first time he and Zelensky met since the brawl at the White House in February.

– I think he was calmer. I think he understands the situation and that he wants to make a deal, said Trump. 

Fighting
Putin thanks Kim and the entire North Korean people for their help: "Genuine friendship"

Russian President Vladimir Putin personally thanks North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un for his country's help in the war against Ukraine. In a statement from the Kremlin, Putin hailed the soldiers' "feat" in the Russian Kursk region.

"Our Korean friends acted out of a sense of solidarity, justice and genuine camaraderie. We appreciate this very much and are sincerely grateful to Kim Jong-Un, the entire leadership and the North Korean people," Putin's statement read.

In the future, Russia may also help North Korea militarily "if necessary," according to the statement.

This weekend, both Russia and North Korea confirmed for the first time that cooperation has taken place.

North Korea: Our "heroes" participated in

Now, North Korea has also confirmed for the first time that its soldiers have fought for Russia during the Ukraine war, just as the Kremlin confirmed this weekend. This is reported by the BBC.

In a feature on the propaganda channel KCNA, the soldiers are called "heroes" who have moved into the Russian Kursk region on Kim Jong-Un's orders. North Korea and Russia showed brotherhood and “a bond of friendship proven by blood” through the cooperation, which will strengthen the relationship “in every way,” according to the report.

The KCNA report did not say whether the soldiers would return home or continue fighting for Russia.

It has been widely known that North Korean soldiers have fought on the side of Russia, but neither country has previously confirmed this. This was the first North Korean military operation since the 1950-1953 Korean War, AFP notes. 

Vladimir Putin announces new ceasefire in May

Vladimir Putin announces a 72-hour ceasefire in Ukraine between May 8 and 10. The period coincides with the so-called Victory Day, which is celebrated to commemorate the end of World War II.

"All military operations are suspended during this period," the Kremlin writes.

Ukraine is expected to agree to this. However, in the event of any Ukrainian shelling, Russia promises to respond. Ukraine has not yet commented.

The most recent "ceasefire" held during Easter was marked by extensive Russian shelling, according to Ukraine.

The world's response
Africa is in Russia's corner for soft and hard reasons

A clear majority of countries in Africa would probably prefer Russia if they were forced to choose a side in the Ukraine war, writes The Economist.

Only ten sub-Saharan African countries voted in favor of the UN resolution that Ukraine supported on the third anniversary of the invasion. This is despite the fact that Ukraine has tried to increase support on the continent throughout the war.

There are several explanations. Historically, the Soviet Union supported several African freedom movements against colonial governments. At the same time, Russia's "soft power" is increasing in southern Africa, including through several targeted propaganda efforts and through the Russian Orthodox Church. The "hard power" is also clear: Russia has long been Africa's largest arms supplier.

It is also worth noting that Ukraine has never been significantly involved in Africa before the start of the war in 2022, according to Nigerian expert Ovigwe Eguegu.