Overview

• Russian and Ukrainian delegations, led by Wladimir Medinski and Rustem Umjerow respectively, began direct peace talks in Istanbul on May 16, marking the first such negotiations since 2022.
• The EU finalized its 17th sanctions package, set to be adopted next week, which includes restrictions on nearly 200 'shadow fleet' ships, export bans on 30 entities, and asset freezes for 75 individuals and companies.
• Western leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and British Defense Minister John Healey, have called for a 30-day ceasefire to facilitate meaningful progress in the talks.
• Despite diplomatic efforts, Russian forces have continued advancing in eastern Ukraine, capturing two additional settlements according to the Russian Defence Ministry.
• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed skepticism about the talks' potential, suggesting that only a direct meeting between Presidents Trump and Putin could yield a breakthrough.