Here are the key developments on May 12 related to Ukraine and Russia:
1. **Trump expresses optimism**: US President Donald Trump expressed optimism that a peace meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Istanbul could yield “a good result.”
2. **Ceasefire proposal ignored**: Russia ignored a proposed 30-day ceasefire, with attacks injuring at least 22 people in Ukraine over the past 24 hours.
3. **EU to unveil new sanctions**: The European Union is set to announce new sanctions against Russia on May 14, which may include measures targeting Russia’s military-industrial complex and shadow shipping fleet.
4. **Additional funding for Ukraine’s defense**: The EU will allocate an additional $1 billion from frozen Russian assets to fund weapons and ammunition for Ukraine’s defense industry.
5. **China endorses ceasefire efforts**: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Beijing endorses all efforts aimed at establishing lasting peace in Ukraine.
Overall, the situation remains tense, with ongoing attacks by Russia despite a proposed ceasefire, and the EU preparing new sanctions against Russia.
