**European Ministers Approve Tribunal for Russian Leaders**
In a significant move, European foreign ministers have agreed to create a special tribunal to prosecute Russia’s top leadership, including President Vladimir Putin, for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. The tribunal will be established under the auspices of the Council of Europe and aims to bring justice to Ukraine.
The decision was made during a meeting in Lviv on May 9. Ukraine expects the tribunal to start work in 2026. This development is a significant step towards holding Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine.
**Ukrainian Actor Killed in Action**
Tragedy struck when Ukrainian actor and TV presenter Maksym Nelipa was killed in action on May 12. His friends and family reported his death on May 14, but details of the incident have not been disclosed.
**Russian Airports Suspend Operations**
Russia’s airports suspended operations 217 times from January to May 10, 2025, a higher number than in 2023 and 2024 combined. This suggests that Russia is facing significant challenges in maintaining its air travel infrastructure.
**Peace Talks Ahead**
As peace talks between Ukraine and Russia approach on May 15, the atmosphere remains tense. U.S. President Donald Trump has announced he will not attend the talks, despite being invited by Ukrainian officials.
The Kremlin has unveiled its delegation for the talks, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is skeptical about their intentions. He said that until Russia shows a genuine willingness to negotiate, Ukraine will not take any significant steps.
**Ukraine-Russia Conflict Intensifies**
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to escalate. An air raid in the Sumy Oblast on May 14 resulted in three fatalities. This is the first time since Russia’s full-scale invasion that President Zelensky has been absent from a NATO summit, either physically or virtually.
**Brazilian President Involved**
Brazilian President Lula da Silva claimed that Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha had appealed to his Brazilian counterpart, Mauro Vieira, to ask Putin if he was willing to conclude a peace agreement. This development suggests that international pressure is mounting on Russia to negotiate a peaceful resolution.
**Special Tribunal for Russian Leaders**
The creation of a special tribunal to prosecute Russia’s top leadership for the crime of aggression against Ukraine marks a significant shift in the international response to the conflict. Dutch Justice Minister David van Weel spoke about the future of this EU-led tribunal and its role in bringing Russia to justice.
**Ukraine’s Underground Storage Facilities**
Ukraine’s underground storage facilities are currently using 19.4% of their capacity, which is lower than last year. This suggests that Ukraine’s energy infrastructure is facing significant challenges.
**Public Support for Peace Deal**
A recent poll found that the majority of Ukrainians (71%) do not support holding elections before a full peace deal is in place, even if there is a ceasefire and security guarantees. This indicates that the public is cautious about rushing into negotiations with Russia.
As the conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how these developments will shape the future of this troubled region.
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