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Ukraine officials name Zelenskyy's ex-chief of staff as a suspect in money-laundering probe

Ukraine officials name Zelenskyy's ex-chief of staff as a suspect in money-laundering probe

Two national agencies fighting corruption in Ukraine have named Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s former chief of staff as an official suspect in a major graft investigation
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Ukraine's Former Chief of Staff Named in Money-Laundering Investigation

Ukraine's Former Chief of Staff Named in Money-Laundering Investigation

Ukrainian authorities have named Andriy Yermak, the former chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as a suspect in a significant money-laundering investigation. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office announced that Yermak is suspected of involvement in a 460-million-hryvnia ($10.5 million) scheme. This development comes as a major embarrassment for President Zelenskyy, who is advocating for Ukraine's membership in the European Union. The investigation is ongoing, and while Yermak has not been formally charged, his involvement in laundering money through construction projects near Kyiv is under scrutiny. Yermak, who resigned in November amid the scandal, was a key negotiator in talks with the U.S. and a trusted advisor to Zelenskyy.
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Zelenskiy meets Palantir CEO as Ukraine expands use of AI in war

Zelenskiy meets Palantir CEO as Ukraine expands use of AI in war

May 12 (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday he had met the CEO of Palantir Technologies, Alex Karp, as Kyiv doubles down on the use of artificial intelligence to gain an edge in the war with Russia.
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Russia and Ukraine trade blame for continued fighting as US-brokered ceasefire nears its end

Russia and Ukraine trade blame for continued fighting as US-brokered ceasefire nears its end

Moscow and Kyiv have accused each other of disregarding U.S. President Donald Trump’s request to stop their attacks
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EU Dismisses Putin's Proposal for Gerhard Schröder as Ukraine Peace Mediator

EU Dismisses Putin's Proposal for Gerhard Schröder as Ukraine Peace Mediator

The European Union has rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin's suggestion to appoint former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a mediator in peace talks aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine. Schröder, who has previously held senior positions in Russian energy projects, is seen as too closely aligned with Russian interests to be an impartial negotiator. EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, emphasized that allowing Russia to appoint a negotiator on behalf of Europe would be unwise, citing Schröder's history as a lobbyist for Russian state-owned companies. The proposal comes amid ongoing tensions and a stalled peace process, with both Russia and Ukraine accusing each other of violating ceasefire agreements.
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Ukraine Expands AI Use in War Effort with Palantir Partnership

Ukraine Expands AI Use in War Effort with Palantir Partnership

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has announced a strategic partnership with Palantir Technologies to enhance the use of artificial intelligence in Ukraine's ongoing conflict with Russia. During a high-level meeting with Palantir CEO Alex Karp, Zelenskiy discussed the expansion of AI capabilities through the 'Brave1 Dataroom' project. This initiative aims to leverage combat data collected since Russia's invasion in 2022 to develop AI models for intercepting Russian drones. Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov highlighted the importance of technology, AI, and data analysis in modern warfare, noting that over 100 companies are involved in training more than 80 models for aerial threat detection and interception. The collaboration with Palantir has also led to the development of systems for detailed air strike analysis and intelligence data management, integrating these technologies into Ukraine's military operations.
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Slovak Prime Minister Urges Zelensky to Call Putin for Direct Talks Amid Ceasefire

Slovak Prime Minister Urges Zelensky to Call Putin for Direct Talks Amid Ceasefire

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky should initiate a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin if he wishes to engage in direct talks. This statement came after Fico's visit to Moscow, where he attended Victory Day events and met with Putin. Fico conveyed that Zelensky had expressed a willingness to meet Putin in any format during a previous personal meeting in Armenia. Fico emphasized the importance of diplomatic efforts over military conflict, supporting the extension of a U.S.-backed three-day ceasefire that began on May 9. Despite the ceasefire, Russia reportedly violated it with attacks on Ukraine on May 10. Fico's visit to Moscow was notable as he was the only European Union leader present for the Victory Day celebrations, although he did not attend the parade itself. His visit follows a series of discussions with Zelensky, including a face-to-face meeting in Yerevan.
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President Trump Declares Ceasefire Between Russia and Ukraine Amid Victory Day Celebrations

President Trump Declares Ceasefire Between Russia and Ukraine Amid Victory Day Celebrations

President Trump announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, coinciding with Russia's Victory Day parade, which commemorates the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945. This announcement was followed by a decree on Ukraine's government website, allowing the parade to proceed in Moscow on May 9, 2026. The ceasefire comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had threatened to disrupt the celebrations with drone activity. Despite agreeing to the ceasefire, Ukraine's statement emphasized its autonomy in setting terms, highlighting Kyiv's growing confidence in its military strategy. The ongoing conflict remains a stalemate, but Ukraine's use of long-range drones has extended the war into Russian territory, showcasing its strategic capabilities.
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Putin Oversees Scaled-Down Victory Day Parade Amid Security Concerns

Putin Oversees Scaled-Down Victory Day Parade Amid Security Concerns

Russian President Vladimir Putin presided over a significantly scaled-down Victory Day parade in Moscow's Red Square, marking the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. This year's parade, traditionally a display of military might, was notably devoid of heavy military hardware such as tanks and missiles, a decision attributed to heightened security concerns and the threat of Ukrainian attacks. The event coincided with a U.S.-brokered three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, which included a large-scale prisoner exchange. Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high, with Russian authorities warning of potential missile strikes on Kyiv if Ukraine attempts to disrupt the festivities.
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Kremlin Signals Putin's Willingness for European Talks Amid Economic Struggles

Kremlin Signals Putin's Willingness for European Talks Amid Economic Struggles

The Kremlin has announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to negotiations with European countries, but he expects them to initiate the dialogue. This development follows the collapse of relations after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia is not responsible for the reduction of ties with Europe to zero and emphasized that the initiative for dialogue should come from Brussels and individual European capitals. This statement comes amid Russia's recent territorial losses and economic challenges, including manpower attrition and falling oil revenues due to Ukrainian strikes. European Council President António Costa has indicated that the European Union sees potential for future negotiations with Putin, although no concrete signs from Russia have been observed yet.
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President Trump Announces Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire and Prisoner Swap

President Trump Announces Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire and Prisoner Swap

President Trump has announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, set to take place from May 8 to May 11, 2026. This ceasefire coincides with Russia's Victory Day celebrations, a significant holiday marking the country's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. The agreement includes a prisoner swap, with each country exchanging 1,000 prisoners. President Trump expressed optimism that this temporary halt in hostilities could signal the beginning of the end of the ongoing conflict, which has persisted for over four years. Both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have agreed to the terms proposed by President Trump.
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Moscow marks Victory Day with a scaled down Red Square parade under tight security

Moscow marks Victory Day with a scaled down Red Square parade under tight security

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed confidence in victory in Ukraine