Well that didn’t take long:
🔴 Kremlin rejects Zelenskyy’s offer for peace talks with Putin in Istanbul.
— UNITED24 Media (@united24media.com) May 12, 2025 at 9:38 AM
UNITED24 Media has the details:
The Kremlin has rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s proposal to hold direct talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Istanbul on May 15, with top Russian officials denouncing the idea as political theater and insisting Moscow will not engage under any form of pressure, Konstantin Kosachev, deputy speaker of the Federation Council, dismissed Zelenskyy’s proposal, calling it “comedy and spectacle,” Russian state media TASS reported on May 12.
Moscow issued its response shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced in a video address that he would travel to Türkiye on Thursday and stated that he expected Russian leader Vladimir Putin to join him there for direct talks.
“I will be in Türkiye this Thursday, May 15, and I expect Putin to come to Türkiye as well — in person. I hope that this time, Putin won’t look for excuses for why he ‘can’t’ come,” Zelenskyy said.
“High-level meetings, especially under such difficult circumstances, are absolutely not arranged this way,” Kosachev said, pointing to the long diplomatic groundwork that preceded previous potential summits between Putin and US President Donald Trump.
Kosachev accused Zelenskyy of attempting to “shift blame” onto Russia and questioned the sincerity of the Ukrainian leader’s intentions. “Zelenskyy doesn’t need a meeting with the Russian president — not at all. In fact, he should be afraid of such a meeting,” he added.
Vladimir Dzhabarov, deputy chair of the Federation Council’s foreign affairs committee, rejected the notion entirely, saying Zelenskyy had not been invited to Istanbul in the first place.
“Who invited him to Istanbul? Does he really think our president would meet personally with someone who has blood on his hands, who betrayed the memory of the great heroism of both Ukrainians and the entire Soviet people — the heroism of his own grandfather? Who is he, that we should sit down with him at the negotiating table?” Dzhabarov said.
He characterized Zelenskyy’s statement as a ploy to later claim he was ready for talks, adding, “Negotiations will take place, but through designated representatives, as has happened before.”
Another Federation Council official, Andrey Klimov, said the possibility of a meeting wasn’t entirely off the table, but unlikely.
“There is a chance [it could happen], but it’s not 100 percent, because everything could run into Kyiv’s obstinacy. Fine, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin comes. Zelenskyy comes. And then what? How are the talks supposed to proceed? Will others be involved? Trump will be nearby at the time — will he want to participate? There are still many, many questions,” Klimov said.
Earlier, Zelenskyy called Russia’s proposal for direct peace talks a “good sign,” but stressed that negotiations can only proceed if Moscow confirms a full and lasting ceasefire starting May 12.
Least surprising development ever.
A ceasefire is only possible if Russia is given guarantees that Ukraine will not defend itself when we attack it again.
— Darth Putin (@darthputinkgb.bsky.social) May 11, 2025 at 4:48 AM
Pretty much.
Here is President Zelenskyy’s address from earlier today. Video below, English transcript after the jump.
Unfortunately, the World Still Has Not Received a Clear Response from Russia to the Numerous Proposals for a Ceasefire; Russian Shelling and Assaults Continue – Address by the President
12 May 2025 – 21:00
I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!
I’ve just spoken with President Erdoğan of Türkiye. It was a meaningful conversation. I’m grateful to the President for the support. I reaffirmed to him my readiness for direct and substantive negotiations with Putin. Ukraine has always supported diplomacy. I’m ready to come to Türkiye. Unfortunately, the world still has not received a clear response from Russia to the numerous proposals for a ceasefire. Russian shelling and assaults continue. Moscow has remained silent all day regarding the proposal for a direct meeting. A very strange silence. One way or another, Russia will have to end this war – and the sooner, the better. There is no sense in continuing the killing. President Erdoğan has expressed full readiness to host the meeting. It is important that President Trump fully supports the meeting, and we would like him to find an opportunity to come to Türkiye.
There was also a great deal of work today with our partners – with the Americans, with the Europeans – diplomatic work.
I also had a very good conversation with the Pope today — I started the day with it. Pope Leo XIV spoke warm and very important words about Ukraine and our people – about a just and durable peace for our country, and the return of our people – the unconditional return of prisoners and children who were abducted by Russia. I thanked him for his support. We discussed possible meetings, and I invited the Pope to visit Ukraine. Today, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reported to me on his conversations with colleagues from the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Germany, Poland, France, the European Union, and the United States. I’m grateful to all of them for their constructive approach and their readiness to take the necessary steps to make peace a reality. From the very beginning, Ukraine has not wanted this war – not for a single second. Together with our partners, we are working to ensure security, preparing a solid foundation for peace, and taking joint action to make diplomacy truly work.
I held a Staff meeting today. The key topics were Ukraine’s missile program and our drones – all types of drones we need. There were also reports on drone usage – precision and effectiveness of strikes on the front lines. I want to thank all our manufacturers working to ensure that Ukraine maintains its technological edge. We are also working to protect our infrastructure and ensure long-term defense capabilities – these are systemic decisions, and responsibility for their implementation is personal.
And one more thing.
I want to thank all our warriors – each and every one who is now at the front, on combat posts and missions. Today, Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi delivered reports – Donetsk and Kursk directions are where the fiercest fighting is ongoing. I want to thank our men of the 33rd, 225th, and 425th Assault Regiments. In the Kramatorsk direction – warriors of the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade – well done! In the Pokrovsk direction – the 14th Operational Brigade of the National Guard and the 117th Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine – thank you! Fighting alongside all our Forces at the front are also units of the National Police of Ukraine – the “Liut” and “Khyzhak” assault brigades, KORD units, and rifle battalions – thank you all! Ukraine has defended its independence. Ukraine defends its right to life every single day. And we will definitely guarantee Ukraine’s security – exactly as needed.
Glory to Ukraine!
Georgia:
Day 166 of uninterrupted #GeorgiaProtests. Day 196 overall.
Lately, I have to leave the protest before our beloved energetic march arrives :( hope to fix this bug soon.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 12, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Women again block an important road with the demand of the illegitimate government resignation and the release of political prisoners. #GeorgiaProtests
📷 Natia Gabrava— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 12, 2025 at 11:48 AM
This is very cool.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 12, 2025 at 1:46 PM
1/ Head of TV Pirveli’s news division, Nodar Meladze, says that the father of retired deputy governor Giorgi Shinjikashvili attacked their crew:
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 12, 2025 at 8:22 AM
2/ “The father of former deputy governor Giorgi Shinjikashvili physically assaulted our female journalist, Mariam Makasarashvili. He took her mobile phone and seized TV Pirveli’s camera. Police have not yet arrived at the scene,” he wrote.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 12, 2025 at 8:22 AM
3/ Later, the journalist herself confirmed that Shinjikashvili’s father hit her.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 12, 2025 at 8:22 AM
4/ The Deputy State Representative in Kvemo Kartli, has stepped down from his position. He announced the resignation on Facebook, describing it as a personal decision.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 12, 2025 at 8:22 AM
5/ Shinjikashvili did not provide any explanation for his resignation. However, earlier media reports claimed that he may have had a dispute with Giorgi Kharazishvili—known as Khareba —the head of the MIA’s Special Tasks Department.
— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) May 12, 2025 at 8:22 AM
Reportedly, she has a concussion.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 12, 2025 at 9:08 AM
According to TV Pirveli investigation, the Georgian Dream’s former General Prosecutor and Ivanishvili’s close associate Otar Partskhaladze (right) attended Putin’s May 9 celebration in Moscow. He’s sanctioned by the US for being a Russian asset.
In the meantime, 1/
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 12, 2025 at 11:49 AM
Russians try to gather signatures in Georgia to restore Russia-Georgia diplomatic relations, as seen in the post below. 2/2.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) May 12, 2025 at 11:49 AM
The Vatican:
New pope breaks with Francis to support Kyiv and ceasefire push
https://www.ft.com/content/c933d769-9791-43e4-abae-9f9b495ccde1
— Financial Times (@financialtimes.com) May 12, 2025 at 7:47 AM
From The Financial Times:
Pope Leo XIV has called Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss Ukrainian children abducted by Russia and a western backed 30-day ceasefire, in a shift from the previous pontiff who had struck a more neutral stance on Moscow’s war.
Ukraine’s president said on Monday that his first conversation with the new pope, who was elected last week, was “very warm and truly substantive” and thanked him for his support.
“We deeply value his words about the need to achieve a just and lasting peace for our country and the release of prisoners,” he said.
The Vatican confirmed the two men had spoken on the phone but declined to provide any further details.
Pope Leo on Sunday said: “I carry in my heart the sufferings of the beloved Ukrainian people,” urging for “an authentic, just and lasting peace as soon as possible”.
“May all the prisoners be freed and may the children return to their families,” he added.
His explicit support for Ukraine in its years-long war against Russia’s invasion was met with appreciation from Ukrainians and especially the country’s Catholics, who viewed the remarks more positively than the late Pope Francis.
After Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Francis avoided directly accusing Moscow of aggression, suggesting that Nato had provoked Russia and often treating the warring parties as suffering equally. Last year the late pope caused an outcry when he suggested that Ukraine should have the courage to surrender to bring a swift end to the bloodshed.
“When you see that you are defeated, that things are not going well, you need to have the courage to negotiate,” Francis told an interviewer for a Swiss television last year, suggesting that Kyiv should “have the courage to wave the white flag”.
By contrast Leo in 2022 — who was a bishop in Peru at the time — condemned Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine as “imperialist”, saying that “Russia wants to conquer a territory for reasons of power” and that it committed crimes against humanity in the conflict.
“We really feel that Pope Leo XIV will be the pope of peace for the long-suffering, war-torn Ukraine,” said the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Sviatoslav Shevchuk.
Ukrainians had criticised Francis for calling Ukrainians and Russians “brothers” — a term used by Russian President Vladimir Putin to justify his invasion. The late Pope Francis had also sent cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the archbishop of Bologna, on two humanitarian missions to Moscow to try to negotiate the return of abducted Ukrainian children.
The Vatican said that “a certain number” of children were returned as a result of the church’s mediation effort. But it was unclear how many came back.
Zelenskyy on Monday said a key point of his discussion with Pope Leo focused on the nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children that his office said had been forcibly taken by Russia. A Financial Times investigation last year found Ukrainian children who were abducted and moved to Russia in the early months of the Kremlin’s 2022 full-scale invasion had been put up for adoption by authorities, in one case under a false Russian identity.
More at the link.
Poland:
Poland has proven the involvement of Russian intelligence services in the sabotage by arson of the “Marywilska 44” shopping center in Warsaw. Therefore, the Russian Consulate General in Kraków is being closed.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) May 12, 2025 at 4:20 AM
Polish hauliers have launched a protest, restricting truck traffic at the “Yahodyn–Dorohusk” border crossing, says Ukraine’s Border Guard Service.
Humanitarian aid vehicles pass freely, while other freight trucks are allowed through at a rate of one per hour in each direction.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) May 12, 2025 at 9:54 AM
Ugh, this stupidity again.
The US:
“I was thinking about flying over”- Trump on proposed Zelenskyy and Putin meeting in Istanbul.
I don’t even know how to feel about it
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 12, 2025 at 11:17 AM
That’s not happening.
Back to Ukraine.
Cunning from Zelensky: If Putin fails to turn up in Istanbul on Thursday, Trump is going to have to react – and Putin is unlikely to turn up in Istanbul on Thursday…
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) May 12, 2025 at 12:40 PM
A video of Macron, Merz and Starmer on a train to Kyiv has gone viral because users like Alex Jones and at least two senior Russian officials claim the three leaders were caught on camera with a bag of cocaine and a spoon.
In reality, the bag is a tissue and the spoon is a cocktail pick.
— Shayan Sardarizadeh (@shayan86.bsky.social) May 12, 2025 at 6:03 PM
The President of Ukraine has signed the law ratifying the Economic Partnership Agreement with the United States.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) May 12, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Proof Russians aren’t serious about peace: They wrote “There won’t be a ceasefire!” on the wing of one of their drones – but misspelled “ceasefire” in Russian – they used the nominative case ending “е” instead of the genitive case ending “я” as demanded by the negative.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) May 12, 2025 at 4:46 PM
The downing of a Shahed drone by Ukrainian border guards.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) May 12, 2025 at 8:50 AM
The three interceptions of the Russian Lancet loitering munitions during a single day. By the 1039th Separate Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) May 12, 2025 at 11:57 AM
The aftermath of an RPG hit on an M113. The Ukrainian crew was extremely lucky.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) May 12, 2025 at 12:23 PM
The HUR has revealed a new Russian cruise missile called “Banderol,” which is being used to terrorize southern Ukraine.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) May 12, 2025 at 8:28 AM
Sumy:
A Russian drone attacked a vehicle belonging to energy infrastructure workers in the Sumy region. Reports from the Regional Military Administration indicate that one person has died.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) May 12, 2025 at 8:09 AM
Odesa and Mykolaiv Oblasts:
The first launch tonight of Russian Shahed attack drones has been detected – they are heading for Odesa.
By the time they reach the Ukrainian port city, Russia will be in breach of the 🇫🇷 🇩🇪 🇵🇱 🇬🇧 🇺🇦 coalition ceasefire demand.
Will the Kremlin face consequences?
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) May 12, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Drones seem now to be heading for Mykolaiv – air alert just sounded in the oblast.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) May 12, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Drones now at Ochakiv, on Mykolaiv Oblast’s Black Sea coast.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) May 12, 2025 at 4:19 PM
The Kursk cross border offensive:
WARNING!! WARNING!! GRAPHIC CONTENT!! WARNING!! WARNING!!
An airstrike targeted a Russian bridge in the Kursk region during the evacuation of a logistics truck stranded on the structure. The footage was recovered from the phone of one of the Russian personnel.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) May 12, 2025 at 5:14 PM
ALL CLEAR!!!!
Zaporizhzhia Oblast:
WARNING!! WARNING!! GRAPHIC CONTENT!! WARNING!! WARNING!!
Ukrainian aviation continues to shatter Russian infantry to pieces — a MiG-29 wipes out two assault groups at once in the Zaporizhzhia region.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) May 12, 2025 at 1:41 PM
ALL CLEAR!!!!
That’s enough for tonight.
Your daily Patron!
There are no new Patron skeets or videos today.
Here is some adjacent material.
🫡🇺🇦 With my best friend at the battle post!
— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) May 12, 2025 at 7:58 AM
Open thread!
As Settled as a Fat Wombat in Its Burrow
Jackie
I guess Trump won’t bother “dropping by” anymore.
Jay
Thank you, as always, Adam.
Jay
@Jackie:
DJTdiot and his Admin are just starting to get a concept of a concept of a reality that Putin is just jerking them around.
The Coalition of the Willing, have set rules for Peace Talks, (don’t worry, the US is not involved),
Cease fire, then talks, 5 hours from noon today.
Otherwise, massive increase in sanctions, money, ruZZian assets, and arms shipments to Ukraine.
Adam L Silverman
@Jay: You’re welcome.
karen gail
Looks like the new pope is coming out swinging for the parking lot.
Putin doesn’t want peace and Trump wants that peace prize.
Jackie
@Jay:
Yah, I know. I was being a bit facetious. It’ll be interesting to see how Trump handles the slowly dawning realization that Putin’s been yanking his chain all the while after thinking he actually had any influence over Putin.
Adam L Silverman
I’m going to rack out. Everyone is most welcome.
Aziz, light!
“I’m thinking of flying over,” says Trump, who wants top billing on the marquee.
Zelenskyy is playing on Trump’s love of PR stunts that get good ratings. Writing a script for him to perform. When Putin declines a part in the show, Trump’s role will be to demonstrate how tough he is by throwing some help to Ukraine.
Good luck with the gambit, Volodymyr.
Gloria DryGarden
@Jackie: I would love for djt to realize, totally, that he’s not influencing mr ruzzia, that he’s been played, over and over. Maybe some vague shift in how he aims himself would accidentally benefit others.
wake up little Susie, wake up…
any 2%-5% improvements would be a little something.
admiring president Zelensky for his skill in offering ways for trump to save face. Clever.
Gloria DryGarden
@Aziz, light!: your comment gives me a sliver of hope.
pill take it. Despair has been exhausting.
Gin & Tonic
I wanted to post this yesterday for Mother’s Day, but a lot of times now Adam puts his posts up after my bedtime.
Regular readers may recall a story I posted a month or so ago, about a young Ukrainian woman living in Krakow in 1939 who managed to talk her way into a German POW camp outside Warsaw to find her fiance, and later managing to get him released. They married at the very end of 1939. Which is fortunate for me, since that young woman was my mother. We had a, uhm, complicated relationship, but I never doubted her strength.
Gloria DryGarden
@Gin & Tonic: you come from some good people. Fierce, spunky, courageous strong, and resourceful.
Thanks for this important addition to your story.
I’m sure your list of great qualities and amazing stories about your mom could fill a book. It will be well worth reading, if you write it.
(so, do you also speak polish and Russian? 4 languages?)
AlaskaReader
Thanks Adam
NotoriousJRT
@karen gail: in a nutshell.
Adam, my gratitude for your faithful efforts night after night.
NotoriousJRT
@Gin & Tonic: I remember the story. Respect for your mom / her memory.
YY_Sima Qian
OT: Utterly disgraceful!
Doug
And the political technologists in and around the Kremlin definitely understand political theater.