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EU Rejects Putin’s Proposal for Schroeder Role in Russia Security Talks

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European Union foreign ministers have rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin’s suggestion that former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder could represent Europe in future security negotiations with Moscow. Putin recently said he was open to discussing new security arrangements for Europe and named Schroeder as his preferred negotiating partner. However, EU leaders argued that Schroeder’s close ties to Putin and his past work with Russian state energy companies make him unsuitable to act as an impartial mediator.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said allowing Russia to effectively choose Europe’s negotiator would be unwise, while Germany’s Europe minister Gunther Krichbaum stated that Schroeder could not be viewed as an “honest broker.” Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the European Union has largely isolated Moscow through sanctions and limited diplomatic engagement. Many ministers also questioned whether Russia is genuinely ready for meaningful peace negotiations.

Despite the criticism, some European officials believe the EU should prepare for future direct talks with Moscow alongside ongoing US-led peace efforts. European Council President António Costa said discussions are already taking place among EU leaders about how Europe should approach any future negotiations. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also said Europe could play a complementary role in peace talks, though several ministers stressed the bloc should first strengthen pressure on Russia and agree on a united strategy before entering negotiations.

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Putin Says Ukraine War May Be Nearing Its End

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested that the conflict in Ukraine could be approaching an end, saying after Russia’s Victory Day parade in Moscow that the “special military operation” was “coming to an end.” During his speech, Putin criticised Western nations for continuing to support and arm Ukraine, accusing Nato countries of fuelling the conflict. The annual Red Square parade was notably scaled back this year, with no tanks or heavy military hardware displayed amid fears of possible Ukrainian attacks.

Putin also indicated he would only agree to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky once a long-term peace agreement had been finalised. He said negotiations could take place in a third country and mentioned former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as his preferred negotiating partner for broader European security discussions. Meanwhile, European leaders have hinted at possible future talks with Moscow, with EU officials saying there may be potential for negotiations at the right moment.

Although a US-brokered temporary ceasefire reduced tensions during the Victory Day celebrations, both Russia and Ukraine later accused each other of violating the truce through drone strikes and artillery attacks. The two sides have agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners each, but Moscow claims it has yet to receive confirmation from Kyiv. The conflict, which began with Russia’s seizure of Crimea in 2014 and escalated into a full-scale invasion in 2022, continues despite renewed diplomatic signals.

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Putin Uses Victory Day Speech to Defend Ukraine War and Criticize NATO

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Russian President Vladimir Putin used his Victory Day speech in Moscow’s Red Square to justify the ongoing war in Ukraine and accuse NATO of backing an “aggressive force” against Russia. Addressing military personnel and invited world leaders, Putin described the conflict as a “just” fight and praised Russian soldiers involved in what Moscow calls its “special military operation.”

This year’s Victory Day celebrations were noticeably scaled back, with no military hardware displayed in the Moscow parade for the first time in nearly two decades. Russian officials said tanks and other equipment were needed on the battlefield in Ukraine, while heightened security concerns over possible drone attacks also led to tighter restrictions and reduced public celebrations in several cities.

Despite the reduced scale, thousands of soldiers marched through Red Square alongside troops from allied nations, including North Korea. The event came amid a temporary three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, although both sides accused each other of violating the truce. Victory Day remains one of Russia’s most important national holidays, commemorating the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany during World War Two.

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Venice Biennale Faces Protests Over Russia’s Return Amid Ukraine War

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The return of Russia to the prestigious Venice Biennale has triggered protests and political controversy, with activist groups Pussy Riot and FEMEN staging demonstrations outside the Russian pavilion. Protesters accused Russia of using art and culture as part of its broader political influence campaign during the ongoing war in Ukraine. Demonstrators carried signs condemning the exhibition and argued that allowing Russia to participate ignored the human cost of the conflict.

The backlash has grown across Europe, with the European Commission reportedly threatening to withdraw funding from the Biennale over Russia’s inclusion. Italy’s Culture Minister is boycotting the event, while Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini defended Russia’s participation, saying no country should be excluded from the exhibition. Controversy has also spread beyond Russia, with separate protests targeting Israel’s pavilion and the resignation of the Biennale’s international jury after disputes linked to references to alleged war crimes.

At the centre of the debate is the role of art during wartime and whether global cultural events should remain politically neutral. Ukrainian artist Zhanna Kadyrova showcased a suspended concrete origami deer evacuated from the war-hit city of Pokrovsk, symbolising destruction and displacement caused by the conflict. Meanwhile, Russia’s pavilion defended its participation as a legitimate cultural presence, despite mounting criticism from activists, artists, and European officials.

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Russia Restricts Mobile Internet Ahead of Victory Day Parade

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Russia has limited mobile internet access in major cities including Moscow and St Petersburg ahead of the May 9 World War II Victory Day parade. Authorities say the мера is necessary to ensure security amid fears of Ukrainian drone attacks, which have intensified in recent months. While mobile data services were disrupted, basic phone calls continued to function in many areas.

The ограничения have caused widespread inconvenience, affecting digital payments, navigation, and taxi services. Major companies like Sberbank and Yandex warned users about potential service disruptions. Reports indicated that internet outages extended beyond the capital to several regions across European Russia, forcing many residents to rely on VPNs.

The меры come amid escalating conflict following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with both sides increasingly deploying drones in warfare. Russian officials said hundreds of Ukrainian drones were intercepted overnight, while a refinery in the Leningrad region was hit, sparking a fire. The annual parade has been scaled back this year due to security concerns linked to the ongoing conflict.

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Russia to Hold Victory Day Parade Without Military Equipment

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Russia will mark its annual Victory Day celebration on May 9 in Moscow’s Red Square, but this year’s military parade will not feature any heavy equipment. The Defence Ministry said the decision is due to the ongoing operational situation linked to the war in Ukraine. Instead, the parade will focus on marching servicemen from various military branches and educational institutions.

Victory Day, which commemorates the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, remains one of Russia’s most significant national holidays. Traditionally known for showcasing tanks, missile systems, and other military hardware, the event will still include an air force flypast displaying the national flag colors, along with personnel representing different arms of the military.

The announcement comes as fighting in Ukraine continues, with Russia claiming gradual advances while peace talks remain stalled. President Vladimir Putin has reiterated his aim of securing full control over the Donbas region, while Ukraine continues to resist and hold its positions.

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Worker Killed in Drone Strike at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant

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An employee at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant was killed following a drone strike, according to Russian-installed management at the site. The incident reportedly occurred when a drone hit the plant’s transport department, resulting in the death of a driver.

The facility, located in Russian-controlled territory in Ukraine, has remained a focal point of concern due to ongoing conflict in the region. Authorities said the attack was carried out by Ukrainian forces, though the situation remains tense and under close international scrutiny.

The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that its team stationed at the plant will investigate the incident and continue monitoring safety conditions. Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi emphasized that any military action near nuclear facilities poses serious risks and should be strictly avoided.

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Russia Warns Europe Over Drone Support to Ukraine

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Russia has warned that European efforts to expand drone production and supply to Ukraine risk deepening their involvement in the ongoing conflict. The Russian defence ministry said several EU nations are increasing support for Ukraine’s drone capabilities, a move Moscow views as a dangerous escalation in the war. It also released a list of facilities across Europe allegedly linked to drone manufacturing.

The list included sites in countries such as United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Italy, Poland, and Israel, claiming they are involved in producing drones or components for Ukraine. Russian officials said European citizens should be aware of these locations, suggesting they could become part of the broader conflict environment.

Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev intensified the warning, calling the published list potential military targets and hinting at possible future strikes. While such statements have been made before, they add to growing tensions as European countries continue to support Ukraine. The remarks highlight concerns that the war could expand beyond Ukraine if escalation continues.

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Germany Suspends Approval Rule for Long Overseas Stays by Military-Age Men

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Germany has suspended a controversial requirement that men of military age seek approval for extended stays abroad, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced after public concern over new military service rules. The regulation, introduced under the Military Service Modernisation Act that took effect in January, had required males aged 17 and above to obtain permission before travelling abroad for more than three months, though it had not yet been enforced.

Pistorius clarified that during peacetime, citizens aged between 17 and 45 are free to travel without notifying authorities or requesting approval. The government has temporarily halted the permission process while military service remains voluntary, stressing that the measure was originally intended as a precaution tied to national defence planning amid heightened security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The updated law seeks to strengthen Germany’s armed forces and allows conscription to be reinstated if voluntary recruitment falls short. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged to build Europe’s strongest conventional army, with all 18-year-olds now receiving questionnaires about potential military service — mandatory for men and optional for women. From July 2027, 18-year-old men will also undergo medical examinations to assess fitness for possible service.

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Russia Welcomes Iran Ceasefire, Urges US to Resume Ukraine Peace Talks

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Russia has welcomed the two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, expressing hope that the development will allow Washington to refocus on efforts to restart peace negotiations on Ukraine. The Kremlin said the truce was a positive step that could reduce global tensions and create space for diplomatic engagement.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia was satisfied with the ceasefire decision and hopes the U.S. will soon resume trilateral peace talks involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States. Previous negotiations had been paused following the escalation of conflict involving Iran, which diverted international attention and diplomatic efforts.

Peace talks on Ukraine began last year in Istanbul and continued with trilateral meetings in Abu Dhabi and Geneva, but progress has remained slow due to disagreements over territory. Russia is demanding that Ukraine give up the remaining parts of the Donbas region, while Kyiv continues to reject any proposal that involves surrendering land, keeping negotiations at a standstill.

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