Russia is drafting a memorandum on Ukraine outlining proposed principles, a tentative timeline for a peace agreement, and the potential for a limited ceasefire, according to Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. She stated the document is still in development and will be shared with Kyiv once complete. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is actively involved in the process, providing regular updates. Zakharova expressed hope that Ukraine will prepare and send its own draft in response. Talks between Russia and Ukraine resumed in Istanbul on May 16, following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s call to restart negotiations without preconditions, reportedly encouraged by U.S. President Donald Trump.
COMMISSION’S TEPID EFFORT ON UKRAINE TRADE DEAL DRAWS EU BACKLASH
With the EU-Ukraine temporary trade agreement set to expire on June 5, EU member states have voiced frustration over the European Commission’s failure to secure a permanent deal. During a closed-door meeting of agriculture ministers in Brussels, representatives criticized the Commission for not finalizing a stable trade arrangement despite ample negotiation time. Several ministers expressed disappointment over the lack of a long-term agreement, emphasizing that trade liberalization with Ukraine should have been a top priority. The Commission, responsible for trade negotiations, now faces pressure to resolve the issue before the current agreement lapses.
US ‘GOLDEN DOME’ MISSILE SHIELD RISKS NUCLEAR CLASH IN SPACE, NORTH KOREA WARNS
North Korea condemned US President Donald Trump’s “Golden Dome” missile defense program, calling it a “very dangerous” initiative that risks sparking war in space. The scheme, prioritized by Trump since January, aims to protect the US from ballistic and cruise missile threats, potentially using space-based sensors and interceptors. Trump claimed the system would intercept missiles globally, including those launched from space. In response, North Korea’s Foreign Ministry accused the US of aggressively militarizing space, warning that the program could escalate tensions beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
IRANIAN JUDGE MURDERED IN SUSPECTED TARGETED KILLING
He previously served as a prosecutor and investigator in Revolutionary Courts in several cities, including Shiraz, before being appointed to lead Branch 102 of the criminal court. Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei ordered a special investigation into the killing.
The attack comes after two judges were shot dead in a rare assault inside Iran’s Supreme Court in January. A gunman opened fire in what the judiciary described as a “planned act of assassination,” killing veteran judges Ali Razini and Mohammad Moghisseh before taking his own life. Both men had presided over high-profile national security cases.
‘YOU’RE FAKE NEWS’: TRUMP’S SHARP RESPONSE TO QUESTION ABOUT PUTIN
President Donald Trump called a reporter “fake news” after being questioned about Russia’s increased incursions and aerial attacks on Ukraine. Trump responded vaguely, saying, “We will see what we can do about it,” then accused the reporter of spreading false information. Despite his involvement in ceasefire talks, Putin’s ongoing drone and missile strikes complicate efforts. During his campaign, Trump claimed he could end the war in 24 hours and blamed Biden for starting it. He suspended military aid to Ukraine in March and later insisted that progress depends on talks between him and Putin. However, even after a lengthy call with Putin, Trump has yet to present a clear strategy.
