Ukraine LIVE: Putin blatantly 'disrespects' Trump as Ukraine fighting rages

5 mins ago08:17 Ciaran McGrath

U.S. State Secretary Marco Rubio has dismissed the Russian delegation to Istanbul as too low-level to secure a breakthrough in peace talks.

He said progress is unlikely without direct involvement from Presidents Trump and Putin.

Mr Trump echoed that assessment earlier on May 15.

Mr Rubio added: “The next thing that has to happen… is going to involve President Trump's direct involvement.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives in Istanbul (Image: Getty)

20 mins ago08:02 Ciaran McGrath

Russia has confirmed its delegation will be in Istanbul on Friday for direct peace talks with Ukraine, according to Vladimir Medinsky.

Despite the announcement, Ukraine has not publicly confirmed when it intends to begin discussions.

Conflicting reports from Russian officials and Turkish sources have muddied the timing of the talks.

Ukraine has dismissed some of Russia’s claims as “fake news".

Trump tells journalist 'why would he go if I'm not going?'

34 mins ago07:48 Ciaran McGrath

Leaders from 47 European countries and organisations will gather in Tirana on Friday for a one-day summit focused on defence and security, with Russia’s war in Ukraine topping the agenda.

The European Political Community meeting, hosted by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, comes just days after his Socialist Party secured a fourth election victory.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to attend, as diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire continue to stall.

Russia and Belarus remain excluded from the talks, which will also address migration and Europe’s economic competitiveness.

44 mins ago07:38 Ciaran McGrath

The price of potatoes in Russia has soared by 52% since the start of the year, according to new figures. Imports have failed to offset the poor harvest last year, which saw the total potato crop decline by 12%, according to Reuters.

Heavy rain and a frosty spring this year has hit potato farmers, made worse by the fact the area of the country seeded for the crop was reduced after the bumper 2023 harvest which drove down prices. According to Kommersant daily data, potatoes have tripled in price in the supermarkets compared to 2024, reaching a record high of 85.4 roubles (£0.79) per kilogram. Russian import duties on potatoes were lifted amid concerns about inflation, but increased imports from Egypt have not managed to keep prices from ballooning.

2 hours ago06:46 Ciaran McGrath

Volodymyr Zelensky accused Vladimir Putin of blatantly disrespecting Donald Trump by skipping peace talks in Turkey.

Putin sent low-level officials instead of attending himself, which the Ukrainian President called a personal insult to Trump and Turkey’s Erdoğan.

He said: “No meeting time, no agenda, no high-level delegation – this is personal disrespect.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said no breakthrough is expected unless Putin and Trump meet directly. Mr Zelensky urged more sanctions on Russia, saying Moscow isn’t feeling enough pressure to end the war.

Despite claims from Russian officials that peace talks aim for long-term resolution, Kyiv and the West see Russia’s delegation as stalling and rejecting serious negotiation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (Image: Getty)