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Volodymyr Zelensky challenged Vladimir Putin to a face-to-face meeting (Image: Getty)
Russia has dismissed an ultimatum from European leaders to accept a ceasefire proposal from Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "The language of ultimatums is unacceptable for Russia, it is not suitable. You can't use such language with Russia." His comments came after leaders from Europe threatened further sanctions on Russia if it failed to join a truce.
France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot on Monday (May 12) urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to accept. German government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius said if the ceasefire didn't stand by the end of yesterday, then the European side would keep to an agreement to implement further sanctions.
Russia shunned a ceasefire proposal tabled by the US and European leaders, but offered direct talks with Ukraine in Turkey on Thursday. Kyiv, along with European allies, had demanded that Moscow accept a ceasefire starting yesterday before holding peace talks. Russia effectively rejected that proposal and instead called for direct negotiations in Istanbul.
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Turkey ready to host Russia-Ukraine talks, Zelensky says
Volodymyr Zelensky has said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has "expressed full readiness" to host the meeting between Ukraine and Russia on Thursday.
In his nightly address, Mr Zelensky added: "It is important that President Trump fully supports the meeting, and we would like him to find an opportunity to come to Türkiye."
(Image: Getty)
10 mins ago06:56 Jon King
Russia responsible for downing of Flight MH17, UN body rules
The United Nation's aviation council has ruled Russia was responsible for the downing of a Malaysian aeroplane over Ukraine.
Flight MH17 was heading to Kuala Lumpur from Amsterdam when it was shot down by a Russian surface-to-air missile while flying over eastern Ukraine in 2014.
The strike killed all 298 passengers and crew. Among the victims were 196 Dutch citizens as well as 38 Australian nationals and residents.
Australia and The Netherlands said the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) will consider what form of reparation is now in order.
Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong said: "We call upon Russia to finally face up to its responsibility for this horrific act of violence and make reparations for its egregious conduct, as required under international law."
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp said: "This decision also sends a clear message to the international community: states cannot violate international law with impunity."
The ICAO said in a statement on Monday evening: "The Russian Federation failed to uphold its obligations under international air law in the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17."
Russia is responsible for the downing of Flight MH17, a UN body says (Image: Getty)
13 mins ago06:53 Jon King
Russia targets Ukraine overnight after deadline for ceasefire expired
Russia attacked Ukraine with drones and guided bombs overnight, targeting a number of regions after the May 12 deadline for an unconditional ceasefire expired.
Despite Ukraine and its European allies demanding Russia accept a full, unconditional ceasefire for 30 days or face new sanctions, Russia proceeded to target Mykolaiv, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia and Odesa oblasts with drones, according to The Kyiv Independent, citing Ukraine's Air Force.
Moscow also launched KAB guided bombs at Sumy Oblast in the northeast.
Ukrainian infantrymen from the 68th brigade undergo training on tactical combat medicine in Donetsk (Image: Getty)
15 mins ago06:51 Jon King
Trump says there's 'potential' for 'good' meeting between Russia and Ukraine
US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he feels optimistic about potential talks between Russia and Ukraine in Turkey.
He said in Washington that there is "the potential for a good meeting" between Putin and Zelensky, adding he was thinking about flying over to join the talks from his visit to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Mr Zelensky supported the prospect of Mr Trump attending the negotiations. He said: "I supported President Trump with the idea of direct talks with Putin. I have openly expressed my readiness to meet... And of course, all of us in Ukraine would appreciate it if President Trump could be there with us at this meeting in Turkey."
Donald Trump says he would be willing to join the talks (Image: Getty)
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