Europe

Putin is escalating the war in Ukraine. He will not stop until he is stopped.

May 7, 2025

Almost two months ago, Ukraine agreed to a United States proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire. Russia still refuses to do likewise. Instead, Putin continues to engage in stalling tactics while escalating the war. Since US-led peace talks began in February, Russia has carried out some of the deadliest attacks of the entire invasion targeting […]

Biden accuses Trump of ‘modern-day appeasement’ towards Russia

May 7, 2025

Joe Biden has accused Donald Trump of “modern-day appeasement” in his approach to Russia and expressed fears that Europe would “lose confidence in the certainty of America” in his first interview since leaving the White House in January. “He [Vladimir Putin] believes it [Russia] has historical rights to Ukraine,” Biden told the BBC. Anybody who […]

Russia has offered a short ceasefire in Ukraine – but here’s what Putin really wants | Andriy Yermak

May 7, 2025

On Monday, the Kremlin offered a three-day pause in hostilities against Ukraine in May, to coincide with Moscow’s celebrations of the end of the second world war. In a context where Ukraine is calling for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, and the US a permanent one, Russia wants concessions before a lasting pause or permanent peace […]

Trump expresses ‘absolute confidence’ as Steve Witkoff is sworn in as special Middle East envoy

May 7, 2025

President Donald Trump’s new special envoy to the Middle East was sworn in by Secretary of State Marco Rubio Tuesday in an Oval Office ceremony. Speaking before the swearing-in, Trump praised Witkoff, who was instrumental in securing an extended ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and the return of 33 hostages, including two Americans, who were […]

Can A New Tribunal Hold Russia Accountable For Crimes Of Aggression In Ukraine?

May 7, 2025

European Union foreign ministers are gathering in Warsaw on May 7-8 for an informal council meeting and then head to Lviv a day later in a show of solidarity with Ukraine as Russia plays up its Victory Day celebrations. Neither of the meetings is an official EU council, so they're unlikely to announce anything concrete. […]

Patience Wears Thin In Washington As Ukraine Peace Deal Eludes Trump

May 7, 2025

Welcome to Wider Europe, RFE/RL's newsletter focusing on the key issues concerning the European Union, NATO, and other institutions and their relationships with the Western Balkans and Europe's Eastern neighborhoods. I'm RFE/RL Europe Editor Rikard Jozwiak, and this week I'm drilling down on two issues: Why EU and Ukraine trade will be less free going […]

Ukraine War, Day 1,165: Russia’s Drone Assaults on Kyiv and Kherson

May 7, 2025

Firefighters extinguish a blaze at a house set by a Russian drone attack on Kherson, Ukraine, May 3, 2025 Saturday’s Coverage: 51 Injured in Kharkiv by Russian Drones Map: Institute for the Study of War UPDATE 1615 GMT: A Patriot air defense system based in Israel will be transferred to Ukraine after refurbishment, say “four […]

Zelenskyy says Russia-Ukraine ceasefire could be put in place at any moment

May 7, 2025

Zelenskyy says Russia-Ukraine ceasefire could be put in place at any moment Show Caption Hide Caption Zelenskyy skeptical after Russia agrees to limited Ukraine ceasefire The White House says Russia agreed temporary ceasefire in which Kyiv and Moscow agree to stop attacking each other's power plants and electric grids. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said a […]

UK marks VE Day 80th anniversary with large crowds and military pomp

May 7, 2025

As Big Ben chimed at noon and with the Cenotaph, the symbol of sacrifice, draped in the union flag for the first time since its unveiling in 1920, the UK marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day with military pomp before large crowds who had gathered in central London. Buckingham Palace may have served as […]

Ukraine’s Zelenskiy, in Prague, says ceasefire could be put in place at any moment

May 6, 2025

Summary Zelenskiy seeks greater pressure on Moscow Says ceasefire with Russia could be put in place at any time Czech president says Moscow has all the cards to end the war PRAGUE, May 4 (Reuters) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Sunday that a ceasefire with Russia in its more than three-year-old war was […]