Key events on day 1,182 of Russia’s war in Ukraine:
Here’s an update on what happened on Wednesday, May 21:
Combat Actions
- US President Donald Trump dismissed concerns about Russia’s troop movements near Finland’s border, assuring the safety of Finland and Norway.
- Estonia’s attempt to seize a Russian tanker last week on sanctions grounds was branded as “aggressive actions” by Moscow in response to NATO.
Diplomatic Endeavors
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confirmed that Pope Leo XIV and the Vatican are prepared to host peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expects Russia’s leader, Putin, to unveil a peace proposal soon, which will indicate his seriousness in ending the conflict.
- Rubio suggested that Moscow would initially present general terms to facilitate a ceasefire, followed by detailed negotiations towards the conflict’s resolution.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of merely “buying time” to prolong its invasion and control.
- A man was charged in Poland for allegedly aiding Russian foreign intelligence with a potential plot to assassinate Zelenskyy.
Economic Developments
- The UK introduced sanctions against 100 new Russian entities to weaken “Putin’s war apparatus” and its supply chains; the EU also unveiled its 18th set of sanctions on Russia.
- Canada invited Ukraine’s Minister of Finance, Sergii Marchenko, to the G7 finance ministers’ meeting in Banff, Alberta.
- During the meeting, Marchenko urged for more robust international sanctions against Russia and a reduction in the price cap on Russian oil exports.
- Canada’s G7 finance summit in June will also address Ukraine’s post-conflict reconstruction efforts.
