The United States and its allies have imposed broad economic penalties on Russia over its war in Ukraine. As the conflict continues, experts debate whether the sanctions are working.

In September 2022, Moscow claimed to have annexed the four Ukrainian regions and to this day it does not fully control them. Putin illegally annexed Crimea in 2014. Kyiv has repeatedly rejected any suggestion it would surrender the regions.

Putin had earlier called for "direct talks" with Ukraine on 15 May in Istanbul, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv is "ready to meet" and expects Moscow to "confirm a ceasefire – full, lasting, and reliable", starting on 12 May.

Russia fired more than 100 drones at Ukraine overnight, Kyiv said Monday as it awaits the Kremlin's response to Volodymyr Zelensky's call for a personal meeting with Vladimir Putin this week.

The EU claims to be involved in peace efforts despite not sitting at the negotiating table and threatens further sanctions if the Kremlin does not accede to demands for a ceasefire

Trump seeks ceasefire in Ukraine through calls with Putin and Zelenskyy, facing challenges due to his relationship with Russia.

Western powers must not be divided in confronting Russia over the Ukraine war, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Wednesday, urging a united stance between Europe and the United States.

US officials, including Donald Trump, have already downplayed what could be gleaned from what are set to be the first direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv in three years.

Also, Russia and Ukraine began their largest prisoner exchange of the war. Here’s the latest at the end of Friday.

India’s Jaishankar says its Russia-Ukraine war stance is vindicated, urging diplomacy over conflict and highlighting Western double standards on sovereignty issues.