On May 13, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz issued a strong warning to Russia, saying that the European Union is ready to significantly tighten sanctions if Moscow does not make real progress toward ending the war in Ukraine. This warning comes just days before critical peace talks are set to take place in Istanbul on May 15.
Merz said that European leaders support Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire. However, he made it clear that if Russian President Vladimir Putin refuses to seriously participate in the talks, the EU will respond with a new round of punishments. These may include tougher penalties against Russia’s energy and financial sectors.
The EU has already imposed 16 rounds of sanctions since Russia began its full-scale invasion in 2022. These measures have targeted companies, individuals, and organizations involved in supporting the war effort. The 17th round of sanctions is expected to be announced on May 14.
Merz stressed that further sacrifices from Ukraine are unreasonable while Russian forces continue to strike civilian areas. “More compromise and more concessions are no longer reasonable,” he said. According to Merz, the only way forward is for Russia to take the first step by agreeing to a full ceasefire.
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Zelensky, Erdogan Await Putin for Possible Breakthrough
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he will meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara before heading to Istanbul for the possible peace talks. Both leaders are ready to travel to the meeting site if Putin confirms his attendance.
Zelensky stated that Ukraine is prepared for direct negotiations with Russia but made it clear that there will be no deals without a ceasefire. He emphasized that the location of the meeting should not be used by Russia as an excuse to avoid talks, adding that Turkey is fully prepared to host.
If the talks happen, it would be the first in-person meeting between Zelensky and Putin since 2019. Many see it as a major step in potentially ending the conflict, although Russia has not officially confirmed Putin’s attendance at the time of the announcement.
Adding to the international spotlight, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other senior officials will attend the Istanbul talks. This marks the first time a high-ranking U.S. official will take part in such discussions. Trump made the statement during the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum, expressing hope that the talks might lead to peace.
Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg, are also expected to be present to observe the negotiations.
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Ukraine Hits Back and Foils Spy Plot
While diplomatic efforts unfold, Ukrainian forces continue to defend against Russian military attacks. On May 13, Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces reported the destruction of a Russian Buk-M3 anti-aircraft system and a Uragan-1 rocket launcher using attack drones. The Buk-M3, estimated to be worth $45 million, was hit while on combat duty, along with its ammunition. The Uragan-1 is a powerful rocket launcher capable of switching between different rocket calibers.
These successful strikes were carried out during a reconnaissance mission in an unspecified frontline area. The Ukrainian military did not disclose the exact timing of the attack but confirmed the systems were completely destroyed.
In a separate incident, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) arrested a former employee of the Rivne Nuclear Power Plant for allegedly working with Russian military intelligence (GRU). Authorities said the man attempted to help plan drone strikes on power lines that connect the nuclear facility to Kyiv’s energy grid.
The suspect, who left his job before the war began, was reportedly contacted by a GRU agent in the spring of 2025 and offered money to assist. According to the SBU, he tried to install a GPS tracker on a power line pole and had also scouted the positions of Ukrainian troops guarding the area. He was caught and arrested while trying to activate the tracking device.
This incident shows the ongoing threats to Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, even away from the frontlines. Russian efforts to disrupt electricity to major cities like Kyiv remain a serious concern, as the war enters a third year.
