For today, links to seven reports: from the Associated Press, Reuters, the Kyiv Independent, Agence France-Presse, Tass, and the Sunday Times; others or headlines of others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. (UKRAINE 5-17-25 is HERE, or scroll down. GAZA entry for this date is HERE, or scroll up.) — MCM
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Zelenskyy meets U.S., EU leaders in Rome ahead of Trump-Putin call. From AP. KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with top U.S. officials and European leaders in Rome today, part of stepped-up diplomatic efforts ahead of a high-stakes phone call Monday between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on ending the war in Ukraine — this as Russia launched its largest drone barrage . . . READ MORE . . .
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Russia launches war’s largest drone attack just days after peace talks, Ukraine says. From Reuters. The largest known Russian drone attack since the full-scale war began in 2022 killed a woman in the Kyiv region and injured at least three people, Ukrainian authorities said early today, as Moscow stepped up strikes following peace talks on Friday. READ MORE . . . Click HERE and HERE for reports from the Kyiv Independent and AFP.
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Russia’s special military-op in Ukraine aimed at long-lasting peace — Putin. From Tass. MOSCOW — Long-lasting peace and protection of rights of the Russian-speaking population in Ukraine must be the core result of Russia’s special military operation, President Vladimir Putin said in an interview. He said Russia has ample forces to complete it and reach the designated objectives. READ MORE . . .
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Pope Leo to hold private meeting with Zelensky after inaugural mass. From the Sunday Times. Pope Leo XIV was due to hold a private meeting with President Zelensky on Sunday after calling for peace in “martyred” Ukraine during a Mass to mark the official start of his papacy. READ MORE . . .
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FROM MAY 17 Trump says he will call Putin, then Zelenskyy, on Monday to push for Ukraine ceasefire, by Yehor Konovalov and Joanna Kozlowska | AP KYIV — U.S. President Donald Trump said he plans to speak by phone Monday with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, followed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and leaders of various NATO countries, about ending the “bloodbath” in Ukraine. READ MORE . . . Click HERE for report from Reuters.
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