Ukraine-Russia war latest: Trump says Putin has to ‘get moving’ on ceasefire as US envoy in Russia for talks

US president Donald Trump has posted that “Russia has to get shifting” as his envoy Steve Witkoff ready to fulfill Vladimir Putin.

He posted on his social media platform: “Russia has to get shifting. Too many individuals ere DYING, 1000’s every week, in a horrible and mindless battle.”

And a poorly worded phrase implied he didn’t know he was US president.

“A battle that ought to have by no means occurred, and wouldn’t have occurred, if I have been President!!!” he wrote.

In addition to Steve Witkoff, Russia’s Vladimir Putin was additionally in St Petersburg as we speak to carry what the Kremlin known as an “terribly vital” assembly in regards to the growth of the Russian Navy, which is within the throes of a serious modernisation and enlargement drive.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov performed down the deliberate Witkoff-Putin assembly, telling Russian state media the US envoy’s go to wouldn’t be “momentous” and that no breakthroughs have been anticipated.

The assembly will likely be their third this 12 months.

Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov described the assembly of the “contact group” at Nato headquarters as “productive, efficient and environment friendly”, saying it produced “one of many largest” packages of help Ukraine has acquired.

“We’re grateful to every nation that has supplied this assist,” he stated.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will on Friday holds talks on Ukraine with US president Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff, who’s on a go to to Russia, the Tass state information company reported, citing the Kremlin.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated the 2 may additionally focus on a future assembly between Mr Putin and Mr Trump.

However he cautioned that Mr Witkoff’s go to wouldn’t be “momentous” and that nobody ought to anticipate main breakthroughs.

The Estonian navy detained an oil tanker within the Baltic Sea on Friday and boarded the vessel to examine its authorized standing and security, the nation’s prime minister stated.

The vessel, named Kiwala, was on its method to Russia on the time of the seizure, MarineTraffic information confirmed.

“Estonia takes suspicious actions within the Baltic Sea very critically,” Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal stated in a submit on social media X.

A former ballerina jailed for donating £40 to assist Ukraine has returned dwelling after being freed in a prisoner trade.

Ksenia Karelina, who spent greater than a 12 months in a Russian jail, landed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland at round 11pm, native time, on Thursday.

Her fiance boxer Chris van Heerden was there to greet her on the runway. He stated in an announcement he was “overjoyed to listen to that the love of my life, Ksenia Karelina, is on her manner dwelling from wrongful detention in Russia.

“She has endured a nightmare for 15 months and I can’t wait to carry her. Our canine, Boots, can be eagerly awaiting her return.”

Britain’s defence Secretary, John Healey, has stated Ukraine’s allies had pledged €21bn (£18.2bn) in navy help – a file enhance in funding to Ukraine

Included in that determine is the UK’s £4.5bn dedication for this 12 months, which Mr Healey says is its highest contribution but.

Mr Healey stated 2025 is the vital 12 months for Ukraine within the struggle in opposition to Vladimir Putin’s invasion.

“Now’s the vital second… for defence industries, militaries and governments to step up,” he stated, including it is about sending a message to Ukraine that “we stand with you within the struggle and within the peace”.