Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed on May 22 that he ordered the military to begin creating a "security buffer zone" along the border with Ukraine, Russian state media outlets reported. The comments come a day after Putin made his first known visit to Russia's Kursk Oblast,

Ukrainian forces are bracing for another major frontline assault from Russia after learning of a large build-up of pre-battle troops in the north east.

Kyiv reacts to Vladimir Putin’s decision to create a "buffer zone" on the border with Ukraine. "Putin has been and remains the only reason the killing continues", stated Andriy Sybiha, the head of Ukrainian diplomacy.

Russia and Ukraine have no direct peace talks scheduled, the Kremlin said Thursday, nearly a week after their first face-to-face session since shortly after Moscow’s invasion in 2022 and days after U.S. President Donald Trump said they would start ceasefire negotiations “immediately.”

Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump discussed what the U.S. leader called "impressive" prospects for ties between their two countries in a phone call on Monday, the Kremlin said, adding that Russia and the United States are working on a new prisoner swap.

Vladimir Putin met with officials in the Kursk region, suggesting potential plans to seize the Sumy region in Ukraine, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Vladimir Putin, the Russian leader,

Russian President Vladimir Putin will speak with U.S. President Donald Trump at 5 p.m. Moscow time (10 a.m. ET) on Monday, the Kremlin confirmed, after Trump announced he would discuss the war in Ukraine and trade with the Russian leader.

In an interview with ABC News, Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov said Vladimir Putin needed to see "certain dynamics" before agreeing to an extended ceasefire.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on May 19, the Kremlin said, confirming the plan announced by Trump over the weekend. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the conversation between the two leaders is scheduled for 5 p.

A 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia will take time, but everyone is interested in doing it as soon as possible, reports Interfax citing Russian president spokesman Dmitry Peskov.