Ukraine Conducts Nationwide Raids in Draft Evasion Investigation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope for a full temporary ceasefire with Russia starting May 12, 2025, as he prepares to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey for negotiations. Zelenskyy called for an unconditional 30-day truce, aligning with demands from European allies for a ceasefire before any talks could commence. However, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, Russia rejected the ceasefire proposal, favoring direct negotiations without preconditions instead, which Putin deemed necessary for achieving a lasting peace. After a meeting with Zelenskyy in Kyiv, leaders from France, Germany, the UK, and Poland warned that tougher sanctions would be imposed on Moscow if it did not accept the ceasefire. French President Emmanuel Macron underscored that a ceasefire should precede any discussions, signaling ongoing skepticism toward Russia's intentions, as claims of renewed military actions by Moscow raised concerns. U.S. President Donald Trump urged Ukraine to agree to negotiations, emphasizing the need for dialogue, despite expressing doubts about the chances of a suitable deal being reached.

Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence reported that a Russian Su-30 fighter jet was shot down by a maritime drone in the Black Sea, marking a potential milestone in military technology. The incident occurred on Friday near Novorossiisk, a significant Russian port, when a missile fired from a Magura V5 drone targeted the aircraft, which is valued at approximately $50 million. Ukrainian officials stated that the operation was executed by a military intelligence unit called Group 13, in collaboration with the Security Service of Ukraine and various armed forces units. A video released by Ukrainian authorities purportedly shows the fighter jet “engulfed in flames mid-air before crashing into the sea.” The Russian Defence Ministry has yet to comment on the claim, although a Russian blogger associated with military circles confirmed that the jet was indeed shot down about 50 kilometers west of Novorossiisk. Amid these developments, the mayor of Novorossiisk declared a state of emergency after a Ukrainian drone attack reportedly caused damage to a grain terminal and injured five people. In retaliation, Russia conducted a drone strike on Kyiv, damaging multiple residential buildings.

Investigative reports reveal that Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna was brutally tortured and killed during her captivity by Russian forces in 2023. Roshchyna, 27, was captured while covering the situation in occupied Zaporizhzhia. A forensic examination conducted by the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's office indicated extensive injuries, including broken ribs and potential electric shock marks. According to Yuriy Belousov, head of the War Crimes Unit, the body showed signs of prior autopsy and missing organs, suggesting an attempt to conceal evidence of a war crime. Roshchyna's colleagues at Ukrainska Pravda described her commitment to journalism as a "mission," emphasizing her unique position as the only reporter in the area. The Committee to Protect Journalists condemned Russia for her death. Ukrainian officials have raised concerns about numerous civilians held by Russia without legal recourse, with foreign ministry spokesman Georgiy Tykhy calling for a stronger international response. This tragic incident underscores the perilous situation for journalists in conflict zones and the urgent need for global attention to civilian hostages.