Russia seeks UN Security Council meeting; Ukraine reports civilian casualties; international responses heighten diplomatic strains.
Dmitry Polyanskiy, the First Deputy Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the UN, has announced that Moscow has requested a UN Security Council meeting to address perceived threats to peace posed by European nations allegedly obstructing a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
This announcement comes in the wake of escalating violence and diplomatic tensions surrounding the war.
In related news, Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council, responded to remarks made by former U.S. President
Donald Trump concerning Russian President Vladimir Putin's aggressive posturing.
Medvedev cautioned that a significant detriment would be the onset of a third world war, suggesting that Trump's fears should be appropriately considered.
Additionally, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has warned the public to remain vigilant against banking frauds and cyber scams linked to Ukraine.
In a
Facebook video, he indicated that his government is preparing for an upcoming meeting to address rising incidents of such fraud.
He cited recent law enforcement efforts that dismantled a Ukrainian-linked criminal network, emphasizing the need for comprehensive measures to protect Hungarian families from financial losses attributed to these cyber crimes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed plans for a forthcoming agreement to enhance the domestic production of long-range weapons and drones, supported by European Union funds.
In a video statement, Zelensky outlined initiatives to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities by focusing on the domestic manufacture of critical military technology, including attack drones and cruise missiles.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces reported civilian casualties, claiming that since the onset of the conflict in February 2022, at least 6,831 Russian civilians have died, including 223 children.
These figures were presented by Rodion Miroshnik, a representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, during a high-level security conference.
Meanwhile, no decision has been reached regarding the Ukrainian negotiation team to engage in upcoming talks with Russian representatives.
Deputy Chief of Staff Igor Brusilo stated that the composition of the delegation will be determined once the agenda for the discussions is set.
Russia has expressed a preference for Turkey as the negotiation venue, while U.S. officials suggested that Geneva could be a potential location.
In a significant diplomatic turn, a meeting of the UN Security Council on Ukraine is scheduled for May 30, as confirmed by Greece, which holds the rotating presidency of the Council.
This meeting was convened following Russia's request to discuss threats to global peace arising from the actions of European nations concerning the Ukraine crisis.
On the economic front, the Swiss watch industry reported a staggering 149% increase in exports to the United States in April, attributed to apprehensions regarding potential tariff hikes under the Trump administration.
Concurrently, the Swedish automotive manufacturer Volvo announced plans to lay off approximately 3,000 employees as part of cost-saving measures, primarily affecting administrative roles in Sweden.
As concerns over terrorist threats rise, the U.S. has elevated its threat level in several European nations, including Spain, Germany, and France, where an increased risk of attacks has been reported.
This warning echoes broader anxieties related to the ongoing conflict and its ramifications across Europe.