Ukraine War Update: Putin to Meet Xi in Beijing; Yermak Detained; Kiev Strike Kills 24
This news update from May 16, 2026, covers several critical developments in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict. Media reports indicate that Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit Beijing on May 20 to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, shortly after a summit between Xi and former US President Donald Trump. In Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that intelligence suggests Russia is planning missile and drone attacks on decision-making centers, prompting Kyiv to target Russian oil and military sites. A recent Russian attack on Kiev resulted in 24 deaths, including three children. Domestically, Ukraine's High Anti-Corruption Court ordered the pre-trial detention of Andrii Yermak, former head of the Presidential Office, with bail set at $3.18 million. Additionally, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas rejected Putin's proposal to appoint former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder as a negotiator, citing his ties to Russian interests. Moscow has also designated the Pussy Riot group as terrorist and extremist.
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