Podcast in English
Audio Player
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

France's President Macron again tries to mediate in Russian-Ukrainian talks

Photo: EPA/BGNES

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said peace talks with Russia were difficult and confrontational, yet moving forward. In another attempt to mediate between Russia and Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron spoke with both Presidents Vladimir Putin and Zelensky.

The change in the Kremlin's position can also be seen in the statement of President Vladimir Putin's spokesman. According to Dmitry Peskov, Moscow's goal is no longer the denazification of Ukraine, but having Kyiv accept that Crimea is Russian and that two independent states have emerged in Donbas. Russia would only resort to the use of nuclear weapons in the context of the conflict in Ukraine if it were faced with an "existential threat," Peskov told CNN International.
The Kremlin's refusal to rule out the use of nuclear weapons was condemned by the Pentagon. ""It's not the way a responsible nuclear power should act," said Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby.
During the night, Russian forces tried to advance on Kyiv and Kharkiv. They were pushed back at the Makarov suburb of Kyiv where the highway from Kyiv to Zhytomyr and Lviv passes. Fighting is also taking place near Boryspil Airport and in besieged Mariupol.
Russia has also launched missile strikes at Pavlohrad railway station near the Dnieper and in Rivne, in the northwest.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Rain showers expected on Saturday, daytime highs will reach 20°C

Tonight, the cloud cover will be significant, with rain expected in parts of the western half of the country—more substantial in the central regions. The lowest temperatures will range between 6°C and 11°C, around 9°C in Sofia. On Saturday,..

published on 4/18/25 6:50 PM

13 people detained in Sofia during Police operation against illegal migration

Thirteen people were arrested in central Sofia during a specialized police operation aimed at countering illegal migration and preventing crimes committed by or against foreign nationals. The operation took place on April 16 and 17, said the Ministry..

published on 4/18/25 5:37 PM

Blind ultrarunner Victor Asenov inducted into the Everesting Hall of Fame

Blind ultrarunner Victor Asenov has officially become part of the Everesting Hall of Fame, Sportal.bg reports. Between March 21 and 23, the ''Invictus'' Victor Asenov completed 19 consecutive ascents from Aleko Hut to Cherni Vrah Mount on..

published on 4/18/25 3:59 PM