Rustem Umerov

The latest news and updates on Rustem Umerov, appointed Ukraine’s Defence Minister in September 2023, he brings a robust background in finance, telecommunications, and investment. Previously a Member of Parliament and Head of the State Property Fund, Umerov is a prominent Crimean Tatar activist known for his negotiation skills and anti-corruption efforts. His responsibilities include reforming defence procurement, enhancing international partnerships, and aligning Ukraine’s military with NATO standards. He has been instrumental in prisoner exchanges and de-occupation strategies for Crimea, demonstrating expertise in sensitive diplomatic engagements and a commitment to Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

Rustem Umerov

Ukraine war talks in Geneva wrap up in 2 hours with no sign of breakthrough

Neither side revealed what they discussed or whether any agreement had been reached, but both said the discussions had been ‘difficult’.

Ukraine and Russia wrap ‘productive’ first day of US-backed peace talks

Russia and Ukraine sit for tense talks on thorny territorial issue

Top Ukrainian negotiator says talks with US to continue in Davos

Negotiators move from Florida to Switzerland for talks as Ukrainians reel from Russian attacks that have damaged energy infrastructure.

Russia claims Ukrainian drone strike kills 24 in occupied Kherson

Moscow accuses Kyiv of New Year’s Eve attack on civilians as diplomats scramble to save fragile peace talks.

Rubio says won’t force deal on Ukraine as Europeans join Miami talks

Trump envoys are meeting officials from Kyiv and Moscow, but the question of ceding territory remains a stumbling block in negotiations.

Why top German diplomat’s China trip aims to manage rivalry but won’t reset ties

Critical minerals and Ukraine war expected to be top priorities as Germany’s foreign minister travels to China.

Ukraine’s Zelensky holds ‘very substantive’ call with Trump envoys

The president’s negotiators are in Florida for talks on a US-led plan to end the war with Russia.

Zelensky reinforces European support as he eyes Trump talks on US deal

Ukrainian president met Macron in Paris to sound out allies on the US blueprint for peace, which was drafted without input from Kyiv or Europe.

US sees progress after latest Ukraine talks as Trump envoy heads to Russia

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expresses optimism despite ‘delicate’ negotiations, with special envoy Steve Witkoff set to travel to Moscow.

Russian drone strike kills 1 near Kyiv amid flurry of peace talks

A child was among the 11 wounded during the attack on Vyshgorod, regional governor said.

Ukraine weighs dignity against US demands in Swiss peace talks to end Russia war

Trump’s controversial 28-point peace plan places territorial concessions and military limits on Kyiv, while also pledging never to join Nato.

Trump gives Ukraine Thursday deadline to accept peace deal with Russia

Zelensky says his country faces the ‘difficult choice’ of losing its dignity or risking the support of Washington, a major ally.

Ukraine seeks to bring home 1,200 prisoners in Russia talks

Turkish mediation in 2022 set the rules for coordinated swaps between Ukraine and Russia, who have sporadically exchanged thousands of prisoners.

New Ukraine-Russia talks set for Wednesday in Istanbul, Zelensky says

Announcement follows two previous rounds that yielded little progress, as pressure mounts from the US for a deal.

Russia unleashes major aerial attack on Kyiv hours before Ukraine aid talks

Ukraine's capital targeted as Western allies meet virtually to discuss accelerating weapons deliveries to Kyiv.