MOSCOW, May 16 (Sputnik) - Russian troops took control of the village of Volnoye Pole in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), the Russian Defense Ministry said on Friday.

"Units of the Vostok group of forces continued to advance into the depth of the enemy's defenses and took control of the village of Volnoe Pole in the Donetsk People's Republic," the statement said.

Russia's Tsentr group of forces has eliminated more than 3,040 Ukrainian soldiers over the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Friday.

"The enemy's losses amounted to over 3,040 servicepeople, 26 armored combat vehicles, 66 vehicles and 14 field artillery guns," the ministry said in a statement.

Russia's Zapad group of forces has eliminated over 1,490 Ukrainian servicepeople, while Russia's Yug group of forces has eliminated over 1,400 Ukrainian soldiers over the past day, the ministry said.

The Vostok group of forces have eliminated over 1,130 Ukrainian soldiers, the ministry added.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250516/russian-troops-take-control-of-volnoye-pole-in-dpr--defense-ministry-1122063618.html

That's losing 5,660 SOLDIERS IN ONE DAY....

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“Despite media hype and ultimatums, under strong American pressure, Kiev managed to build some form of constructive negotiations,” Alexander Asafov, a political analyst and deputy chair of the Public Chamber’s Commission on Legislative Expertise, tells Sputnik.

He notes the tone has shifted from confrontation to a “constructive” stance, though “the results don’t yet promise immediate change.” Still, this breakthrough marks “a very big step” after a stalemate since 2022.

Asafov remains cautiously optimistic: “Let’s hope Kiev won’t sabotage future rounds and that new points emerge in the agenda, potentially leading to peace by addressing the root causes of the conflict.”

Zelensky’s "Unexpected" Move

Regarding Zelensky’s recent push for direct talks with Putin despite earlier bans, Asafov explains: “He was trying to sabotage negotiations by making unacceptable demands. His main goal is personal gain, while the conflict’s continuation suits him.”

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250516/media-hype-vs-megaphone-diplomacy-what-russia-ukraine-istanbul-talks-reveal-1122067014.html

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Moscow and Kiev have exchanged the remains of fallen servicemen, Russian MP Shamsail Saraliev has told RBK media outlet. The lawmaker is a member of the parliamentary commission overseeing the country’s military operation against Ukrainian forces.

According to Saraliev, the Russian Defense Ministry returned 909 bodies to Ukraine and received the remains of 34 Russian soldiers in exchange.

Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War confirmed the swap in a Telegram post, saying Kiev had received the bodies of 909 servicemen. It did not disclose how many of Russia’s fallen soldiers were handed over. The operation involved the Ukrainian military as well as the domestic security service, the SBU, and was coordinated with the International Committee of the Red Cross, it added.

Similar swaps have been carried out on a monthly basis. In January, Russia handed 757 bodies to Ukraine in exchange for the remains of 49 troops. In February, Kiev received 757 bodies, while 45 were returned to Russia.

In March, the sides exchanged the remains of 909 Ukrainian servicemen for the bodies of 43 Russians, including eight civilians who were captured during Kiev’s cross-border incursion into Kursk Region and later died in captivity.

Last month, Russia handed over 909 Ukrainian bodies and received the remains of 41 soldiers in return.

https://www.rt.com/russia/617708-russia-ukraine-fallen-soldiers/

MAKE A DEAL PRONTO BEFORE THE SHIT HITS THE FAN:

NO NATO IN "UKRAINE" (WHAT'S LEFT OF IT)

THE DONBASS REPUBLICS ARE NOW BACK IN THE RUSSIAN FOLD — AS THEY USED TO BE PRIOR 1922. THE RUSSIANS WON'T ABANDON THESE AGAIN.

THESE WILL ALSO INCLUDE ODESSA, KHERSON AND KHARKIV.....

CRIMEA IS RUSSIAN — AS IT USED TO BE PRIOR 1954

TRANSNISTRIA WILL BE PART OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION.

A MEMORANDUM OF NON-AGGRESSION BETWEEN RUSSIA AND THE USA.

EASY.

THE WEST KNOWS IT.

YOURDEMOCRACY.NET RECORDS HISTORY AS IT SHOULD BE — NOT AS THE WESTERN MEDIA WRONGLY REPORTS IT.

         Gus Leonisky

         POLITICAL CARTOONIST SINCE 1951.