Rheinmetall begins production of gun barrels for a significant new European client.

15:38 Major Contract: Rheinmetall produces gun barrels for a European client

Rheinmetall, a Düsseldorf-based company, receives another significant order for its defense products. They will supply a significant amount of barrels for the Panzerhaubitze 2000 to a European customer. The value of the order falls in the low three-digit million euro category, and the shipment is expected to take place from 2024 to 2029.

The German government remains against the idea of setting up a defense shield against Russian air attacks on western Ukraine from NATO territory. Their perspective is that it would mean direct involvement in the conflict, and they are against this. Government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg have all shared similar sentiments on the matter.

NATO has called on its member states to allow Ukraine to use Western weapons against military targets in Russia. These sentiments are part of a declaration adopted at the spring meeting of NATO's Parliamentary Assembly in Sofia, Bulgaria. The meeting was held under the motto "Stand by Ukraine until victory."

Sweden has now permitted the use of its weapons for attacks on Russia. Russian media have taken notice of the shifting positions of Western nations in this regard.

Ukrainian authorities claim to have struck a target 1500 kilometers behind the frontlines in the Russian hinterland using a drone, which could be a new long-range record for such an attack. This was reported by an intelligence services representative. The target was an early warning radar "Woronesh M" near the city of Orsk on the border with Kazakhstan.

In Poland, the government is planning a billion-dollar project to strengthen its eastern border and protect itself from potential attacks. This project, entitled "Shield East," will involve fortifications, various types of barriers, and highly modern air defense systems. It is the largest operation to enhance the Polish eastern border and the eastern flank of NATO since 1945.

Kharkiv, a heavily contested city, is under attack again. Russian forces have dropped glide bombs on a hardware store, where around 200 civilians were present at the time. Surveillance camera footage captures the explosion and subsequent chaos within the building.

Ukraine's ammunition and weapons system deficit is a prominent issue, with President Zelensky meeting in Spain to discuss the matter. Sweden's decision to allow the use of its weapons for attacks on Russia has given hope that other countries might follow suit.

The EU has adopted a legal framework for sanctioning serious human rights violations in Russia, which will enable penalties to be imposed on individuals and organizations responsible for suppressing the opposition.

The German government is providing further humanitarian aid to support the population in the Russian-occupied regions of eastern Ukraine. A total of 60 million euros has been set aside for this purpose, with the primary focus on the region's eastern area. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock commented that the situation in the occupied area is dire, with people suffering under Russian occupation for more than two and a half years. The German government is working with international partners to bring aid to the region.

Rheinmetall's defense products experience skyrocketing demand, leading to a major order to supply over a hundred barrels for the Panzerhaubitze 2000 to an European customer. The deal is worth several million euros. The barrels are scheduled for delivery between 2024 and 2029.

The German government continues to reject the idea of establishing a NATO-operated air defense system to protect Western Ukraine from possible Russian airstrikes, given the fear of direct involvement in the conflict. Similar sentiments have been expressed by Government Spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

This week, NATO has urged its members to allow Ukraine to use Western weaponry against Russian military targets. This demand was put forward during the session of NATO's Parliamentary Assembly in Sofia, Bulgaria, which concluded with a declaration titled "Stand by Ukraine until victory."

Sweden now allows the use of its weapons in Russia territory, sparking Russian media's keen interest in the evolving positions of Western countries.

Ukrainian intelligence claims to have used a drone to hit a target 1500 km behind enemy lines in the Russian hinterland, potentially setting a new record for drone-led attacks. The radar targetted was "Woronesh M," a vital radar system near the city of Orsk, on the border with Kazakhstan.

Poland's government is preparing a massive project to strengthen its eastern border, nicknamed "Shield East," which will include fortifications, a variety of barriers, and advanced air defense systems. It's a massive undertaking, the largest since the end of World War II, to safeguard the Polish side of the border and enhance NATO's eastern flank. The project will cost around 2.3 billion euros. Work is set to start on 700 km of the border, and it will be finished by 2028.

Kharkiv, a battle-torn city, faces another bombing run. Russian forces have dropped glide bombs on a hardware store, where 200 people were caught in the crossfire. Security cameras captured the explosions and the ensuing chaos.

Facing an ammunition shortage, Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelensky, is in Spain seeking discussions about ammunition and weaponry systems.

The EU took a critical step by adopting a legal framework for imposing sanctions on individuals and groups involved in human rights abuses in Russia. This framework allows for penalties against those suppressing the opposition in Russia.

Lastly, Germany has decided to give further aid to people living under "Russian terror occupation" in the Ukrainian region. The German government will grant 60 million euros to address the dire humanitarian situation in these occupied areas, collaborating with international partners to provide support.

Lithuania Blames Hungary for Blocking EU Aid to Ukraine

Lithuania accuses Hungary of blocking all EU efforts to help Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis believes the EU needs to find a way around Hungary's obstruction. Landsbergis describes Hungary's actions as a systematic attempt to prevent the EU from playing a significant role in foreign policy. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also urges Hungary to end its blockade of further EU military aid for Ukraine. She pleads, "Please let us support Ukraine for peacekeeping again." The foreign ministers of the European Union are set to discuss more aid for Ukraine in Brussels. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has called for additional air defense systems and other weapons in a video message.

Spain to Send Military Aid to Ukraine

Reports suggest Spain will send a package of aid to Ukraine that includes a dozen rockets for the Patriot air defense system, 19 Leopard tanks, equipment for counter-drone defense, and ammunition. These weapons are a part of the 1.13 billion euros in aid Spain announced last month. The aid package is expected to be announced during a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is slated to meet with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and King Felipe in Madrid. However, a spokesperson for Sanchez declined to comment on these claims. Ukraine already received Leopard tanks from Germany.

Ukrainian Drone Strikes Killed One and Damaged Government Building in Russia

A Ukrainian drone attack killed one person and damaged a government building in Russia's Orjol region. According to Lithuanian Governor Andrej Klychkov, a drone crashed onto the property of a gas station in the city of Lwny. The drone attack happened about 160 km behind the border with Ukraine, injuring three emergency responders and one person believed to be a fire truck driver. Klychkov said that a second drone attack took place when emergency services arrived at the scene. The Russian Defense Ministry stated that a dozen Ukrainian drones were neutralized in the region of Orjol last night.

Lange: "We Encourage Russia to Commit More War Crimes Instead of Deterring them"

Military expert Nico Lange views the Russian missile strikes on a printing press and a hardware store in Kharkiv as war crimes. Lange writes on the platform X, "If we limit our support for Ukraine, we're only encouraging Russia to commit more war crimes instead of deterring them."

Gitanas Nauseda's Re-Election Brings Joy to Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed congratulations to Lithuania's re-elected President Gitanas Nauseda, stating, "Dear Gitanas Nauseda, my heartfelt congratulations on your re-election! You've been by our side day and night in these difficult years. I appreciate your sincere support for Ukraine and am confident that together we will ensure freedom, peace, and security in Ukraine, the Baltic states, and throughout Europe." Lithuania has provided significant support to Ukraine within its capabilities.

Kuleba: "Russia has Sabotaged the Peace Process Despite 200 Rounds"

According to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Russia has failed to negotiate in good faith in the numerous peace talks held between 2014 and 2022. Kuleba said on the platform X, "The main problem is that Russia never negotiated in good faith, unless it was forced to." He claims that Russia has undermined the peace process and launched a "total war against Ukraine." Kuleba believes the only chance for true peace lies in uniting the entire international community. "That's why the peace summit in Switzerland on June 15 and 16 is so important, and that's why it's so important for as many countries as possible to participate."

What's Happening on Russian Territory Near the Ukrainian Border?

Russian troops, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, are assembling a new group near the border, 90 km from Kharkiv. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) believes that the Russian maneuver could serve to fix and attract Ukrainian troops while preparing for offensive operations to expand Russia's influence in the border area. The ISW has observed satellite images of the area Graiworon-Borissowka-Proletarski in the western region of Belgorod, where Russian forces have expanded their activities on depots and storage facilities in recent weeks. The extent of the potential Russian troop concentration remains uncertain.

05:59 Klitschko urges Western countries for support after massive attack in Kharkiv leaves numerous casualties

The aftermath of the assault on a hardware store in Kharkiv, resulting in significant deaths, is still being felt. Vitali Klitschko took to platform X, stating: "These Ukrainian lives were taken by Russian bombs because we lacked enough air defense. With how long will countries with Patriot systems wait?" Simultaneously, he suggests taking direct aim at Russian targets utilizing Western weaponry. "The aircraft that rain bombs onto our civilians take off from Russian runways. We must obliterate these planes at their source."

05:16 Air alarms in southern Ukraine

In southern Ukraine, an additional air alert occurs during the night. The Ukrainian military keeps a watchful eye on a Russian stealth fighter Su-57 over the Black Sea, issuing a warning of forthcoming cruise missiles.

04:57 Zelenskyy demands Western powers enable proactive strikes against Russia

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy requests the authority to use Western weapons against Russian territory in response to fatal bombings near the border city of Kharkiv. He expresses gratitude for the global condemnation and expressions of sympathy from several foreign politicians and organizations in a video address. "It's crucial that this condemnation leads to meaningful actions." Not only does Ukraine need more air defense but also authorization to strike Russian territory with foreign-provided weaponry, Zelenskyy says. "We're well-aware of every Russian soldier presence. We recognize where Russian rockets and fighter jets are launched. It's a political choice to authorize the destruction of these forces before they attack Ukraine."

01:40 Four civilians killed by Russian shelling

The Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office reveals that three individuals were killed by Russian shelling in the Donetsk region. Incidents of civilian casualties have been documented in Sieversk, midway in the region to the south in Krasnohorivka, and closer to the city of Chassiv Yar. The Prosecutor General's Office of the Kharkiv region also reports the death of a civilian in the vicinity of the city Chuhujiw.

00:47 Zelenskyy to travel to Spain

In a scheduled trip, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will pay a visit to Spain. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is expected to receive Zelenskyy at noon, and a press conference is planned to follow. Zelenskyy's initial plan was to visit Spain on May 17, but he rescheduled due to the escalating situation in Kharkiv.

23:18 Macron reiterates support for Ukraine against Russian aggression

French President Emmanuel Macron has voiced his support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russia, advising against backing down in the face of Russian aggression. "Advocating for peace today means reinforcing the rule of law," Macron said during his three-day state visit to Germany. "Peace is not relinquishing principles. Peace is defending a country's sovereignty and borders." He assured that Germany and France will bolster Ukraine "until the end," helping them strengthen their defenses and prepare for an enduring peace that upholds international law.

22:22 Medvedev menaces Poland over potential American response to Russian nuclear attack on Ukraine

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has threatened Poland, claiming it would be engulfed in "radioactive ash" following remarks by Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski on American retaliation to a potential Russian nuclear strike on Ukraine. "If the Americans target our assets, it implies global military conflict, and sources such as a Polish foreign minister should understand that," Medvedev stated on his Telegram channel. "Warsaw will not be spared and will undoubtedly receive its share of radioactive ash. Is that what you intend?"

10:00 PM: Zelenskyy shares thoughts on Ukraine's current situation with Central Asian media

The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has given his first interview to Central Asian media, particularly journalists from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. This interview was published by the Kazakh media outlet "Orda" as a video on YouTube. As for the possibility of a truce with Russia, Zelenskyy doesn't foresee a resolution.

9:40 PM: Putin lands in Uzbekistan for state visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Uzbekistan for a state visit. This information was relayed via Russian state media. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan's current president since 2016, greets Putin at the airport, which is situated in the Uzbek capital Tashkent. Putin and Mirziyoyev will converse on the improvement of Russian-Uzbek relations and discuss regional issues during the two-day visit. The Kremlin disclosed plans to pen a "comprehensive package of bilateral documents" after the visit.

The Ukrainian Military Command reported that Russian forces engaged in 83 skirmishes yesterday in an attempt to infiltrate the Ukrainian defense lines. The Russian invaders are reportedly putting in their utmost effort to break through these defenses. According to an update shared on the military's social media platforms, the Ukrainian troops are responding by trying to maintain their positions and neutralize the Russian offensive capabilities. There has been no major difference in the situation surrounding Kharkiv, but the Russians are expected to continue their assaults near the city of Vovchansk and the village of Lyptsi.

At 9:00 PM, a group of approximately 150 people gathered outside the US Embassy in Kyiv to express their frustration over the limitation that prohibits Ukrainian forces from attacking Russian territory with Western weaponry. A journalist from NTV, Stephan Richter, captured these tensions. The protestors are calling for this restriction to be removed.

On the occasion of Georgian Independence Day on May 26th, thousands of marchers partook in a "Freedom March" through the Georgian capital, Tbilisi. This was as reported by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). Every participant held the Georgian and European Union flags and shouted chants including "No to Foreign Influence!", "No to the Russian Regime!" and many more. Moreover, they held their mobile phones' flashlights to light up the night. The president of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili, had earlier highlighted the Russian "shadow" looming over her country, during the swearing-in of new recruits in the Freedom Square in Tbilisi.

(All previous events can be found here.)