17:44: Major fight involving previous Wagner combatants occurs in Russia.

17:44 Brawl involving ex-Wagner mercenaries erupts in Russia

Ex-Wagner mercenaries allegedly involved in a massive brawl in Chelyabinsk, a large city in the Russian Ural Mountains, according to media reports. Russian TV channel RTVI reports that an investigation has been launched into the incident, which occurred over the weekend. It's said the fight was triggered by a dispute between men over a woman. Footage shows two groups engaged in a street battle. At first, one side, allegedly comprised of ex-Wagner mercenaries, attacks their opponents with clubs. Then, masked individuals appear and fire shots from pistols. Reportedly, the pistols used are non-lethal weapons. Several injuries were reported.

Russia and Belarus conducting joint air force exercises, according to reports from Minsk. The exercise will last from May 27 to May 31, with the Belarusian Defense Ministry confirming the news.

Poland plans to restrict the freedom of movement of Russian diplomats in the country. This decision comes as a response to Russia's involvement in hybrid warfare against the EU and Poland, said Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski in Brussels. A diplomatic note will be submitted to the Russian embassy in Warsaw soon, imposing movement restrictions on all diplomats except the ambassador.

Ukraine is facing a major challenge with Russia's Baltic Sea plans, as assessed by Julian Pawlak, a scientist from a German military think tank. Pawlak emphasizes the importance of strengthening NATO borders in response to these plans.

Rheinmetall, a German defense company, has received a major contract to manufacture gun barrels for the Panzerhaubitze 2000 for a European customer. The deal has a value in the low three-digit million euro range, and Rheinmetall plans to deliver the barrels from 2024 to 2029.

The German government remains opposed to the idea of setting up a NATO defense shield against Russian air attacks on western Ukraine. Government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit mentioned that this would directly involve Germany in the conflict, which they don't want.

The NATO Parliamentary Assembly has called on member states to allow Ukraine to use Western weapons against military targets in Russia. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg urges states to lift certain restrictions on the use of provided weapons.

Sweden has given permission for the deployment of its weapons against Russia. Russian media is now focusing on Western countries' positions, while Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov says that Russia is already being attacked with Western weapons.

Ukraine claims it has attacked a target 1500 kilometers behind the front lines in the Russian hinterland using a Ukrainian drone. A representative of the Ukrainian intelligence service states that a record has been set concerning the use of drones. The target was the early warning radar "Woronesh M," near the city of Orsk on the Russian-Kazakh border. The radar can detect aircraft or rockets at great distances.

Poland is planning its largest operation since 1945 to reinforce its eastern border and protect itself against possible attacks. The "Shield East" program will cost around 2.3 billion euros and involve fortifications, barriers, and modern air defense systems. The project will be completed by 2028. The goal is to strengthen Poland's eastern border as well as the eastern flank of NATO.

German government has disagreed with plans to set up a NATO defense shield for Ukraine in response to Russian air attacks on western Ukraine. Government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit stated in Berlin, "This would, in our opinion, represent a direct involvement in the conflict, which we don't want."

Furthermore, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly has urged member states to allow Ukraine to employ Western weapons against military targets in Russia. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg adds to this, suggesting that certain restrictions on the usage of provided arms should be alleviated.

Ukraine claims to be behind an unprecedented attack on Russia using a drone, having set a new record in the employment of drone technology. The target, according to a Ukrainian intelligence service representative, was the early warning radar "Woronesh M," near the city of Orsk on the Russian-Kazakhstan border. This radar type can detect airplanes or missiles over long distances. No information has been provided regarding damage to the radar due to the assault that occurred on Sunday.

Additionally, Poland is planning its largest operation since 1945 to protect its eastern border and safeguard NATO's east flank. Dubbed "Shield East," it will involve the installation of fortifications, obstacles, and advanced air defence systems. An investment of approximately 2.3 billion euros is expected, and the entire process is set to be completed by 2028. Overall, the focus is on enhancing the security of Poland's eastern frontier as well as NATO's eastern borders.

The contentious city of Kharkiv is once again facing bombardment. Russian forces are dropping glide bombs on a hardware store, with approximately 200 civilians present during the incident. Shocking footage from security cameras reveals the explosion and destruction within the building.

11:31 Judge on Ukraine's ammunition shortage: "The Eastern Front remains unsettled, Russians capture another village"

Sweden approves the use of its weapons for assaults against Russian territory. Ukraine is optimistic that "other nations will soon follow suit." While Zelensky is in Spain, addressing the widely discussed ammunition deficiency, [Stephan Richter, NTV reporter]

11:10 Aiming for Suppressors: EU Adopts Framework for Russia Sanctions

The foreign ministers of the 27 EU nations have decided on a new legal framework for sanctions against Russia due to severe human rights infractions, nearly four months since the death of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. This framework will enable punishment for those responsible for suppressing the opposition, as confirmed by several diplomats.

10:41 Germany Supplies More Millions for Regions under "Russian" Terror Occupation

The German government is providing humanitarian assistance to the Russian-occupied eastern regions of Ukraine. Germany plans to allocate 60 million euros, primarily for areas in the east of Ukraine, according to German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. "There's nothing left there," Baerbock noted, referring to the occupied regions. "People have been suffering under Russian terror occupation for over two and a half years." Germany plans to coordinate aid efforts with international partners.

10:13 Lithuania Accuses Hungary of Obstructing EU Aid for Ukraine

Lithuania accuses Hungary of deliberately blocking all EU efforts to support Ukraine in its struggle against the Russian attack war. The EU must "find a way to circumvent this blockade," says Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, prior to a gathering with his EU peers in Brussels. Hungary has gone quite far to hinder any significant EU involvement in foreign policy. "We must perceive this as a systematic approach against any efforts by the EU to play a meaningful role in foreign policy," Landsbergis stated. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock calls on Hungary to end its blockade of further EU military support for Ukraine. "I urge Hungary to stop this blockade so we can help Ukraine in its pursuit of peace," Baerbock added. The foreign ministers of the European Union have convened to discuss additional aid for Ukraine at a conference in Brussels. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has asked for additional air defense systems and other weapons through a video message.

09:40 Substantial Aid Package from Spain: Ukraine Likely to Receive More Leopard Tanks

Spain is reportedly planning to provide Ukraine with a dozen Patriot missiles for its air defense system and 19 Leopard tanks. These weapons are part of the aid package worth 1.13 billion euros announced last month for the country under attack by Russia. In addition, equipment to counter drones and ammunition will also be provided. The new military aid is anticipated to be announced during a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Madrid, where he is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and King Felipe. A spokesperson for Sanchez refused to comment on the report. Ukraine has also recently received Leopard tanks from Germany – of the 1A5 type.

09:09 Ukraine attacks Russian territory with drones

An attack by a Ukrainian drone on a gas station in the Russian region of Orjol led to the death of an individual, as per Russian media reports. "A drone crashed onto the property of a gas station in the city of Liwny this morning," Governor Andrey Klychkov posted on Telegram. Three people sustained injuries as a result of the drone attack, which occurred approximately 160 kilometers behind the Ukrainian-Russian border. Additionally, a government building was reportedly damaged. A second drone attack took place after emergency responders arrived at the scene, Klychkov clarified. "As per preliminary information, the driver of a fire truck was unfortunately killed." The three wounded individuals are also emergency responders, according to Klychkov. The Russian Defense Ministry reports that a dozen Ukrainian drones were neutralized overnight, including six in the Orjol region.

08:35 Lange: "We encourage Russia to commit more war crimes, rather than deterring it"

Military analyst Nico Lange considers the Russian missile strikes on a printing house and a hardware store in Kharkiv to be new instances of war crimes. "By limiting our support for Ukraine, we are inciting Russia to commit more war crimes instead of deterring it," Lange argues on X.

07:59 Lithuanian election brings great cheer to Ukraine

The re-election of Gitanas Nauseda as President of Lithuania is celebrated in Kyiv. Ukrainian President Zelensky congratulates him through a message: "Warm greetings, Gitanas Nauseda! I extend my heartfelt congratulations on your re-election! You have been with us at every hour in those challenging years. I greatly appreciate your genuine support for Ukraine, and I'm confident that we will work together to achieve freedom, peace, and security in Ukraine, the Baltic states, and throughout Europe." Lithuania has consistently supported Ukraine in all possible ways.

07:19 Kuleba: Russia has undermined the peace process despite 200 rounds of negotiations

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has a history of fruitless talks with Russia, explaining that "Russia never negotiated in good faith unless it was forced to." Over the course of 200 rounds of negotiations between 2014 and 2022, Moscow has undermined the peace process and started a "total war against Ukraine." Kuleba believes that the sole solution is a collective endeavor from the global community to guide true peace. "That's why the peace summit in Switzerland on June 15 and 16 is crucial. That's why it's essential for as many nations as feasible to take part."

What's happening on Russian land close to the Ukrainian border? Reports suggest that Russian troops are assembling approximately 90 kilometers from Kharkiv; Ukrainian President Zelensky has proclaimed. This could be to lure and confine Ukrainian troops, preparing for offensive actions aimed at augmenting Russia's presence in the border region, as per the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The ISW has observed satellite imagery around Graiworon-Borissowka-Proletarski in the western region of Belgorod, indicating that Russian soldiers have been busy with depots and storage facilities in close-by settlements over the past weeks. The precise number of Russian troops gathered is currently unknown.

Klitschko unnecessary Western partners following slaughter in Kharkiv

The mass murder at a hardware store in Kharkiv has left a profound impression. Vitali Klitschko writes on the platform X: "These Ukrainians died from Russian bombs because we didn't have enough air defense. How much longer will nations with anti-air defense systems wait?" It is also essential to initiate attacks on targets within Russia with Western weapons, according to Klitschko. "The planes that drop bombs on our civilians take off from Russian airfields. We need to destroy these planes before they leave."

Advisory in southern Ukraine

Another alert has been issued in southern Ukraine at night. Ukrainian military personnel are monitoring, among other things, a Russian stealth bomber Su-57 over the Black Sea and warning of the launch of cruise missiles.

Zelensky: West should sanction punitive strikes against Russia

Ukrainian President Zelensky is advocating for the right to utilize Western weapons against Russian territory following the lethal bombing in Charkiw. Numerous foreign politicians and organizations have expressed their outrage and denounced Russia, says Zelensky in a video address. "It's critical that this indignation results in the necessary repercussions." The Ukraine requires not only more air defense but also the authority to strike at Russian targets with its foreign weapons. "We can identify every accumulation of Russian troops. We know all the locations from which Russian rockets and combat aircraft are fired. It's a political decision to authorize the preventive destruction of these forces before they attack Ukraine."

Four civilians slain by Russian volleys

According to the Ukrainian prosecutor's office, four civilians have been slaughtered by Russian fire in the Donetsk area. Civilian casualties have been recorded in Siwersk in the region's northern region and further south in Krasnohoriwka and Tschassiw Jar. The prosecutor's office of the Kharkiv region also reported that a civilian was killed near Tschuhujiw.

Zelensky travels to Spain

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to travel to Spain today. Zelensky will be welcomed by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at noon, as declared by the Spanish government in Madrid. Additionally, a press conference has been planned. The visit was initially slated for May 17th, but Zelensky postponed it due to the chaotic scenario in the Kharkiv region.

Macron: "Peace isn't capitulation"

French President Emmanuel Macron cautioned against abandoning support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia. "Standing for peace today implies bolstering the law. Peace is not capitulation. Peace is not the job of ideals," Macron asserted during his three-day state visit to Germany. "Peace is granting a nation the capacity to protect its borders and sovereignty," he added. Macron stressed that Germany and France would emphasize in the forthcoming bilateral Defense and Security Council meeting on Tuesday that they will assist Ukraine "until the end" to resist, "to fatigue, train, and get ready for every possibility to create a lasting peace - a peace that lives up to international law."

Ex-President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev issues chilling warning against Poland after comments made by their Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski on potential US response to a Russian nuclear assault on Ukraine. Sikorski talked to the British newspaper "The Guardian" about how the US might react to a potential Russian nuclear strike on Ukraine. Medvedev, now Deputy Head of the Russian Security Council, posted on his blog X, "If the Americans strike our targets, it means a world war and a foreign minister, even of a country like Poland, should understand that." He continued, "Moscow will not be spared and Warsaw will undoubtedly receive its share of radioactive ash. Is that what you want?"

22:00 Zelenskyy addresses media in Central Asia for the first time

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy conducts his first interview with Central Asian media, focusing on journalists from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. The interview was featured on the Kazakh media outlet "Orda" as a YouTube video. In regard to a potential ceasefire with Russia, Zelenskyy stated that he saw no chance of a mutually beneficial agreement.

21:40 Putin visits Uzbekistan for official visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin travels to Uzbekistan for a formal visit. The report was shared by Russian state media. Shavkat Mirziyoyev welcomed Putin at the Tashkent airport, who has been the President of the Central Asian state with 37 million people since 2016. Putin and Mirziyoyev will discuss the further advancement of their Russian-Uzbek relations and address pertinent regional issues during the two-day trip. The Russian President's plans indicate a "comprehensive package of bilateral documents" will be signed after the visit.

21:20 Ukrainian General Staff: "Maximal effort" by Russians to breach defenses without success

Ukraine's military reported 83 skirmishes with Russian forces on Sunday. Despite committing "max effort" attempting to intrude on Ukrainian defense lines, there have been no notable shifts in Kharkiv's direction. They are actively countering the Russian offensive while preserving their positions and crippling the enemy's assault capabilities.

21:00 Anti-restriction demonstration in front of the American Embassy in Kyiv

A significant portion of the Ukrainian populace feels perplexed by the restraint to avoid attacking Russian territories using Western arms. Approximately 150 people protested this in front of the US Embassy in Kyiv, according to ntv-reporter Stephan Richter, calling for the repeal of the stipulation.

20:40 Georgian Independence Day: Antigovernment protest in Tbilisi

On May 26th, marked as Georgian Independence Day, thousands of protesters took part in a "Freedom March" through the capital Tbilisi. This was reported by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). The demonstrators conveyed flags of Georgia and the European Union and chanted slogans like "Against foreign influence!" and "Against the Russian regime!" They also flashed their cell phone flashlights. During a ceremony for recruits on the Freedom Square in Tbilisi, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili spoke about the "shadow of Russia looming over Georgia."