22:31: A rocket strike on Luhansk ignites a blaze.

22:31 A rocket hits Luhansk, causing a fire.

In a Ukrainian rocket assault on Luhansk, a fire has erupted, as per Russian accounts. The Russian occupation boss Leonid Pasetschnik on Telegram stated that it was executed using incendiary ammunition. Casualty information is being verified. No update has been provided by the Ukrainian authorities at the moment. The Ukrainian military has initiated at least three attacks on Luhansk and its outskirts in recent weeks. Particularly, fuel reserves were targeted. Luhansk can be found in the part of eastern Ukraine under Russian control.

21:46 Russia intends to considerably boost gas deliveries to UzbekistanTo locate new sales outlets due to western sanctions, Russia intends to considerably up its gas supplies to Uzbekistan. Preparations are underway to increase the quantity to 11 billion cubic meters next year, says Russian President Vladimir Putin during a gathering with his Uzbek counterpart Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent. This year, the amount is projected to be 3.8 billion cubic meters, contrasted with 1.28 billion cubic meters the previous year. Both the previous Soviet republic of Uzbekistan and Russia likewise endorsed plans to construct nuclear power plants – with the collaboration of the Russian organization Rosatom.

21:10 The Russian agency reports a series of detonations in LuhanskThe Russian news organization RIA reports a series of explosions in Luhansk. Ukrainian war bloggers likewise release their own images, demonstrating what is said to be a significant fire in the Russian-controlled city in eastern Ukraine. There is no confirmation of the reports accessible.

20:31 Russia condemns NATO for "war hysteria"The Kremlin denounces NATO Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg for falling into a "war hysteria" in the discussion about lifting some limitations on the utilization of Western weapons against targets in Russia. "NATO is aggravating the circumstance, NATO is utilizing war discourse and falling into a war hysteria," says Kremlin representative Dmitry Peskov to Russian media. Peskov reacts to Stoltenberg's proclamations that the part states should consider lifting specific confinements on the utilization of Western weapons in Russia.

19:54 Spain gives Ukraine billion-dollar military guide Spain and Ukraine flag a bilateral security understanding during the main official visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the EU country. The agreement incorporates a Spanish military guide bundle worth one billion euros this year, says Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at the Madrid government offices Moncloa. Sánchez doesn't need to state the subtleties of the military guide. He just says that it will give anti-aircraft missiles, Leopard storage tanks, and ammunition.

19:16 Moscow distributes combat diary with Stalin statements for soldier trainingThe Russian Defense Ministry has discharged a new military diary, as per reports from London on May 22, intended to help with the political training of soldiers. As per the British Defense Ministry, the diary "Politruk" is planned to aid mentors of the Russian armed forces. Russian Deputy Defense Minister Viktor Goremykin composes in an opening article that the diary is a piece of the convention of Soviet military distributions. In his composition, Goremykin cites pioneer Joseph Stalin on the significance of political training for soldiers and the requirement for detesting the foe. "The diary underscores that the foe in present-day Ukraine is similar to the foe the Soviet Association battled against, specifically the Nazis," it says from London. A guide displayed in the diary is likewise said to undermine the presence of Ukrainian statehood.

18:44 Ukraine clears path for French military advisorsUkraine is making way for an ensuing visit by French military mentors to their preparing focuses. Commander-in-Head Oleksandr Syrskyj reported this. The mentors ought to presently have the option to become acquainted with the foundation and personnel of the focuses. Details are not given. French President Emmanuel Macron reported on February 26 at a meeting in Paris that Western troops could help the Kiev government through preparing inside Ukraine.

18:20 Fear of "Double Tap" at the Kharkiv MarketThe zone of the Kharkiv Market, which was devastated by Russian rocketing, covers 10,000 square meters. Following the assault, officials, firefighters, and the prosecutor's office are on location. Clean-up work is starting – accompanied by dread.

17:44 Brawl with previous Wagner soldiers in RussiaPrevious Wagner mercenary unit individuals have allegedly been engaged with a physical fight in the Russian city of Chelyabinsk in the Ural Mountains. The Specialized Board has propelled a criminal examination, reports the Russian TV channel RTVI. The disorder, which occurred over the end of the week, was supposedly incited by an inquiry between men over a lady. In recordings, it can be seen how two gatherings connect in a road battle. To begin with, one side, said to be comprising of previous Wagner soldiers, beats their adversaries with clubs. Then, in dark-clad men show up, who terminate from firearms. According to the reports, these guns are not lethal weapons. Be that as it may, there were supposedly a few harmed.

17:07 Russia and Belarus lead shared air force activitiesRussia and Belarus are directing shared air force activities, as indicated by reports from Minsk. The flight and air guard activities are planned to keep going from May 27 to May 31, the Belarusian Defense Ministry reported. [Note from the Translator: The content is a paraphrase of a German news article.]

Poland Limits Movement of Russian Diplomats
Poland is planning to put restrictions on the movement of Russian diplomats within the country. The move comes as a response to Russia's involvement in hybrid warfare against the EU and Poland, explained Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, while in Brussels. A diplomatic note outlining the restrictions will soon be handed over to the Russian embassy in Warsaw. The restrictions will affect all Russian diplomats working in the embassy and consulates, barring them from traveling outside their designated regions. However, the ambassador will remain unaffected. "I hope that Russia will take this as a serious warning", said Sikorski.

16:01 Pawlak: Russian Baltic Sea Plans Reminiscent of World War II
Julian Pawlak, a scientist at a German military think tank, stated that Ukraine is facing a significant challenge with the expansion of the front against Russia. Meanwhile, Russia's Baltic Sea plans raise the importance of NATO border strengthening.

15:38 Rheinmetall Wins Major Gun Barrel Order
The German company Rheinmetall has won a large order to supply gun barrels for the Panzerhaubitze 2000 to an unnamed European customer. The order totals in the low three-digit million euro range. The gun barrels are expected to be delivered from 2024 to 2029.

14:51 Berlin Opposed to NATO Defense Shield for Ukraine
The German government remains against the idea of establishing a NATO defense shield against Russian air attacks in western Ukraine. Official government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said that this would be seen as direct involvement in the conflict by Germany. He also referred to statements made by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Calls for a protective shield have grown louder internationally and in Germany.

14:21 NATO Calls for Allowing Ukraine to Attack Military Targets in Russia
NATO is urging its member states to allow Ukraine to use Western weapons against military targets in Russia. The NATO Parliamentary Assembly (PV) at its spring session in the Bulgarian capital Sofia adopted a declaration with the slogan "Stand by Ukraine until victory." NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stressed the need to lift certain restrictions on the use of the provided weapons.

13:36 Sweden Approves Use of Weapons Against Russia
Sweden has given its support for using its weapons in attacks on Russia. Russian media, in turn, is focusing on the positions of Western countries. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggests that Russia is already being attacked using Western weapons.

13:07 Drones Set New Record with 1500 km-long Attack on Russian Radar
Ukrainian military intelligence reportedly attacked a Russian radar system 1500 kilometers behind enemy lines in Russia. The informant did not provide any information regarding the extent of the damage caused by the attack on Sunday.

12:36 Poland's "Shield East": A Billion-Dollar Project to Strengthen Eastern Border
Poland plans to reinforce its eastern border against possible attacks with a billion-dollar project code-named "Shield East." It is the largest operation to strengthen the Polish eastern border and NATO's eastern flank since World War II, said Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz in Warsaw. The program involves constructing fortifications and barriers, as well as installing high-tech air defense systems along the 700-kilometer border. The project is expected to be completed by 2028 and will cost around 2.3 billion euros.

12:05 Chaos in Kharkiv's Hardware Store after Glide Bombs
The heavily contested city of Kharkiv is once again under attack, with Russian troops dropping glide bombs on a hardware store. Witnesses reportedly present when the attack occurred have shared videos of the explosion and ensuing chaos.

11:31 European Dissidents in Focus: EU Adopts Framework for Russia Sanctions
The foreign ministers of the 27 EU countries have agreed on a legal framework for imposing sanctions against Russia for serious human rights violations. The new framework should allow sanctions to be imposed on individuals and organizations responsible for suppressing the opposition.

11:10 Subversives Draw Attention of the EU: Framework for Russia Sanctions Adopted
The EU foreign ministers have approved a new legal framework for imposing sanctions against Russia for serious human rights violations. The framework is meant to target individuals and organizations involved in suppressing the opposition.

10:45 Ukraine-Russia Conflict - Ammunition Shortage and Defensive Systems
The ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict has brought up the issue of ammunition shortages and the need for defensive systems. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was in Spain, where the topic of ammunition shortages and the use of weapons systems came up.

Germany is providing additional financial support to the people living in the Russian-occupied areas of eastern Ukraine, totaling 60 million euros. This announcement was made by Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during EU ministerial meetings in Brussels. Baerbock indicates that these areas face a severe lack of resources due to the "Russian terror occupation" and have been suffering for over two and a half years. Germany is working with international partners to provide aid to these regions.

Lithuania has accused Hungary of systematically obstructing the European Union's support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russian aggression. Lithuania's Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis called on the EU to find a way to bypass this blockade and urged Hungary to stop blocking further EU military aid for Ukraine. Landsbergis claims that this is a deliberate tactic by Hungary to undermine the EU's influence on foreign policy.

Spain is reportedly planning to provide Ukraine with more leopard tanks. The media outlet "El Pais" claims that Spain will deliver a dozen Patriot missiles for the air defense system, 19 Leopard tanks, drone defense equipment, and ammunition, as part of a larger aid package worth 1.13 billion euros. These weapons are expected to be announced during the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Madrid.

Ukrainian drones are believed to have attacked a gas station and a government building in the Russian region of Orjol, resulting in a fatality and injuries. The Russian Defense Ministry has stated that 12 Ukrainian drones were neutralized in the region overnight.

Military expert Nico Lange has called the Russian air strikes on a printing house and a building materials store in Kharkiv new war crimes, stating that limiting support for Ukraine will lead to more Russian war crimes rather than deterring them.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has congratulated Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda on his re-election, expressing gratitude for his support for Ukraine. Lithuania has been providing support to Ukraine in whatever capacity it can.

The Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba believes that Russia has undermined the peace process through 200 rounds of negotiations between 2014 and 2022, and that the only solution is a joint effort by the international community to promote peace. This milestone will be showcased at a peace summit in Switzerland on June 15 and 16, and it's crucial for as many countries as possible to participate in this event.

In summary, Germany, Spain, and potentially other countries are providing aid to Ukraine, while Lithuania seeks greater cooperation from Hungary to aid Ukraine. Russia has been accused of committing war crimes and undermining peace talks.

To provide assistance to the people in the occupied regions of eastern Ukraine, Germany is releasing an additional 60 million euros in humanitarian aid. This aid is mainly going towards the eastern part of Ukraine, with Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expressing concern about the severity of the situation faced by the inhabitants of these areas, who have been suffering from over two and a half years of Russian "terror occupation". Germany is working alongside other international actors to bring aid to the region.

Hungary has been accused of systematically obstructing the EU's efforts to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression by Lithuania's Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis. Landsbergis urges the EU to find a way around this blockade and urges Hungary to cease its efforts to hinder further EU military aid to Ukraine.

Lithuania's president, Gitanas Nauseda, has been re-elected, and his congratulations from Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy reflect the strength of the relationship between the two nations. Zelenskyy appreciates Nauseda's support for Ukraine, which has been instrumental in the country's fight against Russian aggression.

Spain is set to deliver a significant aid package to Ukraine, reportedly including 12 Patriot missiles for its air defense system, 19 Leopard tanks for the ground forces, equipment for drone defense, and more ammunition. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to visit Spain to discuss this aid. This comes after Germany has already provided Leopard tanks to Ukraine.

Russian-launched drones struck a gas station in the Russian region of Orjol, leading to a fatality and multiple injuries. The drones also hit a government building, with one of the people injured being a fire truck driver. Russia's Defense Ministry said they had destroyed 12 Ukrainian drones in the Orjol region overnight.

Nico Lange, a military expert, believes that Ukraine suffers from Russia's continual acts of aggression and that restricting aid to the country only encourages further war crimes.

The events surrounding the war between Ukraine and Russia are complex and ever-changing. Germany is providing additional humanitarian aid to the occupied regions, Lithuania is accusing Hungary of blocking EU support for Ukraine, Spain is set to deliver a vast aid package that could include more Leopard tanks, Russian attacks have killed and injured people deep within Russia, and Ukraine's Foreign Minister sees the peace process undermined by Moscow. It is essential for the international community to come together and discuss potential solutions to this ongoing conflict.

Russian troops are allegedly assembling close to the Ukrainian border, as declared by Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. This movement is presumed to be aimed at tying down and capturing Ukrainian troops, alongside positioning for offensive operations to intensify Russia's dominance in the border area. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has examined satellite photos of the site surrounding Graiworon-Borissowka-Proletarski in the western section of Belgorod, which indicate that the Russian military has intensified their operations at storage areas and bunkers in the region recently. The real scale of the possible Russian troop amassment stays indefinite, as per the US research institute.

5:59 PM Klitschko aspires to Western partners after violent attack with various casualties in Kharkiv

The impact of the assault on a hardware store in Kharkiv with high casualties continues to be significant. Vitali Klitschko posts on the X up-close communication platform, "These Ukrainians died from Russian bombs because we didn't have sufficient air defense. How long will nations with Patriot systems delay?" The necessity for managing assaults on targets within Russia with Western weapons is also postulated by Klitschko. "Planes that drop bombs on our people take off from Russian airfields. We must destroy these planes there."

5:16 PM Air raid alert in southern Ukraine

In the south of Ukraine, a night-time air raid alert is being issued. The Ukrainian military is also monitoring, among other things, a stealth bomber, Su-57, over the Black Sea and warning of the launch of cruise missiles.

4:57 PM: Zelenskyy demands that the West allow preventive attacks on Russia

President Zelenskyy of Ukraine requests the right to utilize Western weapons against Russian territory following the deadly bombing on the border town of Kharkiv. Many international figures and organizations have provided their condolences and condemned Russia, Zelenskyy says in his video address. "It is crucial that this denouncement entails appropriate repercussions." Ukraine calls for not only increased air defense but also the authority to shoot at Russian infrastructure with their international weapons. "We see every Russian troop aggregation. We are aware of all the areas where Russian rockets and fighter planes are launched," he remarks. It entails a political choice to allow the preventative destruction of these forces before they attack Ukraine.

1:40 PM: Four civilians exterminated by Russian shelling

As per the Ukrainian prosecutor's office, three individuals lost their lives due to Russian shelling in the Donetsk region. Civilians were killed in Siversk (north) and further south in Krasnohorivka and Chassiv Yar. The prosecutor's office of the Kharkiv region reports that a civilian was killed near the city of Chuhujiw.

12:47 PM: Zelenskyy journeys to Spain

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit Spain today. Zelenskyy will be recieved by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at midday, the Spanish government in Madrid reports. Following this, a press conference will be held. Zelenskyy had earlier scheduled his visit to Spain for the 17th of May. Due to the military situation in Kharkiv, the Ukrainian president cancelled the visit at short notice.

10:22 PM: Macron advocates persistence in support towards Ukraine

The French President Emmanuel Macron cautions against forsaking backing for Ukraine in defense against Russia. "Today, standing behind tranquility means providing strength to the law. Tranquility is not capitulation. Tranquility is not forsaking principles," Macron said during his three-day state visit to Germany. "Tranquility means granting a nation the chance to defend its borders and its sovereignty," he remarked. Macron emphasized that Germany and France would also emphasize this in the anniversary Defense and Security Council meeting on Tuesday. In this meeting, they will stress that they will aid Ukraine "until the end" to withstand, "to exhaust, to instruct and get ready for a sustained tranquility - a tranquility that honors international law."

9:33 PM: Medvedev threatens Poland with "radioactive ash"

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has threatened Poland with "radioactive ash" in response to statements from Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski regarding how the United States might retaliate against a Russian nuclear strike on Ukraine. "In case the Americans strike our targets, that implies a world war, and a foreign minister, even from a country like Poland, should comprehend that," Medvedev writes on his Telegram channel. "Warsaw will not avoid being engulfed in radioactive ash. Is that what you wanted?"

9:00 AM: Zelensky speaks for the first time with media from Central Asia

Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, has conducted his first interview with media from Central Asian countries, notably journalists from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. The interview was made public by the Kazakh outlet "Orda" as a video on the YouTube platform. In the interview, Zelensky insists that there is no scope for a ceasefire with Russia.

Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, visits Uzbekistan for a state occasion, as per Russian state media. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Uzbek president since 2016, warmly welcomes Putin at the Tashkent airport. With over 37 million inhabitants, Uzbekistan is a Central Asian state. During Putin's two-day stay, the leaders plan to discuss enhancing Russian-Uzbek relations and talk about recent regional concerns. Post-trip, they hope to sign "a comprehensive package of bilateral documents."

Ukrainian General Staff: Russian Attacks Targeted, No Breakthrough

According to the Ukrainian General Staff, 83 hostile encounters with Russian troops occurred on Sunday. Russian forces are reportedly attempting to breach the Ukrainian defensive lines through sheer force. The update on social media stated, "The Ukrainian troops are taking countermeasures to maintain their positions and obliterate the enemy's attack capabilities." No significant movements occurred near Kharkiv, while offensive actions continued at Vovchansk and Lyptsi.

U.S. Embassy Protests in Kiev: Lifting Ban on Attacking Russian Territory with Western Weapons

The Ukrainian restriction that does not allow Ukrainian troops to assault Russian territory using Western weapons has baffled some locals. About 150 individuals are demonstrating in front of the U.S. embassy in Kiev, as said by NTV reporter Stephan Richter. They demand the removal of this regulation.

Freedom March on Georgian Independence Day

On May 26, Georgian Independence Day, thousands joined the "Freedom March" in the capital Tbilisi. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) shared this information. Participants waved Georgian and EU flags, chanted slogans - such as opposing the "foreign influence" law and "the Russian law" - and illuminated their phones with flashlights. Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili, during her address given at the swearing-in of new recruits on Freedom Square in Tbilisi, discussed the "shadow of Russia looming over Georgia."

For more context, check out previous events here.

Have a good day!