Poland is allocating funds for advanced American missiles.

23:32 Poland acquires advanced US missile systems

Poland will buy $723 million worth of advanced US missiles. The conflict in Ukraine has demonstrated "the importance of being able to fire rockets at targets far from the front line," says the Polish Ministry of Defense. These weapons will help Warsaw fortify its defensive capabilities against potential Russian threats. The missiles, known as JASSM (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles), have a range of approximately 620 miles. They are scheduled to be delivered from Washington to Warsaw between 2026 and 2030. Poland already possesses a type of JASSM with a range of 230 miles that is used on its F-16 fighter jets. The deal will be signed officially on Tuesday.

10:31 PM - Missile strike on Luhansk ignites a fireDuring a Ukrainian missile strike on Luhansk (see entry at 9:10 PM), a fire has ensued, according to Russian authorities. The Russian-appointed head of the Donetsk People's Republic, Leonid Pasetschnik, claims on Telegram that the attack utilized cluster munitions. Casualty counts are still being determined. There has been no confirmation from the Ukrainian government. In the recent weeks, Ukrainian forces have carried out at least three attacks on Luhansk and its surroundings. Main targets were fuel depots. Luhansk is situated in the eastern Ukraine under Russian occupation.

9:46 PM - Russia plans to boost gas deliveries to Uzbekistan by almost 10 timesAs a result of Western sanctions, Russia is aiming to drastically increase its gas supplies to Uzbekistan. Preparations are being made to hike the annual volume to 11 billion cubic meters starting next year, says Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting with his Uzbek counterpart Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent. This year's volume is predicted to stand at 3.8 billion cubic meters, a significant increase from the 1.28 billion cubic meters sent last year. Additionally, the Russian and Uzbek governments have finalized plans to construct nuclear power plants together - with Rosatom's involvement.

9:10 PM - Russian agency claims multiple explosions in LuhanskThe Russian news agency RIA reports multiple explosions in the city of Luhansk. Ukrainian war bloggers have also shared their own images, depicting a fiery conflagration in the Russian-occupied city of Luhansk in eastern Ukraine. However, confirmation of the explosions is unavailable.

8:31 PM - Kremlin reproaches NATO for "warmongering"The Kremlin accuses NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg of becoming "obsessed with war" in his recent remarks regarding the potential removal of certain restrictions on the deployment of Western weapons against targets in Russia. "NATO is ratcheting up tensions, and NATO is engaging in excessive war rhetoric and engagement," remarks Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov to the Russian media. Peskov is reacting to Stoltenberg's assertions that member nations should ponder abolishing some limitations on using Western weapons against targets within Russia.

7:54 PM - Spain guarantees $1 billion of aid for UkraineSpain and Ukraine inked a security treaty during President Volodymyr Zelensky's inaugural visit to an EU country. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declares in Madrid's Moncloa headquarters that Spain will contribute $1 billion in military aid this year. Sánchez does not disclose specifics about the military aid, only mentioning that they will continue to provide anti-aircraft missiles, Leopard tanks, and ammunition.

7:16 PM - Moscow publishes armed forces instruction magazine featuring Stalin quotationsThe Russian Defense Ministry has unveiled a new military instruction publication, as per a UK Defense Ministry report dated May 22. The publication, titled "Politruk," is designed to assist Russian armed forces' trainers. British experts assert that the magazine is part of Soviet military practices. In an article penned by Deputy Defense Minister Viktor Goremykin, he highlights the necessity of political education for soldiers and the need to detest the enemy. The magazine reinforces that the enemy today is similar to the ones the Soviet Union had battled, namely the Nazis. A chart included in the magazine has been accused of questioning the existence of Ukrainian statehood.

6:44 PM - Ukraine prepares for French military trainers' arrivalUkraine is preparing the way for incoming French military trainers at its training facilities. Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyj has approved the required paperwork. Trainers are now able to become acquainted with the training center's infrastructure and personnel. No additional details are provided. French President Emmanuel Macron declared on February 26 at a conference in Paris that Western troops could help the Kiev government via training within Ukraine.

6:20 PM - Cleanup at the Charkiv lumberyard amidst fear of more attacksThe Charkiv lumberyard, which was ravaged by Russian bombardment, encompasses 10,000 square meters. After the strike, firefighters, police, and prosecutors are on-site. Cleanup efforts are underway, but a lingering concern revolves around the possibility of another attack, known as a "double tap."

Ex-Russian Wagner soldiers involved in a street brawl in Chelyabinsk

An altercation in the Russian city of Chelyabinsk, located in the Ural Mountains, allegedly involved individuals with ties to the Wagner mercenary unit. This violent confrontation took place over the weekend, prompting the launch of a criminal investigation by the Investigative Committee, as revealed by the RTVI television station. Reports suggest that the fight was sparked by a disagreement among men over a woman. In a series of videos, two opposing groups are seen engaging in a scuffle. After initial beatings from both sides using clubs, individuals in black costumes with masks appear and discharge their pistols. Although the weapons aren't lethal, there were several injuries reported.

Russia and Belarus conduct their first joint air force exercises

According to news from Minsk, Russia and Belarus have commenced a joint air force exercise. The time frame for these air and air defense training sessions is from May 27 to May 31, as stated by the Belarusian Defense Ministry.

Poland moves to restrict Russian diplomats' movements

The Polish government has reportedly planned to limit the movement of Russian diplomats within its borders due to Russia's involvement in hybrid warfare against the EU and Poland. Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski mentioned this in Brussels. However, the ambassador himself will not be affected by these limitations. It's important to note that they will no longer have the freedom to travel around their respective workplaces.

Analyst: Russian Baltic Sea plans raise concerns similar to World War II

Julian Pawlak, a scholar from a German military think tank, states that Ukraine is facing significant challenges with Russia's presence in the Europe region. The Russian proposals concerning the Baltic Sea highlight the significance of reinforcing NATO boundaries.

Rheinmetall secures another large order for artillery barrels

Rheinmetall has landed a substantial order for artillery barrels for the Panzerhaubitze 2000 from a European customer. The contract is predicted to have a value in the low three-digit million euro range, and Rheinmetall will deliver the barrels between 2024 and 2029.

Germany against installing a NATO-defense shield for Ukraine

The German government has reiterated its stance against installing a NATO defense shield against Russian air attacks on western Ukraine. The government's spokesperson, Steffen Hebestreit, said it would be considered direct involvement in the ongoing conflict. The remark comes after requests for this protective shield have gained prominence internationally and in Germany.

NATO calls for unrestricted use of Western weapons by Ukraine

At its spring session in the Bulgarian capital Sofia, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly urged member states to allow Ukraine the freedom to use its supplies of Western weapons in attacks against targets within Russia. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg declared that the time had come to lift certain restrictions mandating the types of weapons and locations they could be used.

Sweden approves the use of its weapons against Russian targets

Sweden has authorized the utilization of its weapons in attacks against Russian targets. Russian media are focusing on the policies of Western countries. Additionally, Foreign Minister Lavrov implied that Russia is already under attack by Western weapons.

Ukrainian drone claims record attack on Russian target 1500 km away

Ukrainian intelligence reportedly achieved a new drone-strike record, having reportedly attacked a target 1500 km behind the war frontlines in Russia's interior. The target was the "Woronesh M" early-warning radar near the city of Orsk, located near the Kazakhstan border. With this radar system, aircraft and rockets can be detected from vast distances. No details about potential damage were provided.

"Shield East": Poland's ambitious project to bolster its eastern border and NATO's defense

With a billion-euro budget, Poland is organizing a major operation to reinforce its eastern border and safeguard against potential threats. This "Shield East" program is the most significant reinforcement of Poland's eastern border and NATO's frontier since 1945. The plan involves providing fortifications, various types of barriers, as well as high-tech air defense systems across the border. These improvements stretch across 700 kilometers and expect to be completed by 2028.

12:05: Russian forces target Kharkiv hardware store with glide bombs, causing chaos

The embattled city of Kharkiv is experiencing another assault as Russian forces drop glide bombs on a hardware store where approximately 200 civilians were present. Surveillance camera footage has been released, capturing the blast and resulting destruction inside the building.

11:31: Judicial discussions on Ukrainian ammunition shortage: Eastern front falters, Russians seize another village

Sweden allows use of its weapons in Russian territory attacks. In Ukraine, optimism exists that other countries will also follow suit. Zelensky is visiting Spain, as the ammunition shortage remains a major concern:

11:10: Targeting subversives: New EU framework for Russia sanctions

The foreign ministers of the 27 EU nations have decided on a new legal framework to impose sanctions on Russia for severe human rights violations. This system should enable sanctions on individuals and organizations involved in suppressing opposition, according to several diplomats.

Die Ukraine hat aus mehreren Ländern diverse Leopard-Modelle erhalten - bräuchte für mögliche Gegenoffensiven aber noch deutlich mehr.

10:41: Germany supports areas under "Russian terror occupation" with additional funds

The German government plans to provide more humanitarian aid to the people in the Russian-controlled sections of eastern Ukraine, amounting to 60 million euros. The majority of this sum will go towards the region's east. "There is a severe shortage of everything," Baerbock of the German Foreign Ministry states, prior to EU meetings in Brussels. "Under the Russian terror occupation, residents have been struggling for over two and a half years." Germany is cooperating with international partners to bring relief to the region.

10:13: Lithuania alleges Hungary's persistent obstruction of EU support for Ukraine amid Russian aggression

Lithuania accuses Hungary of systematically preventing any initiatives by the European Union to assist Ukraine in countering Russian attacks. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis demands that the EU discover a way to circumvent this obstruction before an assembly with his EU counterparts in Brussels. Hungary's actions are quoted as a strategic attempt to obstruct significant EU involvement in foreign policy.

09:40: Spain considers supplying Leopard tanks to Ukraine

Spain is considering sending a dozen Patriot missiles for Ukraine's air defense system as well as 19 Leopard tanks as part of a 1.13 billion euro aid package, according to "El Pais." This support also includes equipment to counter drones and ammunition. Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Margarita Robles confirmed the presence of Leopard tank deliveries in Ukraine.

09:09: Ukraine's drone attacks on Russian territory result in casualties

A person was killed and three individuals were injured during a Ukrainian drone assault on a gas station in the Russian Orjol region, reports Governor Andrej Klychkov. The incident occurred around 160 kilometers behind the Ukrainian border. An administrative facility was also damaged. After the arrival of rescue services, a second drone attack occurred, resulting in the death of a fire truck driver. The Russian Defense Ministry confirms that twelve Ukrainian drones were neutralized overnight, including six in the Orjol area.

08:35: Lange: Enabling Russia's war crimes by supporting Ukraine

The Russian missile strikes on a printing house and a building materials store in Kharkiv constitute new war crimes, according to military expert Nico Lange. "By limiting ourselves to supporting Ukraine, we are encouraging Russia to commit more war crimes instead of deterring it," Lange declares on platform X.

07:59: Lithuania's election outcome welcomed in Ukraine

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda's re-election is met with enthusiasm in Ukraine. President Zelensky expresses his condolences through a statement: "Congratulations, Gitanas Nauseda! Then, stay warm! Your candidacy is by our side day and night in these difficult times. I appreciate your enthusiastic backing for Ukraine and believe that we will work together for freedom, peace, and security in Ukraine, the Baltic States, and across Europe." Lithuania proactively supports Ukraine to the best of its ability.

07:19: Kuleba: Russia undermined peace process despite 20,000 rounds of ammunition

Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine's Foreign Minister, asserts that Ukraine has gone through extensive negotiation attempts with Russia, which ultimately proved unsuccessful. He emphasizes that Russia's lack of good faith in negotiations is the primary issue. From 2014 to 2022, Moscow undermined the peace process and began a "total war" against Ukraine. Kuleba believesthat the international community must unite to demonstrate the path to true peace. He highlights the significance of the peace summit in Switzerland on June 15 and 16 and encourages as many countries as possible to attend.

Recently, Russian troops have been gathering near the Ukrainian border, approximately 90 kilometers from Kharkiv, according to President Zelenskyy. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) suggests that these Russian troops aim to entrap Ukrainian troops and prepare for offensive operations. The ISW has noticed satellite images of Graiworon-Borissowka-Proletarsk in the western Belgorod region, indicating that the Russian armed forces have expanded their activities to include depots and warehouses. However, the exact number of Russian troops is still unclear.

Vitali Klitschko, the former mayor of Kyiv, is dismayed by the attack on a hardware store in Kharkiv that resulted in numerous casualties. He requests Western countries with Patriot systems to intervene, and advocates for attacking targets within Russia with Western weapons. "The planes that drop bombs on our citizens take off from Russian airports. We need to destroy these planes there."

The Ukrainian military has issued an air raid alert in southern Ukraine at night. They are observing a Russian stealth bomber, Su-57, over the Black Sea and anticipate the launch of cruise missiles.

Zelenskyy urges the West to allow Ukraine the right to use foreign weapons against Russian territory. He explains that Ukraine requires more air defense capabilities, as well as the authority to engage in preventive strikes against Russian territory with its foreign weapons. He says, "We see every concentration of Russian troops. We know all the areas where Russian rockets and fighter jets are launched."

Four civilians have been killed due to Russian shelling. According to the Ukrainian prosecutor's office, the casualties occurred in Donetsk's Sieversk, Krasnohorivka, and Tschassiw Jar. In Kharkiv, another civilian was killed near the city of Tschuhujiw.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy will visit Spain today. Zelenskyy will be received by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at noon, and a press conference will follow. Zelenskyy initially planned to travel to Spain on May 17, but postponed the visit due to the situation in the Kharkiv region.

In a speech during his state visit to Germany, French President Emmanuel Macron urged against abandoning support for Ukraine in its battle against Russia. "Peace is not capitulation. Peace is not abandoning principles," he asserted. Macron also added that France and Germany would stress their commitment to assisting Ukraine during the bilateral defense and security council meeting on Tuesday.

Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev has threatened Poland with "radioactive ash" following a comment by Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski about the United States' potential response to a Russian nuclear strike against Ukraine. In a Telegram post, Medvedev warned, "If American targets are hit, it will mean a world war, and a foreign minister, even of a country like Poland, should understand that." He then questioned whether the Polish government desires this outcome.

10 PM: Zelensky Speaks With Central Asian Media for the First Time

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has conducted his first interview with journalists from Central Asia, specifically those in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. The interview was published by the Kazakh media outlet "Orda" and shared as a video on YouTube. When asked about the possibility of a ceasefire with Russia, Zelensky stated that he does not see any opportunity for an agreement.

9:40 PM: Putin's Arrival in Uzbekistan for a State Visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Uzbekistan for a state visit. Russian state media reported the news. The President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, welcomed Putin at the airport in the Uzbek capital Tashkent. Mirziyoyev has been in office since 2016, and he is the leader of a Central Asian state with a population of 37 million people. During the two-day visit, Putin and Mirziyoyev will discuss the progress of Russian-Uzbek relations and current issues in the region. According to the Kremlin, a "comprehensive package of bilateral documents" is set to be signed after the visit.

9:20 PM: Ukrainian General Staff - No Breakthrough Despite Russian Forces' Maximum Effort

The Ukrainian General Staff reports that on Sunday, there were 83 battles between Ukraine's forces and Russian troops. The Russian forces are making "maximum effort" to break through the Ukrainian defense lines. However, there are "no major changes" towards Kharkiv, and the Russian troops are still attacking around Vovchansk and Lyptsi. The Ukrainian troops are "taking measures to hold their positions and destroy the enemy's offensive potential," according to the General Staff's social media update.

9 PM: Ukrainians Protesting in Front of the US Embassy in Kyiv

In Ukraine, there is confusion surrounding the restriction that prohibits the use of Western weapons on Ukrainian territory. Approximately 150 people are protesting in front of the US Embassy in Kyiv, as reported by NTV reporter Stephan Richter. These demonstrators are demanding the lifting of the restriction.

9 PM: Georgian Independence Day Celebration - Freedom March Through Tbilisi

On May 26, which marks Georgia's Independence Day, thousands of protesters took part in a "Freedom March" in the Georgian capital Tbilisi. This was reported by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). Participants carried Georgian and European Union flags, chanted slogans, and shone their mobile phones' flashlights. Some of the slogans included "No to the Russian law!" and "No to the Russian regime!" Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili had previously spoken about the "shadow of Russia hanging over Georgia" during a ceremony swearing in recruits at Tbilisi's Freedom Square.

To view all previous developments, please go here.