Rocket assault near Luhansk ignites flames.

A rocket strike on Luhansk ignites a blaze.

In a Ukrainian rocket assault on Luhansk, accounts from Russia suggest a blaze has ignited. The action was executed with incendiary ammunition, mentions the Russian occupier head Leonid Pasetschnik via Telegram. Details regarding probable fatalities are being verified. No declaration from the Ukrainian administration has emerged as of now. The Ukrainian militaary has mounted at least three onslaughts on Luhansk and its surroundings within the past weeks. Among the targeted sites were fuel storage facilities. Luhansk is located in the portion of Ukraine governed by Russia.

21:46 Russia is planning to drastically enhance gas deliveries to UzbekistanWith the motive to uncover additional sales outlets as a result of Western restrictions, Russia is planning to considerably augment gas supplies to Uzbekistan. Russian Premier Vladimir Putin disclosed this plan at a held meeting with his Uzbek counterpart Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent. Preparations are underway to increase the volume next year to eleven billion cubic meters, says Putin. The volume is projected to be 3.8 billion cubic meters this year, representing a rise from 1.28 billion cubic meters last year. In addition, the Russian administration and the former Soviet republic of Uzbekistan announced plans to collaboratively establish nuclear power plants with Russian business venture Rosatom.

21:10 Russian press agency broadcasts succession of blasts in LuhanskThe Russian news outlet RIA declares a number of blasts in Luhansk. Ukrainian war bloggers also contribute their own images, asserting these depict a substantial fire in the Russian-controlled city in eastern Ukraine. The confirmation of these statements is not available.

20:31 Russia accuses NATO of "warlike jubilation"The Kremlin implicates NATO Facilitator General Jens Stoltenberg of succumbing to "warlike jubilation" during the discussion concerning loosening some restraints on the utilization of Western weapons against Russian targets. "NATO is heightening the situation, NATO is indulging in war rhetoric and experiencing warlike jubilation," comments Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov to Russian media. Peskov is responding to Stoltenberg's assertions that the sovereign states ought to consider relaxing the limitations on the usage of Western weapons in attacks on Russian targets.

19:54 Spain pledges billion-dollar support to UkraineSpain and Ukraine inked a bilateral security pact during the inaugural official visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the European nation. The arrangement encompasses a Spanish armed force aid worth one billion euros this year, says Spanish Premier Pedro Sánchez at the Moncloa government complex. Sánchez does not unveil any specifics of the military aid to reporters. He merely reveals that they will keep providing anti-aircraft missiles, Leopard tanks, and ammunition.

19:16 Moscow publishes combat periodical with Stalin quotations for soldier trainingThe Russian Ministry of Defense seems to have issued a new military journal on May 22nd designed to fortify the political education of soldiers. Per the British Ministry of Defense, the publication "Politruk" is meant to benefit military instructors of the Russian militaries. In his opening article, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Viktor Goremykin expresses the magazine's purpose matches the custom of Soviet military publications. Goremykin incorporates dictator Joseph Stalin's sentiments concerning the significance of soldier political education and the requirement to detest the foe in his testament. "The journal embodies that the enemy presently encountered in Ukraine is akin to the enemy the Soviet Union fought against - the Nazis," states London. A map portrayed in the journal also raises inquiries regarding the viability of Ukrainian statehood.

18:44 Ukraine clears path for French military coachesUkraine is preparing for an upcoming visit by French military trainers to their training facilities. Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reportedly has signed the applicable documents, responses a statement. The trainers ought to now be able to acquaint themselves with the bases' infrastructure and staff. No details are accorded. French President Emmanuel Macron announced in Paris on February 26th that Western troops could aid the Kiev government via training within Ukrainian borders.

18:20 Trepidation of "Double Tap" at the Kharkiv marketThe location of the Kharkiv market, which endured Russian bombardment, spans 10,000 square meters. After the onslaught, officials, firefighters, and the district attorney's office are on site. Clearance operations are getting underway - accompanied by apprehension.

17:44 Tussle with former Wagner mercenaries in RussiaPurportedly, former Wagner mercenary members engaged in a physical altercation in the Russian city of Chelyabinsk in the Urals. The Investigative Committee has initiated a criminal inquiry, states the Russian television network RTVI. The quarrel, which occurred over the weekend, appears to be a spat over a woman. Videos exposed display how two teams of men engage in a street battle, with one side, presumably comprising previous Wagner fighters, attacking their opposition using clubs. Then, costumed individuals manifest, who discharge from handguns. According to the notices, these pistols are non-lethal guns. However, there were several injured.

Russia and Belarus are teaming up for joint air force exercises, as reported from Minsk. Flight and air defense drills are expected to last from May 27th to May 31st, according to Belarusian Defense Ministry sources.

[Note: The content below is from summaries of news articles in German. Details can be found at the following links:1. https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/moskau-stalin-zitate-101.html2. https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/ukraine-frankreich-101.html3. https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/krawall-russland-101.html4. https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/russland-belarus-luftwaffe-101.html]

Poland restricts the movement of Russian diplomats
Poland plans to limit the movement of Russian diplomats in the country. Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, speaking in Brussels, explained this move as a response to Russia's involvement in hybrid warfare against the EU and Poland. This measure will take effect soon and will apply to all diplomats working in the embassy and consulates, except for the ambassador himself. Sikorski cautioned that this was "a very serious warning signal" towards Moscow.

15:29 Pawlak: "Russia's Baltic Sea plans reflect the atmosphere of WWII"
Julian Pawlak, a scientist at a German defense think tank, feels that Ukraine faces a serious challenge due to the escalating conflict with Russia. On the other hand, he sees Russia's plans concerning the Baltic Sea indicating the significance of bolstering NATO's eastern borders.

14:50 Rheinmetall snags new major order: Gun barrels for European customers
Rheinmetall, a German defense contractor in Düsseldorf, has secured another significant contract. The company will supply a vast number of artillery barrels for the Panzerhaubitze 2000 to a customer in Europe, as announced by Rheinmetall. This special order is worth a mid-three-digit million euro range. Deliveries are set for the period between 2024 and 2029.

14:16 Berlin objects to a NATO defense shield for Ukraine
The German government remains opposed to the idea of creating a NATO defense shield against Russian airstrikes on western Ukraine. Government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit commented from Berlin that this would constitute "a direct involvement in this conflict...something we don't want". Such sentiments are echoed by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Requests for a defensive shield have become louder internationally and in Germany.

13:51 NATO to Europeans: Allow Ukraine to strike targets in Russia
NATO's Parliamentary Assembly urges European countries to allow Ukraine to use Western weapons against Russian military objectives. The statement, passed during NATO's spring session in Sofia, Bulgaria, urges lifting some restrictions on the use of supplied armaments.

12:48 Sweden gives green light to use weapons against Russia
Sweden approves the usage of its weapons to strike Russia's military targets. This development has attracted attention from Russian news outlets who are analyzing the positions of various Western nations. However, Foreign Minister Lavrov remarked that "[Russian text] "Russia is already being attacked with Western weapons" [English translation] "Russia is already being attacked with Western weapons".

12:03 Ukraine claims record-breaking drone attack
Ukraine claims it has used a drone to strike a target 1,500 kilometers behind the frontlines in the Russian hinterland, setting a long-range record. This reported attack occurred near the city of Orsk on the Russian-Kazakhstan border. The struck target was reportedly a type of early-warning radar known as the "Woronesh M" used for locating aircraft and missiles. An anonymous security service employee offered no details about the state of the radar post-attack.

11:31 "Shield East": Poland plans largest border operation since 1945
Poland intends to beef up its eastern border to protect itself against potential attacks using a billion-dollar project. Known as "Shield East", this effort represents the most significant action taken since 1945 to secure the Polish-Eastern border and NATO's eastern flank. This plan includes construction of fortifications and barriers, as well as modern air defense systems at various elevations. Expected expenditures amount to around 2.3 billion euros. By 2028, these measures will be rolled out over 700 kilometers of the border.

12:05 Glide bombs strike Kharkiv: Videos show pandemonium within a hardware store

The fiercely contested city of Kharkiv is once again experiencing Russian bombardment. Russian air forces have dropped glide bombs on a hardware store where around 200 civilians were present. Video footage from security cameras now reveals the explosion and the wreckage inside the building.

11:31 Judges debate Ukraine's ammunition deficit: "Eastern Front stands still, Russian troops take over another village"

Sweden agrees to utilize its weapons against Russian soil. In Ukraine, there is increased hope that "other nations will follow suit." Concurrently, Zelensky is visiting Spain, where the subject of ammunition and weapons shortages continues to be a significant dilemma.

11:10 Subversives under the crosshairs: EU adopts blueprint for Russia sanctions

The foreign ministers of the 27 European Union countries have reached a consensus on a new legal structure for sanctions against Russia for major human rights abuses. According to multiple diplomats, this should enable the imposition of sanctions on individuals and organizations responsible for suppressing the opposition.

10:41 Germany donates more millions for regions impacted by "Russian terror occupation"

The German government is earmarking further humanitarian aid for Russian-occupied areas of eastern Ukraine. The total amount disbursed is 60 million euros, primarily to the eastern regions of Ukraine, states Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock prior to EU ministerial meetings in Brussels. Baerbock observes the occupied areas and acknowledges, "There's a lack of everything." The territories under the Russian occupation have been suffering for more than two and a half years. The German government is striving to deliver aid to the area in collaboration with international actors.

10:13 Lithuania accuses Hungary of obstructing EU's support to Ukraine in its resistance against the Russian invasion

Lithuania alleges that Hungary has been systematically obstructing every initiative by the European Union to back Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis stated before a meeting with his EU peers, "We need to find a way to circumvent this obstruction." Hungary has overstepped its bounds in this respect. "We need to recognize this as a premeditated maneuver against any initiatives by the EU in matters of foreign policy," Landsbergis said. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also calls on Hungary to withdraw its opposition to additional EU military aid for Ukraine. She urges "urgently Hungary to allow once again the support of Ukraine for peacekeeping." The foreign ministers from the European Union will deliberate on further humanitarian aid for Ukraine in Brussels. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has pleaded for more air defense systems and other armaments in a video message.

09:40: Substantial relief package from Spain: Ukraine may receive more than 19 Leopard tanks

According to a media report, Spain will contribute a dozen rockets for the Patriot air defense system alongside 19 Leopard tanks to Ukraine. These arms are part of the humanitarian assistance package declared last month for the war-struck country, budgeted at 1.13 billion euros. The report also mentions equipment for countering drones and ammunition. The new military aid is to be announced during a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and King Felipe. A representative for Sánchez denied any comment on the newspaper report. Ukraine has likewise recently received Leopard tanks from Germany - of the 1A5 model.

09:09: Ukrainian drones attack Russian gas station, killing one person

During a Ukrainian drone assault on a gas station in the Russian region of Orjol, one person was killed, reported Russian authorities. "A drone fell on the gas station premises in the town of Ljwny this morning," Governor Andrey Klechkov said on Telegram. Injuries sustained by three people were from the same attack, around 160 kilometers behind the border with Ukraine. A government building was also damaged. A second drone attack occurred after the arrival of emergency responders, notes Klechkov. "According to preliminary information, the driver of a fire truck was killed." The three injured were also rescuers, Klechkov said. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that a dozen Ukrainian drones were thwarted during the night, stating six neutralized in the region of Orjol.

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

08:35: Lange: "Instead of deterring Russia, we are inciting more war crimes"

The Russian cruise missile strikes on a printing house and a hardware store in Kharkiv signify new war crimes, postulates military expert Nico Lange. "By limiting our assistance to Ukraine, we are prompting Russia to commit more war crimes rather than discouraging it," Lange wrote on the platform X.

07:59 Lithuania's re-elected president brings delight in Ukraine

The re-election of Gitanas Nauseda as Lithuania's head of state is warmly embraced in Kiev. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy extends his congratulations in a statement: "Congratulations, dear Gitanas Nauseda! I admire your unwavering support for Ukraine throughout these challenging years." The small Lithuania provides Ukraine with assistance within its means.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has a history of fruitless negotiations with Russia. He stated on the X platform, "The main issue is that Russia never negotiates in good faith unless they're forced to." Moscow derailed the peace process through 200 rounds of negotiations from 2014 to 2022 and initiated a "total war against Ukraine." Kuleba sees the only solution as a joint effort by the entire international community to guide the way to actual peace. "That's why the peace summit in Switzerland on June 15 and 16 is so crucial. And that's why it's so important for as many countries as possible to be involved."

5:36 What's happening near the Ukrainian border on Russian territory?

There are reports of Russian troops gathering near the Ukrainian border, about 90 kilometers from Kharkiv, as per Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Russia's motive might be to occupy Ukrainian troops and lure them into vulnerable positions, as well as prepare for offensive assaults to widen their influence in the border region. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has analyzed satellite images of the area around Graiworon-Borissowka-Proletarski in the western region of Belgorod, indicating that the Russian military has expanded its presence to depots and storage facilities in the region's settlements. The extent of the possible Russian troop build-up remains undetermined, according to the US think tank.

5:09 Klitschko calls out Western allies for assistance after attack in Kharkiv

The tragedy of the attack on a hardware store in Kharkiv with numerous casualties continues to resonate. Vitali Klitschko posted on the X platform, "These Ukrainians died from Russian bombs because we didn't have sufficient air defense. How long will countries with Patriot systems wait?" He proposes that it should be allowed to target Russian goals inside Russia with Western weapons. "The planes that drop bombs on our citizens take off from Russian airports. We must destroy these planes there."

5:00 Air raid alert in southern Ukraine

There is an air raid alert in southern Ukraine at midnight. The Ukrainian military is reporting a Russian stealth bomber Su-57 over the Black Sea and predicting the release of cruise missiles.

4:40 Zelenskyy calls for Western nations to permit preventive strikes against Russia

In the aftermath of the deadly bombings in Kharkiv, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy demands the power to employ Western weapons against Russian land. Zelenskyy stated in his video address that there are several condemnations from foreign politicians and organizations regarding the Russian attack, but it is crucial that these condemnations lead to tangible actions. Ukraine requires more air defense and the right to launch strikes against Russian territory with their foreign weapons. "We can see every concentration of Russian troops. We know where Russian rockets and fighter jets are launched from," he said. It's a political choice to allow the preemptive destruction of these forces before they strike Ukraine.

1:24 Four civilians killed by Russian artillery fire

According to the Ukrainian prosecutor's office, three people were killed by Russian artillery in the Donetsk region. The prosecutor's office of the Kharkiv region also reported that a civilian was killed near the city of Chuhujiw.

1:00 Zelenskyy visits Spain

The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is traveling to Spain today. Zelenskyy will meet with the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at 12:00 p.m., and there will be a press conference. Zelenskyy had initially planned to visit Spain on May 17. But due to the situation in the Kharkiv region, the Ukrainian president canceled his trip at the last minute.

21:08 Macron urges continued support for Ukraine against Russia's aggression

French President Emmanuel Macron cautioned against relinquishing backing for Ukraine in its struggle against Russia. "Standing up for peace today means strengthening the law. Peace is not capitulation. Peace is not abandoning our principles," Macron declared during his three-day state visit to Germany. "Peace means granting a nation the opportunity to defend its borders and its sovereignty," he added. Macron emphasized that France and Germany would also affirm this stance in the bilateral Defense and Security Council meeting on Tuesday, stating they will help Ukraine "until the end" to withstand, "to arm, train, and prepare for a lasting peace - a peace that respects international law."

Russia's ex-president Dmitry Medvedev has warned Poland of "radioactive ash" in response to Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski's remarks on potential US action if Russia attacks Ukraine. Sikorski spoke with The Guardian, a British newspaper, about potential American reactions to a Russian nuclear assault on Ukraine. Medvedev, who serves as the deputy head of Russia's Security Council, stated, "If the Americans hit our targets, it means a world war, and a foreign minister, even of a country like Poland, should understand that." He continued, "Warsaw will not escape and will definitely receive its share of radioactive ash. Is that what you want?"

10 p.m. Zelensky Speaks for the First Time with Central Asian Media

Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelensky, held his first interview with Central Asian media, specifically journalists from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Kazakh media outlet "Orda" published the interview in video format on YouTube. Regarding the possibility of a truce with Russia, Zelensky expressed no hope for an agreement.

9:40 p.m. Putin Arrives in Uzbekistan for State Visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin traveled to Uzbekistan for a state visit. This information was disclosed by Russian state media. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the president of the 37-million-populated Central Asian state, received Putin at Tashkent's airport. During Putin's two-day visit, he and Mirziyoyev will discuss the evolution of Russian-Uzbek ties and current issues in the region. According to the Kremlin, several bilateral documents are expected to be signed upon the visit's conclusion.

9:20 p.m. Ukrainian General Staff: No Breakthrough Despite "Maximum Efforts" by the Russians

The Ukrainian General Staff reported 83 clashes with Russian forces on Sunday. Russian forces are claimed to be making "maximum efforts" to overcome Ukrainian defensive positions. "The Ukrainian troops are taking measures to maintain their positions and destroy the enemy's offensive capabilities," the General Staff stated in a social media update. There have reportedly been "no significant changes" toward Kharkiv, but assaults continue around Vovchansk and the village of Lyptsi.

9:00 p.m. Ukrainians Protest Outside the US Embassy in Kyiv

The restriction preventing Ukrainian forces from attacking Russian territory with Western weapons is confusing the populace in Ukraine. Around 150 people demonstrated in front of the US Embassy in Kyiv, demanding the removal of this restriction, according to ntv-reporter Stephan Richter.

9:00 p.m. Georgian Independence Day: March for Freedom in Tbilisi

On May 26, the day commemorating Georgian Independence, thousands of protesters participated in a "Freedom March" through the capital Tbilisi. This was reported by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). Participants carried Georgian and European Union flags and shouted slogans against the controversial "foreign influence" law. They also turned on their smartphones' flashlights and chanted, "No to the Russian law!" and "No to the Russian regime!" Earlier, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili addressed a group of recruits during the swearing-in ceremony on Freedom Square in Tbilisi, referring to the "shadow of Russia looming over Georgia."

All previous developments can be found here.