A new casualty emerges after an assault in Kharkiv.

Another person dies in the attack on Kharkiv.

In recent Russian assaults on the eastern city of Kharkiv, Ukraine, one person has lost their life according to official updates. Eleven people were also injured during the shelling on Monday, shares Mayor Igor Terekhov through Telegram. Previously, the destructive Russian onslaught on the Kharkiv lumber yard resulted in the loss of 18 lives. The current count of casualties is at least 48 injured.

At 23:32 hour, Poland declares plans to procure advanced US rockets amounting to $677 million. These rockets are deemed essential for engaging targets from a distance, asserts the County's Defense Ministry. This purchase aims to improve Warsaw's defensive capacity against possible Russian incursions. The range of these air-to-surface cruise missiles is around 1,000 kilometers. Delivery is expected between 2026 and 2030. Poland already possesses JASSM (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile) rockets with a reach of 370 kilometers, which are used on its F-16 jets. The armed deal is slated to be finalized on Tuesday.

Incendiary attacks at 22:31 hour in Luhansk triggered a fire, as per Russian officials. These attacks were carried out by Ukrainian forces using incendiary ammunition, states Leonid Pasetchnik, the Russian occupation leader, via Telegram. Casualties' information is still being probed. The Ukrainian administration hasn't issued a statement in regards to this incident. Luhansk, situated in Russia-occupied eastern Ukraine, has seen a series of Ukrainian attacks in the recent past, notably targeting fuel depots.

Russia is keen on increasing gas deliveries to Uzbekistan amidst Western sanctions to seek different sales avenues. Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed these intentions during his discussions with Shavkat Mirzyoyev, the Uzbek president, in Tashkent. The 2022 target is set at 11 billion cubic meters, up from the anticipated 2021 volume of 3.8 billion cubic meters. In 2020, the gas supply didn't surpass 1.28 billion cubic meters. Both nations are also considering construction of nuclear power plants together, involving Russian company Rosatom.

The Russian news agency 'RIA' released information on a string of explosions in Luhansk occurring at 21:10 p.m. Ukrainian war bloggers corroborated this news, allegedly sharing images of vast fires in Luhansk, a Russian-occupied city in eastern Ukraine. However, no confirmation regarding these events has been received.

19:54 hr: Russia lambasts NATO for "war hysteria"

The Kremlin accuses NATO's Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg of losing his head over war-based discussions. Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov, speaking to Russian media, comments on Stoltenberg's proclamations to reconsider certain limitations on utilization of Western weapons against Russian targets. "NATO is deepening the situation; NATO is propagating war rhetoric and slipping into war hysteria," insists Peskov.

Spain is allocating a billion-euro aid package to support Ukraine. The President of Ukraine and Spain, Volodymyr Zelensky and Pedro Sánchez respectively, sealed a security agreement during the initial Ukrainian leader's official visit to an EU country. Sanchez remains indirect when detailing the military assistance package. Anti-aircraft missiles, Leopard tanks, and ammunition are among the armaments cited as part of the aid.

18:44 hr: Moscow publishes a combative military magazine citing Stalin

The Russian Defense Ministry unveiled a new military magazine. The British Defense Ministry signals that this magazine is designed to facilitate training instructors in the Russian military. The Russian deputy minister of defense, Victor Goremykin, highlights in the leading article the magazine's continuous connection to Soviet military publications. Goremykin mentions Stalin's views on the value of political education for troops and the importance of animosity towards the enemy in an article published in the magazine. "The magazine accentuates that the enemy in present-day Ukraine is equivalent to past Soviet Union adversaries - namely, the Nazis," concludes the British report.

18:20 hr: France-trained Ukrainian forces cleared

Ukraine deems a path for the arrival of French military trainers at its training facilities. The orders have been endorsed, declares Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief, Oleksandr Syrykh. The trainers should now familiarize themselves with the infrastructure and personnel of the training centers. No specifics were provided. During a February 26 conference in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron hinted that Western troops could support the Ukrainian administration by conducting training within Ukraine.

18:00 hr: Russia propaganda magazine targets Ukrainian nationhood

A Russian Defense Ministry publication features an article that raises doubts about the authenticity of Ukrainian statehood. Reports originating in London describe a map, published in this magazine, as discrediting the notion of a separate Ukrainian nation. "Politruk," a recently unveiled Russian defense publication, aims to provide political education for Russian soldiers. In the leading article by Russian Deputy Minister of Defense, Victor Goremykin, he reflects on the value of traditional Soviet military publications and applies this to the aforementioned magazine.

The Charkiv lumberyard, measuring 10,000 square meters, has been destroyed by Russian bombing, with cleanup efforts and fires ongoing. Responding authorities include firefighters, police officers, and prosecutors.

17:44 Large-scale brawl in Chelyabinsk, Russia, allegedly involving former Wagner soldiers

Media reports detail a major fight occurring in the Russian city of Chelyabinsk, located in the Ural Mountains. The conflict, fueled by a dispute over a woman, promoted violence between two groups. The investigation committee has opened a criminal case, and videos show one group using clubs while masked individuals with non-lethal pistols join the fray. Multiple injuries have been reported.

17:07 Joint air force exercises between Russia and Belarus

Russia and Belarus are currently conducting air force exercises that will last from May 27 to May 31. The Belarusian Defense Ministry has announced the joint flights and air defense exercises.

16:36 Poland imposing movement restrictions on Russian diplomats

Poland is contemplating limiting the movement of Russian diplomats in the country. Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski emphasized the action was a response to Russia's role in hybrid warfare against the EU and Poland. Restrictions won't affect the ambassador but will apply to other embassy and consulate workers, who will only be allowed to travel within their respective regions.

16:01 Julian Pawlak: Russia's Baltic Sea plans hinting at World War II scenarios

Ukraine is grappling with a significant challenge due to its border conflict with Russia, with Julian Pawlak, a German scientist from a Bundeswehr think tank, discussing the implications. He emphasized the importance of NATO border reinforcement in light of Russia's activities in the Baltic Sea.

15:38 Rheinmetall securing a considerable order for Panzerhaubitze 2000 gun barrels

Another prominent order has been awarded to Rheinmetall - the German company will supply a large number of gun barrels for the Panzerhaubitze 2000 to a European customer. The overall value of the order falls within the low three-digit million euro range and spans the years from 2024 to 2029.

14:51 German government against NATO defense shield for Ukraine

The German government remains unsupportive of plans to establish a NATO defense shield to safeguard Ukraine from potential Russian air attacks. Spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit stated it would signify direct involvement in the conflict, something Germany refrains from. This stance aligns with statements from Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

14:21 NATO: Grant Ukraine the ability to use Western weapons against Russian military objectives

The NATO Parliamentary Assembly advocates for granting Ukraine the right to use Western weapons against military targets in Russia. Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General, emphasizes that restrictions on the use of provided equipment should now be discarded.

13:36 Sweden enables usage of weapons against Russia

Sweden has given permission for its weapons to be employed against Russia. NTV journalist Rainer Munz highlighted this development and referenced Russian media's focus on Western countries' roles in the conflict. Foreign Minister Lavrov claims that Russia is already being attacked using Western weapons.

13:07 Ukraine claims long-range drone strike against a distant Russian asset

Ukraine's intelligence service reports a record-breaking attack on a target 1,500 kilometers behind the front lines, allegedly with a drone. The target was an early warning radar called "Woronesh M," located near the city of Orsk close to the border with Kazakhstan. The radar can track rockets or aircraft from great distances. No information has been disclosed about any possible damage to the radar during the weekend assault.

12:36 "Shield East": Poland's biggest operation since World War II to strengthen its eastern border

Poland intends to boost its eastern frontier with a significant undertaking dubbed "Shield East," a project that aims to reinforce the nation's borders and safeguard against potential assaults. This initiative is the most extensive endeavor to enhance the Polish eastern border and the NATO flank since 1945, Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz asserted in Warsaw. Policians are planning to construct "barricades, various kinds of obstacles, as well as state-of-the-art air defense systems at every distance and height" on the frontier, which also constitutes an EU external border. The project entails investments approximating 2.3 billion euros. The projected timeline to accomplish the work on segments of the 700-kilometer-long frontier is set to 2028.

In another development, distress erupted in Kharkiv as Russian shelling bombarded a do-it-yourself store, where approximately two hundred civilians found themselves huddled. Videos extracted from surveillance cameras capture the blast within the building. These events occurred in the highly-contentious city of Kharkiv.

An additional event depicts a Ukrainian ammunition shortage as a substantial deterrent in the battle against Russian incursion. Judge Petro Petrenko, a high-ranking court official, expressed concerns about the eastern front stagnating while the Russians make inroads and add another settlement to their repertoire.

Regarding the European Union's response, Sweden declared its permission for the usage of its armaments on Russian terrain. This development sparks optimism in Ukraine, with the hope that "other countries will join suit." Zelensky is purportedly present in Spain, where the subject of the ammunition dearth remains dominant.

In a related sanctions development, the EU member states' foreign ministers enacted a framework for penalties against Russia for perpetrating severe human rights breaches. This move comes more than three and a half months after the demise of Kremlin critic, Alexei Navalny. This empowerment allows for sanctions targeting individuals and entities causing the suppression of opposition.

Germany is reportedly supplying additional humanitarian aid to the regions under the "Russian" stranglehold in eastern Ukraine. The German government is funneling 60 million euros toward the aid effort, with specific focus on the eastern side of Ukraine. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock spoke among EU peers in Brussels, expressing concern over the dire conditions in the occupied regions. She referred to the situation as "nothing there" and lamented the devastation wreaked by the occupying forces. Germany aims to use international collaborators to surmount these challenges.

Lithuania raised accusations against Hungary, asserting its consistent efforts to stifle all EU actions designed to support Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis demanded the EU to devise a strategy that circumvents the Hungarian blockade. He insisted that Hungary must be held accountable for its approach against whatever undertakings the EU intends for global politics. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock supported the call for Hungary to abandon its objecting stance against providing more military aid to Ukraine.

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

In related news, a rumor circulates that Spain is preparing to provide Ukraine with an additional batch of Leopard tanks, Rockets for the Patriot air defense system, and equipment for drone defense. This potential bundle of aid is part of the July aid package worth 1.13 billion euros declared for Ukraine. A Spanish government spokesperson evaded commenting on the unsubstantiated story.

Noteworthy, Ukraine also received a series of German-imported Leopard tanks, specifically the 1A5 variant. Moreover, the Ukrainian military allegedly employed drones to carry out attacks on a gas station in the Russian region of Orjol; the incursion yielded one fatality, as per the Russian authorities. The Governor of the area, Andrei Klitschko, reported on Telegram that a drone fell near a gas station in the city of Liwny, injuring three first responders. After emergency crews arrived, a subsequent drone strike caused a fire truck's driver to be killed. The Russian Defense Ministry acknowledged a dozen Ukrainian drones had been shot down overnight, including six attacks in the Orjol region.

Russian missile attacks on a printing house and a hardware store in Kharkiv are seen as new war crimes by military expert Nico Lange. "If we fail to support Ukraine, we're actually encouraging Russia to commit more atrocities rather than deterring them," he states on platform X.

7:59 Lithuania's Election Brings Joy to Ukraine

Gitanas Nauseda's re-election as Lithuania's President is warmly welcomed in Kyiv. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy extends his congratulations in a statement: "Dear Gitanas Nauseda, heartfelt congratulations on your re-election! You've been a steadfast ally throughout these difficult years. I appreciate your unwavering support for Ukraine, and I'm confident we'll work together for freedom, peace, and security in Ukraine, the Baltic states, and across Europe." Lithuania has provided significant support to Ukraine.

7:19 Kuleba: Russia Sabotages Peace Process Despite Hundreds of Talks

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, who has participated in numerous fruitless negotiations with Russia, explains, "Russia never negotiated in good faith unless forced to." Moscow has undermined the peace process during 200 rounds of talks from 2014 to 2022 and has initiated a "total war against Ukraine." Kuleba emphasizes the need for global cooperation to establish authentic peace: "That's why the peace summit in Switzerland on June 15 and 16 is critical. It's also why it's crucial for as many countries as possible to take part."

6:36 What's Happening Near the Russian-Ukrainian Border?

Unverified reports indicate that Russian troops are amassing near the Ukrainian border, about 90 kilometers from Kharkiv, as informed by Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) speculates that these activities could serve to lure Ukrainian troops or ready them for offensive operations to expand Russian influence in the border region. Satellite images display Russian forces expanding their presence in depots and storage facilities in nearby settlements in Belgorod, while the exact strength of the potential Russian troop assemblage remains unknown, according to the US think tank.

5:59 Klitschko Seeks Support from Western Countries after Deadly Attack

Shock from the deadly bombing of a hardware store in Kharkiv, resulting in numerous casualties, is still present. Vitali Klitschko posts on platform X: "These Ukrainians lost their lives because we didn't have adequate air defense. How long will countries with Patriot systems hold off?" Klitschko suggests that attacks on targets within Russia are necessary with Western weapons: "The planes that drop bombs on our citizens take off from Russian airports. We need to destroy these planes there."

5:16 Kyiv Residents Brace for Another Air Raid Alert

In southern Ukraine, an air raid alert is in effect. Ukrainian forces are monitoring a Russian stealth bomber Su-57 flying over the Black Sea, warning of potential cruise missile launches.

4:57 Zelenskyy Advocates for Strikes on Russian Territory

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy calls for the right to use Western weapons against Russian territories after the tragic bombing of Charkiw. He emphasizes that other countries have shown their disapproval of Russia's actions; however, he believes these statements should lead to tangible consequences. Zelenskyy expresses the need for stronger air defenses, but also the ability to attack Russian targets using foreign weapons: "We see Russian troop concentrations. We know all the areas from which Russian rockets and combat aircraft are launched. It's a political decision to authorize preventive strikes against these forces before they attack Ukraine."

1:40 Four Civilians Killed due to Russian Fire in Donetsk Region

The Ukrainian Prosecutor's Office reports that four civilians were killed by Russian fire in the Donetsk region. Casualties have been reported in both Siwersk in the north of the region and further south in Krasnohoriwka and Tschassiw Jar. The Prosecutor's Office of the Kharkiv region also confirms one civilian death near the city of Tschuhujiw.

00:47 Zelenskyy Heads to Spain

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit Spain today. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez will receive him at noon, the Spanish government in Madrid announced. They will also hold a press conference following their meeting. Zelenskyy had initially planned his visit for May 17th, but due to the turmoil in Kharkiv, he had to cancel the trip at the last minute.

Emmanuel Macron, the French President, cautioned against abandoning support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russia. During his three-day visit to Germany, he stated, "To adopt a peaceful stance now entails reinforcing the law. Peace is not submission. Peace is not a set of principles." Macron emphasized that both Germany and France planned to emphasize this during their forthcoming bilateral Defense and Security Council meeting on Tuesday. In this gathering, they will declare their intention to aid Ukraine "until the end" in order to withstand, train, and prepare for all potential outcomes and build a sustainable peace - one that is compliant with international law.

22:22: Medvedev Rattles Saber at Poland

Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian president, lashed out at Poland in reaction to comments made by Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski about the possible US response to a Russian nuclear attack on Ukraine. Sikorski spoke to the British publication "The Guardian," indicating that the Americans may respond to a Russian nuclear assault on Ukraine. "If the Americans strike our targets, it signifies a global conflict, and even a Polish foreign minister should be aware of this," stated Medvedev. "Moscow will not be spared and will most definitely receive its fair share of radioactive ash. Is that what you desire?"

22:00: Zelenskyy Addresses Media First from Central Asia

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian president, spoke to the media for the first time from Central Asia, particularly to journalists from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. The interview was published by the Kazakh media "Orda" as a YouTube video. In the conversation, Zelenskyy asserted that there's no potential for a truce with Russia.

21:40: Putin in Uzbekistan for State Visit

Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, has arrived in Uzbekistan for a state visit, as noted by Russian state media. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Uzbek president, welcomed Putin at Tashkent's airport. Since 2016, Mirziyoyev has served as president of the Central Asian nation with a population of 37 million. Putin and Mirziyoyev are anticipated to negotiate the continued evolution of Russian-Uzbek relations and address current regional concerns during Putin's two-day stay. According to the Kremlin, they intend to sign a "comprehensive package of bilateral documents" following the visit.

21:20: Ukrainian Armed Forces: No Progress Despite Russian "All-out Effort"

In reference to the 83 engagements with Russian troops on Sunday, the Ukrainian military authorities claim there has been no significant advancement in the territories of Kharkiv or their lines. The Russian battalions are apparently making "all-out efforts" to breach the Ukrainian defense positions. "The Ukrainian military is adopting measures to defend their positions and eliminate the enemy's offensive capabilities," the General Staff disclosed in a social media update. The Russian military is also pushing offensives near Vovchansk and the village of Lyptsi.

21:00: Ukrainians Protest Outside the US Embassy in Kyiv

Some citizens of Ukraine are perplexed by the limitation on attacking Russian land with Western armaments. A group of about 150 protestors gathered in front of the US Embassy in Kyiv, according to ntv-reporter Stephan Richter, urging the abolition of this restriction.

20:40: Public March Through Tbilisi Marks Georgian Independence Day

On May 26, the Georgian Independence Day, thousands of protesters participated in the "Freedom March" through the Georgian capital Tbilisi, as reported by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). The protesters carried Georgian and European Union flags and voiced chants, such as "No to the Russian law!" and "No to the Russian regime!" They also flashed their phones' flashlights. In the morning, Georgia's president, Salome Zurabishvili, had spoken at the graduation ceremony of new recruits on Tbilisi's Freedom Square, conveying that "Russia's shadow hangs over Georgia."