Russia intends to substantially boost gas supplies for Uzbekistan.

Russia plans on substantially boosting gas deliveries to Uzbekistan.

Russia is seeking new sales avenues owing to Western sanctions and plans to enhance gas deliveries to Uzbekistan significantly. Currently, preparations are being made to boost the supply volume to 11 billion cubic meters next year, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin during a meeting with his Uzbek counterpart Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent. This year, the volume is projected to be 3.8 billion cubic meters, as compared to 1.28 billion cubic meters last year. The ex-Soviet republic of Uzbekistan and Russia also declared their intention to construct nuclear power plants with the involvement of the Russian company Rosatom.

21:10: Russian news agency RIA reports multiple explosions in Luhansk. Ukrainian war bloggers also share their images, depicting a massive blaze in the Russian-occupied city in eastern Ukraine. There is no confirmation of the reports.

20:31: The Kremlin accused NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg of falling into a "war frenzy" in discussions regarding removing some limitations on the usage of Western weapons against Russian targets. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated to Russian media that NATO is escalating the circumstances, using war rhetoric, and instigating a war frenzy. Peskov was reacting to Stoltenberg's statement that member states should consider removing some limits on the utilization of Western weapons in Russia.

19:54: Spain has promised Ukraine a billion-dollar aid package. Spain and Ukraine signed a bilateral security agreement during the first official visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the EU country. According to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at the Moncloa government headquarters in Madrid, the agreement incorporates a Spanish military aid package worth one billion euros this year, which includes anti-aircraft missiles, Leopard tanks, and ammunition. He didn't provide any details about the aid package.

19:16: The Russian Defense Ministry has published a new military journal, created to foster the political education of soldiers. According to reports from London, the journal "Politruk" is intended to train Russian military instructors. Russian Deputy Defense Minister Viktor Goremykin wrote in a leading article that the journal forms part of the Soviet military journal tradition. In his text, Goremykin cited dictator Josef Stalin on the significance of political education for soldiers and the need to despise the adversary. "The magazine emphasizes that the adversary in contemporary Ukraine is the same as the adversary the Soviet Union battled, namely the Nazis," said London. A map published in the magazine is also claimed to question the existence of Ukrainian statehood.

18:44: Ukraine is facilitating the imminent arrival of French military trainers at their training centers. Oleksandr Syrskyj, the Commander-in-Chief, has issued the requisite documents, he stated. From now on, trainers should be able to examine the infrastructure and personnel of the centers. No further information is provided. French President Emmanuel Macron announced on February 26 at a conference in Paris that Western troops might assist the government in Kyiv by providing training within the country.

18:20: Aid workers at the Kharkiv Lumberyard, which was wrecked by Russian bombing, are apprehensive about a potential "double tap." The lumberyard encompasses an area of 10,000 square meters. After the attack, emergency personnel, firefighters, and the prosecutor's office are on-site, engaged in clean-up activities.

17:44: Former members of the Wagner mercenary organization are alleged to have participated in a brawl in the affluent Russian city of Chelyabinsk in the Ural mountains. The investigation committee has initiated a criminal investigation, disclosed by the Russian TV channel RTVI. The altercation over the weekend stemmed from a disagreement between men over a woman. Videos depict two groups of people engaging in a street fight. At first, one group, purportedly comprised of ex-Wagner mercenaries, unleashed attacks on their opponents using clubs. Then, men wearing masks showed up, firing from pistols. Reports allege that these handguns are not lethal, yet there were apparently several injured.

17:07: Russia and Belarus are engaged in joint air force exercises, according to reports from Minsk. The exercise, consisting of air and air defense drills, will span from May 27 to May 31, the Belarusian Defense Ministry remarked.

16:36: Poland aims to restrict the mobility of Russian diplomats in the nation. The rationale is Russia's involvement in hybrid warfare against the EU and Poland, stated Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski in Brussels. A diplomatic notification will be delivered to the Russian embassy in Warsaw shortly. The constraints will apply to all other diplomats working in the embassy and consulates, except the ambassador himself, who will continue to be authorized to move freely within the country. Sikorski remarked, "I hope that Russia will perceive this as a highly serious warning signal."

16:01: Pawlak: "Russia's Baltic Sea Plans Resemble World War II Tactics."

Ukraine encounters a significant struggle with expanding its border with Russia, notes Julian Pawlak, a military expert at a German research institution. The Russian strategies related to the Baltic Sea emphasize the need to fortify NATO limits.

15:38: Substantial Order: Rheinmetall Producer of Barrels for European Clients

Amid a heightened demand for defense items, Rheinmetall procures an additional significant contract. The Dusseldorf organization will fulfill a triple-digit number of cannon barrels for the Panzerhaubitze 2000 from a European customer, Rheinmetall informs. The order totals in the low triple-digit million euros. Rheinmetall plans to supply these barrels between 2024 and 2029.

14:51: Germany Opposed to NATO Defense Shield for Ukraine

The German government expresses its dissent to the proposition of erecting a NATO defense shield against Russian air assaults on west Ukrainian from NATO land. "This would, in our opinion, constitute direct involvement in this conflict. And that's not what we're seeking for," remarks German government spokesperson, Steffen Hebestreit in Berlin. Additionally, he cites assertions from Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. Similar demands for a protective shield have been voiced globally and within Germany.

14:21: NATO Urgently Urges Member States to Permit Ukraine to Utilize Western Weapons Against Objectives in Russia

The NATO requests its associates to permit Ukraine to utilize Western weapons against military targets in Russia. The NATO's Parliamentary Assembly (PV) sanctions such a statement at its spring session in Bulgaria's capital Sofia, under the motto "Standing with Ukraine until Victory." NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg advocates for a relaxation of the imposed constraints on the usage of the provided weapons.

13:36: Sweden Permits Use of Weapons Against Russia - Munz: "Lavrov Implies Russia Already Under Attack"

Historically, Sweden approves the use of its weapons to strike at Russia. NTV reporter Rainer Munz observed that Russian media is now focusing more on Western countries' positions. Nevertheless, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov asserts that Russia is already under attack by Western weapons:

13:07: Ukrainian Drone May Have Achieved a Long-Distance Milestone

Ukraine asserts that it deployed a drone to strike a target 1,500 kilometers behind the front, within the Russian heartland. Per a source from the Ukrainian foreign intelligence service, this represents a fresh long-range record for the usage of drones in this assault. The targeted object was an early warning radar "Woronesh M" in the vicinity of the city of Orsk on the border with Kazakhstan. This radar can identify rockets and aircraft at vast distances. The informant fails to disclose any information about potential damage to the radar during the assault on Sunday.

12:52: "Shield East": Poland Initiates Largest Action Since 1945 to Safeguard its Eastern Border

With a monetary investment of almost 2.3 billion euros, Poland plans to reinforce its eastern border and defend it against potential attacks. The "Shield East" operation is the most extensive effort to bolster the Polish eastern border and the eastern frontier of NATO since 1945, notes Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz in Warsaw. The project encompasses fortifications, various obstruction types, and highly modern air-defense systems at every barrier and height on the border, which is also an EU external border. Completion of work on 700 kilometers of border sections is projected to occur by 2028.

12:05: Kharkiv's Tragedy: Videos reveal carnage within a home improvement store

The embattled town of Kharkiv is again targeted by Russian forces. They fire missiles into a DIY store populated by around 200 civilians at that time. Videos from security cameras show the explosion and related devastation inside the building.

11:31: Judge on Ukraine's ammunition deficit: "The eastern front remains static, and Russians grab another village"

Sweden entertains the deployment of its weaponry against Russian soil. In Ukraine, optimism arises that "other countries may follow suit," comments ntv's correspondent Stephan Richter. Still, Zelensky is in Spain, confronting the dilemma of a shortage of ammunition and weaponry systems.

11:10: Human rights abusers confronted: European Union adopts infrastructure for Russia sanctions

The foreign ministers of the European Union's 27 states adopted a fresh legal framework for penalties on human rights transgressions in Russia. This provision will permit penalties to be enacted against the people and organizations responsible for thwarting the opposition.

10:41: Germany offers additional financial support for areas under "Russian terror governance"

The German government allots further humanitarian support to the residents of Russian-controlled eastern Ukraine. Altogether, Germany will provide 60 million euros, primarily to the east of Ukraine, states Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during EU ministerial meetings in Brussels. "There is a lack of essentials," mentions the minister, considering the occupied regions. "Under the Russian terror administration, people have endured for more than two and a half years." The German government is striving to deliver assistance to the region in conjunction with global partners.

Lithuania criticizes Hungary for consistently thwarting EU initiatives aimed at aiding Ukraine in its struggle against the Russian offensive. The EU needs to find a means to circumvent this barrier, says Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis before a conference with his EU counterparts in Brussels. Hungary has vehemently resisted such aid. "We need to perceive this as a systematic strategy towards obstructing any significant EU involvement in foreign policy," states Landsbergis. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also implores Hungary to cease impeding further EU military assistance for Ukraine. She urges "Hungary to finally allow support for Ukraine for peace efforts again," declares Baerbock. European Union foreign ministers are due to convene in Brussels to discuss additional aid for Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has requested more air defense systems and weaponry in a video message.

At 09:40, Spain intends to furnish Ukraine with a dozen rockets intended for the Patriot air defense system and 19 Leopard tanks, as per a report by "El Pais." These commodities are part of the aid package unveiled last month for Russia-affected Ukraine, valued at 1.13 billion euros. Equipment for anti-drone defense and ammunition will also be furnished. The forthcoming military support is speculated to be announced during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Madrid, where he will meet with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and King Felipe. A regrettable comment from Sanchez's spokesperson was unavailable. Apart from the tanks already provided by Germany, Ukraine has received additional Leopard tanks.

A Ukrainian drone assault on a gas station in Russia's Orjol region on June 18 has resulted in the death of one Russian and the injury of three individuals, reports Russian authorities. Governor Andrej Klychkov documented on Telegram: "A drone fell on the premises of a gas station in the city of Liwny this morning." The gas station is situated approximately 160 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Remarkably, a government edifice also sustained damage from the assault. A second drone attack occurred following the arrival of rescue teams, resulting in an emergency crew worker's fatality. "The driver of a fire truck was killed," Klychkov disclosed. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that a baker's dozen of Ukrainian drones were countered overnight, including six in the Orjol region.

Pictured: A Ukrainian drone similar to the one utilized in the Russian gas station attack. Credit: Unsplash

Military expert Nico Lange contends that the Russian missile strikes on a printing house and a home improvement store in Kharkiv represent new war crimes. "If we restrict our assistance to Ukraine, we are implicitly encouraging Russia to engage in additional war crimes instead of discouraging them," he asserts on platform X.

The reelection of Gitanas Nauseda as Lithuania's President is positively received in Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy voices his congratulations in a statement: "Dear Gitanas Nauseda, congratulations on your reelection! You have stood with our side through these tumultuous years. I recognize your unwavering support for Ukraine, and I am convinced that we will collaborate to ensure freedom, peace, and security in Ukraine, the Baltic states, and all of Europe." Lithuania has been steadfast in offering assistance to Ukraine.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba opines that Ukraine has encountered prolonged and fruitless negotiations with Russia. "The core issue is that Russia has never negotiated in earnest; only when forced to," Kuleba remarks on platform X. He alleges that Russia has jeopardized the peace process on 200 occasions between 2014 and 2022 and commenced a "complete war against Ukraine." Kuleba believes that the key to attaining true peace is the collective gathering of the entire global community. "Considering the pivotal significance of the peace summit in Switzerland on June 15 and 16, it is critical that as many nations as possible participate," asserts Kuleba.

Russian troops are allegedly gathering near the Ukrainian border, states Ukrainian President Zelensky. They are 90 kilometers from Kharkiv. The Russian operation is likely intended to pin down and lure Ukrainian troops and prepare for close combat to enhance Russia's influence in the border region, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The ISW interprets satellite images taken in Graiworon-Borissowka-Proletarski, located in the western region of Belgorod, which reveal that the Russian armed forces have extended their activities to stockpiles and facilities in nearby settlements over the past few weeks. The exact scale of the potential Russian troop buildup is presently indeterminate, according to the US think tank.

5:59 Klitschko relies on Western allies following attack killing numerous in Kharkiv

The devastation over the assault on a do-it-yourself store in Kharkiv with numerous casualties is still weighing heavy. Vitali Klitschko pens on platform X: "These Ukrainians were also slain by Russian bombs as we lacked adequate aerial protection. When will the nations boasting Patriot missile systems cease waiting?" Concurrently, Klitschko urges the green light to target Russian military installations with Western weaponry. "The planes delivering bombs on our citizens take off from Russian airstrips. We need to destroy these planes there."

5:16 Alert for airspace in southern Ukraine

A fresh air alert is set off in southern Ukraine at nighttime. The Ukrainian army is discerning, among other things, a Russian stealth bomber Su-57 over the Black Sea and cautioning of cruise missile launches.

4:57 Zelenskyy pushes for Western nations to permit preemptive strikes against Russia

In response to the fatal bombing of a border city Kharkiv, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy urges Western nations to grant Ukraine the right to deploy their foreign arms against Russian territory. Several international figures and organizations have displayed their condolences and denounced Russia, Zelenskyy articulated in his video address. "It is paramount that this denouncement brings forth fitting repercussions." Ukraine requires more than merely additional air defense; a license to bombard Russian territory with their foreign-owned weapons is demand. "We identify each Russian troop assembly point. We're cognizant of all the places where Russian rockets and fighter jets are launched," he said. The choice to disrupt Russian forces proactively before they attack Ukraine rests in political authority.

1:40 Four civilians perished to Russian shelling

The Ukrainian Prosecutor's Office claims that three individuals were slain in Donetsk by Russian shelling. Civilian fatalities occurred in Sieversk in the northeast of the region and further south in Krasnohorivka and Chassiv Yar. The Prosecutor's Office in Kharkiv region reveals another civilian succumbed alongside the town of Chuhujiw.

1:10 AM: Zelenskyy journeys to Spain

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is reserving a trip to Spain today. Zelenskyy will be introduced to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at noon, the Spanish authorities in Madrid announced. Following the reception, a press conference is scheduled. Zelenskyy's Spain excursion was initially slated for May 17th. In light of events unfolding around Kharkiv, the Ukrainian president scrapped the visit.

11:18 Macron rebukes relinquishing support for Ukraine

The French President Emmanuel Macron urged against relenting in backing Ukraine in defense against Russia. "Today, advocating for peace implies upholding the law. Peace is not capitulating. Peace is not compromising principles," Macron shared during his three-day state visit to Germany. "Peace entails furnishing a nation the capacity to defend their borders and sovereignty," he explained. Macron insisted that Germany and France would emphasize this in the bilateral defense and security council meeting on Tuesday. The duo is set to proclaim they will aid Ukraine "until the end" in their resistance against Russia, "to provide armament, training, and to establish the prerequisites for a lasting peace – a peace upholding international law."

10:22 Medvedev instigates threats against Poland

Russia's ex-president Dmitry Medvedev threatened Poland with "radioactive ash" after remarks by Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski pertaining to how the United States might respond to a Russian nuclear attack on Ukraine. "If Americans strike our targets, it means a global war, and a foreign minister, even of a country like Poland, should comprehend that," Medvedev wrote on his Telegram channel. "Warsaw will not be spared and will undeniably receive its share of radioactive ash. Is that your wish?"

10:00 PM: Zelenskyy reaches out to Central Asian media for the initial time

Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, offered his first interview to Central Asian media, notably journalists from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Published via the Kazakh media outlet "Orda", a video from the interview resides on the YouTube platform. Regarding a proposed ceasefire with Russia, Zelenskyy declares no prospects exist.

9:40 PM: Putin embarks on official visit to Uzbekistan

The Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Uzbekistan on an official visit. This is divulged by Russian state media. Shavkat Mirziyoyev welcomes Putin at the airport in the Uzbek capital, Tashkent. Since 2016, Mirziyoyev has served as president of the Central Asian state encompassing 37 million denizens. Putin and Mirziyoyev will discuss the expanding Russian-Uzbek connections and regional topics during the two-day visit. As per the Kremlin, it's planned to sanction a "comprehensive bundle of bilateral records" post-visit.

9:20 PM: Ukrainian General Staff proclaims, despite "full force," Russians have not achieved breakthrough

The Ukrainian military reported 83 battles with Russian forces on Sunday. These battles are part of Russia's intense efforts to breach the Ukrainian defenses. The Ukrainian troops are retaliating, trying to preserve their positions and destroy the Russian offensive capabilities, according to an update from the Ukrainian General Staff on social media.

No significant changes are happening near Kharkiv, but Russian troops are still mounting attacks around Vovchansk and Lyptsi.

At 9:00 PM in Ukraine, there's a growing dissent among citizens regarding the ban on using Western weapons to attack Russian territory. Around 150 protesters are demonstrating outside the US Embassy in Kyiv, expressing their frustration about this issue. They want the restriction to be lifted.

On Georgian Independence Day, May 26, thousands of protesters joined the "Freedom March" in Tbilisi. They carried Georgian and European Union flags and shouted anti-Russian slogans, including against the controversial "foreign influence" law. The march was also illuminated by participants' cell phone flashlights. Protesters chanted, "No to the Russian law!" and "No to the Russian regime!" Earlier in the day, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili mentioned the persistent Russian threat during a ceremony for newly-enlisted recruits in Freedom Square in Tbilisi.

For more information about these events, you can read about them here.