Russian agency details a string of blasts occurring in Luhansk.

Russian agency reports Luhansk being hit by a string of blasts.

Russian news outlet RIA Norway reports a string of explosions in the city of Luhansk. Ukrainian war bloggers also publicize a picture that allegedly portrays a significant fire in the city of eastern Ukraine under Russian control. These reports have yet to be confirmed.

20:31 Russia denounces NATO for "war psychosis"The Kremlin accuses NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg of succumbing to a "war psychosis" during discussions about lifting some restrictions on the usage of Western weapons against Russia. "NATO is worsening the situation, NATO is using war rhetoric and falling into a war psychosis," states Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov to Russian media. Peskov's remark stems from Stoltenberg's statements that member states must consider the possibility of lifting certain restrictions on the use of Western weapons against targets in Russia.

19:54 Spain promises a billion-dollar aid to UkraineDuring the first official visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Spain, the two countries sign a bilateral security agreement. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez reveals in the Moncloa government building that they will provide military assistance worth one billion euros this year. Sanchez does not provide specifics on the military aid. However, he mentions that they will continue to deliver anti-aircraft missiles, Leopard tanks, and ammunition.

19:16 Moscow launches a military education magazine featuring Stalin quotesThe Russian Ministry of Defense has released a new military magazine, which aims to serve the political education of soldiers. The British Ministry of Defense reports that the magazine "Politruk" is intended to assist Russian armed forces trainers. Russian Deputy Defense Minister Viktor Goremykin writes in a prefatory article that the magazine is part of the traditional Soviet military magazines' legacy. In his writing, Goremykin quotes dictator Joseph Stalin on the importance of political education for soldiers and the need to loathe the opponent. "The magazine emphasizes that the present-day enemy in Ukraine is the same as the enemy the Soviet Union fought against, namely the Nazis," according to London. A map displayed in the magazine allegedly casts doubt on the validity of Ukrainian statehood.

18:44 Ukraine prepares for the arrival of French military trainersUkraine is preparing for the imminent visit of French military trainers to their training centers, according to Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyj. Syrskyj confirms that he has signed the necessary documentation. The trainers should now be able to become familiar with the infrastructure and personnel of the centers. Details are unmentioned. French President Emmanuel Macron proclaimed on February 26 during a conference in Paris that Western troops could support the Kiev government through education within Ukraine.

18:20 Fear of "Double Tap" at the Kharkiv market

The area of the Kharkiv bazaar, which was damaged by Russian airstrikes, is 10,000 square meters in size. After the bombing, emergency services, police officers, and prosecutors are on the scene. The cleanup process begins - accompanied by fear.

17:44 Brawl featuring ex-Wagner troops in Chelyabinsk, Russia

Reports indicate a mass brawl involving ex-soldiers of the Wagner mercenary unit in the Russian metropolis of Chelyabinsk, located in the Ural Mountains. The investigation committee has instigated a criminal case, as per information from the Russian TV station RTVI. This occurred last weekend and was thought to be instigated by a disagreement amongst men regarding a woman. Initial footage reveals two groups engaging in a street fight. Afterward, black-clad masked individuals appear, who ostensibly aim unleaded firearms. According to reports, these weapons are non-lethal. There were said to be several injuries.

17:07 Russia and Belarus conduct joint air force exercises

Russia and Belarus are conducting joint air force exercises, according to reports from Minsk. These aerial and air defense exercises will extend from May 27 to May 31, as the Belarusian Ministry of Defense announced.

16:36 Poland intends to restrict the freedom of movement of Russian diplomatsPoland is planning to curtail the mobility of Russian diplomats in the region. The reasoning behind this is Russia's involvement in the hybrid warfare against the EU and Poland, mentioned Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski in Brussels. A diplomatic note will soon be presented to the Russian embassy in Warsaw, enforcing the aforementioned movement limitations, not affecting the ambassador himself or his colleagues at the embassy and consulates, they will only be allowed to move within the area where they are stationed.

16:01 Pawlak: "Russia's Baltic Sea strategies remind of WWII"Ukraine is confronting a massive challenge due to the extension of the Russian front, clarifies Julian Pawlak, a scholar at a Bundeswehr think tank. Russia's strategies in the Baltic Sea serve as an illustration of the necessity of NATO's border reinforcement.

The German authorities maintain their resolute opposition to the concept of erecting a NATO defense barrier against Russian airstrikes on western Ukraine from within NATO territory. In Berlin, government representative Steffen Hebestreit stated, "This would, in our view, constitute direct participation in this conflict. And that is something we do not seek." He also referred to remarks made by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg. International demand for such a protective shield has surfaced recently, with voices from both abroad and within Germany itself.

14:21 NATO Urges Member States to Authorize Ukraine's Use of Western Weapons Against Russian Targets

NATO urges its members to allow the utilization of Western weapons to be deployed against Russian military installations. The declaration was passed at a PV session of NATO in Sofia with the rallying cry "Support Ukraine until triumph." NATO's chief Jens Stoltenberg supports the call, advocating the removal of some limitations on the utilization of the provided weapons.

13:36 Sweden Greenlights Weapons Usage for Attacks on Russia

Sweden has agreed to permit the use of its own weapons on Russian soil. Reporter Rainer Munz of NTV suggests that the Russian media have shifted their attention to the positions of western countries. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov maintains that Russia is already experiencing assaults with Western weaponry.

13:07 Ukraine Claims Historic Use of Drones in Long-Range Attacks

Ukraine asserts that it has successfully targeted a site 1500 kilometers behind enemy lines in the Russian hinterland, as per its intelligence. This would mark a new benchmark in the use of drones for long-range offensive operations, according to a staff member of the intelligence service. The intended target was the "Voronezh M" early warning radar, which is located near the city of Orsk on the border with Kazakhstan. This radar can detect aircraft and missiles from great distances. The individual supplying the information does not share any details about potential damage to the radar after it was attacked on Sunday.

12:36 "Shield of the East": Poland Launches Massive Border Fortification Effort

Poland is embarking on a billion-dollar initiative to strengthen its eastern border to protect against potential aggressions. The "Shield of the East" is the largest border security project in Poland since 1945, reports Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz in Warsaw. The plan encompasses the construction of "fortifications, various types of barriers, and highly advanced air defense systems at every parameter and height" along the 700-kilometer-long border. This project involves investment of approximately 2.3 billion euros. The construction work on sections of the border is slated for completion by 2028.

12:05 Kharkiv Under Fire Following Russian Glide Bomb Attacks on DIY Store

The strategically important city of Kharkiv has once again endured a Russian attack. Russia's forces have dropped glide bombs on a DIY store, which was hosting approximately 200 civilians at the time. Released footage from surveillance cameras illustrates the ensuing havoc within the store.

11:31 Judge weighs in on Ukraine's ammunition shortage: "The Eastern Front is Stagnant, Russians Seize Another Village"

As Western nations grant approval to employ their weapons against Russian installations, Ukraine anticipates potential support from additional countries. Nonetheless, correspondent Stephan Richter notes that Ukraine continues to suffer from a severe ammunition deficiency.

11:10: EU Formulates Legal Framework to Impose Sanctions on Individuals and Organizations behind Human Rights Violations

The EU's foreign ministers approved a new legal strategy for imposing sanctions on Russians responsible for suppressing opposition. Followed by the recent death of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, this action took place three and a half months ago.

10:41 Germany Increases Aid to Areas under Russian Control: "There is Nothing There," Says Foreign Minister Baerbock

Germany has decided to allocate 60 million euros in humanitarian aid to individuals in the Russian-occupied areas of eastern Ukraine. Speaking before European Union ministerial talks in Brussels, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock announced, "There is nothing there," in reference to the exploited regions. "The people have been suffering under Russian terror occupation for more than two and a half years." Germany is attempting to arrange aid shipments in collaboration with international partners.

10:13 Lithuania Faults Hungary for Systemic Blockage of EU Support for Ukraine

Lithuania faults Hungary for obstructing EU support for Ukraine.

Lithuania accuses Hungary of preventing all EU attempts to assist Ukraine in fighting against Russian aggression. Lithuania's Foreign Minister, Gabrielius Landsbergis, urges the EU to "find a way to circumvent this blockade" before a meeting with fellow EU ministers in Brussels. Hungary has been exceptionally adamant about this, as Landsbergis points out. "We must consider this as a systematic approach against any EU efforts to play a major role in foreign policy," Landsbergis stated. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also calls on Hungary to abandon its blockade of additional EU military aid for Ukraine. Baerbock emphatically pleads, "Please allow us once more to support Ukraine for peacekeeping purposes." The foreign ministers of the European Union are set to discuss further assistance for Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba demands more air defense systems and other weapons in a video message.

9:40 Spain to Provide Additional Aid to Ukraine: 12 Rockets for Patriot Air Defense System and 19 Leopard Tanks Reported

Spain is set to deliver more military support to Ukraine, including 12 rockets for the Patriot air defense system and 19 Leopard tanks, according to a report from the newspaper "El Pais", citing sources. In addition, equipment to counter drones and ammunition will be provided. This new military aid is expected to be announced during a visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Madrid. A spokesman for Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declined to comment on the newspaper report. Ukraine already received Leopard tanks from Germany in the past.

9:09 Drone Attack on Russian Gas Station Results in Death

A Ukrainian drone attack on a gas station in the Russian region of Orjol led to the death of one person, as reported by Russian authorities. Andrey Klychkov, the Governor of the area, said on Telegram, "A drone fell on the premises of a gas station in the city of Lvov this morning." This event happened in the region, approximately 160 kilometers behind the border with Ukraine. An administrative building was also damaged. A second drone attack occurred while emergency services were on the scene, leading to the death of a fire truck driver and injuring three other responders. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that a dozen Ukrainian drones were neutralized overnight, with six of them in the Orjol region.

8:35 Lange: Russia's War Crimes Are Encouraged Due to Inadequate Western Support

Russian missile attacks on a printing house and a hardware store in Kharkiv are viewed as new war crimes by military expert Nico Lange. "If we limit our aid to Ukraine, we are encouraging Russia to engage in more war crimes rather than preventing them," Lange writes on the platform X.

7:59 Lithuanian President's Re-election Sparks Cheers in Ukraine

Gitanas Nauseda's re-election as President of Lithuania is met with applause in Kyiv by Ukrainian President Zelensky, who congratulates Nauseda in a statement, saying, "Congratulations on your re-election! You have been by our side through these challenging years. I value your genuine support for Ukraine and trust that together, we will ensure freedom, peace, and security in Ukraine, the Baltic states, and across Europe." Lithuania has been a strong ally of Ukraine throughout its struggle.

7:19 Kuleba: Russia has Foiled 200 Rounds of Peace Talks, Committed "Total War"

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has had extensive, unsuccessful experiences in negotiations with Russia. "The main issue is that Russia never negotiated in good faith, unless they were forced to," Kuleba said on the platform X. Moscow has sabotaged the peace process through 200 rounds of peace talks between 2014 and 2022, and has initiated a "total war against Ukraine." Kuleba believes that the only solution lies in a collaborative effort by the entire international community to facilitate true peace. "This is why the peace summit in Switzerland on June 15 and 16 is crucial. It's also essential for as many countries as possible to participate."

6:36 Russian Troop Movement Near Ukrainian Border Sparks Concern

Reports indicate that Russian troops are assembling near the border, approximately 90 kilometers from Kharkiv, as per information from Ukrainian President Zelensky. The Russian maneuver could be intended to attract Ukrainian troops and prepare for offensive operations to expand Russia's influence in the border region, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The ISW has analyzed satellite images of the area surrounding Gródek Jagielloński-Borisfen-Proletarski in the western region of Białystok. Uncertainty persists about the potential extent of the Russian troop gathering.

The aftermath of the assault on a hardware store in Kharkiv, resulting in numerous casualties, is still raw. Vitali Klitschko proclaims on the platform X: "These Ukrainians lost their lives due to Russian bombs; it's because we didn't have suffice air defense. How long will countries with Patriot systems delay?" In addition, it's crucial to authorize attacks on Russian targets using Western weapons, asserts Klitschko. "The planes that launch bombs on our citizens take off from Russian airfields. We must obliterate these planes there."

5:16: Alarm in southern Ukraine as Russian stealth bomber, Su-57, passes over Black Sea

There is another air alert in southern Ukraine during the night. The Ukrainian military detects a Russian stealth bomber, Su-57, over the Black Sea and announces the launch of cruise missiles.

4:57: Zelensky urges West to approve pre-emptive strikes against Russia

Ukrainian President Zelensky seeks the authorization to utilize Western weapons against Russian territory post the lethal bombardments on the city bordering Kharkiv. Many foreign politicians and organizations have lodged their condolences and condemned Russia, says Zelensky through his video address. "It is crucial that this condemnation results in suitable repercussions." Ukraine requires more than just enhanced air defenses; they also need the authority to strike Russian targets using their foreign weaponry. "We're cognizant of every Russian military build-up. We're familiar with all the regions where Russian rockets and combat aircraft are launched," he explains.

1:40: Four civilians killed by Russian artilleries

As per the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office, three individuals were killed by Russian shelling in the region of Donetsk. Reports of civilian casualties have transpired in Sieversk in the northern region and in Krasnohorivka and Chassiw Yar to the south. The Prosecutor General's Office of the Kharkiv region also confirms a civilian death close to the city of Chuhujiw.

12:47: Zelensky flies to Spain

The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, is flying to Spain on this day. Zelensky will receive the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at noon, according to the Spanish government in Madrid. It's noteworthy that a press conference is also scheduled. Zelensky initially slated his visit for May 17th but postponed it due to the critical situation in the Kharkiv region.

23:18: Macron stresses the need for ongoing support for Ukraine

French President Emmanuel Macron advocated against relinquishing support for Ukraine when battling Russia. "Today, siding with peace implies bolstering the legal framework. Peace is not surrender. And peace involves standing by a country to defend its borders and sovereignty," Macron tells during his visit to Germany. Macron reinforced France and Germany's commitment to support Ukraine "until the end" in countering Russia, noting they would prioritize equipping Ukraine with the necessary firepower to withstand, train, and prepare for peacebound scenarios in the long term.

22:22: Medvedev cautions Poland of potential "radioactive ash"

Russia's former President, Dmitry Medvedev, has issued a caution to Poland regarding potential "radioactive ash" following remarks from Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski about how the United States might react to a nuclear strike by Russia on Ukraine. Sikorski had expounded on the matter with the British newspaper "The Guardian". "If the Americans intervene against our assets, this would implore a world war. Warsaw shouldn't disregard this," remarks Medvedev on his blog as the former head of Russia's Security Council.

21:40: Zelenskyy speaks to media in Central Asia for the first time

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has conducted his first editorial with media in Central Asia, particularly journalists from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. The interview was published on the YouTube platform by the Kazakh media outlet "Orda". Regarding the potential for a truce with Russia, Zelensky expresses no optimism.

21:20: Putin visits Uzbekistan

The Russian President, Vladimir Putin, has arrived in Uzbekistan for a state visit. This news has been relayed by Russian state media. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Uzbek president, warmly welcomed Putin at the Tashkent airport. Since 2016, Mirziyoyev has been the head of the Central Asian state with a population of thirty-seven million. Putin and Mirziyoyev will discuss the further development of Russian-Uzbek relations and the region's pressing issues during the two-day visit. The Kremlin anticipates inking a "comprehensive bundle of bilateral documents" once the visit is complete.

Based on the news from Kyiv, military officials report that there were 83 confrontations between Ukrainian and Russian forces on Sunday. The Russian army is allegedly attempting to breach through the Ukrainian defense borders with increased intensity. The General Staff of Ukraine shared this information on a social media platform, stating that their troops are taking steps to maintain their locations and eradicate the aggressor's ability to advance. While there are no significant shifts towards Kharkiv, Russian soldiers are still targeting the cities of Vovchansk and Lyptsi for continued assaults.

Meanwhile, a group of approximately 150 individuals have gathered in protest in Kyiv, standing in front of the American Embassy. They're expressing their discontent with the regulation that forbids the use of Western weapons against Russian territories. The protesters are asking for the ban to be lifted.

In other news, on May 26th, Georgian Independence Day, thousands joined a "Freedom March" in the nation's capital city, Tbilisi. RFE/RL reports on the event, where demonstrators brandished flags of both Georgia and the European Union. As they walked through the streets, they called out slogans such as "No to Russian law" and "No to the Russian regime." Their phones' camera flashlights were also utilized during this protest. Prior to the march, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili had made comments about the threat from Russia during the swearing-in of new recruits on Freedom Square in Tbilisi.