Ukraine ticker Russian aircraft allegedly violated Finnish airspace

On February 24, 2022, Russia began its war against Ukraine in violation of international law. There is no end in sight. The developments in the ticker.

• Liveticker

  New posts
• Liveticker closed
6.02 pm

Zelensky asks USA for help with air defense by letter

According to media reports, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi has sent a letter to Washington requesting help with the lack of air defense. When it comes to missile defense, Kiev relies on its friends around the world, according to "The Kyiv Independent" in the letter, which the medium reportedly received. However, Ukraine is almost completely dependent on the USA for protection against ballistic missiles, Selensky continued.

16.35 hrs

Russian plane allegedly violated Finnish airspace

According to Finland's Ministry of Defense, a Russian military aircraft is suspected of having violated Finnish airspace. "An investigation into the suspected airspace violation was initiated immediately," said Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen in a statement. The plane may have dodged a thunderstorm in the Gulf of Finland off the Porkkala peninsula between Finland and Estonia. The air force responded with a mission flight, according to the statement. The border protection authority is now investigating the incident.

In recent months, misguided Ukrainian drones have repeatedly entered Finnish airspace or crashed on Finnish soil in connection with the war in Ukraine. Finland shares a border with Russia that is more than 1,300 kilometers long.

10.23 am

Former Vice-Chancellor calls for talks with Putin now of all times

Following new serious Russian attacks on Kiev, former SPD Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel warned urgently against further escalation on "Markus Lanz". At the same time, he spoke out clearly in favor of diplomatic talks with Russia. The nuclear threat from Moscow should not be underestimated, he said.

We have summarized more on this here.

6.03 am

Make recruitment of African fighters more difficult: Kiev calls for EU sanctions against networks

Ukraine is pushing for EU sanctions against networks that recruit African men for the Russian armed forces. This is reported by "Ukrainska Pravda". According to the report, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andij Sybiha told the Ukrainian broadcaster Suspilne that Kiev wants to initiate sanctions at a meeting of EU foreign ministers. "Unfortunately, Russia continues to recruit African mercenaries, and this practice is now becoming more and more widespread. After suffering huge losses on the battlefield, they saw a way out in recruiting mercenaries from African countries en masse," Sybiha is quoted as saying. Ukraine also wants to impose a lifelong ban on entry into the European Union for citizens of African countries who fought on the Russian side.

Wednesday, May 27, 2026, 5:50 a.m.

Moscow allows banks to launch drones on their own initiative

Russia has passed a law allowing the Central Bank and other financial institutions to shoot down drones on their own. This emerges from a State Duma document. According to the document, the central bank, Sberbank and the Russian Money Transport Association will be allowed to operate their own defense systems and arm their personnel in future. The deployment of special forces is no longer necessary.

The institutions will bear the costs of the defense themselves, as the head of the Duma Finance Committee, Anatoly Aksakov, told the news portal RBC. The head of the Russian Association of Enterprises, Alexander Shokhin, also informed President Vladimir Putin that other companies also wanted to finance the purchase of heavy weapons to protect their infrastructure.

17:54

Fugitive Russians face confiscation of assets

Russians who act against Moscow's interests abroad may in future lose access to their property at home. The Russian State Duma - the parliament - passed a new law in its third and final reading that legalizes this controversial measure against dissident citizens in exile. It allows Moscow authorities, for example, to confiscate the homes of celebrities if they publicly denounce the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.

It is true that Russians who have left the country for fear of political persecution could already be punished for some violations of the law through the confiscation of assets. The new law significantly expands these possibilities because, according to experts, the offense of violating Russian interests can be interpreted arbitrarily. Critics see the law as a further attempt to silence particularly wealthy Kremlin critics.

In total, there are 13 new offenses in which the assets of emigrated Russians can be confiscated, said Duma head Vyacheslav Volodin. He cited insulting Russian officers and soldiers as well as incitement to extremism and terror as examples. Volodin has been calling for years for critical Russians who have "run away" and believe they are safe abroad to be punished.

Russians who are classified as so-called foreign agents and violate associated duties or work for undesirable organizations could already lose access to their assets. "The new law comes into force on September 1. They will now have three months to sell everything quickly," says pro-Kremlin political scientist Sergei Markov about Russians abroad. "They are now saying to those who have left, never come back."

3.55 pm

Highway full of wrecks: Kiev's drones threaten Putin's supplies

Because Kiev has made technical progress, Ukrainian drones are increasingly hunting for targets at medium range. This brings depots and supply lines within striking distance, especially in the area 100 kilometers behind the front line.

"Ukraine is becoming a laboratory"3 points that explain Kiev's recent successes in the war

In particular, the land corridor between mainland Russia and the occupied territories in southern Ukraine, including Crimea, is being targeted by Kiev's drones. Now the pro-Russian Telegram channel Rybar is reporting that supplies through Kherson and Zaporizhia have come to a standstill.

Russian military blogger Rybar reported that Russian logistics in the occupied parts of the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions have been completely disrupted by Ukrainian drone strikes.

[image or embed]

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) 26. Mai 2026 um 13:55

This video shows wrecks on the highway between Berdyansk and Mariupol in the same land corridor:

Land corridor to Crimea, Berdyansk-Mariupol highway. A pile of destroyed Russian vehicles on the highway.

[image or embed]

— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) 26. Mai 2026 um 08:46

This is what the whole thing looks like from the drones' point of view:

The Muramasa unit disrupts Russian logistics in the rear with B-2 drones, flying over supply routes in search of suitable targets.

[image or embed]

— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) 26. Mai 2026 um 13:36

There are apparently a lot of videos like this:

Just some of the Russian rear-area transports hit by Ukrainian mid-range strike drones over the past few weeks, as Ukraine begins to strangle Russian logistics deep behind the frontline on the M14 highway: pic.twitter.com/SeGaAflxTr

— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) May 26, 2026

15:25

A cruise missile is intercepted here outside Kiev

💥 Ukraine: Moment of interception of a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile on the outskirts of Kyiv.

[image or embed]

— Igor Sushko (@igorsushko.bsky.social) 26. Mai 2026 um 06:18

14:50

Duma chief threatens Kiev with weapons of mass destruction

The head of the Russian parliament, Vyacheslav Volodin, has threatened to use weapons of mass destruction against Ukraine in the event of attacks against the civilian population in Russia.

"All this can lead to us using the weapon that leaves no trace of anyone left," said Volodin according to a press release from the parliament, the State Duma. He warned against letting it get that far.

The new threat was triggered by a drone attack on a residential home in Starobilsk in the Russian-occupied Luhansk region. According to the occupation authorities, 21 civilians were killed in the attack last week. The General Staff in Kiev, in turn, announced that the attack was aimed at a drone unit of the Russian military.

2.30 p.m.

After threats: EU summons Russian representative

Following the Russian call for foreign citizens and diplomats to leave Kiev, the EU has summoned Russia's current highest-ranking representative to the EU.

The call represents "an unacceptable escalation", wrote a spokeswoman for EU foreign affairs representative Kaja Kallas on the X platform. She confirmed at a press conference that the EU would maintain its diplomatic presence and its work in Kiev.

🇷🇺 threat to foreign citizens & diplomats to leave Kyiv is an unacceptable escalation. @eu_eeas summoned the Chargé d'Affairs, calling to stop hitting civilians & 🇷🇺 to engage in genuine peace talks starting with a full and unconditional ceasefire. @EUDelegationUA stays in Kyiv.

— Anitta Hipper (@ExtSpoxEU) May 26, 2026

Following the massive attack on the Ukrainian capital at the weekend using the new Oreshnik medium-range missile, Moscow yesterday threatened a new serious attack. The Russian Foreign Ministry called on foreign diplomats to leave Kiev as quickly as possible.

The spokeswoman for the EU's External Action Service said that the action showed once again that Russia was absolutely not interested in peace and was disregarding all efforts to negotiate peace. The attacks are unfortunately a daily reality for Ukraine, for Kiev and its citizens.

In fact, the EU representation on the ground had also been hit. The spokesperson emphasized that any deliberate attacks on civilians and non-military targets constitute war crimes.

11 a.m.

Dead and injured after Russian air strikes

According to Ukrainian authorities, at least one person has been killed and 15 others injured in heavy Russian airstrikes in the south-east of the country.

An infrastructure object in the port city of Odessa was destroyed by shelling, military governor Serhij Lysak announced on Telegram. He later wrote that one of the four injured had succumbed to his wounds.

Meanwhile, in the city of Kramatorsk in the Donetsk region, twelve people were injured by the dropping of guided glide bombs in the evening. "Among the injured is an eight-year-old boy," wrote the Ukrainian governor of the region, Vadym Filashkin, on Telegram.

Russia dropped five FAB-250 bombs on Kramatorsk, injuring two women and one man Residential apartment blocks and civilian infrastructure were attacked. Fourteen apartment buildings, an educational institution, and administrative buildings were damaged 📷 Kramatorsk City Council

[image or embed]

— Euromaidan Press (@euromaidanpress.bsky.social) 25. Mai 2026 um 14:38

According to the local authorities, it was the third serious attack on the city during the day.

4.10 a.m.

Putin advertises debt relief for new recruits

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree on debt relief for new recruits to the war in Ukraine and their families. According to the Kremlin, anyone who has signed a contract with the Ministry of Defense as of 1 May will be exempt from debts of up to the equivalent of almost 110,000 francs together with their spouse. The prerequisite is that there was already a legal right to recover the debt before this date and that the contract for the assignment was signed for at least one year.

Putin also extended the leasing rights for state-owned land for fighters in Ukraine for an indefinite period.

Tuesday May 26, 2026, 3:10 a.m.

Kiev: Dead and injured after Russian airstrikes

According to Ukrainian authorities, at least one person has been killed and 15 others injured in heavy Russian airstrikes in the east of the country. In the port city of Odessa, an infrastructure object was destroyed by shelling, Governor Serhij Lysak announced on Telegram. He later wrote that one of the four injured had succumbed to his wounds.

Meanwhile, in the city of Kramatorsk in the Donetsk region, twelve people were injured by the dropping of guided glide bombs in the evening. "Among the injured is an eight-year-old boy," wrote the Ukrainian governor of the region, Vadym Filashkin, on Telegram. According to the local authorities, it was the third serious attack on the city during the day.

15.22

Russian magnate extradited from France to Lithuania

Russian magnate Vladimir Antonov has been extradited from France to Lithuania. The Lithuanian public prosecutor's office announced on Monday that the former owner of the Lithuanian Snoras Bank had already been transferred to Vilnius on Friday. Antonov is suspected by the Lithuanian judiciary of embezzlement and corruption, among other things. In November 2024, Antonov was sentenced to ten years and six months in prison in Lithuania.

A court in Brittany in western France allowed his extradition at the beginning of April. In mid-December 2025, he was arrested in the western French department of Morbihan. He was subsequently remanded in custody in Rennes.

In 2011, he was arrested in London on the basis of an arrest warrant issued by Lithuania. He was released on bail at the time. The first warrant related to allegations of embezzlement and manipulated accounting at a Lithuanian bank.

In December 2025, another arrest warrant was issued for corruption and money laundering. The total loss was estimated to be at least 478 million euros.

10.36 a.m.

Number of injured in Kiev rises to almost 90 after attack

Following the massive Russian attack on Sunday night, the number of injured in the Ukrainian capital Kiev continues to rise. 87 people were injured, including three minors, wrote Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi on social media. A total of 21 people have been taken to hospital.

The clean-up work is continuing. He spoke of around 300 damaged properties, the majority of which were residential buildings. Selensky called for pressure on Russia. In Ukraine, air defenses must be strengthened, he said.

According to the Ukrainian air force, Russia had used 600 drones and 90 missiles and cruise missiles in the combined attack. The Ministry of Defense in Moscow confirmed the use of the new Oreshnik medium-range missile, which is particularly feared for its destructive power. In addition to dozens of injuries, there were also at least two fatalities in Kiev, according to Ukrainian reports.

Monday, May 25, 2026, 7:22 a.m.

Ukraine calls for strong international response after attacks on Kiev

Following the massive Russian airstrikes against the capital Kiev, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha has called on the international community to respond "strongly to the aggressor".

The minister requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council and a meeting of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), according to a message on Platform X.

Sybiha accused Russia of trying to compensate for the lack of military progress on the battlefield in the war of aggression against Ukraine with last night's "barbaric missile attack".

19:20

Macron warns Lukashenko in phone call of consequences of involvement in Ukraine war

French President Emmanuel Macron has warned Belarusian ruler Alexander Lukashenko in a telephone call of the consequences of his involvement in Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. In the conversation, Macron emphasized "the risks" for Belarus of "being drawn into Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine", according to sources close to Macron on Sunday.

Macron also urged the Belarusian head of state to "take the necessary steps to improve relations between Belarus and Europe", the statement continued. It was the first officially confirmed phone call between Macron and Lukashenko since the start of the Russian war against Ukraine in February 2022.

The Belarusian presidential office reported on the phone call, stating that it was about "regional issues" and relations between Belarus and the EU. The initiative for the conversation had come "from the French side".

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had recently warned that the Russian army was preparing a new offensive from Belarusian territory. Selensky therefore ordered the deployment of additional forces to the border with Belarus. The Kremlin denied plans for attacks from Belarusian territory.

7.07 pm

Ukraine requests immediate meeting of the UN Security Council

Following the massive Russian air strikes against the capital Kiev, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha has called on the international community to give a "strong response to the aggressor". According to a statement on Platform X, the minister requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council and a meeting of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

Sybiha accused Russia of trying to compensate for the lack of military progress on the battlefield in the war of aggression against Ukraine with last night's "barbaric missile attack".

"Putin is trying to intimidate Ukraine by attacking civilians and destroying residential buildings, museums, schools and critical infrastructure," said Foreign Minister Sybiha. The Kremlin leader is also trying to do this by firing medium-range missiles at peaceful cities. Russia had previously confirmed the use of its new Oreshnik missile, which is feared for its destructive power.

The international community must react, said Sybiha. "We urge our partners to take decisive multilateral measures to deter Russia and to bring it to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace," the minister emphasized.

I instructed all our missions to international organizations to make full use of the multilateral toolbox in response to last night’s barbaric Russian missile attack on Kyiv.

UN, OSCE, Council of Europe, and UNESCO should provide an adequate and strong response to the aggressor,…

— Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 (@andrii_sybiha) May 24, 2026

18:38

Russia reports dead after Ukrainian drone attack

A civilian has been killed in a Ukrainian drone attack in Russia, according to local authorities. The attack hit the town of Graivoron in the Belgorod region on the border with Ukraine on Sunday morning.

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that 33 Ukrainian drones had been shot down or electronically jammed on Sunday night. The areas affected included the Moscow region, areas in the west and south-west of Russia and the Russian-occupied Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea.

14:10

Russia attacks Ukraine with Oreshnik missiles - Merz: "Reckless escalation"

On Sunday night, Russia attacked the Ukrainian capital Kiev with massive missile and drone strikes - including the new nuclear-capable Oreshnik medium-range missile. According to the authorities, four people were killed and dozens injured in Kiev and the surrounding area. The ARD studio in Kiev was also severely damaged. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) strongly condemned the Oreshnik operation as a "reckless escalation" by Moscow.

Moscow had previously threatened to retaliate against a Ukrainian drone attack on the Russian-occupied region of Luhansk. During the night, Russia then attacked Ukraine with a total of 600 drones and 90 missiles, according to the Ukrainian air force. 549 drones and 55 missiles were intercepted. The nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile was also used once again, as confirmed by the Russian Ministry of Defense on Sunday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously announced an attack with an Oreshnik missile on the city of Bila Zerkva in the Kiev region.

In Kiev, journalists from the AFP news agency heard repeated loud explosions until the early hours of the morning. The Ukrainian authorities issued an air alert and also warned of fires. Dozens of people sought shelter in a metro station in the city center.

Kiev's mayor Vitali Klitschko announced on Sunday morning that two people had died in the capital. According to the head of administration, Mykola Kalashny, there were two more deaths in the surrounding Kiev region. In addition, 69 people were reported injured. There were further casualties in the Kharkiv, Cherkasy and Dnipropetrovsk regions.

Zelensky said Russian attacks across Ukraine killed 4 people and wounded about 100 more. The strikes hit Kyiv and other regions overnight, damaging residential buildings, civilian infrastructure and public sites during a large combined attack. #Ukraine pic.twitter.com/PB24ZI1JbQ

— NOELREPORTS 🇪🇺 🇺🇦 (@NOELreports) May 24, 2026

Sunday, May 24, 2026, 6.51 a.m.

After Selensky's warning: major Russian attack on Kiev with missiles and drones

Russia is launching a massive attack on the Ukrainian capital Kiev with drones and ballistic missiles. This emerged from warnings issued by the Ukrainian air force on the Telegram platform. The military also explicitly warned of a possible Russian attack with the particularly feared new Oreshnik medium-range missile.

The portal "The Kyiv Independent" spoke of "a series of explosions" in the capital. Eyewitnesses on social media also reported the sound of explosions. The full extent of the Russian attack on Kiev and its consequences were not immediately foreseeable during the night. Other parts of the country were also attacked.

In the western neighboring country of Poland, the military declared on Platform X that the air defense was on alert in view of the Russian attacks in Ukraine and that military aircraft had taken off. In Poland, air defenses are repeatedly alerted in the event of major attacks in Ukraine, and sometimes fighter jets from NATO partners also take off.

7.09 pm

Zelensky warns of strike with Russian Oreshnik missile

Following Kiev's recent attacks on Russian targets, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi expects Moscow to retaliate with the particularly feared new Oreshnik medium-range missile. "Our intelligence services have received reports, including from American and European partners, that Russia is preparing a strike with the Oreshnik missile," Zelenskyi announced on social media. The capital Kiev is also in danger.

Russia has already used the ballistic missile with particularly high destructive power twice in its war of aggression against Ukraine - once in the large city of Dnipro in the south-east of the country without warheads and most recently in January in western Ukraine.

Selensky warned of a possible combined Russian attack with different types of weapons. "It is important to react responsibly to air alerts from this evening," he appealed to his compatriots. "Russian madness really knows no bounds, so protect your lives - use shelters."

3.39 pm

Selensky insists on full membership in letter to EU

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi has reiterated his demand for full membership of the EU following Chancellor Friedrich Merz's proposal for special status for Kiev. "It would be unfair for Ukraine to be present in the European Union but remain without a voice," Selenskyj wrote to EU leaders in a letter obtained by the German press agency Deutsche Presse-Agentur.

The enlargement process is taking far too long, Europe needs to move faster and not keep Ukraine in a waiting room until full membership is achieved, he emphasized. Merz (CDU) had proposed a special status for Ukraine as an "associate member" of the EU, because in his view, rapid full membership is out of the question. From Berlin's point of view, the proposal would build a political bridge.

09.13 am

Death toll rises after Kiev drone attack on residential home

Following the Ukrainian drone attack on a dormitory of a vocational school in the Russian-occupied region of Luhansk, the number of dead has risen to ten, according to the authorities. Further bodies have been pulled from the rubble of the building in the city of Starobilsk, the Russian Ministry of Civil Defense announced. A total of 48 people were injured. According to the local authorities, eleven students are still missing. The search for them in the rubble is continuing.

Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin accused the Ukrainian military of an "act of terrorism" on Friday. He himself started his war against Ukraine in 2022 and subsequently annexed the Luhansk region, which Kiev now wants to liberate from Moscow's occupation. The Ukrainian General Staff accused Russia of disinformation. A Russian military unit specializing in drone attacks against Ukraine had been operating in Starobilsk. It had been the target of the attack.

Putin had claimed that there had been no military target there. On Friday, he spoke of 6 dead, 39 injured and 15 missing. UN Secretary-General António Guterres criticized the attack. "We strongly condemn any attack on civilians and civilian infrastructure, no matter where they occur," said a spokesperson for Guterres in New York. The UN Secretary-General has repeatedly emphasized that such attacks are illegal under international law and must stop immediately.

Both warring parties always claim that they are only attacking military targets. Despite this, civilians on both sides are repeatedly killed and injured and civilian infrastructure is destroyed. The losses caused by the Russian attacks in Ukraine are many times higher.

May 23, 2026, 08:48 a.m.

Ukraine strikes oil storage facility in southern Russia again

Ukraine has set fire to an oil storage facility in the Black Sea metropolis of Novorossiysk, which has already been attacked several times, in another drone attack. Parts of a downed drone fell onto the site of a fuel terminal, according to the operational staff of the Krasnodar region. Fires broke out in some technical and administrative buildings. According to the official statement, two people were injured.

Eyewitnesses reported on social networks that the Grushovaya oil terminal of the Transneft energy company had caught fire. It is one of the largest oil storage facilities in the Caucasus with reservoirs underground and on the surface - including a transshipment point. The oil industry facilities in Novorossiysk, which are important for Russia's war economy, have already been repeatedly targeted by Ukrainian drone attacks.

Ukraine has massively expanded its drone attacks against targets in the Russian hinterland. This morning, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that 348 drones were shot down during the night. This figure cannot be independently verified. As usual, the ministry did not provide any information on hits.

4.45 a.m.

Ukraine role for Europeans? - Selensky consults with partners

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi wants to discuss the faltering peace process with the heads of state and government from Germany, France and the UK today. "I have planned a meeting with the E3 (Europe 3) partners," he said in a video message recorded in the city of Slavutych, north of Kiev. "We will talk about how our joint pressure and our joint diplomatic work can influence the situation in real terms," Zelensky said, without giving further details. He did not provide any information on the format of the talks. As he is in Ukraine, it is likely to be a video call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Efforts to end the Russian war of aggression, which has been going on for more than four years, have been on hold in recent weeks. The USA, which does not see itself primarily as an ally of Ukraine but as a mediator, has been distracted by the Iran war since the end of February.

Kiev's European allies have so far been more involved on the sidelines. However, they are discussing which demands and which negotiators should be used to talk to Russia about ending the war. Moscow says it is willing to talk, but is not backing away from its maximum war aims.

2 o'clock

Night-time drone attacks

Russia and Ukraine have once again attacked each other with drone strikes since late Thursday evening. The Ukrainian army again announced a major attack on targets in the Russian hinterland. The Russian aviation authority Rosaviatsiya restricted air traffic at numerous airports, including Moscow and St. Petersburg. The Ukrainian air force located Russian drones over the north-eastern parts of Chernihiv and Sumy.

Partisans set fire to locomotive transporting oil cargo in St. Petersburghttps://t.co/D1hu7e0Esk pic.twitter.com/1geujko1mj

— Ukrinform-EN (@Ukrinform_News) May 21, 2026

Friday, May 22, 2026, 0.44 a.m.

Drone strike near shopping center in Kharkiv

A Russian drone has struck near a shopping center in the Kiev district of Kharkiv. This was reported by Mayor Ihor Terekhov on Telegram. The extent of the damage caused by the attack is still being determined. As reported by Ukrinform, 15 settlements in the Kharkiv region have been attacked by Russian assailants over the past day, injuring eight people.

22:59

Trump wants to send an additional 5000 soldiers to Poland

US President Donald Trump wants to send an additional 5000 US soldiers to Poland. The Republican announced this on the Truth Social platform. Trump did not give any more specific details, such as when and from where the US soldiers are to be deployed to Poland. He justified his decision with his good relationship with Polish right-wing conservative President Karol Nawrocki. The Pole won the run-off election for the presidency in mid-2025 and visited Trump in the Oval Office in Washington the following fall. The two politicians had made their sympathy for each other clear at the time.

Last week, Poland denied reports that the country would be affected by the halt to the deployment of a combat brigade of more than 4,000 US soldiers to Europe. "The number of American soldiers in Poland will not be reduced," said Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz in Warsaw. On the contrary, his country is continuing to work on increasing the number of US troops.

The defence minister went on to say that the withdrawal of around 5,000 US soldiers from Germany announced by Trump would result in a reorganization of American troops in Europe. This could lead to other brigades being sent to individual countries. Kosiniak-Kamysz said that this may explain the confusion caused by reports in the US media.

Poland's Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk also countered the reports and referred to the neighboring country to the west. "This is not true. This announcement concerns Germany. It does not concern Poland. Poland is constantly striving to strengthen the American troop presence," he wrote on X.

Previously, the Wall Street Journal, citing a Pentagon official, had reported that the US Department of Defense had halted the deployment of the combat brigade to Europe. The soldiers had actually been expected to be stationed in Poland for a nine-month deployment.

7.44 pm

Baltic states call for more NATO support after drone incidents

Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania want to press their NATO allies for more help with air defense following the recent drone incidents in the Baltic states. The three EU and NATO states also want to respond in a coordinated manner to unsubstantiated claims from Moscow that they are making their territory and airspace available for Ukrainian attacks against Russia. This was announced by the Lithuanian presidential chancellery following a telephone conversation between the presidents of the three states.

"We are observing a clear attempt to escalate tensions in our region and at the same time to conduct a coordinated disinformation campaign against the Baltic states. We must remain united, strengthen our air defense and drone defense capabilities and together encourage NATO allies to pay even more attention to the security of the eastern flank," said Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda after a conversation with his counterparts Alar Karis (Estonia) and Edgars Rinkevics (Latvia).

In a joint statement, the heads of state emphasized the need to further strengthen NATO's air defence capabilities in the region. This included the deployment of additional drone defense systems and the transition from pure airspace surveillance to comprehensive air defense. Previously, the armed forces in Latvia and Lithuania had again reported drone alerts in the airspace in the east of the two countries near the border with Russia and Belarus.

There have already been several incidents involving drones in the course of the war in Ukraine. During attacks, several misguided Ukrainian drones have entered the airspace of the Baltic states and crashed in some cases. Kiev had used them to attack targets in north-western Russia. Moscow then raised its unsubstantiated claims - and most recently also issued threats against Latvia.

6.29 pm

Military maneuvers with Belarus: Russia tests its nuclear arsenal

At the end of a large-scale maneuver, Russia has tested an entire arsenal of nuclear-tipped missiles. An intercontinental nuclear missile of the Jars type was fired from northern Russia at a target area on the Kamchatka peninsula in the Far East, according to the Ministry of Defense in Moscow.

According to the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his ally Alexander Lukashenko from Belarus watched the maneuver on screen. The triad of land, sea and air-based nuclear weapons will always serve as a "guarantor of the sovereignty of the union of Russia and Belarus", said Putin. The weapons would only be used for defense. Russia would renew its arsenal, but would not allow itself to become embroiled in an arms race.

Nuclear-powered Russian submarines fired missiles of the ultra-modern Zirkon and Sinewa types, according to military sources. MiG-31 fighter jets fired Kinschal hypersonic missiles and Tu-95 long-range bombers fired other missiles. According to the report, units of the Belarusian army launched an Iskander-M ballistic missile at the Kapustin Yar test site in southern Russia.

Lukashenko reportedly said that Belarus and Russia were not threatening anyone, but were prepared to defend their common homeland from Brest to Vladivostok. The armed forces of both countries had been practicing the use of nuclear weapons since Tuesday. Russia has stationed its latest medium-range missile, the Oreshnik, in Belarus. It is thus taking Belarus under its nuclear umbrella, but also increasing its control over the neighboring country.

8.26 am

Russia: Two dead and injured after Ukrainian attack

According to Russian authorities, two people have been killed in a Ukrainian drone attack in the city of Sysran on the Volga. The governor of the Samara region, Vyacheslav Fedorishchev, wrote on Telegram that there were also casualties, but did not give any figures. He did not provide any information on damage or exact locations.

The city has already been the target of several Ukrainian drone attacks and is home to an oil refinery. Ukraine has been defending itself against a Russian war of aggression for more than four years. In recent months, it has expanded its counterattacks into the Russian hinterland, which are becoming increasingly visible. Kiev is systematically targeting refineries, pumping stations and export ports of the Russian oil industry. In this way, Ukraine wants to disrupt the supply of fuel for the Russian army and reduce Russia's income from the energy business, which is important for Moscow's war chest. The number of victims and the extent of the damage are out of all proportion.

6.01 a.m.

Merz proposes special EU status for Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz wants to offer Ukraine a new special status as an "associate member" of the European Union in response to its demand for rapid EU accession. In a letter to EU leaders, the CDU politician proposes to immediately integrate Russia's neighboring country more closely into the institutions. However, it should not initially be granted full membership and voting rights.

Merz justifies the proposal with Ukraine's special situation as a country at war and the considerable progress made in the accession negotiations. Accordingly, the proposal is also intended to facilitate the peace talks initiated by US President Donald Trump - among other things through a political commitment by the member states to also apply the EU standby clause to Ukraine.

According to Merz, a regular admission of Ukraine to the EU in the near future remains unrealistic. "It is obvious that we cannot complete the accession process in the short term," he writes to EU Council President António Costa, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides as representative of the EU Council Presidency. Merz cites "countless hurdles" and the politically difficult ratification procedures in several member states as reasons for this.

In order to continue to achieve rapid progress, Merz proposes that the EU should negotiate "immediately and without delay" on all issues important for accession. In addition, the idea of "associate membership" should be discussed, which could be a decisive step on Ukraine's path to full membership. "It would not be membership light, but would go far beyond the existing association agreement and would further accelerate the accession process," explains Merz.

Thursday, May 21, 2026, 0.10 a.m.

Anger in the UK over oil sanctions against Russia

Under the energy price pressure caused by the Iran war, the British government has found itself in need of explanation with a new package of sanctions against Russia. Although London has imposed an import ban on aviation fuel and diesel produced from Russian oil in third countries, an exemption has also been granted to allow imports to continue for the time being. After a vociferous parliamentary debate, the government defended itself against accusations, including from the opposition, that it had eased sanctions against Russia.

7.28 pm

Ukraine wants to strengthen troops in the direction of Belarus

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj has announced a reinforcement of the armed forces in the direction of Chernihiv-Kiev in the north of the country. Intelligence services' findings on Russia's plans for offensive operations there have been analyzed, he wrote on social media after a staff meeting. Ukraine is preparing reactions to every possible scenario of Russian actions. He also instructed the Foreign Ministry to prepare additional diplomatic influence on Belarus.

Selensky has been saying for weeks that Russia is trying to drag Belarus into the war. At the end of last week, he claimed that Moscow wanted to march from Belarusian soil in the direction of Chernihiv-Kiev or even attack one of the NATO countries neighboring Belarus. He referred to intelligence information and did not give any details.

07.16 am

Xi Jinping receives Putin in such pompous style

Xi Jinping receives Vladimir Putin in the Great Hall of the People on Tiananmen Square in Beijing with military honors, a red carpet and great ceremony. The pompous reception is very similar to the one for Donald Trump the previous week. The talks focus on the strategic partnership between China and Russia, energy deals and international crises such as the war in Ukraine and the Middle East conflict.

Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 4:44 a.m.

Pentagon: troop reduction will only affect Poland "temporarily"

According to the US Department of Defense, the planned reduction of US troops in Europe will also affect NATO ally Poland - but only temporarily. The US is reducing the number of its combat brigades (BCTs) in Europe from four to three, bringing them down to 2021 levels, as Sean Parnell, chief spokesman for the Pentagon, told X "This will result in a temporary delay in the deployment of US forces to Poland, which is a model US ally." He did not provide further details on the timetable.

STATEMENT:

The Department of War has reduced the total number of Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs) assigned to Europe from four to three. This returns us to the levels of BCTs in Europe in 2021. This decision was the result of a comprehensive, multilayered process focused on U.S.…

— Sean Parnell (@SeanParnellASW) May 19, 2026

There had previously been confusion about the deployment of US troops in Poland: Last week, the "Wall Street Journal" had reported, citing a Pentagon official, that the US was halting the deployment of a combat brigade of 4,000 soldiers. The soldiers were actually expected to be stationed in Poland for a nine-month deployment.

On Tuesday, Poland's Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz announced that his US counterpart Pete Hegseth had confirmed that the USA's commitment to Poland's security would not change. US Vice President JD Vance also said that this was a normal delay in a rotation.

The Pentagon spokesperson, however, stated that the deployment of the troops would be made dependent on a comprehensive review. The challenges facing the USA, as well as the ability of European allies to contribute their own armed forces, are central to this. The Pentagon will remain in close consultation with Poland and will provide further details at a later date. "Poland has demonstrated both the capability and the resolve to defend itself," Parnell wrote. "Other NATO allies should follow suit."

20.32

Drone incidents: Latvia protests against disinformation from Moscow

Latvia accuses Russia of massive disinformation about the recent drone incidents in the Baltic states. Moscow claims that Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are allowing their territory to be used for Ukrainian attacks against Russia. This was firmly rejected by the Latvian government. The foreign ministry of the EU and NATO member also summoned a representative of the Russian embassy and handed over a note of protest.

"Russia has been spreading the lie for several weeks that the Baltic states and Finland are making our airspace available for Ukrainian attacks," said Foreign Minister Baiba Braze after a meeting with her Canadian counterpart Anita Anand. This was not true and had been communicated to Russian representatives by summoning them to the Foreign Office, but also via other sources. "Today, a new lie was spread by the Russian foreign intelligence service, which we have firmly rejected and refuted."

In Estonia, NATO fighter jets had previously shot down a suspected Ukrainian drone over Estonia, which was presumably aimed at Russian targets and had flown into Estonian airspace. The Latvian army also informed the population about a possible threat from a drone in the east of the country.

Ukraine has been defending itself against a Russian invasion for more than four years. In the reciprocal drone war, the aircraft, which are defended against by electronic means, also pose a threat to neighboring countries. In recent Ukrainian attacks, misguided drones have repeatedly penetrated the airspace of the Baltic states and in some cases crashed. Kiev had used them to attack targets in north-western Russia.

In Latvia, a barely used oil storage facility with empty tanks in Rezekne in the east of the country was hit in one of the most recent incidents this month. In the incident, two misguided Ukrainian drones crashed near the Russian border. No one was injured. However, the incident triggered a political crisis in the country, with first Defense Minister Andris Spruds and then Prime Minister Evika Silina resigning.

1.19 p.m.

NATO fighter jets shoot down drone

NATO fighter jets have shot down a drone over Estonia that had entered the airspace of the Baltic EU and NATO country.

According to Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur, this is the first time a drone of this kind has been shot down. Romanian F-16 jets took the drone out of the sky over Lake Võrtsjärv in the south of the country. It crashed in a swampy area and the search is still ongoing. The Estonian security police are leading the investigation.

According to Pevkur, it was probably a Ukrainian flying object that was presumably aimed at Russian targets. There were initially no reports of casualties or damage.

Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 0:30 a.m.

Selenskyj: We are sending the war of aggression back to where it came from

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the impact of the recent attacks against targets in Russia. "We are sending the Russian war of aggression back home, to the only place from where the war came," he said in his evening video address.

He referred to the increased attacks by Ukrainian long-range drones. "It used to be an event when dozens of Ukrainian drones attacked Russia, but today hundreds of our long-range strikes every day are no longer a sensation, but always good news, useful news."

In just recent months, Russia’s oil refining has dropped by 10%, and Russian oil companies are being forced to shut down their oil wells.

As for Russia’s overall state revenues – thanks to our comprehensive pressure at all levels – within the first five months of this year,… pic.twitter.com/6Dz6VLiYqN

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 18, 2026

According to Selensky, the successes of these Ukrainian attacks, particularly against Russian infrastructure, primarily against oil production and processing, have not failed to materialize. According to a Ukrainian intelligence report, Russian oil processing has fallen by around ten percent in recent months. Above all, Russian oil companies have been forced to shut down wells. Russia could only reverse this under the most difficult conditions: "Production losses are really very painful for them."

0.10 a.m.

Moscow attacks refinery facilities near Dnipropetrovsk

The Russian military launched a counterattack against Ukrainian refinery facilities on Monday evening. Unspecified objects belonging to the Naftogaz Group in the Dnipropetrovsk region were hit and damaged by missiles and drones, Naftogaz CEO Serhij Korezkyj announced on Facebook. The extent of the damage is not yet known.

Monday, May 18, 2026, 4:15 a.m.

Russian attacks on Odessa and Dnipro

Russia responded to the massive Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow during the night with counter-attacks. According to the authorities, at least twelve people were injured in drone and missile attacks on regions in the center and south of Ukraine. In the port city of Odessa, drones hit a residential building and injured an eleven-year-old boy and a 59-year-old man. In the city of Dnipro, at least nine people were reportedly injured, including a child. This information cannot be independently verified.

According to Russian reports, Ukraine launched one of its most violent attacks on the Moscow region on Sunday night since the start of the Russian invasion more than four years ago. According to Russian reports, at least three people were killed. This information cannot be independently verified either. The numbers of civilians killed and injured and the extent of the damage on the Russian side bear no relation to the many times greater losses and destruction in Ukraine caused by Moscow's devastating war of aggression.

During the attack on Odessa on the Black Sea, drones also damaged a university lecture hall and a kindergarten, as the head of the local military administration, Serhiy Lysak, wrote on the Telegram platform.

In the south-eastern Ukrainian industrial city of Dnipro, the roof of a 24-storey high-rise building caught fire as a result of the attack, as the head of the military administration of the Dnipropetrovsk region, Olexander Hansha, announced on Telegram. A warehouse in which pyrotechnics had been stored was also hit and caught fire. Further fires were reported throughout the city. The exact extent of the damage was initially unclear. Dnipro and Odessa are repeatedly attacked by Russia with missiles and drones of various types.

⚡️Update: Russian attack on central, southern Ukraine injures at least 12.

The number of injured victims in an overnight Russian attack on Dnipro has risen to nine people, including a child, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Governor Oleksandr Hanzha reported. https://t.co/XKPG3IrRCJ

— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) May 18, 2026

21.09 hrs

Crashed drone discovered in Lithuania

Following several drone incidents in the Baltic states, another unknown drone has been discovered on Lithuanian soil. According to the National Crisis Management Center, a crashed flying object was found in a field in the Utena district. It is possibly a military drone. So far, there are no signs that the drone has exploded. According to a radio report, the exact circumstances of the incident are now being investigated.

There was initially no information on the origin and type of missile. However, initial information indicated that it was a Ukrainian drone, said the head of the crisis management center, Vilmantas Vitkauskas, according to Lithuanian media reports in Vilnius. According to the report, security forces are investigating the site where the drone was found, the crash of which was reported to the authorities by local residents.

It initially remained unclear when and how the missile entered Lithuanian airspace and crashed. Utena is located in the north-east of the Baltic EU and NATO country near the border with Latvia and Russia's ally Belarus.

Ukraine has been defending itself against a Russian invasion for more than four years. In the reciprocal drone war, the aircraft, which are defended against by electronic means, also pose a threat to neighboring countries. In recent Ukrainian attacks, misguided drones have repeatedly penetrated the airspace of the Baltic states and in some cases crashed, with which Kiev had attacked targets in north-western Russia.

7 p.m.

Russia reports attack on occupied Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant

A vehicle hall at the Russian-occupied Ukrainian nuclear power plant in Zaporizhia has been hit by Ukrainian artillery, according to Russian reports. The building and several buses parked inside were damaged, but there were no injuries, according to the power plant's administration. In addition, a Ukrainian drone was destroyed by anti-aircraft fire as it approached the power plant. There was no explanation from the Ukrainian side.

The largest nuclear power plant in Europe, with six reactors and a rated output of 6,000 megawatts, has been under Russian control since March 2022. It is currently not producing any electricity. Several Ukrainian attempts to recapture it have failed. A team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is constantly on site to monitor the situation and prevent a nuclear accident through its presence.

3.03 pm

Selenskyj: Attacks on Moscow "completely justified"

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi has described the counter-attacks with drones against Moscow and the capital region as "completely justified". It was the country's reaction to the ongoing Russian war of aggression, the head of state said on Telegram. He also published a video showing a large cloud of smoke in the distance - as alleged proof of the momentous attacks near Moscow.

"The concentration of Russian air defenses in the Moscow region is the greatest. But we are overcoming them," said Selensky. The Ukrainian long-range drones had reached targets 500 kilometers from Ukraine's state border. "We are telling the Russians very clearly: your state must end this war," he continued. "The Ukrainian manufacturers of drones and missiles are continuing their work."

The Ukrainian secret service SBU and the military often work together on counter-attacks against Russian targets. "I thank the SBU and all the defense forces of Ukraine for their accuracy," said Selenskyj.

The Russian authorities reported at least three deaths and 17 injuries as well as damage to numerous residential buildings in Moscow and the capital region, among other things. Moscow, in turn, had attacked Kiev and other cities last week. Selenskyj spoke of 52 dead and more than 300 injured in Ukraine alone during the week.

10.30 a.m.

Drone alert in Latvia - Nato jets activated

In the Baltic states, the armed forces of EU and NATO member Latvia have informed residents of a possible threat from a drone in the east of the country. The flying object had entered the airspace in the morning and then left it again, the armed forces announced. NATO fighter jets were activated, it said, without providing further details. In the past, there have already been explosions caused by drone incidents on Latvian territory.

"As long as the Russian aggression in Ukraine continues, it is possible that incidents of foreign drones entering or approaching Latvian airspace will occur again," the military added. The airspace is constantly monitored and, together with NATO allies, a rapid response to threat situations is guaranteed.

This month, a barely used oil storage facility with empty tanks was hit in Rezekne in the east of the country. In the incident, two misguided Ukrainian drones crashed near the Russian border. No one was injured. The incident triggered a political crisis in the country, with first Defense Minister Andris Spruds and then Prime Minister Evika Silina resigning.

In the course of the war in Ukraine, there had already been several drone incidents in the airspace of the country, which borders Russia and Belarus. Silina had therefore accused Spruds of failing to defend against drones.

Šodien, 17. maijā, ap plkst. 06.00 Nacionālie bruņotie spēki informēja par iespējamu apdraudējumu Latvijas gaisa telpā Alūksnes, Balvu, Krāslavas, Ludzas, Rēzeknes novados.
Nacionālie bruņotie spēki nekavējoties aktivizēja reģionā izvietotās pretgaisa aizsardzības vienības, kas…

— NBS (@Latvijas_armija) May 17, 2026

7.25 a.m.

Russia says it has repelled 556 Ukrainian drones

According to the Ministry of Defense, the Russian armed forces repelled a total of 556 Ukrainian drones throughout the country overnight. This was reported by Russia's state news agency Tass. The information from Moscow could not initially be independently verified. Russian officials had previously reported drone attacks in the Moscow area and on the occupied Black Sea peninsula of Crimea.

If the Russian information on the number of drones shot down is correct, it would indicate a major attack by Ukraine. The Ministry of Defense in Moscow did not publish any information on how many drones could not be intercepted in time.

At least three people were killed in Ukrainian attacks on the Moscow region, the governor of the Moscow region, Andrey Vorobyov, wrote on Telegram. Several houses and apartments were damaged and caught fire. Further details can be found in the ticker message from 5.39 am.

Средства ПВО за ночь сбили 556 украинских БПЛА над регионами России, сообщили в МО РФ:https://t.co/QHir9IUQiT pic.twitter.com/4ULD75cI3v

— ТАСС (@tass_agency) May 17, 2026

6.50 a.m.

Kiev: "90 percent of Russian drones contain components from Swiss companies"

Swiss microelectronics are still found in Russian drones, according to the NZZ am Sonntag. Vladislav Vlasyuk, advisor to Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky, has therefore sharply criticized Switzerland.

"90 percent of Russian drones contain components from Swiss companies," Vlasyuk told the newspaper. This has not changed even after four years of war. While other countries have taken action against imports to Russia, Switzerland does not seem to understand "what is at stake".

The research was based on Russian customs data. This showed how, after the invasion of Ukraine, 30,000 shipments of war-related products from five Swiss companies were delivered to Russia via intermediaries. Some of the goods were imported via a smuggling network with links to the Russian army.

The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Seco) has stated that it is aware of the problem and is in contact with the companies concerned and partner states.

Sunday May 17, 2026, 5:39 a.m.

Ukraine attacks Moscow and Crimea with drones

According to Russian reports, at least three people have died in Ukrainian drone attacks on the Moscow region. At least four other people were injured during the night, the governor of the Moscow region, Andrey Vorobyov, wrote on his Telegram channel. In addition, several houses and apartments were damaged and caught fire. In several communities, infrastructure facilities were also attacked.

Moscow's mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported on Telegram in the early morning that more than 120 drones had been shot down in the past 24 hours. At least twelve people had been injured in the capital, mainly workers near an oil refinery. Several houses were damaged. The information could not initially be independently verified.

Observers reported on X that an oil refinery, a microchip factory and an airfield had been hit.

During the night, Ukraine also attacked the Russian-occupied naval city of Sevastopol on the Crimean peninsula, damaging several apartment blocks and houses, according to the authorities. In addition, debris from a downed drone hit a high-voltage power line, causing power outages, the city's head of administration, Mikhail Rasvoshayev, wrote on the Telegram platform. However, the city's power station was not hit.

A total of 25 drones were shot down over several parts of the city and the Black Sea, Razvozhayev continued. According to preliminary information, no one was injured. This information could not initially be independently verified either.

Over 300 Ukrainian drones have attacked Russia.

Successful strikes were carried out against an airfield, a refinery, and a microelectronics plant.

For over four years, Russia has killed Ukrainians and wiped out entire cities in violation of international law—now the war is… pic.twitter.com/jK1WlzTBVs

— Jürgen Nauditt 🇩🇪🇺🇦 (@jurgen_nauditt) May 17, 2026

19.59 hrs

Russian passports for separatist region of Transnistria

Russian President Vladimir Putin is facilitating the issue of Russian passports in the separatist region of Transnistria, thereby increasing the pressure on the Republic of Moldova. According to a decree issued by the Kremlin leader, residents of Transnistria will be able to become Russian citizens from the age of 18, even if they have not lived in Russia for five years, as is usually required. The Kremlin in Moscow published the document.

Transnistria is a narrow strip of land between the Dniester River and the Ukraine that is predominantly inhabited by ethnic Russians. It seceded from the Romanian-speaking Republic of Moldova in a war in the early 1990s. The separatist republic is not recognized internationally. For Moldova, which aspires to join the EU, the secession is an unresolved problem. Russia supports Transnistria and has stationed around 1,500 soldiers there, mostly locals with Russian citizenship.

9.54 am

After Trump, Putin travels to Beijing

The Kremlin has announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit China on Tuesday and Wednesday. Putin is following an invitation from Chinese head of state Xi Jinping, the Kremlin announced.

During the visit, Putin and Xi are to discuss relations between their countries and exchange views on international and regional problems. The signing of a joint declaration and a series of bilateral documents is then planned. A meeting with Prime Minister Li Qiang is also on the agenda.

Putin's visit is linked to the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Good Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation between the two countries.

It was only on Friday that US President Donald Trump flew back to the USA after a state visit to China lasting several days. Putin was last in Beijing last year, when the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War was celebrated with a military parade.

Saturday, May 16, 9:27 a.m.

12-year-old saves his family from Putin's killer drones with a trick

A Ukrainian boy confronts a Russian FPV drone - and wins. Using a technique shown to him by a soldier, the 12-year-old cut the drone's fiber optic cable and possibly prevented a catastrophe.

Read all about it here.

With his bare hands12-year-old saves his family from Putin's killer drones with a trick

8.16 pm

Selensky announces new drone attacks on Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi has announced a continuation of the attacks on the Russian oil industry. Ukraine must react harshly and appropriately to the Russian military's attacks on cities, he said in his evening video message following the Russian air strike against Kiev that left 24 dead. An initial response was given last night, Selensky explained with regard to the attack on the oil refinery in Ryazan. "We are continuing the operation," he added.

In his statement, he once again warned neighboring Belarus against allowing itself to be dragged into the war of aggression against Ukraine by Russia. Moscow wants to march from Belarusian soil in the direction of Chernihiv-Kiev or even attack one of the NATO countries neighboring Belarus, Selensky said. He referred to alleged intelligence information on such talks. He did not give any details.

10 a.m.

Kiev's drones hit oil facilities in Ryazan - 3 dead

According to Russian authorities, at least three people have been killed and twelve injured in a Ukrainian drone attack in the city of Ryazan.

Two apartment blocks and an industrial plant were damaged, according to Pavel Malkov, governor of the region south-east of Moscow. This was reported by the Russian state news agency Tass.

New from Ryazan 🔥👀

[image or embed]

— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) 15. Mai 2026 um 03:04

According to reports on telegram channels, the industrial plant was the Ryazan refinery, the third largest in Russia by industry standards. A large fire had been observed there.

The Ministry of Defense in Moscow reported an unusually large drone attack by Ukraine on many Russian regions during the night. It said that 355 enemy flying objects had been shot down. Such military figures cannot be verified in detail.

9 a.m.

Death toll in Kiev rises to 24

In Kiev, 24 people had been recovered from a destroyed apartment block by this Friday morning, according to the civil protection authorities. A day of mourning has been declared for the capital. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky instructed his military to plan retaliation for the attack.

Friday, May 15, 2026, 4:27 a.m.

Death toll after attack on Kiev rises to more than 20

The death toll after the latest wave of Russian attacks on the Ukrainian capital Kiev has risen to 21, according to new figures. In addition, 17 people are still missing in the rubble of a destroyed apartment block, according to rescue workers, Ukrainian media reported. Dozens of injured people need to be treated.

On Thursday evening, the authorities in Kiev were still talking about 16 dead. Russia had attacked the metropolis of millions and other cities during the night with hundreds of drones, rockets and cruise missiles - an unusually violent attack even after more than four years of war.

According to Ukrainian authorities, dozens of residential buildings were damaged across the country. The area around Kiev and the Kharkiv and Odessa regions were also hit hard. On Wednesday, Russia had already carried out one of the most violent and longest-lasting attacks on Ukraine since the start of the war in February 2022 with more than 800 drones.

21:54

Merz criticizes "heaviest Russian attacks on Ukraine in a long time"

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has sharply criticized the recent Russian attacks on Ukraine. "The most serious Russian attacks on Ukraine in a long time show that Moscow is focusing on escalation instead of negotiation," Merz wrote Thursday evening in the online service X. Kiev and its partners are "ready for negotiations on a just peace. But Russia continues to wage war."

In Kiev, the death toll rose to at least twelve people after the attack, according to the civil defense. Among them were two minors. In his evening video message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for more painful sanctions for Russia. He pointed out that a Ch-101 cruise missile manufactured in the second quarter of this year had hit a building in Kiev. This means that Russia is continuing to purchase the necessary components and is circumventing the global sanctions.

16:12

Selenskyj: Seven dead after Russian attacks

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi, the death toll in Kiev following the Russian drone and missile attacks at night has risen to seven. A high-rise apartment building was practically destroyed, he wrote on Telegram.

The fate of almost 20 people who may have been in the building is unknown. According to Kiev's mayor Vitali Klitschko, a twelve-year-old girl was also recovered dead from the rubble. Around 40 people were injured.

According to Selenskyj, the Russian military damaged 180 buildings across the country, 50 of which were ordinary residential buildings. According to him, in addition to Kiev, the area around the capital was also badly hit, with seven people injured, Kharkiv with 28 injured and the Odessa region with two injured.

2.16 pm

Attack on Kiev: drone company targeted

One of the targets of the heavy Russian airstrike on Kiev was apparently the drone manufacturer Skyeton, which produces small aircraft as well as reconnaissance drones such as the Raybird.

The company's office in the Ukrainian capital was destroyed. According to Skyeton, however, production was not affected: it had been outsourced decentrally some time ago.

⚡️ The office of Ukrainian drone manufacturer Skyeton was destroyed in today’s strike on Kyiv, the company says

Skyeton stated that it had prepared for a possible attack in advance by distributing its production facilities across different parts of Ukraine and abroad.

The… pic.twitter.com/ozgATi73dC

— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) May 14, 2026

1.39 pm

Now already 5 fatalities in Kiev

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi, the death toll in Kiev following the night-time Russian drone and missile attacks has risen to five.

🗺 Approximate map of Russian missile and drone strikes across Ukraine over the past 24 hours

The map highlights particularly massive attacks on Kyiv, as well as a large number of targets in western Ukraine.

As a reminder, since yesterday evening alone, Russia has attacked… pic.twitter.com/GJ8UGmMrNG

— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) May 14, 2026

"More than ten people are missing," he wrote on Telegram. There had previously been talk of one death. According to Kiev's mayor Vitali Klitschko, a twelve-year-old girl was also recovered dead from the rubble. Around 40 people were also injured in the Ukrainian capital.

As of now, already 5 people have been reported killed in Kyiv as a result of last night’s Russian attack. My condolences to their families and loved ones. Around 40 people have been injured in the capital, and another 7 in the Kyiv region. There are already 28 injured in Kharkiv.… pic.twitter.com/1rjJhLvzYr

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 14, 2026

According to Selenskyj, the Russian military damaged 180 buildings across the country, 50 of which were ordinary residential buildings. According to him, in addition to Kiev, the area surrounding the capital was also hit hard, with seven people injured, Kharkiv with 28 injured and the Odessa region with two injured.

Russia’s combined strike on Kyiv killed 2 person and injured 31, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said. In Darnytskyi district, part of a residential building collapsed after the attack, destroying 18 apartments. People are still trapped under rubble as rescuers are working to find them.… pic.twitter.com/S122KW35r9

— NOELREPORTS 🇪🇺 🇺🇦 (@NOELreports) May 14, 2026

The day before, Russia had already carried out one of the heaviest and longest-lasting attacks on Ukraine since the start of the war, using more than 800 drones.

The attacks came shortly after a three-day ceasefire to mark the anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe and a military parade on Red Square. Moscow rejected an extension of the ceasefire proposed by Kiev. Selenskyj repeatedly criticizes the Russian shelling of civilian targets and calls for more pressure on Moscow.

11.32 a.m.

Drone protection: even Russia's submarines now have cages

The constant threat of Ukrainian drones attacking from the air has led to innovations in the Russian navy: Apparently, not only ships are now being fitted with protective cages, ...

Russia’s Black Sea Fleet has begun fitting its boats with cage armor to protect against kamikaze drones. #Russia pic.twitter.com/xe4ejkChU0

— NOELREPORTS 🇪🇺 🇺🇦 (@NOELreports) May 11, 2026

... but also submarines, as can be seen on this Kilo-class vessel in the Baltic Sea port of Kronstadt.

1/ If patrol boats covered with anti-drone cages aren't crazy enough for you, I present the submarine cope cage. (h/t @covertshoresBsk) https://t.co/9PfkGDdbqk pic.twitter.com/aFLiDRzchi

— ChrisO_wiki (@ChrisO_wiki) May 10, 2026

Even the large Borei-class nuclear submarines of the Pacific Fleet, which are stationed in Kamchatka in the Far East, are nowadays fitted with nets to mitigate Kiev's attacks.

1/ The Russian Navy now appears to be covering entire submarines in anti-drone nets. A satellite photograph published by a Russian warblogger shows two net-covered Pacific Fleet submarines anchored alongside quays. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ox1q0D7sPQ

— ChrisO_wiki (@ChrisO_wiki) May 13, 2026

11.14 am

Resignation in Latvia over Ukrainian drones

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina is resigning from office. The 50-year-old has announced her resignation after the left-wing Progress Party terminated the governing coalition, the BNS news agency reported today. Silina no longer has a majority in parliament.

Last week, Defense Minister Andris Spruds of the Progress Party resigned over the government's handling of several incidents in which Ukrainian drones accidentally entered Latvian territory.

10:38 a.m.

Confusion over US troop withdrawal

Poland has denied reports that the country is affected by the halt in the deployment of a combat brigade of more than 4,000 US soldiers to Europe.

BREAKING:

Defense News and Task & Purpose both report that the Pentagon has stopped the ongoing transfer of a U.S. armored brigade that was supposed to deploy to Poland for 9 months with 4000+ troops and hundreds of armored vehicles.

The 2nd ABCT (“Black Jack” Brigade), 1st… pic.twitter.com/NBvVrD5hLB

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) May 14, 2026

"This matter has nothing to do with Poland - it is related to the already announced reorganization of the presence of part of the US armed forces in Europe," wrote Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz on Platform X.

Poland's Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk also countered the reports and referred to the neighboring country to the west. "This is not true. This communication concerns Germany. It does not concern Poland. Poland is making continuous efforts to strengthen the American troop presence," he said on X.

To nieprawda. Ten komunikat dotyczy Niemiec. Nie dotyczy Polski. Polską sukcesywnie zabiega o zwiększenie obecności wojsk amerykańskich. https://t.co/LhIubmFo7N

— Cezary Tomczyk (@CTomczyk) May 13, 2026

The Wall Street Journal had previously reported, citing a Pentagon official, that the US Department of Defense had halted the deployment of the combat brigade to Europe.

The decision was communicated on Wednesday at a meeting between the European Command of the US Armed Forces (Eucom) and parts of the US Army. It had actually been expected that the soldiers would be stationed in Poland for a nine-month deployment.

The US Army announced in March that the combat brigade would replace other forces as part of a regular rotation. According to the Wall Street Journal, some of the equipment and soldiers were already on their way, which is why some members of the army were surprised by the decision.

According to the "Task and Purpose" platform, which focuses on defense news, the soldiers were supposed to work together with armed forces from partner countries, particularly in Poland.

According to the report, the deployment was intended to support "Operation Atlantic Resolve", which was launched by the USA in 2014 in response to the Russian annexation of the Ukrainian Black Sea peninsula of Crimea in order to support NATO partners.

Rubio: "If one of the main reasons why the U.S. is in NATO is the ability to have forces deployed in Europe that we could project to other contingencies, and now that's no longer the case, at least when it comes to some NATO members, that's a problem, and it has to be examined."

[image or embed]

— The Bulwark (@thebulwark.com) 8. Mai 2026 um 18:05

Just two weeks ago, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered the withdrawal of around 5,000 US soldiers from Germany. Poland then reaffirmed its willingness to accept more US soldiers.

According to Polish President Karol Nawrocki, almost 10,000 US soldiers are currently stationed in Poland. Most of them rotate regularly between various US military bases in Europe.

9.19 a.m.

He was Zelensky's right-hand man: pre-trial detention for Andriy Yermak

In Kiev, the Supreme Anti-Corruption Court has ordered the pre-trial detention of the former head of the Ukrainian presidential office Andriy Yermak. The detention is initially for 60 days, but Jermak has the option of being released on bail, the judge announced this morning.

Jermak was President Volodymyr Selensky's right-hand man. He is facing charges of money laundering. He and five other suspects are accused of illegal transactions worth millions in a luxury construction project.

Ukraine: Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) asked the court to remand Yermak into custody unless he posts $4 million for bail. Yermak laughably claimed he doesn't have the money. The court adjourned today without issuing a decision on preventative measures.

[image or embed]

— Igor Sushko (@igorsushko.bsky.social) 13. Mai 2026 um 18:59

The 54-year-old Jermak had categorically denied the allegations. He also said that he had no means to pay the bail of the equivalent of 2.72 million euros.

The previous day, details about Jermak's contact with an esoteric consultant were also revealed. At the hearing in Kiev, the prosecution read out chats between Jermak and the woman, who was listed in his telephone contacts as "Veronika Feng-Shui Büro".

According to this, Jermak, who was Zelensky's right-hand man until November, had spoken to the woman about filling top positions in Ukraine. He had sent her the dates of birth of candidates and asked for advice.

One of the more bizarre aspects of the Andriy Yermak corruption case saga spilled out in court yesterday and today. Zelenskyy's powerful former chief of staff had a "fortune teller" who he knew as "Veronika Feng Shui." Her name is Veronika Anikievich, a Kyiv resident, according… pic.twitter.com/OTG4M6S67t

— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) May 13, 2026

According to Ukrainian press reports, the 51-year-old woman from Kiev describes herself as an astrological consultant. Until his resignation, Jermak was considered the second most powerful man in Ukraine and led negotiations for his country to end the Russian war of aggression.

In view of the news from the courtroom, the president's office announced that they do not deal with esotericism, numerology, feng shui or similar. He had never seen such representatives in the office, said Zelenskyi's advisor Dmytro Lytvyn.

7.28 a.m.

Dead and injured after new attacks on Kiev

A few days after a brief ceasefire, Russia has launched one of the longest air strikes on Ukraine in more than four years of war.

During the night, another air alert was triggered throughout the country and, according to Ukrainian media reports, the military warned of incoming drones and ballistic missiles. A short time later, explosions and several injuries as well as at least one death were reported from the capital Kiev.

Footage of Ukrainian firefighters digging civilians out of a collapsed apartment block in Kyiv after it was hit by a Russian missile this morning. pic.twitter.com/e6z44AgUNl

— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) May 14, 2026

According to the news portal "The Kyiv Independent", several buildings were damaged and, according to paramedics, ten trapped people were rescued from the rubble of a collapsed residential building. According to the report, the capital's military administration counted 16 injured and one dead in Kiev, while rescue workers reported seven more injured in the surrounding area.

A massive Russian Geran-2 drone attack is being carried out on Kyiv. Over 130 drones are flying to the city. Strikes have been carried out on the suburbs and nearby cities, such as Brovary.

Earlier, Iskander-M ballistic missiles struck two targets (one of which was the oil… https://t.co/sMTDw3Uu2P pic.twitter.com/m1JEVmXttp

— AMK Mapping 🇳🇿 (@AMK_Mapping_) May 14, 2026

May 14, 7.20 a.m.

Putin sends new governors to border regions

Vladimir Putin replaced the governors of the Belgorod and Bryansk border regions, which were particularly affected by the war.

Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov has relinquished the post in Belgorod "at his own request", according to Putin's decree published by the Kremlin in Moscow. General Alexander Shuvaev was appointed as his temporary successor. In the Bryansk region, Yegor Kovalchuk succeeds Alexander Bogomas.

Belgorod is the first region in Russia to be hit back by Moscow's war of aggression with destruction similar to that in Ukraine. It serves the Russian army as a deployment area for attacks on the major Ukrainian city of Kharkiv and as a logistical hub. This is why Ukraine is repeatedly shelling military targets and infrastructure in Belgorod.

13:23

Selenskyj reports drone attacks on Ukrainian residential areas

According to information from Kiev, Russia has attacked Ukraine with more than 100 drones. The attacks hit residential areas and railroad facilities in the Kharkiv and Dnipro regions and also caused damage to ports in the Odessa region and energy infrastructure in the Poltava region, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday.

"Russia is continuing its attacks in a brazen manner, deliberately attacking our railroad infrastructure and civilian facilities in our cities," Selensky wrote on the X short message service.

There are currently more than a hundred Russian drones in our skies, and there may be more waves of drone attacks throughout the day. Russia continues its strikes and is doing so brazenly – deliberately targeting our railway infrastructure and civilian sites in our cities.… pic.twitter.com/0ZtOraERyz

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 13, 2026

Only on Tuesday, 14 regions were attacked. According to Ukrainian sources, at least eight people were killed. "It is important to support Ukraine and not to remain silent about Russia's war," Selensky explained with regard to the Iran war. "Every time the war disappears from the news, it encourages Russia to become even more brutal."

The Russian Defense Ministry announced that its air defenses had destroyed 286 Ukrainian drones. It named several Russian regions and the Crimean peninsula, which was annexed in violation of international law, as targets.

🤬 A swarm of drones is over Ukraine — more than 250 UAVs detected

New launches have been recorded from multiple directions.

Explosions are being heard in Kyiv.

The attack may continue throughout the entire day. pic.twitter.com/1e2gunBlYw

— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) May 13, 2026

4 o'clock

Hegseth confirms planned Ukraine aid, but does not say when

According to US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, aid worth 400 million US dollars is to be provided to Ukraine as planned to defend against the Russian war of aggression. However, he did not provide a specific timetable. The Pentagon wants to work with the regional command responsible for Europe (Eucom) to "spend the funds appropriately and properly", the Republican only told a Senate committee on Tuesday. According to Senator Chris Coons, the Pentagon has not yet spent a single centime from this package on weapons for Ukraine. Hegseth evaded the Democrat's question about a concrete spending plan.

🇺🇸🇺🇦 Just now: Hegseth tells Sen Coons that the $400 million in funding has been released to EUCOM. Spend plan is supposed to be provided to Congress this week. https://t.co/okx6xChuLI

— Colby Badhwar (@ColbyBadhwar) May 12, 2026

Wednesday, May 13, 2026, 1:25 a.m.

At least two dead after Russian attack

At least two people have been killed in Russian attacks on Ukraine in the large city of Kryvyi Rih. Four other people were injured in the attack in the evening, including a nine-month-old girl who is being treated in a critical condition in hospital, regional governor Olexander Hansha wrote on the Telegram platform. Those killed were a 65-year-old woman and a 43-year-old man.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack "on an ordinary residential building" as cynical and militarily senseless. After the end of the three-day ceasefire on Monday, Russia is now killing Ukrainians again. "The pressure on Russia must therefore not let up in any way," Selensky wrote on Platform X. Only determined joint pressure and the strengthening of Ukraine, including the expansion of air defenses, "can force the aggressor to work diplomatically towards a reliable peace and an end to the killings".

A cynical Russian drone strike targeted an ordinary residential building in Kryvyi Rih, with no military purpose whatsoever. As of now, two older people have been reported killed. Their 9-month-old granddaughter is in hospital with serious injuries. Our doctors are doing… pic.twitter.com/LeaegaxNCJ

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 12, 2026

Kryvyi Rih is Zelenskyi's hometown and has already been the target of several Russian attacks. It is located in the center of Ukraine. Russia has been waging a destructive war of aggression against Ukraine for more than four years.

Ukraine has long hoped for a longer ceasefire, during which a ceasefire and a peace solution could be negotiated. Moscow has always limited ceasefires over major holidays. In this case, the aim was to be able to celebrate the memory of the Soviet victory in the Second World War undisturbed with a military parade in Moscow on Saturday.

21:18

Kallas sees "opportunity" to end the war after Putin's statements

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas sees Russian President Vladimir Putin's statements on a possible end to the war as a sign of Moscow's weakening. Putin's statement shows "that he is not in a strong position", said Kallas after a meeting of EU defense ministers in Brussels. "I believe that there is an opportunity to end this war," she added.

Putin had said at a media conference on the sidelines of the celebrations to mark the anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in the Second World War on Saturday that the war with Ukraine was "coming to an end". At the same time, he proposed former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a mediator. This proposal was met with strong reservations from Ukraine's European supporters.

Kallas said Putin could end the Ukraine war "immediately" if he "simply stopped bombing civilian infrastructure and withdrew his troops".

With regard to Europe's defense capabilities, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs expressed her "frustration" that arms production was not growing faster. Despite significantly higher defense spending, "the industry is not picking up speed as we would have expected".

5.25 a.m.

Germany finances military training in Ukraine

Germany is contributing more than ten million euros to an EU initiative to set up military training centers in the Ukraine. With this contribution, the Federal Republic is financing the infrastructure for a complete training facility, as Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) said on the fringes of a visit to the Ukrainian capital Kiev.

According to him, these training facilities in Ukraine should ensure that the operational capability of the Ukrainian army remains high - even after a possible peace agreement with Russia, which invaded the neighboring country a good four years ago.

Pistorius went on to say that this was one of several measures for future deterrence. So far, almost 27,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been trained in Germany.

Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 4.27 a.m.

After ceasefire: Kiev reports Russian drone attacks

Just a few hours after the end of a temporary ceasefire, Russia has once again massively attacked Ukraine, according to information from Kiev. The Ukrainian air force reported attacks with numerous drones on the capital Kiev and other cities such as Zaporizhia, Dnipro, Kharkiv and Kherson during the night. The regions of Sumy in the north and Mykolaiv in the south were also affected. The ceasefire that had been in place since Saturday expired during the night.

Kiev's military administrator Tymur Tkachenko wrote on Telegram that drone debris had fallen onto the roof of a 20-storey residential building in the capital. There was initially no information about casualties or the extent of the damage. The newspaper "Kyiv Independent" reported explosions.

⚡️As ceasefire ends, Russian drone strikes residential building in Kyiv.

Russian forces resumed their attacks on Kyiv overnight on May 12, launching dozens of drones towards the capital and hitting a residential building in the city, local officials reported.…

— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) May 12, 2026

Last week, US President Donald Trump asked Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian head of state Volodymyr Zelenskyi for a three-day ceasefire. Both sides largely refrained from air strikes during this time. On the ground, however, they reported many violations by the opponent, which were responded to in each case.

Selensky had already prepared for new attacks before the ceasefire expired: "We also see that Russia has no intention of ending this war," he said in an evening video message. "We are preparing for new attacks, unfortunately."

The U.S. remains engaged in the diplomatic process. It is clear that the war in Iran is now drawing the greatest attention from America and the U.S. President, but there is a priority there, as well as the support of the American people: to end this war in Europe too.

It is… pic.twitter.com/hZFcwnozfP

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 11, 2026

22.07

Former right-hand man of Selensky suspected of money laundering

Anti-corruption authorities in Ukraine have suspected the former head of the president's office, Andriy Yermak, of money laundering. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP) reported that they had uncovered an organized group. This group is said to be involved in laundering the equivalent of almost nine million euros in connection with a luxury construction project near Kiev. Jermak is said to be a member of this group.

Following searches at his home, Jermak resigned at the end of November last year in the wake of a corruption scandal. He was a long-time confidant of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He had headed the presidential office since 2020 and was considered the second most important man in Ukraine.

7.18 pm

Drone incidents: Lithuania wants to seek advice from Ukrainian experts

Lithuania wants to invite Ukrainian specialists to Vilnius to receive advice on how to defend against drones flying overhead. According to Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas, the experts will share their experience with the Baltic EU and NATO country, which has repeatedly experienced incidents involving drones flying in. In the fifth year of the defensive campaign against Russia, Ukraine is regarded as a world leader in drone combat.

7.17pm

Switzerland joins coalition to repatriate Ukrainian children

Switzerland has participated for the first time as a member in a meeting of the international coalition for the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. Until now, Bern has merely observed the work of the coalition.

Now 49 states and international organizations are members of the coalition, as Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said in Brussels. In addition to Switzerland, Cyprus, Monaco, Panama and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) would also be sitting at the table as members for the first time.

The new partners would help to increase the pressure on Russia, said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha at a media event on the sidelines of the meeting. He was not only thinking of members of the Russian government. People who took part in the child abductions or adopted children should also feel the international pressure.

18.06 hrs

EU imposes sanctions over deportation of Ukrainian children

An estimated 20,000 Ukrainian children have been deported to Russia or to occupied territories. The EU is now sending a signal.

The foreign ministers of the EU member states have decided on further sanctions against those responsible for Russia's program of deportation and forced adoption of Ukrainian children. This affects 16 individuals and 7 institutions and organizations, as announced by the Representation of the Member States. One of the consequences of the sanction decisions is that assets in the EU must be frozen. Individuals are also subject to an EU entry and transit ban.

Monday, May 11, 2026 - 4.28 am

Selenskyj: No attacks as long as Russians do not return to open warfare

Ukraine will refrain from attacking Russian military targets as long as Moscow does not launch mass attacks, says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in his evening video address. During the ceasefire, Ukraine had refrained from far-reaching actions in view of the lack of massive Russian attacks. He added: "Should the Russians decide to return to open warfare, our sanctions will be immediate and tangible. Distance is already playing less and less of a role - we have proven this with our long-range capabilities." At the same time, he accuses Russia of not respecting the ceasefire at the front.

Show more