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Ukraine Invasion: Part 56

1000 replies

MagicFox · 23/03/2025 11:54

The (free) world has gone mad. Slava Ukraini πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦

*

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339
blueshoes · 03/05/2025 14:33

@AnnaBalfour to add to @notimagain and @DucklingSwimmingInstructress , reported in FT

"In response to Trump’s calls for some kind of end to the bloodshed in Ukraine, Putin has already indicated that he will order a temporary ceasefire during commemorative events. Putin’s motive, it seems, is not so much to spare Ukrainians as to manage a set of related problems simultaneously. This declaration makes him appear responsive to Trump and it allows the Russian leader to cast Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s president, in the role of the one threatening a sacred holiday if violations occur.

It also reduces the risk of high-profile guests coming under attack. As one Ukrainian commentator noted, during the parade Putin wants to avoid having β€œto hide Xi and other honourable guests in Lenin’s mausoleum from Ukrainian drones” that have proved capable of targeted killings far inside Russia’s borders."

Whilst Zelensky's drones are unlikely to attack, it makes the Russian security planning for the parade trickier.

blueshoes · 03/05/2025 14:35

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-may-2-2025

Key Takeaways:

  • Russian gains along the frontline have slowed over the last four months, but Russia continues to tolerate personnel losses comparable to the casualty rate Russian forces sustained during a period of intensified advances between September and December 2024.
  • Russian forces are currently sustaining a higher casualty rate per square kilometer gained than in Fall 2024.
  • Russia has thus far sustained these casualties and the current tempo of offensive operations by rapidly deploying low quality troops to frontline units, although the reliance on such troops is also hindering Russia's ability to conduct complex operations and make rapid advances in Ukraine.
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin's commitment to maintaining the tempo of offensive operations despite diminishing returns underscores Putin's ongoing efforts to leverage further battlefield gains to generate pressure on Ukraine in ceasefire and peace negotiations or otherwise to force Ukraine's collapse.
  • Western intelligence reportedly suggests that Putin may begin prioritizing short-term goals such as consolidating Russia's gains in Ukraine and Russia's immediate economic viability over seizing more territory, but Putin's demonstrated commitment to maintaining the tempo of Russian offensive operations in Ukraine despite continuing high casualty rates is a counter-indicator to this reported assessment.
  • A future slowing of Russian offensive operations and/or transition to defensive operations in all or part of the theater would be indicators that Putin is shifting his short-term goals from seizing more territory to consolidating previously held territory.
  • ISW continues to assess that Russian President Vladimir Putin remains committed to his long-term military objectives of seizing all of Ukraine and undermining NATO.
  • Statements by US officials suggest that the Trump administration is considering stepping back from intensified mediation efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
  • The US Department of State submitted a proposed license for defense exports to Ukraine to the US Congress on April 29.
  • Russian forces recently advanced near Toretsk and in western Zaporizhia Oblast.
Ukraine Invasion: Part 56
Ukraine Invasion: Part 56
DuncinToffee · 03/05/2025 17:30

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has cancelled his trip to Moscow for the May 9 parade.

Slovakia’s Robert Fico and Serbia’s Aleksandar Vucic have now pulled out of attending the Moscow May 9, claiming they are β€œill”.

Which is a mysterious coincidence.

notimagain · 03/05/2025 18:02

DuncinToffee · 03/05/2025 17:30

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has cancelled his trip to Moscow for the May 9 parade.

Slovakia’s Robert Fico and Serbia’s Aleksandar Vucic have now pulled out of attending the Moscow May 9, claiming they are β€œill”.

Which is a mysterious coincidence.

Russia used to be a big supplier of weapons, various to India, but India have just announced a big order from Dassault for new fighters.

Wonder if the Indian Defence Minister was a bit wary of the reception he might get in Moscow.

www.reuters.com/world/india/india-signs-74-billion-deal-with-france-buy-26-rafale-fighter-jets-2025-04-28/

MissConductUS · 03/05/2025 21:52

notimagain · 03/05/2025 18:02

Russia used to be a big supplier of weapons, various to India, but India have just announced a big order from Dassault for new fighters.

Wonder if the Indian Defence Minister was a bit wary of the reception he might get in Moscow.

www.reuters.com/world/india/india-signs-74-billion-deal-with-france-buy-26-rafale-fighter-jets-2025-04-28/

This is the tip of the iceberg. I doubt India or any other country will be buying new land systems from Russia, given their poor performance in Ukraine. That used to be a big export market for the Russians.

MMBaranova · 03/05/2025 22:38

I've watched broadcasts of the 9th May parade live a number of times, with those who could anaylyse just what was being showcased and/or brought out of museums. Who gets to be in the viewing party? Who appears in the parade? Is that real Armata or a mock-up?

Do the North Koreans get to roll some armour or missiles past?

Together with Easter and Christmas services the parade is one of the big things where the in group rulers want to be seen.

The ceasefire calls are to ensure that it passes without incident. There is a night time rehearsal beforehand. I'd attack that.

notimagain · 04/05/2025 07:51

@MMBaranova

"Is that real Armata or a mock-up?:..

...Do they really have that number of new strategic bombers...or are they flying a relative handful around Moscow in holding pattern so they can repeatedly fly over the parade..?

πŸ€”

Natsku · 04/05/2025 09:22

notimagain · 04/05/2025 07:51

@MMBaranova

"Is that real Armata or a mock-up?:..

...Do they really have that number of new strategic bombers...or are they flying a relative handful around Moscow in holding pattern so they can repeatedly fly over the parade..?

πŸ€”

Edited

I'm gonna guess the latter

Natsku · 04/05/2025 09:33

Went to a classic car parade on May Day and was nice to see the Ukrainian flag on several vehicles, like this one.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 56
notimagain · 04/05/2025 09:45

Natsku · 04/05/2025 09:22

I'm gonna guess the latter

Yep, way back they frightened the pants of western intelliegence sources when they flew a handful of their first jet strategic bombers (M-4 "Bison") in a racetrack to produce an almost endless procession over one of their parades..

Gave the west a completely false impression of how many such aircraft they had and started scares about a "bomber gap:.

WinterMorn · 04/05/2025 09:47

I see Vlad is wheeling out the good old nuclear threat again πŸ™„ it’s been a while.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 56
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 04/05/2025 09:51

Oh, one of the mouthpieces was threatening nukes on European countries just the other day again. Might have been Medvedev.

Natsku · 04/05/2025 09:53

Ah was starting to miss those nuclear threats a bit, nice to have them back Grin

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 04/05/2025 09:59

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚑️ Ukrainian sea drones down (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-sea-drone-downs-2-russian-su-30-jets-near-novorossiysk-budanov-says/) 2 Russian Su-30 jets near Novorossiysk, military intelligence chief says.
The operation marks the first time in history that fighter jets have been downed by unmanned boats. Initially, reports confirmed the destruction of only one jet, but Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) chief, Kyrylo Budanov, later clarified that two aircraft were hit. @notimagain

⚑️Zelensky rejects (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-rejects-putins-ceasefire-proposal-as-theatrical-backs-30-day-truce-plan-from-us/) Putin’s truce proposal as 'theatrical,' backs 30-day ceasefire plan from US.
"They kill until the 7th, pause for a couple of comfortable days, then start attacking again on the 11th," he said.

⚑️Kremlin calls proposed 3-day ceasefire 'test (kyivindependent.com/kremlin-calls-proposed-3-day-ceasefire-test-of-kyivs-readiness-for-peace-despite-rejecting-30-day-ceasefire-agreement/) of Kyiv's readiness' for peace, despite Moscow's rejection of 30-day ceasefire.

⚑️Ukraine not responsible (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-not-responsible-for-safety-of-foreign-officials-traveling-to-moscow-for-may-9-parade-zelensky/) for safety of foreign officials traveling to Moscow for May 9 parade, Zelensky says.
Zelensky cautioned that Russia could orchestrate provocations, such as β€œarsons, explosions,” and then attempt to blame Ukraine.

⚑️ Romanians vote in presidential election (kyivindependent.com/romanians-vote-in-presidential-election-after-annulled-2024-result/) after annulled 2024 result.
Romanians are heading to the polls on May 4 in the first round of a presidential election that could bring far-right, Eurosceptic candidate George Simion to power.

⚑️Lithuania to strip (kyivindependent.com/lithuania-to-strip-residence-permits-of-russian-belarusian-citizens-who-frequently-travel-back-home/) residence permits of Russian, Belarusian citizens who frequently travel back home.

⚑️Labor wins Australia’s federal election (kyivindependent.com/labor-wins-australias-federal-election-seen-as-major-backlash-against-far-right/), seen as major backlash against far-right.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese secured a second term, becoming the first Australian leader to do so since John Howard in 2004.

⚑️Kim Jong Un touts tank development (kyivindependent.com/kim-jong-un-touts-tank-development-as-part-of-north-koreas-military-modernization/) as part of North Korea’s military modernization.
In recent weeks, North Korea's leader has overseen the launch of a new naval destroyer and observed tests of new drone systems.

⚑️France to ramp up AASM Hammer smart bomb production (kyivindependent.com/france-to-ramp-up-aasm-hammer-smart-bomb-production-for-ukraine-media-reports/) for Ukraine, media reports.
The French-made precision bombs are being transferred to Kyiv as part of ongoing defense support, and their use by Ukrainian fighter jets has grown significantly since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Backroom diplomacy and battlefield reality: Ukraine at the IMF Spring Meetings (kyivindependent.com/backroom-diplomacy-and-battlefield-reality-ukraine-at-the-imf-spring-meetings/)

βš‘οΈβ€˜US will not turn its back on Ukraine,’ Trump’s spiritual advisor says after briefing American president. (kyivindependent.com/us-will-not-turn-its-back-on-ukraine-trumps-spiritual-advisor-says-after-briefing-american-president/)
β€œI shared with the president and the White House what I experienced in Ukraine,” Mark Burns told the Kyiv Independent.

Today, May 3, marks World Press Freedom Day. The Kyiv Independent is funded by our readers β€” that’s what allows us to stay independent. As of now, over 17,000 members have joined us and pledged monthly donations, most of them just $5.
With the war still raging, a strong and independent press is more crucial than ever. Stand with us. Donate or become a member here. (kyivindependent.com/membership/?utm_source=memb-tg-may3&utm_medium=tg)

⚑️Ukraine’s Yaroslava Mahuchikh wins high jump (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-yaroslava-mahuchikh-wins-high-jump-in-shanghai-for-10th-straight-diamond-league-victory/) in Shanghai for 10th straight Diamond League victory.

⚑️Multiple explosions reported in Cherkasy. [Ukraine]

⚑️Russian drone attack on Kyiv injures 2 children (kyivindependent.com/russian-drone-attack-on-kyiv-injures-2-children-damages-shopping-mall/), damages shopping mall.
⚑️Russian drone attack on Kherson kills (kyivindependent.com/russian-drone-attack-on-kherson-kills-1-injures-2/) 1, injures 2.

⚑️ 4 killed, 30 injured in Russian attacks (kyivindependent.com/4-killed-30-injured-in-russian-attacks-on-ukraine-over-past-day/) on Ukraine over past day.
Russia launched 165 drones overnight, including Iranian-designed Shahed-type drones, according to Ukraine's Air Force.
Air defenses shot down 69 drones, while 80 vanished from radars β€” likely used as decoys to overwhelm Ukraine's defenses.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 56
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 04/05/2025 10:06

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will not travel to Moscow on May 9. India will be represented by Minister of State Sanjay Seth, PTI news agency reported, citing officials.

[more details]
Ukraine became the first in the world to destroy an enemy combat aircraft with a missile launched from a sea-based drone, the Defense Ministry of Ukraine’s HUR reported.
This was a Russian Su-30, which participated in repelling a massive Ukrainian drone attack on May 2.
The estimated cost of the multi-role fighter is $50 million.
The historic strike was carried out by soldiers from the Group 13 special forces unit with a missile from a Magura unmanned sea platform.
Prior to that, in December 2024, the soldiers destroyed one Russian Mi-8 helicopter and damaged another in the same way.

Russia’s Gazprom is among the leaders of the largest environmental polluters β€” a study by Dartmouth College (USA).
Since 1990, scientists have been tracking economic losses from climate damage caused by the activities of more than 100 of the world’s largest extractive corporations.
According to their calculations, as of now, the amount of losses has reached $28 trillion.
More than half falls on 10 giants in the field of extraction. The top three are the American oil and gas corporation Chevron, the national oil company of Saudi Arabia Saudi Aramco, and Russia’s Gazprom.

President Zelenskyy announced new sanctions against intermediaries helping Russia bypass restrictions.
He noted that while Russia’s economic situation is already worseningβ€”especially due to falling oil pricesβ€”this alone is not enough to make the war a real problem for Moscow.
Zelenskyy emphasized the need to intensify sanctions pressure, particularly in the energy and banking sectors.
He also stated that Ukraine is ready for an immediate ceasefire if Russia takes reciprocal steps and ensures a complete cessation of hostilities for at least 30 days.

This year could be the most expensive for the Russian Federation in terms of personnel losses, according to British intelligence.
Russia’s losses in the first four months of 2025 reached 160,000 wounded and killed. Since the beginning of the full-scale war, the aggressor has lost 950,000 people, intelligence estimates.
According to the Ukrainian General Staff, the average daily losses of Russian forces in April were just over 1,200 people (1,300 in March). Monthly losses reached 36,000 people.
β€œIf this rate of losses continues until the end of 2025, this year will become the most expensive year of the war for Russia (…), continuing the trend of increasing losses from year to year.”

Almost 29,000 sanctions have been imposed against Russia since 2014. As of the end of April, 28,937 non-trade restrictions were in effect, with 92% introduced after February 2022, following the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine β€” according to data from the Castellum analytical portal.
The leading initiators of sanctions are:
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA – 7,384
πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Canada – 3,639
πŸ‡¨πŸ‡­ Switzerland – 3,266
πŸ‡«πŸ‡· France – 3,266
Other active participants in sanctioning Russia include Norway, the European Union, Iceland, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, and Japan.

Fragment of underwater mine clearance. This is how mine-clearing divers operate β€” calmly, precisely, and risking their lives to make the waters safe again. https://t.me/United24media/31291

A Russian Army combat donkey, outfitted with a helmet and an electronic warfare system.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 56
Ukraine Invasion: Part 56
Ukraine Invasion: Part 56
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 04/05/2025 10:11

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Nothing.

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 04/05/2025 10:15

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

πŸ‡­πŸ‡Ί Zelensky: Orban’s actions are linked to dragging Ukraine into Hungary’s domestic political struggle ahead of the 2026 elections
β€œJust don’t drag us into your elections. But he (Orban) is doing exactly that β€” by blocking us in the EU. In the end, this approach will not be successful. Why? Because people there still support Ukraine,” the President said.
Zelensky also noted that Orban is doing β€œvery dangerous things” for the European Union, and Ukraine is informing its partners about this.

Meet Magura, the Ukrainian naval drone that made history by destroying a Russian Su-30 on 2 May.

Serbian President Aleksandar VučiΔ‡ and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico have both reported health issues, forcing them to cancel official meetings.
VučiΔ‡ fell ill unexpectedly during his trip to the United States, in Florida. He had to cancel the remainder of his meetings and return to Belgrade, where he was admitted to the Military Medical Academy, according to Telegraf sources.
Meanwhile, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is also cancelling work engagements due to deteriorating health. He withdrew from Labor Day celebrations in Slovakia and from participating in the traditional Maypole raising ceremony in VeΔΎkΓ© ZΓ‘luΕΎie, according to HlavnΓ© sprΓ‘vy.
Both Fico and VučiΔ‡ had planned to attend the Victory Day parade in Moscow on May 9.

πŸ‡·πŸ‡Έ Cardiologist DinčiΔ‡: Hospitalized Serbian President VučiΔ‡ unlikely to fully perform his duties in the coming days
The president, who had earlier planned to attend the May 9 parade in Moscow, is now facing health issues.
According to DinčiΔ‡, this is the third time in the past decade that VučiΔ‡ has experienced similar problems, mostly related to extremely high blood pressure.

❗️Russia launched 1,180 strike drones, 1,360 guided bombs, and 10 missiles at Ukraine over the past week

β€œI love Donbas very much and I believe everything will be fine,” says a resident of Pokrovsk refusing evacuation
Shouting from the third floor, the woman refuses to leave even though the war is closing in. Behind her house lies the grave of a 41-year-old man marked with a wooden cross, and nearby stands a burned-out and collapsed section of an apartment block.
Less than five kilometers away, Russian troops are stationed.
The police evacuation team β€œWhite Angels” and volunteer Leonid Nomarchuk, who arrived to evacuate civilians, can only raise their hands helplessly β€” this is not the first time they have tried to persuade her to leave.
In the basement of the same building, at least five more people are still living. They refuse to speak to journalists and ask to be left alone.
Since autumn 2024, the Pokrovsk area has been one of the main directions of intense Russian pressure.
While Pokrovsk remains fully under the control of the Ukrainian army, it suffers daily from Russian glide bombs (KABs) and FPV drone strikes.
During her visit to Pokrovsk, a Ukrainska Pravda journalist saw four civilian graves in the courtyards of residential and private houses. According to police, there are eight such burial sites in total.

🀯In Moscow, a full-scale replica of the German Reichstag has been built to stage a performance depicting the 1945 assault on the building. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/31013

Ukraine Invasion: Part 56
Ukraine Invasion: Part 56
AskingQuestionsAllTheTime · 04/05/2025 11:21

"In Moscow, a full-scale replica of the German Reichstag has been built to stage a performance depicting the 1945 assault on the building."

Are we absolutely sure that's all Putin wants it for?

blueshoes · 04/05/2025 13:04

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-may-3-2025

Key Takeaways:

  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denied that Ukraine would concede to the vague terms of Russian President Vladimir Putin's unilateral May 8-11 Victory Day ceasefire proposal.
  • The Trump administration appears to have finalized its first military equipment sale to Ukraine.
  • Ukrainian forces shot down a Russian fixed-wing aircraft with a surface-to-air missile (SAM) attached to a naval drone for the first time on May 3.
  • Senior Kremlin officials continue to set informational conditions that could support military operations against Lithuania (and other NATO states) by advancing narratives that deny the sovereignty of Lithuania and other former Soviet states.
  • Russian forces recently advanced near Lyman, Siversk, Novopavlivka, Kurakhove, and Velyka Novosilka.
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 04/05/2025 19:08

It's Remembrance Day for WW2 in the NL today.

PerkingFaintly · 04/05/2025 19:45

I know the NL suffered not only the occupation but the famine at the end of the war.Flowers

blueshoes · 05/05/2025 02:19

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-may-4-2025

Key Takeaways:

  • Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated that Russia maintains its initial objectives of its war in Ukraine, which are tantamount to Ukraine's surrender, despite ongoing negotiations with the United States.
  • Putin highlighted domestic support for the war and promoted the ideal of sacrifice on the frontline and the home front, likely in an effort to prepare Russian society for a longer war in Ukraine and potential future confrontations with the West.
  • Ukraine's Main Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR) Head Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov provided new details on May 4 about the report that Ukrainian forces shot down a Russian fixed-wing aircraft with a surface-to-air missile (SAM) attached to a naval drone on May 2.
  • Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Toretsk, and Russian forces recently advanced near Kupyansk and Toretsk.
DesdamonasHandkerchief · 05/05/2025 09:48

Live: Ukraine

❗️Russia launched 1,180 strike drones, 1,360 guided bombs, and 10 missiles at Ukraine over the past week

β€œRussians are calling for silence on May 9, yet they strike Ukraine every single day. This is the highest level of cynicism,” President Zelensky wrote.

He stressed that Ukraine is ready for a real ceasefire to begin any day β€” but for at least one month.

πŸ’₯ β€œA historic moment”: Ukrainian Magura-7 sea drones armed with AIM-9 missiles shoot down two Russian Su-30 fighter jets β€” Budanov

This marks the first time that sea drones have destroyed fighter jets, and the first-ever use of AIM-9 guided missiles from a sea drone to take down aircraft, said Ukraine’s intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov.

πŸ”Ή Putin to propagandist Pavel Zarubin: No need to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine, hopes it will remain so

During Russia’s assault on Ukraine, there was β€œno necessity” to use nuclear weapons, and Putin expressed hope that this would continue to be the case.

He claimed that Russia has enough forces and resources to β€œbring the war in Ukraine to a logical conclusion” with β€œa result favorable to Russia,” without resorting to nuclear arms.

Putin also spoke about the supposed inevitability of β€œreconciliation with the Ukrainian part of the Russian people” in the future.

πŸ”Έ β€œImmortal Regiment” march held in Washington β€” the first since Russia’s full-scale invasion

Propagandists claim that around 100 people attended the event. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian diaspora organized a counter-protest, calling on Americans not to stay silent about Russia’s war crimes.
Photos 1 - 3

πŸ”Ή Slovak PM criticizes Zelensky’s remarks on the security of world leaders in Moscow on May 9

β€œIt is deeply disrespectful when someone tells a country that made the greatest contribution to the victory over fascism and suffered the heaviest losses: β€˜Go ahead and celebrate, maybe we’ll throw a drone or something,’” said Robert Fico. β€œFor me, this is unacceptable.”

He confirmed that he will travel to Russia on May 9, accompanied by lawmakers and two students.

πŸ‡¨πŸ‡Ώ Volodymyr Zelensky arrives in the Czech Republic

According to Czech media, he is scheduled to meet with President Petr Pavel. Photo 4

❗️Ukraine may receive two more Patriot air defense systems β€” from Israel and either Germany or Greece, reports NYT

A modernized Patriot launcher previously stationed in Israel will be sent to Ukraine after repairs are completed by this summer.

Meanwhile, Western allies are discussing the transfer of another system, potentially from Germany or Greece.

According to NYT, Ukraine currently has eight Patriot systems, two of which are undergoing repairs.

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ β€œThe US is closer to one side” β€” Trump on peace talks between Ukraine and Russia

Trump said he hopes for a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia but admitted that the US is β€œcloser to one side” and β€œnot so close to the other,” though he refused to specify which side he meant.

β€œThere will come a moment when I say: β€˜Fine, go on, keep being fools.’ Sometimes I get close to that point, but then something positive happens… Maybe nothing will work out. Maybe it’s simply impossible. You have to understand β€” there is enormous hatred here,” Trump said.

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦πŸ‡¨πŸ‡ΏBy the end of 2025, Ukraine may receive around 1.8 million shells through the Czech ammunition initiative

Thanks to the Czech initiative, the ammunition ratio on the frontline has narrowed to 1:2, Czech President Petr Pavel reported.

He noted that the country is already working on organizing artillery shell supplies for Ukraine for 2026.

Ukraine and the Czech Republic are also discussing the establishment of a joint F-16 training school.

πŸ”Έ Putin suddenly speaks about a possible successor

When asked whether he thinks about who might succeed him, Putin admitted that he is considering potential candidates. β€œI always think about it,” he said.

β€œIn the end, the choice belongs to the people β€” to the Russian people. I believe there should be one person, or likely several people, so the people have a choice,” he added.
It is worth noting that in 2021, Putin reset his presidential terms, which in theory allows him to remain in power until 2036.

πŸ‡·πŸ‡΄ Exit polls show far-right AUR candidate George Simion leading in the first round of Romania’s presidential election

Simion, known for his pro-Russian rhetoric and criticism of the European Union, received between 30% and 33% of the vote, according to exit polls.

Official results have not yet been announced.

πŸ”Έ In a documentary marking his 25th anniversary as president, Putin cynically pushes a propaganda narrative, claiming that Russia supposedly didn't prepare for war with Ukraine, presenting it as a forced measure.

❗️Trump: Russia will have to give up all of Ukraine

When asked about potential concessions from Russia in the context of a peace deal, Trump responded:
β€œRussia will have to give up all of Ukraine. Because Russia wants all of Ukraine. And if I hadn’t intervened, they would still be fighting for the entire country. Russia doesn’t just want the piece it has now β€” it wants all of Ukraine,” the US President said.

He also did not rule out signing new sanctions against Russia, as previously suggested by Senator Graham.

β€œWell, that depends on whether Russia moves toward peace. We want a peace deal. We want Russia and Ukraine to agree on a deal. We believe we are quite close, and this will save many lives and also a lot of money,” Trump stated.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 56
Ukraine Invasion: Part 56
Ukraine Invasion: Part 56
Ukraine Invasion: Part 56
DesdamonasHandkerchief · 05/05/2025 10:02

United 24 Media:

πŸ”Ή Lithuania will revoke residence permits for Russians who travel to Russia or Belarus more than once every three months without a valid reason, reports LRT.

Exceptions apply to transit carriers and those whose travel is due to objective circumstances.

πŸ”Έ Together with the First Lady, President Zelenskyy arrived on an official visit to the Czech Republic. Meetings are planned with President Petr Pavel, Prime Minister Petr Fiala, the chairmen of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, leaders of parliamentary factions, heads of defense companies, students, and the Ukrainian community.

"The most important thing is our gratitude to the Czech Republic for its principled support and the strengthening of our cooperation. The Czech artillery initiative has proven effective, and we will continue this work. A separate area of cooperation is the development of our military aviation, the expansion of pilot training programs, and the provision of our F-16 fleet. Together with the Czech Republic and other members of the aviation coalition, we are preparing good news for Ukraine. Of course, we will also discuss diplomatic efforts and joint pressure on Russia for a lasting ceasefire and an end to the war," said the President.

Olena Zelenska will take part in the opening of the Healthcare Initiative for Ukraine conferenceβ€”an important platform for strengthening international medical partnerships and saving the lives of our people. A new step has also been prepared in expanding the Coalition of Ukrainian Studies at Czech universities to increase support for Ukraine in all areas.

πŸ”Ή The Kremlin reported that Chinese leader Xi Jinping will pay an official visit to Moscow on May 7–10.

β€œDuring the talks, the main issues of further development of comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation relations, as well as current issues on the international and regional agenda, will be discussed.

A number of bilateral intergovernmental and interdepartmental documents are planned to be signed,” the Kremlin press service said.

In addition, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico confirmed his visit to Moscow on May 9, calling Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s statement that Ukraine cannot ensure the security of world leaders during the β€œVictory Parade” β€œunacceptable threats.”

It is not yet clear whether Serbian President Aleksandar VučiΔ‡, who, like Fico, reported a sudden β€œdeterioration in his health” the day before, will visit Moscow. As stated by the Minister of Finance of Serbia SiniΕ‘a Mali, it is currently impossible to say for sure whether the Serbian leader will go to the parade to Putin.

β€œIn a day, two, three, when he recovers, he will address the public. The only thing I can say, knowing him, given that he is a man of his word, he said that he would be there, I assume that he will fulfill his promise,” Mali said in an interview with the RTS television channel.

Brazilian President Luiz InΓ‘cio Lula da Silva, the heads of Kazakhstan, Belarus, Cuba, Venezuela and a number of other β€œfriendly” countries to Russia have also been invited to the parade on May 9 in the Russian Federation.

πŸ”Έ France plans to manufacture and deliver up to 1,200 AASM Hammer air bombs to Ukraine in 2025, β€” Le Parisien.

These munitions are actively supplied to Ukraine and have become a key element in the arsenal of the Ukrainian armed forces. According to the publication, France transfers about 50 such bombs to Ukraine every month, and most likely, in the future, will transfer about 100 directly from the plant, which will speed up the pace of deliveries.

AASM Hammer is a β€œsmart” modular air-to-ground weapon that is integrated onto Ukrainian fighters for high-precision strikes.

❗️Russians should know β€” we are counting on three million artillery shells this year, β€” President Zelenskyy on Putin’s statement about the β€œinevitable reconciliation” of Ukraine and the Russian Federation.

β€œThis does not mean that anyone wants a long war, we want to end it. And all wars end.
What I am sure of is that the war will end, just as long dictatorial regimes always end, just as the life of any empire that is built on the principles of war, the principles of disrespect for people, for their rights, ends.”

πŸ”Ή Russia may stage provocations on May 9 β€” despite talk of a β€œtruce”, today has seen the largest number of assaults in recent months, President Zelenskyy said at a briefing with Czech President Petr Pavel.

Earlier, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is not responsible for any events that may occur in Russia on May 9.

β€œWe cannot be responsible for what happens on the territory of the Russian Federation. They provide you with security and therefore we will not give you any guarantees. Because we do not know what Russia will do on these dates,” he said.

πŸ”Έ The Czech Republic plans to create a Ukrainian-Czech F-16 school.

According to the president, representatives of Ukraine and the Czech Republic are discussing the next steps within the framework of the β€œaviation coalition”, namely the creation of a Ukrainian-Czech F-16 school.

β€œIt is obvious that as of now, for security reasons, we cannot open such a base in Ukraine, Russian strikes continue daily. Therefore, we are working with partners so that such schools can open outside Ukraine, and it will happen,” Zelenskyy said.

πŸ”Ή Pro-Russian far-right leader Gheorghe Simion won the first round of Romania’s presidential election with 40.94%.

He will face liberal Bucharest mayor NicuΘ™or Dan in the second round, after Dan secured 20.99% of the vote.

The runoff is scheduled for May 18.

πŸ”Έ Oil prices fell early Tuesday on renewed concerns about global oversupply after OPEC+ agreed to a second consecutive monthly output hike, The Financial Times reported.

Brent crude dropped more than 4% to below $59, testing four-year lows hit last week. West Texas Intermediate crude fell to nearly $56.

Traders reacted to a Saturday decision by eight OPEC+ members, including Saudi Arabia and Russia, to raise oil output by 411,000 barrels per day in June. The move came despite falling prices driven by oversupply fears and economic weakness linked to Donald Trump’s trade war.

OPEC+ had already surprised markets last month by announcing a similar output increaseβ€”more than three times larger than expected. The combination of rising supply and concerns over the impact of U.S. tariffs on global demand sent Brent crude down nearly 20% in April, marking its biggest monthly drop in over three years.

Over the past three years, OPEC+ has reduced its collective output by nearly 6 million barrels per day to support pricesβ€”a strategy that initially kept oil above $90 a barrel for most of 2022. However, its effectiveness has faded amid weak demand, growing U.S. production, and poor quota compliance within the cartel.

Internal tensions have escalated, particularly with Kazakhstan, which has increased output at the Chevron-led Tengiz field and stated it would prioritize β€œnational interests” over group quotas.

In response, Saudi Arabia has begun easing its own production cuts and is pushing for an increase this month.

The kingdom, which has slashed its output by 2 million barrels per day over the past three years, is increasingly frustrated with having borne the brunt of the cuts while others, including Kazakhstan and Iraq, consistently exceed their quotas.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Saudi officials are not opposed to restoring suppliesβ€”even if it results in a prolonged period of lower prices.

πŸ”Ή UNITED24 Raises $1.4 Billion in Three Years of Global Support for Ukraine

UNITED24, Ukraine’s official fundraising platform, launched in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion, has collected more than 56 billion UAH (over $1.4 billion) since its inception on May 5, 2022. This makes it not only the country’s largest fundraising initiative but also a globally unique example of state-led crowdfunding at scale.

In a statement marking the milestone, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that the figure represents more than financial supportβ€”it stands as proof of global solidarity in the face of brutal and unprovoked aggression.

"This is not just a number but a testament to what can be achieved when millions stand together with a purpose. What unites us is not geography, language, or background. It’s your conviction that moves us forward, and helps us stand strong in the face of unprovoked aggression," Zelenskyy stated on his official X account.m

notimagain · 05/05/2025 10:04

This marks the first time that sea drones have destroyed fighter jets, and the first-ever use of AIM-9 guided missiles from a sea drone to take down aircraft, said Ukraine’s intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov.

Be interesting to know the full story behind this claim, but probably best we don't.

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