Ukraine Invasion: Part 56

[MagicFox]

The (free) world has gone mad. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

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Interesting points about the gerontocracy in Russia. Though Trump is no youngster.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️ EU members preliminarily agree to launch 150-billion-euro defense fund, media reports. (kyivindependent.com/eu-countries-preliminary-agree-to-launch-150-billion-euro-defense-fund-media-reports/)
The new mechanism, proposed by the European Commission in March, will allow member states to borrow money from the EU to purchase weapons and military equipment.
UPDATED: The decision was later confirmed to the Kyiv Independent by an EU official.

⚡️ Trump calls (kyivindependent.com/trump-putin-call-after-istanbul-peace-talks/) Putin after Istanbul Ukraine peace talks, Russian media reports.

⚡️ After call with Trump, Putin still refuses (kyivindependent.com/after-call-with-trump-putin-again-refuses-ceasefire-cites-russias-root-causes-of-war-in-ukraine/) full ceasefire, again cites Russia's 'root causes' of war in Ukraine.

⚡️Trump trusts (kyivindependent.com/trump-trusts-putin-believes-he-wants-peace-in-ukraine/) Putin, believes he wants peace in Ukraine.
U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters on May 19 that he trusts Russian President Vladimir Putin, adding that he believes Putin wants peace in Ukraine.

⚡️Trump says US will not impose new sanctions (kyivindependent.com/trump-says-he-will-not-impose-new-sanctions-on-russia/) on Russia.
“Because I think there’s a chance of getting something done, and if you do that, you could also make it much worse," Trump told reporters from the Oval Office on May 19.

⚡️Trump threatens to 'back away' (kyivindependent.com/trump-threatens-to-back-away-from-ukraine-russia-peace-talks-if-progress-is-not-made/) from Ukraine-Russia peace talks if progress is not made. kyivindependent.com/trump-threatens-to-back-away-from-ukraine-russia-peace-talks-if-progress-is-not-made/

⚡️Zelensky dismisses (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-dismisses-putins-demand-to-withdraw-troops-from-ukrainian-territories/) Putin's demand to withdraw troops from 4 Ukrainian regions.
"It means that they (Russia) don't want peace," President Volodymyr Zelensky said. "If they demand what they know we won't agree to," he added.

⚡️Nearly 56,000 residents evacuated (kyivindependent.com/nearly-56-000-residents-evacuated-from-sumy-oblast-additional-efforts-ongoing-governor-says/) from Sumy Oblast, additional efforts ongoing, governor says.

⚡️ EU coordinating (kyivindependent.com/eu-coordinating-russia-sanctions-in-cooperation-with-us-germany-says/) next Russia sanctions with US, Germany says.
Washington's participation in a potential sanctions package would be "very central," German government spokesperson Stefan Cornelius said.

⚡️'Strong EU sanctions' coming soon, (https://kyivindependent.com/strong-eu-sanctions-coming-soon-us-expected-to-sanction-russian-banks-energy-zelensky-says/) US expected to sanction Russian banks, energy, Zelensky says.

⚡️EU to adopt (kyivindependent.com/eu-to-adopt-17th-sanctions-package-against-russia-on-may-20-18th-package-underway/) 17th sanctions package against Russia on May 20; 18th package underway.
EU ambassadors on May 14 agreed on the bloc's 17th package of sanctions against Russia, primarily targeting its shadow fleet of oil tankers.

⚡️EU to push G7 to lower Russian oil price cap (kyivindependent.com/eu-to-push-g7-to-lower-russian-oil-price-cap-commissioner-says/), commissioner says.
EU officials told Reuters they would propose bringing the cap down from $60 to $50 per barrel, as Brussels and its allies seek to further reduce the Kremlin's revenue from fossil fuel exports.

As Russia’s fiber optic drones flood the battlefield, Ukraine is racing to catch up (kyivindependent.com/as-russias-fiber-optic-drones-flood-the-battlefield-ukraine-is-racing-to-catch-up/)
This year’s new arrivals on the visual fabric of the battlefield have one thing in common: they are all connected with the weapon shaping entire operations: the fiber optic FPV drone.
In a war defined by constant innovation, this deceptively simple tweak to standard FPV drones makes them immune to electronic warfare (EW) and free of limitations brought by radio horizon.

Over 60% of Americans believe Russian President Vladimir Putin is "stalling" peace talks involving the United States, and back weaponry shipments to Ukraine and additional sanctions if Russia refuses to negotiate a peace deal, according to a Harvard CAPS Harris poll released on May 19. https://kyivindependent.com/majority-of-americans-believe-putin-stalling-ukraine-peace-talks-back-sanctions-if-russia-refuses-to-negotiate-poll-suggests/

⚡️'Enabling the smuggling (kyivindependent.com/enabling-the-smuggling-of-migrants-lithuania-files-icj-proceedings-against-belarus-amid-border-concerns/) of migrants' — Lithuania files ICJ proceedings against Belarus amid border security concerns.
Lithuania instituted legal proceedings against Belarus in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on May 19, alleging that Minsk is "facilitating, supporting, and enabling the smuggling of migrants" into Lithuania.

⚡️Ukraine's French-trained brigade faces fresh misconduct allegations (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-french-trained-brigade-faces-fresh-misconduct-allegations-ground-forces-commander-launches-probe/); Ground Forces commander launches probe.
Ukrainska Pravda published an investigation into a possible involvement of the brigade's command in handing out falsified bonus payments and demanding bribes.

Ukraine 'not yet in worst-case scenario,' McCain Institute head says
(kyivindependent.com/we-arent-there-yet-ukraines-worst-case-scenario-not-yet-realized-mccain-institute-head-says/)
The Kyiv Independent sat down with Farkas at the Kyiv Security Forum on May 8 to ask her if that worst-case scenario had come true, or if there was still some hope left for Ukraine.

⚡️Ukraine could launch (https://kyivindependent.com/kim-jong-un-could-face-war-crime-probe-for-supporting-russias-war-in-ukraine-former-icc-chief-says/) war crime probe against Kim Jong Un over backing Russia, former ICC chief says. 

Ukraine’s mental health workers tackle war trauma and Soviet stigma in front-line regions (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-mental-health-workers-tackle-war-trauma-and-soviet-stigma-in-front-line-regions/)
Four days a week, teams from the global youth aid agency SOS Children’s Villages bring mental health services to children in various rural settlements. These small communities closer to the battle lines often have the least access to mental healthcare in all of Ukraine, yet have been exposed to some of the most traumatic conditions of the war.

⚡️ Russian attacks (kyivindependent.com/attacks-150/) kill 1, injure 13 in Ukraine over past day.
Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 93 of the 108 Shahed-type attack drones and decoy drones launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force said.
Thirty-five of them were shot down, while 58 were neutralized by electronic warfare systems, according to the statement.

‪Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 1h
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA – MAY 20, 2025
■ Engagements up, casualties remain below average
■ Equipment losses rise; significant artillery losses
■ Shelling & MLRS strikes up, strike ratio unfavorable
■ UN: April deadliest month for civilians since Sep 2024

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Trump said on his Truth Social account that the conversation with Putin “went very well” and announced that Russia and Ukraine would immediately begin talks on a ceasefire.
“The terms for this will be discussed between the two sides as soon as possible, because they know the details of the negotiations that no one else knows,” Trump wrote.
He also noted that Russia is interested in conducting extensive trade with the United States.

Russia Escalates Baltic Tensions With Su-35 Jet Flyover and Ship Seizure in Apparent Revenge on Estonia
united24media.com/world/russia-escalates-baltic-tensions-with-su-35-jet-flyover-and-ship-seizure-in-apparent-revenge-on-estonia-8490

Romania has been given permission to shoot down UAVs that enter its territory.
Interim President Ilie Boloian signed two relevant documents today.
Drones flying into Romania can now be destroyed or neutralized if the Romanian military or NATO is unable to take control of their flight.

EU and UK Reach Preliminary Defence and Security Deal Ahead of Summit — Reuters
The European Union and Britain have reached a preliminary agreement on defence and security cooperation, opening the door for British firms to bid for major EU defence contracts, Reuters reports. ..... The deal represents the most significant reset in UK-EU relations since Brexit, with both sides aiming to strengthen cooperation in trade, defence, and security.

Europe and America are in complete solidarity: we will accompany Ukraine on the path to a ceasefire. Europe will increase pressure on Moscow through sanctions. President Trump and I agreed on this after his conversation with Putin, said German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

President Zelenskyy Speaks with New Romanian President Nicușor Dan, Invites Him to Ukraine

Zelenskyy’s main statements following the conversation with Trump:
▪️ He asked Trump not to agree on anything about Ukraine without Ukraine’s involvement;
▪️ In their first conversation, they discussed a possible ceasefire and the U.S.’s readiness to impose sanctions if Russia violates it. During a second call, European leaders joined the discussion;
▪️ Trump believes the most important step is for Ukraine and Russia to begin direct negotiations;
▪️ Zelenskyy said a possible “1000 for 1000” prisoner exchange was discussed with Russia. Ukraine also raised the issue of releasing political prisoners and journalists;
▪️ “No one will withdraw our troops from our territories. It is my constitutional duty, and that of our military. There will be no ultimatums—no one will surrender their land, their people, or their homes. I don’t know what principles are in the memorandum Putin mentioned, but if Russia demands we withdraw from our land, it means they don’t want the war to end. Because they clearly understand Ukraine will not do that.”

The EU’s diplomatic service is preparing to close around a dozen foreign missions and cut about 100 field staff, Politico reported, citing a document and two officials.
Last week, EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas presented a plan to reform the European External Action Service (EEAS) to senior European Commission officials. According to Politico’s sources, Kallas has received approval to move forward with the reforms, which are expected to continue over the next two years.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Putin believes Russian forces will seize four Ukrainian regions by the end (www.kyivpost.com/post/52908) of the year, ahead of a call with Trump, who is facing growing pressure from allies not to rush into a deal.

After Putin’s call with Trump, who backed out of his 24-hour peace pledge, the Kremlin claims it’s “ready” (www.kyivpost.com/post/52986) to work on a peace memo with Ukraine — but there’s no timeline or any details.

The US resumed (www.kyivpost.com/post/52927) RQ-4B Global Hawk strategic reconnaissance drone flights over the Black Sea area following the failure of the May 16 Russian Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul and the largest May 16 /17 overnight Shahed drone attack on Ukrainian regions.

As Russia’s so-called Victory Day ceasefire fizzled, Kyiv Post visited an AFU drone team near Pokrovsk (www.kyivpost.com/photos/52950) to see how fiber-optic coils and AI tools are being used to outsmart Russian jamming.

As authoritarian regimes face mounting pressure across the globe, leading human rights advocate Thor Halvorssen joins political analyst and Kyiv Post special correspondent Jason Jay Smart to deliver an exciting analysis of what may come next – perhaps in the very near future.
www.kyivpost.com/videos/52957

Exclusive Kyiv Post interview with Moshe Asman – (www.kyivpost.com/videos/52948) chief rabbi of Ukraine, who was born in the same city as Vladimir Putin, but has been connected all his life with Ukraine and its Jewish community.
https://www.kyivpost.com/videos/52948

Putin’s forces strike a packed passenger bus and hit residential neighborhoods in Kherson. At least 10 civilians are wounded. Rescue efforts are ongoing.

New thread for when we need it, need to do the magic on it first: https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5338513-ukraine-invasion-part-57?utm_campaign=thread&utm_medium=app_share

Cripes are we there already...

Keep hoping the next thread will be the last one but I fear this still has a lot of mileage still to run..

I’m afraid so - no end in sight :-(

Sorry, I’ve posted it a wee bit early but we’ll get there before long

I think the difference is that Putin's entire inner circle is elderly, which causes discontent among the younger, up and coming insiders in the Kremlin, making a movement to undermine him more likely.

Trump's inner circle is mostly middle aged. J.D. Vance, at age 40, is the third youngest VP in American history.

Hi all, hoping there are some savvy people here who are good at this sort of thing. I have been reading some of these threads and Ihave just watched a news report in which Zelensky talked about the Ukrainian constitution and asked people to read it. Could anyone link a reliable source with a copy of the full constitution?

UK unveils 100 new sanctions on Russia to 'ramp up pressure' on Putin's military and energy exports

https://www.itv.com/news/2025-05-20/uk-unveils-100-sanctions-on-russia-to-ramp-up-pressure-on-military-and-energy

https://rm.coe.int/constitution-of-ukraine/168071f58b

The question is whether the US will come through with the sanctions. Merz said Trump agreed they would, together with the EU and UK. But then I read statements from Trump and Vance that say they won’t and have asked for more time. More time…

His orangeness is announcing the new ‘golden dome’. Anyone with any thoughts on whether it’s actually possible? Surely the US mainland is too large to have full coverage in the way the Iron Done covers Israel?

DH says it's an utterly pointless and extremely expensive project. The iron dome works because Israel is a technologically advanced country being attacked daily with relatively primative missiles. It wouldn't be effective against that level of attack from another technologically advanced military.

So an expensive vanity project. Suppose we shouldn’t expect anything more from the tangerine moron.

No missile defense system is perfect, not even Iron Dome. The point strategically is to make it more likely to survive a first strike so that you can strike back at the attacker. This will have a deterrent effect.

A few bullet points:

Iron Dome is actually the last line of a layered system and is designed to deal with short range rockets and similar...the outer layers of the Israeli set up are less well known but they are David's Sling, Arrow and the imported THAAD, all very capable - they have to be since they are designed to counter more advanced incoming ballistic missiles from the likes of Iran.

Israel is much much more compact than the States so is easier to cover than the US.

As @MissConductUS points out whenever this subject has been raised in the past, and it has many times, the usual suggestion is to provide protection for elements of the US strategic deterrent only, thereby improving their chances of surviving to at least some degree a first strike...so maintaining the deterence.

The routes of all this goes back to the early Anti-ballistic missile systems fielded back in the late 60s and 70s, subsequently restricted or banned under (I think) one of the START agreements.

I'm not sure even now there's the technology in place to put an umbrella in place over the whole of the US, but improving Directed Energy Weapons is where the future lies..which takes us back to Reagan, SDI aka Star Wars ....and one of the reasons the USSR began to run out of cash....

As @MissConductUS points out whenever this subject has been raised in the past, and it has many times,

I'm sorry if I sound like a broken record on this, but civilians widely misunderstand the logic of strategic missile defense.

I agree that directed energy weapons will certainly be part of the system. Static land-based DEWs don't have the power constraints that tactical battlefield ones have to cope with.

It's not that far off. West Point cadets train with high-powered lasers now. I've seen a demo of the one shown in this brochure. It cut through a half-inch steel plate in a few seconds.

www.westpointaog.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Photonics-Center-Brochure.pdf

www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-may-20-2025

Key Takeaways:

• Senior Russian officials continue to deny the legitimacy of the Ukrainian president, government, and constitution and Ukraine's sovereignty despite Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent efforts to feign interest in peace negotiations to end the war.
• Medvedev also reiterated long-standing Russian demands tantamount to Ukraine’s complete capitulation.
• Ukraine's Western allies continue to provide military aid to Ukraine and support Ukraine's defense industry.
• The European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) announced several sanctions packages against Russia on May 20.
• The Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) confirmed Colonel General Valery Solodchuk's recent appointment as Central Military District (CMD) commander on May 20.
• Russian forces recently advanced in Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts, near Chasiv Yar and Toretsk, and in the Zaporizhia direction.

That is super, thank you. It is dated 1996, is there a text which highlights all changes to it since then? For example, in relation to territory, the Minsk accords, martial law? Also, Russia alleges that Zelensky's presidency is not in accordance with the constitution, but were changes made to cover that? You may not know the answers to all that, though, and that is fine!

@readtheconstitution
So really, you're propagating the myth that the Presidency of Zelensky is not legitimate?

I wrote about this technique elsewhere, they must get it from a handbook.
"Ask a question in the most innocent way, whilst implanting what you really want to get across."
A quick search for the Constitution of Ukraine would have brought it up immediately, but instead you asked on a thread that supports Ukraine.

The technique is so hackneyed, it's risible.

Oh is this the poster who couldn't find or read the (extremely short) 2014 Minsk Accord, but had chapter and verse in long commentaries on long Russian commentaries on the Minsk Accord?

That one likes to get on to Jacques Baud (now a colleague of Putin's former instructor from Russia's School of Intelligence, Igor Nicolaevich Prelin) after a few wide-eyed-innocent posts.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️ Hungary's parliament passes bill (kyivindependent.com/hungarys-parliament-passes-bill-on-icc-withdrawal/) on ICC withdrawal.
The government-proposed bill, supported by 134 lawmakers, would see Hungary exit the international court that it co-founded in 2002.

⚡️Russia massing troops (https://kyivindependent.com/russia-massing-troops-near-border-ahead-of-possible-kharkiv-oblast-attack-military-says/) near Kharkiv Oblast ahead of possible attack, military warns.
"There is an accumulation of personnel closer to the state border, that is, there are attempts to involve the (Russian) personnel, obviously preparing for active assault operations. Our Defense Forces are ready to repel attacks," Andrii Pomahaibus, the chief of staff of Ukraine's 13th National Guard Khartiia Brigade.

⚡️ Trump administration considers deporting (kyivindependent.com/trump-administration-considers-deporting-nearly-200-000-ukrainians-using-foreign-aid-funds-wp-reports/) nearly 200,000 Ukrainians using foreign aid funds, WP reports.
During Joe Biden's presidency, Ukrainians and Haitians were granted temporary protection, allowing them to stay in the U.S. if they could not return to their home country.

⚡️ Kyiv to receive (kyivindependent.com/kyiv-to-receive-400-000-more-shells-from-czech-initiative-ukraines-pm-says/) 400,000 more shells from Czech initiative, Ukraine's PM says.
The country's opposition party, ANO, has threatened to suspend the munitions initiative if it wins parliamentary elections in October 2025.

⚡️ Rubio says (kyivindependent.com/us-nato-seek-more-patriot-systems-for-ukraine-rubio-says/) US, NATO seek more Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine.
Ukraine has consistently warned that its current air defense capacity is insufficient to counter the scale of Russia's intensified missile and drone attacks.

⚡️ EU approves (kyivindependent.com/eu-adopts-17th-russia-sanctions-package-targeting-shadow-fleet-hybrid-threats/) 17th package of Russia sanctions, targets shadow fleet.

⚡️ UK unveils new Russia sanctions (kyivindependent.com/uk-unveils-new-russia-sanctions-accuses-moscow-of-delaying-peace-efforts/), accuses Moscow of delaying peace efforts.

⚡️EU to lift economic sanctions on Syria (https://kyivindependent.com/eu-to-lift-economic-sanctions-on-syria/).

⚡️Trump refusing to adopt sanctions (kyivindependent.com/trump-refusing-to-adopt-sanctions-against-russia-as-it-would-affect-business-opportunities-with-moscow-nyt-reports/) against Russia as it would affect business opportunities with Moscow, citing a White House official.

⚡️ US opposes joint G7 statement on further support for Ukraine, Politico reports. (kyivindependent.com/us-opposes-joint-statement-on-further-support-for-ukraine-during-g7-meeting-politico-reports/)
Washington also refused to label Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine as "illegal" in the text, according to sources who spoke to Politico.

⚡️US Senate to vote on new Russia sanctions (kyivindependent.com/senate-to-vote-on-new-sanctions-against-russia-if-there-is-no-progress-in-peace-talks-soon-senator-graham-says/) unless peace efforts progress soon, Senator Graham says.
The U.S.-mediated negotiations between Ukraine and Russia have stalled, as Moscow continues to refuse a ceasefire.

⚡️EU to downsize diplomatic (kyivindependent.com/eu-to-downsize-diplomatic-service-prioritize-russia-sanctions-enforcement-politico-reports/) service, prioritize Russia sanctions enforcement, Politico reports.
The EU is preparing to downsize its diplomatic service – the European External Action Service – and redirect funds toward strategic interests such as enforcing sanctions against Russia, POLITICO reported on May 20.

⚡️ Update: Russian semiconductor plant (kyivindependent.com/massive-drone-attack-hits-russia-semiconductor-plant-reportedly-targeted/) making missile, jet parts hit in Ukrainian attack, military says.
Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces struck Russia's Bolkhov semiconductor plant in Oryol Oblast, which is producing parts for Sukhoi warplanes and Iskander and Kinzhal missiles, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces said on May 21.

⚡️ Putin visits (kyivindependent.com/putin-visits-kursk-oblast-for-first-time-since-moscow-claimed-to-have-retaken-the-region/) Kursk Oblast for first time since Moscow claimed its recapture.

⚡️US senators introduce bipartisan resolution demanding return of abducted Ukrainian children (kyivindependent.com/us-senators-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-demanding-return-of-abducted-ukrainian-children/).
In a rare display of bipartisan unity, a group of U.S. senators has introduced a resolution calling for the return of thousands of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, urging that no peace agreement to end the war in Ukraine be finalized until all minors are safely repatriated.

⚡️ Russia sends (kyivindependent.com/russia-sends-20-000-naturalized-migrants-to-fight-in-ukraine-top-official-says/) 20,000 recently naturalized citizens to fight in Ukraine, top official says.
"Already 20,000 'young' citizens of Russia, who for some reason do not like living in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, are on the front lines," Russian Investigative Committee Head Alexander Bastrykin said.

⚡️ Far-right candidate Simion contests (kyivindependent.com/far-right-candidate-simion-contests-romanian-election-loss-alleges-foreign-interference/) Romanian election loss, alleges foreign interference.

⚡️ Russia releases (https://kyivindependent.com/russia-releases-green-admire-tanker-seized-after-leaving-estonia/) Green Admire tanker seized after leaving Estonian port.

⚡️Poland to try suspect in alleged Russian plot (kyivindependent.com/poland-to-try-suspect-in-alleged-russian-plot-to-assassinate-zelensky/) to assassinate Zelensky.
Polish prosecutors have indicted a man charged with allegedly planning to assist Russian foreign intelligence in a possible assassination attempt on President Volodymyr Zelensky, authorities announced on May 20.

⚡️ Ex-Ukrainian official Portnov shot dead in Madrid, Reuters reports. (kyivindependent.com/us-sanctioned-ex-yanukovych-advisor-portnov-shot-dead-in-madrid-reuters-reports/)
Andriy Portnov, a former top official in Ukraine's ex-President Viktor Yanukovych’s administration, was shot dead by an unidentified attacker or attackers outside the American School in Madrid, Reuters reported on May 21, citing a source close to the investigation.

⚡️Radio Free Europe to receive $6.2 million in 'emergency funding' (kyivindependent.com/radio-free-europe-to-receive-6-2-million-in-emergency-funding-from-eu-amid-trump-cuts/) from EU amid Trump cuts.

⚡️ Hungary claims (kyivindependent.com/hungary-claims-it-exposed-2-ukrainian-spies-amid-spying-scandal/) it exposed 2 Ukrainian 'spies' amid mutual espionage accusations.

⚡️Zelensky had to remind (https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-had-to-remind-trump-peace-talks-already-underway-axios-reports/)Trump peace talks already underway during call with EU leaders, Axios reports. 
Donald Trump told the leaders that Vladimir Putin agreed to start direct negotiations on a ceasefire immediately, which led to a few seconds of "puzzled silence," Axios reported.

⚡️'Russia is trying to buy time (kyivindependent.com/russia-is-trying-to-buy-time-to-continue-the-war-and-occupation-zelensky-says-after-putin-trump-call/) to continue the war' — Zelensky says after Putin-Trump call.

⚡️ Norway's Crown Prince Haakon arrives (kyivindependent.com/norways-crown-prince-haakon-arrives-in-ukraine-in-historic-visit/) in Ukraine in historic visit.

⚡️ 6 service members killed, over 10 injured in Russian missile strike in Sumy Oblast, National Guard says. (kyivindependent.com/6-service-members-killed-10-injured-in-russian-missile-strike-in-sumy-oblast-national-guard-says/)

⚡️ 2 killed, 23 injured in Russian attacks (kyivindependent.com/attacks-151/) on Ukraine over past day.
Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 63 Russian attack drones and decoy drones overnight, the Air Force reported.
Twenty-two were shot down, while 41 were neutralized by electronic warfare systems, according to the statement.

‪Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 3h
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA – MAY 21, 2025
■ Engagements slightly below avg w/casualties ≈1k
■ Relatively few land-based equipment & drone losses
■ Visually confirmed: 0.7x 🇷🇺/🇺🇦 (1.4x in last 30 days ↓)
■ Shelling & MLRS strikes down, strike ratio unfavorable

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

The U.S. announced the completion of a new nuclear bomb on the day of Trump’s talks with Putin.
According to Energy Secretary Chris Wright, the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration has completed development of the B61-13 bomb.
The B61-13 is designed to destroy deeply buried targets, such as underground bunkers and command posts.
It was completed nearly a year ahead of schedule, with the announcement made on May 19—the same day the U.S. President spoke by phone with the Russian leader.
The next direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia may take place with the participation of both European and American representatives, according to European Commission spokeswoman Paula Pinheau.

France will monitor ships of Russia’s “shadow fleet” in the Baltic Sea, according to Kieler Nachrichten.
As part of the Allied surveillance mission, France has deployed its reconnaissance ship Dupuy de Lôm, which is already carrying out tasks in the region.
The ship is tasked with intercepting signals of Russian military and espionage activity, often disguised as oil transport.
Equipped with advanced measuring and location systems, its high antennas can capture signals deep inland. Dupuy de Lôm can operate at sea for up to 30 days without a break.
Meanwhile, in the Gulf of Finland near Kaliningrad, the German reconnaissance ship Oker, which specializes in intercepting and recording electromagnetic signals, has been on duty for several days.

🔥 KNDS Belgium signed a memorandum with Ukroboronprom on the production of medium-caliber ammunition.

Romanian President-elect Nicușor Dan believes that Romania can provide significant operational support to Western allies as part of a potential deterrent force in Ukraine, but should not participate directly.

Russia’s newest liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in the Arctic has launched its second production line, despite tough Western sanctions.
The Arctic LNG 2 project, a top priority for the Kremlin, had halted large-scale production in October due to sanctions, reduced foreign demand, and ice buildup that hindered ship arrivals.
The plant managed to send out several shipments last summer, but none found buyers.

Ukraine has called on the G7 to significantly lower the price cap on Russian oil.
Kyiv proposes reducing the threshold to $30 per barrel, above which Western companies would be banned from providing services for its export.
The EU, meanwhile, plans to lower the current cap from $60 to $50 per barrel.

Zelenskyy Discussed Ukraine’s Reconstruction with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, focusing on Ukraine’s post-war restoration.

Czech Citizen Who Joined Russian Army Now Seeks Help from Prague
A Czech national who previously traveled to Russia and joined the Russian military is now requesting assistance from the Czech government, Foreign Ministry spokesman Daniel Drake confirmed.

A family from the Boryspil district was injured in a hostile UAV attack, the head of the Kyiv Regional Administration, Mykola Kalashnyk, reported.
A 17-year-old boy, a three-year-old girl, and their 42-year-old mother suffered acute stress reactions. A 13-year-old boy had a cut on his foot, and a 30-year-old man sustained a cut to his brow. All are receiving medical care; hospitalization is not required.