Ukraine Invasion: Part 57

[MagicFox]

Welcome to 57. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

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Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇵🇱 Poland to Build “Europe’s Largest” Logistics Hub — Partly to Help Rebuild Ukraine and Profit from It
In the town of Sławków, the terminal will be expanded and its capacity nearly doubled, aiming to become the largest transshipment logistics hub and transport node in Europe.
The infrastructure will be enhanced with seven new tracks and modern loading equipment. The €1 billion terminal is scheduled for completion in 2027.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized that Poland wants to profit from Ukraine’s reconstruction:

❗️Russia controls four villages in the Sumy region, according to Oleg Hryhorov, head of the Sumy Regional Military Administration.
The occupied settlements are Novenke and Basivka in the Yunakivka community, and Veselivka and Zhuravka in the Khotin community. Civilians from these villages had been evacuated earlier, so there is no threat to the local population.
Fighting continues on the outskirts of the village of Vodolaha and near Volodymyrivka, Bilovody, Kostiantynivka, and Kindrativka in the Khotin community, as well as around Loknya in the Yunakivka community.
Russian forces are continuing attempts to advance in order to establish a so-called buffer zone.

🇷🇴 Pro-Russian former Romanian presidential candidate Călin Georgescu is leaving politics.
He emphasized that he has decided to stay out of any political party and will only return “when a serious opportunity for Romania arises.”
▪️Georgescu ran for president in November 2024 and unexpectedly won the first round. His rise triggered accusations of election manipulation via TikTok. Eventually, the results were annulled, and Georgescu was barred from running again.
▪️In the new elections, Bucharest mayor Nicușor Dan won the presidency.

Charlie Hebdo sues over fake covers spreading Russian propaganda
The French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo has filed a lawsuit over fake covers circulating online that mock Ukraine and President Zelensky. The editorial board claims that at least 15 fabricated covers have been posted on Telegram and X over the past two years.
According to Charlie Hebdo, the covers are designed for a Russian-speaking audience and aim to create the illusion that the magazine supports Vladimir Putin. The lawsuit seeks to “dispel any doubts these manipulations might create in public opinion.” The origin of the disinformation campaign remains unknown.

There's been lots of discussion here of Russia's military buildup in the north, adjacent to the Nordic countries. The US military is ramping up training and coordination with those counties and helping them prepare for potential conflict with Russia in the future. The Swedish island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea is considered a prime target for Russian attack in the event of a conflict.

The U.S. Reinforces Europe’s Northern Front, Fearing War With Russia - In quest to make NATO more lethal, the Pentagon turns to the high north and the Baltics

Regarding the training and reinforcement in the Nordic region, Trump is certainly aware of the effort, and I think it shows that he's got no intention of leaving NATO. He's gotten what he wanted in terms of increased European commitments to defense spending.

Speaking of the future of NATO, I recently ran across this speech by Robert Gates in 2011 on that very topic. He was Obama's Secretary of Defense. It's a shame it wasn't taken more seriously at that time.

Text of Speech by Robert Gates on the Future of NATO

@notimagain, the USAF is testing those laser guided rockets for counter drone use we discussed earlier, mounted on an F-15.

https://www.twz.com/air/f-15e-spotted-packing-big-laser-guided-rocket-arsenal-ideal-for-drone-hunting

Apologies if I'm monopolizing the thread today.

The penny seems to have dropped for Trump that Putin has been messing him about.

Trump Says Putin Is ‘Playing With Fire’ - President has indicated he is weighing additional sanctions on Russia, potentially as soon as this week

Labeling Trump's statements on Russia's attacks on civilian targets as an "emotional reaction" is diplomatic malpractice. Not only have they failed to appeal to his vanity, they've wounded it with that statement. I think the input from various European leaders that Putin has no interest in peace and lies about everything may have helped the fog lift as well.

Let's hope for the best. Changing Trump's opinion about something is like altering course on an oil tanker. It's slow and hard work, but it is possible.

Always glad for your input @MissConductUS and really hopeful that you’re right with both thoughts ie that he's got no intention of leaving NATO and Trump has come to realise that Putin has been messing him about. Also presumably depending on his advisers tell him / how honest they are with him.

Thanks, @DrBlackbird. I think there will be reductions in the number of American military personnel deployed to Europe from the roughly 85k currently there, but that’s quite different from leaving NATO. We have a lot of kit stockpiled in and near Europe and have the ability to deploy more troops there quite rapidly if circumstances require it.

A big part of the U.S. contribution to NATO comes directly from the Pentagon in the form of intelligence sharing and providing command structure, neither of which requires a lot of boots on the ground.

From that WSJ link:

“What Vladimir Putin doesn’t realize is that if it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. He’s playing with fire!” Trump wrote Tuesday on social media.

So... Trump's just admitted he's been protecting Putin.

(Thanks to @DuncinToffee for pointing this out on another thread.)

@MissConductUS do post away. Your posts are always welcome and informative, including your back-and-forth with @notimagain 😁

This is encouraging news. I thought it is was mis-step by the Kremlin to accuse Trump of emotional overload about civilians being killed. Not a good move. Trump sounded really annoyed on the plane. Good.

I think that in Trump’s mind, he wasn’t protecting Putin, but avoiding alienating him to the point that negotiations would be impossible. Unfortunately, this assumes that Putin was willing to negotiate in good faith and wants to end the war now, which Trump is starting to realize isn’t the case.

Trumps only about 3 years behind the rest of the world in this realisation. Words fail me about him, and those who thought he was a suitable pick. He's obscene, all the additional lives lost because of his lack of intellect, and he wants praise for finally starting to catch on.

He now needs to arm Ukraine properly and apply stiff sanctions on Russia. Having spent 3 years telling MAGA how hard done by poor Putin is, an that Russia is only reclaiming what was already theirs, he's going to need a huge paradigm shift in the cult mentality to make this happen. His treatment of Zelensky played into this.

I agree wholeheartedly. I appreciate the change in tone recently but I don’t hold out much hope that the pendulum wont just swing back the other way. I won’t believe anything on sanctions etc until I see action and even then I don’t trust the Trump administration to have the balls to follow through.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️ Russia mobilizes 40,000-45,000 troops per month, Ukraine 25,000-27,000, Zelensky says. (kyivindependent.com/russia-mobilizing-40-000-45-000-troops-per-month-ukraine-25-000-27-000-zelensky-says/)
"When the U.S. sends signals that it wants to do something positive with Russia, then Russia ramps up its mobilization," Zelensky said, according to NV news outlet.

⚡️ Turkey's FM reportedly to visit Kyiv (kyivindependent.com/turkeys-fm-reportedly-to-visit-kyiv-after-discussing-ukraine-peace-efforts-with-putin/) after discussing Ukraine peace efforts with Putin.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Putin on May 26 to discuss recent peace initiatives and the May 16 talks in Istanbul, Reuters reported.

⚡️As peace efforts falter, Russia eyes major summer push (kyivindependent.com/as-peace-efforts-falter-russia-eyes-major-summer-push-in-donetsk-oblast/) in Donetsk Oblast.
U.S. experts believe President Vladimir Putin remains convinced that a military victory is still possible, although continued sanctions and battlefield losses have strained Russia's capabilities, according to the Washington Post.

⚡️ Russia massing 50,000 troops (kyivindependent.com/russia-massing-50-000-troops-near-ukraines-sumy-oblast-zelensky-says/) near Ukraine's Sumy Oblast, Zelensky says.

⚡️Russia changes (kyivindependent.com/russia-has-changed-drone-attack-tactics-against-ukraine-to-bypass-air-defense-ukraines-air-force-says/) drone tactics to bypass Ukraine's air defense, Air Force says.
Russia's new tactic is to launch the drones at high altitudes, more than 2 kilometers (1.4 miles) above the ground, and keep changing the drones' routes. Then, the drones swoop down directly onto the target, Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat said.

⚡️ US blocks (kyivindependent.com/us-blocks-g7-push-to-tighten-russian-oil-price-cap-financial-times-reports/) G7 push to tighten Russian oil price cap, Financial Times reports.

⚡️ Trump admits (kyivindependent.com/trump-admits-to-protecting-russia-from-really-bad-things/) to protecting Russia from 'really bad things'
U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on May 27 that Russia would already be facing serious consequences if not for his actions, following one of the most intense Russian aerial assaults on Ukraine.

⚡️After 3 days of consecutive attacks on Ukraine, Russia calls UN meeting (kyivindependent.com/after-3-days-of-consecutive-attacks-at-ukraine-russia-calls-for-un-security-council-meeting/) over alleged European 'threats to peace.'

⚡️ Russia builds power lines (kyivindependent.com/russia-builds-power-lines-to-connect-occupied-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-to-its-grid-nyt-reports/) to connect occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant to its grid, NYT reports.
The Zaporizhzhia plant, the largest nuclear facility in Europe and one of the ten largest globally, has been under Russian occupation since March 2022.

⚡️UK to funnel (kyivindependent.com/uk-to-allocate-3-billion-of-proceeds-from-frozen-russian-assets-to-ukrainian-defense/) $3 billion to Ukraine's arms, hardware repairs under G7 loan covered by Russian assets.
The funds will be used to purchase foreign-made defense products, repair and maintain military equipment, implement joint projects with Ukrainian and international defense companies, and purchase other critical materials, including Ukrainian-made products.

⚡️China denies (kyivindependent.com/china-denies-ukraines-allegations-of-supplying-weapons-defense-industry-components-to-russia/) Ukraine's allegations of supplying arms, defense components to Russia.
China's reaction follows remarks by the head of Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service, Oleh Ivashchenko, about Beijing allegedly providing defense components to 20 Russian military-industrial manufacturing facilities.

⚡️Ukraine to ramp up arms production (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-to-ramp-up-arms-production-for-symmetrical-response-to-russia-zelensky-says/) for symmetrical response to Russia, Zelensky says.
Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 27 the government is fully mobilizing "entrepreneurial capacity for weapons production" and plans to sign new agreements with European partners to attract investment.

If Germany sends Taurus missiles to Ukraine, Russia has a major Crimean Bridge problem (https://kyivindependent.com/sending-taurus-to-ukraine-end-of-german-fear-and-escalation-angst/)
A statement from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on May 26 about long-range strikes inside Russia resurrected a long-held hope in Ukraine — that Berlin is finally about to send Kyiv its Taurus missiles.

⚡️ Russia ordered (kyivindependent.com/russia-orders-307-900-death-certificates-for-soldiers-families-since-2022-media-reports/) 307,900 death certificates for soldiers' families since 2022, media reports.
Before the full-scale war against Ukraine, the number of certificates for deceased soldiers' relatives had consistently declined.

⚡️ Update: Drones reportedly (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-shot-down-over-moscow-mayor-claims/) target UAV enterprise near Moscow amid alleged Ukrainian strike

⚡️ Hungary accuses (kyivindependent.com/hungary-accuses-ukraine-of-information-operations-amid-espionage-scandal/) Ukraine of 'information operations,' signals continued obstruction of EU accession.
Hungary's European Affairs Minister Janos Boka said on May 27 that it is difficult to lead constructive negotiations with Ukraine on its EU accession, as Kyiv is allegedly conducting "information and intelligence" operations on Hungary's territory.

⚡️ Update: Ukraine launches almost 300 drones (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-shot-down-over-moscow-mayor-claims/) at Russia, Moscow claims.
Russian air defenses shot down 296 Ukrainian drones across multiple regions overnight, Russia's Defense Ministry claimed, potentially marking one of the heaviest drone attacks against Russia during the full-scale war.

⚡️ Russian attacks (kyivindependent.com/attacks-153/) against Ukraine kill 1, injure 46 over past day.
Russia launched five Iskander-M or KN-23 ballistic missiles against Ukraine overnight, as well as 88 Shahed-type attack drones and decoy drones, the Air Force said.
Ukrainian air defenses shot down 34 drones, while 37 were neutralized by electronic warfare systems or disappeared from radars. Eight hits were recorded across Ukraine, according to the Air Force.

‪Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 31m
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA — MAY 28, 2025
■ Highest number of combat engagements in over three weeks; 1,000+ casualties
■ Relatively few equipment losses recorded
■ Shelling decreases but air strikes are above average — 🇷🇺 MLRS data unavailable

If only there was a man of Zelensky's calibre in the White House instead of the failing Biden and the unspeakable Trump.

Zelensky has flaws but he's a different sort of human from Trump.

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Berlin, where he is scheduled to meet with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

Trump's special representative, Keith Kellogg, stated that Kyiv has submitted a list of conditions for a peace agreement, and a similar list must now be obtained from Moscow.
He emphasized the need to maintain pressure on Russia to compel it to engage in negotiations.

The UK will allocate $3 billion from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine's defense sector in 2025–2026, the British Ministry of Defence announced.
This funding is part of the Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) initiative, based on an agreement signed today by Ukraine and the UK. The funds will be directed toward:
▫️ Procurement of foreign-made defense products
▫️ Repair and maintenance of military equipment
▫️ Joint projects involving Ukrainian and international defense firms
▫️ Procurement of other critical materials, including Ukrainian-made products
Deputy Minister for Strategic Industries David Aloyan noted that while Ukrainian defense enterprises have a production capacity of $35 billion, financial shortages have hindered full utilization. The use of surplus profits from frozen Russian assets is expected to significantly strengthen Ukraine’s production and repair capabilities.

A Russian-linked hacker group known as Laundry Bear has carried out cyberattacks on the networks of the Dutch police, NATO, and several European countries, Reuters reports, citing Dutch intelligence.
The group, active since 2024 and believed to be backed by the Russian state, focused on cyber espionage. Among its targets were manufacturers of military equipment and systems delivered to Ukraine.

Two North Korean soldiers captured by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kursk region were not included in the recent large prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia, Yonhap reports.

Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev responded to Trump’s criticism of Putin by threatening the U.S. president with the prospect of World War III.
“Regarding Trump’s words that Putin is ‘playing with fire’ and that ‘really bad things are happening’ to Russia, I know only one REALLY BAD thing — World War III. I hope Trump understands this!” Medvedev wrote on X.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Ukraine’s Prime Minister Shmyhal reported that the International Monetary Fund is finalizing its work (www.kyivpost.com/post/53459) on the eighth review of the four-year, $15.5 billion Extended Fund Facility program for Kyiv.

In a potential diplomatic backtrack, Berlin now says no new decision has been made (www.kyivpost.com/post/53440) on lifting range restrictions for Kyiv’s Western arsenal, a day after Chancellor Merz announced otherwise.

Germany may provide Ukraine with funding to develop its own cruise missiles with a range of up to 2,500 km — Bild
Chancellor Merz could announce the decision as early as today during his meeting with Zelensky.

The EU spent more on importing Russian energy (www.kyivpost.com/post/53475) last year than it provided in aid to Ukraine — Bild

Russia says it downed (www.kyivpost.com/post/53430) 99 Ukrainian drones overnight – major hits reported in Murom. Forest fires, factory damage, and evacuation alerts across multiple regions. Ukraine says Russia launched 60 drones, struck homes and industry in Sumy & Dnipropetrovsk.

RECORD swarm of 296 drones hits Russia. (www.kyivpost.com/post/53489) Skies over Moscow shut down.

Chechnya's Kadyrov has addressed health rumors (www.kyivpost.com/post/53446) by calling naysayers “gossipers without courage” who “hide abroad like mice” without answering the rumors in a latest video.

Ukraine’s Nemesis UAV rescues two recon drones from the battlefield in daring first-of-its-kind operation (www.kyivpost.com/post/53456) – pilots call it “brilliantly executed.” The drone war just hit a new level.

Russia drops 1,000+drones & missiles on Ukraine (www.kyivpost.com/post/53448) in 3 days – then blames Kyiv for blocking peace talks.

Is this the beginning of the end for Putin?
In a hard-hitting interview with Kyiv Post, Jake Broe breaks down the cracks inside the Kremlin—from elite unrest to military collapse.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇹🇷🇷🇺Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov said at a press conference in Moscow with his Turkish counterpart that he would again turn to Turkey to host a second round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, for his part, stated that his country is “always ready to provide a platform.”

🇪🇺 European leaders increasingly divided over postwar aid to Ukraine — Financial Times
France and the UK, leading the so-called “coalition of the willing,” insist that the initial plan to deploy peacekeeping forces on Ukrainian territory after the war is still feasible. However, other countries, including Germany, are more skeptical, especially considering that the United States is unlikely to support the initiative.
French and British leaders believe that deploying peacekeepers would help maintain Europe’s involvement in ceasefire negotiations and bolster Ukrainian morale. Still, one European official reportedly called the plan “dead,” stating it would be impossible to implement without Donald Trump’s support.
Meanwhile, another French official told reporters that work on the plan is continuing “at a normal pace” and that claims of its collapse are “completely untrue.”

Russia Plans to Connect Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant to Its Power Grid — NYT Cites Greenpeace Report
Russia is planning to connect the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) to its own power grid, The New York Times reports, citing a new Greenpeace report.
Satellite imagery reveals that since February, Russia has been constructing over 80 kilometers of power lines and transmission towers between the occupied cities of Mariupol and Berdyansk, running along the Sea of Azov coastline.
According to Greenpeace, the project aims to link these new power lines to a major substation already connected to the ZNPP, which is located about 225 kilometers away.
The Kremlin may be seeking to integrate the plant into the power system of Russia’s Rostov region. If completed, this would mark the first time in history that an aggressor state has seized a nuclear facility in another country and used it for its own energy needs.
Restarting the facility could be extremely dangerous. More than three years into the war, critical equipment at the plant has yet to be replaced, and many experienced Ukrainian staff have left. The destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant has also deprived ZNPP of its primary source of water for cooling both the reactors and spent fuel.

People like Zelenskyy are unfortunately few and far between.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-may-27-2025

Key Takeaways:

• The Kremlin is setting conditions to establish permanent control over the Russian-occupied Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), suggesting that Russia plans to illegally occupy and annex additional territory in Ukraine.
• Russian officials are likely leveraging the fact that Ukraine and Russia set no concrete deadlines for the next steps in the peace process in order to delay the process altogether and prolong the war.
• Putin continues to use orchestrated public engagements to forward the Kremlin's effort to create a militarized Russian society united against the West that supports a prolonged war in Ukraine and possible future conflict with NATO.
• The European Union (EU) Council approved the first phase of the European Commission’s ReArm Europe/Readiness 2030 plan.
• Ukraine's Western allies continue to provide military aid to Ukraine.
• Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Chasiv Yar. Russian forces recently advanced near Vovchansk, Kupyansk, and Pokrovsk.

Germany's new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has told Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky that Berlin will help Kyiv produce long-range missiles to defend itself from Russian attack.
"We want to talk about production and we will not publicly discuss details," he said, when asked by reporters in Berlin if Germany would supply Kyiv with its Taurus missiles.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cpw7vllepx7o

I just wish the whole of Europe had got wholeheartedly behind Ukraine from the start. All these incremental changes are good but think if we'd backed them to the hilt from day one.
Ukraine holds the line for us all against Putin.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Russia proposes (kyivindependent.com/russia-proposes-next-round-of-russia-ukraine-talks-on-june-2-in-istanbul-lavrov-says/) next round of Russia-Ukraine talks on June 2 in Istanbul.

⚡️Ukraine sends ceasefire memo (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-sends-ceasefire-memo-urges-russia-to-respond-ahead-of-june-2-peace-talks-umerov-says/), urges Russia to respond ahead of June 2 peace talks, Umerov says.

⚡️Turkey, Belgium to join (kyivindependent.com/turkey-belgium-to-join-drone-coalition-for-ukraine/) drone coalition for Ukraine.
With the addition of Belgium and Turkey, the drone coalition will grow to 20 member states.

⚡️Trump holds off on sanctions (https://kyivindependent.com/trump-holds-off-on-sanctions-to-push-ukraine-russia-peace-efforts/) to push Ukraine-Russia peace efforts. 

⚡️Update: Turkey's FM to visit (kyivindependent.com/turkeys-fm-reportedly-to-visit-kyiv-after-discussing-ukraine-peace-efforts-with-putin/) Kyiv on May 29-30 after discussing Ukraine peace efforts with Putin, media reports.

⚡️ Belarus to scale down Zapad military drills (kyivindependent.com/belarus-to-scale-down-zapad-military-drills-to-reduce-tensions-minsk-says/) to 'reduce tensions,' Minsk claims.
Belarus will reduce the parameters of the upcoming Zapad-2025 military drills and move maneuvers further inland from the western border to reduce tensions in the region, Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin claimed on May 28.

⚡️ Zelensky confirms (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-confirms-his-participation-in-next-g7-summit-in-june/) his participation in G7 summit in June.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney invited Zelensky in March to attend the summit, shortly after he took office.

⚡️EU announces (https://kyivindependent.com/eu-mulls-black-sea-security-strategy-to-counter-russian-threats-top-diplomat-says/) new Black Sea security strategy to counter Russian threats, top diplomat says.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas proposed creating a Black Sea Maritime Security Hub, envisioned as an early warning and monitoring system that would enhance situational awareness and protect key infrastructure.

⚡️Update: Ukrainian drones hit cruise missile factory (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-shot-down-over-moscow-mayor-claims/) near Moscow, source says.
Ukrainian long-range drones hit the Raduga ("rainbow" in English) enterprise, which produces cruise missiles, in the town of Dubna in Moscow Oblast, a source in the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) told the Kyiv Independent on May 28.

⚡️Electronics plant in St. Petersburg on fire (kyivindependent.com/electronics-plant-in-st-petersburg-on-fire-following-explosions-local-media-reports/) following explosions, local officials report.
An Avangard electronics plant reportedly caught fire in the Russian city of St. Petersburg following a series of explosions, local Telegram channels and officials reported overnight on May 29

⚡️Germany pledges (kyivindependent.com/germany-announces-massive-new-ukraine-arms-package-but-no-taurus-missiles/) 5 billion euros in new aid to Ukraine, no Taurus missiles announced.

⚡️ Taurus missiles (kyivindependent.com/taurus-missiles-for-ukraine-within-the-realm-of-possibility-germanys-merz-says/) for Ukraine 'within the realm of possibility,' Germany's Merz says.

⚡️ Germany to do 'everything' to prevent Nord Stream 2 (kyivindependent.com/germany-to-do-everything-to-prevent-nord-stream-2-restart-merz-says/) restart, Merz says.

⚡️UN commission says Russian drone attacks (kyivindependent.com/un-comissions-says-kherson-drone-attacks-amount-to-crimes-against-humanity/) against Kherson amount to crimes against humanity.

⚡️ Putin-Zelensky meeting possible (kyivindependent.com/putin-zelensky-meeting-possible-after-specific-agreements-russia-says/) after 'specific agreements,' Russia says.

⚡️Putin's Ukraine peace demands (kyivindependent.com/putins-demands-for-ending-war-in-ukraine-include-natos-refusal-to-expand-eastward-lifting-sanctions-reuters-reports/) include ban on NATO's eastward expansion, lifting sanctions, Reuters reports.
"(Vladimir) Putin is ready to make peace but not at any price," one senior Russian source told Reuters.

⚡️Russia to 'strongly' feel (https://kyivindependent.com/western-sanctions-to-become-tangible-for-russia-in-early-summer-of-2026-zelensky-says/) Western sanctions impact by mid-2026, Zelensky says. 
President Volodymyr Zelensky hopes that in June 2026, there will be no more war in Ukraine, but Russia will still feel the pressure of sanctions.

⚡️ US won't support Russia's demand for Ukraine's withdrawal from 4 regions, Zelensky says. (https://kyivindependent.com/us-wont-support-russias-demand-for-ukraines-withdrawal-from-4-regions-zelensky-says/)

⚡️Russia aims to produce (kyivindependent.com/russia-aims-to-produce-500-drones-per-day-zelensky-says/) 500 drones per day, Zelensky says.

⚡️ Germany, Ukraine to sign memorandum (kyivindependent.com/germany-to-help-finance-ukrainian-made-long-range-systems-merz-says/) on purchasing Ukrainian-made long-range systems, Merz says.
Berlin will also help finance the operations of Starlink in Ukraine.
"There will be no restrictions on long-range weapons, Ukraine will be able to fully defend itself and also strike military targets outside the territory of Ukraine," Merz said alongside President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Moscow is planning to deploy multiple Oreshnik missile systems to Belarus by the end of 2025, State Secretary of Belarus' Security Council Alexander Volfovich said on May 28.

⚡️ Russian-linked hackers (kyivindependent.com/russian-linked-hackers-targeted-uk-defense-ministry-while-posing-as-journalists/) target UK Defense Ministry while posing as journalists.
The cyber attack was detected and thwarted, the British government said, unveiling a new cyber command tasked with managing both offensive and defensive cyber efforts.

⚡️Russian official involved in attacks on Ukraine's Mariupol killed (kyivindependent.com/russian-official-involved-in-war-against-ukraine-killed-in-stavropol-explosion/) in Stavropol explosion.
An explosion in Russia’s Stavropol on May 28 killed Zaur Gurtsyev, the city's deputy mayor who participated in Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine.

⚡️Over half of Azov fighters returned (kyivindependent.com/over-half-of-azov-fighters-returned-to-ukraine-official-says/) to Ukraine, official says.
A total of 1,279 of the approximately 2,500 Azov fighters held in Russian captivity have been returned to Ukraine since being captured, including 455 from the Azov Brigade, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said on May 28.
The confirmed statistic, which includes soldiers in multiple units who fought to defend the Azovstal Steel Plant in Mariupol, comes amid social media outcry criticizing authorities for failing to return certain captives, including Azov fighters, during the war's largest 1,000-for-1,000 POW exchange.

⚡️US court blocks (kyivindependent.com/us-court-blocks-most-trumps-tariffs-rules-he-exceeded-authority/) most of Trump's tariffs, rules he exceeded authority.
The court struck down the 10% tariffs applied to all U.S. trading partners to address the trade deficit. This means that the court would also block tariffs on trade with Ukraine.

⚡️ Durov announces (kyivindependent.com/durov-announces-telegrams-partnership-with-musks-xai/) Telegram's partnership with Musk's xAI, who says no deal signed yet.
"Elon Musk and I have agreed to a one-year partnership to bring xAI’s chatbot Grok to our billion+ users and integrate it across all Telegram apps," Pavel Durov said.

⚡️ Elon Musk announces exit (kyivindependent.com/musk-announces-exit-from-us-government/) from US government role.

⚡️Remaining Voice of America employees expected to receive termination (kyivindependent.com/remaining-voice-of-america-employees-expected-to-be-terminated-this-week-politico-reports/) notice this week, Politico reports.
Approximately 800 remaining full-time Voice of America (VOA) employees are expected to receive a notice of termination this week amid the Trump administration's funding cuts, Politico reported on May 28, citing four VOA employees.

⚡️11 more Ukrainian children rescued (kyivindependent.com/11-more-ukrainian-children-rescued-from-russian-occupied-territories-yermaks-advisor-says/) from Russian-occupied territories, Yermak's advisor says.
Among those rescued is a young girl whose mother and brother, both defenders of the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, spent more than three years in Russian captivity.

⚡️Russian attacks (kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-against-ukraine-killed-3-injured-27/) against Ukraine kill 3, injure 27 over past day.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 5m
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA — MAY 29, 2025
■ Combat engagements remain high; casualties slightly exceed 7-day average
■ Equipment losses remain relatively low
■ Shelling intensifies; 🇷🇺 strikes above average levels

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Ukraine and Germany have signed a €2.2 billion contract for the production of IRIS-T air defense systems and missiles, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced.

The Russian side refuses to hand over foreign citizens to Ukraine during prisoner exchanges, as it seeks to influence Russia’s relations with the countries whose nationals are being held, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
He also noted that Russia refuses to exchange Belarusian citizens who are fighting on Ukraine’s side.

Belgium and Türkiye have joined the international drone coalition for Ukraine, led by Latvia and the United Kingdom, bringing the total number of participating countries to 20.
According to the Latvian Ministry of Defense, coalition members have pledged to allocate at least €2.75 billion by the end of the year for the purchase of drones and support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

🇪🇺 According to a Eurobarometer survey, 59% of EU citizens support the purchase and supply of military equipment to Ukraine.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine remains the most important issue at the EU level, cited by 27% of respondents—ahead of the international situation (24%) and security and defense (20%).
Additionally, 77% of Europeans agree that Russia’s invasion poses a threat to EU security.

Canada may join the European rearmament initiative ReArm Europe, according to CBC News.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said he hopes Canada can become part of the major European defense plan by July 1—a move aimed at reducing the country’s reliance on the United States for defense and ammunition.
“Seventy-five cents out of every dollar of defense capital spending goes to the United States. That’s not reasonable,” Carney said in a televised interview.
Since taking office, Carney has engaged in talks with the European Union about joining the plan, which envisions $1.25 trillion in defense spending across the continent over the next five years.
“We’re making significant progress on that, and we’d like to see something concrete by Canada Day,” he said.
Carney also addressed U.S. demands for NATO allies to boost defense spending to 5% of GDP. Speaking to Power & Politics, he said Canada will spend what is reasonable and will not commit to a fixed percentage.
He affirmed that Canada will increase defense spending, but emphasized it will be done in a way that serves national interests. Currently, Canada allocates 1.37% of its GDP to defense.

[more info]
In Stavropol, Major Zaur Gurtsiev, who led the shelling of Mariupol, was killed in a grenade explosion.
According to Russian media, Gurtsiev and another man were drinking alcohol on a bench near a residential building on Chekhov Street.
Preliminary reports indicate that an unknown individual threw a grenade at Gurtsiev and his companion. Both died in the explosion.

In Octber, Putin appointed Gurtsiev as the first deputy head of Stavropol.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Putin is preparing to demand a formal written promise from the West that NATO will not expand eastward — Reuters
Among Russia’s other demands: a neutral Ukraine, the lifting of sanctions, the unfreezing of Russian assets, and “protection” for Russian-speaking Ukrainians.

Russia claims to have intercepted nearly 50 Ukrainian drones overnight, (https://www.kyivpost.com/post/53567) with explosions reported near Moscow and a key military-linked plant catching fire in St. Petersburg.

The EU has launched its €150 billion SAFE program, (www.kyivpost.com/post/53516) which aims to support member states investing in joint defense procurement and also to strengthen Ukrainian defense industry.

Zelensky: Ukraine needs $30B to fully kickstart domestic arms production. (www.kyivpost.com/post/53505) “We’re underutilized by this amount – for missiles, drones, shells. This is what war costs.”

“Adversaries increasing alignment” — US bill warns trump to disrupt growing Russia, Iran, China ties. (https://www.kyivpost.com/post/53559)

Suspected undercar booby trap bomb was discovered under yet another senior Russian military officer’s vehicle in Moscow (www.kyivpost.com/post/53515) as the assassination campaign against those responsible for planning the war against Ukraine continues.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇪🇺🇺🇦The European Union intends to extend temporary protection for Ukrainian nationals until March 2027, according to Ukraine’s ambassador to the EU, Vsevolod Chentsov.
The decision is expected to be made during the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg on June 12–13.

Russia is upgrading nuclear weapons storage facilities — and doing so with materials from Western companies, according to an investigation by Danish outlet Danwatch and Germany’s Der Spiegel.
Satellite imagery shows that over the past decade, Russia has modernized a significant number of missile launch facilities near the city of Yasny, close to the Kazakh border.
Among the updated sites is the base of the 621st Missile Regiment, where new roads, buildings, and protective structures have been constructed. A similar overhaul is underway at the base of the 368th Missile Regiment, located 17 kilometers away. Both regiments are equipped with the Avangard strategic nuclear systems.
The journalists reviewed over two million documents related to Russian military procurement and found that, alongside developing new weaponry, Russia has also been building entirely new military facilities.
“Entire bases have been almost completely flattened and rebuilt from scratch — hundreds of new barracks, watchtowers, command centers, and storage units have been erected, along with several kilometers of underground tunnels,” Danwatch reports.
Tender documents reveal that the Russian military has used products from Western manufacturers for these construction projects — including cement, plaster, adhesives, insulation, and soundproofing materials. Notably, materials from the German company Knauf appear to be used frequently.

❗️Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky canceled his planned participation in the Charlemagne Prize ceremony honoring European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Aachen, Spiegel reports.
According to the outlet, the decision was made at the last minute due to the growing Russian threat in the Sumy region.

could anyone possibly do Sunday morning please? Going for a rare night away on Saturday =)