Ukraine Invasion: Part 61

[MagicFox]

Welcome to thread 61 with many thanks to all So many thanks to all contributors and a special salute to those providing daily updates. For the 61st time, Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

**
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Poor JD. He couldn’t stop Hungary from ousting Orban either and chastising the pope on matters of theology wasn’t a good look.

Let’s not forget that some 70% of the US aid authorised by the Biden administration for Ukraine was paid to US defence companies supplying Ukraine with military equipment whilst also providing jobs and income to American workers and cities where the equipment was being manufactured. It’s doubtful that any of those would be pleased if Vance tried to stop the transfer.

As an aside, it’s also interesting that most of the news is about what the executive branch has enacted or halted. We hardly hear about Congress or Senate anymore. Plus, wouldn’t it be great if Trump was irritated by: The Kremlin also reportedly used the Trump-Putin call to scold Trump for US-Israeli operations against Iran. …And also checking in for thread 61…

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Ukraine's central bank slashes growth outlook amid (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-central-bank-slashes-growth-outlook-amid-iran-fallout/) Iran fallout.
The bank forecast 1.8% growth in 2026 for Ukraine in January, but announced the drop to 1.3% on April 30 during a press conference to announce its key policy rate.

⚡️ 15 million Ukrainians require mental health support amid (kyivindependent.com/15-ukrainians-require-mental-health-support-amid-new-war-driven-crisis-irc-says/) new war-driven crisis, IRC says.
The IRC assessment estimates that 15 million people in Ukraine now need psychological support, with 60% of those seeking help struggling with anxiety and one in five with depression.

⚡️Ukraine launches arms-buying coalition (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-launches-multinational-procurement-coalition-signaling-possible-path-to-arms-exports/) with European allies, signaling path to arms exports.
The initiative will initially focus on information sharing between Ukraine and partner procurement bodies, with the possibility of expanding into joint procurement mechanisms in the future.

⚡️American general confirms Russia aiding Iran (kyivindependent.com/american-general-confirms-russia-aiding-iran-in-war-against-us/) in war with US.
U.S. General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee Russia was "definitely" acting to support Iran, but declined to provide details in a public hearing.

⚡️Defense Ministry watchdog calls for suspending (kyivindependent.com/defense-ministry-watchdog-calls-for-firing-top-official-nationalizing-drone-maker-firepoint-over-graft-scandal/) top security official, nationalizing drone maker over graft scandal.
The statement followed the publication of a transcript of alleged conversations between Rustem Umerov, secretary of the Security and Defense Council and former defense minister, and Timur Mindich, a close associate of President Volodymyr Zelensky.

⚡️Kyiv to buy 8,000 Octopus interceptor drones (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-military-to-gain-8-000-octopus-interceptor-drones/) for Ukrainian military.
The Octopus is a Ukrainian-made self-guided interceptor designed to take down Shahed-type strike drones.

⚡️Kyiv, Brussels back international commission on Russia war reparations (https://kyivindependent.com/kyiv-brussels-back-international-commission-on-russia-war-reparations/).

⚡️ Exclusive: (kyivindependent.com/exclusive-ukraines-finance-ministry-quietly-working-to-convince-mps-to-vote-for-unpopular-tax-change/) Ukraine’s Finance Ministry quietly working to convince MPs to vote for unpopular tax change.
Ukraine’s Finance Ministry is hoping to convince MPs to vote for unpopular tax changes — needed to keep receiving cash for foreign donors — with improvements to electronic tax filing systems.

Fake rabbi curse, banned pilgrimage — Russian disinformation (kyivindependent.com/fake-rabbi-curse-russian-disinformation-fans-ukraine-israel-tensions/) fuels Ukraine–Israel tensions
Russian disinformation networks have sought to fan the recent tensions between Ukraine and Israel over shipments of stolen Ukrainian grain, a monitoring group told the Kyiv Independent on April 29.

⚡️ ‘New level’ Ukraine strikes cost Russia $7 billion in oil revenue (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-strikes-cost-russia-7-billion-in-oil-revenue-in-2026-zelensky-says/) in 2026, Zelensky says.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine plans to further expand its long-range strike capabilities.

⚡️Russia's battered Tuapse oil refinery (kyivindependent.com/russias-hard-hit-tuapse-oil-refinery-struck-by-ukrainian-drones-for-4th-time-as-fires-ravage-site/) attacked by Ukrainian drones for 4th time as fires ravage site.

⚡️Military releases video of Ukrainian drones striking (kyivindependent.com/military-releases-video-of-ukrainian-drones-striking-key-russian-drone-development-facility/) key Russian drone development complex.
Ukrainian drones struck a key Russian drone development complex in occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast, causing damage to multiple facilities, the 413th "Raid" Regiment of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces reported on April 30.

⚡️ (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-ternopil-struck-in-mass-russian-daytime-drone-attack/) Ukraine’s Ternopil struck in mass Russian daytime drone attack.

Explosions were reported in the city early in the afternoon and are ongoing, with multiple blasts reported across the city, according to Suspilne.

⚡️Russia's Leningrad Oblast 'now a frontline region (kyivindependent.com/russias-leningrad-oblast-now-a-frontline-region-local-governor-says-following-recent-ukrainian-attacks/),' local governor says following recent Ukrainian attacks.
In recent weeks, Ukraine has intensified its attack on oil infrastructure in Leningrad Oblast, primarily targeting oil terminals in the port cities of Ust-Luga and Primorsk.

⚡️Update: Ukraine taking aim at Russia's 'shadow grain fleet,' (kyivindependent.com/ship-with-stolen-ukrainian-grain-rejected/)Zelensky says after Israel turns away ship.
Ukraine is "building a system to counter the shadow grain fleet," President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 30. Earlier that day, a ship carrying stolen Ukrainian grain departed Israeli waters without unloading its shipment.

⚡️Pro-Russian member of EU parliament invites (kyivindependent.com/members-of-european-parliament-invited-to-st-petersburg-by-pro-russian-colleague/) other lawmakers to St Petersburg.
Kartheiser, a Luxembourgish politician, said on Facebook that he and "other MEPs" met with the head of the Russian Duma's International Affairs Committee, Leonid Slutsky, and other Russian politicians in Istanbul.
The Russia-linked bot network "Matryoshka" has circulated videos falsely claiming that an Orthodox rabbi "cursed" President Volodymyr Zelensky due to the dispute, or that Ukraine may bar Israelis from the Uman pilgrimage, Antibot4Navalny said.

⚡️Parliament lays ground for expansion (kyivindependent.com/parliament-lays-ground-for-expansion-of-official-military-cemetries-across-regions-with-adoption-of-new-law-2/) of official military cemeteries across regions with adoption of new law.
As of early 2026, Ukraine has opened a national military cemetery outside Kyiv, a controversy-ridden project that began accepting its first burials in late 2025.

⚡️'Incomprehensible' — Ukrainian athlete speaks out (kyivindependent.com/shocking-absurd-ukrainian-lifter-hits-back-after-photo-controversy-with-russian-athlete/) on rebuke for refusing photo with Russian competitor.
Ukrainian weightlifter Iryna Dombrovska told the Kyiv Independent it was "absurd" to claim "sport is above politics" while Russia continues to kill Ukrainian athletes.

⚡️Venice Art Biennale’s jury resigns in protest (https://kyivindependent.com/with-the-prestigious-art-festival-days-away-venice-biennales-jury-resigns-in-protest/) over Russian, Israeli presence just days before festival starts.
The five-member jury of the Venice Biennale announced on April 30 that it would resign in protest, just one week after it was announced that they would refrain from considering the work of countries whose leaders were charged with crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court.

⚡️Melania Trump helped bring back 26 Ukrainian children (kyivindependent.com/she-helps-us-a-lot-melania-trump-aided-in-bringing-back-26-ukrainian-children-since-last-year-ukraines-ombudsman-says/) taken by Russia, Ukraine’s ombudsman says.

⚡️ At least 1 killed, 52 injured (kyivindependent.com/at-least-1-killed-and-52-injured-in-russian-attacks-on-ukraine-over-past-day/) in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬
‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 4h
⚡️ RUSSIA'S WAR AGAINST UKRAINE — MAY 1, 2026
■ Another day of record land-based equipment losses and high casualties; no confirmed territorial changes
■ Record unarmored vehicle losses, increased drone losses, and high artillery losses
■ Overnight attacks below average (all drones); good interception rate
■ 16 🇺🇦 strikes reported; 🇷🇺 drone launches and shelling above average; 7.8× strike ratio (30-day <20)

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

❗️Russia could target Ukraine’s water supply systems, and authorities are urging residents to stockpile water.
This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister for Recovery and Minister of Community and Territorial Development Oleksii Oleksiy Kuleba.
He said such attacks cannot be accurately predicted, so preparations are underway across the country. Critical infrastructure is being reinforced, backup power is being installed at water utilities and pumping stations, and alternative water supply systems are being developed.

😄 The Kremlin has commented for the first time in three years on the decline of the Russian economy.
“This is an expected process. The expected process of cooling the economy has taken place, and it has its results. All this is aimed at ensuring macroeconomic stability. A decline is possible, and it is happening. The government and the president are taking measures and developing solutions aimed at shifting this negative trend toward growth,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
According to Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development, the economy ended the first quarter of 2026 with a GDP decline of 0.3%, the first contraction since early 2023.
The ministry also reported declines in non-resource industries (-0.7%), construction (-10%), freight transport turnover (-3.4%), and wholesale trade (-0.5%).
The Russian government is forecasting GDP growth of 1.3% for this year, but challenges linked to the war and sanctions have already resulted in regional budget deficits of 1.478 trillion rubles and falling profits across most large companies.

Russian archaeologist Alexander Butyagin said he would continue illegal excavations in temporarily occupied Crimea.
He also expressed his intention to resume the archaeological expedition in the summer of 2026.
“There are still reports to complete, and since I lost five months, this is significant time. I believe others could find themselves in a similar position, and the work should continue,” Butyagin said.

At one of Russia’s largest refineries in Perm, a key AVT-4 primary oil processing unit and at least four tanks were hit.
This is one of the largest oil refineries in Russia, with a capacity of nearly 13 million tons per year, supplying fuel to both civilian consumers and the military.
As a result of the strike, the vacuum and atmospheric rectification columns caught fire, effectively disabling the AVT-4 unit.
Monitoring sources report that the fire also spread to the tank farm.
The drones also struck the Perm Linear Production and Dispatch Station again today, which ensures oil supply to the plant. The hit caused another fire.

In April, Ukraine increased its attacks on Russian oil infrastructure to a four-month high, carrying out at least 21 strikes, Bloomberg reports.
The targets included refineries, export terminals, and pipelines. As a result, Russian refinery utilization rates fell to a multi-year low.

Hungary’s incoming Prime Minister Péter Magyar is seeking from Kyiv almost the same concessions as his predecessor Viktor Orbán to unblock Ukraine’s EU accession talks, — Bloomberg.
According to the report, the EU is pressuring Magyar to move away from Orbán’s stance, which opposed the official start of Ukraine’s accession negotiations.
At a meeting with European Council President António Costa on April 29, Magyar outlined conditions that largely mirror the 11 demands Orbán presented to Kyiv in 2024, including expanding the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine and access to education in the Hungarian language.
Ukrainian authorities, for their part, have emphasized their readiness to meet these conditions and have repeatedly stated that the rights of the Hungarian minority are protected.
Journalists requested comments from both sides. While Péter Magyar has not yet responded, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he is ready to meet with him “in a bilateral or any other format.”
“We are working on all issues related to our Hungarian minority. They are our citizens, like everyone else. Maybe not everything is resolved yet. But, to be honest, there is no real problem here,” the president said.
During the election campaign, Magyar promised to restore the rule of law in Hungary and “return” the country to the EU.
At the same time, he shares Orbán’s position that Budapest is responsible for ethnic Hungarians in neighboring countries, a stance that has already caused friction with Slovakia.

Russian forces attacked civilian infrastructure in the Odesa region overnight: five people were injured.

Russian forces attacked five gas stations in the Kharkiv region with drones this morning, — the State Emergency Service reported.
Fires broke out at two of them — in the Slobidskyi district of Kharkiv and in Chuhuiv.
The explosions damaged gas station equipment, 10 cars, and a car wash building.
Two men, born in 1970 and 1989, were injured. One of them was hospitalized.

There were more than 50 Shahed drones over Ternopil today. More than 20 explosions were heard. There were strikes on industrial and infrastructure facilities in the city. As of now, ten people are known to have been injured, some of them in serious condition. There is no information about fatalities, Mayor Serhiy Nadal reported.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Zelensky said Russia may seek sanctions relief (www.kyivpost.com/post/75129) for certain companies in exchange for a ceasefire in Ukraine, warning that such proposals pose significant risks for Kyiv.

Putin tightens his grip on Russia’s internet, (www.kyivpost.com/post/75161) banning Starlink and choking mobile access nationwide to cut millions off from independent information in a deliberate push to isolate the population and tighten state control.

The United States delivered around 6,500 tons of weapons (www.kyivpost.com/post/75165) and military equipment to Israel within 24 hours in a large-scale logistics operation involving sea and air transport, as the war with Iran continues despite an ongoing ceasefire.

Leaders from just four countries — Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Slovakia — are expected to attend Moscow’s Victory Day parade, according to Insider.
The figure marks a sharp drop from last year, when leaders from 27 countries, including China, Serbia and Brazil, were present.

Russia fired a record number of long-range attack drones at Ukraine (www.kyivpost.com/post/75170) in April, ramping up daytime strikes in what Kyiv says is a tactic intended to inflict greater civilian harm.

Ukrainian military intelligence said the Chechen unit had suffered its heaviest losses (www.kyivpost.com/post/75195) since Russia’s full-scale invasion began, including 41 killed, 87 wounded, and 100-plus fighters missing.

Alfred Kammer talks to Kyiv Post (www.kyivpost.com/interviews/75062) about the shocks Europe faces from the Middle East war, priorities for his successors, Ukraine’s IMF progress, pressure on the Hryvnia, and tax votes in parliament.

Trump again claimed that the Biden administration gave Ukraine $350 (www.kyivpost.com/post/75140) billion — a figure widely disputed by fact-checkers.
He argued that American support prolonged the war and suggested the fighting could have ended without Washington’s backing.

Ukraine’s parliament has ratified a convention to establish an international compensation commission for damages caused by Russia’s invasion, (www.kyivpost.com/post/75117) the foreign ministry said.

Ukraine’s damage register now accepts claims for infrastructure and business losses. (www.kyivpost.com/post/75108)
Companies and state entities can file for compensation for damaged assets under an international mechanism.

Tokyo-based Stock Exchange-listed drone giant Terra Drone is expanding its Ukrainian portfolio (www.kyivpost.com/post/75116) by investing in fixed-wing interceptors designed to neutralize low-cost kamikaze drones.

Canada’s first female military chief says the West is learning from Ukraine, (www.kyivpost.com/post/74957) as Kyiv trains instructors, strengthens NATO readiness and shows why a Russian defeat matters far beyond Europe.

“Russia is losing. Some may think it’s too early to call—but what we are witnessing is a turn in the tide.”
In this episode of Point of Impact, military analyst Chuck Pfarrer breaks down the staggering numbers behind the collapse of Putin’s 2026 Spring offensive.
Watch the full video on our website.
https://www.kyivpost.com/videos/75126

Belgium joins the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression (www.kyivpost.com/post/75138) against Ukraine, becoming the 24th state to back efforts to hold Russia’s political and military leadership accountable for the invasion.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has sent another mission to Ukraine to assess the condition of electrical substations that ensure the stable operation of nuclear power plants. The team will visit 14 substations.
According to Denys Shmyhal, Russia attempted to destroy these substations during the winter, posing a threat to the stable operation of nuclear power plants and to nuclear safety across Europe.

🇮🇱 Israel has asked Kyiv to provide evidence that the vessel PANORMITIS was carrying stolen Ukrainian grain.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry said Ukraine’s request did not include sufficient proof and that the case contained “significant gaps.” It has asked Ukraine’s prosecutors to provide additional information.
▪️Earlier today, the vessel left Israel’s coast and headed into international waters.

🇧🇬 In Bulgaria, the pro-Russian party Vazrazhdane has proposed terminating the bilateral security agreement with Ukraine.
The draft resolution was introduced to parliament by MP Petar Petrov. He claims the government approved the agreement without parliamentary consent and argues that the document poses risks to Bulgaria’s national security due to its long duration — the agreement is set for 10 years.
The party has also submitted a separate resolution to revoke Bulgaria’s approval of state guarantees worth €1.2 billion. These guarantees are part of the EU’s €90 billion credit program for Ukraine.
Vazrazhdane argues that repayment of these funds remains uncertain, as it is tied to potential future reparations from Russia. The party says the money should instead be directed toward Bulgaria’s domestic needs.
▪️In the most recent parliamentary elections in Bulgaria, the party “Progressive Bulgaria,” backed by President Rumen Radev, came to power. Radev is considered to have closer ties with Russia than any other Bulgarian leader in recent years.

Ukrainians have grown less confident in security guarantees from Europe and the United States in the event of another Russian attack, according to a survey by Kyiv International Institute of Sociology.
According to the poll, at the beginning of the year 59% of Ukrainians expected Europe to provide the necessary support to repel a renewed attack. That figure has now dropped to 52%.
Trust in the United States has declined more sharply. While in January there was a near-even split between those who believed in U.S. support and those who did not, by April 57% of Ukrainians said they do not believe the U.S. would provide the necessary assistance.

💥 Ukrainian drones struck facilities linked to one of Russia’s key drone developers, the 413th Separate Regiment “Raid” reported.
The targets included a deployment site and workshops in Zaporizhzhia region, where Russian forces manufacture drones, ground robotic systems, and communications equipment.
The BARS-Sarmat center is a key element within Russia’s unmanned systems forces, bringing together military personnel and engineers to develop and test UAVs, electronic warfare systems, and robotics.

Russia launched 210 attack drones against Ukraine overnight, with air defenses shooting down 190 of them.
Twenty UAVs struck targets across 14 locations, while debris fell in another 10 areas.
🔴Odesa. Two drones hit residential high-rise buildings in the Khadzhibey district. Two people are reported injured. Russian forces also targeted port infrastructure in the region.
🔴Dnipropetrovsk region. One person was injured in Kryvyi Rih. Russian forces also attacked infrastructure in several districts of the region.
🔴Kherson. At around 6:00 a.m., Russian forces attacked a 65-year-old cyclist in the Dniprovskyi district. The man was killed.
🔴Kharkiv. The city has been under attack since the morning. So far, one person is reported injured.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️US plans to withdraw 5,000 troops (kyivindependent.com/us-withdraws-5000-troops-from-germany-amid-rising-transatlantic-tensions/) from Germany amid rising transatlantic tensions.
The Pentagon announced the troop withdrawal on May 1, following a week of sharp exchanges between U.S. President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

⚡️ Exclusive: (kyivindependent.com/heres-why-trumps-envoys-arent-going-to-ukraine/) Here’s why Trump’s envoys aren’t going to Ukraine.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are not rushing to visit Kyiv as concerns grow in Washington that renewed engagement in Ukraine peace talks may again produce no tangible results, the Kyiv Independent has learned.

⚡️Estonia wants to involve (https://kyivindependent.com/estonia-wants-to-involve-nato-forces-in-countering-little-green-men-threats/)NATO forces in countering 'little green men' threats.
A government-backed bill, still requiring parliamentary approval, would expand the Estonian military's law-enforcement role in tackling hybrid threats.

⚡️Zelensky announces pay raises (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-announces-pay-raises-service-rules-in-upcoming-army-reform/), new service terms in army reform.
Updated contracts should allow previously mobilized soldiers to leave service, with timelines yet to be determined. According to Zelensky's statement, he also had instructed officials to significantly raise salaries, prioritizing fairness based on combat duties, experience, and effectiveness.

⚡️Ukraine strikes Russian airfield (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-strikes-russian-airfield-damaging-2-fighter-jets/) nearly 1,700 kilometers away, damages 2 fighter jets, General Staff says.
Ukrainian forces hit a Su-57 and a Su-34 fighter jet on May 1 at the Shagol airfield in Chelyabinsk, Russia, the General Staff said.

⚡️Ukrainian company unveils new mid-range drone (kyivindependent.com/lightweight-but-most-importantly-cheap-ukraines-new-midrange-drone-designed-to-exhaust-russian-airdefence/) designed to exhaust Russian air defenses.
General Cherry, one of Ukraine's largest defense tech companies, has unveiled the "Khmarynka" — a low-cost, mid-range strike drone modeled on Russia's Molniya and designed for mass production.

⚡️Czechia allows Fico's Moscow flight (kyivindependent.com/czechia-allows-ficos-moscow-flight-as-neighbors-close-airspace-for-victory-day/) as neighbors close airspace for Victory Day.
Czechia has granted permission for Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to fly over its airspace en route to Russia for the May 9 Victory Day parade, a Czech Foreign Ministry spokesman said, even as several European countries have blocked the trip.

General Staff: Russia has lost (kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russia-has-lost-1-332-950-troops-in-ukraine-since-feb-24-2022/) 1,332,950 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022.
Russia has lost around 1,332,950 troops in Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported on May 2. The number includes 1,240 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.

⚡️Trump threatens 25% EU car tariffs (kyivindependent.com/trump-threatens-25-eu-car-tariffs/), accuses bloc of 'not complying' with trade deal.
"If they produce Cars and Trucks in U.S.A. Plants, there will be NO TARIFF," U.S. President Donald Trump said. [How to make friends and influence people]

⚡️Russia targets (kyivindependent.com/russia-targets-infrastructure-across-ukraine-in-overnight-drone-attacks/) infrastructure across Ukraine in overnight drone attacks.

⚡️Russian attacks kill 2, injure 30 (kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-over-last-day-kill-2-and-injure-30/) in Ukraine.
In Kharkiv, an overnight Russian drone attack hit an apartment block, injuring two men and a woman, Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Synehubov reported on May 2.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 14m
⚡️ RUSSIA'S WAR AGAINST UKRAINE — MAY 2, 2026
■ Additional 🇷🇺 gains of 28 km² confirmed (269 km² over the last 30 days)
■ Casualties remain above average despite relatively few engagements
■ 9th-highest drone losses; record 7-day losses of land-based equipment and unarmored vehicles ■ Overnight attacks above average (all drones); decent interception rate
■ 12 🇺🇦 strikes reported; 🇷🇺/🇺🇦 strike ratio at 10.9× (30-day <20)

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

❗️Ukraine is launching a new large-scale project to support anti-corruption reforms. In the near future, with the assistance of Switzerland, the harmonization of Ukrainian legislation with the standards of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) will begin, — Head of the Presidential Office Kyrylo Budanov.

🤔 Russia has increased oil exports to Syria by 75%, becoming the country’s main supplier, — Reuters.
According to the agency, supplies have risen to around 60,000 barrels per day, effectively filling the gap left by Iran after it halted exports following the fall of the Assad regime.
Russian oil is cheaper for Syria than Brent, helping to address fuel shortages. The shipments are carried by vessels under Western sanctions, and their origin is not officially disclosed.
This strengthens Moscow’s position in the region and provides Damascus with a stable energy source amid limited supply options.

💥 Satellite images showing the aftermath of the UAV attack on the Shagol airfield in Russia’s Chelyabinsk region, about 1,700 km from the Ukrainian border, have appeared online.
Following the April 25 strike, two Su-57s and one Su-34 were redeployed. An image from April 26 shows efforts to deal with the consequences of the strike, according to the Ukrainian monitoring Telegram channel Exilenova+.
“Obviously, no one would carry a 100 kg warhead over such a distance. The aircraft are damaged, and that is enough to put them out of service,” the report says.

❗️ Russian attack on Ternopil: 36 aerial targets were recorded over the city, 27 of them were shot down by air defense, the regional military administration reported.
Nine targets hit civilian infrastructure. There were no fatalities. Of the 10 injured, six remain in medical facilities with moderate and minor injuries.
The person who had been in serious condition is now feeling better, added regional military administration head Taras Pastukh.
He also warned of the possibility of repeated attacks.

❗️ A Russian drone struck an apartment building in Kharkiv but failed to detonate, the State Emergency Service reported.
The UAV hit the 12th floor of a residential building. One resident was injured by glass fragments as a result of the impact.
Explosives technicians from the National Police removed the drone’s warhead. [and that was the damage to the apartment ~before~ it exploded!]

At around 7 a.m., Russian forces struck a minibus in Kherson with a drone, killing at least two people.
Seven other passengers were injured — six men and one woman, four of them utility workers. All have been hospitalized with preliminary diagnoses of blast-related injuries.

🇺🇦🥈 Ukrainian divers won silver at the World Cup Superfinal in Beijing.
Oleksii Sereda and Mark Hrytsenko became vice-champions in synchronized diving from the 10-meter platform.
The Ukrainian duo scored 404.28 points — their best result this season.
This was their first medal at competitions of this level.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Ukraine is preparing a major overhaul of its military service system. (www.kyivpost.com/post/75217)
Plans include higher pay, expanded contracts and future demobilisation, with base salaries set at Hr 30,000+ (about $750) and significantly more for combat roles.

Ukraine’s rising missile maker Fire Point has been drawn into a new scandal (www.kyivpost.com/post/75228) after being named in the so-called “Mindich Tapes”, with leaked calls allegedly implicating a former defence minister and raising fresh questions about the company.

🎙️New episode of the Off the Record podcast is out!
Canadian Senator and psychiatrist Stan Kutcher joins Natalka Cmoc to discuss supporting Ukraine’s youth amid war, sharing expert insight on trauma and resilience, along with his personal journey of reconnecting with his Ukrainian roots.
Watch now on our website.
www.kyivpost.com/videos/75213

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

❗️Ukraine is launching a military reform, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced.
Final approval of all key details is expected in May, with the reform set to begin in June. Here’s what it includes:
🔴The minimum salary for a soldier will be no less than 30,000 hryvnias (about $750) for rear positions. Commanders, combat sergeants, and officers will receive a “decent and significantly increased” level of pay.
🔴Special contracts for infantry soldiers with payments ranging from 250,000 to 400,000 hryvnias (about $6,200–$9,900), depending on combat duties performed.
🔴Changes to how units are staffed, including defined service terms and the possibility of introducing phased demobilization for those mobilized earlier, potentially starting this year.

🇨🇿 Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš will hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy tomorrow at a summit in Yerevan. This will be their first meeting since Babiš took office.
Babiš did not specify what exactly he plans to discuss with Zelenskyy, but said: “It is important that we meet.”
He also stated that he does not plan to visit Ukraine. However, he suggested they may meet again at a conference in Poland dedicated to Ukraine’s reconstruction.
▪️Babiš’s party, ANO, won the Czech elections in October 2025. Prior to that, he had threatened to cancel an initiative to supply ammunition to Ukraine. His party also advocates for an “immediate end to the war” between Ukraine and Russia and argues that military support only prolongs the conflict.
▪️In January this year, Babiš opposed transferring L-159 aircraft to Ukraine, despite approval from the country’s president.

[today]
Russia launched 163 drones against Ukraine overnight, with air defenses shooting down 142 of them.
Seventeen UAVs struck targets across 12 locations, while debris fell in two areas. Here’s what is known about the consequences:
🔴Kharkiv region. Six people were injured, including a child, after a strike on a residential area in the village of Vasyshcheve. A Russian drone also hit a high-rise building in Kharkiv overnight, injuring two people.
🔴Kherson. In the morning, a Russian drone struck a minibus — two people were killed and seven passengers were injured.
🔴Dnipropetrovsk region. Three people were injured in Pavlohrad. A five-story building and about a dozen cars were damaged. Russian forces also struck Kryvyi Rih, where a fire broke out.
🔴Odesa region. Russian forces again targeted port infrastructure in Izmail. No casualties were reported.

[yesterday]
Russian forces launched a massive daytime attack on Ukraine, with casualties reported. Here’s what is known across regions:
🔴Ternopil. More than 50 Shahed drones were recorded over the city today, around 20 of them exploded. Industrial and infrastructure facilities were hit. Ten people are reported injured. Parts of the city are without electricity.
🔴Vinnytsia region. A house was destroyed after debris from a Russian drone fell. A woman was injured.
🔴Odesa region. Russian forces struck a shopping center in Odesa district during the day, causing a fire. No casualties were reported.
🔴Kherson. Two residents were injured in Russian strikes in the morning.

In Ternopil, the number of people injured in the daytime Russian attack has risen to 11, with seven hospitalized.

Putin scolding Trump on Iran (assuming it is true) and assisting Iran against US in Iran is a slap in the face. Trump does not notice he is being taken for a fool?

Trump probably also did not notice how King Charles had subtly julienned him with scalpel precision.

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-may-1-2026/

Key Takeaways

1. Ukrainian forces struck Russian oil infrastructure in Krasnodar and Perm krais and Orenburg Oblast between April 29 and May 1, including a strike against the Tuapse Oil Refinery for the fourth time since April 1.
2. The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed that Ukrainian forces recently struck several Russian aircraft up to 1,676 kilometers from the international border.
3. Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure degraded the average output of Russian oil refineries to their lowest level since December 2009.
4. Neither Russian nor Ukrainian forces made confirmed advances on the frontline.
5. Russian forces launched 409 drones toward Ukraine overnight.

Checking in

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-may-2-2026/

Key Takeaways

1. Russian forces in April 2026 suffered a net loss of territory controlled in the Ukrainian theater for the first time since Ukraine’s August 2024 incursion into Kursk Oblast.
2. The relative decline in the rate of Russian advances may be related in part to annual seasonal patterns.
3. The rate of Russian advances has slowed in 2026 compared to 2025, but the changing character of the war, particularly Russia’s increased use of infiltration tactics over the course of 2025, makes year-on-year comparisons difficult.
4. The Kremlin uses Russian infiltration tactics in part to exaggerate Russian control of terrain.
5. ISW has reviewed and refined its mapping data and methodology, identifying and rectifying some data artifacts that did not affect the visible map geometry but did affect some calculations of area. These changes have not affected ISW’s previously assessed trendlines of the Russian rate of advance.
6. Russian milbloggers identified problems with the Russian air campaign and assessed that Russian forces may not be able to take advantage of reported increased bombing capabilities.
7. Russian forces recently advanced near Novopavlivka and in western Zaporizhia Oblast. Ukrainian forces recently advanced in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area.
8. Ukrainian forces likely struck a Russian air defense system during their April 30 to May 1 overnight strike against Krasnodar Krai.
9. Russian forces launched 163 drones toward Ukraine overnight.

hrm

Dr. Michael MacKay‬ ‪@michaelmackay.bsky.social‬
· 23h
A timeline: King Charles gives a speech to the U.S. Congress, rightly connecting NATO to American influence, power and prestige.

Terrorist leader Putin phones Trump to exercise reflexive control.

Russian asset Trump announces 5,000 U.S. troops will withdraw from Germany.

More evidence of Trump being a wanker, as if any more were actually needed.

https://www.theguardian.com/news/ng-interactive/2026/may/03/youre-not-one-of-us-are-you-how-a-ukrainian-soldier-survived-two-weeks-in-a-russian-dugout

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Poland's prime minister condemns NATO 'disintegration' (kyivindependent.com/polands-prime-minister-condemns-nato-disintegration-as-trump-says-us-will-further-reduce-troop-presence-in-europe/) as Trump says US will further reduce troop presence in Europe.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on May 2 condemned the "disintegration" of NATO from within as U.S. President Donald Trump said further reductions in American troops stationed in Europe are coming.

⚡️US to delay arms shipments (kyivindependent.com/reliable-partner-replaced-by-transactional-player-u-s-delays-arms-supplies-to-europe-amid-iran-war/) to Europe, potentially affecting Ukraine, FT reports.
Several sources told the Financial Times that the United States has informed the United Kingdom, Poland, Lithuania and Estonia that there will be long delays, with two sources also mentioning possible delays to Asia.

⚡️Update: Germany responds (kyivindependent.com/us-withdraws-5000-troops-from-germany-amid-rising-transatlantic-tensions/) to Trump's plan to withdraw troops.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said the move had been anticipated and would affect nearly 40,000 U.S. soldiers stationed in Germany.

⚡️Ukraine hits (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-targets-2-russian-shadow-fleet-vessels/) 2 Russian shadow fleet vessels near Novorossiysk port.
"These tankers were actively used to transport oil. Now they won't be," President Volodymyr Zelensky sa

⚡️Zelensky invites Slovak leader to Kyiv ahead (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-invites-fico-to-kyiv-ahead-of-moscow-victory-day-trip/) of Moscow trip.
Zelensky said the two countries need to have "strong relations" and that the two leaders should meet in person soon. He reciprocated Fico’s invitation to Bratislava and thanked him for supporting Ukraine’s EU accession bid.

⚡️Update: Fico (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-invites-fico-to-kyiv-ahead-of-moscow-victory-day-trip/) shares his side of Zelensky call.
"I also emphasized that no peace agreement in the military conflict with the Russian Federation is possible without the consent of the Ukrainian side," Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said, striking a markedly less hostile tone following the resolution of the Druzhba pipeline controversy.

⚡️Zelensky slaps personal sanctions on ex-chief of staff (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-slaps-personal-sanctions-on-ex-chief-of-staff-andriy-bohdan/) Andriy Bohdan.
Bohdan served as head of Zelensky's administration from May 2019 to February 2020, when he was dismissed and immediately replaced by Andriy Yermak.

⚡️Peru launches investigation into citizens allegedly trafficked to fight Russia's war (kyivindependent.com/peru-launches-investigation-into-citizens-allegedly-trafficked-to-fight-russias-war-in-ukraine/) in Ukraine.
Relatives of allegedly trafficked individuals reported that their loved ones received misleading job offers along with promises of financial rewards. But once in Russia, they were forced into combat operations.

The oil spill in Tuapse and the lessons (kyivindependent.com/the-oil-spill-in-tuapse-and-the-lessons-russia-didnt-learn/) Russia didn't learn
In conversation with the Kyiv Independent, Russian independent environmental experts explained that while the oil spills happened after Ukrainian strikes, their effects could have been avoided if Russian authorities had reacted to the situation appropriately.
Damage control should have begun immediately after the first attack on April 16, the experts agreed, yet oil continued to massively leak even after the second and third attacks on the refinery.

⚡️News from occupied Ukraine: (kyivindependent.com/news-from-occupied-ukraine-4/) Evictions in Mariupol, more strikes on Crimea, stolen grain
Russia has begun evictions from apartments deemed as "ownerless" in the Russian-occupied city of Mariupol, Petro Andriushchenko, former Mariupol mayoral advisor and head of the Center for the Study of Occupation, reported on April 28.
In addition, The Panormitis ship transporting grain stolen from Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories will not unload its shipment in Israel, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on April 30

⚡️Russian attacks kill (kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-kill-8-injure-71-in-ukraine-over-past-day/) 10, injure over 70 in Ukraine over past day.
Ukrainian forces downed 249 out of the 268 drones, including Shahed-type attack drones, launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force reported.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 2h
⚡️ RUSSIA'S WAR AGAINST UKRAINE — MAY 3, 2026
■ Engagements & casualties below average; no confirmed territorial changes
■ Record 7-day losses of land-based equipment and unarmored vehicles; ground robotic systems now also reported by the GSUA
■ Overnight attacks above average; including one Iskander-M; excellent interception rate
■ 7 🇺🇦 strikes reported; 🇷🇺/🇺🇦 strike ratio at 17.6× (30-day <20)

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

🇺🇦🇨🇿 Czech Prime Minister Babiš will meet President Zelenskyy for the first time at the summit in Yerevan, — iDnes.
The European Political Community summit will take place on May 4 and will focus on energy and economic security, the geopolitical situation, and stability in Europe.

🇺🇸🇩🇪 German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius called on European countries to strengthen their own defenses following Trump’s announcement of a reduced military presence in Germany, — Reuters.

In 2026, Russia is still receiving newly-made Western and global components within months of production, new documents obtained by UNITED24 Media reveal. Whether those same supply chains are now reaching Iran and could be used against US forces remains an open question.
Details: united24media.com/war-in-ukraine/western-made-parts-in-russian-drones-could-they-be-turned-on-us-forces-18340

🎾 Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk won the WTA 1000 tournament in Madrid for the first time.
In the final, she defeated “neutral” Russian Mirra Andreeva 6:3, 7:5 in 1.5 hours.

🇺🇦📰 Ukraine has risen seven places in the World Press Freedom Index.
According to Reporters Without Borders, in 2026 Ukraine moved from 62nd to 55th place among 180 countries.
At the same time, the average score of all assessed countries has fallen to its lowest level in the 25-year history of the Index.
Now, in more than half of the world’s countries (52.2%), the state of press freedom is rated as “difficult” or “very serious” — compared to just 13.7% in 2002.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Russia launched 1,600 drones and 1,100 guided bombs this week, (www.kyivpost.com/post/75261) Zelensky said, warning that Moscow is trying to overwhelm Ukraine’s air defences with mass strikes.

Russia targeted civilians near (www.kyivpost.com/post/75303) a gas station in the Dnipropetrovsk region.
At least six civilians were wounded, including a child and a pregnant woman. A bus carrying 40 children was damaged.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇩🇪🇺🇸 Donald Trump has ordered the withdrawal of 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the decision followed a comprehensive review of U.S. forces in Europe. According to him, the withdrawal will take place over the next 6–12 months.
Media outlets The Hill and The Wall Street Journal, citing Pentagon officials, report that the redeployment will bring U.S. troop levels in Europe roughly back to their 2022 levels.
A Pentagon representative said Trump ordered the withdrawal in response to “counterproductive remarks” by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who recently criticized the U.S. for lacking a clear strategy in the war with Iran.
▪️Germany is the central hub of U.S. military presence in Europe. Around 36,000 American troops are currently stationed there. In total, about 85,000 U.S. soldiers are deployed across Europe, according to estimates by WSJ.

❗️Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine has recorded “specific activity” by Belarus near the border.
According to him, everything is being monitored, and Ukraine will respond if necessary.
Earlier, monitoring channels reported spotting two Belarusian helicopters near the border with Kyiv and Chernihiv regions.

In Russia’s Primorsk, Ukraine’s Defense Forces struck a Kalibr-capable vessel — a Karakurt-class ship — as well as a patrol boat and a tanker from the “shadow fleet.”
In addition, oil-loading infrastructure sustained significant damage.

❗️In April, Ukrainian forces destroyed more than 57,000 Russian aerial targets. These included:
🔴69 Kh-101 cruise missiles;

🔴7 Iskander-M / KN-23 ballistic missiles;

🔴8 Kalibr cruise missiles;

🔴4 Kh-59/69 guided air-launched missiles;

🔴5 Iskander-K cruise missiles;

🔴4,861 Shahed-type attack UAVs;

🔴1,065 reconnaissance UAVs;

🔴51,110 UAVs of other types.
Ukrainian aviation carried out more than 550 sorties for air cover and another 200 for strikes and troop support.

Russian forces attacked Ukraine with a ballistic missile and 268 drones of various types. Air defenses neutralized 249 UAVs.
The missile and drones hit targets in 15 locations, while debris fell in one additional area. Here’s what is known about the consequences:
🔴Kherson. In the morning, a civilian vehicle came under a drone attack: one man was killed and four people were injured.
🔴Sumy region. Late in the evening, six people were injured in a missile strike. Three are hospitalized, two of them in serious condition. Russian forces also struck a car with a drone — a child was injured.
🔴Odesa region. Russian forces hit the port and residential buildings: two people were killed and five others injured.
🔴Mykolaiv region. Russian strikes targeted energy infrastructure, leaving part of the region without electricity.

I suppose the problem is who’s around Trump. Who gets to make the last comment to him about world leaders. Definitely pro Russian people. So Moscow assisting Iran will be reframed or Trump’s attention directed elsewhere. The WH certainly had to portray Zelensky as the bad guy to Trump.

We can say a lot of things about Putin, but being stupid isn’t one of them.

It has been reported that Trump announced pulling troops from Germany straight after his phonecall with Putin

That World press freedom index is interesting. Despite being at war, when you would naturally expect less press freedom, Ukraine is higher than the United States.

That tells it own story.

Interesting (to say the least) tale of survival on the front line.

www.theguardian.com/news/ng-interactive/2026/may/03/youre-not-one-of-us-are-you-how-a-ukrainian-soldier-survived-two-weeks-in-a-russian-dugout

I've been boggling at that!

Thanks @notimagain and @DuncinToffee for linking it.