Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on May 27 that Moscow would welcome a second round of peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul, he said during a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

“If you ask me, I would turn to our Turkish friends again — Istanbul is very good,” Lavrov said, according to state-owned news agency TASS.

The proposal comes as global diplomacy searches for a venue for negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow after the May 16 talks failed to achieve the ceasefire Ukraine has pushed for.  

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 19 that Ukraine is open to a new round of talks in Turkey, Switzerland, or the Vatican. Lavrov, however, cast doubt on the Vatican as a host, arguing that it would be an unsuitable platform for talks between “Orthodox countries.”

The Turkish foreign minister, who met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kremlin negotiator Vladimir Medinsky during his visit, reaffirmed Ankara’s readiness to facilitate future talks.

Fidan is expected to travel to Ukraine later this week following his two-day trip to Moscow.

Turkey previously hosted peace negotiations in March 2022. Since then, Ankara has maintained active contact with both Kyiv and Moscow and facilitated multiple prisoner exchanges, as well as the now-defunct Black Sea Grain Initiative.

No official date or venue for a second round of talks has been agreed. The renewed discussion about potential locations follows a May 19 call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Putin.

During the call, Putin rejected Ukraine’s proposal for an immediate ceasefire and instead suggested preparing a “memorandum” outlining a future peace framework.

Since the call, Russia has launched one of its most intense waves of aerial attacks, including more than 600 drones and dozens of missiles over a single weekend.

Why Trump needs to follow through and trigger the ‘downfall of Russia’

Despite months of resisting President Donald Trump’s peace process, the U.S. has yet to take a single concrete step to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin into ending his full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The Kyiv IndependentOleksii Kovalenko

After Russia unleashed an unprecedented third consecutive night of mass missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities, U.S. President Donald Trump said his Russian counterpart had gone “absolutely crazy” and could be triggering “the downfall of Russia."

In later comments, the U.S. president said he was “not happy with (Russian President Vladimir) Putin,” and when pressed by reporters, he vaguely alluded to the possibility of imposing further U.S. sanctions on the Kremlin.

Yet one glaring fact remains — despite months of resisting Trump’s peace process, the U.S. has yet to take a single concrete step to pressure Putin into ending his full-scale invasion.

“This is not the kind of diplomacy Trump promised when he talked about ‘peace through strength,'” Daniel Fried, who served as U.S. assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs from 2005 to 2009, told the Kyiv Independent.

“It’s the kind of weak diplomacy the Republicans used to make a meal of."

Fried and other former senior U.S. officials who spoke to the Kyiv Independent said that even after the Kremlin’s repeated refusals to agree to a ceasefire and escalating Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians, Trump’s rhetoric remains disconnected from meaningful action — and his recent diplomatic overtures may have done more to embolden the Kremlin than to restrain it.

Ceasefire talks

As Ukraine and its allies intensified efforts to end Russia’s war, Trump and Putin held a phone call on May 19, during which Putin once again did not agree to a full ceasefire, despite calls from global leaders to do so.

Instead of a ceasefire, Putin offered to negotiate a “memorandum regarding a potential future peace treaty” with Ukraine without any clear timeline.

After the call, Trump briefed European leaders on the conversation, who were reportedly “surprised” the U.S. president was “relatively content” with what he heard from Putin.

“Putin remains interested in continuing the fighting. He doesn’t want a ceasefire,” John Herbst, former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine and current senior director at the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, told the Kyiv Independent.

"And Trump has enabled Putin to maintain that position."

Trump's description of the call as "progress" was also at odds with the Russian readout, which offered no substantive commitments and suggested only future discussions on terms — without any immediate ceasefire.

"This was a victory for Vladimir Putin. Vladimir Putin wants to continue the war," said Steven Pifer, another former ambassador to Ukraine and a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.

"He would like to continue the war while not incurring any new American sanctions — and thus far he's winning."

What about the leverage?

All former officials interviewed noted that the Kremlin's demands remain maximalist and unacceptable to Ukraine.

Russia continues to insist on Ukraine accepting the loss of occupied Crimea, recognition of its occupation of four Ukrainian oblasts in their entirety despite Russia not fully controlling any of them, permanent neutrality for Kyiv, demilitarization, and regime change in Ukraine.

And while Putin has yet to offer a single concession that indicates any genuine intent for peace, Trump called the "tone and spirit of the conversation" with Putin "excellent," claiming "progress" was made.

In reality, Kremlin officials have since the call given up any pretense of being interested in negotiations with Ukraine, or in a ceasefire, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov last week saying "We don't want this anymore."

After the unprecedented mass attacks on Ukraine over the weekend, those who spoke to the Kyiv Independent question why the U.S. response has so far remained constrained to strong words on social media with no real concrete action.

"Although Trump has substantial leverage that he could use to put pressure on Russia from things like tightening sanctions, moving to seize Russian frozen Central Bank assets, to giving or selling Ukraine more weapons, he's done none of that," Pifer told the Kyiv Independent.

"And Vladimir Putin doesn't care if Trump says he's unhappy about the slow pace of negotiations, as long as Trump does not take any steps to put pressure on Moscow," he added.

Fried agreed, stressing that the U.S. is the only player who can make a meaningful difference to Russia's approach.

"Without the threat of U.S. action, the Russians are not going to allow a ceasefire," he said.

"It's bad diplomacy to let Putin set the terms for talks or the schedule while he continues attacking Ukraine."

Fried also expressed dismay at what he sees as a squandered opportunity.

"The Russian economy is not in great shape. The Russian advances in Ukraine are slow and costly. This is the time to press our advantage, not let it leak away," he said.

After 3 days of consecutive attacks on Ukraine, Russia calls UN meeting over alleged European ‘threats to peace’

Moscow requested a meeting of the U.N. Security Council over Europe’s alleged “threats to international peace and security,” Russia’s U.N. envoy, Dmitry Polyansky, said on May 27, only a day after Russia launched its largest drone attack against Ukraine.

The Kyiv IndependentKateryna Hodunova

Europeans taking the lead

On May 26 it was reported that Trump is considering imposing sanctions on Moscow this week, but with nothing officially announced, and U.S. policy on Russia seemingly drifting, some suggest Europe may have to take the lead.

"We've now retreated from (sanctions)," Fried said. "It seems the Europeans and Ukraine need to figure out their Plan B, with an America that's sidelined itself."

Pifer also noted the contrast between early transatlantic unity and the current diplomatic incoherence. "I'd like to see the U.S. engaged in a positive and helpful way," he said, adding: "But I don't see that happening under Trump's leadership."

The issue took on extra urgency on May 27 when it was reported that U.S.-EU negotiations on coordinating the enforcement of sanctions against Russia have failed, making a future united strategy against Moscow uncertain.

Former Assistant Secretary of State and Executive Director of the George W. Bush Institute David Kramer noted that while "Europeans still might move ahead with their sanctions, it's obviously much better if Europe and the United States are united on this."

Kramer said the U.S. and Europe should impose additional sanctions and increase military assistance for Ukraine, putting Ukraine in a stronger position at the negotiating table when it comes to the real negotiations.

Referring to the remarks made in the Oval Office during the February meeting between Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky — that Kyiv had "no cards to play" — Kramer firmly believes the opposite to be true.

"Ukrainians do have cards to play. It is not correct to say that the Ukrainians have no cards. They have arguably one of the best militaries in Europe," he said.

He added that Ukraine is in a decent position to negotiate, and they "don't need to argue from a position of weakness, but they do need the help of the West."

The former diplomats and officials still claim that there remains a sliver of hope — contingent largely on a shift in Trump's approach. Fried said Trump might grow "tired of being played" by Putin and eventually use the tools at his disposal.

Herbst expressed similar optimism. "If Trump does what he said he'd do — press the side that refuses to compromise — that could open the door to real peace," he said.

Why did Russia invade Ukraine? Debunking Putin’s ‘root causes’ claims

As Russia continues to bombard cities and towns across Ukraine, Russian officials have hardened their position against a ceasefire, continuing to repeat the obscure demand that the war’s “root causes” be addressed before agreeing to any truce. For months, the phrase “root causes” has become a go-to talking point

The Kyiv IndependentAndrea Januta

The United States opposed a joint G7 effort to lower the $60-per-barrel price cap on Russian oil exports during last week’s meeting of finance ministers, the Financial Times reported on May 27, citing three unnamed officials familiar with the talks.  

The price cap, introduced by the G7 and EU in December 2022, bans Western companies from shipping, insuring, or otherwise servicing Russian oil sold above $60 per barrel.

The mechanism was designed to limit the Kremlin’s ability to finance its war against Ukraine.

The Canadian G7 presidency had proposed including language in the meeting’s final communique that would call for tightening the existing price cap, according to the publication.

The move received backing from the European Union and G7 members France, Germany, Italy, and the U.K. However, the proposal was dropped after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly declined to support it.

The European Commission had planned to propose reducing the threshold to $50 per barrel ahead of the meeting, according to Reuters.

The Financial Times reported that some EU countries — including Hungary and Greece — were still weighing their support for lowering the cap further, possibly to $45, as part of the EU’s upcoming 18th sanctions package.

Russia’s Finance Ministry has leaned on oil and gas taxes to finance growing military expenditures, including aggressive campaigns against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance on U.S. sanctions against Russia has been unclear.

Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on May 19 that he would not impose further sanctions against Russia “because there’s a chance” of progress towards a ceasefire.

Why did Russia invade Ukraine? Debunking Putin’s ‘root causes’ claims

As Russia continues to bombard cities and towns across Ukraine, Russian officials have hardened their position against a ceasefire, continuing to repeat the obscure demand that the war’s “root causes” be addressed before agreeing to any truce. For months, the phrase “root causes” has become a go-to talking point

The Kyiv IndependentAndrea Januta

The Russian military has modified its tactics for launching attack drones against Ukraine in order to bypass air defenses, Ukraine’s Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat said in an interview with RBC Ukraine published on May 27.

Russia has been ramping up its drone production to launch ever-greater strikes against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. The night of May 26 marked the most extensive drone attack of the full-scale war, reportedly involving 355 Shahed-type attack drones and decoys.

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, Ihnat said.

“At this altitude, they become more visible to our radars, but remain out of reach of small arms, heavy machine guns, and mobile fire teams,” the spokesperson explained.

Russian forces have also been conducting simultaneous group raids on the same residential area or facility, as well as using unmanned simulator drones called Parodiya (“a parody” in English), increasing pressure on Ukraine’s air defense systems.

Recent Russian drone attacks comprised roughly 60% of attack drones and 40% of Parodiya decoys, according to Ihnat.

Recent Russian drone attacks consisted of roughly 60% attack drones and 40% Parodiya decoys, according to Ihnat.

Russia has been deploying Iranian-made Shaheds and their domestically-produced copies, Gerans, to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses in massive swarm attacks, allowing more destructive ballistic and cruise missiles to slip through.

The Economist previously reported that Russia uses Telegram messaging app bots to control its attack drones, ensuring real-time flight data and footage feed for human operators. The new control algorithm was revealed in a note hidden inside one of the Russian drones, possibly left behind by a “sympathetic Russian engineer,” according to the media outlet.

Ukraine’s sky shield is increasingly stretched thin as Western air defense supplies are running out. An undisclosed source told Le Monde that Ukraine has run out of ammunition for its two SAMP/T air defense batteries, while the Crotale short-range anti-aircraft systems have not received new missiles for a year and a half.

It remains unclear how many U.S.-designed Patriot interceptors, which are key in intercepting Russian ballistic missiles, are left in Ukraine’s stockpiles, as the Trump administration is yet to approve any new military aid packages.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is expected to visit Ukraine later this week after his two-day trip to Moscow, Reuters reported on May 27, citing a Turkish Foreign Ministry source.

Fidan, whose country hosted the first direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in three years, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 26 to discuss recent peace initiatives and the May 16 talks in Istanbul, the news agency wrote.

The negotiations ended without a breakthrough, as Moscow continues to reject Kyiv and the West’s calls for an unconditional ceasefire. The only apparent tangible result of the talks was a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange, which concluded on May 25.

During his visit to Moscow, Turkey’s top diplomat also met with Vladimir Medinsky, Putin’s aide who led the Russian delegation in Istanbul, and with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Fidan is then expected to meet Ukrainian officials in Kyiv to discuss the negotiations in Istanbul.

Turkey has acted as a mediator in the Russia-Ukraine war, hosting earlier unsuccessful peace talks in Istanbul in 2022 and maintaining close contact with Moscow and Kyiv. Reuters reported that the country has also offered to host a potential upcoming session of peace talks.

No venue or date for the next round of Russia-Ukraine negotiations has been set. Russia has dismissed Ukraine’s suggestion that the Vatican could host the talks, and reportedly instead sees Turkey or some of the Gulf states as more suitable options.

International peace efforts show little progress as Russia continues to push for maximalist demands, including Ukraine’s withdrawal from four partially occupied regions it claims to have annexed.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who has pledged to broker a swift peace treaty between the two belligerent sides, has increasingly signaled that he may quit the effort unless progress is made soon. Trump has been reluctant to pressure Moscow toward a ceasefire, threatening repeatedly with sanctions but refusing to take the step so far.

Why did Russia invade Ukraine? Debunking Putin’s ‘root causes’ claims

As Russia continues to bombard cities and towns across Ukraine, Russian officials have hardened their position against a ceasefire, continuing to repeat the obscure demand that the war’s “root causes” be addressed before agreeing to any truce. For months, the phrase “root causes” has become a go-to talking point

The Kyiv IndependentAndrea Januta

The U.S.-EU negotiations on coordinating the enforcement of sanctions against Russia have failed, making a future united strategy against Moscow uncertain, the newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung (SZ) reported on May 27, citing an internal document from the German Foreign Ministry.

EU sanctions chief David O’Sullivan noted that there is “no more outreach” between the two sides on sanctions evasion and that G7 cooperation has “also lost momentum” in this regard, according to a report from an EU ministerial meeting in Brussels on May 20.

The story contrasts with earlier declarations by German officials that the EU’s 18th sanctions package is being coordinated with Washington. European leaders have pledged to ramp up economic pressure on Moscow after it rejected proposals for a truce in Ukraine.

Since the outbreak of the full-scale war, the U.S. has been a key player in enforcing the sanctions regime against Moscow, closely cooperating with EU and G7 partners in cutting of Russia’s supplies of military-use material and curtailing its economic growth.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who took office this January, has been inconsistent in his approach to sanctions against Russia.

While repeatedly threatening additional economic measures to pressure Moscow to peace talks, Trump reportedly told European leaders he would not impose any new sanctions after his phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, allegedly not wanting to endanger business opportunities with Russia.

More recently, after Trump sharply criticized Putin for strikes against Ukrainian cities, the Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. president is once again mulling new sanctions. Trump is reportedly also considering walking away from peace efforts unless progress is made.

According to the internal report cited by SZ, the current trade restrictions appear to have a significant impact on the Russian economy and have had some success in curtailing the flow of war-related goods via third-party countries and the activity of Russia’s “shadow fleet."

The EU’s upcoming 18th sanctions package could include measures to disconnect more than 20 Russian banks from SWIFT, lower the G7 oil price cap on Russian crude exports from $60 to around $45 per barrel, ban the Nord Stream gas pipelines, and impose approximately 2.5 billion euros ($2.84 billion) in new trade restrictions, Bloomberg reported last week.

Ukraine war latest: West no longer imposing range restrictions on arms for Ukraine, Germany’s Merz says

Key developments on May 26: * West no longer imposing range restrictions on arms for Ukraine, Germany’s Merz says * Russia launches record 355 drones at Ukraine; 6 killed, 24 injured over past 24 hours * Russian drone production site, chemical plant targeted in alleged Ukrainian drone strike * Netherlands to send last of

The Kyiv IndependentThe Kyiv Independent news desk

U.S. President Trump is considering imposing sanctions on Russia this week as it continues to wage its war against Ukraine, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on May 26.

The sanctions would reportedly be imposed to push Russia to the negotiating table but may not include additional banking restrictions, people familiar with Trump’s thinking told the WSJ.

Trump is also considering abandoning peace efforts if a final effort to end Russia’s war is unsuccessful, the WSJ reported, citing people familiar with Trump’s thinking.

Trump’s stance on U.S. sanctions against Russia has been unclear. Trump has refused to impose sanctions on Russia as it may hinder future business and trade opportunities, the New York Times reported on May 20, citing a White House official.

On May 25, Trump condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin for increased Russian attacks on Ukraine, saying he’s “not happy with Putin."

Russia launched over 900 strike drones over the last three days, in addition to cruise and ballistic missiles, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

“Over 900 attack drones launched against Ukraine in just three days, along with ballistic and cruise missiles. There is no military logic in this, but it is a clear political choice — the choice of Putin, the choice of Russia — the choice to keep waging war and destroying lives."

On May 26, Russia launched its third large-scale aerial and drone assault against Ukraine in three nights, killing at least six people and injuring 24 across the country.

The attack marked the most extensive drone strike against Ukraine during the full-scale war, topping the previous record of 298 drones just a day earlier on May 25.

Trump recently held a two-hour phone call with Putin during which Russia reiterated its refusal to a full ceasefire in its war against Ukraine. The U.S. failed to respond with any significant pressure.

“He’s killing a lot of people… I don’t know what the hell happened to Putin, I’ve known him for a long time,” Trump said on May 25.

In the same statement, Trump told journalists sanctions against Russia could be on the table amid Russia’s intensified attacks.

Why did Russia invade Ukraine? Debunking Putin’s ‘root causes’ claims

As Russia continues to bombard cities and towns across Ukraine, Russian officials have hardened their position against a ceasefire, continuing to repeat the obscure demand that the war’s “root causes” be addressed before agreeing to any truce. For months, the phrase “root causes” has become a go-to talking point

The Kyiv IndependentAndrea Januta

The EU is set to formally approve a 150 billion euro ($170 billion) defense loan instrument on May 27 amid Russia’s war against Ukraine, Radio Liberty reported earlier the same day.

The final agreement states “the threats posed by Russia and Belarus are of particular urgency and relevance,” Radio Liberty reported, citing the final document.

The EU reached an agreement to launch the $170 billion common defense fund on May 21 as Europe faces an increasingly challenging security environment. Russia continues to wage its war against Ukraine, and Europe is growing uncertain of U.S. security commitments to the continent.

The Security Action For Europe (SAFE) initiative will offer $170 billion in loans without counting towards EU fiscal spending limits.

The final document says it is “vital” for the EU to support member states “as soon as possible so that they can place orders very rapidly."

SAFE is an EU loan instrument meant to prop up the continent’s defense industry by financing weapons procurement to eligible countries.

The EU’s member states, European Free Trade Association (EFTA) members, and Ukraine are eligible to borrow funds from the defense spending instrument.

The EU “would effectively double the volume of weapons Ukraine receives” by investing in domestic weapons production through the SAFE mechanism, EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius said on May 4.

“If (Russian President Vladimir) Putin isn’t convinced by (U.S. President Donald) Trump to make peace, we could bring forward more convincing arguments for peace very quickly — by greatly increasing our military support to Ukraine,” Kubilius said.

The commissioner called for EU members to utilize the bloc’s SAFE initiative to strengthen Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s war.

The fund is part of the European Commission’s ambitious ReArm Europe program, which allows member states to spend an additional 650 billion euros ($730 billion) on defense by loosening fiscal rules.

Why did Russia invade Ukraine? Debunking Putin’s ‘root causes’ claims

As Russia continues to bombard cities and towns across Ukraine, Russian officials have hardened their position against a ceasefire, continuing to repeat the obscure demand that the war’s “root causes” be addressed before agreeing to any truce. For months, the phrase “root causes” has become a go-to talking point

The Kyiv IndependentAndrea Januta

U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin are the result of “emotional overload,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on May 26.

The previous day, Trump wrote on social media that Putin had gone “absolutely crazy” and could be triggering “the downfall of Russia.” The comments came after Russia heavily bombarded Ukrainian cities for three consecutive nights.

When asked about Trump’s criticism of Russia’s mass attacks, Peskov thanked Trump for his involvement in peace negotiations and attributed the U.S. president’s comments to emotion.

“We are really grateful to the Americans and to President Trump personally for their assistance in organizing and launching this negotiation process,” Peskov said, according to the Russian state news agency TASS.

“Of course, at the same time, this is a very crucial moment, which is associated, of course, with the emotional overload of everyone absolutely and with emotional reactions."

‘I don’t know what the hell happened to Putin,’ says Trump as Russia unleashes 3rd consecutive attack on Ukraine

“I’ve always gotten along with him,” Trump said of Putin to reporters at an airport in New Jersey on May 25. “But he’s sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I don’t like it at all.”

The Kyiv IndependentOlena Goncharova

The Trump administration has been attempting to secure a peace deal in Ukraine for months, after campaigning on promises to end the war in 24 hours if elected. Direct negotiations in Istanbul failed to produce a ceasefire agreement and Putin once again rejected calls for a 30-day truce in a phone conversation with Trump on May 19.

Instead, Putin offered to present a “memorandum regarding a potential future peace treaty” — something the Kremlin has yet to deliver.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Russia would submit a document outlining its settlement terms after Ukraine and Russia concluded their 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange. The swap was completed on May 25.

Peskov said on May 26 that Russia was still “working on the text of a memorandum.”

Trump has previously criticized Putin and threatened sanctions against Moscow in public comments, but has not gone so far as to impose actual penalties on Russia.

Russia has consistently refused to accept international calls for an unconditional ceasefire, insisting that it will only impose such a truce if Ukraine stops receiving all foreign military aid, among other extreme concessions. Ukraine has been ready to declare a 30-day ceasefire since March, when the U.S. first proposed a month-long truce.

Ukraine war latest: West no longer imposing range restrictions on arms for Ukraine, Germany’s Merz says

Key developments on May 26: * West no longer imposing range restrictions on arms for Ukraine, Germany’s Merz says * Russia launches record 355 drones at Ukraine; 6 killed, 24 injured over past 24 hours * Russian drone production site, chemical plant targeted in alleged Ukrainian drone strike * Netherlands to send last of

The Kyiv IndependentThe Kyiv Independent news desk

Germany is planning to send Ukraine older PAC-2 Patriot missiles to replenish its dwindling stockpiles of air defense ammunition, the Washington Post (WP) reported on May 26, citing a European diplomat.

The U.S.-made Patriot air defense system is widely recognized for its high-precision detection, tracking, and interception of aircraft, cruise, and ballistic missiles. Kyiv is running out of  ammunition for its Patriots as Russia intensifies its drone and missile attacks.

In early May, the U.S. authorized Germany to transfer 100 Patriot air defense missiles to Ukraine. Speaking to the WP anonymously, a European diplomat in Kyiv said that Berlin plans to send older PAC-2 missiles, which are less effective at intercepting ballistic missiles than the newer PAC-3 Patriots.

A senior Ukrainian intelligence official, also speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that even PAC-3 missiles cannot intercept Russia’s Oreshnik, the new intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) Moscow used to attack the city of Dnipro in November.  

The European diplomat added that the only other air defense weapon potentially capable of shooting down ballistics is the Aster, a French-Italian missile. This capability has not yet been proven, he said.

The more modern PAC-3 missiles are designed with “hit-to-kill” precision targeting technology, which the older PAC-2s lack. PAC-3s are also smaller, lighter, and more manueverable than PAC-2 missiles. A standard Patriot launcher can fit 16 PAC-3s at once, compared to only four PAC-2s.

The claim that Germany’s latest air defense package may consist of less effective missiles comes after Ukraine endured three consecutive nights of large-scale Russian attacks. Moscow bombarded Kyiv and other cities with ballistic and cruise missiles while also launching a record number of drones at Ukraine.

After the first attack, Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat said that Russia has upgraded its ballistic missiles with radar decoys and evasive maneuvers, making them potentially harder to intercept even by Patriot systems.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has offered to buy 10 Patriot batteries from Washington, but U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed the request. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on May 20 that Washington is looking for other NATO nations to supply Ukraine with additional Patriots.

Ukraine war latest: West no longer imposing range restrictions on arms for Ukraine, Germany’s Merz says

Key developments on May 26: * West no longer imposing range restrictions on arms for Ukraine, Germany’s Merz says * Russia launches record 355 drones at Ukraine; 6 killed, 24 injured over past 24 hours * Russian drone production site, chemical plant targeted in alleged Ukrainian drone strike * Netherlands to send last of

The Kyiv IndependentThe Kyiv Independent news desk

Russia is “preparing new offensive operations” in its full-scale war against Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 26, following an intelligence briefing.

Kyiv has previously warned about the threat of a new major Russian offensive targeting Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv and Sumy oblasts this spring and summer. While Russia has made only minimal territorial gains at the cost of heavy losses over the last several months, Moscow has doubled down on its maximalist objectives in recent peace talks.

Ukrainian intelligence reports confirm that Russia is not seriously interested in a peace settlement, Zelensky said in his evening address on May 26.

“We can see from the information that our intelligence is gathering and from open data that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and his entourage have no plans to end the war — there is no evidence that they are seriously considering peace and that they are seriously considering diplomacy,” he said.

“On the contrary, there is a lot of evidence that they are preparing new offensive operations."

The intelligence agencies of Ukraine’s allies have likely seen the same evidence, Zelensky said. He urged partner nations to apply “appropriate joint pressure” on Moscow in response.

Ukraine’s front-line pressure and risks of Russia’s summer offensive

As Ukraine braces for an intensified Russian offensive, KI Insights invites you to an exclusive off-the-record briefing on the latest battlefield dynamics, military challenges, and Kyiv’s evolving strategic outlook. Drawing from sources spanning the trenches of Donbas to the Presidential Office, we’ll analyze the shifting threat landscape and its implications

The Kyiv IndependentKI Insights

Zelensky’s latest remarks come after three nights of relentless Russian aerial attacks against Ukrainian cities — launched while the Kremlin drags its feet in delivering the terms of its proposed “memorandum” on a possible future peace settlement.

The memorandum was Putin’s counteroffer after he again rejected a ceasefire in a two-hour phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on May 19. Russia has still not delivered the document presenting its settlement terms.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Russia would only submit the draft “settlement document” after Ukraine and Russia concluded their 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange. The swap was completed on May 25.

Zelensky called attention to Russia’s delay in submitting the memorandum.

“They have spent more than a week on this,” he said. “They talk a lot about diplomacy. But when in the midst of this, there are constant Russian strikes, constant killings, constant assaults, and preparations for new offensives, this is definitely a diagnosis. Russia deserves full-scale pressure — everything that can be done to limit their military capabilities."

According to Zelensky, Russia launched over 900 strike drones over the last three days, in addition to cruise and ballistic missiles. Ukraine is looking to increase its production of interceptor drones and direct additional funding to developing its ballistic missile program, he said.

Officials and experts told the Washington Post (WP) on May 24 that Russia likely lacks the military capability to mount an offensive that could successfully break Ukraine’s lines. The decline in Russia’s military advantage could make coordinated Western pressure on the Kremlin more effective, officials said.

Zelensky urged the U.S. and Europe to enact “new and strong sanctions” against Moscow to force Putin to accept a ceasefire and show “respect” for the diplomatic process.

While Trump criticized Putin after the latest round of large-scale attacks, the U.S. president has a history of failing to follow through on threats of sanctions against Russia.

Why did Russia invade Ukraine? Debunking Putin’s ‘root causes’ claims

As Russia continues to bombard cities and towns across Ukraine, Russian officials have hardened their position against a ceasefire, continuing to repeat the obscure demand that the war’s “root causes” be addressed before agreeing to any truce. For months, the phrase “root causes” has become a go-to talking point

The Kyiv IndependentAndrea Januta

Key developments on May 26:

• West no longer imposing range restrictions on arms for Ukraine, Germany’s Merz says
• Russia launches record 355 drones at Ukraine; 6 killed, 24 injured over past 24 hours
• Russian drone production site, chemical plant targeted in alleged Ukrainian drone strike
• Netherlands to send last of pledged 24 F-16s to Ukraine on May 26
• Ukraine secures release of POWs from units excluded from all previous swaps

Western partners are not imposing any range restrictions on weapons delivered to Ukraine for use against Russian military targets, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on May 26.

“There are no longer any restrictions on the range of weapons delivered to Ukraine — neither by the U.K., France, nor us. There are no restrictions by the U.S. either,” Merz said during a discussion forum organized by the WDR channel.

“This means that Ukraine can now defend itself, for example, by attacking military positions in Russia,” the chancellor added. “Until recently, it couldn’t do that, and apart from very few exceptions, it hadn’t done so either."

Ukraine has previously received long-range missiles from the U.S., the U.K., and France — including ATACMS, Storm Shadow, and SCALP — but was initially permitted to deploy them only against Russian military forces in occupied Ukrainian territories.

Only in late 2024, the Biden administration and other allies eased the restrictions, allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russian military targets in border regions. U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized ex-President Joe Biden’s decision to ease the restrictions as he seeks to negotiate a peace agreement between Kyiv and Moscow.

The German chancellor also stressed that while Ukraine is using its arms to target Russian military infrastructure, Russia continues to attack Ukrainian “cities, kindergartens, hospitals, and care homes."

Before becoming chancellor, Merz signaled he would overturn the ban of his predecessor, Olaf Scholz, on the delivery of Germany’s Taurus cruise missiles, capable of striking targets at a distance of 500 kilometers (300 miles). He has not confirmed whether he intends to deliver the missiles since taking office.

Russia can attack Europe 2-4 years after war’s end, faster with lifted sanctions, Ukrainian intel chief warns

“If the sanctions are lifted, the rearmament process will proceed much faster,” Ukrainian foreign intelligence (SZRU) chief Oleh Ivashchenko said in an interview with Ukrinform.

The Kyiv IndependentMartin Fornusek

Russia launches record 355 drones at Ukraine; 6 killed, 24 injured over past 24 hours

Russia launched its third large-scale aerial and drone assault against Ukraine in three nights, killing at least six people and injuring 24 across multiple oblasts over the past 24 hours, regional authorities reported on May 26.

Moscow’s forces launched nine Kh-101 cruise missiles from Tu-95MS bomber planes and a record number of 355 Shahed-type attack drones and decoys overnight, Ukraine’s Air Force reported.

Ukrainian air defenses shot down all nine missiles and 233 drones, and 55 Russian drones were neutralized by electronic warfare systems or disappeared from radars, according to the statement.

The attack marked the most extensive drone strike against Ukraine during the full-scale war, topping the previous record of 298 drones overnight on May 25.

Russia launched a three-day wave of aerial attacks from May 24 to May 26, firing more than 600 drones and dozens of missiles across Ukraine.

Trump, who has repeatedly pressed for a ceasefire and held a two-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 19, expressed strong disapproval of the latest escalation.

“I’m not happy with Putin,” he told reporters on May 25, adding on Truth Social that the Russian president has gone “absolutely” crazy.

“I’ve always said that he wants all of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe that’s proving to be right,” Trump wrote. “But if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!"

Despite acknowledging Putin’s escalatory behavior, Trump also criticized President Volodymyr Zelensky, with whom he has had a strained relationship.

Zelensky on May 25 condemned the U.S. for its lack of response to the massive Russian assault, calling for stronger sanctions and saying that “America’s silence… only encourages Putin."

“Likewise, President Zelensky is doing his country no favors by talking the way he does,” Trump posted. “Everything out of his mouth causes problems, I don’t like it, and it better stop."

Why did Russia invade Ukraine? Debunking Putin’s ‘root causes’ claims

As Russia continues to bombard cities and towns across Ukraine, Russian officials have hardened their position against a ceasefire, continuing to repeat the obscure demand that the war’s “root causes” be addressed before agreeing to any truce. For months, the phrase “root causes” has become a go-to talking point

The Kyiv IndependentAndrea Januta

Russian drone production site, chemical plant targeted in alleged Ukrainian drone strike

Russian air defenses opened fire against drones near the Yelabuga drone production site in Russia’s Tatarstan Republic, while other drones attacked a chemical plant in Ivanovo Oblast, independent news channel Astra reported on May 26.

The reported attacks against Russian industrial facilities come as Moscow intensifies its aerial strikes against Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv.

Local residents reported air defense fire and drones flying over Yelabuga city on May 25, Astra and Baza Telegram channels wrote. The so-called Alabuga Special Economic Zone hosts a factory producing Shahed-type drones and has been repeatedly targeted by Ukrainian forces throughout the full-scale war.

It is unclear whether the facility, lying some 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) from the Russia-Ukraine border, suffered any damage in the May 25 attack.

In Ivanovo Oblast, local authorities reported intercepting a drone attack in the town of Kineshma, with drone wreckage falling in the industrial area. No casualties were reported.

The drones targeted the town’s Dmitrievsky Chemical Plant, Astra reported, citing residents. The facility produces components for Russian arms, namely missiles, Ukrainian official Andrii Kovalenko said.

Kineshma lies around 750 kilometers (470 miles) from the Russia-Ukraine border.

At least 10 explosions were also reported in Russia’s Tula Oblast overnight. Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed its forces had downed 148 Ukrainian drones between 10 a.m. local time on May 25 and 8 a.m. on May 26.

A Ukrainian drone attack also reportedly targeted Moscow on May 25, local authorities claimed. The airports in Moscow, Nizhnekamsk, and Kaluga have temporarily suspended operations, Russian authorities said.

Ukraine’s military has not yet commented on the attacks, and the Kyiv Independent could not verify claims provided by Russian officials.

Putin’s negotiator Dmitriev pushing for release of $280 billion in frozen Russian assets, Ukrainian intel chief says

“Dmitriev is trying to show the U.S. that let’s not focus on war and peace, let’s look at the bigger picture,” Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service Chief Oleh Ivashchenko said.

The Kyiv IndependentTim Zadorozhnyy

Netherlands to send last of pledged 24 F-16s to Ukraine on May 26

The Netherlands will send the remainder of the 24 F-16 fighter jets it had promised to Ukraine on May 26, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said on the Dutch broadcaster WNL on May 25.

Ukraine received its first F-16 jets from the Netherlands and Denmark in 2024. The U.S.-made fourth-generation fighter jets have been deployed to bolster Ukraine’s sky shield and help repel Russian aerial attacks.

“We are also training pilots and technicians and sharing our military doctrines, so that Ukraine can build a modern armed force that matches that of the NATO member states,” Brekelmans said on air.

Later in the day, the Dutch Defense Ministry confirmed the shipment of the final batch of 24 F-16 fighter jets bound for Ukraine.

According to a statement on the ministry’s official website, “The aircraft left Volkel Air Base today for Belgium, where they are being prepared for delivery (to Ukraine)."

Apart from the Dutch aircraft, Ukraine has been promised 19 F-16s by Denmark, 30 by Belgium, and at least six from Norway. European nations have agreed to supply aircraft to help modernize the Ukrainian Air Force as they themselves transition to more advanced F-35 fighter jets.

The F-16 aircraft are being provided within the framework of the international fighter jet coalition, with some partners contributing training and technical support.

Oslo announced earlier this month that it would complete the delivery of its planes by the end of 2025. Similarly, the Belgian government said it would provide its aircraft sooner than the 2028 deadline.

Ukraine has confirmed that it has lost three of its F-16 jets in action.

Russia pushes forward in Donetsk Oblast, threatening Ukrainian pocket around Toretsk

Russian troops have upped the intensity of their Donetsk Oblast offensive in recent weeks, increasingly pressuring a relatively large Ukrainian pocket between some of the last cities in the region. An unsettling situation for Ukrainian troops is now unfolding south of the town of Kostiantynivka, which has long served as

The Kyiv IndependentAsami Terajima

Ukraine secures release of POWs from units excluded from all previous swaps

As part of the 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange with Russia, Ukraine has recovered soldiers from 46 military units that had previously seen none of their members returned, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War (POW) reported on May 26.

“The return of fighters from these units has long been blocked by the Russian side for various reasons,” the agency said in a statement, describing the outcome as a significant breakthrough.

Of the 1,000 Ukrainian service members repatriated, over 300 had been held in Russian captivity since 2022. All those returned were soldiers or sergeants, many of whom had fought in the most intense areas of the front line, the agency added.

The exchange — agreed during the May 16 peace talks in Istanbul — was carried out in three phases between May 23 and 25.

It marked the largest single prisoner swap during the war and the only concrete result from the first direct negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow in nearly three years.

The high-profile operation has drawn a mix of relief and frustration in Ukraine.

Colonel Denys Prokopenko, commander of the 1st Azov Corps, criticized the exchange as a “mockery,” noting that no Azov fighters were included in the release.

Thousands of civilians and military families have spent two years campaigning for the release of Azov servicemen captured during the siege of Mariupol in 2022. The omission has sparked renewed anger among Ukrainians who view Azovstal defenders as national heroes.

The then-Azov Brigade’s last stand at the Azovstal steel plant is widely credited with delaying Russia’s early advance, giving Ukraine time to mobilize and secure international military support.

Andrii Yusov, military intelligence spokesperson and deputy head of Ukraine’s POW Coordination Headquarters, emphasized that Kyiv had no influence over which individuals Russia chose to release during the process.

“We could not influence the list. Russia handed over who it was ready to hand over, and Ukraine as well,” Yusov said on May 26.

While Ukraine has previously conducted smaller prisoner exchanges, often with the involvement of third-party mediators, the Istanbul-negotiated swap was unprecedented in scale and complexity.

Kyiv has long advocated for an “all-for-all” exchange, but Moscow has so far rejected the proposal.

Note from the author:

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As Russia continues to bombard cities and towns across Ukraine, Russian officials have hardened their position against a ceasefire, continuing to repeat the obscure demand that the war’s “root causes” be addressed before agreeing to any truce.

For months, the phrase “root causes” has become a go-to talking point repeated by Russian President Vladimir Putin and his deputies, including Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, to justify their continued aggression.

“In (Russia’s) telling, they ascribe these root causes to an aggressive West,” said Robert Person, an expert on Russian foreign policy and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR).

“The most concrete thing that you’ll hear, when they’re talking about the root causes that they refer to, is the enlargement of NATO."

Russia has named the alleged threat from NATO in its attempts to justify its invasion of Ukraine, among other reasons, and has demanded that a peace agreement include a ban on Ukraine ever joining the alliance.

But Russia’s framing is a red herring, Person and other experts argue.

“What Putin is after in Ukraine and beyond is not just a rollback of the prospect of NATO membership. It’s not about securing Ukraine’s neutrality,” he said. “It’s really about turning Ukraine into a subservient vassal state with a puppet government that does his bidding."

The false narratives serve a useful purpose for Russia’s government, however, said Mercedes Sapuppo, assistant director in the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center.

“When Putin discusses the ‘root causes’ of his war, he is calling up a framework that he claims justifies Russia’s aggression in Ukraine by falsely placing blame on Ukraine,” said Sapuppo. “Putin and the Kremlin are using these narratives to frame Ukraine as the instigator of the Kremlin’s war."

Even U.S. President Donald Trump has bought into the idea, saying as recently as last month, “I think what caused the war to start was when (Ukraine) started talking about joining NATO."

NATO: a ‘nonsensical’ explanation for the war

Alongside NATO expansion, Russia has at times named additional reasons for its invasion — including propaganda claims of Nazi extremism, and protecting the status of Russian language speakers or the Moscow Patriarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church  — but it has placed outsized emphasis on NATO.

In 2018, Ukraine enshrined its goal of NATO membership in its constitution and has since argued that membership in the security alliance is needed in the future to deter further Russian aggression.

Yet the idea that NATO is the root cause of this conflict is “nonsensical,” said Stephen Hall, assistant professor in Russian and post-Soviet politics at the University of Bath.

“It’s a narrative that’s pushed by the Kremlin to try and get so-called ‘useful idiots’ to play it up in the media and elsewhere."

One sign that Putin’s concerns go beyond NATO, notes Hall, is the limited resistance that Russia put up when Poland joined NATO in 1999 and when Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia followed in 2004 — four countries that share a border with Russia.

“Then fast forward to when the state with the longest border (in NATO) with Russia, Finland, joins in 2023. There’s barely a peep from Moscow,” he added.

While NATO is relevant, it is only in highlighting to Putin that Ukraine is slipping away from Russian influence, Hall said. Additionally, if Ukraine were to make independent decisions based on the will of its people, it could send a signal to Russian citizens that democracy is a viable option for them, as well.

“That, obviously, is a problem for Putin’s autocracy, or any autocracy for that matter,” Hall said.

Before Russia’s 2014 invasion, the idea of NATO membership was deeply unpopular with Ukrainian citizens, with only around 15 to 20% of Ukrainians supporting it at the time.

Since Russia’s invasion, however, support has skyrocketed. According to a poll last year by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, 84% of Ukrainians would like to see their country join NATO.

Evidence that NATO is a smokescreen for Putin’s motivations is seen not just in how Putin treats other NATO members, but also how it has treated Ukraine for decades, Person of CFR said.

"For over twenty years, Putin has very aggressively been targeting Ukrainian sovereignty and Ukrainian democracy," Person said, citing Putin’s interference in Ukraine during the 2004 Orange Revolution as an example.

In the lead-up to the Orange Revolution, Putin heavily promoted pro-Russian candidate Viktor Yanukovych ahead of the 2004 presidential election, including visiting Ukraine to push his preferred candidate. His attempts to interfere with Ukraine’s politics prompted a backlash, helping to spark protests over a rigged election that resulted in Yanukovych’s defeat.

"Then in 2014, when Russia invaded Crimea, when they invaded the Donbas, membership in NATO was nowhere on the immediate agenda — for NATO or Ukraine. There was a constitutional provision at the time that prohibited it, and required neutrality," Person noted. "How does that somehow spark or cause the Russian invasion of 2014?"

What this means for peace negotiations

Sapuppo, of the Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center, says understanding Putin’s motivation for the war is necessary for informing the West’s strategies for negotiations with the Russian leader.

"It’s very clear that the root cause for (Putin), really, is just Ukraine’s existence. This should make it clear to Western leaders that any agreements to end the war need to be very forward-looking when it comes to security guarantees," she said.

If Western leaders were to fall into the trap of focusing on NATO limitations, this would not only fail to address the true reasons for the invasion, but would also allow Russia to establish a revisionist history, she said.

But recognizing the underlying motives for Russia’s invasion also means recognizing that they are far more difficult to solve than a question of neutrality, Person added.

"You could draw lines on a map all day long. No line, unless it incorporates, at least all of Ukraine up to and including Kyiv and its government, is going to satisfy Putin’s demands," he said.

"At the end of the day, what Putin cannot tolerate is a sovereign Ukraine that chooses its own foreign policies and partnerships, its own economic relationships."

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What happens to all the guns in Ukraine post-war?

As peace talks ramp up, experts and officials are already working on a looming post-war threat: the potential large-scale proliferation of guns in Ukraine once they are no longer needed on the battlefield. “When the war ends, Ukraine will not only have to rebuild its infrastructure and resettle displaced people

The Kyiv IndependentAndrea Januta

The head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, Kirill Dmitriev, is spearheading efforts to secure the release of some $280 billion in frozen Russian assets, Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service (SZRU) Chief Oleh Ivashchenko told Ukrinform in an interview published on May 26.

Kyiv-born Dmitriev was previously appointed by President Vladimir Putin as a special envoy for economic affairs, tasked with facilitating dialogue with the Trump administration.

“Dmitriev’s main task is to get Russia’s frozen assets out. This is a colossal amount for them,” Ivashchenko said.

Western governments froze around $300 billion in Russian sovereign assets following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Kyiv has repeatedly urged the G7 and EU to move from freezing to confiscating those funds and using them to finance Ukraine’s defense and post-war recovery. Western governments have primarily relied on reallocating interest income generated by the frozen funds to support Kyiv.

Ivashchenko accused Dmitriev of trying to reframe the international conversation away from Russia’s war against Ukraine.

“Dmitriev is trying to show the U.S. that let’s not focus on war and peace, let’s look at the bigger picture. We have the Arctic, we have oil, gas, we have Siberia with resources,” he said.

President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking on April 9, also said that Dmitriev has been tasked with conveying Moscow’s economic proposals to Washington. Dmitriev previously played a key role in Russia’s backchannel diplomacy with the Trump team after the 2016 U.S. election.

After his May 19 call with Putin, U.S. President Donald Trump said Russia was ready to engage in major trade deals with the U.S. once the war ends.

“There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create massive amounts of jobs and wealth,” Trump said in a Truth Social post. “Its potential is unlimited. Likewise, Ukraine can be a great beneficiary on trade, in the process of rebuilding its country."

Ivashchenko warned that these overtures from Dmitriev are part of a deliberate effort to deflect attention from Ukraine and gain leverage in broader geopolitical negotiations.

“The issue of Ukraine is being blurred,” he added.

West no longer imposing range restrictions on arms for Ukraine, Germany’s Merz says

“This means that Ukraine can now defend itself, for example, by attacking military facilities in Russia,” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said. “Until recently, it couldn’t do that, and apart from very few exceptions, it hadn’t done so either.”

The Kyiv IndependentMartin Fornusek

Russian forces, now in their fourth year of waging full-scale war against Ukraine, launched a new mass attack with drones and missiles against Ukraine. On the night of Monday, May 26, air raid alarms sounded across Ukraine. Ukrainian Air Force reported clusters of missiles launched from Russian strategic aircraft in the Cherkasy, Kyiv, and Vinnytsia regions, as well as Russian strike drones in numerous Ukrainian regions. By morning, the threat of drone strikes had been lifted across all areas.

Later, the Ukrainian Air Force announced that the Russian attack involved 355 drones, launched from Bryansk, Millerovo, Kursk, Orel, Shatalovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk, along with annexed Crimea. Additionally, Russia deployed nine X-101 air-launched cruise missiles, fired from Tu-95MS strategic aircraft. According to preliminary data, Ukrainian forces shot down all cruise missiles and neutralized 288 drones, including Shahed types.

Ukraine’s Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat told AFP that this drone attack is the largest since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began.

Authorities in various Ukrainian regions have begun reporting the aftermath of these strikes. Serhiy Lysak, head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration, reported fires in the Kamianske district and destruction in the Nikopol district due to the use of Grad multiple rocket launchers, artillery, and drones. "Apartment buildings, private homes, and cars are damaged. There are no casualties," Lysak wrote on his Telegram channel. Additionally, the Synelnykovo district suffered damage.

Serhiy Tyurin, chairman of the Khmelnytskyi Regional Military Administration, reported a combined Russian attack on the region for the second night in a row. "According to preliminary data, there are no civilian casualties. However, private households and businesses have been damaged," he wrote on Telegram.

Ivan Fedorov, the head of Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration, reported two injuries following a Russian attack in the Zaporizhzhia region. "After midnight, the enemy struck the village of Yurkovka. A private house was hit and destroyed. The blast wave damaged nearby homes and cars. A 60-year-old woman and a 52-year-old man were injured, and they are receiving the necessary medical assistance," Fedorov indicated.

Over the past two nights, Russia has launched significant strikes on Ukraine. On the night of May 25, Russian forces utilized 300 strike drones and nearly 70 missiles of various types, including ballistic, making it the largest aerial assault on Ukrainian cities since the start of the full-scale war, according to Reuters. At least 12 people were killed as a result of the Russian strike.

U.S. President Donald Trump, a day after the Russian attack, stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin has lost his mind. " I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely crazy!" Trump wrote on the social network Truth Social. The American President said he always believed that Putin "wants all of Ukraine, not just part of it." "But if he does that, it will lead to Russia's collapse," Trump assured. He also noted that he is considering the possibility of imposing additional sanctions against Moscow.

U.S. President Donald Trump has come to understand that Russian President Vladimir Putin misled him about being ready for peace with Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron said on May 26, according to the French TV channel BFM.

“I think President Trump realizes that when President Putin told him he was ready for peace, he lied to him,” Macron said during a visit to Hanoi. “What’s happening in Ukraine is unacceptable and extremely serious. You can’t say you’re ready to talk and then bomb."

Russia launched a three-day wave of aerial attacks from May 24 to May 26, firing more than 600 drones and dozens of missiles across Ukraine.

Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia launched nine Kh-101 cruise missiles from Tu-95MS bombers and a record 355 Shahed-type drones and decoys overnight on May 26.

Trump, who has repeatedly pressed for a ceasefire and held a two-hour phone call with Putin on May 19, expressed strong disapproval of the latest escalation.

“I’m not happy with Putin,” he told reporters on May 25, adding on Truth Social that the Russian president has gone “absolutely” crazy.

“I’ve always said that he wants all of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe that’s proving to be right,” Trump wrote. “But if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!"

Despite acknowledging Putin’s escalatory behavior, Trump also criticized President Volodymyr Zelensky, with whom he has had a strained relationship.

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Zelensky on May 25 condemned the U.S. for its lack of response to the massive Russian assault, calling for stronger sanctions and saying that "America's silence... only encourages Putin."

"Likewise, President Zelensky is doing his country no favors by talking the way he does," Trump posted. "Everything out of his mouth causes problems, I don't like it, and it better stop."

Macron said the latest bombardments were further evidence that Moscow is not negotiating in good faith. "This doublespeak shows the inauthentic nature of the discussions that may have taken place," he said.

The U.S. president's approach to negotiations frustrates European allies, many of whom sought his support for a joint U.S.–EU ultimatum demanding an unconditional ceasefire starting May 12 and tougher sanctions on Moscow.

In Washington, Republican lawmakers have echoed the call for punitive actions against Moscow. U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg told Fox Business that the "Russian Sanctions Act of 2025 is ready to go."

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said on May 1 that the legislation includes sweeping financial penalties and 500% tariffs on countries that continue buying Russian oil, gas, or uranium.

Kellogg reacted to Russia's overnight large-scale attack on Ukraine on May 25, calling for an end to hostilities.

"The indiscriminate killing of women and children at night in their homes is a clear violation of the 1977 Geneva Peace Protocols designed to protect innocents. These attacks are shameful," Kellogg wrote on X without explicitly naming Russia.

Despite Russia's refusal to accept a ceasefire, no new U.S. sanctions have been imposed so far.

West no longer imposing range restrictions on arms for Ukraine, Germany’s Merz says

“This means that Ukraine can now defend itself, for example, by attacking military facilities in Russia,” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said. “Until recently, it couldn’t do that, and apart from very few exceptions, it hadn’t done so either.”

The Kyiv IndependentMartin Fornusek

Western partners are not imposing any range restrictions on weapons delivered to Ukraine for use against Russian military targets, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on May 26.

“There are no longer any restrictions on the range of weapons delivered to Ukraine – neither by the U.K., France, nor us. There are no restrictions by the U.S. either,” Merz said during a discussion forum organized by the WDR channel.

“This means that Ukraine can now defend itself, for example, by attacking military positions in Russia,” the chancellor added. “Until recently, it couldn’t do that, and apart from very few exceptions, it hadn’t done so either."

Ukraine has previously received long-range missiles from the U.S., the U.K., and France — including ATACMS, Storm Shadow, and SCALP — but was initially permitted to deploy them only against Russian military forces in occupied Ukrainian territories.

Only in late 2024, the U.S. Biden administration and the U.K. eased the restrictions, allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russian military targets in border regions. U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized ex-President Joe Biden’s decision to ease the restrictions as he seeks to negotiate a peace agreement between Kyiv and Moscow.

Merz did not say explicitly whether he was referring to the decisions made by the U.S. Biden administration and partners in late 2024 or new, until now unannounced policies.

The German chancellor also stressed that while Ukraine is using its arms to target Russian military infrastructure, Russia continues to attack Ukrainian “cities, kindergartens, hospitals, and care homes."

Before becoming chancellor, Merz signaled he would overturn the ban of his predecessor, Olaf Scholz, on the delivery of Germany’s Taurus cruise missiles, capable of striking targets at a distance of 500 kilometers (300 miles). He has not confirmed whether he intends to deliver the missiles since taking office.

Russia launches record 355 drones at Ukraine; 6 killed, 24 injured over past 24 hours

Russia launched its third large-scale aerial and drone assault against Ukraine in three nights, killing at least six people and injuring 24 across multiple oblasts over the past 24 hours, regional authorities reported on May 26.

The Kyiv IndependentAnna Fratsyvir

Russia appears to be newly using Telegram messaging app bots to control its attack drones, ensuring real-time flight data and footage feed for human operators, the Economist reported on May 25, citing Ukrainian engineers.

The new control algorithm was revealed in a note hidden inside one of the Russian drones, possibly left behind by a “sympathetic Russian engineer,” the Economist wrote.

Russia has been ramping up its drone production to launch ever-greater strikes against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. The night of May 26 marked the most extensive drone attack of the full-scale war, reportedly involving 355 Shahed-type attack drones and decoys.

The new control methods, relying on artificial intelligence and Ukraine’s own internet networks, present a challenge to Ukrainian defenses as they make Russian drones more resistant to GPS jamming, the Economist reported.

The latest Shahed models also appear to be using jet engines and Starlink satellite attachments, the Kyiv Independent reported earlier this month.

Speaking to the Economist, Ukrainian aviation expert Kostiantyn Kryvolap cast doubt on Russia’s reported plans to launch 1,000 drones per day, but acknowledged that Moscow’s production capabilities will “increase significantly."

Russia has been deploying Iranian-made Shaheds and their domestically-produced copies, Gerans, to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses in massive swarm attacks, allowing more destructive ballistic and cruise missiles to slip through.

Moscow’s forces appear to be using already the sixth modification of the Shahed drones, using machine learning to strike their targets, according to the Economist. Nevertheless, Ukrainian air defenses are still capable of intercepting 95% of the drones Russia launches, a senior Ukrainian official told the outlet.

Ukraine’s sky shield is increasingly stretched thin as Western air defense supplies are running out. An undisclosed source told Le Monde that Ukraine has run out of ammunition for its two SAMP/T air defense batteries, while the Crotale short-range anti-aircraft systems have not received new missiles for a year and a half.

It remains unclear how many U.S.-designed Patriot interceptors, which are key in intercepting Russian ballistic missiles, are left in Ukraine’s stockpiles, as the Trump administration is yet to approve any new military aid packages.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said earlier this month that the U.S. is working with NATO partners to locate additional Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine.

In an April 13 interview with CBS News, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine is ready to buy 10 U.S.-made Patriot systems for $15 billion. Despite Kyiv’s appeals, U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed the request, accusing Zelensky of “always looking to purchase missiles” and falsely blaming Ukraine for provoking the war.

How Russia’s Shahed drones are getting more deadly — and what Ukraine is doing about it

Editor’s note: Due to the security protocols of the unit featured in this story, the Ukrainian soldiers are identified by first name only. Russia’s air strikes on Ukraine have become far more deadly in recent months. Part of the uptick is due to limited air defense to bring

The Kyiv IndependentKollen Post

Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said on May 25 he wants President Volodymyr Zelensky to attend the NATO summit in The Hague next month, Dutch daily NRC reported.

Italy’s ANSA news agency reported earlier this month that the United States opposed Zelensky’s participation, citing unnamed diplomatic sources. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied the claims.

“We are looking at how we can get a place in the program for Zelensky and other Ukrainians,” Brekelmans said during an appearance on the Dutch television program WNL op Zondag, according to NRC.

“As far as the Netherlands is concerned, Zelensky is welcome at every meeting."

While it remains unclear whether Zelensky would be allowed to address the full plenary session with all 32 NATO allies, Brekelmans did not rule out alternative formats.

“It can also be in another form. Whether that will be in a session with (U.S. President Donald) Trump, I don’t know,” he added.

At the previous NATO summit in Washington in 2024, Zelensky was a prominent presence, engaging directly with allied leaders. This year, the tone appears more cautious as NATO members weigh how to handle Ukraine’s future in the alliance amid renewed questions about U.S. commitment.

Trump has claimed that Ukraine provoked the war by pursuing NATO membership, a narrative often used by Russian propaganda to justify its 2022 full-scale invasion.

The June 24-25 summit in The Hague will be the first one led by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. According to NATO officials who spoke with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Rutte will need to navigate a delicate political landscape and manage Trump’s expectations.

NATO allies are also likely to announce a new collective commitment to boost defense expenditures to 5% of GDP – a dramatic leap from the current 2% target. Of that, 3.5% would go to weapons and artillery, with 1.5% allocated for cybersecurity and military infrastructure, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

To minimize internal disagreements, the summit has reportedly been shortened from three days to two. Discussions are expected to focus on defense spending and strengthening the defense industrial base.

Notably, this year’s communique may omit direct mention of both Russia and Ukraine — a contrast to past summits where Ukraine dominated the agenda. One NATO official told RFE/RL that referencing Ukraine at all could open the door to internal disputes and a watered-down message.

In 2024, the Alliance adopted the Ukraine Compact, a long-term security framework signed by all 32 NATO members. The compact, which was built upon the 2023 G7 declaration in Vilnius, outlines commitments to train Ukrainian forces, provide military and economic aid, and respond collectively in the event of renewed Russian aggression.

‘Putin remains confident in Russia’s ultimate victory in Ukraine,’ US intelligence reports

According to a recent report from the US Defense Intelligence Agency, Russian President Vladimir Putin remains “committed to victory in Ukraine, and his objectives remain mostly unchanged since the beginning of the war: Ukrainian neutrality and a further partition of the Ukrainian state.”

The Kyiv IndependentLucy Pakhnyuk