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 …
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Spies, Lies, and Algorithms
Amy B. Zegart
- Ukraine-Russia talks in Istanbul end, Moscow demands Kyiv withdraw from 4 regions, no ceasefire agreement
- Up to 640,000 Russian troops fighting against Ukraine, Syrskyi says
- Ukraine ‘lost contact’ with F-16 during …
Ukraine
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How Russia's Shaheds are getting more dangerous — and what Ukraine is doing about it
Ukraine
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Lavrov, Rubio discuss results of Istanbul peace talks, Russian media reports
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call allegedly at the initiative of the American side to discuss the future of bilateral contacts between Moscow and Washington and recent Istanbul peace …
Ukraine
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EU prepares sanctions against Russia's shadow fleet, German FM says
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has announced stronger surveillance and additional sanctions targeting Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” following suspected sabotage of underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, Die Zeit …
Ukraine
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Russia sentences Australian fighting for Ukraine to 13 years in prison in sham trial
A Russian-installed court in eastern Ukraine has sentenced Australian national Oscar Jenkins to 13 years in a high-security penal colony, accusing him of fighting as a mercenary against Russian forces, pro-Kremlin officials said on May 16.
The …
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1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange likely to take place next week, Ukraine intelligence chief says
A major prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia involving around 1,000 POWs from each side is expected to take place next week, Ukraine’s military intelligence chief said on air on May 17, following an agreement reached in Istanbul.
“I …
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Putin signs decree easing Russian citizenship process for residents of occupied Abkhazia, South Ossetia
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree simplifying the process for residents of Georgia’s Russian-occupied territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia to obtain Russian citizenship, Russian state-controlled media reported on May 17.
According …
Ukraine
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Russian strikes kill at least 13, injure over 30 across Ukraine in past 24 hours
In the past 24 hours, Russian attacks have killed at least 13 people and injured 32 across Ukraine, according to local athorities.
Russian forces launched a massive drone assault across Ukraine overnight, using 62 drones including Shahed-type attack …
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USA
Moscow questions Kyiv's authority, says Ukraine's choice of signatory key to any peace deal
The identity of Ukraine’s signatory is a “fundamental” issue for Russia in any potential agreement to end the war, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on May 17 during a briefing, Russian state-controlled media reported. …
Ukraine
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Ukrainian drones strike Russian ammunition depot in occupied Crimea, source says
Ukrainian security service drones struck an ammunition depot used by Russia’s 126th Coastal Defense Brigade near the village of Perevalne in occupied Crimea, causing a large explosion and fire, a security source told the Kyiv Independent on May …
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Russian drone strike on civilian bus in Sumy kills 9, injures 4
Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Russia launched a drone strike in Sumy Oblast in the early morning of May 17, killing nine people and injuring four more.
The drone targeted a shuttle bus that was transporting …
Ukraine
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Polish PM Tusk blames Russian hackers for cyberattacks ahead of presidential election
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that Russian hackers targeted websites of parties in his ruling coalition just two days before the country’s presidential election, AP reported on May 16.
Tusk said the cyberattacks hit the website of his …
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General Staff: Russia has lost 972,600 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022
Russia has lost 972,600 troops in Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces reported on May 17.
The number includes 910 casualties Russian forces suffered just over the …
Ukraine
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USA
Russian economic growth slowing down, Rosstat reports
Russia’s economy is experiencing a sharp slowdown in growth, according to a report released by the governmental statistics agency Rosstat on May 16.
Gross domestic product (GDP) only grew by 1.4% in the first quarter of 2025 – a notable decline …
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USA
'This is turkey time' — Trump vows sanctions on Moscow if peace talks fail, says Putin is 'tired' of war
U.S. President Donald Trump said he still believes Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to strike a deal to end the war in Ukraine, but warned that if negotiations fail, his administration will move forward with sanctions against Moscow. …
Russia
Russian drone attacks on commercial ships in the Baltic Sea spark defensive drone deployment
In May 2025, Russian drone attacks targeted commercial ships in the Baltic Sea, prompting NATO and EU to deploy counter-drone defenses.
Category: Military & Paramilitary Operations
Subcategory: High-Tech Military Tools
Incident Type: Drone swarms …
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USA
As Russia sticks to hardline demands during peace talks, Europe frustrated with Trump’s swerves, Bloomberg reports
European leaders are expressing growing frustration with U.S. President Donald Trump’s inconsistent approach to the Russia–Ukraine war, after high-level talks in Istanbul on May 16 ended without progress on a ceasefire.
Russian negotiators reiterated …
This negotiation theater for 11 years already, — Andreas Umland #shorts
Russia
Aggressive diplomacy of Kremlin: Who will be struck by Russia next? | Wrap-up Analytics
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USA
US to begin talks on troop reductions in Europe later this year, America’s NATO envoy says
The United States plans to begin discussions with European allies later this year about reducing its military presence on the continent, U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said on May 16.
Speaking at a security conference in Estonia, Whitaker …
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Fact Check: Image Does NOT Prove Ukrainian Government Issued 'Rules For Reporters' Photographing Zelenskyy In Turkey In May 2025
Does a viral image confirm that the Ukrainian government issued new rules prohibiting taking pictures of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from certain angles? No, that's not true: Talking to Lead Stories, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian …
Russia
Crimea has been shaken! Drones attacked Russian military bases #shorts
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Fact Check: CNN Did NOT Air Graphic Claiming 'Pakistan Strikes India's Air Defense'
Did CNN broadcast a graphic touting Pakistan's supposed military success against India, including a caption that read "Pakistan Strikes India's Air Defense"? No, that's not true: A CNN spokesperson told Lead Stories it was a "fabricated image". India …
Portuguese Company formed in the 3rd Assault Brigade
A Portuguese company in the 3rd Assault Brigade is revealed and is recruiting.
Ukraine
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Russian diplomatic farce in Istanbul; military aid to Ukraine grows | NEWS PULSE
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USA
Ukraine war latest: Ukraine-Russia talks in Istanbul end, Moscow demands Kyiv withdraw from 4 regions, no ceasefire agreement
Key developments on May 16: