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Ukraine on alert as Zelensky warns of possible Oreshnik missile strike
Zelensky said Ukrainian intelligence, with data from the US and European partners, believes Russia is preparing to launch an Oreshnik missile as part of a broader attack that could target Kyiv; Ukraine is strengthening air defenses, pressing Western allies to increase pressure on Moscow, and urging civilians to heed air‑raid alerts and take shelter as the war moves toward a peace-based end.

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Ukraine reports 590 sq km reclaimed this year as it pushes for diplomacy
The Kyiv Independent•3 days ago
Ukraine hits Russian FSB HQ in Kherson, nearly 100 troops killed or wounded
The Kyiv Independent•4 days ago
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Ukraine strikes Russian Syzran refinery, widening long-range oil sanctions
Ukraine says it attacked Russia’s Syzran oil refinery in Samara Oblast, more than 800 km from the border, as part of Kyiv’s long-range sanctions on the oil sector; the refinery reportedly supplies fuel to the Russian military. Separately, Russia is alleged to have deployed nuclear warheads to Belarus for joint drills, while Ukraine struck the Russian FSB HQ in occupied Kherson and is developing low-cost interceptor missiles for Shahed drones; meanwhile Russian drone strikes on Dnipro injured civilians, including a 13-year-old boy. The updates underscore ongoing war actions, extended sanctions campaigns, and counter-drone efforts.

SBU: Russian missiles used depleted-uranium warheads in Ukraine attack
Ukraine’s Security Service says an R-60 missile, used on a modified Geran-2 drone in an April attack on Chernihiv Oblast, contained depleted-uranium projectiles (U-235 and U-238). Gamma radiation levels near the unexploded warhead were measured at about 12 micro-Sieverts per hour. The SBU recovered the warhead and moved it to a radioactive-waste facility, citing the health hazards of depleted uranium and warning citizens to avoid debris. Investigators have opened a pre-trial war-crimes probe under Article 438, overseen by the Chernihiv regional prosecutor.

Second drone strike hits Russian oil refinery in a week, sparking blaze near Nizhny Novgorod
Ukraine reportedly struck the Lukoil-Nizhegorodnefteorgsintez refinery near Kstovo in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, hitting an AVT-6 oil refining unit and triggering a fire—the second strike on the site in a week. Kyiv says the refinery’s output supports Russian forces; the Kyiv Independent cannot independently verify Russian claims and the full extent of damage remains unclear.

Zelensky cautions of a new Russian northern push toward Chernihiv and Kyiv
President Zelensky warned Moscow may mount a northern offensive toward Ukraine’s Chernihiv–Kyiv axis, possibly with Belarus involvement; Kyiv says it is strengthening defenses in the north and pressing Belarus and partners on diplomatic coordination to deter any new front.

Moscow Refinery Briefly Halts Output After May Drone Strike
The Gazpromneft-owned Moscow Oil Refinery temporarily stopped processing after a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack on May 17, with Reuters citing industry sources; 12 people were injured near the plant, and the halt was described as a risk-mitigation measure, though Kyiv Independent could not independently verify the report. The plant processed about 11.6 million tons of crude in 2024, and the episode fits a broader pattern of strikes on Russian oil infrastructure in recent months.

Ukraine claims strike hits Russia’s large oil refinery and pumping station
Ukraine says its forces struck Russia's Lukoil-Nizhegorodnefteorgsintez refinery in Kstovo and the nearby Yaroslavl-3 oil pumping station on May 18–19, potentially shrinking Moscow's fuel capacity; the refinery is among Russia's largest (about 17 million tons annually) and provides gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel for the military, though the full extent of damage remains unclear, while Russia reported drone incidents in Yaroslavl and near Moscow with no casualties.

Budapest summons Moscow envoy after drones strike near Hungarian border
Hungary summoned Russia’s ambassador after Moscow’s mass drone assault on Ukraine, which targeted Zakarpattia near the Hungarian border. Prime Minister Peter Magyar said the ambassador would be condemned and that Hungary would offer Ukraine assistance; Foreign Minister Anita Orban will raise the issue during her meeting with the envoy. The May 13 attack involved more than 800 drones, killing at least six and injuring dozens, with Zakarpattia—the region home to a Hungarian minority—among the targets.

North Korea reportedly earned up to $13.8B from Russia for arms and troops in Ukraine war
South Korean intelligence, cited by Nikkei Asia, says Russia has paid North Korea up to about $13.8 billion through 2025 for weapons and thousands of North Korean troops aiding its war in Ukraine, including KN-23 missiles and 152-mm artillery rounds. Reports estimate roughly 10,000 NK soldiers and 10,000 engineers on the ground with plans to send as many as 30,000 more, and Seoul notes that earlier transfers valued at over $20 billion were for weapons technology rather than cash. North Korea is also reportedly assisting Russia with drones and submarines, and Pyongyang marked the fighting by inaugurating a museum for fallen soldiers.

Azov Corps drones renew air presence over Russian-occupied Mariupol
Azov Corps released footage of Ukrainian reconnaissance and strike drones patrolling Mariupol, signaling a return to the city from the air and promising deeper drone activity to disrupt Russian logistics, with drones reportedly patrolling roads up to 160 km behind the front line.

Kyiv Braces for Impact as Russia Lobs Mass Drone Assault
Russia launched a mass drone attack on Kyiv late May 2, with swarms approaching the capital as air defenses activated; explosions were reported and fires damaged several buildings, though no casualties have been confirmed. The strike follows a daytime drone attack on Ternopil the day before and underscores a pattern of intensified Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities in 2026.