More than 200 Russian drones hit Kyiv and Dnipro as the weekend ceasefire collapses and the Yermak probe widens
More than 200 Russian drones hit Ukraine overnight, with explosions in Kyiv and Dnipro and Kyiv claiming a 90 percent interception rate, as the weekend ceasefire proposal collapsed. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Moscow had proposed including abducted Ukrainian children — 20,000 taken since 2022, around 2,000 returned — in prisoner-exchange lists, a demand Kyiv rejected. Ukraine signed a memorandum with the United States on drone-technology exchange and joint production, and anti-corruption agencies named six more suspects in the Yermak money-laundering probe, the day after NABU and SAPO filed a UAH 460 million ($10.5 million) case.
Top Stories
Russia hits Kyiv and Dnipro with more than 200 drones as proposed ceasefire collapses, Ukraine signs US drone production memorandum
A weekend ceasefire proposal between Russia and Ukraine collapsed on Tuesday as Russian forces launched more than 200 drones overnight, with explosions reported in Kyiv and Dnipro and Kyiv claiming a roughly 90 percent interception rate. Ukraine signed a memorandum with the United States on drone-technology exchange and joint production, Washington's first formal move to tap Ukrainian battlefield expertise on unmanned systems. The crisis landed alongside a domestic shock: anti-graft agencies named six more suspects in their probe of former presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak — the day after NABU and SAPO filed a UAH 460 million money-laundering case tied to a luxury housing project — while Kyiv's top diplomat accused Moscow of trying to barter abducted Ukrainian children in the proposed prisoner swap.
Ukraine names former Zelensky chief of staff Yermak a suspect in money-laundering probe
Ukrainian anti-graft agencies named Andriy Yermak, who served as President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff until his resignation last year, a suspect in a money-laundering case tied to a luxury housing project, a continuation of last year's Operation Midas that has now flagged six additional suspects. Investigators stressed Zelensky himself is not, and has never been, a subject of the case. The suspicion notice landed as a weekend ceasefire collapsed under more than 200 Russian drones overnight on Kyiv and Dnipro and as Kyiv signed a memorandum with Washington on drone technology exchange and joint production.
Ukraine Repels Russian Pipeline Assault Near Yablunivka, Azov Drones Strike Mariupol
Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian infantry attack near Yablunivka, Sumy region, on April 19, killing 44 and wounding 30 in a 23-minute engagement, according to the 71st Separate Airmobile Brigade. Separately, Azov Corps began operating medium-range strike drones over Mariupol, targeting Russian logistics routes. The Flamingo cruise missile was confirmed operational after a combined missile-drone strike on a military electronics plant in Cheboksary.
Ukraine's NABU names ex-presidential chief Andriy Yermak suspect in $10.5 million money laundering case linked to luxury real estate and Energoatom corruption
Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) on May 11 notified former Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak of suspicion in a case involving the alleged laundering of UAH 460 million ($10.5 million) through the construction of a luxury housing complex near Kyiv. On May 12, authorities announced suspicions against six additional members of the alleged organized group, including former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Chernyshov and businessman Tymur Mindich. NABU Director Semen Kryvonos said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy "did not and does not figure" in the investigation.
All Events
Every other event tracked in Ukraine, with a one-line preview.
ua48Ukraine war update: Battle of Yablunivka, Azov strikes Mariupol, Flamingo missile operational
In late April and early May 2026, Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian attack near Yablunivka, Sumy region, killing 44 Russian soldiers using drones and artillery. The Azov Brigade began medium-range drone strikes on Mariupol, targeting logistics routes. Ukraine's new Flamingo cruise missile (1.15-ton warhead, 3,000 km range) struck a military electronics plant in Cheboksary. Ukrainian drones also hit Russian naval assets in the Baltic and Caspian seas. The US approved the sale of 1,500 smart bomb kits for Ukrainian F-16s. The Red Square parade proceeded without incident after Zelensky allowed it, but Russia continued strikes on Ukrainian cities, killing civilians.
Show summaryHide
Ukraine war update: Battle of Yablunivka, Azov strikes Mariupol, Flamingo missile operational
In late April and early May 2026, Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian attack near Yablunivka, Sumy region, killing 44 Russian soldiers using drones and artillery. The Azov Brigade began medium-range drone strikes on Mariupol, targeting logistics routes. Ukraine's new Flamingo cruise missile (1.15-ton warhead, 3,000 km range) struck a military electronics plant in Cheboksary. Ukrainian drones also hit Russian naval assets in the Baltic and Caspian seas. The US approved the sale of 1,500 smart bomb kits for Ukrainian F-16s. The Red Square parade proceeded without incident after Zelensky allowed it, but Russia continued strikes on Ukrainian cities, killing civilians.
In late April and early May 2026, Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian attack near Yablunivka, Sumy region, killing 44 Russian soldiers using drones and artillery. The Azov Brigade began medium-range drone strikes on Mariupol, targeting logistics routes. Ukraine's new Flamingo cruise missile (1.15-ton warhead, 3,000 km range) struck a military electronics plant in Cheboksary. Ukrainian drones also hit Russian naval assets in the Baltic and Caspian seas. The US approved the sale of 1,500 smart bomb kits for Ukrainian F-16s. The Red Square parade proceeded without incident after Zelensky allowed it, but Russia continued strikes on Ukrainian cities, killing civilians.
ua46Russia Proposed Including Abducted Ukrainian Children in Prisoner Exchange Lists, Ukraine Says
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha revealed on May 11 that Russia proposed including abducted Ukrainian children in prisoner exchange lists, a move Kyiv categorically rejected, stating that children's freedom is unconditional. Over 20,000 children have been taken since the full-scale invasion, with only about 2,000 returned, none through international mechanisms. The EU announced $54 million for tracing and return efforts and sanctioned 16 individuals and 7 entities involved in the abduction system. The UK also imposed sanctions on 85 individuals and organizations. Sybiha drew parallels to Nazi-era deportations and called for the unconditional return of children as a fundamental element of any peace process.
Show summaryHide
Russia Proposed Including Abducted Ukrainian Children in Prisoner Exchange Lists, Ukraine Says
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha revealed on May 11 that Russia proposed including abducted Ukrainian children in prisoner exchange lists, a move Kyiv categorically rejected, stating that children's freedom is unconditional. Over 20,000 children have been taken since the full-scale invasion, with only about 2,000 returned, none through international mechanisms. The EU announced $54 million for tracing and return efforts and sanctioned 16 individuals and 7 entities involved in the abduction system. The UK also imposed sanctions on 85 individuals and organizations. Sybiha drew parallels to Nazi-era deportations and called for the unconditional return of children as a fundamental element of any peace process.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha revealed on May 11 that Russia proposed including abducted Ukrainian children in prisoner exchange lists, a move Kyiv categorically rejected, stating that children's freedom is unconditional. Over 20,000 children have been taken since the full-scale invasion, with only about 2,000 returned, none through international mechanisms. The EU announced $54 million for tracing and return efforts and sanctioned 16 individuals and 7 entities involved in the abduction system. The UK also imposed sanctions on 85 individuals and organizations. Sybiha drew parallels to Nazi-era deportations and called for the unconditional return of children as a fundamental element of any peace process.
ua45Russia proposed including abducted Ukrainian children in prisoner exchange lists, Ukraine says
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha revealed that Russia proposed including abducted Ukrainian children in prisoner exchange lists, a move Kyiv categorically rejected. Over 20,000 children have been taken since the full-scale invasion; only about 2,000 have returned, none through international mechanisms. The EU announced $54 million for tracing and return, and sanctioned 16 individuals and 7 entities involved in the abduction system. The UK also imposed sanctions on 85 individuals and organizations. Sybiha called the children's unconditional return a fundamental element of any peace process.
Show summaryHide
Russia proposed including abducted Ukrainian children in prisoner exchange lists, Ukraine says
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha revealed that Russia proposed including abducted Ukrainian children in prisoner exchange lists, a move Kyiv categorically rejected. Over 20,000 children have been taken since the full-scale invasion; only about 2,000 have returned, none through international mechanisms. The EU announced $54 million for tracing and return, and sanctioned 16 individuals and 7 entities involved in the abduction system. The UK also imposed sanctions on 85 individuals and organizations. Sybiha called the children's unconditional return a fundamental element of any peace process.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha revealed that Russia proposed including abducted Ukrainian children in prisoner exchange lists, a move Kyiv categorically rejected. Over 20,000 children have been taken since the full-scale invasion; only about 2,000 have returned, none through international mechanisms. The EU announced $54 million for tracing and return, and sanctioned 16 individuals and 7 entities involved in the abduction system. The UK also imposed sanctions on 85 individuals and organizations. Sybiha called the children's unconditional return a fundamental element of any peace process.
ua43EU approves €90 billion Ukraine loan, abandons plan to use frozen Russian assets
Background: The European Union formally approved a €90 billion loan to Ukraine on April 23 after Hungary's new leadership ended its obstruction. The loan will be disbursed over two years to support Ukraine's defense and budget. A subsequent analysis argues that the EU missed a strategic opportunity by not using frozen Russian sovereign assets (€210 billion) as collateral for a larger reparation loan, which would have been more financially robust, legally agile, and geopolitically impactful. The decision leaves Ukraine's long-term funding uncertain and fails to link Russia's financial consequences directly to its war. The piece also notes that Bulgaria's new prime minister, Rumen Radev, has signaled a more pragmatic approach toward the Kremlin, while populist governments in Slovakia and Czechia continue to cast doubt on sustained European support for Ukraine.
Show summaryHide
EU approves €90 billion Ukraine loan, abandons plan to use frozen Russian assets
Background: The European Union formally approved a €90 billion loan to Ukraine on April 23 after Hungary's new leadership ended its obstruction. The loan will be disbursed over two years to support Ukraine's defense and budget. A subsequent analysis argues that the EU missed a strategic opportunity by not using frozen Russian sovereign assets (€210 billion) as collateral for a larger reparation loan, which would have been more financially robust, legally agile, and geopolitically impactful. The decision leaves Ukraine's long-term funding uncertain and fails to link Russia's financial consequences directly to its war. The piece also notes that Bulgaria's new prime minister, Rumen Radev, has signaled a more pragmatic approach toward the Kremlin, while populist governments in Slovakia and Czechia continue to cast doubt on sustained European support for Ukraine.
Background: The European Union formally approved a €90 billion loan to Ukraine on April 23 after Hungary's new leadership ended its obstruction. The loan will be disbursed over two years to support Ukraine's defense and budget. A subsequent analysis argues that the EU missed a strategic opportunity by not using frozen Russian sovereign assets (€210 billion) as collateral for a larger reparation loan, which would have been more financially robust, legally agile, and geopolitically impactful. The decision leaves Ukraine's long-term funding uncertain and fails to link Russia's financial consequences directly to its war. The piece also notes that Bulgaria's new prime minister, Rumen Radev, has signaled a more pragmatic approach toward the Kremlin, while populist governments in Slovakia and Czechia continue to cast doubt on sustained European support for Ukraine.
ua43EU approves €90 billion Ukraine loan, abandons plan to use frozen Russian assets
Background: The European Union formally approved a €90 billion loan to Ukraine on April 23 after Hungary's new leadership ended its obstruction. The loan will be disbursed over two years to support Ukraine's defense and budget. A new analysis argues that the EU missed a strategic opportunity by not using frozen Russian sovereign assets (€210 billion) as collateral for a larger reparation loan, which would have been more financially robust, legally agile, and geopolitically impactful. The decision leaves Ukraine's long-term funding uncertain and fails to link Russia's financial consequences directly to its war. The article also notes that Bulgaria's new prime minister has signaled a more pragmatic approach toward the Kremlin, while populist governments in Slovakia and Czechia continue to cast doubt on sustained European support for Ukraine.
Show summaryHide
EU approves €90 billion Ukraine loan, abandons plan to use frozen Russian assets
Background: The European Union formally approved a €90 billion loan to Ukraine on April 23 after Hungary's new leadership ended its obstruction. The loan will be disbursed over two years to support Ukraine's defense and budget. A new analysis argues that the EU missed a strategic opportunity by not using frozen Russian sovereign assets (€210 billion) as collateral for a larger reparation loan, which would have been more financially robust, legally agile, and geopolitically impactful. The decision leaves Ukraine's long-term funding uncertain and fails to link Russia's financial consequences directly to its war. The article also notes that Bulgaria's new prime minister has signaled a more pragmatic approach toward the Kremlin, while populist governments in Slovakia and Czechia continue to cast doubt on sustained European support for Ukraine.
Background: The European Union formally approved a €90 billion loan to Ukraine on April 23 after Hungary's new leadership ended its obstruction. The loan will be disbursed over two years to support Ukraine's defense and budget. A new analysis argues that the EU missed a strategic opportunity by not using frozen Russian sovereign assets (€210 billion) as collateral for a larger reparation loan, which would have been more financially robust, legally agile, and geopolitically impactful. The decision leaves Ukraine's long-term funding uncertain and fails to link Russia's financial consequences directly to its war. The article also notes that Bulgaria's new prime minister has signaled a more pragmatic approach toward the Kremlin, while populist governments in Slovakia and Czechia continue to cast doubt on sustained European support for Ukraine.
ua41Ukraine rules out territorial concessions in any peace deal
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Kyiv will not accept any peace initiative that compromises its territorial integrity or sovereignty, insisting on a ceasefire along current front lines as a precondition for broader negotiations. Poland's foreign minister echoed that the war will end only when Russia abandons imperial ambitions. Sybiha also called for a new role for Europe in peace efforts, citing slowed negotiations due to Washington's focus on the Middle East. Speaking at the PISM Strategic Ark conference alongside Poland's Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, Sybiha reiterated these positions, ruling out any peace deal that compromises Ukraine's territorial integrity or sovereignty.
Show summaryHide
Ukraine rules out territorial concessions in any peace deal
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Kyiv will not accept any peace initiative that compromises its territorial integrity or sovereignty, insisting on a ceasefire along current front lines as a precondition for broader negotiations. Poland's foreign minister echoed that the war will end only when Russia abandons imperial ambitions. Sybiha also called for a new role for Europe in peace efforts, citing slowed negotiations due to Washington's focus on the Middle East. Speaking at the PISM Strategic Ark conference alongside Poland's Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, Sybiha reiterated these positions, ruling out any peace deal that compromises Ukraine's territorial integrity or sovereignty.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Kyiv will not accept any peace initiative that compromises its territorial integrity or sovereignty, insisting on a ceasefire along current front lines as a precondition for broader negotiations. Poland's foreign minister echoed that the war will end only when Russia abandons imperial ambitions. Sybiha also called for a new role for Europe in peace efforts, citing slowed negotiations due to Washington's focus on the Middle East. Speaking at the PISM Strategic Ark conference alongside Poland's Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, Sybiha reiterated these positions, ruling out any peace deal that compromises Ukraine's territorial integrity or sovereignty.
ua40Ukraine rules out territorial concessions in any peace deal
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha declared that Kyiv will not accept any peace initiative that compromises its territorial integrity or sovereignty, insisting on a ceasefire along current front lines as a precondition for broader negotiations. Poland's Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski echoed that the war will end only when Russia abandons imperial ambitions. Speaking at the PISM Strategic Ark conference alongside Sikorski, Sybiha also called for a new European role in peace efforts, noting that negotiations slowed as Washington's attention shifted to the Middle East. The remarks signal Ukraine's firm stance ahead of any potential peace talks.
Show summaryHide
Ukraine rules out territorial concessions in any peace deal
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha declared that Kyiv will not accept any peace initiative that compromises its territorial integrity or sovereignty, insisting on a ceasefire along current front lines as a precondition for broader negotiations. Poland's Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski echoed that the war will end only when Russia abandons imperial ambitions. Speaking at the PISM Strategic Ark conference alongside Sikorski, Sybiha also called for a new European role in peace efforts, noting that negotiations slowed as Washington's attention shifted to the Middle East. The remarks signal Ukraine's firm stance ahead of any potential peace talks.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha declared that Kyiv will not accept any peace initiative that compromises its territorial integrity or sovereignty, insisting on a ceasefire along current front lines as a precondition for broader negotiations. Poland's Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski echoed that the war will end only when Russia abandons imperial ambitions. Speaking at the PISM Strategic Ark conference alongside Sikorski, Sybiha also called for a new European role in peace efforts, noting that negotiations slowed as Washington's attention shifted to the Middle East. The remarks signal Ukraine's firm stance ahead of any potential peace talks.
ua40Ukraine insists US involvement essential for peace progress
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, speaking at an event hosted by the Polish Institute of International Affairs on 12 May, declared that US participation is indispensable for achieving real progress in peace negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war. He stressed the importance of purchasing weapons from the US, particularly through the PURL program for strategic air defense systems and long-range missiles, and welcomed Washington's efforts in the peace process. Sybiha also called for a stronger European role, having proposed strengthening Europe's role in peace efforts during a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 11 May. The statement comes as Ukraine expects US representatives to visit Kyiv around the turn of spring and summer.
Show summaryHide
Ukraine insists US involvement essential for peace progress
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, speaking at an event hosted by the Polish Institute of International Affairs on 12 May, declared that US participation is indispensable for achieving real progress in peace negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war. He stressed the importance of purchasing weapons from the US, particularly through the PURL program for strategic air defense systems and long-range missiles, and welcomed Washington's efforts in the peace process. Sybiha also called for a stronger European role, having proposed strengthening Europe's role in peace efforts during a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 11 May. The statement comes as Ukraine expects US representatives to visit Kyiv around the turn of spring and summer.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, speaking at an event hosted by the Polish Institute of International Affairs on 12 May, declared that US participation is indispensable for achieving real progress in peace negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war. He stressed the importance of purchasing weapons from the US, particularly through the PURL program for strategic air defense systems and long-range missiles, and welcomed Washington's efforts in the peace process. Sybiha also called for a stronger European role, having proposed strengthening Europe's role in peace efforts during a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 11 May. The statement comes as Ukraine expects US representatives to visit Kyiv around the turn of spring and summer.
ua39Ukraine insists US involvement essential for peace negotiations
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha declared that US participation is indispensable for achieving real progress in peace negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Speaking at an event hosted by the Polish Institute of International Affairs on 12 May, Sybiha stressed the importance of US weapons purchases, particularly through the PURL program for strategic air defense systems and long-range missiles, and called for Washington's influence and pressure on Russia. He also noted that Ukraine expects US representatives to visit Kyiv around the turn of spring and summer. During a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 11 May, Sybiha proposed a stronger European role in peace efforts. The statement underscores Ukraine's reliance on US leadership and military support as diplomatic efforts continue.
Show summaryHide
Ukraine insists US involvement essential for peace negotiations
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha declared that US participation is indispensable for achieving real progress in peace negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Speaking at an event hosted by the Polish Institute of International Affairs on 12 May, Sybiha stressed the importance of US weapons purchases, particularly through the PURL program for strategic air defense systems and long-range missiles, and called for Washington's influence and pressure on Russia. He also noted that Ukraine expects US representatives to visit Kyiv around the turn of spring and summer. During a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 11 May, Sybiha proposed a stronger European role in peace efforts. The statement underscores Ukraine's reliance on US leadership and military support as diplomatic efforts continue.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha declared that US participation is indispensable for achieving real progress in peace negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Speaking at an event hosted by the Polish Institute of International Affairs on 12 May, Sybiha stressed the importance of US weapons purchases, particularly through the PURL program for strategic air defense systems and long-range missiles, and called for Washington's influence and pressure on Russia. He also noted that Ukraine expects US representatives to visit Kyiv around the turn of spring and summer. During a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 11 May, Sybiha proposed a stronger European role in peace efforts. The statement underscores Ukraine's reliance on US leadership and military support as diplomatic efforts continue.
ua39International Coalition for Return of Ukrainian Children Expands to Nearly 50 Countries
Ukraine's International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, launched in February 2024, has expanded to nearly 50 countries with the addition of Switzerland and Cyprus. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the milestone during a high-level meeting on 11 May 2025, reporting that over 2,100 children have been returned through the Bring Kids Back UA initiative. The coalition coordinates tracking, recovery, and reintegration efforts. The UK, Canada, and the EU announced new sanctions targeting Russian officials and entities involved in child abductions, deportations, and forced assimilation. The International Criminal Court arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and others remain in force.
Show summaryHide
International Coalition for Return of Ukrainian Children Expands to Nearly 50 Countries
Ukraine's International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, launched in February 2024, has expanded to nearly 50 countries with the addition of Switzerland and Cyprus. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the milestone during a high-level meeting on 11 May 2025, reporting that over 2,100 children have been returned through the Bring Kids Back UA initiative. The coalition coordinates tracking, recovery, and reintegration efforts. The UK, Canada, and the EU announced new sanctions targeting Russian officials and entities involved in child abductions, deportations, and forced assimilation. The International Criminal Court arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and others remain in force.
Ukraine's International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, launched in February 2024, has expanded to nearly 50 countries with the addition of Switzerland and Cyprus. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the milestone during a high-level meeting on 11 May 2025, reporting that over 2,100 children have been returned through the Bring Kids Back UA initiative. The coalition coordinates tracking, recovery, and reintegration efforts. The UK, Canada, and the EU announced new sanctions targeting Russian officials and entities involved in child abductions, deportations, and forced assimilation. The International Criminal Court arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and others remain in force.