KyivPost

Russia is planning potential combat operations from Belarusian territory in two directions, Zelensky said. According to the president, Ukrainian intelligence has recorded renewed attempts by Moscow to pressure Alexander Lukashenko into joining new aggressive operations. The possible scenarios include attacks toward the Chernihiv-Kyiv axis in Ukraine or against a NATO member state from Belarusian territory.

Ukrainian drone teams flying as OPFOR “demolished” NATO units in Sweden’s Aurora 2026 exercise, repeatedly destroying large numbers of vehicles/troops and forcing training resets. kyivpost.com/post/76224

Trump said he discussed Ukraine with Chinese President Xi Jinping, adding that peace efforts had been “looking good” until the latest major strike overnight. He said a settlement would still happen, calling the escalation “a shame.”

Russia killed 12-year-old Liubava Yakovlieva in its strike on a residential building in Kyiv. Three years ago, the war had already taken her father — Ukrainian serviceman Yevhen Yakovliev, killed during a combat mission. Now Russia has taken his daughter too.

Russia attacked a UN humanitarian convoy in Kherson with FPV drones while it was delivering aid to civilians. The vehicles were clearly marked and the route had been coordinated in advance. UN officials said staff “miraculously survived.” kyivpost.com/post/76169

Ukraine brought home 205 POWs from Russian captivity as part of the first stage of a planned 1,000-for-1,000 exchange with Russia. The released servicemembers include soldiers and officers who defended Mariupol and multiple regions since 2022. kyivpost.com/post/76192

93% of drones were intercepted during Russia’s brutal two-day assault on Ukraine, Zelensky said, warning that Putin’s ballistic missile terror remains a deadly daily threat. kyivpost.com/post/76164

Kyiv has declared May 15 a day of mourning after Russia’s strike on the capital killed at least 24 people, including three children. President Zelensky said the nine-story apartment block was practically “leveled to the ground.” kyivpost.com/post/76165

Russian air defenses hit a residential building in Ryazan while repelling a Ukrainian attack, according to Russian media. Three people were killed.

The US announced another $1.8 billion in humanitarian aid for UN relief work worldwide, including Ukraine, bringing total support under its “Humanitarian Reset” framework to $3.8 billion across 21 crisis-hit countries. kyivpost.com/post/76167

Drones struck one of Russia’s largest oil facilities overnight, hitting the Ryazan refinery deep inside the country. The site processes more than 17 million tons of oil annually and is a key part of Moscow’s energy and military infrastructure.

Russia’s massive overnight missile and drone barrage on Kyiv has killed at least 21 people — including three children — and wounded 45 others. Rescue efforts are still ongoing. The death toll may continue to rise. kyivpost.com/post/76165

Ukraine’s LELÉKA has qualified for the final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026! Ukraine remains the only country to qualify for the final every single time it has participated in the contest. The final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will take place on Saturday, May 16.

The death toll from Russia’s strike on Kyiv’s Darnytskyi district has risen to 16, including two children, Ukraine’s State Emergency Service said. Rescue efforts are ongoing.

Putin’s war machine is cracking. Former Navy SEAL Chuck Pfarrer says relentless Ukrainian strikes in Crimea are destroying Russian logistics, exposing weak air defenses and leaving Moscow’s forces bleeding men and equipment. kyivpost.com/videos/76157

Putin has appointed Major General Alexander Shuvaev – a Russian officer accused by Ukraine of overseeing the execution of Ukrainian POWs in Avdiivka – as the new Governor of the Belgorod region, replacing Vyacheslav Gladkov. kyivpost.com/post/76141

“The Armed Forces of Ukraine are today the strongest and most powerful army in Europe,” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said. According to Rubio, Ukraine has developed unique battlefield tactics, equipment and technologies during the war, while Russian forces are losing soldiers at a far higher rate. He also said peace talks between Russia and Ukraine have “lost momentum,” as both sides currently feel more confident in their positions. Rubio added that the US remains ready to mediate negotiations again, stressing that “only America can handle this task.”

The UK will accelerate deliveries of air defence systems to Ukraine — Defense Secretary John Healey “I've directed for UK deliveries of air defense and counter-drone systems to be accelerated as fast as possible. We stand with Ukraine in the face of Putin's aggression.”