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Russia’s war against Ukraine
People lay flowers and candles at the Memorial to the Victims of the Crimean Tatar Genocide on May 18, 2025, in Kyiv. In 1944, approximately 200,000 people were forcibly deported from Crimea to Siberia and other remote regions of the USSR. (Andriy Zhyhaylo /Oboz.ua / Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)
Russia launches record 273-drone attack on Ukraine ahead of planned Trump-Putin call. Ukraine’s Air Force said it intercepted 88 drones, while 128 others vanished from radars, likely used as decoys to overwhelm air defenses. The assault involved coordinated use of electronic warfare units, mobile fire teams, and anti-aircraft systems.
Zelensky meets Pope Leo XIV at Vatican. Zelensky presented the pope with a special icon, “Mother of God with Child,” painted on a fragment of a box that held heavy artillery in the war-torn town of Izium.
New clips from Putin documentary suggest Russia dismissed Ukraine peace talks, ceasefire weeks ago. The comments — publicly withheld until now — come nearly four months into U.S. President Donald Trump’s push for a ceasefire.
Russia plans ‘training’ launch of Yars intercontinental ballistic missile overnight on May 19, Ukraine’s HUR claims. According to Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR), the move is intended to intimidate Ukraine, as well as EU and NATO member states.
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Zelensky meets Vance for first time since Oval Office showdown, discuss Istanbul peace talks, sanctions on Russia. “During our talks we discussed negotiations in Istanbul to where the Russians sent a low level delegation of non-decision-makers,” Zelensky wrote on X.
Russian tank losses in Ukraine — Syrskyi claims 1,159 ‘hit’ since start of year. At the start of the full-scale invasion, Russia was estimated to have around 3,300 operational tanks.
Ukraine’s General Staff responds after accusations of ‘stupid objectives’ from 47th Brigade battalion commander. The move follows the resignation of Oleksandr Shyrshyn, commander of the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade.
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Ukraine war latest: Russia launches record 273-drone attack on Ukraine ahead of planned Trump-Putin call
Russia carried out its largest single drone attack since the start of its full-scale invasion, launching 273 drones overnight on May 18. The attack comes just two days after Ukraine and Russia held their first direct peace talks since 2022, and one day ahead of a planned call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.
Photo: President Volodymyr Zelensky / Telegram
Investigation: Uncovering the secret Russian FSB operation to loot Ukraine’s museums
The city of Kherson was occupied by Russian forces in the early days of March, 2022 until being liberated by Ukraine’s lightning counteroffensive later that year. Today, this area is a red zone: just a couple of kilometers away, on the other bank of the Dnipro River, Russian forces fire artillery and launch drones.
Photo: Dimitar Dilkoff / AFP via Getty Images
Poland, Romania presidential elections held amid Russian interference, far-right surge — what you need to know
Poland and Romania — key NATO allies bordering Ukraine — are holding presidential elections on May 18, with both votes unfolding under the shadow of Russian interference and rising far-right influence.
Photo: Jaap Arriens / NurPhoto via Getty Images
‘Everything is translation’ — 13th Book Arsenal festival in Kyiv to bridge gaps between language and war
The 13th Book Arsenal festival in Kyiv, one of Ukraine’s premier interdisciplinary cultural events, attracting voices from across the country and around the globe, will take place in Kyiv from May 29 to June 1.
Photo: Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images
Human cost of Russia’s war
2 killed, 23 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day. According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russia attacked with 273 drones overnight, including Iranian-designed Shahed-type suicide drones.
Putin no-show at peace talks and new Russian offensive – Ukraine This Week
International response
European leaders to speak with Trump before Putin call, Merz says. French President Emmanuel Macron, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will speak to Trump before he calls Putin on the morning of May 19.
Trump growing impatient with Russia, Finnish president says. “If you put it together, you could say that Zelensky is patient and President Trump is getting impatient, but in the right direction, which is towards Russia,” Finnish President Alexander Stubb said after holding separate talks with both Trump and Zelensky this weekend.
Europe ‘far from’ discussing foreign troop deployment to Ukraine, Merz says. “There is no reason to talk about (troops) at the moment, we are far from that. We want the weapons to stop, the killing to end,” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said.
Denmark announces nearly $600 million in military aid to Ukraine. The package includes additional artillery and shells via the Czech ammunition initiative as well as equipment for fighter jets and funds for expanded training, the Danish Defense Ministry announced.
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In other news
Nicusor Dan wins Romanian presidential election, defeating anti-Ukraine Simion. In an anxiously watched race, Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan won the presidency against the far-right candidate George Simion, who is banned from entering both Ukraine and Moldova due to his extremist views.
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