Russia’s Victory Day parade on May 9 will proceed amid heightened tensions following Ukrainian drone strikes on Moscow. The event, celebrating the Soviet victory in WWII, is crucial for Putin’s propaganda against Ukraine. Despite Russia’s unilateral “humanitarian” truce, Ukraine hasn’t agreed to it. Zelensky warns foreign officials of potential risks. At least 29 world leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping, are expected to attend, highlighting the parade’s international significance. Ava Sinclair 08/05/2025 2:00 am
Heavy fighting between Ukraine and Russia, including drone strikes on Kyiv and Moscow, has resulted in at least two deaths in Kyiv. This occurs ahead of a planned parade in Moscow marking the 80th anniversary of World War Two’s end. President Putin proposed a three-day ceasefire, which Ukraine rejected, seeking a 30-day truce instead. Moscow’s air defenses destroyed 14 Ukrainian drones, causing no damage, while debris in Kyiv sparked fires and injuries. The Kremlin had previously announced a temporary ceasefire for Victory in Europe Day events. Ava Sinclair 07/05/2025 3:30 pm
Russia’s top drone unit used an un-jammable fiber-optic drone to destroy a Ukrainian HIMARS launcher six miles behind the front line in eastern Ukraine. This marks the fourth HIMARS loss to Russian forces, raising concerns about increased vulnerability as Russia deploys more advanced drones. HIMARS, crucial for Ukraine’s strikes, are now more at risk, especially during daytime travel. The Rubicon Center, Russia’s elite drone team, previously disrupted Ukrainian supply lines, showcasing the rapid evolution and effectiveness of drone technology in the conflict. Noah Prescott 07/05/2025 8:30 am
Russian air defense destroyed a swarm of Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow, leading to the temporary closure of all airports in the capital. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported 19 drones were intercepted without causing major damage or injuries. The attacks occurred ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II. President Putin declared a three-day ceasefire, while Ukraine’s President Zelenskiy proposed a 30-day ceasefire. A drone struck an apartment building, but no casualties were reported. Flights were halted for safety, affecting Moscow and regional airports. Noah Prescott 06/05/2025 3:00 pm
A week into Donald Trump’s second term, the U.S. military ordered three airlines to halt 11 flights carrying weapons to Ukraine. This caused confusion among Ukrainian and Polish officials, who questioned whether it was a permanent stop. Top U.S. security officials were initially unable to provide answers. Within a week, flights resumed. The order came from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s office, according to TRANSCOM records reviewed by Reuters. Noah Prescott 06/05/2025 11:30 am
Ukrainian drones targeted Moscow for the second night as the city prepared for Victory Day celebrations. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin reported 19 drones shot down overnight, with no casualties. Flights were suspended at four airports. Ukraine’s drone strikes have led to the cancellation of Crimea’s Victory Day parade. President Putin’s proposed ceasefire was rejected by Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, who seeks a longer ceasefire. Zelenskyy warned of potential security risks for those attending Moscow’s celebrations, suggesting Russia might stage provocations to blame Ukraine. Penelope Kingsley 06/05/2025 11:30 am
Ukraine claimed to have hit a drone command unit in Russia’s Kursk region near Tyotkino, amid reports of attempts to cross into Russia. An electrical substation in Rylsk was damaged, causing power loss, and two teenagers were injured. Ukrainian forces reportedly fired missiles and crossed minefields, leading to heavy border battles. Kyiv maintains a military presence in Kursk, while Russian bloggers reported Ukrainian attempts to breach the border. In Sumy, Ukraine, authorities advised evacuations near the border. Penelope Kingsley 06/05/2025 8:00 am
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated Ukraine cannot ensure the safety of foreign officials attending Russia’s Victory Day parade, sparking tensions with Slovakia. Slovak PM Robert Fico criticized Zelenskyy’s warning, asserting Russia is responsible for attendees’ safety. Fico and Serbian President Vučić, the only European leaders planning to attend, faced EU criticism. Vučić’s attendance is uncertain due to health issues, and Fico’s participation is also unclear. The EU warned Vučić that attending could harm Serbia’s EU accession process. Penelope Kingsley 05/05/2025 6:00 pm
Eurosceptic George Simion won the first round of Romania’s presidential election rerun, securing 40% of the vote, ahead of Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan’s 21%. They will face off in a runoff on May 18. Simion’s victory could isolate Romania, destabilize NATO’s eastern flank, and expand eurosceptic leadership in the EU. Simion opposes military aid to Ukraine and aligns with Trump’s movement. Dan, an independent anti-corruption candidate, gained significant support from Romanians abroad. The election follows a canceled attempt due to alleged Russian interference. Noah Prescott 05/05/2025 4:00 am
Romanians voted in a presidential election with hard-right candidate George Simion leading but not securing the 50% needed to avoid a runoff. Simion, leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), is known for his ultranationalist views and admiration for Donald Trump. His party, founded in 2019, gained popularity by opposing COVID-19 measures and promoting social conservatism. Despite being banned from Ukraine and Moldova, Simion insists he is pro-Romanian, not anti-Ukrainian. He challenges EU laws but supports Romania’s EU membership, rejecting the far-right label. Noah Prescott 05/05/2025 12:30 am
