Russia has reportedly destroyed 260 Ukrainian drones according to Interfax news.
Article Rewrite
Live Updates: Ukraine Conflict, Day 2073
Russia's ruthless offensive in Ukraine continues, with the latest report indicating that Moscow has brought down a staggering 260 drones from Ukrainian skies yesterday. The news agency Interfax broke the story, stating that 62 of these drones were taken out outside the combat zone.
Meanwhile, the European Union has taken a firm stance against Russia's financing of its invasion by imposing an additional 6.5% tariff on agricultural products and fertilizers imported from Russia and Belarus. The move, supported by a majority of EU countries, targets essential items such as sugar, vinegar, flour, animal feed, and nitrogen and urea-based fertilizers.
A chilling tale of attempt averted comes from the city of Iwano-Frankiwsk, where Ukrainian investigators successfully thwarted a planned bombing by a 15-year-old girl recruited by Russian intelligence via social media. She was offered money to assemble an explosive device in an apartment and then hide it in a park, with the intent to kill civilians and herself. However, the minor reported the threat to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) via a chatbot, allowing authorities to intervene before the bomb was detonated.
Political Developments
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has nothing but scorn for Putin's relentless pursuit of his "delusional geopolitical fantasies," referencing the alleged more than one million Russian soldiers killed or injured since the war began. The unconfirmed figure was previously given by the General Staff in Kyiv.
German SPD leader Lars Klingbeil has distanced himself from a policy paper calling for a realignment of the country's defense policy and talks with Russia, stating he doesn't want a "U-turn" in supporting Ukraine. Instead, Germany should continue to aid Ukraine while engaging in diplomatic efforts, according to Klingbeil.
The EU is proposing sanctions against two small Chinese banks for allegedly aiding Russia in bypassing existing trade restrictions, as reported by Bloomberg. Slovakia has reportedly resisted joining the 18th EU sanctions package, objecting to the proposed phase-out of gas, oil, and nuclear fuel imports.
Military Incidents
Ukrainian air forces have managed to electronically disrupt and down or shoot down 63 Russian drones overnight, with seven impact sites and drone debris falling to the ground. Among the targets was Kharkiv, where the mayor reported at least 14 injuries, with residential and school buildings catching fire, drone debris landing "right next to playgrounds."
The Long Game
Despite Russia's continued aggression, the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has sent a message of congratulations to Russians on their national day, urging for peace efforts and constructive cooperation with the Russian Federation.
Intelligence experts warn of increased use of Russian "disposable agents" in Germany, with both the CDU and the Greens expressing concern over the perceived underestimation of the threat posed by these operatives.
In Rome, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul will consult with European foreign ministers on further support for Ukraine and reinforcements for European defense. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte are expected to attend the meeting.
Statements and Speculations
- Special Potential Forces (SPD) politician Norbert Walter-Borjans defends the peace manifesto he signed, stating that discussions with Russia are necessary and that Putin cannot be bluffed.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is convinced that Putin wants to avoid sanctions and generate a "diplomatic bridge" between Ukraine and Russia to prevent further sanctions from being imposed.
- Green Party leader Franziska Brantner has expressed concern over the "highly disconcerting" manifesto signed by prominent SPD politicians advocating for a shift in foreign policy and direct diplomatic talks with Russia.
In Focus:
- Ukraine War
- Russia
- Cyberwar
- Attack on Ukraine
- Volodymyr Zelensky
- Vladimir Putin
- Political Diplomacy
- Strategic Warfare
Enrichment Data:
Drone Usage and Impact
- Russian Drone Launches: Russia has launched a significant number of drones against Ukraine since September 2022, totaling 33,373 as of May 2025.
- Ukrainian Interceptions: Ukraine has intercepted a substantial number of Russian drones during the same period, bringing the total to 21,425 intercepted drones.
- Russian Drone Operations: Operators from Russia have employed advanced tactics, such as using FPV drones and electronic warfare systems, to down Ukrainian drones.
- Impact on the Conflict: The use of drones by both sides has significantly impacted the conflict, with both forces using them in large-scale attacks.
Sources:
- ntv.de
- ino/hul/dpa/rts/AFP
- The European Union's latest announcement of a 6.5% tariff on agricultural products and fertilizers imported from Russia and Belarus is part of a broader crackdown on Russia's financing of war-and-conflicts, such as the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
- Amidst the ongoing politics surrounding the Ukraine conflict, intelligence experts in Germany have warned of increased use of Russian "disposable agents," raising concerns about potential interference in domestic affairs and general-news events.
