Live Updates: Ukraine Conflict - May 31, 2025
Ukraine suffered missile and drone attacks at 09:51
In this rolling coverage, we bring you the latest developments in the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
09:51 Ukraine Under Attack - Rockets and DronesRussian forces have unleashed waves of rockets and drones against Ukraine, as per military reports. Over 55 drones were deployed in the attack, with 43 being shot down or disabled using electronic warfare. However, nine locations suffered impacts, primarily targeting regions such as Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Dnipropetrovsk. One civilian lost their life in an attack in the region of Chernihiv. The cumulative toll of Russian attacks on Ukraine over the past day was reportedly four deaths and 24 injuries.
09:17 Miersch on Defense Spending: Focus on Capabilities, not PercentagesGerman SPD parliamentary group leader Matthias Miersch has questioned the focus on increasing defense spending percentages. Instead, he emphasized the importance of establishing concrete defense capabilities and making Europe more independent in the defense sector. His remarks come ahead of next week's NATO summit, where discussions on the increase of member states' defense spending targets are expected.
08:45 Ylva Johansson to Serve as EU's Special Envoy for UkrainiansAccording to a report by Politico Europe, Ylva Johansson, former EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, is set to become the European Union's special envoy for Ukrainians. In her new role, Johansson will oversee the EU Commission's long-term strategy for Ukrainian refugees, addressing their needs when temporary protection status expires or facilitating their return to Ukraine.
08:09 Over 111,000 Russian Military Casualties IdentifiedThrough a collaborative research effort by several media outlets, at least 111,387 Russian troops have been identified as casualties in the attack on Ukraine since February 2022. The actual numbers of Russian military casualties are likely much higher, with military analysts estimating that the list might account for only 45 to 65 percent of the total number.
07:41 Mützenich Discusses Manifesto Criticism - Calls for Respectful DebateFormer SPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich has expressed surprise at the criticism he received in connection with the "Manifesto" on Russia policy that he signed. Calling for a more serious and respectful debate about the contents of the paper, Mützenich expressed concern over the negative, personal comments.
06:50 Woidke Dismisses Manifesto Debate as OverblownBrandenburg's Minister President Dietmar Woidke remains unphased by the debate surrounding the SPD's "Manifesto" against escalation. He considered the discussion to be overblown, stating that different opinions are common within society and the SPD. The "Manifesto" was signed by prominent SPD politicians such as former parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich and foreign policy expert Ralf Stegner, calling for an end to the killing in Ukraine, a shift away from escalation policy, and more diplomatic efforts from Europe.
Politics - Pistorius Rejects SPD Manifesto - "Disregard for Reality"Federal Defense Minister Pistorius has criticized the 'Manifesto' by prominent SPD politicians for deliberately ignoring reality. "I fail to understand how anyone could deliberately confuse cause and effect," Pistorius said, expressing concern over the positions which, he argued, were not palatable to the people of Ukraine.
06:21 Ukrainian Drones Allegedly Destroy Anti-Tank Mine Depot in KurskUkrainian drone troops are said to have destroyed a depot of anti-tank mines in the Russian region of Kursk. The soldiers reportedly discovered the depot, which was not properly camouflaged, and used drones to destroy several vehicles and an armored vehicle as well. The veracity of this claim has yet to be independently confirmed.
05:39 Pistorius Expects Gradual US Withdrawal from SupportFederal Defense Minister Pistorius anticipates a gradual withdrawal of US military support for Europe and Ukraine. Despite US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's recent remarks suggesting a reduction in Ukraine aid, Pistorius reiterated that a complete withdrawal was still a possibility and that the Europeans would need to brace for such a scenario.
02:27 Zelensky: Ukrainian Military Repels Russian Offensive in SumyUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Ukrainian forces have been making progress against Russian troops in the border region of Sumy, gradually pushing back the occupiers. However, the details of this assertion are still unconfirmed.
01:19 Insider: G7 Countries Propose $45 Oil Price CapAn insider source claims that most G7 countries support lowering the price cap on Russian oil to $45 per barrel, even without the US. The current cap is set at $60. The G7 leaders are scheduled to convene for a summit in Canada this Sunday, providing an opportunity to discuss this proposal.
00:04 Pistorius Criticizes "Manifesto" - "Staggering Ignorance"Federal Defense Minister Pistorius has criticized the 'Manifesto' by prominent SPD politicians, labeling their positions as "staggering ignorance." He argued that these positions were not in line with the reality faced by Ukraine and criticized the authors for their disregard of the effects of Russian aggression.
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Sources: ntv.de, reuters.com, bbc.com, politico.eu, europeanvoice.com
- The ongoing Ukraine conflict has sparked debates in various policy domains, including the employment of drone warfare within military strategies, the politics behind the international response to war-and-conflicts, and the general news coverage related to Russia's aggression.
- As the political landscape shifts, policymakers in Europe are now focusing on establishing defense capabilities, advocating for a more independent European defense sector during times of conflict, such as the Ukraine war-and-conflicts (Politics - Pistorius Rejects SPD Manifesto - "Disregard for Reality"). At the same time, there are ongoing discussions about defense spending targets, with some calling for a shift in focus from percentages to tangible defense capabilities (09:17 Miersch on Defense Spending: Focus on Capabilities, not Percentages).
