Russia-Ukraine war: EU agrees on partial Russian oil ban, council President announces

The European Council has stated that it is willing to grant Ukraine 9 billion euros to aid in its post-war reconstruction. The European Council will continue to assist Ukraine with its immediate liquidity needs, in collaboration with the G7, said European Council President Charles Michel late Monday night.

Michel tweeted, "#EUCO will continue helping #Ukraine with its immediate liquidity needs, together with @G7  EUCO is ready to grant #Ukraine EUR 9 billion. Strong and concrete support to #Ukraine’s reconstruction."

The EU's 27-nation group has agreed to an embargo on Russian oil exports, according to the bloc's president. The leaders also decided to remove Sberbank, Russia's largest bank, from the SWIFT system, as well as three more Russian state-owned stations from the system.

"This immediately covers more than two thirds of oil imports from Russia, cutting a huge source of financing for its war machine," EU Council President Charles Michel tweeted.

The Russian blockade of Ukrainian seaports, according to Zelenskyy, hinders Kyiv from shipping 22 million tonnes of grain. Zelenskyy added in his nightly speech that the outcome is the possibility of famine in grain-dependent countries, which might lead to a new migration catastrophe.

Zelenskyy said, "This is something the Russian leadership clearly seeks." He further accused Moscow of "deliberately creating this problem so that the whole of Europe struggles and so that Ukraine doesn’t earn billions of dollars from its exports."

Turkey values efforts to develop a safe marine route for agricultural exports, Turkish President told Zelenskyy on Monday. According to a Turkish official statement, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reminded his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky that Ankara places "particular importance" on attempts to build a safe corridor for exporting Ukrainian agricultural products by sea.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the European Union on Monday to set aside internal disagreements and move forward with plans to approve the bloc's proposed sixth package of sanctions against Russia.

In a speech to EU leaders at the European Council summit in Brussels on Monday, Zelensky urged the bloc to maintain unity in the face of Russian aggression.

Zelenskyy told the summit, "This is time for you to become not separate but one whole. Ukraine has demonstrated why everyone has to be united. We are all working for one purpose. You have managed to stop the invaders and more unity is the basis of the success. All the disputes within the European Union must stop because they give incentives for Russia to carry on."

France demanded an investigation on May 30 after a French journalist was killed in Ukraine when shelling hit the vehicle he was travelling in, which was being used for civilian evacuation near the city of Sievierodonetsk. According to his employer, Frederic Leclerc-Imhoff, 32, the latest journalist killed since Russia invaded Ukraine in February, was on his second reporting trip to Ukraine for French television channel BFM.

"France demands that a probe be carried out as soon as possible and in transparency on the circumstances of this drama," French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, who was in Ukraine on May 30, said in a statement.

Belarus is set to begin military exercises near Ukraine's borders in June, Kyiv Independent reported citing officials on May 30. Belarusian military official Andrei Krivonosov stated that military exercises will begin on June 22 in the Gomel Oblast, near the Ukrainian border.

Ukraine's military victory against Russia is “unlikely” if US refuses to supply the long-range artillery that will help counter Russia, Alexey Arestovych, a Ukrainian presidential advisor, told CNN. These weapons he told the outlet, are “essential for fate of Ukraine and its independence.” Washington has been considering deliveries of Multiple Launch Rocket Systems, MLRS, which can strike targets as far as 300 kilometers, or about 186 miles. US president Biden said that he will not send long range weaponry that can reach into Russia, in order to avoid risk of direct confrontation. 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday spoke with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and said that Ankara isready to organize a meeting between Russia, Ukraine and the UN in Istanbul. "President Erdogan expressed readiness to organize a meeting in Istanbul between Russia, Ukraine and the United Nations and to take part in a possible monitoring mechanism if both sides reach an agreement in principle," the Turkish president's office told reporters, according to Tass. 

"During the talks, President Erdogan stated the need to establish peace between Russia and Ukraine as soon as possible, as well as to take measures to eliminate the negative consequences of the war and build confidence," the office added.

French president Emmanuel Macron on Monday officially identified the journalist that was killed near Sievierodonetsk as Frédéric Leclerc-Imhoff. On Twitter, Macron said j"ournalist, Frédéric Leclerc-Imhoff was in Ukraine to show the reality of the war. On board a humanitarian bus, alongside civilians forced to flee to escape Russian bombs, he was fatally shot.”

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has agreed to play a role in “observation mechanism” between Russia and Ukraine and the United Nations during the talks with Putin on Monday. Erdogan also pressed for restoration of peace in Ukraine "as soon as possible." 

US President Joe Biden has said the United States will not send the long range rocket systems that can reach into Russia. Remarks were reportedly made as Biden administration prepared to send the advanced long-range rocket systems to Ukraine's military. Biden administration emphasized on the risks of direct confrontation between Russia and US. 

Luxembourg’s prime minister Xavier Bettel said that talks are still going on to impose the total oil embrago on Russia in retaliation to its brutal war in Ukriane. "We will always find a compromise. There are still talks going on. As long as there are talks, I am hopeful,” Bettel said after the meeting. Hungary’s prime minister Viktor Orbán registered strongest objection to completely phasing out the Russian oil, iterating that his country does not have an alternative. Hungary has supported ban on the Russian oil imports but has asked for excemption to the pipeline supplies. 

“What is a problem for us, and why we have to fight today, is that if something happens to the Russian oil coming by pipeline … if there is no oil coming, then we should have the right for purchases by sea,” Orban reportedly said. “This is the guarantee we need.”

 NATO will no longer be bound by its past commitments to hold back from deploying its forces in eastern Europe, the US-led alliance's deputy secretary-general Mircea Geoana has asserted, in a change of tone. Russia is in breach of NATO-Russia Founding Act as it launched an offensive using military coercion on Ukraine, and also unilaterally halted the alliance, Geoana reportedly said. "They took decisions, they made obligations there not to aggress neighbours, which they are doing, and to have regular consultations with NATO, which they don't," Geoana said speaking in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius.

"Now we have no restrictions to have robust posture in the eastern flank and to ensure that every square inch of NATO's territory is protected by Article 5 and our allies," alliance's deputy secretary-general Mircea Geoana said in ahrdened tone. 

In a key development, the Danish Embassy in Russia has suspended applications for short-stay visas and residence permits to Denmark in Russia. The Embassy, in a statement published on its website, said that it will not receive applications for short-stay visas and residence permits in Denmark, TASS reported. The Danish Embassy will receive applications from people who will be visiting Denmark on official trips. 

The updates regarding the resumption of acceptance of applications will be informed on the website of the embassy and visa centre. The embassy, in the statement, noted that people may apply to visa centres in other countries before the acceptance of short-stay visas and residence permits resume for Denmark.

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Poland has donated 18 AHS Krab self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine to confront the invading Russian troops, state-run radio reported. Polish military forces have also trained about 100 Ukrainian artillerymen to operate them, Polish Radio said. “Thanks to the Polish aid, the Ukrainians now have at least 24 Western self-propelled howitzers,” the broadcaster reported. 

General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said that the Russian forces have been focusing on carrying out offensive actions in Lysychansk and Severodonetsk regions. In addition, the Russian troops have been making efforts to block major logistic paths. According to Ukraine, Russian forces have been regrouping soldiers to launch an offensive in Barvinkove, Izium, and Slaviansk.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said that the Russian forces have been consolidating troops in Liman. Russian armed forces have strengthened the grouping by moving the troops from Melitopol city to Vasylivka in Zaporizhzhia. 

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A French journalist has been killed near Sievierodonetsk as the evacuation car was hit by an assault, Luhansk’s regional governor, Serhiy Gaidai, said in a statement. At least two civilian were dead and five others were wounded in intense shelling as Russian troops advanced the outskirts of Sievierodonetsk city. 

"Today our armoured evacuation vehicle was going to pick up 10 people from the area and came under enemy fire. Shrapnel from shells pierced the armour of the car, a fatal wound to the neck was received by an accredited French journalist who was making material about the evacuation, a patrol policeman was rescued by a helmet," Serhiy Gaidai, said in a statement. 

A Russian ship was spotted carrying the confiscated Ukrainian grain from Crimea to Syria and unloaded it last week, satellite company Maxar Technologies' image suggested. Ukrainian officials accused Russia's troops whom they label as "thieves" of stealing the Ukraine's grains and transporting it to the mediterranean. According to Maxar, bulk carrier that sails under the Russian flag named Matros Pozynich was spotted in the Syrian port city of Latakia unloading supplies. The same ship was seen in a port at Crimea on May 19. 

Credit: Maxar Technologies 

Russia has moved troops and equipment into Kursk region that borders Ukraine’s north-eastern region of Sumy. The move was aimed at protecting the citizens, Kursk’s governor, Roman Starovoyt, said during a meeting, as per Russia’s Interfax news agency. "Everything is aimed at ensuring the life and safety of the inhabitants of the region," the governor said on Telegram. 

European Union officials have renewed the efforts to impose the total oil embargo on Moscow as the talks ended in deadlock and EU countries, particularly Hungary remained divided on the sixth round of sanctions.  EU’s 27 ambassadors could not reach a consesus on the oil embargo on Sunday night after an intense debate in Brussels. Talks, although, resumed on Monday. "I think what I've seen in the room is that there is a willingness from all member states to work on oil and to ban oil from European markets," an EU official reportedly said. "The question is, how to do it and how to cater for national specificities since some member states are more dependent on this than others," he added according to broadcaster CNN. 

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that NATO’s support for Ukraine is "unbreakable" as he hailed the Ukrainian forces fighting the Russian troops for nearly three months. Speaking at Madrid ceremony marking the 40th anniversary of joining the alliance, Sanchez said, "The atrocities in the war in Ukraine, and the death of innocent victims leads to condemnations of Russia's president without reserve," Sanchez said. "Putin will not achieve his aims because NATO allies’ support of Ukraine is unbreakable." 

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg praised Spain's contribution to the NATO, adding that he looks forward to NATO’s summit in Madrid at the end of June.

Ukrainian folk-rap band, the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest have said that they sold their trophy for $900,000 to buy drones for Ukraine's military forces. Kalush Orchestra was given a crystal microphone trophy earlier this month after it defeated the main rival  United Kingdom and Spain. The trophy was being auctioned on WhiteBIT, a cryptocurrency exchange to raise one million euros ($1,077,000) to buy PD-2 drones for the Ukraine's forces. 

"You are incredible," the band wrote on Instagram."We are grateful to each of you who donated funds for this auction and especially grateful to the @whitebit_ua team who bought the trophy for $900,000."

A fierce fighting is ensuing in the Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine, the regional military administration for Donetsk said. Russians have been plummetting the city with arms, tanks, artillery, mortars, and MLRS "Grad" rockets, a statement from the regional military said. At least 24 buildings were destroyed including 20 residential buildings, an electric substation and a shopping mall, according to CNN.

French Foreign Affairs Minister Catherine Colonna has arrived in Ukraine on her first trip to the war torn country. She met with the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and took stock of the damages caused by the Russian assault on the territory. She also discussed France's support with her counterpart Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba. paris has agreed to cooperate in “all areas, and in particular the blockage of grain and oilseed exports from Ukraine." 

A car bomb has detonated in the Russian-occupied city of Melitopol in southern Ukraine, Russian state media RT reported. The casualties at this time are not known. The vehicle was parked in the center of the city near the House of Culture which is being operated by the Russian troops. The blast caused damage to the building and shattered the windows. 

Nearly 31% of Kharkiv region in the northwest Ukraine situated close to Russia's border has been captured by the Russian forces, Oleg Synegubov, head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration informed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visit on Sunday. Only 5% was taken back by the Ukrainian forces, Synegubov said.

"We are not yet able to fully inspect some of the liberated settlements, conduct full-fledged de-mining and begin rebuilding critical infrastructure, as shelling continues," Zelenskyy’s office quoted  Synegubov as sayin  "Where we can do it remotely - we do it."

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Sunday refuted what he termed as the "rumours" that  President Vladimir Putin is suffering from Cancer and has been seeking medical treatments.  "You know, President Putin appears in public every day. You can see him on TV screens, read his speeches, listen to his speeches," Lavrov told French broadcaster TF1. "I do not think that any sane person can see in this person signs of some kind of illness or ailment. I leave this on the conscience of those who spread such rumors despite daily opportunities to ensure who looks how in this world," Lavrov iterated. 

Credit: Associated Press 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy who visited troops on the frontline in the northeastern region of Kharkiv said in a video address he had sacked the regional head of the country's top security agency, the SBU, due to his "poor performance." He praised regional officials in Kharkiv and the soldiers who have been putting up an intense ressitance against the invading Russian forces. 

"He did not work to defend the city from the first days of the full-scale war but thought only of himself personally," said Zelenskyy in a recorded message. "What were his motives? Police are investigating."

Heavy fighting is continuing in the streets of Sievierodonetsk, mayor Serhiy Haidai said in a Telegram post. Russian troops are advancing deeper into Sievierodonetsk, the last major city in Luhansk Oblast under the government control, and continue to shell the Bakhmut-Lysychansk highway, he informed. At least three doctors went missing in the city, only a damaged ambulance was found. The critical infrastructure was destroyed by almost 100%, 90% of housing was damaged, 60% of them were critical, said the mayor. 

Lysychansk city in the Sievierodonetsk region is still under control of Ukraine. 

Russian MoD claimed that it struck a shipbuilding facility in the southern Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv. The missile strike hit a hangar in Mykolaiv's Okean Shipyard, destroying vehicles and other equipment, the Russian ministry said in its war update. 

Spain is ready to back the EU-led embargo on Russian oil imports, however, a decision on the same is awaited. Speaking to state broadcaster TVE, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said, "There are two goals we have when approving a sanction package." He added,"One is not allowing (Russian President) Vladimir Putin to finance his war effort with European capital and the other is not allowing Vladimir Putin's war to destabilise the European Union."

RIA Novosti on early Sunday morning reported a massive blast in Melitopol city of Ukraine. The blast took place near Kvartal Shopping center, local reports added. 

Russian Ministry of Defence on Monday updated its daily briefing. Here are the claims: 

• Russian troops "eliminated" up to 320 Ukrainian servicemen in air raids 
• Shot down 15 Ukrainian UAVs 
• Destroyed 46 weapons and Ukrainian military equipment
• Bogged down 4 installations of BM-21 Grad multiple launch rocket system
• Hit a hangar on the territory of the Okean shipbuilding plant

Russian soldiers are ready to kill their generals who force them to "go on the offensive," General Staff of Armed Forces of Ukraine said in the latest update on Facebook. Citing an incident in the Donetsk region, the statement added that the invading troops refused to obey a "high guest" and threatened to "blow him up" if he made the commanders fight. 

Ukraine Armed Forces in its latest operational briefing claimed that the defenders have "liquidated" at least 30,350 Russian soldiers since February 24. 

French foreign affairs minister Catherine Colonna is scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy today. Colonna has already arrived in Ukraine. 

Luhansk regional governor Serhiy Haidai, in a statement on Monday said that Russian troops killed two civilians in the outskirts of Severodonetsk city. 

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to address the European Union emergency summit today. Sanctions against Russia are said to be the main agenda for the EU leaders meet in Brussels. In addition, they will also deliberate on the best to aid Ukraine and how to deal with the impact of the ongoing war. 

Russia has "likely" suffered devastating losses amongst mid and junior-level officers, said a statement by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD). The update also claimed that the Russian army is deprived of trained officers. 

Ukraine Joint Forces Operation in its latest briefing reported that at least 3 people were killed in the Donbass region after Russia renewed shelling on May 30. The arbitrary bombing also destroyed and damaged over 59 buildings, including power stations, community center, and settlements in the region, Kyiv Independent reported. 

As Europe aims to cut down Russian influence with an oil embargo, Kremlin-owned energy cooperation Gazprom on Sunday, confirmed that it has to continue to supply hydrocarbons to the EU states. At least 40 per cent of natural gas on the continent comes from Russia. Last month, Moscow retaliated against western sanctions by turning off the tap for two countries-Poland and Bulgaria and threatened to expand the list further. However, on Saturday, Gazprom's supply of gas to Europe via the Sudzha entry point (through Ukraine) stood at 44.1 million cubic metres. An application to supply gas via another major entry point, Sokhranovka, was rejected by Ukraine, Gazprom said.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin has said that it will continue to supply natural gas to Serbia uninterruptedly. The announcement was made following a phone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Serbian counterpart Aleksander Vucic on Sunday. During the call, both the leaders agreed on a three-year agreement, under which Russia will provide Serbia with natural gas at the “most favourable price in Europe.”   

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Russian missile attacks destroyed a Ukrainian command post in the Kryvyi region in Bakmut, Soledar, Tass News Agency reported citing the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD). 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to hold telephone conversations with his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts- Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy on May 30. "On Monday, I will have telephone talks both with [the president of] Russia and [the president of] Ukraine. We will continue urging the sides to use the channels of dialogue and diplomacy," Tass News Agency quoted the president as saying.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also confirmed the meeting. As per reports, Finland, Sweden's NATO application, and the ongoing wars will remain two vital agendas in talks with Putin. The last such meeting between Putin and Erdogan took place on April 26, 28. 

In a bid to bring in more recruits to fight the war in Ukraine, Moscow has installed an inflated rubber figure in St. Petersburg Place Square. According to reports, the figure politely invites people to enroll in contractual military service. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his Sunday late-night briefing said that the onslaught in Ukraine has cost Russia "its own future and any cultural ties with the free world." He went on to add: "Russia has already lost not only the battle for Kharkiv, not only the battle for Kyiv and the north of the country...We will definitely liberate the entire territory." 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday said that he has fired Kharkiv’s top security services officer for not working hard enough for the defence of the city since Russia began its military offensive in late February. Zelenskyy made his first trip on May 29 to the war-ravaged eastern region of the country since February 24, when Moscow announced the ‘special’ military operation in Ukraine. 

Following the visit, in his daily address, Zelenskyy announced that he had fired the northeastern city's security chief in a rare public rebuke. 

The Ukrainian President said, "I came, understood, and fired the head of the Security Service of Ukraine of the [Kharkiv] region for the fact that he did not work on the defense of the city from the first days of the full-scale war, but thought only about himself."

"On which motives? The law enforcement officers will figure it out," he added without mentioning any more details, even the officer’s name. Zelenskyy said that the local officials "have 100% cooperation: the army, the police, the mayor of Kharkiv, the regional state administration. All work for victory and do it very effectively." He also said, "Unfortunately, this cannot be said about the local leadership of the Security Service of Ukraine." 

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Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on Sunday claimed that the Russian army is targetting civilians in Ukraine. Explaining his stance, the embattled PM said, the number of civilian casualties is "dozen times higher than casualties among Ukraine military." He went on: "This indicates that the Russian army is fighting against the civilian population and not against our Armed Forces."

Czech Republic Defence Minister yana Chernokhova on Sunday informed that the country is mulling over weapons supplies to help Ukraine deter Russian aggression. The new tranche is reportedly worth 28 million euros. This is in addition to the 140 million euros worth of military equipment already delivered to Kyiv. 

Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics took to Twitter to elegantly troll Russian President Volodymyr Putin. He quoted Soviet-Russin poet Robert Rozhdestvensky's poem to launch a veiled swipe at the Kremlin head. 

Russian troops hit the Novyi Buh city in Mykolaiv, leaving serious damage to residential infrastructure, Kyiv Independent reported. The city council is yet to update on the casualties. 

Russian troops have ground Severodonetsk, affecting at least 90% of the infrastructure. "More than two-thirds of the city’s housing stock has been completely destroyed. There is no mobile connection. Constant shelling," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during his usual nightly address. He added, "capturing the city now is a fundamental task for the invaders as they don't care many lives they will have to pay for this."

Ukraine's Operational Tactical Group in its war update on May 29 claimed to have killed 39 Russian troops. Further, it also destroyed the Russian ammunition depot in eastern Ukraine, including fighting vehicles, armoured personnel carriers and artillery systems. 

Ukrainian forces in their operational update on Sunday claimed to have bogged down two Russian cruise missiles and 12 other strikes. The defenders also intercepted three high-precision UAVs. 

In a statement released by the Russian Foreign Ministry, authorities stated citing Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov that the "liberation" of Donbass region is an "unconditional priority" for Moscow. 

New satellite images accessed by CNN from Maxar Technologies on Sunday showed that a Russian vessel carrying food grains in bulk arrived at the Syrian port of Latakia. Reports suggested that the ship loaded with estimated 30,000 tonnes of grains was stolen from Ukraine. This comes as Kyiv accused Russian invaders of stealing over 40,000 tonnes of food grain from occupied territories. 

Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed that around 30,150 Russian soldiers have been "liquidated" by May 29. It further claimed that the Ukrainian forces have destroyed 1,338 tanks, 207 aircraft and 174 Russian helicopters. Besides, the Ministry said that 116 Russian missiles have been intercepted and 3,270 armored Personnel vehicles of the Russian forces have been destroyed. 

Andriy Yermak, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, has said that Russia will start blackmailing Europe for gas in addition to the food crisis during the approaching winter. It cannot be ruled out that in addition to the food crisis, Russia will start gas blackmailing Europe with the onset of cold weather," Andriy Yermak said on Telegram. Read more.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said that he has agreed to a three-year gas supply contract with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin during the telephonic conversation held earlier on Sunday, May 29. Russia’s President assured his Serb counterpart that Moscow will continue the undisrupted supply of gas to Serbia despite the ongoing war in Ukraine. The two leaders discussed the issues of Ukraine, and Kosovo, Kremlin said in an officially published statement.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine's military of scattering the sea mines in areas near its ports. He then added that Ukraine must remove the mines first to allow safe shipping of the stranded grain.  Putin made the statement in Friday’s call with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, according to the Kremlin readout of the conversation, reported by Associated Press. It said that Putin and Nehammer “had a detailed exchange of views on issues regarding food security” with Putin rejecting Western claims that Russia’s action has exacerbated a global food crisis.

The Kremlin noted that “Putin emphasized that attempts to blame Russia for difficulties regarding shipments of agricultural products to global markets are unfounded.” It added that the Russian leader “gave a detailed explanation of the real roots behind those problems that emerged, in particular, because of the US and the EU sanctions against Russia.”

Eastern city of Severodonetsk is still under the control of Ukraine's military, the Luhansk regional governor said Sunday in the latest update on Telegram. “The enemy is not succeeding,” said Serhiy Haidai. Furthermore he elaborated that the Russian forces were stuck in the Hotel Myr on the eastern outskirts of the city. “Moreover, they are experiencing losses there because our [troops] are constantly shelling them there and knocking them out of the hotel. For now, they are hiding there, but they cannot proceed further.”

“Our boys are holding the line of defense. Severodonetsk is ours,” said mayor Serhiy Haidai.

Mayor of Kramatorsk, Oleksandr Honcharenko on Sunday reported that a high-voltage power line was damaged due to assault and Kramatorsk, as well as nearby settlements were cut off from electricity and plunged into dark. 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that trilateral discussions with Sweden and Finland regarding their NATO membership “did not happen at the desired level."

"Unfortunately, the talks held by our delegation with Finland and Sweden were not at the desired level," Erdogan told reporters in Ankara after he concluded his tour to Azerbaijan, Turkey's state-run Anadolu news agency reported on Sunday. A spokesman for Turkish leader, Ibrahim Kalin, said that Ankara was  "not under time pressure to solve this issue [Sweden and Finland’s bid] until that summit.”

"We are determined to ensure that the process moves forward on a solid basis and that it progresses depending on the steps taken to meet Turkey's security concerns," Kalin reportedly said. 

Poland will send 18 KRAB self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine, the country's defense ministry announced, according to The Kyiv Independent. These howitzers can fire at up to 40 kilometers, six times a minute. Poland is the second-largest donor of military equipment to Ukraine after the US so far, the Ukraine based newspaper said. 

Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy Ukraine's soldiers in Kharkiv on the frontlines for the first time since the Russian invasion in February. “You risk your lives for us all and for our country,” the president’s office website quoted Zelenskyy saying in a statement. Ukraine's leader handed gifts to the Ukraine's forces. 

Lithuania's Defense Minister, Arvydas Anusauskas, on Sunday said that Russia poses a "long-term threat to its security" as it continues to destabilize the region to deter NATO from strengthing its eastern defenses. Anusauskas although clarified, that Moscow's agression in Ukraine did not fundamentally change Lithuania's own defence strategies. "It just proves that we are moving in the right direction," said the Baltic state's defense minister.

Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda had earlier given a warning, saying that Russia's President Vladimir Putin may “not stop” in Ukraine and that the Baltic states "need more defense." 

“Because otherwise, it will be too late here," Lithuania's leader Nauseda had warned. Putin will not stop in Ukraine; he will not stop.”

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Russia’s President Vladimir Putin on Sunday, May 29 held a telephonic conversation with President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the bilateral ties. According to a statement published by Kremlin, the two leaders pledged to expand mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation, particularly in view of the Western coordinated sanctions against Russian Federation with an aim to tatter its economy, trade and commerce. 

Russia and Serbia agreed to consistently strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations. “It was agreed, in particular, that Russia will continue to supply uninterrupted natural gas to Serbia. The exchange of views continued on a number of international topics—the situation in Ukraine and developments around Kosovo,” Kremlin notified in an officially published statement on May 29. 

Credit: Associated Press

Russia's leader Vladimir Putin has signed a new law that has scrapped the age limits for the aspiring soldiers to join Russian armed forces in an attempt to get more men to join the military forces. Earlier only Russians between 18 and 40 years of age could enlist as servicemembers. 

UK Defence Ministry in the latest intelligence update has alleged that Russia has indicated its readiness to leverage global food security for its "political aim". It further said that Russia will then showcase itself as the "reasonable actor" and put the blame on the West for any failure. The UK Defence Ministry noted that the Russian government's attempts to reduce the severity of international sanctions show their impact on the regime.

Russia has demonstrated is it prepared to leverage global food security for its own political aim and then present itself as the reasonable actor and blame the West for any failure, the UK Defence Ministry alleged in a statement.

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Russia's armed forces have blocked an estimated 22 millionn ton of Ukrainian grain at key ports in the Black Sea that has triggered the global food shirtage and inflation, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said. "Sanctions on Russia have no connection to the unfolding global food crisis," Kuleba said on Twitter. The sole reason for shortages, rising prices, and threat of hunger is that the Russian military is physically blocking 22 million tonnes of Ukrainian food exports in our seaports, he added. 

As the Russia-Ukraine war entered its 95th day, the situation still remained complicated, especially in the Donbas region and Kharkiv, where Russian troops are continuously trying to gain control. In light of the destruction caused by Russian forces, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on Saturday, reiterated his demand to declare Russia a "terrorist state".

During his nightly address, Zelenskky thanked the nations that are supporting Ukraine and spoke about the progress that the Ukrainian forces are making in defeating the Russian forces. He also revealed the ongoing struggle at Severodonetsk, Lysychansk, Bakhmut, Popasna, and other cities where the Russian offensive is concentrated.

"But our defence stands firm. It's indescribably difficult there. And I am grateful to all those who withstood this onslaught of the occupiers," the Ukrainian president said.  

"We work every day to strengthen our defence. This is primarily a supply of weapons. Every day we are bringing closer the time when our army will surpass the occupiers technologically and by firepower," he added.

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There will be no referendum on formally joining Russia until fighting ceases in Kherson,  Odesa and Mykolaiv, deputy head of the Russian appointed administration in occupied Kherson Kirill Stremousov said.  Deputy head of the Kherson Military Civilian Administration also iterated that no such talks have been initiated, and that in case of any discussions, the administration will announce it later. 

Credit: Associated Press

Former US President Donald Trump has said that the strengthening of Russia’s currency, the ruble, to a historic high is due to surging oil prices. Russia has eased the key capital control that has led to the Russian ruble’s recovery. The former US President said that the skyrocketing prices of oil and Moscow’s transition to payments for energy in its own currency have allowed Russia to earn “a fortune.” 

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s military operation in Ukraine could have oil prices hit the $30-40 per barrel mark, Trump said in a televised interview. Russia earns approximately $20 billion a month from energy exports and since it announced for “unfriendly countries” to make payments in rubles, some foreign buyers have complied with the request. This, in turn, has helped the ruble in becoming the best-performing currency. Putin has controlled the exports due to the Western embargo and sanctions that have compensated for the increase in prices of raw materials.

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Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has claimed that Russians have taken control of the Ukrainian city of Severodonestk in a post on Telegram. Oleksandr Striuk, head of the Severodonetsk civil military administration, said that Ukraine's military was in a "tough defensive position" as fighting raged on the outskirts of the city, which fell to Russian soldiers. 

Russia's troops have intensified the battle in the eastern Ukraine with constant shelling. There is only one bridge in and out of the city and everything is under attack. Severodonetsk is the last major city held by Ukrainian forces in Luhansk in the contentious Donbas region. Russian forces have been attempting to encircle it from multiple fronts. 

Intense fighting is continuing in the Severodonetsk region of the eastern Ukraine and the situation is "even more difficult" as  "the enemy keeps assaulting," the head of the Luhansk region military administration said in a post. He said that 60 houses were destroyed from Russian shelling. At lest 2 were dead. General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said Russia "carried out assault operations in the area of ​​the city of Severodonetsk" where "the fighting continues."

Russia’s invasion, said ambassador Kelin, was a "limited operation" and not a war. "I can assure you that it is not our idea to kill civilians." Russian ambassador to Ukraine said, that Russia's forces were only targeting military infrastructure in order to "diminish Ukrainian capabilities." He denied that Moscow might use tactical nuclear weapons, saying that there are very strict provisions for their use in place and that they can be used "mainly when the existence of the state is in danger."

"It has nothing to do with the current operation," said Russia's ambassador to the United Kingdom. 

War crimes allegations on Russia in the Ukrainian town of Bucha are a "fabrication," Russia's ambassador to the United Kingdom said during an interview on the BBC’s "Sunday Morning.” "In our view it is a fabrication. It is used just to interrupt negotiations."

Andrei Kelin denied that Russian military committed crimes against the civilians. ”The mayor of Bucha in his initial statement confirmed that Russian troops have left, everything is clean and calm, the town in a normal state. Nothing is happening, no bodies are on the street,” Kelin said. 

The head of the Luhansk region military administration, Sergei Haidai, on Sunday described the situation in Severodonetsk as "even more difficult" compared to the days earlier this week. He said at least 60 houses were destroyed in the region and two people dead as the "enemy keeps assaulting" the region. The devastation was confirmed by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who in their report said, "carried out assault operations in the area of ​​the city of Severodonetsk" where "the fighting continues." 

BBC One on Sunday morning quoted veteran war reporter Jeremy Bowen, who said that Russian troops are making small gains in Ukraine by using heavy artillery to bombard civilians, who do not have equal power. Reporting from Donbass, Bowen flagged "very, very, strong" evidence of war crimes committed by invaders. 

Russian troops on Sunday rained bullets on the Ukrainian border guards near Sumy Oblast. According to reports, at least 20 explosions were reported in the area near the village of Boyaro-Lezhachi near the Russian border. However, no casualties were reported in the region. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday remarked that his country "will take everything back" from Russia. Speaking at his usual nighly address the embattled president stated that  "This is imperative, and it's just a matter of time. Every day at this same time, the time until liberation grows shorter. Everything we do is for this." 

Russia's state-owned gas giant Gazprom on Sunday confirmed that it will continue to ship gas to Europe through Ukraine. The Russian gas producer said its supply via Sudza entry point on Saturday stood at 44.1 million cubic metres. 

The UK MoD in its latest operational update quoted the Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin who stated that Russia is ready to open humanitarian corridors for vessels carrying food through the Black Sea provided the West revoked "some" sanctions imposed on Moscow. He also urged Ukraine to de-mine the area around Odesa port to facilitate passage of the vessels. 

Ukrainian Deputy PM Dmitry Rogozin on Saturday elaborated on potential plans to reduce the economic impact of West-led sanctions on Russia. In a televised interview with Russian state media, Rogozin said that Moscow could print money to replace seized assets in the West. 

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emerged as a 'hero' as he continues his efforts to stand by his countrymen while calling for more weapons amid the escalating Russian rampage. Meanwhile, magnets showing Russian President Vladimir Putin as The Godfather and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as Captain America are for sale in downtown Kyiv.

As many as 682 children have been reported killed or injured in Ukraine since the war broke out on February 24, said the Ukraine Prosecutor General's office.  About 242 had died and 440 were severely wounded, the data stated. The highest numbers were located in Donetsk, followed by Kyiv and Kharkiv. However, the on-ground number is feared to be much more than it is recorded. 

The General Staff of Armed Forces of Ukraine in its latest report claimed that Russian occupiers in Crimea denied hospital admissions for civilians. The step was in light of increased Russian casualties in the war in Ukraine, the Ukrainian military added. In addition, the Russia-appointed health authorities also ramped up blood donations for wounded Russian soldiers. 

The General Staff of Armed Forces of Ukraine in its latest report claimed that Russian occupiers in Crimea denied hospital admissions for civilians. The step was in light of increased Russian casualties in the war in Ukraine, the Ukrainian military added. In addition, the Russia-appointed health authorities also ramped up blood donations for wounded Russian soldiers. 

In its latest war update, the Insitute for the Study of War (ISW) on Sunday stated that the capture of Severodonetsk in east Ukraine "will not bring" significant military or economic benefit to Russia. Instead, it will "preclude continued large-scale Russian offensive" in the region. 

Stephen King, a well-known American author, has called on the international community to maintain economic pressure on Russia.

On Twitter, he wrote, "Keep the economic pressure on Russia. Slava Ukraini."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remarked that he anticipates good news from partner countries about the shipment of weaponry to Ukraine next week.

In a video message, he said that every day, they strive to improve their defence and every day, they get closer to the point where their army outweighs the occupiers both technologically and militarily. He claimed that their partners have a significant role in this and that their willingness to equip Ukraine with everything it needs to safeguard freedom. He further said that he anticipates good news about this next week.

As the war entered day 95, the situation in Donbass remained "indescribably difficult," said Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Speaking at a televised address, the embattled president also conceded that not all lands Russia annexed since the take over of Crimea could be militarily recaptured. 

As concerns mount due to the rising food crisis amid the Russian aggression in Ukraine, the Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated that Russia is open to talking about options to allow Ukraine to resume grain supplies from seaports in a conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, as the Kremlin suggests. Russia blocked Ukraine’s Black sea ports during the war, jeopardising the food supply for dependent countries. Nearly a third of the world's wheat is produced in Russia and Ukraine, which is also a big producer of fertilizer and a large exporter of corn and sunflower oil.

The Kremlin stated that Russia, for its part is prepared to assist in the identification of options for unrestricted grain export, including the shipment of Ukrainian grain from Black Sea ports. Putin told Macron and Scholz that if sanctions against Russia were lifted, Russia would be willing to increase its exports of fertilizers and agricultural products to assist calm global food market tensions, according to the report.

He has made this demand in recent days in conversations with the Italian and Austrian leaders. However, the United States has already declined Russia’s offer to reopen Ukrainian ports in exchange for lifting sanctions, stating that they have heard false promises from the Russian Federation before.

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Ukraine Armed Forces in its latest operational update claimed to have "eliminated" at least 30,000 Russian troops. 

Hundreds of Lithuanians joined and raised over 5 million euros to purchase an advanced military drone, Bayraktor TB2, for Ukraine. Thousands supported the crowdfunding campaign initiated by journalist Andrus Tapinas. 

Russian ambassador to the UK, Andrei Kelin on Saturday stated that he did not believe Moscow would use tactical nuclear weapons against Ukraine. Speaking to BBC, he explained that the step is not in line with Russian military provisions. "It has nothing to do with the current operation," he said. Kelin's words were in contrast to Russian president Putin's order to put his nuclear forces on "high alert." However, UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace had then flagged that the move was to hide the "botched" operation in Ukraine. 

In a recent update, Ukraine Armed Forces claimed that the defenders have "liquidated" Commander Alexander Dosyagev of the Airborne Assault battalion of the 104th Assault regiment of Russia. 

As the Russian war gained momentum in east Ukraine, Germany has reduced weapons supply to Kyiv in the past nine weeks, German publication Welt am Sontag reported. The report suggested that Berlin has delivered only two weapon packages in the given period despite Ukraine's repeated calls for arms supply to help deter Russian aggression. 

Ukraine Operational Tactical Group (East) on Saturday claimed to have killed at least 33 Russian troops on May 28. In addition, the defenders also destroyed 6 Russian military vehicles in east Ukraine, where the war has escalated in the past weeks. 

In his usual nightly address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that "every day we are closer to the fact that our army will defeat the invaders technologically and in striking force." Calling for more weapons supply, the embattled President added that the victory "very much depends on the partners." As the Russian onslaught burgeons, Ukraine on May 30 is set to participate in the European Council Meeting to discuss Kyiv joining the bloc. 

As the war in Ukraine showed no sign of cessation, Moscow has resorted to crowdsourcing to gather supplies for its troops stationed in its embattled neighbour. According to a New York Times report, Russia has collected food, clothes and military supplies for citizens and troops. As per sources of the publication, Russians have donated rubles to purchase drones, crutches and potatoes to be sent to the frontlines. This comes as the $66 billion military budget was reportedly "woefully inadequate" amid its large-scale "military operation."

As the war in Ukraine showed no sign of cessation, Moscow has resorted to crowdsourcing to gather supplies for its troops stationed in its embattled neighbour. According to a New York Times report, Russia has collected food, clothes and military supplies for citizens and troops. As per sources of the publication, Russians have donated rubles to purchase drones, crutches and potatoes to be sent to the frontlines. This comes as the $66 billion military budget was reportedly "woefully inadequate" amid its large-scale "military operation."

Russia’s defence ministry on Saturday claimed that troops have captured the strategically important city of Lyman and several other smaller towns and encircled Severodonetsk. The claims have however been denied by Ukraine. Meanwhile, the invading troops have increased the intensity of shelling in Luhansk. 

On May 28, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson had a conversation with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on the latest developments in the Donbas region, as the conflict in Ukraine's eastern regions continues to escalate.

The UK government said, "The Prime Minister said that the UK will continue to support the heroic Ukrainian Armed Forces in their efforts to defend their homeland against this barbaric attack, including helping provide the equipment they need."

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It was announced that Japan will contribute $1.7 million to help Ukraine transport humanitarian aid. According to Japan's national broadcaster NHK, the Japanese government cited an increased need for humanitarian aid as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine which started on February 24.

There are no active actions in Belarus near the border in the region next to Kyiv, as Chairman of Kyiv OVA, Oleksiy Kuleba suggests. He stated that they went on a border patrol with Andriy Nebytov, the chief of the Kyiv region's National Police and that they want to reassure that there is no action on the Belarusian side of the border.

As concerns mount due to the rising food crisis amid the Russian aggression in Ukraine, the Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated that Russia is open to talking about options to allow Ukraine to resume grain supplies from seaports in a conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, as the Kremlin suggests. Russia blocked Ukraine’s Black sea ports during the war, jeopardising the food supply for dependent countries. Nearly a third of the world's wheat is produced in Russia and Ukraine, which is also a big producer of fertilizer and a large exporter of corn and sunflower oil.

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A referendum for occupied Kherson formally joining Russia will not be held until the war in Ukraine ceases, said Moscow-appointed deputy head of the area, Kirill Stremousov. "We will announce it later after a vote...but not today," the leader said, as quoted by CNN. He also stated that the Russian-backed administration is pressing ahead with plans to set up a new banking system in line with Moscow's provisions. 

The head of the civil-military administration in the embattled Ukrainian, Oleksandr Striuk, on Saturday said that Ukrainian forces were in a "tough defensive position" in Severodonetsk as the fighting escalated. "A real battle can be heard in the main bus station area. Our military is in a tough defensive position. The city is being constantly shelled. The humanitarian headquarters that is located in the city was practically immobilized today, because it is not safe to move around the city, and the work of the headquarters was suspended," Struik said, as quoted by CNN