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Ukraine to beef up northern defences over Russian offensive plans

Ukraine to beef up northern defences over Russian offensive plans

KYIV, May 20 (Reuters) - Ukraine will send reinforcements to its northern regions and step up diplomatic pressure on Belarus to counter what Kyiv believes are Russian plans to launch a new offensive north of the capital, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said.

Ukraine says its drones hit another refinery deep inside Russia as long-range strikes escalate

Ukraine says its drones hit another refinery deep inside Russia as long-range strikes escalate

Ukrainian drones have struck another Russian refinery, igniting a fire and producing massive black smoke

Zelenskyy Warns of Potential Russian Offensive from Belarus

Zelenskyy Warns of Potential Russian Offensive from Belarus

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced plans to reinforce northern regions and increase diplomatic pressure on Belarus in response to potential Russian offensive operations. Intelligence reports suggest that Russia is planning attacks in the Chernihiv-Kyiv direction. Ukraine's top army commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, confirmed that Russian general staff are actively planning these operations. The threat of Belarus being drawn into the conflict remains a concern, with historical context from the 2022 invasion highlighting the strategic importance of this region. Recent Ukrainian drone attacks have also impacted Russian oil refining capabilities, adding economic pressure on Moscow.

Ukrainian Drone Strikes Halt Operations at Major Russian Oil Refineries

Ukrainian Drone Strikes Halt Operations at Major Russian Oil Refineries

Two significant Russian oil refineries have ceased operations following drone strikes attributed to Ukrainian forces. The Moscow oil refinery, owned by Gazpromneft, and the Ryazan refinery were targeted in separate incidents. The Moscow refinery, which processes a substantial amount of crude oil and supplies fuel to the Russian capital, was hit on May 17, causing operations to halt as a precautionary measure. The Ryazan refinery, one of Russia's largest, was struck on May 15, resulting in a major fire. These strikes are part of a broader Ukrainian operation targeting facilities linked to Russia's military-industrial and energy sectors, including semiconductor plants and oil infrastructure. Ukrainian forces reportedly used domestically produced long-range drones for these operations.

Russia holds nuclear drills on land, sea and air, joined by its ally Belarus

Russia holds nuclear drills on land, sea and air, joined by its ally Belarus

Trucks carrying intercontinental ballistic missiles rumbled over forest roads, submarines set sail from Arctic and Pacific ports, and crews scrambled into warplanes as Russia and neighboring Belarus held the final stage of their joint nuclear drills

Russia flexes nuclear muscles as tensions rise with NATO

Russia flexes nuclear muscles as tensions rise with NATO

MOSCOW, May 21 (Reuters) - Russia on Thursday delivered nuclear munitions to field facilities in Belarus and showcased elements of its strategic nuclear forces, as tensions with European NATO members rose over the Ukraine war and drone activity in the Baltic.

Analysis-Ukrainian mid-range strikes deal double blow to Russia's war effort

Analysis-Ukrainian mid-range strikes deal double blow to Russia's war effort

By Dan Peleschuk and Tom Balmforth KYIV/LONDON, May 19 (Reuters) - From burning oil refineries to a stalling ground offensive, Russia is suffering problems in its war against Ukraine that partly stem from a growing Ukrainian military strength: the use of medium-range drone attacks.

NATO jet shoots down what’s believed to be a Ukrainian drone over Estonia

NATO jet shoots down what’s believed to be a Ukrainian drone over Estonia

Authorities say a Romanian F-16 jet belonging to NATO air policing forces in the Baltics have shot down what is believed to have been a Ukrainian drone over southern Estonia

Russia holds massive drills of its nuclear forces as Ukraine steps up its drone attacks

Russia holds massive drills of its nuclear forces as Ukraine steps up its drone attacks

The Russian military has begun drills of its nuclear forces that will feature practice launches of nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles

Russia Begins Major Nuclear Drills Amid Rising Tensions with Ukraine

Russia Begins Major Nuclear Drills Amid Rising Tensions with Ukraine

Russia has commenced three days of extensive nuclear weapons drills involving thousands of troops across the country. This development occurs as Kyiv escalates its drone attacks and President Vladimir Putin heads to China. The drills follow the breakdown of the last nuclear arms pact between Russia and Washington and are part of Moscow's ongoing display of nuclear capabilities. The exercises involve over 65,000 soldiers and various military equipment, including missile launchers, aircraft, and submarines. The drills also address the joint training and use of nuclear weapons deployed in Belarus, a move that has raised concerns among NATO members.

Kyiv holds a funeral for 2 young sisters killed by a Russian missile strike

Kyiv holds a funeral for 2 young sisters killed by a Russian missile strike

The St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery in Kyiv has become a place of mourning for many

Ukraine Strikes Russian Oil Facilities Amid Ongoing Conflict

Ukraine Strikes Russian Oil Facilities Amid Ongoing Conflict

Ukrainian forces have targeted major Russian oil facilities, including the Lukoil-Nizhegorodnefteorgsintez refinery and the Yaroslavl-3 oil pumping station. These strikes are part of Ukraine's broader strategy to disrupt Russian supply lines and weaken its military capabilities. The attacks come amid ongoing Russian assaults on Ukrainian regions, such as Chernihiv and Sumy, resulting in civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. Additionally, reports have emerged of China secretly training Russian soldiers, indicating deeper military cooperation between Moscow and Beijing.