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US says its embassy in Kyiv remains open

US says its embassy in Kyiv remains open

May 28 (Reuters) - The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv remains open, it said on Thursday, denying reports about changes to its operations following warnings from Russia that diplomats and foreigners should leave the Ukrainian capital before it escalated attacks.
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Ukraine prepares 'strong step' on Gripen fighter jets, Zelenskiy says as he visits Sweden

Ukraine prepares 'strong step' on Gripen fighter jets, Zelenskiy says as he visits Sweden

By Simon Johnson and Johan Ahlander UPPSALA, Sweden, May 28 (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday he was working with Sweden on a major defence package, including a "strong step" on Gripen fighter jets, as Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson welcomed him to Sweden.
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On the ground with Ukraine's drone forces targeting Russia's battlefield rear

On the ground with Ukraine's drone forces targeting Russia's battlefield rear

By Vladyslav Smilianets and Valentyn Ogirenko EASTERN UKRAINE, May 28 (Reuters) - In a corn field in eastern Ukraine, soldiers fired drones into the sky using a slingshot, aiming at military targets in the country's Russian-occupied east, dozens of kilometers away.
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Sweden Transfers Gripen Jets to Ukraine, Enhancing Defense Cooperation

Sweden Transfers Gripen Jets to Ukraine, Enhancing Defense Cooperation

Sweden has announced the transfer of 16 Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine, with plans to sell an additional 22 aircraft. This decision was made during a joint briefing between Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Gripen jets, designed for operations against Russian forces, will be provided free of charge, while the purchase of the new models will be financed by an EU loan. The transfer aims to bolster Ukraine's air defense capabilities amid ongoing conflicts with Russia. Deliveries of the new jets are expected to begin in 2027, with Ukraine hoping to receive the first aircraft within the next 10 months.
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European Commission Warns of Intensifying Hybrid Threats Amid Baltic Drone Incursions

European Commission Warns of Intensifying Hybrid Threats Amid Baltic Drone Incursions

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has highlighted the increasing hybrid threats facing the European Union, particularly in the Baltic region, due to recent drone incursions. These incidents, attributed to Russian strategies, have raised concerns about the security of EU airspace. Von der Leyen, alongside Baltic leaders, emphasized the need for a coordinated and firm response to these threats. The incursions have led to significant political and military reactions, including the resignation of Latvia's prime minister and defense minister following a failure to respond to one such incident. The EU is planning to bolster its defense capabilities, including the development of a 'drone wall' by 2027, to counter these threats.
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EU Summons Russian Envoy Over Threats to Diplomats in Kyiv Amid Escalating Tensions

EU Summons Russian Envoy Over Threats to Diplomats in Kyiv Amid Escalating Tensions

The European Union has summoned Russia's top diplomatic representative in Brussels following threats from the Kremlin urging European diplomats to leave Kyiv or risk being bombed. This development comes amid a series of Russian missile strikes on the Ukrainian capital, which Moscow claims are in response to a Ukrainian attack on a Russian-occupied town. Despite the threats, European diplomats have refused to evacuate, with EU officials stating that they will maintain their presence in Kyiv. The EU's External Action Service spokesperson, Anitta Hipper, condemned Russia's actions as an unacceptable escalation and called for genuine peace talks.
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EU and Germany Summon Russian Diplomats Over Kyiv Attacks and Evacuation Orders

EU and Germany Summon Russian Diplomats Over Kyiv Attacks and Evacuation Orders

The European Union and Germany have summoned Russian diplomats to protest against recent attacks on Kyiv and Moscow's orders for foreign diplomats to leave the city. This follows a significant bombardment of Kyiv by Russia, which has announced plans for further systematic attacks targeting defense companies and military sites. The EU and Germany have condemned these actions, emphasizing their continued support for Ukraine. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also criticized Russia's actions, highlighting the escalating global conflicts and the need to avoid further escalation.
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Russia Continues Missile and Drone Assaults on Ukraine, Kyiv Braces for Major Strikes

Russia Continues Missile and Drone Assaults on Ukraine, Kyiv Braces for Major Strikes

Russia has launched over 100 drones and two ballistic missiles at Ukraine, with Kyiv being a primary target. The Ukrainian air force reported these attacks as part of a continuous assault that has been ongoing since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Despite Russia's warnings for foreign diplomats to evacuate Kyiv, no diplomatic missions have announced departures. The European Union and other international bodies have condemned Russia's actions, viewing them as attempts to sow panic. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted the shortage of air defense systems, exacerbated by global conflicts, as a significant challenge in countering these attacks.
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Belarus opposition leader visits Ukraine as Kyiv warns of escalation

Belarus opposition leader visits Ukraine as Kyiv warns of escalation

By Yuliia Dysa KYIV, May 25 (Reuters) - Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited Kyiv on Monday following weeks of mounting warnings from Ukrainian officials about Russian plans to draw Minsk more deeply into the war against Ukraine. 
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Kremlin Warns of Strikes on Kyiv, Urges Evacuation Amid Rising Tensions

Kremlin Warns of Strikes on Kyiv, Urges Evacuation Amid Rising Tensions

The Kremlin has issued a stark warning to the United States and its allies, indicating plans for systematic strikes on military and decision-making centers in Kyiv. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov communicated this message to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who confirmed that President Trump was informed. The Kremlin's statement follows recent heavy strikes on Kyiv, which resulted in casualties and injuries. Moscow claims these actions are retaliatory measures against alleged Ukrainian attacks on Russian-controlled territories. The European Union and several countries have summoned Russian ambassadors, condemning the escalation and refusing to evacuate their diplomatic missions from Kyiv.
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Zelenskiy asks Trump for air defences as Russia escalates strike threats

Zelenskiy asks Trump for air defences as Russia escalates strike threats

By Yuliia Dysa and Daniel Flynn KYIV, May 27 (Reuters) - President Volodymyr Zelenskiy urged U.S.