A Ukrainian Su-27 drops GBU-62 bombs to destroy a Russian command post along with assault groups on the Kharkiv front. After tracking Russian movements for over a day, the building — packed with troops and gear — was obliterated

A 59-year-old Georgian-born house painter has been arrested in Greece for spying on NATO ops in Alexandroupoli. For 6+ months, he filmed military shipments—especially to Ukraine—for a suspected GRU contact in Lithuania. Recruited in 2024, he claimed he'd help the "motherland" for any price.

https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1268429/espionage-in-alexandroupoli-house-painter-turned-spy/

🇫🇷 France condemns North Korea’s involvement in Russia’s war on Ukraine, calling it a blatant disregard for international law.

"This escalation poses a direct threat to European and global security. France urges North Korea to cease all support for Russian aggression," they write.

https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ukraine/evenements/article/coree-du-nord-russie-reconnaissance-par-pyongyang-de-deploiement-de-troupes

⚠️ Ceasefire talks made life in Ukraine more dangerous. In 24 days of April — 848 civilian casualties (+46% YoY), 40K+ displaced, 4,694 RU missiles/drones since Trump’s “peace” call — 2x previous rate.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/02/world/europe/ukraine-russia-war-cease-fire-talks.html

🇺🇸 The U.S. remains committed to mediating between Russia and Ukraine, but that could change if progress stalls — U.S. State Department.

🚨 NATO chief Rutte proposes raising defense spending to 5% of GDP — up from the current 2%. His plan: 3.5% for direct defense, 1.5% for related infrastructure like cyber and transport. A move to bridge U.S. demands and European realities.

Zelensky: Held Staff meeting on brigade supply, unit manning, and Ukraine’s missile program — goal is to speed up ballistic missile production. Russia refuses lasting ceasefire; we’ll respond on the front and inside Russian territory. The war must be felt where it began.

Kharkiv is once again being terrorized by Shahed drones.

Good night sleep well. SitRep tomorrow morning!

Good morning ☀️

The 02/05/25 SitRep on Ukraine is ready: https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1918582290742968555.html

For over three years, we've been reporting on the war in Ukraine—day in, day out. It takes dedication, time, and the right resources to bring you all these accurate updates.

Your support helps us do more. Every contribution allows us to invest in collaborations with organizations and better tools to improve our coverage. A monthly membership gives us stability, but a one-time donation also makes a huge difference.

💙 Become a monthly supporter: https://patreon.com/NOELREPORTS
⚡️ Make a one-time donation: https://buymeacoffee.com/noelreports

Independent reporting matters—thank you for being part of it.

— NOEL & Team

Russian losses per 03/05/25 reported by Ukraine's General Staff.

+1170 men
+4 tanks
+48 artillery
+1 AD system
+126 UAVs
+1 cruise missile

🇷🇺 On the night of May 2–3, Russia launched 2 Iskander-M missiles & 183 drones (Shaheds & decoys) at Ukraine. 🇺🇦 Ukrainian forces shot down 77 strike drones; 73 decoy drones failed to reach targets. Kharkiv, Sumy, Donetsk & Mykolaiv regions were affected.

🇺🇸✈️ The U.S. State Dept has approved a $310M deal for F-16 training, maintenance & support for Ukraine—including upgrades, parts, & ground equipment.

This comes days after a Trump-backed U.S.-Ukraine minerals & investment deal.

https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/us-state-dept-oks-possible-sale-f-16-training-sustainment-ukraine-2025-05-02/

🚨 The U.S. is ready to hit Russia with new banking & energy sanctions over Ukraine—but it’s all up to Trump.

He hasn’t signed off yet. “It’s totally his call,” a U.S. official told Reuters.

https://www.reuters.com/world/exclusive-us-readies-russia-sanctions-over-ukraine-unclear-if-trump-will-sign-2025-05-02/