What does Trump really want? He promised “turkey time” toughness with Putin—but delivered only more talk, no consequences, The Economist.

Trump calls the war a “bloodbath”. But he seems blind to the reality that just wooing Mr Putin will not stop it

74% of Ukrainians trust President Zelensky — the highest trust level among all Ukrainian politicians, according to a May 2025 KIIS poll. His trust rating has increased since February. Notably, 73% of those who trust Poroshenko also trust Zelensky, showing strong overlap even across political divides.

🇳🇴 Crown Prince Haakon of Norway has arrived in Ukraine — the first royal visit since the full-scale war began, and the first overall since 2008. He visited wounded Ukrainian soldiers in rehab and paid tribute to fallen defenders in Moshchun.

The EU has approved its 17th sanctions package against Russia — nearly 200 shadow fleet ships targeted, plus new measures on hybrid threats and human rights. More sanctions are coming.

"The longer Russia’s war continues, the stronger our answer," EU High Representative Kallas said.

Ukraine is offering investment and cooperation to the U.S. manufacturer of the Patriot air defense system, per the Ministry of Defense. Defense Minister Umerov recently met with Raytheon VP Joe DeAntona to discuss expanding collaboration.

⚡️🇧🇪 Belgium is ready to deploy troops to Ukraine immediately after a ceasefire is reached, says Defense Minister Theo Francken.

"We are prepared to join the 'coalition of the willing' led by the UK and France and begin a mission in Ukraine right after the fighting stops."

The UK government has announced expanded sanctions against Russia in response to a massive attack on Ukraine on the night of May 18, during which the Russian army used a record number of attack drones. A total of 100 further sanctions will target Russia's military, energy and financial sectors, the Foreign Office said.

🇺🇦 Special FPV drone operators from the “Kryla OMEGA” unit destroyed a Russian D-30 howitzer.

🇪🇺 The EU is already working on its 18th sanctions package against Russia, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas confirmed.

🇺🇦 Ukrainian forces eliminated Russian troops who staged a fake video claiming the capture of Vilne Pole in Donetsk region. Moments after filming their “triumph,” they were struck by the 15th Mountain Assault Battalion and the 31st Mechanized Brigade.

🇺🇦🇮🇹 President Zelensky reports a productive call with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni. They discussed yesterday’s call with Donald Trump and EU leaders, agreed to coordinate next steps, and explored potential platforms for talks with Russia — stressing the need for a ceasefire and honest diplomacy.

🇷🇺🇺🇦 Zakharova claims the Ukrainian delegation spoke Russian during the Istanbul peace talks, accusing Kyiv of “stealing” the language from its people — despite allegedly using it behind closed doors.

🌀For the occasion, Zakharova had her hair blow-dried.

Axios: After speaking with Putin, Trump told Zelensky & EU leaders that Russia is “ready” for talks — but the U.S. won’t join and sanctions aren’t needed because “Putin wants a deal.”

Weak spine 🙃

After Trump’s call with Putin, Russia resumed issuing ultimatums—demanding Ukraine withdraw from Kherson & Zaporizhzhia, halt mobilization, and ban Western aid, per BILD citing intel.

🇵🇱 Polish presidential candidate Karol Nawrocki vows to block Ukraine’s NATO membership—aiming to win support from eliminated far-right candidate Sławomir Mentzen.

⚡️US Secretary of State Marco Rubio: “The U.S. has not halted weapons deliveries to Ukraine.”

However, no decision has been made yet on new military aid packages, as the current assistance is set to expire this summer.

🇺🇸 The U.S. is working with NATO partners to provide Ukraine with additional Patriot missile systems, says Secretary of State Rubio.

Marco, take a look at the US warehouses. Lots are catching dust.