⚡️🇧🇪 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.

Hungary escalates again: Budapest claims to have detained two Ukrainians for “spying” on its military and energy sector.

Not the first time—Hungary has previously accused Ukraine of espionage. Orban recently asked NATO to protect Hungary from “Ukrainian agents.”

🇩🇪 A high-profile spy trial has begun in Munich. Three German citizens with Russian passports are accused of working for Russian intelligence—gathering classified info, planning sabotage on railways and military infrastructure, including the US Army’s Grafenwöhr base, where Ukrainian troops train on Abrams tanks.

One suspect reportedly fought for Russian proxy forces in Donbas.

Russia is significantly investing in its strategic bomber fleet to match its increased missile production capacity. Despite sanctions, the Kremlin is funding a major overhaul of aging bombers like the Tu-95MS, while also modernizing Tu-160 and Tu-22M aircraft and developing the next-generation PAK DA stealth bomber.

🇺🇦🇳🇴 This year, Norway will provide nearly $8 billion in support to Ukraine. PM Zelenskyi says they discussed energy cooperation and increased investments in Ukrainian drone production.

🇺🇦 Zelensky: The 17th EU sanctions package is a step forward—Russia must feel the full price of war. Sanctions must target oil, tankers, banks, and weapons industry. Grateful to the UK; working with the U.S. too. We’re building strength daily for lasting peace.

🇷🇴 Eurosceptic George Simion, who lost to Nicușor Dan by 7.2%, is asking Romania’s Constitutional Court to annul the election.

Sore loser vibes? Definitely.

Russian agent charged in Poland for plotting to assassinate Zelensky – Reuters Pavlo K. was arrested in April for spying. He gathered intel on Rzeszów-Jasionka airport to help plan the attack. He faces up to 8 years in prison.

Good morning ☕️