⚡️ The U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Fund has officially launched, Ukraine’s First Deputy PM Svyrydenko announced—all formalities with the U.S. side have been completed.

🇺🇦 "390 Ukrainians returned from Russian captivity today under the Istanbul agreements. Military and civilians, men and women — each one of them is ours. The only goal in forming the lists was to save lives. We expect new exchanges in the coming days." — Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.

🇪🇺 Behind closed doors this weekend, the EU will hold “confessional meetings” to hash out its 18th sanctions package against Russia — per RFE/RL’s Brussels correspondent Rikard Jozwiak. Talks are slated for May 24–25.

Around midday, Russian troops suddenly sealed off the Rozdolne–Chornomorske road in occupied Crimea — reportedly after a Ukrainian drone was either downed or jammed. Locals say the area was locked down tight, no one allowed through. About an hour later, traffic resumed.

Meanwhile, FIRMS detected fire hotspots nearby, and in the villages of Slavne and Steryhusche, residents reported shattered windows.

Russia is employing a “triple chokehold” tactic on the battlefield—ground assaults pin Ukrainian forces, drones block retreats, and glide bombs wipe out defenses—forcing defenders to choose between high losses or exposure to drone strikes, reports The Telegraph.

⚠️ Russia’s Foreign Ministry threatens a “proportional response” to Ukrainian recent drone strikes on its territory, claiming future targets will be “exclusively military sites and defense industry facilities.”

We can expect civilians to be targetted.

🚨 Ukrainian forces struck an advanced command post of Russia’s 3rd Army Corps in occupied Bakhmut, significantly damaging the building housing personnel, the General Staff reports.

🎯 Ukrainian drone units from the Tavria group destroyed a Russian 9K322 Tor-M2 air defense system with precise aerial drops on the Tavria front. Another pricey piece of Russian gear up in smoke.

🇺🇦 On the Kinburn Spit, Ukraine’s 801st Special Marine Detachment units struck and destroyed Russia’s newest electronic warfare system "Black Eye," recently adopted into service.

🇺🇸 Conman Trump says he’s “not looking for a deal” with the EU — 50% tariffs will take effect June 1.

“We’ve already agreed — 50%. But if they build their factories here, no tariff. Maybe a short delay if someone comes to talk,” he added, accusing Europe of not treating the U.S. “properly.”

A Russian Grad MLRS is out of action thanks to a precision strike by Ukraine’s 414th Unmanned Systems Regiment, "Magyars Birds." Another piece of hardware removed from Russia’s “special mess.”

🚨 Ukraine’s Border Guard Service reports that eight Afghan nationals attempted to illegally cross into Ukraine from Belarus via Rivne region. One tried to flee but was swiftly apprehended. Authorities are working to identify possible facilitators.

Good night, sleep well. SitRep tomorrow morning!