Exclusive: Putin reportedly demands a written pledge from Western leaders to halt NATO’s eastward expansion as a condition for peace in Ukraine. Russia also wants Ukraine to be neutral, some Western sanctions lifted, a resolution of the issue of frozen Russian sovereign assets in the West, and protection for Russian speakers in Ukraine, three sources said to Reuters.

Ahead of Zelensky’s visit, Rheinmetall showcased ammunition production for Ukraine at its Unterlüß plant, one of Europe’s largest defense manufacturing hubs. The facility produces artillery shells, tank rounds, air defense ammo for Gepard, and barrels for Leopard tanks and Panzerhaubitze 2000.

Trump says Putin promised a “memorandum of peace” outlining terms for a Ukraine ceasefire—but over a week later, no document has arrived. Now, Trump is weighing new sanctions on Moscow after deadly Russian strikes.

🇺🇦🇩🇪 President Zelensky met with Friedrich Merz to discuss continued German support for Ukraine and strengthening bilateral cooperation.

🇷🇺 Kremlin aide Ushakov claims Trump is not being fully informed about Ukraine’s "massive terrorist attacks" on Russian cities. Russian officials say they are deeply hurt by the West’s silence.

They will probably brief Witkoff to deliver a message to Trump 🙃🙃

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov claims Ukraine targets residential buildings in Russia, while asserting that Russian strikes are directed solely at Ukrainian military sites.

🙃

According to a new Eurobarometer survey, 59% of EU citizens support the purchase and delivery of military equipment to Ukraine.

Russia’s invasion remains the EU’s top concern (27%), followed by the international situation (24%) and security/defense (20%). 77% agree the invasion poses a threat to EU security.

The EU has launched a new Black Sea strategy to boost defense readiness amid growing Russian threats. The plan includes €75B in infrastructure upgrades for military mobility, a new maritime security hub, and deeper ties with Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and others.

🇩🇪🇺🇦 Chancellor Merz announces Germany will co-finance long-range Ukrainian-made missile systems without range limits.

"This marks a new phase of defense-industrial cooperation," Merz said alongside Zelensky.

Germany will also fund a significant share of Starlink in Ukraine.

⚡️ President Zelensky after meeting with Chancellor Merz: "We have new agreements on providing air defense systems and missiles for them."

🇺🇦 Zelensky: "If Ukraine is not present at the NATO summit, it will be a victory not over Ukraine, but over NATO — a victory for Putin."

The General Staff of Ukraine confirms: Defense Forces struck key Russian military-industrial targets.

In Dubna (Moscow Oblast), SSO & SBU hit “Kronstadt” — producer of combat drones like Orion & Sirius — and the “Raduga” missile plant, manufacturer of Kh-101/555 & Kh-59. Additional hits were confirmed on “Angstrem” microelectronics facility and the Dmitrovsky plant (Ivanovo Oblast), which supplies explosives & rocket fuel additives.

TIVAZ artillery group destroys a BM-21 Grad MLRS and its nearby ammunition depot with a precision strike using cluster-equipped HIMARS.

🇷🇺 Kremlin mouthpiece Simonyan: "In Moscow’s offices, it’s being discussed that if German troops strike Moscow with German weapons — and a green light for Taurus missiles can only mean that, since Ukraine can neither maintain them nor program their flight paths — then we have no choice but to strike Berlin."

Russia has threatened NATO capitals for 3 years and done nothing.

🚨 Massive security breach: Russian nuclear weapons infrastructure exposed online

Danwatch & Der Spiegel uncovered blueprints, layouts, and internal systems of Russia’s most sensitive nuclear missile sites—including Avangard-equipped silos—via leaked procurement docs.

https://danwatch.dk/en/serious-security-breach-russian-nuclear-facilities-exposed/

🇺🇦🇺🇸 Ukraine will start importing American LNG via a new route through the EU. The gas will flow in reverse from Greece through Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova. First deliveries are expected in June, with up to 3 million cubic meters per day. If continued past October, total imports could reach 700–800 million cubic meters by year’s end, RBC-Ukraine reports.

🇩🇪 Germany agrees to provide €5 billion in fresh military aid to Ukraine, the Defense Ministry announced according to Bloomberg.

Zelensky: Germany is a global leader in supporting Ukraine and the rules-based world order. Today, we discussed our joint diplomacy, security, and projects. Thank you, Mr. Chancellor, for today’s important talks. Together, we work to bring peace closer and ensure greater safety for our people.

Germany will provide around €5 billion to support Ukraine’s defense, including financing production of long-range Ukrainian-made weapons, delivering air defense systems, weapons, ammunition, and funding military communication and medical equipment, the German MoD confirms.

🇭🇺🇸🇰 Hungary and Slovakia refused to sign an EU Council document on strengthening democratic resilience, countering disinformation, and supporting independent media. As a result, Poland released it as Presidency conclusions, backed by 25 member states — 🇵🇱 Europe Minister Adam Szłapka.