The Ukraine war is experiencing one of its most escalated moments. Drones and missiles from both sides have multiplied in recent days, especially last weekend when Russia launched one of its worst aerial attacks since the invasion began, firing over 900 drones and 90 missiles in three days.
Kiev and Moscow held direct talks on May 16, in response to the persistent request of U.S. President Donald Trump, but failed to reach an agreement on the ceasefire that Ukraine had requested. Now, Ukraine is "willing" to negotiate with Russia next Monday but seeks a "constructive discussion," stated Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian presidential administration.
On the front lines, the wave of massive Russian airstrikes has tested Ukraine's air defenses, raising concerns about its reliance on costly weapons supplied by the West. Experts doubt Kiev's ability to defend itself in the long term if Moscow maintains or intensifies its attacks, as Russian drone and missile attacks are becoming increasingly complex and difficult to counter, according to military experts.
Serbian President vows to prevent ammunition shipments to Ukraine
Serbian President, the nationalist Aleksandar Vucic, vows to prevent Serbian military exports, such as ammunition and projectiles, from ending up in Ukraine, following complaints from Russia, as reported by Efe citing Belgrade press reports.
"We have formed a working group here, together with our Russian partners, to establish the facts," Vucic said in statements to Serbian public television RTS last night.
The Serbian President stated that he would give the order to prevent the execution of contracts for the export of ammunition if there are suspicions of abuses regarding the "end-user," and if the shipments end up in Ukraine.
Russia launches 90 drones and two ballistic missiles against Ukraine
The Russian Army launched two ballistic missiles and 90 drones against Ukrainian territory since last night, including Shahed attack drones and replicas without explosive charges used to confuse enemy defenses, as reported by Efe.
Of the total drones, 56 Shaheds were neutralized by Ukrainian air defenses in various regions in the east, north, and south of the country, as reported by the Ukrainian Air Force on Friday.
The two ballistic missiles, believed to be Iskander-M or its North Korean equivalent KN-23, could not be intercepted.
Turkey states that Russia and Ukraine "desire a ceasefire"
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated on Friday that Russia and Ukraine "desire a ceasefire" and now must "express their negotiation positions," as reported by Afp.
"I observe that the issue is taking a more optimistic turn as negotiations begin. Both parties desire a ceasefire. No one is saying they do not want it," Fidan declared on the train taking him to Kiev on Friday, according to the state news agency Anadolu.
The Kremlin stated on Thursday that it awaited Ukraine's response to its proposal to hold a second round of direct talks in Istanbul next Monday to present its conditions for a peace agreement.
Ukraine claims Russian drones hit a port city near Romania
Russian forces launched a drone attack overnight on a Ukrainian city bordering Romania, a NATO member, as reported by Reuters citing Ukrainian officials.
The attack hit the city of Izmail, Ukraine's largest port on the Danube River, crucial for critical imports and located across the river from Romania.
A post office branch was destroyed in the drone attack, stated regional governor Oleh Kiper.
Russia accuses Ukraine of trying to "mislead" Trump in his efforts to end the war
Russia accuses Ukraine of attempting to "deceive and mislead" U.S. President Donald Trump, who is taking decisive steps towards peace at any cost, according to Russian Ambassador to the UN Vasily Nebenzya during a session on Ukraine, as reported by Efe.
Nebenzya emphasized that the United States "has lost billions of dollars helping Ukraine," and now Ukraine is trying to "revert to an anti-Russian and Russophobic trend," undermining the efforts of Russia, the U.S., and other regional mediators to end the war.
Nebenzya's speech mainly targeted European countries - mentioning the UK, France, and Germany - contrasting them with the United States' attitude.
Ukrainian drones damage a hospital and homes in Kursk
Ukrainian drones launched a nighttime attack on the western Russian region of Kursk, damaging a hospital and apartment buildings and injuring at least one person, as reported by Reuters citing the regional governor early Friday.
Across the border in the Ukrainian region of Sumy, the regional governor reported new clashes in villages near the border, where Russia has been taking control of territory. He added that several areas in his region were constantly changing hands.
Russian attack in northeastern Ukraine leaves several injured
Russian forces launched a massive drone attack overnight that injured several people, including two teenagers, in the northeastern region of Kharkiv, as reported by Reuters citing local officials.
Eight people, including two 16-year-olds, were injured in an attack in the village of Vasyliv Khutir, stated Governor Oleh Syniehubov.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched 90 drones and two ballistic missiles overnight against Ukraine, targeting the regions of Kharkiv, Odesa, and Donetsk.
Macron says Ukraine is a "credibility test" for the U.S.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated on Friday that the decision to sanction Russia if it rejects a ceasefire with Ukraine is a "credibility test" for the United States under Donald Trump, as reported by Afp.
If Russia "is not ready for peace," Washington must confirm its "commitment" to sanction, said the French leader during a visit to Singapore. "It is a credibility test for the Americans," he stated.
"I spoke with President Trump 48 hours ago, who expressed his impatience. The question now is: what do we do? We are ready," Macron added during a joint appearance with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.