Background: Ukraine previously warned that Russia could announce mass mobilization after the State Duma elections due to battlefield losses and recruitment shortfalls. Today: New reports from The Moscow Times, Google Trends, and Yandex Wordstat reveal a sharp increase in Russian citizens receiving 'mobilization orders' after being summoned to enlistment offices under the pretext of updating records. Searches for 'mobilization orders' rose from under 10,000 in January to around 40,000 in April 2025. Local authorities in Altai, Novosibirsk, and Chelyabinsk have posted notices ordering men with military IDs to appear, and rights groups describe the effort as preparation for a potential general mobilization, as reservists are checked and compiled into lists of those 'useful to the army,' even as Russia avoids formally announcing a second nationwide draft.

On 25 May 2026, Ukraine's Air Force used British-French Storm Shadow/SCALP cruise missiles to destroy a Russian command-and-control and communications post in occupied Luhansk Oblast. The General Staff confirmed the strike, which occurred around 16:30 local time, targeting a headquarters near Dovchansk. The attack underscores Ukraine's continued use of precision long-range weapons against high-value Russian military targets, leveraging limited supplies of the 450-kg warhead missiles with a range of approximately 250 km.

Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported that between 70 and 100 civilians are killed weekly by Russian drone, missile, and aerial bomb attacks. He emphasized the importance of shelter infrastructure and noted that Ukraine has updated construction standards to require shelters in new residential and infrastructure projects. Klymenko also thanked international partners for their security assistance.

Background: Ukraine has intensified long-range drone strikes on Russian oil infrastructure and deep into Moscow to reduce Russian oil revenues and expose air defense limits. New development: On day 1552 of the war, Ukraine wrapped occupied southern territories in three layers of drone strikes, doubling strikes from February to March and causing Russian retreats. Spain pledged €1 billion to Ukraine but helped block NATO's plan to count it as part of a binding 0.25% GDP aid metric; smaller NATO economies already meet this threshold, while UK, France, Spain, Italy, and Canada oppose making it mandatory. Ukraine destroyed a Russian S-300 launcher, rare radar, and fuel tank cars in occupied Donetsk in one day. Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces struck multiple ammo and logistics depots. Russia's fourth Oreshnik missile may have struck its own troops in occupied Donetsk Oblast. Ukrainian drones lit a propane train in Kursk Oblast. ATESH partisans blinded Novorossiysk's air defenses before a drone strike. Ukrainian drone maker General Chereshnia advanced to the second round of a US Army $1.1 billion drone competition. Ukraine's new Lima electronic warfare system convinces Russian missiles they are in Peru at one percent of Patriot cost. Ukrainian intelligence reports Russia's new jet-powered Geran-4 drone runs on Chinese turbojets. Ukraine offers African nations cooperation across eight sectors. Russia warned diplomats to leave Kyiv ahead of systemic strikes. Sviatlana Tsikhanoŭskaya made her first Kyiv visit.

Following one of the heaviest Russian bombardments on Kyiv since the 2022 invasion, which killed four people and damaged buildings including the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and diplomatic residences, residents returned to daily routines on Monday, demonstrating desensitization and defiance. The attack involved an Oreshnik hypersonic missile. The event highlights civilian resilience amid ongoing war.

Background: Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha previously proposed a 'mutual airport ceasefire' to EU foreign ministers, arguing that Moscow's airports are vulnerable to Ukrainian strikes. Today: On 26 May, Sybiha expanded the proposal to include possible ceasefires on energy infrastructure or ports, stating that Ukraine is ready to discuss with partners a limited truce focusing on a single issue to demonstrate progress in negotiations. He indicated that the format has yet to be decided and that the goal is to set up an achievable ceasefire within a clearly defined timeframe. The proposal comes amid a sharp escalation, with Russia launching a major barrage on Kyiv with 90 missiles and 600 drones, and Ukraine intensifying deep strikes against Russian oil and military infrastructure, hitting at least 10 oil refineries. Sybiha also noted that the EU is reportedly split on whether to engage directly with Putin.

On the night of May 25-26, 2026, Russia launched 122 Shahed-type strike UAVs and two Iskander-M ballistic missiles at Ukraine from Orel, Kursk, Bryansk, Millerovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk, and occupied Crimea. Ukrainian air defense forces, including aviation, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare, and mobile fire groups, shot down or neutralized 111 drones across northern, southern, and eastern Ukraine. Nine strike UAVs and missiles hit 11 locations, and debris was found at three sites. The attack remained ongoing with new drone groups entering Ukrainian airspace.

Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Russian threats against foreign diplomatic personnel in Ukraine, calling them 'shameless blackmail' aimed at intimidating the international community. The ministry stated that the security threat to Kyiv remains unchanged and urged allies to increase pressure on Moscow and strengthen Ukraine's air defense capabilities. In a subsequent statement, the ministry dismissed new Russian threats as blackmail aimed at intimidating foreign diplomatic missions, reiterating that the overall security threat to Kyiv remains unchanged. It called for increased international pressure on Russia and support for Ukraine's air defense, and expressed gratitude to foreign diplomats continuing their work in Ukraine.

Background: On May 23-24, 2026, Russia launched a massive combined missile and drone attack on Ukraine, including the nuclear-capable Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, killing at least four and wounding around 100. New development: The Institute for the Study of War reported that a Russian Oreshnik missile likely malfunctioned and crashed in occupied Donetsk region during the assault, with Ukrainian OSINT analysts identifying footage showing six submunitions hitting the ground, suggesting it may have struck Russian positions near Avdiivka or Yasynuvata. If confirmed, one in four Oreshniks used by Russia has malfunctioned. The attack package cost an estimated $361-411 million, including 600 drones and 90 missiles.

A base operated by Norwegian People's Aid, a humanitarian organization conducting mine clearance in Ukraine, was hit in a Russian attack. No staff were injured, but vehicles and equipment sustained significant damage. The organization condemned the attack, stating that humanitarian activities must not be targeted, and is working to resume operations.

China called on relevant parties to avoid escalating hostilities following Russian threats of intensified missile strikes on Kyiv, but refused to confirm whether it would evacuate its diplomatic staff from the Ukrainian capital. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated Beijing's standard position that dialogue is the only viable path to ending the war. Russia's Foreign Ministry claimed it was beginning systematic strikes on Ukraine's military-industrial facilities and decision-making centers in Kyiv, urging foreign nationals to leave. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha dismissed the warnings as shameless blackmail, and the EU ambassador confirmed Western missions would remain in Kyiv.

Background: Russian forces previously attacked Naftogaz oil and gas facilities in Kharkiv and Poltava oblasts, causing equipment damage and fires. Between May 18-23, Russian drones and ballistic missiles struck Naftogaz infrastructure across Dnipropetrovsk, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, and Poltava regions. In Dnipropetrovsk, drones destroyed an Ukrnafta fuel station, injuring two employees; subsequent ballistic missiles caused additional damage. In Chernihiv, strikes over four days damaged critical equipment and forced personnel evacuation. In Kharkiv and Poltava, attacks lasting over 24 hours caused significant damage and fires, with personnel evacuated. Damage assessments remain ongoing due to continued strike risks.

Norway signed an agreement with the European Union to provide NOK 425 million ($45.8 million) for Ukraine's energy system, focusing on renewable energy, battery storage, and decentralized systems to reduce vulnerability to Russian attacks. The funds will be channeled through the EU to help Ukraine modernize its infrastructure ahead of winter, marking a new bilateral energy support initiative distinct from previous military aid or other countries' energy contributions.

On May 26, Russian drone and artillery strikes targeted energy infrastructure in Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Zhytomyr regions, causing new power outages. Ukrenergo began restoration work where security permits and advised shifting consumption to solar peak hours from 10:00 to 16:00, while limiting high-power appliances from 18:00 to 22:00. Electricity consumption was 1.3% lower than the previous day due to clear weather and a drop in air temperature. No consumption restrictions were planned for May 26.

Ukraine's largest military charity, the Come Back Alive Foundation, signed a contract worth over UAH 1.37 billion ($30.9 million) to purchase approximately 16,000 Ukrainian-made drones, with deliveries scheduled by June 15, 2026. The deal, announced by Director Taras Chmut on X, covers three batches: the largest at over UAH 804.8 million ($18.17 million), and two others at UAH 400.4 million ($9.13 million) and UAH 165.3 million ($3.73 million). Specific drone models were not disclosed, but Chmut clarified they are not interceptor drones. This is one of the foundation's largest drone deals, highlighting the growing role of private fundraising in equipping Ukraine's military with domestically produced UAVs for battlefield and tactical depth operations.

Russian forces killed two civilians in the village of Yasnohirka (Kramatorsk community) and wounded 21 others across the Donetsk region on May 25. The attack is part of ongoing daily shelling and airstrikes by Russian forces in eastern Ukraine. The cumulative civilian toll in the region now stands at 4,080 dead and 9,516 wounded, excluding Mariupol and Volnovakha.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, who previously condemned Russian strikes and warned against premature negotiations, has explicitly endorsed continued Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russia, calling them 'long-range sanctions' that target Russia's military lifelines. He dismissed Western fears of escalation, blamed Russia for drone incidents near NATO borders, and rejected Russian claims that Baltic states authorized Ukraine to use their territory for strikes. Additionally, he noted that Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said Estonia is better prepared than NATO as a whole for possible Russian aggression.

Estonia has previously urged Ramstein coalition countries to commit 0.25% of GDP annually to Ukraine. Now, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna indicated that Estonia itself will likely continue this commitment beyond the current four-year period, with total Estonian aid approaching 3% of GDP. He called for fairer burden-sharing among NATO allies, noting that NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has raised the issue of every Alliance member taking on such commitments, and highlighted Estonia's own defense spending at 5.24% of GDP with multi-year planning cycles.

The European Commission has stated that it will only consider appointing an EU envoy for peace negotiations in Ukraine once Russia demonstrates a genuine willingness to end the war. The EU remains divided on the issue, while Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visits Lithuania to coordinate regional security responses. This stance underscores the EU's cautious approach to engaging with Russia amid ongoing hostilities.

An investigation by Ukrainska Pravda reveals the inner workings of the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan, Russia's primary facility for producing Geran/Shahed strike drones. The facility uses aggressive recruitment of Russian and foreign students under false pretenses, subjecting them to forced labor, total surveillance, and ideological indoctrination. Students work in a dual study-work program assembling drones used to strike Ukrainian cities. The facility is heavily defended with air defense systems and has expanded rapidly, with plans to produce 60,000 long-range drones and 50,000 decoys in 2025. The investigation details recruitment via spam campaigns, exploitation of foreign workers, a strict security regime with phone inspections, and propaganda activities including paintball re-enactments of battles for Ukrainian cities.

Investigators revealed that the apartment rented by Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna in Russian-occupied Enerhodar in August 2023 may have been fitted with surveillance equipment. She is believed to have been under surveillance from the moment she crossed into Russian-occupied territory. Roshchyna died in Russian captivity in September 2024 after being tortured. The case highlights Russian targeting of journalists in occupied areas.

Russia's Defense Ministry announced on May 26, 2026, that its forces had captured the settlements of Ryasne and Zapsillia in Ukraine's northeastern Sumy region. Ukraine's General Staff denied the claim regarding Ryasne, calling it an information operation, and stated that Ukrainian forces continue to hold defensive positions and control the settlement. The conflicting claims could not be independently verified, highlighting ongoing disinformation in the conflict.

Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are consulting Ukrainian defense industry officials and companies about bomb shelter construction and civilian protection, following recent drone incursions into Baltic airspace. Ukrainian firms like Metinvest have held preliminary talks with Baltic governments. The interest reflects growing concern over potential Russian aggression against NATO's eastern flank and practical lessons from Ukraine's wartime experience.

Russian sources have revealed specifications for the Berdysh, a heavy hexacopter drone developed by Ural Drone Factory, designed for strike operations, cargo delivery, and reconnaissance. With a 25 km range, 20 kg payload capacity, and ability to carry thermobaric and grenade launchers, it is positioned as a counterpart to Ukrainian heavy strike drones like the Vampire and Heavy Shot. This development highlights Russia's efforts to counter Ukraine's growing drone capabilities.

Ukrainian border guards from the 'Forpost' Brigade previously captured three Russian soldiers near Vovchansk. In a subsequent operation, they captured four additional Russian soldiers using a Matrice 4T drone, which forced the soldiers to leave cover, lay down weapons, and move toward Ukrainian positions to surrender. The operation involved suppressive fire and coordinated drone actions near Ukrainian positions.

An RFE/RL investigation reveals that the Russian Orthodox Church has been secretly defrocking priests who refuse to recite the 'Prayer for Holy Rus' supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Church courts operate without published rules, defense lawyers, or independent judges, and Patriarch Kirill personally approves rulings. At least 50 priests have been targeted, with some defrocked priests later reinstated by the Ecumenical Patriarch in Constantinople. This crackdown highlights the church's role as a moral and ideological pillar of the Kremlin's war effort.

Russian forces launched an overnight strike on Romny in the Sumy region of Ukraine, hitting residential areas and infrastructure, injuring three people. The attack caused fires, which have since been extinguished. Rescue operations were briefly suspended due to the threat of further attacks. The strike is part of ongoing Russian attacks on civilian areas in Sumy region.

Ukraine's State Border Guard Service rejected Belarusian Security Council allegations that Ukrainian combat drones regularly cross into Belarus, calling them absurd and an attempt to shift blame. Spokesperson Andrii Demchenko highlighted inconsistencies in Belarusian claims, noting that their air defenses allegedly detect only Ukrainian drones while ignoring those entering Ukraine from Belarus, and questioned why Belarus remained silent for so long about these supposed provocations. This denial underscores ongoing tensions between the two countries over border security.

Estonia's digital embassy in Luxembourg, established in 2019, stores critical government data including citizen registries and land records, protected from cyberattacks and invasion. The concept has gained traction after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with Monaco, Singapore, and India pursuing similar agreements. Ukraine has temporarily amended its laws to store non-classified data abroad during the war. The World Economic Forum launched a global framework for digital embassy agreements in May 2026, and countries like Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are positioning as hubs for such facilities, particularly to support AI infrastructure.

Russian forces attacked the city of Zaporizhzhia, injuring three people and damaging a non-residential building and several vehicles, some of which caught fire. Rescue services extinguished the fires, and the air raid alert lasted over two hours. The attack involved drone strikes and high-speed missiles.

Halyna Bekhter, a 68-year-old Ukrainian woman sentenced to 11 years by Russian occupation authorities for donating to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, has experienced rapid weight loss and suspected dementia while held in a Simferopol detention center. Her cellmates report she refuses to eat and requires force-feeding, and prosecutors are seeking to increase her sentence to 16 years. This case highlights Russia's use of legal repression against civilians in occupied territories.

On May 26, Russian forces launched a drone attack on the Korosten community in Zhytomyr region, Ukraine, damaging infrastructure and injuring one person. Ukrainian air defense neutralized 111 of 122 drones launched overnight across the country.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy conducted individual meetings with leaders of parliamentary factions and groups on May 26, 2025, in Kyiv, instead of a single large gathering. Attendees included Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk, Davyd Arakhamiia (Servant of the People), Kyrylo Budanov (Head of the President's Office), and faction leaders such as Petro Poroshenko (European Solidarity), Yuliia Tymoshenko (Batkivshchyna), Oleksandra Ustinova (Holos), as well as representatives of smaller parliamentary groups. The format was praised as effective by one faction leader, reflecting ongoing political coordination amid the war.

Andrei Kartapolov, chair of the Russian State Duma Defence Committee, stated that Ukraine's parliament and presidential office are not decision-making centres and that Russian strikes target underground command posts of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He indicated systematic strikes will continue until Ukraine accepts Kremlin terms.