Kyiv Independent's chief editor featured on the TIME cover.

4:09 AM

Using Russian assets for Ukraine aid needs 'closer look,' German official says.

Top German official Thorsten Frei said in an interview with German media on May 31 that the EU should reconsider using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, urging a tougher stance against the Kremlin.

1:14 AM  (Updated:  June 1, 2025 4:01 am)

At least 7 killed, 35 injured in train derailment in Russia's Bryansk Oblast following bridge collapse, official says.

At least seven people are dead and another 35 injured after a train derailed in Russia's Bryansk Oblast overnight on May 31, following the collapse of an overhead road bridge, Bryansk Oblast Governor Alexander Bogomaz said.

1:22 AM

'Serious setback' for democracy — EU condemns Russia-style foreign agents law in Georgia.

The EU condemned Georgia's foreign agents law, which officially came into effect, and called on authorities to reverse the country's democratic backsliding in a statement published on May 31.

10:51 PM

No clarity on Russia’s agenda ahead of Ukraine peace talks, Zelensky says.

Ukraine and its partners are still waiting to see what, if anything, Russia plans to present at the upcoming peace talks in Turkey scheduled for June 2, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

9:40 PM

Russia-linked disinfo campaign stokes anti-Ukrainian sentiment in Poland before June 1 vote, investigation finds.

Russia-aligned actors are amplifying anti-Ukrainian sentiment through coordinated campaigns across platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Bluesky, Facebook, and Telegram, according to a new investigation by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue.

7:55 PM

Pompeo urges Trump not to legitimize Russia’s land grabs in Ukraine.

Former U.S. State Secretary Mike Pompeo acknowledged frustrations over the current front lines but cautioned against ceding Ukrainian land to Russia.

6:32 PM

OPEC+ extends oil output surge despite Russian pushback, Bloomberg reports.

OPEC+ will boost oil production by 411,000 barrels per day in July, marking the third consecutive monthly increase and reinforcing a major strategic shift that has driven crude prices to a four-year low.

6:04 PM

Opinion

Western hesitation continues to undermine Ukraine

5:31 PM

European leaders shift focus to defending Ukraine without US support, the Telegraph reports.

According to the Telegraph, senior European diplomats meeting in The Hague agreed to shift their focus from deploying troops to enforce a ceasefire to preparing long-term strategies for supporting Ukraine without American backing.

5:20 PM

Opinion

Ukraine's enduring cyber defense: Assessing resilience and impact of shifting international support

3:06 PM

War analysis

As 50,000 Russian troops amass, Ukraine's Sumy Oblast braces for potential large-scale offensive

2:51 PM

Russia steps up offensives in Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Sumy oblasts, Syrskyi says.

While Russia's main efforts remain concentrated on the Pokrovsk, Toretsk, and Lyman fronts in Donetsk Oblast, as well as in Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy Oblast bordering Russia, Zaporizhzhia has seen an uptick in escalation, Syrskyi noted.

1:38 PM

NATO officials reject Russian demand to halt expansion, media reports.

According to NATO sources cited by Radio Liberty, the written pledge Moscow demands is unrealistic. "It’s not something they (Russia) can just get," one diplomat said.

1:05 PM

UK identifies Russia as an 'immediate and pressing' threat in new defense review, the Guardian reports.

Alongside Russia, the review identifies China as a "sophisticated and persistent challenge," noting Beijing's growing ties with Moscow and its role in supplying critical components for Russian weapons systems.

11:28 AM

Ukraine orders mandatory evacuation from 11 additional villages in Sumy Oblast amid Russian troop buildup.

"(Russia) continues its terror of the borderlands, and our shared task is to save every life," Governor Oleh Hryhorov said in a statement. "I urge residents not to delay the decision to evacuate. Staying in a zone of constant danger is a direct threat to your life and health."

10:12 AM

Russian attacks against Ukraine kill 10, injure 32 over past day.

Ukrainian defenses shot down 69 drones and three Kh-59/69 guided missiles using aviation units, air defense systems, electronic warfare, and mobile fire teams.

9:23 AM

General Staff: Russia has lost 987,330 troops in Ukraine since Feb 24, 2022.

The number includes 1,250 casualties Russian forces suffered just over the past day.

7:16 AM

1 child killed, 1 injured in Russian missile attack on Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

One child was killed and another was injured in a Russian missile attack on Zaporizhzhia Oblast overnight on May 31.

5:46 AM

Ukraine to skip $665 million debt payment, Bloomberg reports.

Ukraine will skip a $665 million government debt payment after failing to agree on restructuring terms with creditors, Bloomberg reported.

4:23 AM

Russia sent Ukraine 65 civilians slated for deportation in major prisoner exchange.

In a prisoner exchange from May 23 to 25, Russia sent Ukraine 65 prisoners who were set to be deported to Ukraine regardless of the swap, Suspilne reported on May 30.

2:34 AM

Kremlin fabricated story on Putin’s near-miss with Ukrainian drones, Moscow Times reports.

Claims of Russian President Vladimir Putin's helicopter being "at the epicenter" of a Ukrainian drone attack in Kursk Oblast were reportedly fabricated by the Kremlin, the Moscow Times reported on May 30, citing four Russian government sources.

11:51 PM

Trump 'very surprised, disappointed' at Russian attacks on Ukraine amid peace talks.

"I've gotten to see things I was very surprised at. Rockets being shot into cities like Kyiv during a negotiation that was maybe very close to ending," Trump said during a news conference in the Oval Office. "All of a sudden rockets got shot into a couple of cities and people died. I saw thing I was surprised at and I don't like being surprised, so I'm very disappointed in that way."

5:37 PM  (Updated:  May 30, 2025 11:28 pm)

Espionage

The Hungary-Ukraine spy scandal and Russia's possible role, explained

11:02 PM

Zelensky, Erdogan discuss proposed June 2 peace talks in phone call.

"We both agree that such a meeting cannot and should not be empty," Zelensky said on social media following the call. "There must be a ceasefire to move further toward peace. The killings must stop."

10:15 PM

Easing fears of US pullback, Trump to appoint next chief of NATO's European command, Reuters reports.

U.S. President Donald Trump has decided to appoint the next Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), reaffirming a key American role in NATO's military structure, Reuters reported.