News feed

6:04 AM

Military communications in Moscow Oblast sabotaged amid Russia's Victory Day celebrations, partisans claim.

The Atesh partisan group claims it disabled communication at several Russian military facilities when it allegedly destroyed equipment at a transformer substation in the village of Mogiltsy in Russia's Moscow Oblast.

4:36 AM

Bessent agrees Putin is a war criminal, but peace talks should continue, he says.

When asked if he considers Russian President Vladimir Putin a "war criminal," U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent replied, saying, "Yes."

1:53 AM

Vance says Russia 'asking for too much' in talks to end war.

"The Russians are asking for a certain set of requirements, a certain set of concessions in order to end the conflict. We think they’re asking for too much," U.S. Vice President JD Vance said on May 7, according to Politico.

11:50 PM

EU eyes new sanctions over Russian hybrid threats, chemical weapons use in Ukraine, Reuters reports.

EU ambassadors began talks this week on a 17th sanctions package that targets Russia’s military-industrial complex, Moscow’s shadow shipping fleet, and related support networks.

'She fed all the birds, dogs, and cats' — 64-year-old animal rescue volunteer and son killed in Russian attack on Kyiv

10:43 PM

Field report

'She fed all the birds, dogs, and cats' — 64-year-old animal rescue volunteer and son killed in Russian attack on Kyiv

Serhii Mandryk was on a call with acquaintances in Canada in the early hours of May 7. An air raid alert had sounded in Kyiv a few hours earlier but he decided to stay at home and go ahead with it rather than head for a shelter. He assured everyone

Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian drone strikes hit two Russian defense plants, grounding flights in Moscow, security service says

9:47 PM

War update

Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian drone strikes hit two Russian defense plants, grounding flights in Moscow, security service says

Key developments on May 7: * Ukrainian drone strikes hit two Russian defense plants, grounding flights in Moscow, security service says * Kellogg says Ukraine proposed 30-km demilitarized buffer zone, admits Putin main obstacle to ceasefire * Two volunteers die in Ukraine mine-clearing incident, including British aid worker Chris Garrett * Ukrainian drones reportedly

Wave of drones target Moscow again, prompting further airport closures

8:26 PM

(Updated: May 7, 2025 9:29 pm)

Wave of drones target Moscow again, prompting further airport closures.

The repeated drone activity prompted renewed temporary airport closures across the region.

8:36 PM

Ukraine Reforms Tracker Weekly — Issue 24.

Editor’s note: This is issue 24 of Ukrainian lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak’s weekly "Ukraine Reforms Tracker" covering events from April 28–May 4, 2025. The digest highlights steps taken in the Ukrainian parliament related to business, economics, and international financial programs. The Kyiv Independent is republishing with permission. Benchmarks

8:15 PM

German Chancellor Merz plans visit to Ukraine.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the trip is currently being coordinated and emphasized that the European Union must do “everything possible” to help secure a lasting cessation of hostilities beyond the upcoming weekend.

7:22 PM

Azeri and Laotian leaders to skip Russia’s Victory Day parade, Kremlin says.

Azeri President Ilham Aliyev and Laotian leader Thongloun Sisoulith will not attend Russia’s Victory Day parade in Moscow on May 9.

7:13 PM

14 killed, 54 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day.

Russia launched 187 drones overnight, including Iranian-designed Shahed-type drones and five Iskander-M ballistic missiles, according to Ukraine's Air Force.

7:11 PM

Ukrainian drone strikes hit two Russian defense plants, grounding flights in Moscow, security service says.

The strikes, according to the SBU, triggered heightened alert measures across the Moscow Oblast, forcing Russian authorities to enact “Plan Cover,” a security protocol that includes grounding civilian air traffic.

6:48 PM

Ukraine Business Roundup — Making sense of the minerals deal

The following is the May 6, 2025 edition of our Ukraine Business Roundup weekly newsletter. To get the biggest news in business and tech from Ukraine directly in your inbox, subscribe here. As I’m sure you saw, the U.S. and Ukraine finally signed the minerals agreement after months

6:08 PM

Two volunteers die in Ukraine mine-clearing incident, including British aid worker Chris Garrett.

Garrett, 42, from the Isle of Man, was widely known for his high-risk volunteer work removing mines and unexploded ordnance left behind by Russian forces.

How Putin weaponized WW2 and Victory Day, historian explains

5:59 PM

Video

How Putin weaponized WW2 and Victory Day, historian explains.

The Kyiv Independent’s Chris York discusses with Jonathan Brunstedt, associate professor of history at Texas A&M University, how Russian President Vladimir Putin has weaponized the Soviet myths about World War II to help him justify Russia’s war against Ukraine.

5:14 PM

Theater, drag shows, and art studios — Kharkiv’s cultural scene thrives, even in wartime (PHOTOS)

Kharkiv, located a stone’s throw away from Russia’s border, continues to pulsate with a resilient spirit despite the invasion. Each cultural event that takes place in this eastern Ukrainian city is more than just artistic expression — it is a poignant reminder of what Ukraine stands to lose in

5:02 PM

Lithuania plans to build naval drones with Ukraine in joint effort.

Under a “1+1” model, Lithuania would fund the production of two drones, keeping one for its own defense and sending the other to Ukraine.

From Ukraine envoy to Orban's ally: Meet the top candidates for the papal throne

9:43 AM

(Updated: May 7, 2025 4:36 pm)

Religion

From Ukraine envoy to Orban's ally: Meet the top candidates for the papal throne

Editor's Note: The story was updated to reflect that the conclave had begun on May 7. On Wednesday, Cardinals opened the historic conclave in the Vatican to choose the next head of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis, who died on April 21 at the age of 88, was lauded by

4:24 PM

Putin, Xi to discuss delayed 'Power of Siberia 2' pipeline during Victory Day celebrations, Bloomberg reports.

Construction of the pipeline was scheduled to begin in 2024, but has been plagued with construction issues and diplomatic tussles.

Ukrainian drone strikes on Moscow disrupt air travel for 60,000 passengers in Russia

12:49 PM

(Updated: May 7, 2025 4:12 pm)

Ukrainian drone strikes on Moscow disrupt air travel for 60,000 passengers in Russia.

The disruption comes days before Russia's Victory Day parade on May 9, one of the country's largest public events and a key propaganda tool for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

2:52 PM

'No new instructions' — Putin's unilateral Victory Day ceasefire takes effect May 8, Kremlin says.

The so-called "humanitarian" truce will run from midnight on May 8 to midnight on May 11.

2:06 PM

Kremlin cites 'dangerous neighbors' as reason for internet restrictions before Victory Day.

"These are not disruptions, but restrictions for obvious reasons. We want the glorious Victory Day to be celebrated at the appropriate level," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

1:22 PM

Ukrainian drones reportedly hit Russian fiber optic plant in Saransk.

"The fiber optic systems plant in Saransk was very seriously damaged after the strike," Andrii Kovalenko, an official at Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, said on May 7.

12:04 PM

Kellogg says Ukraine proposed 30-km demilitarized buffer zone, admits Putin main obstacle to ceasefire.

U.S. special envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg described the proposal as a buffer zone with both sides pulling back 15 kilometers, creating a 30-kilometer area monitored by observers from third countries.

9:25 AM

Without mentioning his name, Biden calls Trump's pressure on Ukraine 'modern-day appeasement' towards Russia.

Former U.S. President Joe Biden, breaking from the tradition of former presidents avoiding criticism of successors early in their term, said conceding Ukrainian territory could erode confidence in Washington's global role.

8:15 AM

General Staff: Russia has lost 960,770 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022.

The number includes 1,270 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.

Russian missile, drone attack on Kyiv kills 2, injures 8

5:07 AM

(Updated: May 7, 2025 7:49 am)

Russian missile, drone attack on Kyiv kills 2, injures 8.

Russian drone debris struck several residential buildings in the Dnipro, Shevchenkivskyi, and Sviatoshynskyi neighborhoods of the capital.

6:59 AM

Canada initiates court proceedings to seize Russian Antonov An-124 aircraft.

The aircraft, owned by Russian Volga-Dnepr cargo airlines, has remained grounded at Toronto Pearson International Airport since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, amid a travel ban on Russian aircraft in Canadian airspace.

4:18 AM

Ukraine's external budgetary financing needs 'fully secured' for 2025, Shmyhal says.

Ukraine's external financing needs to cover the country's budgetary deficit are fully met for 2025, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on May 6.

3:14 AM

'Millions are dying' because of 'foolish decision' to ban Russia from G8, Trump says.

When pressed about whether he would invite Russia back to the group, President Donald Trump responded that "it's not good timing now," contradicting previous statements on the matter.

1:04 AM

European Commission prepares 17th sanctions package against Russia, Reuters reports.

The European Commission is preparing its 17th sanctions package against Russia, adding more individuals and over 100 vessels associated with Russia's shadow fleet to the sanctions list.

Russian missile strike on Sumy suburb kills 3, injures 11

7:05 PM

(Updated: May 6, 2025 11:15 pm)

Russian missile strike on Sumy suburb kills 3, injures 11.

According to the preliminary information, Russian troops used a ballistic missile, the Sumy Oblast Military Administration said. It was launched at around 5:30 p.m. local time, targeting civilian infrastructure.

News Feed

2:17 AM

Trump mulls sending Kyiv another Patriot air defense system, WSJ reports.

If approved, it would mark the first time Trump has sent a major military aid package to Kyiv that wasn't previously greenlighted by Joe Biden.

1:10 AM

Ukraine synchronizes restrictions on Russia with EU sanctions.

The European Union's 15th, 16th, and 17th packages of sanctions against Russia are now "fully effective in Ukraine," President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on July 8.

11:30 PM

Ukraine's 2026 budget could face $19B shortfall as Europe weighs how to fill the gap, FT reports.

The financial hole in Ukraine's budget is linked to reduced U.S. support and the lack of prospects for a swift ceasefire with Russia that Europe had hoped for, the Financial Times reported.

11:08 PM

Ukraine's ambassador to US will be replaced, foreign minister confirms.

"She is extremely effective and charismatic, but surely every diplomat has a rotation cycle," Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said of Ambassador Oksana Markarova.

10:28 PM

Ukraine's Naftogaz brings new high-yield gas well online as country reserves run low.

The 5.7-kilometer deviated well was drilled and commissioned six weeks ahead of schedule as Ukraine works to boost domestic production amid Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure, including gas storage facilities in western Ukraine.

10:18 PM

ICC issues arrest warrants for Taliban leaders as Russia recognizes their legitimacy.

In a statement, the ICC named Taliban supreme leader Haibatullah Akhundzada and Afghanistan's top judge Abdul Hakim Haqqani as suspects in a campaign of systematic oppression targeting women, girls, and others who do not conform to the group's rigid gender ideology.

10:17 PM

US only has 25% of Patriot missiles needed for war plans, Guardian reports.

According to officials familiar with the matter, the Pentagon's munitions tracker showed Patriot interceptor stocks had dipped below acceptable levels. That prompted concerns that sending more to Ukraine could put U.S. defense readiness at risk.

10:03 PM

War update

Ukraine war latest: Trump reportedly pledges to send 10 Patriot missiles to Ukraine, asks Germany to send battery.

9:04 PM

Putin throws 'a lot of bullsh*t', Trump says as he 'looks strongly' at Russia sanctions bill.

Trump also addressed U.S. legislation on sanctions, saying the Senate's Russia sanctions bill was "totally optional" for him to implement or terminate. "I'm looking at it very strongly," Trump said.

8:38 PM

Ukrainian businesses outraged as government blocks economic crimes bureau chief nominee.

Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers rejected a nominee to lead the economic crimes agency, drawing swift criticism from lawmakers and businesses over alleged interference in the selection process.

7:17 PM

Russia's crude exports fall to lowest level since February.

Seaborne crude flows averaged 3.12 million barrels a day over the four weeks to July 6, a 3% decline from the previous period ending June 29, according to tanker-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg. That's the lowest level recorded since the four-week period ending Feb. 23.

7:02 PM

War analysis

Dnipropetrovsk village likely contested despite Russia's claim of its capture

6:19 PM

Three men convicted in London arson plot tied to Russia's Wagner Group.

The ringleader, Dylan Earl, 21, had already pleaded guilty to aggravated arson over the 2024 blaze targeting companies that were supplying Elon Musk's Starlink satellite equipment to Ukraine.

5:15 PM

Trump reportedly pledges to send 10 Patriot missiles to Ukraine, asks Germany to send battery.

During the call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, U.S. President Donald Trump proposed that Germany sell one of its own Patriot batteries to Ukraine.

4:28 PM

Business

Ukraine’s minerals fund focus of private investment ahead of major recovery conference

4:17 PM

Opinion

Seeing war through the lens of narcissism

3:58 PM

Ukraine sanctions 5 Chinese firms for supplying components used in Russian drones.

The decree follows a publication by Ukraine's Security Service (SBU), which said it recovered Chinese-made parts from downed Shahed drones during a July 4 air assault on Kyiv.

3:52 PM

Opinion

How to enter Ukraine’s defense market: A short guide for foreign companies

3:27 PM

Interview

'Some are forged into poets during hostilities' — Medic, former POW, and poet on how war is shaping Ukraine's writers

3:16 PM

Putin signs decree allowing foreigners to serve in Russian army during mobilization.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's partial mobilization decree from Sept. 21, 2022, remains in force and has never been formally rescinded.

3:12 PM

'Torture was not just cruel, it was inhuman' — Ukrainian soldier dies weeks after release from Russian captivity.

Soldier Valery Zelensky had spent 39 months in Russian captivity. Just 22 days later, on June 16, his heart stopped.

2:18 PM

(Updated: July 8, 2025 3:08 pm)

Europe's largest port prepares for NATO arms shipments, potential war with Russia.

Rotterdam has previously handled weapons shipments, but this marks the first time that it will designate a special berth for military use.

9:56 AM

(Updated: July 8, 2025 3:03 pm)

Russia's Black Sea Fleet shrinks presence in key Crimean bay, Ukrainian partisans say.

The remaining combat units are periodically rotated and redeployed in an apparent effort to avoid detection by Ukrainian reconnaissance, the Atesh partisan group said.

1:33 PM

(Updated: July 8, 2025 1:34 pm)

Ukraine's ambassador to the US to be dismissed, source says.

Oksana Markarova has held the post since April 2021.

7:45 PM

(Updated: July 8, 2025 1:30 pm)

Minerals

Exclusive: Ukraine pitches US modernizes its largest oil refinery as part of minerals deal

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