Ukraine War News Today - Top Stories and Breaking Updates from Kyiv Post

The United States has imposed new sanctions on Cuba’s Gaesa conglomerate, which controls a large share of the island’s economy, along with foreign companies linked to its operations. The measures, part of a broader pressure campaign, prompted Canadian firm Sherritt to exit the country. Cuban officials condemned the move, while Washington signaled further sanctions may follow.

The United States has imposed new sanctions on Cuba’s military‑linked business conglomerate and foreign firms, stepping up pressure on Havana as part of a broader economic campaign.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the measures on Thursday, targeting the Gaesa conglomerate, which controls 40% of Cuba’s economy, as well as a joint venture involving Canadian mining company Sherritt.

Russia says it will not continue trilateral negotiations with the US and Ukraine unless Kyiv withdraws from parts of Donbas. Ukrainian officials dismissed the demand, calling it proof Moscow is not seeking peace. Talks with US partners continue on humanitarian and security issues as diplomatic efforts remain stalled.

Russia has signaled that further trilateral negotiations with Ukraine and the US are unlikely unless Kyiv withdraws its forces from parts of the Donbas region under its control.

According to The Moscow Times, Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov said the continuation of talks in a US‑Ukraine‑Russia format would be unadvisable under current conditions.

Russian forces dropped propaganda leaflets and counterfeit money over Sumy using drones, in what Ukrainian officials describe as a psychological warfare tactic. Authorities warned civilians not to collect the items, citing the risk they could conceal explosives. The incident highlights evolving propaganda efforts aimed at destabilizing civilian populations amid ongoing attacks in the region.

Russian forces have dropped propaganda leaflets and counterfeit banknotes over the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy, in what officials described as an attempt to conduct psychological warfare, Ukrainian media reported.

The materials were released from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) earlier this week, echoing tactics historically used during World War II, now adapted with modern drone technology, as reported by Censor.NET, a Ukrainian media outlet.

Zero territory gained. 35,000 casualties in one month. But is Russia “winning?” Well, its Russian billionaires have just doubled their fortunes.

The UAE has quietly moved oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz with tracking systems turned off to avoid potential Iranian attacks, reflecting heightened risks to global energy supplies. The move follows escalating tensions in the region, forcing Gulf producers to adjust exports and routes. The disruption comes as broader geopolitical pressures, including sanctions and ceasefire talks, challenge global markets.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has transported oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route, with vessel tracking systems disabled, as tensions with Iran disrupt maritime routes and global energy flows.

According to the report, the UAE and oil buyers have recently moved several tankers loaded with crude through the strategic chokepoint while turning off location trackers to reduce the risk of being targeted by Iranian attacks, Reuters reported, citing industry sources and data.

Russia warned diplomats in Kyiv ahead of its Victory Day parade while rejecting Ukraine’s ceasefire proposal. Ukraine and Russia exchanged massive drone attacks, including strikes near Moscow and in Perm. Some Russian cities canceled parades amid security fears, while renewed US-Ukraine peace talks loom and Kyiv considers major domestic security law changes.

Moscow just threatened diplomats in Kyiv to be careful on May 9 in a not-so-subtle warning.

Ahead of Saturday’s V-Day parade, the Kremlin said it doesn’t recognize Kyiv’s ceasefire proposal while at the same time threatening to hit key government buildings in Kyiv – surrounded by diplomatic missions – if its parade was disrupted by Ukrainian attacks. President Volodymyr Zelensky said the parade’s fate depends on Kyiv’s decision on whether to strike, while the EU said it isn’t caving to Moscow’s threats.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine has outlined three priorities ahead of talks between National Security Council Secretary Rustem Umerov and US officials. These include a new prisoner exchange, advancing diplomatic efforts, and strengthening security cooperation. The talks come as negotiations with Russia remain stalled and Ukraine seeks progress with Western partners.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday, May 7, that Ukraine has set key priorities ahead of upcoming talks between National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov and US representatives.

According to Zelensky’s statement on Telegram, the discussions will focus on humanitarian issues, diplomacy, and security cooperation.

The General Staff said Ukrainian forces struck a Project 22800 Karakurt missile ship near Kaspiysk, a vessel capable of launching Kalibr cruise missiles. Ukraine also reported attacks on Russian command centers, drone units, ammunition depots, fuel storage sites, and troop concentrations in occupied parts of the Luhansk, Donetsk, and Zaporizhzhia regions.

Ukraine said its forces struck a Russian warship capable of launching Kalibr cruise missiles during overnight attacks targeting military infrastructure deep inside Russian-controlled territory and along the front line.

The Ukrainian General Staff said on May 7 that Ukrainian Defense Forces had hit a Project 22800 Karakurt small missile ship near the Russian naval base in Kaspiysk.

Kyivstar, Ukraine’s largest telecom operator, said it is now an official seller for SpaceX’s Starlink devices in Ukraine for business and government agencies. The company previously partnered with SpaceX to introduce one of Europe’s first satellite direct-to-cell services.

Kyivstar, Ukraine’s largest telecommunications firm, said Wednesday that it became the official business dealer for SpaceX’s Starlink devices in the country.

The company, in a press release, said it can now supply businesses and public organizations with Starlink satellite communication devices.

The European Union will not evacuate its diplomatic mission in Kyiv despite Russian threats ahead of May 9, a spokesperson said. EU officials described Moscow’s warnings as escalation tactics and stressed that attacks on Kyiv remain a daily reality. The bloc said it will maintain its presence despite ongoing risks and previous damage to diplomatic sites.

The European Union will not evacuate its diplomatic mission in Kyiv despite Russian threats of possible attacks on May 9, a European Commission spokesperson said on Thursday, May 7.

According to European Commission Foreign Affairs spokesperson Anouar El Anouni, the EU does not plan to change its presence in the Ukrainian capital.

Dmitry Peskov said Russia gave “no reaction” to President Volodymyr Zelensky’s proposed “silence regime” ceasefire before Victory Day celebrations in Moscow. The Kremlin also announced increased security measures for May 9 events amid fears of Ukrainian drone threats, while warning foreign dignitaries in Kyiv of retaliatory strikes.

As Moscow prepares for its high-profile Victory Day celebrations under tightened security, the Kremlin says it ignored President Volodymyr Zelensky’s proposed “silence regime” ceasefire while warning of growing security threats around May 9 events in Russia.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia’s unilateral ceasefire announced for May 8-9 would remain in place, but claimed Moscow gave “no reaction” to Zelensky’s earlier proposal for a ceasefire beginning after midnight on May 6.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Armenia is not an ally of Russia on Ukraine, distancing Yerevan from Moscow. The statement came after criticism surrounding President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Armenia. Pashinyan also pointed to Armenia’s humanitarian support for Ukraine as part of its independent foreign policy stance.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Thursday, May 7, that Armenia is not allied with Russia on Ukraine, signaling a clear distancing from Moscow’s position.

According to Armenian state news agency Armenpress, Pashinyan made the remarks during a government briefing when asked about President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent visit to Yerevan.

Ukraine said it struck a major oil refinery in Perm, nearly 1,500 kilometers away, again on Thursday, following earlier attacks a week prior. Russian outlets confirmed the strike and reported that drones hit a building near a defense-linked facility, though the broader impact on Russia’s oil revenues remains unclear.

Ukraine struck Russian oil refineries in Perm, around 1,500 km (932 miles) away from the border, overnight on Thursday.

Russian officials acknowledged attacks on industrial sites, while local media confirmed the oil refineries were hit. Ukrainian forces later claimed responsibility for the attack.

Russia criticised Armenia for hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a European summit, calling it “incomprehensible” and warning against closer EU ties. The dispute highlights worsening Russia–Armenia relations as Yerevan distances itself from Moscow, freezes CSTO ties, and signals a possible EU path that the Kremlin says could bring serious consequences.

Russia said Thursday that it was “incomprehensible” its ally Armenia hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a European summit earlier this week, and cautioned the country against deeper European integration.

Ties between Armenia and its former imperial ruler Moscow have frayed in recent years.

Russia says it will restrict mobile internet, SMS, and even “whitelisted” sites in Moscow on May 9, citing security concerns during Victory Day events.

Russia said it will impose broad restrictions on mobile internet access in Moscow on Friday, May 9, including limits on so-called “whitelisted” websites, during Victory Day celebrations.

According to Russian state outlet RIA Novosti, citing Russia’s digital development ministry, access to mobile internet, SMS services, and even approved platforms will be temporarily restricted as part of security measures.

Timothy Garton Ash argues Germany is set to become Europe’s dominant military power amid Russian aggression by Vladimir Putin and uncertain US commitment under Donald Trump. He urges Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer, Donald Tusk and Germany under Friedrich Merz to integrate Europe’s fragmented defence industry and strengthen deterrence.

As we mark the 81st anniversary of the end of the second world war in Europe this Friday, 8 May, it’s clear that Germany will again be the leading European military power.

Already next year its defence spending will be as much as that of France and Britain combined – and it is projected to be significantly larger by 2030. The German government’s declared goal is to have the strongest conventional army in Europe. True, France and Britain have nuclear weapons, but that means less money to spend on the rest of defence. So the question is not, will this happen? Barring unforeseen developments, it will. The question, particularly on this solemn anniversary, is: how can we ensure that this time the growth of German military power is a positive development for all of Europe?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Kyiv would respond “fairly” to Russian attacks after nearly 100 drones and multiple strikes hit Ukraine on Thursday. Russia separately claimed it intercepted 347 Ukrainian drones in a major cross-border assault. The escalation unfolded alongside competing ceasefire proposals ahead of Moscow’s May 9 Victory Day, which both sides rejected or dismissed.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Thursday that Kyiv would respond “fairly” to Russia’s ongoing attacks, accusing the Kremlin of ignoring a proposed ceasefire while continuing large-scale strikes across Ukraine.

“Ukraine will act fairly – very soon,” Zelensky said in a statement on social media, adding that Kyiv had proposed a halt to attacks starting from midnight on May 6, but Russia had continued its assaults.

Russia’s journalists’ union has been expelled from the world’s largest media federation after accusations of supporting occupation structures in Ukraine.

The Russian Union of Journalists was officially expelled from the International Federation of Journalists during the federation’s 32nd Congress in Paris after delegates approved a recommendation from the IFJ Appeals Commission.

The decision ends a years-long process that began shortly after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, when Ukrainian journalists and media unions started campaigning for the suspension and eventual removal of the Russian organization.

Russia’s oil and gas revenues surged in April, but heavy subsidies and refinery repairs linked to Ukrainian strikes are offsetting gains, analysts say.

Russia’s oil and gas revenues surged in April but were largely offset by billions in subsidies and refinery repair costs linked to Ukraine’s strikes on energy infrastructure.

According to the Institute for the Study of War report published on Wednesday, May 6, Moscow is struggling to fully capitalize on rising global oil prices due to mounting domestic costs.

Despite EU sanctions over the war in Ukraine, Schengen visas issued to Russians rose over 10% in 2025, led by France, Italy, and Spain. The increase exposed divisions within the EU, with Baltic and Nordic states opposing Russian tourism while others argue continued travel helps maintain ties beyond Kremlin influence.

Russians are increasingly returning to Europe for holidays, even as the EU has some of the world’s toughest sanctions against Moscow over the war in Ukraine.

Confidential figures, seen by Euractiv and circulated among national governments, show that Schengen visa issuance to Russian nationals rose in 2025, exposing a gap between Europe’s political rhetoric on isolating the Kremlin and the continued appetite for Russian tourism across parts of the bloc.

Alyona Shevtsova, a Ukrainian fintech executive sanctioned at home over alleged fraud, recently appeared as a speaker at a major UK compliance event. Most attendees appeared unaware of her background, while both her participation and the attendees’ responses offered a glimpse into the real-world application of compliance standards in the financial industry.

Ukrainian fintech executive Alyona Shevtsova – sanctioned at home and linked by investigators to a financial scheme involving more than $110 million – was able to appear as a speaker and her company as a sponsor at a major UK compliance event, exposing a gap between formal regulatory standards and their real-world enforcement.

In Ukraine, Alyona Shevtsova’s name is linked to a revoked banking license, ongoing criminal investigations, and sanctions imposed by the National Security and Defense Council (RNBO). In London, she appears as a fintech executive, award recipient, and speaker at a flagship compliance event where tickets exceed £1,000 ($1,355).

UniCredit said it will sell part of its Russian subsidiary AO Bank to a private investor from the United Arab Emirates as it continues reducing its presence in Russia after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine The bank said the deal will help refocus its remaining business on international payments for non-sanctioned clients and is expected to close in 2027.

Italy’s second largest bank, UniCredit, announced Thursday it was selling part of its Russian subsidiary AO Bank to a private investor based in the United Arab Emirates.

UniCredit is one of the last European banks in Russia, with most exiting after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and the subsequent imposition of sanctions by the European Union and the United States.

Ukraine plans to legalize private military companies, with officials preparing legislation aimed at creating jobs for veterans and expanding security exports.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday, May 6, that Ukrainian officials are preparing a legal framework to allow private military companies (PMCs) to operate in the country.

Zelensky said the initiative is intended to create business opportunities for veterans and allow Ukraine to export its wartime security expertise.

Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine is preparing a new civilian firearms law as officials, military and lawmakers push to regulate weapon ownership during wartime.

Ukraine may move closer to legalizing and regulating civilian firearm ownership as President Volodymyr Zelensky said a broad group of officials, lawmakers, military personnel, law enforcement representatives, civil society actors, and businesses are already working on amendments to a draft law on civilian firearms circulation.

In his evening address on Wednesday, May 6, Zelensky said Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko briefed him on preparations for the legislation, which is expected to regulate civilian firearm ownership in Ukraine for the first time under a comprehensive legal framework.

Several drones entered Latvian airspace from Russia early Thursday, with two crashing in the eastern city of Rēzekne and triggering an emergency response. One drone struck an empty oil storage tank, while authorities continued searching for the second crash site. Airspace alerts were issued across multiple regions, though no casualties were reported and the situation was later brought under control.

Several drones entered Latvian airspace from the direction of Russian territory early Thursday, with two of them crashing, according to Latvia’s National Armed Forces (NBS).

The incident triggered an emergency response involving the armed forces, State Police, and the State Fire and Rescue Service.

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said Warsaw could “forgive” Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico for his planned trip to Moscow if he helps unblock EU aid for Ukraine, including a €90 billion package. Fico’s planned attendance at Russia’s May 9 Victory Day has already sparked tensions in the EU, with several states restricting his flight route. A long-time critic of military aid to Kyiv, Fico has worked alongside Hungary’s Viktor Orbán to slow EU support measures, though recent signals suggest a possible softening toward Ukraine’s EU ambitions.

Poland’s foreign minister, Radosław Sikorski, has said Warsaw may “forgive” Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s planned visit to Moscow if he helps unblock EU aid for Ukraine.

Fico’s planned trip to the Russian capital for the annual May 9 Victory Day commemorations of Nazi Germany’s defeat in World War II has already caused diplomatic waves in the EU. 

Russia will hold its annual military parade on 9 May commemorating the victory against Nazi Germany in 1945.

Russia will hold its annual military parade on 9 May commemorating the victory against Nazi Germany in 1945. The Ministry of Defence has announced that this year’s parade will take place with no military hardware, citing the “current operational situation” and concerns about drone attacks from Ukraine.

Moscow’s security no longer guaranteed

The reported strike comes as Moscow tightens security ahead of the Victory Day celebrations, with authorities planning internet shutdowns, airport closures, and restrictions across the capital.

Ukraine launched a massive overnight drone attack across Russia, reportedly striking a key military logistics facility near Moscow just days before the Kremlin’s May 9 Victory Day parade.

Russian monitoring channels and Ukrainian OSINT sources said drones targeted the Nara production and logistics complex in Naro-Fominsk, southwest of Moscow.

Putin’s mystique has often been associated with the behavior of a cornered rat. Now it seems that rat is lashing out at a new iteration of NATO – one it had not foreseen.

With the war between Russia and Ukraine in its fifth year, two new and steady trends are shaping the mood and behavior of its main actors. The first is inside Russia. Among the original “Z‑audience” of Putin’s war enthusiasts, including many who have actually fought, dissatisfaction with the course of the war and its prospects is quietly growing.

What makes this discontent so telling is its vagueness. Few articulate a clear alternative, whether to stop the war altogether or, on the contrary, to abandon “restraint” and escalate brutal strikes on Ukrainian cities. Instead, the prevailing feeling is closer to a line from a famous song by Vladimir Vysotsky: “No, guys, everything is wrong, everything is wrong, guys.”

Latest from the Institute for the Study of War.

Key Takeaways from the ISW:

• Ukraine unilaterally enacted a ceasefire starting at midnight on the night of May 5 to 6 in response to Russia’s unilaterally declared Victory Day ceasefire planned for May 9.
• The Russian military ignored Ukraine’s unilaterally-declared ceasefire and the Kremlin accused Ukraine of violating the ceasefire despite the fact that Russian forces conducted combat missions after the unilateral Ukrainian ceasefire began in the morning of May 6.
• Russia decisively ignored the Ukrainian ceasefire and launched a series of drones and missiles that killed at least 21 civilians and injured at least 82.
• Russian efforts to shield the Russian populace from the effects of rising global oil prices and damages to Russian oil infrastructure are preventing Russia from realizing the full benefits of increased oil and gas revenue.
• Ukrainian forces advanced in Western Zaporizhia Oblast. Russian forces advanced in Sumy Oblast.

See the original here.

Russia’s warning comes as Moscow scales back its May 9 parade and tightens security amid fears of Ukrainian drone strikes.

Russia has warned foreign diplomatic missions and international organizations that it could launch “massive retaliatory strikes” on Kyiv, including against “decision-making centers,” if Ukraine disrupts Victory Day events in Moscow.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow had sent an official note to foreign missions urging them to ensure the “timely evacuation” of diplomatic staff and citizens from the Ukrainian capital, AFP reported.

Ireland has taken a major step toward becoming the fifth country to ratify the convention, with 20 more ratifications needed for the commission to begin operations.

Ireland’s lower house of parliament, the Dáil Éireann, ratified the Convention establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine on Wednesday.

Irish Minister of State for European Affairs Thomas Byrne welcomed the move, saying Ireland was among the first states to move from signing the convention to full ratification.

A Russian drone strike on Dnipro injured one person and damaged residential buildings and cars, following a deadly attack on a Varus distribution center that killed four staff members.

A Russian drone attack on Dnipro, a city in central Ukraine, overnight injured one person and sparked a fire in an apartment in a five-story residential building, regional authorities said.

“One person was injured in the Russian attack on Dnipro. An apartment in a five-story building caught fire. Several nearby houses and cars were damaged,” Dnipropetrovsk regional governor Oleksandr Hanzha wrote on social media.

Zelensky said Russia ignored Ukraine’s ceasefire proposal and continued attacks across multiple regions, warning Kyiv would respond “mirror-like.”

President Volodymyr Zelensky said Wednesday that Russia’s main Victory Day parade now “depends on us” after Moscow rejected Ukraine’s ceasefire proposal and continued attacks across multiple regions.

In his nightly address on Wednesday, Zelensky said Russia had received a “clear proposal” from Kyiv for a halt in fighting and a transition to diplomacy but responded only with intensified military activity.