A Ukrainian drone attack derailed a freight train and sparked a fire in southern Russia. Russian media reported that the train was attacked by a drone, causing damage to several hundred meters of track and resulting in a suspension of train traffic in the area. The storage tank and cars with lumber caught fire in the incident, but there were no reported injuries.
As U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, the president expressed gratitude for the weapons package approved by the U.S. Congress in April. Ukraine highlighted its urgent need for air defense batteries in the northeast region of Kharkiv amid a new offensive by Russian forces. Military hardware, including artillery and air defense capabilities, has started to flow into Ukraine as part of the aid package.
Russian President Vladimir Putin surprised many by appointing economist Andrei Belousov to replace long-standing Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. The move is seen as a way for Putin to align Russia’s economy with its defense needs. Shoigu will take on a different role in the government amidst a corruption scandal at the Ministry of Defense, while Belousov’s appointment is expected to have implications for Russia’s economy and military-industrial complex.
Ukrainian forces are battling a new large-scale Russian offensive in the northeast Kharkiv region, where Russia has claimed some success in border towns. Russia’s goal is to capture the city of Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city. Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of attacking civilians and using them as human shields, while Ukraine continues to resist Russian advances in the region.
Secretary Blinken’s unannounced trip to Kyiv aims to boost Ukrainian morale as it faces the Russian offensive. The visit comes after a $61 billion military aid package was approved by the U.S. Congress in April to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian forces. Blinken will discuss how U.S. assistance will enhance Ukraine’s defenses and provide long-term security assurance.
Ukraine’s security services claimed to have prevented “terrorist attacks” planned by alleged Russian agents in Kyiv on May 9. Explosive devices disguised in tea packages were meant to be detonated in shops and near popular establishments during peak hours. The security services identified and detained two individuals involved in the plot, charging them with various offenses. The revelation highlights ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
