Russian forces suffered another blow as Ukraine’s Air Force successfully targeted a dam in the Kursk region, causing panic among occupying troops. Despite Russian claims that “everything is fine,” the attack underscored Kyiv’s growing ability to strike deep behind enemy lines. In a grim twist, Russian propagandists attempted to downplay the damage by sarcastically noting, “The bicycle wasn’t harmed—only the Russians were.”
Meanwhile, in the temporarily occupied city of Tokmak, Zaporizhzhia region, Ukrainian drones struck a Russian-occupied apartment building and market, sparking fires and further destabilising Moscow’s grip on the region. Alexander Kalmikov, the Russian-installed head of Tokmak, admitted damage to a five-storey residential block, a kindergarten, and a former store. No casualties were initially reported, but the strikes demonstrated Ukraine’s precision in dismantling Russian logistics.
On the front lines, Ukrainian forces continue to outmanoeuvre demoralised Russian troops. A soldier from Ukraine’s 77th Separate Airmobile Brigade, call sign Porshok, revealed how his unit captured a Russian prisoner using only drones and psychological tactics. The detained soldier, a 24-year-old convict from Moscow, was reportedly given a choice between prison or the army—a common tactic by the Russian dictatorship to replenish its dwindling forces.
Internally, cracks are widening in the Russian regime as even staunch supporters like Igor Girkin (Strelkov) openly criticise Russian dictator Vladimir Putin for military failures. Girkin warned of escalating battles in Crimea and Donbas, predicting no peaceful resolution. Meanwhile, the Kremlin remains evasive about its delegation for upcoming talks in Istanbul, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov refusing to confirm attendees.
In Europe, Poland firmly rejected a suggestion by Donald Trump’s envoy, General Keith Kellogg, that NATO troops could be deployed in Ukraine. Deputy Defence Minister Cezary Tomczyk stated, “Poland will not send soldiers,” reaffirming support through logistics instead. Meanwhile, the European Parliament launched an investigation into pro-Kremlin MEPs who visited Moscow on May 9, with one, Fidias Panayiotou, calling Russians “brothers” and opposing the return of 20,000 abducted Ukrainian children.
Estonia accused Russia of airspace violations after a Su-35 jet intervened to assist a sanctioned Russian oil tanker sailing under a Gabonese flag. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called for even harsher sanctions to “suffocate the Russian economy once and for all,” as the West tightens its grip on Moscow’s shadow fleet.
