The officials noted that the release was negotiated with the assistance of the United Arab Emirates, which has helped mediate exchanges on numerous occasions." RT
Friday, May 15, 2026
Russia and Ukraine exchange 205 POWs
"Russia and Ukraine have exchanged 205 prisoners of war, the Defense Ministry in Moscow announced.
The ministry said the Russian servicemen are currently in Belarus and are receiving psychological and medical assistance, adding that they will be taken to Russia for further treatment and rehabilitation.
The officials noted that the release was negotiated with the assistance of the United Arab Emirates, which has helped mediate exchanges on numerous occasions." RT
The officials noted that the release was negotiated with the assistance of the United Arab Emirates, which has helped mediate exchanges on numerous occasions." RT
After "Fantastic Day" With Xi, Trump Touts 200-Jet Boeing Deal As China Offers Hormuz Help
Trump, Xi Put Hormuz, Iran, Trade, Taiwan At Center Of Historic Beijing Summit.
Trump said Boeing secured an order for 200 "big" jets from China. He said the order was initially for 150, but the final figure will be 200.
President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are currently seated at the main table at a state banquet. President Xi called the visit historic, and said U.S.-China ties are "stable" amid talks with Trump's team.
Trump and Xi agreed that the Strait of Hormuz should remain open to free navigation and that Tehran should not charge a fee to ships using the critical waterway."
ZeroHedge
Ukrainian drones hit Ryazan refinery, killing three
Refinery in flames: The Rosneft-operated Ryazan Oil Refinery, processing over 17 million tons annually, was set ablaze in the attack.
Escalating cross-border war: The strike follows intensified Ukrainian targeting of Russian energy sites and a deadly Russian attack on Kyiv the previous day." msn
6.2 Earthquake - 271 km WSW of Tual, Indonesia
"A very strong magnitude 6.2 earthquake occurred in the Banda Sea 142 km (88 mi) from
Indonesia in the early morning at 2.53 am local time (GMT +9). The quake had a moderate depth of 146 km (91 mi) and was felt widely in the area.
For most people (93.3%), the quake might only have felt as barely noticeable or weak shaking if at all (intensities I-III). Approx. 10,200 people were in areas with light shaking (intensity IV), the highest intensity this quake likely produced over inhabited areas." VD
For most people (93.3%), the quake might only have felt as barely noticeable or weak shaking if at all (intensities I-III). Approx. 10,200 people were in areas with light shaking (intensity IV), the highest intensity this quake likely produced over inhabited areas." VD
257 combat clashes with on front line
"257 combat engagements between Ukraine's Defense Forces and Russian invaders were recorded on the front line.
In the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk sectors, the aggressor carried out three airstrikes using seven guided bombs, conducted 97 shelling attacks, including 12 with MLRS systems. Seven enemy assault actions were recorded.
In the Southern Slobozhanshchyna sector, Russian forces attacked 14 times near Vovchanski Khutory, Lyman, Starytsia, and toward Ternove, Radkivka, and Izbytske.
In the Kupiansk sector, the enemy launched four attacks near Kurylivka, Novoplatonivka, and Pishchane.
In the Lyman sector, Russian troops attempted eight times to break through near Drobysheve, Ozerne, Yampil, Dibrova, and Stavky.
In the Sloviansk sector, the invaders twice attempted to advance toward Rai-Oleksandrivka.
In the Kramatorsk sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled one enemy attack near Pryvillia.
In the Kostiantynivka sector, the enemy carried out 28 attacks near Kostiantynivka, Pleshchiivka, Ivanopillia, Illinivka, Rusyn Yar, Toretske, Kucheriv Yar, and Novopavlivka.
In the Pokrovsk sector, the Defense Forces stopped 39 assault actions by the aggressor near Nove Shakhove, Nykanorivka, Rodynske, Kotlyne, Novooleksandrivka, Hryshyne, Serhiivka, Udachne, Molodetske, and toward Bilytske, Vasylivka, and Novopavlivka.
In the Oleksandrivka sector, the enemy attacked three times toward Oleksandrohrad, Sichneve, and Novohryhorivka.
In the Huliaipole sector, the invaders carried out 25 attacks near Nove Zaporizhzhia, Zlahoda, Huliaipole, Sviatopetrivka, Dobropillia, Olenokostiantynivka, Charivne, Zaliznychne, Hirke, and Huliaipilske.
In the Orikhiv sector, the Defense Forces stopped three enemy attempts to advance near Shcherbaky and Plavni.
In the Prydniprovske sector, Russian forces carried out three attacks toward Antonivka but achieved no success." Ukrin
In the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk sectors, the aggressor carried out three airstrikes using seven guided bombs, conducted 97 shelling attacks, including 12 with MLRS systems. Seven enemy assault actions were recorded.
In the Kupiansk sector, the enemy launched four attacks near Kurylivka, Novoplatonivka, and Pishchane.
In the Lyman sector, Russian troops attempted eight times to break through near Drobysheve, Ozerne, Yampil, Dibrova, and Stavky.
In the Sloviansk sector, the invaders twice attempted to advance toward Rai-Oleksandrivka.
In the Kramatorsk sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled one enemy attack near Pryvillia.
In the Kostiantynivka sector, the enemy carried out 28 attacks near Kostiantynivka, Pleshchiivka, Ivanopillia, Illinivka, Rusyn Yar, Toretske, Kucheriv Yar, and Novopavlivka.
In the Pokrovsk sector, the Defense Forces stopped 39 assault actions by the aggressor near Nove Shakhove, Nykanorivka, Rodynske, Kotlyne, Novooleksandrivka, Hryshyne, Serhiivka, Udachne, Molodetske, and toward Bilytske, Vasylivka, and Novopavlivka.
In the Oleksandrivka sector, the enemy attacked three times toward Oleksandrohrad, Sichneve, and Novohryhorivka.
In the Huliaipole sector, the invaders carried out 25 attacks near Nove Zaporizhzhia, Zlahoda, Huliaipole, Sviatopetrivka, Dobropillia, Olenokostiantynivka, Charivne, Zaliznychne, Hirke, and Huliaipilske.
In the Orikhiv sector, the Defense Forces stopped three enemy attempts to advance near Shcherbaky and Plavni.
In the Prydniprovske sector, Russian forces carried out three attacks toward Antonivka but achieved no success." Ukrin
Thursday, May 14, 2026
NATO member’s government collapses after Ukrainian drone incident
"Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina has announced her resignation amid a government crisis caused by an incident involving Ukrainian kamikaze drones hitting an oil depot near the Russian border.
Silina announced the decision at a press briefing on Thursday. Just hours earlier, Interior Minister Rihards Kozlovskis, a member of Silina’s liberal-conservative Unity party, stated that the prime minister has no intention of leaving office. Meanwhile, the opposition was planning a procedural maneuver to circumvent the five-day pause required under Latvian law before a request for a no-confidence vote is granted.
The crisis in the Baltic state was triggered by an incident last week in which two Ukrainian long-range kamikaze drones hit an empty oil depot near the town of Rezekne, around 40 km from the Russian border. No casualties were reported on the ground.
Silina announced the decision at a press briefing on Thursday. Just hours earlier, Interior Minister Rihards Kozlovskis, a member of Silina’s liberal-conservative Unity party, stated that the prime minister has no intention of leaving office. Meanwhile, the opposition was planning a procedural maneuver to circumvent the five-day pause required under Latvian law before a request for a no-confidence vote is granted.
MP Andris Suvajevs, who leads the Progressives parliamentary faction, stated earlier in the day that the ruling coalition was certain to collapse if a no-confidence motion is put to a vote. The prime minister was expected to take part in a session of parliament, but instead invited the media to her office to announce her resignation. She blamed “political jealousy and narrow party interests” for the crisis.
Moscow has accused NATO nations of tacitly allowing Ukraine to use their airspace to conduct strikes on targets in northwestern Russia, particularly oil export terminals in Leningrad Region. Officials in several countries where incidents involving Ukrainian drones were reported since mid-March have expressed concerns with Kiev’s military planning.
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said he told Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky that Helsinki regards Ukrainian aircraft entering its airspace as unacceptable. Estonian Defense Minster Hanno Pevkur said the Ukrainians should “keep their drones away from our territory [and] control their activities better.”
Moscow has accused NATO nations of tacitly allowing Ukraine to use their airspace to conduct strikes on targets in northwestern Russia, particularly oil export terminals in Leningrad Region. Officials in several countries where incidents involving Ukrainian drones were reported since mid-March have expressed concerns with Kiev’s military planning.
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said he told Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky that Helsinki regards Ukrainian aircraft entering its airspace as unacceptable. Estonian Defense Minster Hanno Pevkur said the Ukrainians should “keep their drones away from our territory [and] control their activities better.”
RT
Series of tremors near Tehran renews focus on capital’s seismic risk, Iran
event near the border of Tehran and Mazandaran provinces, renewing attention on seismic risks around the Iranian capital." W
Russian missiles, drones pound Kyiv overnight; at least 2 killed, 40 injured as rescue efforts continue
"Explosions from dozens of missiles and hundreds of drones rocked Kyiv overnight on May
14, as Russia's latest mass attack on Ukraine partially destroyed a large apartment building.
As of 9 a.m. local time, two people have been confirmed killed, and another 40 injured, according to comments by city officials to public broadcaster Suspilne.
In a residential area on the eastern bank of the city, first responders' work is ongoing in and around a large pile of rubble, where 11 people have already been rescued.
Meanwhile, another seven were injured in Kyiv Oblast, including a child, the State Emergency Service reported." KI
As of 9 a.m. local time, two people have been confirmed killed, and another 40 injured, according to comments by city officials to public broadcaster Suspilne.
In a residential area on the eastern bank of the city, first responders' work is ongoing in and around a large pile of rubble, where 11 people have already been rescued.
Meanwhile, another seven were injured in Kyiv Oblast, including a child, the State Emergency Service reported." KI
5.3 Earthquake - South China Sea, 35 km southwest of Calayan Island, Philippines
240 battles on front lines
"241 combat engagements between the Ukrainian Defense Forces and Russian invaders were reported on the front lines. The enemy is attacking most intensely in the Pokrovsk and Huliaipole sectors.
In the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk sectors over the past day, four combat engagements took place; the enemy carried out three airstrikes, used eight guided bombs, and fired 111 times at Ukrainian military positions and settlements, including eight times using multiple launch rocket systems.
In the Southern Slobozhanshchyna sector, the enemy launched 22 assaults on the positions of Ukrainian units in the areas around the settlements of Vovchanski Khutory, Lyman, Rybalchyne, Okhrimivka, and Starytsia, as well as toward the settlements of Ternova, Izbytske, and Volokhivka.
In the Kupiansk sector, the Defense Forces repelled an enemy attempt to advance in the area of the settlement of Borivska Andriivka.
In the Lyman sector, Ukrainian troops repelled six attempts by the invaders to advance in the areas of the settlements of Lyman, Drobysheve, Stavky, and Ozerne.
In the Sloviansk sector, over the past 24 hours, defenders stopped one attempt by the occupiers to advance in the area of the settlement of Zakitne.
In the Kramatorsk sector, Ukrainian forces repelled three enemy attacks in the areas of the settlements of Nykyforivka and Viroliubivka.
In the Kostiantynivka sector, the enemy carried out 14 attacks near Kostiantynivka, Rusyn Yar, Pleshchiivka, Illinivka, and Stepanivka.
In the Pokrovsk sector, defenders repelled 36 aggressor assaults in the areas of the settlements of Novopavlivka, Vilne, Kucheriv Yar, Bilytske, Rodynske, Novooleksandrivka, Hryshyne, Udachne, Serhiivka, Novomykolaivka, Toretske, Zolotyi Kolodiaz, and Novopidhorodne.
In the Oleksandrivka sector, the enemy did not conduct any active operations over the past day.
In the Huliaipole sector, the occupiers launched 32 attacks in the areas surrounding the settlements of Dobropillia, Zlahoda, Pryvillia, Vozdvyzhivska, Zaliznychne, Verkhnia Tersa, Hirke, Sviatopetrivka, Tsvitkove, Staroukrainka, and Charivne.
In the Orikhiv sector, the enemy attempted to advance eight times in the areas of the settlements of Shcherbaky and Stepnohirsk.
In the Prydniprovske sector, Ukrainian units repelled two enemy attacks aimed at Antonivka." Ukrin
In the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk sectors over the past day, four combat engagements took place; the enemy carried out three airstrikes, used eight guided bombs, and fired 111 times at Ukrainian military positions and settlements, including eight times using multiple launch rocket systems.
In the Kupiansk sector, the Defense Forces repelled an enemy attempt to advance in the area of the settlement of Borivska Andriivka.
In the Lyman sector, Ukrainian troops repelled six attempts by the invaders to advance in the areas of the settlements of Lyman, Drobysheve, Stavky, and Ozerne.
In the Sloviansk sector, over the past 24 hours, defenders stopped one attempt by the occupiers to advance in the area of the settlement of Zakitne.
In the Kramatorsk sector, Ukrainian forces repelled three enemy attacks in the areas of the settlements of Nykyforivka and Viroliubivka.
In the Kostiantynivka sector, the enemy carried out 14 attacks near Kostiantynivka, Rusyn Yar, Pleshchiivka, Illinivka, and Stepanivka.
In the Pokrovsk sector, defenders repelled 36 aggressor assaults in the areas of the settlements of Novopavlivka, Vilne, Kucheriv Yar, Bilytske, Rodynske, Novooleksandrivka, Hryshyne, Udachne, Serhiivka, Novomykolaivka, Toretske, Zolotyi Kolodiaz, and Novopidhorodne.
In the Oleksandrivka sector, the enemy did not conduct any active operations over the past day.
In the Huliaipole sector, the occupiers launched 32 attacks in the areas surrounding the settlements of Dobropillia, Zlahoda, Pryvillia, Vozdvyzhivska, Zaliznychne, Verkhnia Tersa, Hirke, Sviatopetrivka, Tsvitkove, Staroukrainka, and Charivne.
In the Orikhiv sector, the enemy attempted to advance eight times in the areas of the settlements of Shcherbaky and Stepnohirsk.
In the Prydniprovske sector, Ukrainian units repelled two enemy attacks aimed at Antonivka." Ukrin
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Putin hails Russia's test launch of a new ballistic missile and calls it the world's most powerful
"Russia 
on Tuesday test-fired a new intercontinental ballistic missile as part of efforts to
modernize the country's nuclear forces, a launch hailed by President Vladimir Putin just days after his claim that the fighting in Ukraine is nearing an end.
Putin said that the nuclear-armed Sarmat missile would enter combat service at the end of the year. It was built to replace the aging Soviet-built Voyevoda." msn
modernize the country's nuclear forces, a launch hailed by President Vladimir Putin just days after his claim that the fighting in Ukraine is nearing an end.
Putin said that the nuclear-armed Sarmat missile would enter combat service at the end of the year. It was built to replace the aging Soviet-built Voyevoda." msn
Ukrainian drone strikes spark fire in Russian oil tanks along Black Sea port
"Ukraine's military launched a drone attack on Russia's Krasnodar Krai overnight striking oil shipping infrastructure in the village of Volna, Russian Telegram media channels reported.
Videos posted to social media show large plumes of smoke rising from a nearby port, various channels reported.
In a separate post on Telegram, the Krasnodar Krai Operational Headquarters reported a fire in "one of the premises" in Volna, saying that one person was injured in the Ukrainian drone attack.
NASA's fire monitoring system, FIRMS, appeared to corroborate officials claims, with a fire reported at oil storage near the port, specifically a terminal called Tammanneftogaz that transfers oil and gas from Russian pipelines onto tankers going out through the Black Sea to sell to the world market." Ukrin
In a separate post on Telegram, the Krasnodar Krai Operational Headquarters reported a fire in "one of the premises" in Volna, saying that one person was injured in the Ukrainian drone attack.
NASA's fire monitoring system, FIRMS, appeared to corroborate officials claims, with a fire reported at oil storage near the port, specifically a terminal called Tammanneftogaz that transfers oil and gas from Russian pipelines onto tankers going out through the Black Sea to sell to the world market." Ukrin
5.7 Earthquake - 275 km SW of Houma, Tonga
210 combat clashes on front line
"210 combat engagements between Ukraine’s Defense Forces and Russian troops on the front line.
In the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk sectors, Russian forces launched six airstrikes using 16 guided bombs and carried out 81 shelling attacks, including four with MLRS. One assault action was recorded.
In the Southern Slobozhanshchyna sector, Russian troops attempted eight assaults near Starytsia and Kruhle, as well as toward Kolodiazne, Radkivka, Lyman, and Novovasylivka.
In the Kupiansk sector, one attack was recorded toward Novoplatonivka.
In the Lyman sector, Russian forces attempted five assaults near Stavky and toward Ozerne and Dibrova.
In the Sloviansk sector, one assault was recorded toward Rai-Oleksandrivka.
In the Kramatorsk sector, Russian troops attacked toward Nykyforivka.
On the Kostiantynivka sector, Russian forces carried out 31 assaults near Ivanopillia, Illinivka, Pleshchiivka, Sofiivka, Nove Shakhove, Vilne, and toward Kostiantynivka, Novopavlivka, and Kucheriv Yar.
In the Pokrovsk sector, Ukrainian Defense Forces stopped 32 Russian assault operations toward Rodynske, Shevchenko, Pokrovsk, Hryshyne, Vasylivka, Udachne, Muravka, Molodetske, Novomykolaivka, Bilytske, Novooleksandrivka, Kotlyne, and Novopidhorodnie.
In the Oleksandrivka sector, one assault was recorded toward Zlahoda.
In the Huliaipole sector, the invaders carried out 16 attacks toward Zlahoda, Vozdvyzhivka, Olenokostiantynivka, Charivne, Tsvitkove, Staroukrainka, Pryvillia, and Huliaipilske.
In the Orikhiv sector, Ukrainian forces stopped five Russian attempts to advance near Shcherbaky, Mali Shcherbaky, Stepove, and Yehorivka." Ukrin
In the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk sectors, Russian forces launched six airstrikes using 16 guided bombs and carried out 81 shelling attacks, including four with MLRS. One assault action was recorded.
In the Southern Slobozhanshchyna sector, Russian troops attempted eight assaults near Starytsia and Kruhle, as well as toward Kolodiazne, Radkivka, Lyman, and Novovasylivka.
In the Kupiansk sector, one attack was recorded toward Novoplatonivka.
In the Sloviansk sector, one assault was recorded toward Rai-Oleksandrivka.
In the Kramatorsk sector, Russian troops attacked toward Nykyforivka.
On the Kostiantynivka sector, Russian forces carried out 31 assaults near Ivanopillia, Illinivka, Pleshchiivka, Sofiivka, Nove Shakhove, Vilne, and toward Kostiantynivka, Novopavlivka, and Kucheriv Yar.
In the Pokrovsk sector, Ukrainian Defense Forces stopped 32 Russian assault operations toward Rodynske, Shevchenko, Pokrovsk, Hryshyne, Vasylivka, Udachne, Muravka, Molodetske, Novomykolaivka, Bilytske, Novooleksandrivka, Kotlyne, and Novopidhorodnie.
In the Oleksandrivka sector, one assault was recorded toward Zlahoda.
In the Huliaipole sector, the invaders carried out 16 attacks toward Zlahoda, Vozdvyzhivka, Olenokostiantynivka, Charivne, Tsvitkove, Staroukrainka, Pryvillia, and Huliaipilske.
In the Orikhiv sector, Ukrainian forces stopped five Russian attempts to advance near Shcherbaky, Mali Shcherbaky, Stepove, and Yehorivka." Ukrin
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Russian drones leave parts of Mykolaiv Oblast without power
Several populated areas were left without electricity following the strike.
No casualties were reported. Restoration work is currently underway." KI
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