Norway Wants To Lead A "Viking Bloc" For Containing Russia In Northern Europe

"Russian Ambassador to Norway Nikolai Korchunov gave a brief interview to TASS about bilateral relations. He warned that Norway is integrating new NATO members Sweden and Finland into the bloc’s regional plans. More American military bases and NATO facilities are

opening up there too. To make matters worse, 32,500 troops from 14 NATO countries in last March’s “Cold Response” military drills in Norway and Finland’s northern regions, which add to growing NATO threats to Russia from this direction.
NATO’s militarization of the Arctic, which also includes artificially engineered tensions over the demilitarized Svalbard Archipelago, is proceeding in parallel with its militarization of the Baltic.
Korchunov believes that this raises the risk of the bloc one day attempting to blockade Russia. He reassured his compatriots that the authorities will defend their country’s interests, however, including through military-technical means in an allusion to new naval escorts of some commercial vessels." ZeroHedge

Ukraine's air defenses down 109 of 116 Russian drones in overnight attack

"Ukraine's air defense forces neutralized 109 out of 116 drones launched by Russian forces in an overnight attack that began on the evening.

Russia attacked Ukraine with an Iskander-M ballistic missile launched from the Rostov region, as well as 116 drones, including jet-powered Shahed UAVs, Gerbera and Italmas drones, and Parodiya decoy drones.
The UAVs were launched from Kursk, Bryansk, Oryol, Millerovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk in Russia, and Hvardiiske in temporarily occupied Crimea.
The aerial assault was repelled by Ukraine's aviation, anti-aircraft missile forces, electronic warfare, unmanned systems units, and mobile fire teams." KI

Fire breaks out at Russia's Syzran oil refinery after drone attack

"A fire broke out at the Syzran oil refinery in Russia's Samara region following a drone attack.
After analyzing videos posted by eyewitnesses, Astra confirmed that the drone strike had sparked a fire at the refinery in the city of Syzran in Russia's Samara region." KI

6.6 Earthquake - Southern East Pacific Rise on Wednesday

"A very strong magnitude 6.6 earthquake occurred in the South Pacific Ocean near the coast of n/a in the morning at 9.43 am local time (GMT -8). The depth of the quake could not be determined, but is assumed to be shallow. The quake was not felt (or at least not reported so)." VD

233 combat clashes on front line

"233 combat engagements took place between the Ukrainian Defense Forces and Russian troops.
In the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk directions, six combat engagements took place. Russian forces carried out two airstrikes using seven guided bombs and launched 73 shelling attacks on Ukrainian positions and settlements, including four using MLRS systems.
In the Southern Slobozhanshchyna direction, Russian troops attacked Ukrainian positions five times toward Izbytske and near Starytsia and Lyman.

In the Kupiansk direction, the enemy attacked seven times toward Kupiansk, Petropavlivka, Hlushkivka, and Novoosynove.
In the Lyman direction, Russian troops attempted 13 times to break through Ukrainian defenses near Drobysheve, Dibrova, Ozerne, Stavky, Lyman, and Yampil.
In the Sloviansk direction, Russian forces launched five assaults near Zakitne and Rai-Oleksandrivka.
In the Kramatorsk direction, the enemy carried out one assault action near Minkivka.
In the Kostiantynivka direction, Russian invaders conducted 27 attacks toward Kostiantynivka, Illinivka, Ivanopillia, Pleshchiivka, Toretske, Novopavlivka, Sofiivka, Vilne, Bilytske, and Kucheriv Yar.
In the Pokrovsk direction, Ukrainian defenders stopped 35 Russian assault actions near Rodynske, Hryshyne, Novooleksandrivka, Pokrovsk, Zatyshok, Nykanorivka, Shevchenko, Vasylivka, Kotlyne, Udachne, and Molodetske.
In the Oleksandrivka direction, the enemy attacked five times near Oleksandrohrad, Ivanivka, and Kalynivske.
In the Huliaipole direction, Russian invaders carried out 29 attacks toward Nove Zaporizhzhia, Vozdvyzhivka, Tsvitkove, Staroukrainka, Dobropillia, Zaliznychne, Huliaipilske, Olenokostiantynivka, and Charivne.
In the Orikhiv direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled two attempts by Russian troops to advance near Shcherbaky and Stepnohirsk." Ukrin

Russians attack Konotop overnight

"During the night of May 20, the Russian army carried out a massive attack on Konotop in Sumy Region. Residential buildings and the local history museum came under fire. Preliminary reports indicate that eight people were injured." Ukrin

5.9 Earthquake - 18 km east of China, Kagoshima-ken, Japan

"A strong magnitude 5.9 earthquake hit 17.7 km (11 mi) away from China, Kagoshima-ken, Japan, in the morning at 11.46 am local time (GMT +9). The quake had a shallow depth of 42 km (26 mi) and was felt over a large region. The shallow depth of the quake caused it to be felt more strongly near the epicenter than a deeper quake of similar magnitude would." VD

250 combat engagements on front line

"Ukrainian Defense Forces and Russian troops engaged in 250 clashes during the previous day, with 43 occurring in the Pokrovsk direction.
In the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk sectors, five combat engagements took place over the past day. The enemy carried out 86 attacks on Ukrainian military positions and populated areas, including two using multiple launch rocket systems.
In the Southern Slobozhanshchyna sector, the enemy launched 11 assaults on Ukrainian positions near the settlements of Izbytske, Hraniv, Lyman, Radkivka, Vilcha, Vovchanski Khutory, and Starytsia.

In the Kupiansk sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled one enemy attack near Novoplatonivka.
In the Lyman sector, Ukrainian troops repelled 11 attempts by Russian forces to advance near Drobysheve, Kopanky, Ozerne, and Dibrova.
In the Sloviansk sector, Ukrainian defenders stopped four enemy attempts to advance near Riznykivka, Kryva Luka, and Rai-Oleksandrivka.
In the Kramatorsk sector, Russian forces did not conduct active operations over the past day.
In the Kostiantynivka sector, the enemy carried out 14 attacks near Kostiantynivka, Pleshchiivka, Illinivka, and Dovha Balka.
In the Pokrovsk sector, Ukrainian defenders stopped 43 assault actions by the aggressor near the settlements of Dorozhne, Rodynske, Oleksandrivka, Pokrovsk, Hryshyne, Kotlyne, Novopavlivka, Novooleksandrivka, Udachne, Molodetske, and toward the settlements of Kucheriv Yar, Vilne, Serhiivka, and Hruzke.
In the Oleksandrivka sector, the enemy attacked twice near Oleksandrohrad and Berezove.
In the Huliaipole sector, 23 enemy attacks took place near Rivnopillia, Radisne, Rybne, Dobropillia, Olenokostiantynivka, Nove Zaporizhzhia, Staroukrainka, Tsvitkove, and Charivne.
In the Orikhiv sector, the enemy attempted to advance near Bilohiria.
In the Prydniprovske sector, Ukrainian units stopped two enemy attacks toward the Antonivskyi Bridge and Bilohrudyi Island." Ukrin

Russian overnight attack damages 25 homes in Kharkiv

"Russia launched overnight strikes across southern and eastern Ukraine early on May 19,

hitting infrastructure and residential areas in Odesa Oblast and Kharkiv, according to local authorities.
In Kharkiv, Russian drone strikes hit the Novobavarskyi district, injuring three people and damaging at least 25 private homes and one apartment building, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said.
The damage was caused by two waves of strikes, according to local officials. Rescue teams pulled two people from the rubble, while another person was believed to be trapped as search-and-rescue operations continued.
Separately, in the Izmail district of Odesa Oblast, port infrastructure facilities were damaged in a nighttime strike, the local administration said. Most aerial targets were intercepted over open territory, outside of populated areas." KI

Iran wants to hand over nuclear stockpile to Russia

"Iran

is allegedly ready to hand over its highly enriched uranium stockpile to Russia, the Saudi
news broadcaster Al Hadath has reported. The idea was floated as part of the latest peace proposal Tehran sent to the US via Pakistan, the outlet said on Monday, citing a leaked document it had obtained." RT

5.3 Earthquake - South Atlantic Ocean, 300 km west of Bouvetoya Island, Bouvet Island

"A strong magnitude 5.3 earthquake occurred in the South Atlantic Ocean 299 km (186 mi)
from Bouvet Island in the late afternoon at 6.50 pm local time (GMT +0). The depth of the quake could not be determined, but is assumed to be shallow. The quake was not felt (or at least not reported so)." VD

5.7 Earthquake - Coral Sea, 52 km southwest of Port Vila, Shefa Province, Vanuatu

"A strong magnitude 5.7 earthquake occurred in the Coral Sea near Efate Island island,

Vanuatu, around noon at 1.29 pm local time (GMT +11). The quake had a very shallow depth of 27 km (17 mi) and was felt widely in the area. The shallow depth of the quake caused it to be felt more strongly near the epicenter than a deeper quake of similar magnitude would." VD

236 clashes in past day

"A total of 236 combat engagements between Ukrainian forces and Russian invaders were recorded.
On the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk axes, Russian forces launched three airstrikes using six guided bombs and carried out 88 shelling attacks, including two with MLRS.
On the Southern Slobozhanshchyna axis, the enemy launched seven attacks near Starytsia, Vilcha, Prylipky, Veterynarne, and toward Hrafske and Karaichne.

On the Kupiansk axis, Russian forces launched five attacks toward Kurylivka, Petropavlivka, Kivsharivka, and Novoplatonivka.
On the Lyman axis, the enemy attempted 14 assaults near Stavky, Zarichne, Drobysheve, Novoserhiivka, and toward Ozerne and Dibrova.
On the Siversk axis, Russian forces carried out three assaults toward Rai-Oleksandrivka and Kalenyky.
On the Kostiantynivka axis, the enemy conducted 18 assaults near Ivanopillia, Illinivka, Pleshchiivka, Vilne, Toretske, Berestok, Stepanivka, and toward Kostiantynivka and Kucheriv Yar.
On the Pokrovsk axis, Ukrainian defenders stopped 40 assault actions near Dorozhnie, Shevchenko, Rodynske, Novooleksandrivka, Hryshyne, Kotlyne, Udachne, Novoserhiivka, Molodetske, Filiia, Bilytske, Nykanorivka, and Pokrovsk.
On the Oleksandrivka axis, the enemy attacked once toward Vorone.
On the Huliaipole axis, Russian forces carried out 22 assaults toward Zlahoda, Nove Zaporizhzhia, Chervone, Tsvitkove, Rivne, Zaliznychne, Rybnе, Staroukrainka, and Hirkе.
On the Dnipro River axis, the enemy carried out four assaults toward Antonivka and Bilohrudyi Island." Ukrin

Attack Drone Hits Near UAE Nuclear Power Plant

"Abu Dhabi authorities report that a kamikaze drone struck an electrical generator outside the

inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Al Dhafra. Officials said there were no injuries, no impact on radiological safety levels, and no disruption to plant operations.
Dubai-based newspaper Gulf News cited the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, which said the one-way drone attack on the Arab world's first commercial nuclear facility did not affect the safety of the nuclear power plant or the readiness of its essential systems. FANR added that all systems were operating normally." ZH

Largest Ukrainian Drone Attack On Moscow In Over A Year Leaves Four Dead

"The Russian capital has just suffered possibly its single biggest and deadliest Ukrainian drone

attack of the war - and certainly the largest attack wave on Moscow in the last year. It ironically comes exactly a week after President Zelensky signed on to a three day Russian 'Victory Day' ceasefire at the behest of President Trump.
At least four people have been killed in the overnight large-scale assault wave, with dozens more wounded. Regional airports have been shut down, and there's been a sense of panic as the threat lingered into the daylight hours Sunday, with onlookers filming drones flying uncontested over Moscow airspace." ZH

Axios Warns Cuba Stockpiled 300 Attack Drones With Crosshairs On U.S. Homeland

"Havana may be stockpiling Russian-made Geranium one-way attack drones with the

operational range to threaten major U.S. oil and gas refineries in the Gulf of America, key military bases, data centers, power grid infrastructure, and potentially even Washington, D.C.
Nearly three and a half months ago, we laid out the framework for a potential drone threat against the homeland originating from Cuba, using an infographic published by the Russian think tank Rybar.
At the time, Rybar wrote: "But what would the Cubans do in the event of a conflict? Let us hypothetically imagine that Havana decides to resist the Americans and chooses to fight. In that case, the already world-famous Geran strike drones could come to their aid."
Axios, citing newly obtained U.S. intelligence, reports that Cuba has accumulated roughly 300 military drones from Russia and Iran and has discussed potential wartime strike scenarios targeting Guantanamo Bay, U.S. naval vessels, and possibly Key West..
Late last week, CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with officials in Havana, which appeared to reopen the channel for political dialogue between the two countries.
Ratcliffe and top U.S. officials, some of whose faces were blurred in images released by the CIA on X, held high-level talks with Cuba's Interior Minister, the head of Cuban intelligence, and Raúl Castro's grandson, Raulito Rodríguez Castro." ZH

Vietnamese POW captured in Ukraine: "They force you to do everything"

"A Vietnamese man captured while fighting for Russia in Ukraine has issued a plea to others

not to travel abroad to take part in war.
In an interview from captivity, he described fear, violence and despair among foreign recruits sent to the front lines.... the man is believed to be the first Vietnamese prisoner of war captured by Ukrainian forces during the conflict.
He claimed foreign recruits were treated as expendable by Russian forces.
“They force you to do everything. If you don’t listen, they beat you. If you don’t obey, they’re ready to kill you,” he said." msn

The WHO Drums Up Fear With Ebola After Hantavirus Scare Fails

"One of the biggest mistakes globalists made in their bid for perpetual medical authoritarianism during the Covid pandemic was reveling a bit too much. Numerous high level officials from the WEF, WHO, the Imperial College of London and an army of politicians were giddy with excitement and bragged publicly about all the power they were going to grab as the masses huddled in fear of a virus with a 99.8% average survival rate.
This arrogance cost them, triggering an awakening of millions of former skeptics who are now avid "conspiracy theorists". Today, the ability of the elitist class to sucker the populace into a new pandemic theater is greatly reduced.

We have see the consequences of the covid farce with the recent Hantavirus scare, which has failed to inspire any noticeable reaction from the public.
The US under the Trump Administration has exited the organization on these grounds, and as a result the WHO has lost at least 20% of its total funding. It is now facing dire financial conditions. In response, the UN and the establishment media have been running a spin campaign to present the WHO as indispensable.
For Hantavirus, the spread from human to human is rare and only occurs with the South American (or Andes) strain. Contraction is difficult, with the virus passing from one person to another through "prolonged contact" often involving bodily fluids.
The hysteria over Hantavirus has not materialized and the story is quickly fizzling out. In response the WHO and Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus are taking to the media again to announce a new "Ebola threat" in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Tedros is calling for "global solidarity" (and more funding) in response to the outbreak which has allegedly infected 13 people so far. It should be noted that the DRC has had at least 17 Ebola outbreaks since the 1970s and none of them have led to a global pandemic threat. The rhetoric of "global unity" is familiar, with much of the same language used during the covid pandemic.
The last time the US had a "close call" with Ebola was in 2014 when the CDC identified over a dozen carriers in the US, and two deaths. The end result? Nothing happened, despite a media firestorm asserting that a deadly plague was just around the corner.
This is not to say that dangerous outbreaks are never going to happen, but it is rather convenient that the WHO is losing substantial funding and sway in geopolitics, and suddenly, common outbreaks are being treated like looming disasters in the media." ZH

5.7 Earthquake - North Pacific Ocean, 58 km east of Ostrov Shumshu Island, Kamchatka, Russia

"A strong magnitude 5.7 earthquake occurred in the North Pacific Ocean near Ostrov

Shumshu island, Russia, in the late afternoon at 7.04 pm local time (GMT +11). The quake had a shallow depth of 56 km (35 mi) and was reported felt by some people near the epicenter." VD

China Confirms Boeing Jet Deal, Agrees To Cut Select Levies & Expand Agri Trade

"The exact wording "reach arrangements"s in the Bloomberg headline is important because it suggests a framework, a commitment, or a negotiated understanding, not necessarily a

finalized purchase contract for Boeing commercial jets.
Based on earlier reports, Trump said China agreed to buy 200 Boeing planes, with the total potentially rising to 750 aircraft.
The next set of headlines shows that the Trump team and Beijing have reached a partial trade de-escalation package following the summit:
CHINA, US AGREE TO REDUCE LEVIES ON A CERTAIN RANGE OF PRODUCTS
CHINA TO EXPAND BILATERAL TRADE W/ US ON AGR AND OTHER PRODUCTS
CHINA VOWS TO EXPAND BILATERAL AGRI TRADE WITH US
The headlines point to a U.S.-China trade détente that is constructive for American industry, exporters, and U.S. farmers.
Now the larger question is what Trump and Xi agreed to behind closed doors regarding Tehran and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. and Chinese leaders agreed to establish a new "Board of Trade" and a parallel "Board of Investment" during President Trump's two-day visit to Beijing - a summit that ended much as it began: with significant pageantry, warm personal rapport between the leaders, and modest, incremental progress on trade. The new boards aim to oversee bilateral purchases, manage trade differences, facilitate deals in non-sensitive sectors (with roughly $30 billion in goods identified), and provide a standing channel to prevent future escalations without constant high-level intervention.
Despite the institutional progress, several high-priority issues saw limited or no resolution:
Nvidia H200 AI Chips: No major summit agreement on advanced AI chip exports. While some U.S. licensing approvals for sales to select Chinese firms occurred around the visit (with Jensen Huang joining the delegation), export controls remained a sticking point and were not centrally resolved in leader-level talks.
Rare Earths: No announced extension of the existing truce or easing of Chinese export controls, which continue to affect U.S. chipmakers and aerospace firms. This remains a lingering vulnerability from prior tariff exchanges.
Iran Conflict: Both leaders expressed a shared desire for stability and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with Xi showing interest in greater U.S. oil purchases to reduce Middle East dependence. However, China offered no concrete commitments to leverage its influence with Tehran. Beijing’s foreign ministry reiterated support for peace efforts without pledging active intervention." 

ZeroHedge

46 clashes

"46 combat engagements have occurred between the Ukrainian Defense Forces and Russian troops.
In the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk sectors, two combat engagements took place. The enemy carried out two airstrikes, used three guided bombs, and launched 35 attacks on populated areas and Ukrainian military positions.
In the Southern Slobozhanshchyna sector, the enemy launched four assaults on Ukrainian positions near Vovchanski Khutory, Dvorichanske, and toward Ternova and Kolodiazne.
In the Kupiansk sector, the enemy did not conduct offensive operations.

In the Lyman sector, five clashes with the enemy took place since the start of the day near the settlements of Lyman, Drobysheve, and Zarichne.
In the Sloviansk sector, the Defense Forces successfully repelled one attempt by the invaders to advance toward Rai-Oleksandrivka.
No offensive actions by the enemy were recorded in the Kramatorsk sector.
In the Kostiantynivka sector, the occupiers carried out 14 attacks near Kostiantynivka, Ivanopillia, Illinivka, Rusyn Yar, Toretske, Sofiivka, and toward Vilne. Three clashes are still ongoing.
In the Pokrovsk sector, the invaders attempted 10 times since the beginning of the day to push Ukrainian troops from their positions near Rodynske, Novooleksandrivka, Hryshyne, Udachne, and Molodetske. One battle is ongoing.
No offensive actions by the enemy were recorded in the Oleksandrivka sector.
In the Huliaipole sector, the Defense Forces successfully repelled nine enemy attacks near Zlahoda, Varvarivka, and toward Novе Zaporizhzhia, Zaliznychne, and Charivne. Two clashes are still ongoing.
In the Orikhiv sector, the enemy conducted one unsuccessful offensive operation near Bilohiria." Ukrin

Over 70 drones reportedly downed near Moscow

"By around 3:30 a.m. local time, Russian authorities claimed that at least 73 drones had been shot down, with air defense systems still engaged in intercepting incoming targets.
Videos circulating on social media after 3 a.m. appear to show flashes in the sky and fires in numerous locations. Witnesses in Klin and Zelenograd said they heard loud detonations, suggesting that the attack extended beyond central Moscow into surrounding districts." KI

Trump says ISIS second-in-command Abu-Bilal al-Minuki killed by US and Nigerian forces

"U.S. President Donald Trump said that Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS globally, was killed in an operation conducted by U.S. and Nigerian forces.
"Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield. Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS globally, thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing," Trump said on Truth Social." msn

6.0 Earthquake - North Atlantic Ocean, 67 km east of Barbuda Island, Barbuda, Antigua and Barbuda

"According to preliminary estimates from the (USGS), the quake might have been felt by over

570,000 people across 8 countries: Guadeloupe (380,000), Antigua and Barbuda (100,000), Saint Kitts and Nevis (46,300), Montserrat (7,390), and Anguilla (4,310). Approx. 400,000 people were in areas with light shaking (intensity IV), the highest intensity this quake likely produced over inhabited areas." VD

Miliband vows permanent shutdown of the North Sea

"Labour is to ban new oil and gas fields in Britain, making it far harder for any future government to reopen the North Sea.

A legal prohibition on new drilling will be included in the energy independence bill, part of the raft of new legislation set out by the King in his speech opening Parliament.
The bill will make Ed Miliband’s temporary moratorium on new drilling permanent, ensuring it would be far harder for a future government to reverse the ban. Labour also plans to legally ban onshore fracking.
A detailed note released by the Energy Secretary’s officials after the King’s Speech said the bill would “meet [Labour’s] manifesto commitment not to issue new licences to explore new fields, including delivering the commitment to ban fracking”." 

msn

195 clashes on front line

"195 combat clashes between the Defense Forces of Ukraine and Russian invaders along the front line.
In the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk directions, there were 16 clashes. The enemy carried out five airstrikes, used 10 guided bombs, and conducted 80 shellings of settlements and Ukrainian positions, four of them with multiple launch rocket systems.
In the Southern Slobozhanshchyna direction, the enemy attacked Ukrainian positions five times near Vovchansk, Radkivka, Hraniv, Izbytske, and Starytsia. One engagement is still ongoing.

In the Kupiansk direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled two enemy assaults near Novoosynove and Podoly.
In the Lyman direction, Ukrainian troops stopped seven enemy attempts to advance near Stepove, Novyi Myr, Stavy, Drobysheve, Yampil, and Ozerne.
In the Siversk direction, Ukrainian forces successfully repelled three enemy attempts near Zakitne and Rai-Oleksandrivka.
In the Kramatorsk direction, one attack was stopped near Nykyforivka.
In the Kostiantynivka direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled 11 assaults near Kostiantynivka, Ivanopillia, Illinivka, and Stepanivka.
In the Pokrovsk direction, the enemy carried out 23 attacks, attempting to advance near Vilne, Kucheriv Yar, Zolotyi Kolodiaz, Nove Shakhove, Bilytske, Hryshyne, Vasylivka, Novomykolaivka, Rodynske, Novooleksandrivka, Boikivka, Serhiivka, and Molodetske.
Preliminary estimates indicate that in this direction alone today, 46 occupiers were eliminated and 14 wounded. Ukrainian forces also destroyed 11 vehicles, 8 special equipment units, one electronic warfare station, and one infantry shelter; three vehicles, three artillery pieces, and five UAV command posts were damaged. Additionally, 250 enemy drones of various types were destroyed or suppressed.
In the Oleksandrivka and Orikhiv directions, the enemy did not conduct offensive operations today.
In the Huliaipole direction, there were 17 assaults near Dobropillia, Verkhnia Tersа, Zlahoda, Hirke, Krynychne, Staroukrainka, Huliaipilske, and Charivne." 

Ukrin

France ready to develop ballistic missile defense with Ukraine, says Zelensky, calling it 'important step'

"France is prepared to cooperate with Ukraine on developing a ballistic missile defense
system, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 16 following a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron.
The announcement comes as Kyiv seeks to unite international partners around the creation of an air defense shield within what Zelensky has described as an "anti-ballistic coalition."
"France is ready to work on anti-ballistic measures. This is a strong decision and an important step. We discussed strengthening our capabilities to repel Russian attacks right now," Zelensky said." KI

Largest UNDERWATER Eruption since Hunga Tonga

"A magnitude 5.4 earthquake ...Eruption at seamount eruption in the Bismarck Sea is growing and now there are larger Earthquakes ! Pummice and water discoloration and more Ash is visible as well. Several mysterious ash plumes detected high up in the air in the Bismarck Sea near Papua New Guinea on the Pacific Ring of fire. Underwater Seamount / Volcano seems to be erupting in an unknown area , not a known underwater volcano but also Hunga Tonga started smaller ! This could be a new submarine volcano !" OnPulse

263 clashes on front lines

"263 combat engagements between the Ukrainian Defense Forces and Russian invaders were recorded on the front lines.
In the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk sectors, the enemy carried out three airstrikes using eight guided bombs and conducted 57 shelling attacks, including one with a multiple launch rocket system (MLRS). One enemy assault operation was reported.
In the Southern Slobozhanshchyna sector, Russian forces launched 10 attacks toward Izbytske, Ternova, Novovasylivka, and in the areas of Starytsia, Lyman, Synelnykove, and Vovchanski Khutory.

In the Kupiansk sector, the enemy launched two attacks toward Kindrashivka and Radkivka.
In the Lyman sector, the invaders attempted to breach the defenses 13 times, attacking in the areas of Stavky, Zarichne, Yampil, Novyi Myr, Ozerey, and toward Novoserhiivka, Druzheliubivka, Lyman, and Dibrova.
In the Sloviansk sector, Russian forces launched four assaults toward Rai-Oleksandrivka and in the Zakitne area.
In the Kostiantynivka sector, the enemy carried out 23 attacks in the areas of Illinivka, Pleshchiivka, Sofiivka, Vilne, Stepanivka, Toretske, Ivanopillia, and toward Kostiantynivka, Novopavlivka, Bilytske, and Mykolaipillia.
In the Pokrovsk sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled 35 Russian army assaults toward the settlements of Zatyshok, Novooleksandrivka, Rodynske, Bilytske, Hryshyne, Serhiivka, Kotlyne, Udachne, Novomykolaivka, Novopavlivka, Filiia, Hannivka, and Molodetske.
In the Oleksandrivka sector, the enemy launched a single attack toward Dobropillia.
In the Huliaipole sector, the invaders carried out 33 attacks in the areas of Pryluky, Charivne, Huliaipole, and Rybne, as well as toward Dobropillia, Zlahoda, Nove Zaporizhzhia, Pryvillia, Zaliznychne, Tsvitkove, Vozdvyzhivka, Staroukrainka, and Krynychne.
In the Prydniprovske sector, the Russian Federation’s army carried out three attacks toward Antonivka and Bilohrudyi Island." Ukrin

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

After "Fantastic Day" With Xi, Trump Touts 200-Jet Boeing Deal As China Offers Hormuz Help

"Trump says Boeing Secured a 200 'Big' jet order from China. Trump says President Xi wants Hormuz reopened, won't give Tehran weapons.
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

"Deadly overnight strike: Three people were killed and 12 injured when drones hit Ryazan, damaging residential buildings and sparking fires.
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

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

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.

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.”

RT

Series of tremors near Tehran renews focus on capital’s seismic risk, Iran

"Nine small earthquakes struck the Pardis area east of Tehran overnight, including a M4.6
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

5.3 Earthquake - South China Sea, 35 km southwest of Calayan Island, Philippines

"A strong magnitude 5.3 earthquake occurred in the South China Sea near Calayan Island island, Philippines, at 6.01 am local time (Asia/Manila GMT +8). The quake had a shallow depth of 35 km (22 mi) and was reported felt by some people near the epicenter." VD

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