Lithuania will invest over €1 billion in border fortifications over the next decade, focusing on anti-tank mines and related systems to deter aggression from Belarus and Russia. This investment also includes electronic warfare and counter-drone technologies, enhanced surveillance, and improved mine-clearance capabilities. These efforts are coordinated with Estonia and Latvia through the Baltic Defense Line project to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank. The decision follows Lithuania’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, mirroring similar actions by Latvia and Finland, despite concerns from human rights groups regarding civilian risks posed by landmines.
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The U.S. State Department approved a $310.5 million sale to Ukraine for F-16 training and equipment, bolstering Ukrainian air capabilities and furthering military cooperation. This package, subject to Congressional approval, encompasses aircraft upgrades, pilot training, software, and logistical support. The sale follows a recent agreement granting the U.S. access to Ukrainian resources and coincides with reports of successful Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian fighter jets. The deal reflects Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen its air defenses, a goal discussed by President Zelenskyy with President Trump earlier this year.
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The European Commission has unveiled a comprehensive plan to eliminate all Russian energy imports by 2027, ending a decades-long energy dependence that has fueled the Kremlin’s war machine. This phased approach will ban new Russian gas contracts, terminate spot market purchases by 2025, and halt all remaining gas imports by 2027, encompassing oil and nuclear fuel. National governments will submit individual phase-out plans by the year’s end, facilitated by force majeure clauses allowing early contract termination. The plan aims to balance energy security with the potential for price shocks and resistance from some member states.
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To address a severe labor shortage exacerbated by the war in Ukraine and declining birth rates, Russia has reportedly received approximately 15,000 North Korean workers. These workers, many entering on student visas, are primarily employed in Russia’s Far East, valued for their willingness to accept low wages and long hours. This influx violates UN Security Council resolutions prohibiting the use of North Korean migrant labor, highlighting the deepening economic ties between Russia and North Korea. The deployment further underscores the significant impact of the Ukraine conflict on Russia’s workforce.
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Canada has initiated legal proceedings to seize a Russian Antonov An-124 cargo plane, currently grounded in Toronto. The massive aircraft, valued at approximately $300 million, has been stranded since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine due to imposed airspace restrictions. Forfeiture proceedings were initiated on March 18, 2025, and the aim is to ultimately transfer the plane to Ukraine. This action targets one of only 26 such aircraft globally, owned by the Russian Volga-Dnepr Airlines.
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Ukrainian drone attacks targeted Moscow for a second consecutive night, disrupting flights at multiple airports and causing debris to fall on a major highway. Russian authorities reported intercepting 105 drones nationwide, with at least 19 neutralized near Moscow. These attacks precede Russia’s Victory Day celebrations, which several world leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping, are expected to attend. Despite Russia’s claims of a ceasefire, Ukraine denies responsibility for creating a “pleasant atmosphere” for Putin and has intensified drone usage against Russia.
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Driven by concerns of inadequate wartime preparedness, the British government is revising its 20-year-old homeland defense plan to address potential Russian aggression. This classified update details responses to a range of attacks, from conventional missiles to cyber warfare, including provisions for government continuity and public safety. The plan acknowledges Britain’s vulnerability to attacks on critical infrastructure and the potential for significant civilian casualties and economic disruption. The revised strategy will guide the government’s actions in a wartime scenario, covering aspects such as communications, transport, and the protection of key personnel.
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On May 4th, the Ukrainian Air Force targeted a Russian drone control center near Tetkino, Kursk Oblast, resulting in the reported deaths of up to 20 Russian soldiers and the destruction of equipment. This location, less than 10 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, housed crews operating reconnaissance and attack drones. This strike is one of several Ukrainian attacks targeting Russian rear-area facilities to disrupt the war effort. Simultaneously, Russia continues its own drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, causing significant civilian casualties.
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Following a second consecutive night of reported Ukrainian drone attacks, all Moscow airports temporarily closed. Moscow’s mayor reported the destruction of at least 19 drones before reaching the city, with some debris impacting a major highway, though no casualties were reported. Simultaneous drone attacks were also claimed in other Russian cities, including Penza and Voronezh, while Kharkiv and the Kyiv area reportedly experienced Russian drone strikes. Ukraine has yet to officially comment on the events.
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Russian air defenses intercepted a large number of Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow for a second consecutive night, leading to temporary airport closures. While one drone reportedly struck an apartment building causing window damage, officials reported no casualties. Debris fell in several locations, prompting emergency services response. The attacks follow a pattern of Ukrainian drone strikes on Moscow, which Kyiv frames as retaliation for Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure.
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John Q. Hosedrinker