Analysis of over 21,000 social media posts indicates that Russkaya Obshina conducted more than 900 raids between May 2023 and the end of 2025, with law enforcement participating in approximately 300 of these. While Russkaya Obshina attempts to align itself with registered civilian patrols, it remains unregistered despite police involvement in some operations. This has drawn criticism for being unregulated and unofficial, with concerns raised that their actions, often through intimidation, may constitute illegal activity, regardless of claims to uphold law and order.
Read More
On Saturday, May 9, 2026, President Vladimir Putin participated in ceremonies marking the 81st anniversary of the Soviet Union’s World War II victory over Nazi Germany. The event, held in Moscow, featured Putin laying flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier near the Kremlin. This commemoration underscores the enduring significance of the war’s outcome in Russian national identity and memory.
Read More
Reports indicate Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack on May 15 targeting Russian military and energy infrastructure across multiple regions. Significant fires were observed at the Ryazan oil refinery, one of Russia’s largest, and smoke was reported near a military airfield in Yeysk. Drone debris struck an enterprise and residential buildings in Ryazan, and five drones were downed near Moscow, causing temporary airport ground halts. These attacks follow a deadly Russian strike on Kyiv and come as Ukraine increasingly targets Russian energy infrastructure to disrupt war funding.
Read More
Following a deadly Russian missile and drone strike on Kyiv that killed at least 16 people and injured over 47, President Volodymyr Zelensky instructed the military to prepare response formats. The attack, which partially destroyed a large apartment building, prompted Ukraine’s Foreign Minister to initiate a UN Security Council meeting. Ukraine’s Air Force reported the launch of 56 missiles and 675 drones, with significant interception rates for drones but a lower success rate for missiles. President Zelensky highlighted that a recently manufactured missile striking Kyiv indicates Russia’s continued ability to produce weapons despite sanctions, urging for more impactful international responses.
Read More
To ensure consistent and predictable support for Ukraine, Mark Rutte has proposed that NATO allies contribute 0.25% of their GDP annually towards military aid for Kyiv. This initiative aims to alleviate internal Alliance tensions stemming from unequal contributions, as Nordic and Baltic nations, along with the Netherlands and Poland, have historically provided more aid than some Western and Southern European countries. While the proposal could potentially mobilize $143 billion in annual aid, it has encountered skepticism from certain allies. This idea echoes a similar suggestion made by Volodymyr Zelensky last year, highlighting a growing international focus on bolstering Ukraine’s defense industry and domestic production.
Read More
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently described Ukraine’s armed forces as the strongest in Europe, highlighting their resilience and the development of innovative hybrid warfare tactics. He noted that this military strength has been forged through years of conflict with Russia, coupled with significant Western assistance. While Ukraine has proposed sharing its battlefield-tested drone technology and expertise with the United States, particularly to counter threats like Iranian-made drones, Washington has shown reluctance to advance the initiative. Despite stalled peace negotiations, the administration remains committed to facilitating a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Read More
This article details a significant overnight Russian barrage of over 670 drones and 56 missiles, impacting more than 180 sites across Ukraine, including residential buildings. While Ukraine reported shooting down a high percentage of drones, the interception rate for missiles was lower, highlighting a critical need for advanced anti-ballistic systems. The European Union condemned the attacks, accusing Russia of targeting civilians, and announced a €6 billion drone support package for Ukraine alongside continued sanctions against Russia’s war economy.
Read More
Russia’s purported May 9 “ceasefire” was not an overture to peace, but rather a strategic period used to amass an arsenal of drones and missiles for an extensive aerial assault across Ukraine. This massive attack, spanning over 30 hours and involving more than 1,600 drones and missiles, targeted critical and civilian infrastructure nationwide, resulting in numerous casualties. The promised prisoner exchange has also been notably delayed, further underscoring Russia’s manipulative use of perceived peace efforts to facilitate military operations.
Read More
Ukraine has resumed drone attacks on Russian oil infrastructure, targeting refineries and ports following the expiration of a proposed ceasefire. These strikes aim to diminish Russia’s energy revenues and weaken its military capabilities in the ongoing conflict. Russia’s defense ministry reported intercepting numerous drones, though debris from some attacks caused fires at industrial facilities in the Krasnodar and Astrakhan regions. Authorities confirmed no casualties, and fires were managed.
Read More
European intelligence agencies have identified Russia as a direct threat to the West and NATO. EU defense officials and lawmakers are concerned that the Kremlin might exploit the upcoming years, potentially coinciding with Donald Trump’s presidency and Europe’s ongoing military buildup, to test NATO’s resolve. This apprehension is fueled by Russia’s justification for its invasion of Ukraine, citing the protection of Russian speakers, and also by Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s warning that Baltic countries could be Moscow’s next target if Ukraine does not receive sufficient support.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker