Ukraine says it shot down 9 cruise missiles and 288 drones overnight.

Russia launched 355 drones in total — a new record high.

NEW: Ireland will become the first EU country to propose a ban on goods from Israeli businesses in the occupied Palestinian territories, citing war crimes in Gaza.

Iranian President Pezeshkian:

Iran will survive even under more sanctions and no talks with U.S.

Palestinian child trying to flee the flames.

This was at the Fahmi al-Jarjawi School in Gaza City, sheltering displaced families.

It was hit by Israel.

JD Vance:

Dating apps are probably more destructive than we fully appreciate.

Young men and women just aren’t dating.

If they’re not dating, they’re not getting married, they’re not starting families.

Nicușor Dan has been officially sworn in as the President of Romania.

Kremlin responds to Trump’s remarks calling Vladimir Putin “crazy,” saying such comments likely reflect “some emotional overload at this crucial moment.”

Ugandan Army spokesperson Chris Magezi announced that all military and defense cooperation with Germany has been suspended.

The statement noted that the decision was prompted by Germany's Ambassador to Uganda, Mathias Schauer, allegedly engaging in "subversive activities within the country."

Germany's Thyssenkrupp Breakup Underway

German industrial giant Thyssenkrupp plans to become a financial holding, enabling major sell-offs.

— HQ to shrink from 500 to 100 staff.
— 1,000 admin jobs to be cut.
— Full exit from steel trading (€12.1B revenue, 16,000 jobs).
— Auto supply units may be sold or shut.

“Only a shell will remain at best”, said a manager.

Source: Bild am Sonntag

German Foreign Minister Wadephul will travel to the U.S. on May 27 to meet with Rubio.

Top U.S. National Security Council officials for the Middle East, Israel, and Iran were among dozens dismissed in a major overhaul by Donald Trump.

NSC Middle East director Eric Trager and Israel-Iran director Merav Ceren were among those ousted.

Source: Jewish Insider

Israel Rejects 60-day Ceasefire Plan

• Israel turned down a U.S.-backed ceasefire plan tied to Trump’s personal guarantee.
• The proposal involved a 60-day ceasefire and phased hostage release.
• Hamas countered with a 70-day ceasefire plan, demanding humanitarian aid.
• U.S. continues to press Israel for a resolution as humanitarian conditions worsen.

Source: Haaretz

At a time when the Ukrainian Armed Forces face a critical ammunition shortage, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) has introduced reforms to merge the State Logistics Operator (DOT) with the Defense Procurement Agency (DPA).

Announced on May 1, 2025, this restructuring aims to streamline procurement—handling everything from buying toilet paper locally to purchasing missiles from Western manufacturers under one unified system.

The MoD presents this as a significant step forward in defense procurement reform, despite ongoing challenges.

Macron says he believes Trump "realizes" that Putin "lied to him".

Macron wants to set a "deadline" for Russia to agree to a ceasefire, accompanied by threats of "massive sanctions".

Macron denies any "domestic scene" with his wife, "we were joking".

Ukrainian officials believe that Trump would be willing to sell Ukraine more Patriot systems rather than send them as aid.

"They think like business people. If I give you something, you have to give me something in return."

Source: WaPo

Fincantieri CEO Pierroberto Folgiero to FT:

"The Mediterranean has always been populated by Russian and US submarines, it's up to us Europeans now to take responsibility for our underwater defence."

Germany's Merz:

The current level of Israeli attacks on Gaza can no longer be justified by fighting Hamas.

I will speak to Netanyahu this week and ask him not to exaggerate the attacks on Gaza.

Germany plans to send to Ukraine its older PAC-2 Patriot missiles, which, unlike the newer PAC-3 missiles, are not as effective at intercepting ballistic missiles.

Ukrainian intelligence believe that even the PAC-3 missiles cannot intercept Russia's Oreshnik missile.

Source: WaPo

BREAKING: German Chancellor Merz says Berlin no longer limits the long-range weapons supplied to Ukraine.