Ukrainian troops tested launching the Ukrainian-American Hornet kamikaze drone from a balloon. The aerostat carried the drone 42 km and released it from 8 km altitude, while the UAV used only 5% of its battery. The method extends range by combining balloon distance, high-altitude release and battery preservation, potentially pushing strike reach 1.5 to 2 times beyond the current 100 to 150 km.
❗️A Kazakhstan court allowed forced recovery of $1.4B from Gazprom in favor of Naftogaz under an international arbitration ruling. Naftogaz said this is the first public foreign court decision enabling enforcement of the arbitration award in a separate jurisdiction, marking a new step in Ukraine’s campaign to collect compensation from Russia’s gas monopoly.
Zelensky said a renewed constructive three-way dialogue in the coming weeks, with Europeans involved, would be the right result. He said Ukraine had good contacts with the US on security and Russia-related diplomacy, and is ready for further steps to restore the format. Zelensky also warned Russia is considering attack scenarios from Belarus and Bryansk Oblast.
🇩🇪 Police used force to arrest protesters during a pro-Palestine march in #Berlin. After a confrontation with people carrying Israeli flags during a pro-Palestine protest, police arrested a demonstrator from Gaza as he shouted: “Israel killed my son.”Follow us -> LiveLeak
❗️🇺🇸 U.S. Marines board Iranian flagged tanker in Gulf of Oman from 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The M/T Celestial Sea was suspected of attempting to breach the U.S. blockade by navigating toward an Iranian port.Follow us -> LiveLeak
🇺🇸 A car exploded near the Charging Bull statue in Manhattan's Financial District, sending a huge fireball into the air.Fortunately, no injuries were reported.Follow us -> LiveLeak
Voyager 1 is humanity’s most distant spacecraft.But even after a million years, it will barely have scratched the surface of the galaxy.Launched in 1977, Voyager 1 has been speeding away from Earth for 48 years. It now travels through interstellar space at about 38,000 miles per hour (61,000 km/h) – fast enough to circle the Earth in 40 minutes. Yet, space is so vast that this blistering speed bar...
❗️Unmanned Systems Forces drones destroyed a Russian training and production complex in occupied Snizhne, Donetsk Oblast, used by the 78th Sever-Akhmat special regiment. He said 65 cadets and the center chief were killed. The May 20 operation used 11 middle-strike hits with 100 kg warheads, targeting a 2,484 sq m facility where UAVs and warheads were assembled.
🇺🇸 More teen violence.. 3 people were stabbed during a massive brawl after teens reportedly took over a beach in #Narragansett, Rhode Island.Police say all three had minor stab wounds and were taken to the hospital. Police called the scene “chaotic” and said several other fights broke out as hundreds were trying to leave the beach at the same time.Follow us -> LiveLeak
Ukraine’s 24th Brigade eliminated Russian motorcycle and ATV assault troops and destroyed their vehicles. Footage shows the unit breaking up another light-vehicle push before it could develop against Ukrainian defensive positions.
NATO chief Mark Rutte said Russia would face a “devastating” response if it used nuclear weapons in the war against Ukraine. He said Moscow knows what would follow if that happened, while NATO is monitoring Russian nuclear exercises. Russia’s Defense Ministry said drills on preparation and use of nuclear forces run from May 19 to 21.
This is what happens when lightning strikes an electric fenceScience and facts💡
Zelensky said he discussed bilateral relations with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, with both leaders agreeing ties should be strong and have room to develop. Ukraine’s deputy prime minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration will work in Belgrade in the coming days as Kyiv seeks mutually beneficial agreements, including renewed talks on a free trade area with Serbia.
❗️The UK apologized for loosening Russia sanctions meant to prevent diesel and jet fuel shortages. Trade minister Chris Bryant said the move was handled “clumsily” after Bloomberg reported it, and that the license will be suspended at the earliest possible point.
❗️NSDC Secretary Umerov said Ukraine is simplifying controlled defense exports and preparing new contracts under the Drone Deal. Agencies agreed on a shared position to streamline permit procedures and shorten processing times. The first contracts are already awaiting approval, with more partnerships expected at the turn of May and June. Coordination will be handled by the NSDC Office, while imple...