Photo : ТASS/ Ruptly
Photo : ТASS/ Ruptly
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 27 May, Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 60 drones at Ukraine overnight. According to the air force, 43 of these drones were neutralized, 35 shot down, and eight intercepted by electronic warfare. Earlier, Russia launched more than 900 drones over the last three days. Russia claimed that the drone strikes were in "response" to Ukraine’s previous drone attacks. Additionally, Russia stated that its air defences destroyed 2,331 Ukrainian drones during 20 May and 27 May, resulting in injury to women and children.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 27 May, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s remarks about lifting restrictions on the range of weapons supplied to Ukraine. Lavrov claimed that the decision to allow Ukraine to use long-range weapons for strikes inside Russia had already been made in secret earlier. On the same, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accused European stated of escalating pressure on Russia rather than promoting peace efforts.
On 27 May, Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova reported on the ongoing process for a draft memorandum outlining its conditions for a potential peace deal to end the war. confirmed that the document is still under development, and once completed, it will be presented to Ukraine. The memorandum is expected to cover key elements such as principles for settlement, the timing of a possible peace agreement, and the terms for a potential ceasefire, if suitable agreements are reached.
On 27 May, Russian forces claimed on seizing four border villages in Ukraine's northeastern Sumy region. This comes after Russia’s President Vladimir Putin announcement to establish a buffer zone along the border. Ukraine is yet to confirm on the claim.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 27 May, US President Donald Trump warned Putin, "playing with fire" and severe consequences. On Truth Social platform, Trump suggested that without his intervention, "really bad things" would have already happened to Russia. His remarks come amid continued deadly Russian attacks on Ukraine, including the largest drone and missile strikes since the invasion began in February 2022. Meanwhile, the US administration has stated that "all options are on the table" in response to Russia's ongoing airstrikes on Ukraine.
On 27 May, the Vatican offered to host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin reiterated Pope Leo XIV's earlier invitation. Parolin emphasized that the location of negotiations is less important than the urgency of starting dialogue to end the war. He clarified that the Vatican’s offer is only for a neutral, protected venue and that any mediation would require the consent of both parties.
On 27 May, Germany's new Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, announced his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The discussions are focus on Ukraine. Wadephul stressed the importance of the German-US partnership for postwar stability and prosperity. His main priority would be ending the war through a ceasefire and lasting peace, while maintaining pressure on Russia through sanctions and encouraging serious negotiations. Wadephul also stated Russia as the greatest threat to Euro-Atlantic security and emphasized Europe's growing responsibility for its defence. He reaffirmed Germany’s support for NATO's proposal to increase defence and security spending to five per cent of GDP, with a focus on defence and infrastructure.