Daily Focus
By Nithyashree RB

Turkey's Elections: Erdogan Wins
On 28 May, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan won the run-off elections securing 52.16 per cent. The opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu secured 47.84 per cent. Erdogan will be ruling Turkey for the third decade. Following his victory, Erdogan said: "I thank our nation, which gave us the responsibility of governing again for the next five years." He reaffirmed his party's pro-family objectives and called the opposition "LGBTQ sympathizers." Kilicdaroglu, after the election, said that they were "unfair" and added the ruling party controlled the media.

Erdogan-led Justice and Development Party (AKP) party won 267 seats out of 600 in the Parliament. The Kilicdaroglu-led opposition party, Republican People's Party (CHP), won 169 seats in the first round of elections. On 14 May, the first round of elections concluded with Erdogan securing 49.5 per cent and Kilicdaroglu securing 44.9 per cent.

On 22 May, the third-place contender in Turkey's first round of presidential elections, Sinan Ogan, said he would endorse Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. On 24 May, Victory Party leader Umit Ozdag endorsed the opposition, Republican People's Party leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Throughout the campaigns, Erdogan accused Kilicdaroglu of colluding with the terrorist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), while Kilicdaroglu was anti-migrant and pro-LGBTQ and expressed pro-European interests.

For years, opposition parties tried to topple Erdogan. Initially, AKP's alliance with the Islamist New Welfare Party and the Kurdish HUDA-PAR jeopardized his win. Despite the inflation, which surged 86 per cent in 2022, the devastating earthquake and growing opposition, Erdogan has secured a third term. Erdogan has said that this will be his last term.

Responses from across the world
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Erdogan over a call. He said: "The election victory was a natural result of your selfless work as the head of the Republic of Turkey, clear evidence of the support of the Turkish people for your efforts to strengthen state sovereignty and conduct an independent foreign policy."

US President Joe Biden tweeted, "I look forward to continuing to work together as NATO Allies on bilateral issues and shared global challenges."

The US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, tweeted, "Congratulations to President Erdogan on re-election and to Türkiye's voters on high turnout, reflecting a long democratic tradition. Türkiye is a valued NATO Ally and partner. I look forward to our continued work together with the government chosen by the Turkish people."

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg tweeted, "Congratulations President (Erdogan) on your re-election. I look forward to continuing our work together and preparing for the NATO summit in July."
 
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani tweeted, "My dear brother Recep Tayyip Erdogan, congratulations on your victory. I wish you success in your new term, and that you achieve through it what the Turkish people aspire to in terms of progress and prosperity, and progress and growth for our strong bilateral relations."
 
Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz tweeted, "My dear brother Recep Tayyip Erdogan, congratulations on your victory. I wish you success in your new term, and that you achieve through it what the Turkish people aspire to in terms of progress and prosperity, and progress and growth for our strong bilateral relations."
 
French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted, "France and Turkey have huge challenges to face together. Return of peace to Europe, future of our Euro-Atlantic Alliance, Mediterranean Sea. With President Erdogan, whom I congratulate on his re-election, we will continue to move forward."
 
EU Council President Charles Michel tweeted, "France and Turkey have huge challenges to face together. Return of peace to Europe, future of our Euro-Atlantic Alliance, Mediterranean Sea. With President Erdogan, whom I congratulate on his re-election, we will continue to move forward."
 
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tweeted, "France and Turkey have huge challenges to face together. Return of peace to Europe, future of our Euro-Atlantic Alliance, Mediterranean Sea. With President Erdogan, whom I congratulate on his re-election, we will continue to move forward."
 
Israel President Issac Herzog tweeted, "Congratulations to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey on his election victory. I am convinced that we will continue to work together to strengthen and expand the good ties between Turkey and Israel."
 
Pakistan Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, tweeted, "Heartiest congratulations to my dear brother H.E. President Erdogan on his historic re-election as President, Republic of Turkiye. He is one of few world leaders whose politics has been anchored in public service. He has been a pillar of strength for the oppressed Muslims & a fervent voice for their inalienable rights."

References
"Recep Tayyip Erdogan is favoured to win Turkey's Presidential elections," The Economist, 26 May 2023
Guy Faulconbridge, "Putin congratulates 'dear friend' Erogan for winning Turkish election," Reuters, 29 May 2023
Elcin Poyrazlar, “Turkey’s Erdogan wins again,” BBC News, 29 May 2023
"World leaders congratulate Turkey's Erdogan on election win," Al Jazeera, 28 May 2023

Daily Focus
By Rishika Yadav

Kyiv Day: Drone attacks 
On 28 May, Kyiv Day was celebrated to mark the anniversary of the city's founding in Ukraine. This year, the day was marred by a massive Russian drone attack on the city. The attack came on the eve of Kyiv Day and was part of a new Russian air campaign targeting Ukrainian counter-offensive capabilities. The head of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's office said on Telegram: "The history of Ukraine is a long-standing irritant for complex Russians." 

This note looks into three issues.
1. The drone attacks.
Ukrainian officials reported the largest drone attack on Kyiv since the war with Russia began, ahead of the city's founding anniversary. Ukraine's general staff reported downing 58 out of 59 Iranian-made "Shahed" drones launched by Russia. The attack targeted military facilities and critical infrastructure, causing casualties and fires. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commended the air defence troops for their response. Despite the increasing intensity of Russian airstrikes, Ukraine's robust air defence systems, including US-made Patriot and Nasams, have provided confidence in countering the attacks.

2. Damaging the historical relics
According to Kyiv's mayor Vitali Klitchko, buildings caught fire in the historic neighbourhood of Perchersk in the city center, which is famous for its monastery containing the relics of saints. However, Ukraine has successfully thwarted Russian air attacks with the help of sophisticated Western-supplied systems. In May, Ukraine prevented an intense Russian air attack on Kyiv by shooting down all missiles aimed at the capital.

3. Lack of time to train troops
Ukraine has been diligently preparing for a counter-offensive against Russia, investing months in planning and receiving military support from Western allies while training its troops. In an interview, the Ukrainian secretary of the National Security and Defence Council, Oleksiy Danilov, revealed to the BBC that they are fully prepared to seize the historic opportunity of becoming an independent, prominent European nation. Although he didn't provide a specific date, Danilov emphasized the significance of this moment and expressed determination not to let it slip away, even so, there is not much time to train troops. He acknowledged the withdrawal of some Wagner mercenaries from Bakhmut but warned that they are regrouping in other areas and will continue their fight. Regarding Russia's deployment of nuclear weapons in Belarus, Danilov remained composed, considering it as expected.

References
Marc Santora and Eric Schmitt, "'It's Time': Ukraine's Top Commander Says Counter-offensive Is Imminent," The New York Times, 27 May 2023
James Landale, "Oleksiy Danilov interview: Ukraine counter-offensive 'ready to begin'," BBC News, 27 May 2023
Matthew Luxmoore, "Russia Launches Largest Drone Attack on Kyiv Since Start of War," The Wall Street Journal, 28 May 2023
"Ukraine's defense forces destroy 52 out of 54 Shahed drones during night raid," Ukrinform, 28 May 2023
Joe Barnes, "Russia launches largest drone attack on Kyiv since war began," The Telegraph, 28 May 2023
Leila Sackur, "Kyiv hit by massive Russian drone attack as city marks its founding," NBC news, 28 May 2023 
Valentyn Ogirenko and Gleb Garanich, "Russia unleashes largest drone attack on Ukrainian capital ahead of Kyiv Day," Reuters, 28 May 2023

War in Ukraine: Day 458 & 459
By Rishika Yadav and Melvin George

War on the Ground
On 27 May, according to a report by the Ukrainian State Border Service, in Bakhmut, Ukrainian border guards successfully targeted and neutralized two enemy intruders, while three others were injured. After detecting enemy infantry movement, the border unit launched a mortar attack on a dilapidated building where the enemy had taken shelter. The strike destroyed their hiding place and resulted in casualties. In the broader context, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have eliminated approximately 206,200 Russian invaders since 24 February 2022, including 480 individuals in the past day. 
 
On 27 May, Ukrainian secretary of the National Security and Defence Council, Oleksiy Danilov, revealed to the BBC, in an interview, that Ukraine is prepared to launch a prolonged anticipated counter-offensive against Russia. While he did not provide a specific date, he stated: "We have to understand that that historic opportunity that is given to us - by God - to our country, we cannot lose, so we can truly become an independent, big European country." He confirmed that some Wagner mercenaries withdrew from Bakhmut, but noted that they were regrouping in other locations and would continue fighting. Danilov expressed calmness regarding Russia's deployment of nuclear weapons to Belarus, stating it is not surprising. 

On 28 May, Ukrainian officials reported the largest drone attack on Kyiv since the war with Russia began, ahead of the city's founding anniversary. Ukraine's general staff reported downing 58 out of 59 Iranian-made "Shahed" drones launched by Russia. The attack targeted military facilities and critical infrastructure, causing casualties and fires. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commended the air defence troops for their response. Despite the increasing intensity of Russian airstrikes, Ukraine's robust air defence systems, including US-made Patriot and Nasams, have provided confidence in countering the attacks. 
 
On 27 May, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry announced on Telegram that the Archer FH77 BW L52 155mm self-propelled artillery system, manufactured in Sweden, would be delivered to Ukraine during the summer. The ministry stated that the Archer, known for its legendary status, would be used to counter Russian occupation forces. With its crew and engine protected by bulletproof armor, the system has a firing range of 30 km, extendable to 40 km with active-reactive shells and up to 60 km with guided Excalibur shells. It boasts a maximum rate of fire of nine shots per minute, and its mobility and speed will enhance Ukraine's defence capabilities and safeguard lives.
 
On 27 May, according to Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov on Telegram, Ukrainian soldiers successfully destroyed Russia's Grad multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from the Army of Drones near Bakhmut in the Donetsk region. The statement came as: "After firing at the positions of our military, the Russians tried to quickly escape from the scene of the crime and hide. But this is difficult to do when Pegasi is working."
 
On 27 May, the Ukrainian General Staff of the Armed Forces provided updated information on the losses inflicted on Russian troops in the ongoing war. The revised figures, posted on the General Staff's Facebook page, stated: "Ukraine's defence forces destroyed 3,794 enemy tanks, 7,449 armored combat vehicles, 3,414 artillery systems, 574 multiple launch rocket systems, 313 warplanes, 298 helicopters, 2,990 tactical unmanned aerial systems, 1,036 cruise missiles, and 6,183 trucks and fuel tankers of the Russian army." The General Staff emphasized that these numbers are subject to adjustments based on ongoing intelligence data.
 
On 28 May, according to a statement by Kyiv's mayor, Vitali Klitschko, one civilian died in the Ukrainian capital after a significant drone attack. Over 20 drones heading towards the city were reportedly shot down by air defences. The mayor urged residents to seek shelter as the attack was described as massive. Additionally, a fire broke out in the Holosiivskyi district. Russian forces have targeted Kyiv throughout May, while reports of drone attacks in Russia's border regions have also increased. Moscow has blamed Kyiv and its Western supporters, but Ukraine has denied involvement.
 
On 27 May, Kyiv Post reported that a Kyiv-based air defence team commander, Atlas, understands the gravity of his role in intercepting missiles and drones. With the potential consequences of missed targets, his team's mission is to ensure people can sleep peacefully at night. Equipped with Western-provided air defence systems, Ukraine's forces have successfully shot down most of the aerial threats from Russia. Atlas, who witnessed the vulnerability of older systems during the initial invasion, experienced a transformation after receiving accelerated training on the Crotale air defence system. While they have destroyed multiple targets, misses are painful reminders of the ongoing barrages. The enemy adapts, requiring constant vigilance and adaptability.

The Mocow View
Claims by Russia
On 28 May, Prigozhin said that the Kremlin had banned reports about him on state media. He said that it didn't mention his name in the thirty-six word statement congratulating Wagner and the forces which came ten hours after the city's capture. He warned that such a misleading approach of shutting the mouths and ears of the people would receive a backlash from Russian people within months. He perceived that his victory speech after the capture of the city of Artyomovsk was not aired on the media for twenty hours. He mentioned that 72000 Ukrainian soldiers were killed, 10000 to 140000 were injured in the 'Meat grinder' operation. 
 
On 28 May, Putin ordered to secure the border to ensure the fast movement of military and civilians to Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk and Donetsk, which are under Moscow now. It includes moving military and civilian vehicles, food, humanitarian aid, and building materials to Russia's new subjects. 
 
On 28 May, Krasnodar region's officials said that the Russian air defence system thwarted the attempt of several drone attacks on the Ilsky oil refinery at the Black Sea port. No damage was reported. Ukraine did not claim responsibility for the attack. 
 
On 27 May, the Russian Defence Ministry said they intercepted two long-range Shadow cruise missiles to Ukraine from the UK. It also said that they intercepted short-range US-built HIMARS-launched and HARM missiles. Twelve drones were shot down, which attacked oil pipeline installations inside Russian territory, the ministry stated. Ukraine didn't make any statements acknowledging responsibility for the attack. 
 
On 27 May, Russian officials and media reported a series of Ukrainian drone attacks targeting pipelines deep inside Russia and on a station serving at Druzhba pipelines station in Tver region. Drones crashed near the Erokhino village, 500 km from the Ukraine border. Gladkov said that the Ukrainian shelling at Belgorod region killed at least one and injured a girl of fifteen and a boy of seventeen. The local governor of the Kursh region said that a construction worker was killed in Ukrainian shelling. There was no public acknowledgement from the Ukrainian defence ministry.  
 
On 27 May, Russia dismissed US criticism of deploying tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. Moscow countered by pointing towards Washington's decades-long nuclear weapon deployments in Europe. The Russian embassy in the US said: "It is the sovereign right of Russia and Belarus to ensure their security by means we deem necessary amidst a large-scale hybrid war unleashed by Washington against us. The measures we undertake are fully consistent with our international legal obligations."

The West View 
Responses from the US and Europe      
On 28 May, the UK Defence Intelligence updated that in recent weeks, public discourse in Russia has shifted from punishing critics to urging citizens to support the war effort through personal sacrifices actively. State-backed media and business groups have requested a six-day workweek without extra pay, while propagandist Margarita Simonyan suggested adding two extra hours in munitions factories after regular jobs. This reflects a Soviet-style sense of societal obligation and emphasizes the leadership's belief in the importance of economic performance in winning the war. 
 
On 27 May, BBC reported that according to the German foreign ministry, Russia would expel hundreds of Germans working in education and cultural sectors next month, including teachers at the German school in Moscow and staff at the Goethe Institute. The decision comes amid deteriorating relations between Russia and Germany following tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats. The move reflects the strained ties between the two countries since Russia invaded Ukraine. Germany has responded by ensuring a minimal presence in Russia while maintaining diplomatic relations. Other EU countries have also expelled Russian diplomats, further straining the relationship between Russia and Germany.
 
On 28 May, The Guardian gave an analysis of US President Joe Biden's cautious and indecisive approach to Ukraine. It is reported in contrast to the bold leadership of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, which raises concerns about the durability of US support. Biden's recent reversal on supplying F-16 combat jets exemplifies this issue. While Zelenskiy requested the planes to bolster Ukraine's defence against Russian aggression, Biden and his advisors hesitated due to fear of escalating tensions. However, experienced former US generals proposed humanitarian no-fly zones, which were rejected. Biden's chronic indecision has delayed crucial military supplies in the past, prolonging the conflict. Zelenskiy's perseverance and lobbying have ultimately driven Western support for Ukraine, highlighting his influential role in shaping the strategic conversation.
 
On 27 May, Ukrinform reported that according to Budapest's social psychologist and executive director of Political Capital, Péter Krekó, opinion polls in Hungary revealed a significant pro-Ukrainian segment. Political Capital, with support from the European Commission, is countering disinformation through fact-checking and truthful information dissemination. Their media platform has reached over a million people, and they conduct surveys and social media monitoring to study Hungarian sentiment. Media influence, stemming from the Orban government's effective control over more than 500 organizations, has shifted public opinion, with the "peace" narrative dominating after the recent election. Krekó emphasizes the need to empower people with media literacy tools to combat disinformation effectively.

The Global Fallouts       
Implications of the War 
On 28 May, Kuleba denied reports saying Li Hui proposed handing over Ukrainian territories to Russia. He said Ukraine would continue dialogues with China according to three principles: "The first is respect for territorial integrity. The second is no initiatives that involve any territorial concessions by Ukraine. And the third is no frozen conflict."
 
On 27 May, the International Bar Association supported the resolution for establishing a special court to address the crime of aggression in Ukraine. A tweet by Ukraine's prosecutor General's office expressing gratitude said: "Justice should not be limited to punishing ordinary performers. Their leaders, who used their power to unleash this flywheel of evil, should be brought before the court. The Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression is the best possible tool to put an end to the impunity of the top of this criminal regime."

References
"Border guards-mortars eliminated a group of invaders in Bakhmut," dpsu.gov.ua, 27 May 2023
"Border guards decimate group of invaders in Bakhmut," Ukrinform, 27 May 2023
Marc Santora and Eric Schmitt, "It's Time': Ukraine's Top Commander Says Counter-offensive Is Imminent," The New York Times, 27 May 2023 
James Landale, "Oleksiy Danilov interview: Ukraine counter-offensive 'ready to begin'," BBC News, 27 May 2023
Matthew Luxmoore, "Russia Launches Largest Drone Attack on Kyiv Since Start of War," The Wall Street Journal, 28 May 2023
"Ukraine's defense forces destroy 52 out of 54 Shahed drones during night raid," Ukrinform, 28 May 2023
Joe Barnes, "Russia launches largest drone attack on Kyiv since war began," The Telegraph, 28 May 2023 
Leila Sackur, "Kyiv hit by massive Russian drone attack as city marks its founding," NBC news, 28 May 2023 
Valentyn Ogirenko and Gleb Garanich, "Russia unleashes largest drone attack on Ukrainian capital ahead of Kyiv Day," Reuters, 28 May 2023
"Ministry of Defence, Ukraine," Telegram, 27 May 2023 
"Ukraine to receive Sweden's Archer artillery system this summer," Ukrinform, 28 May 2023
"The Russians have minus one "Grad" on the outskirts of Bakhmut," Telegram, 27 May 2023; "Ukrainian military destroy Russia's Grad with Army of Drones' UAVs in Bakhmut," Ukrinform, 27 May 2023
"General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," Facebook, 27 May 2023; "Ukraine's General Staff clarifies losses of Russian troops," Ukrinform, 27 May 2023
"Massive' Russian Drone Attack Kills One in Kyiv," Kyiv Post, 28 May 2023
"Life and Death Weigh on Ukraine Air Defence Teams," Kyiv Post, 27 May 2023
"Prigozhin says Kremlin banned reporting about him on state media," Reuters, 28 May 2023
"Putin orders stronger Russian border security," Reuters, 28 May 2023
"Russia thwarts drone attack on Krasnodar oil refinery, officials say," Reuters, 28 May 2023
"Russian forces intercept two British Storm Shadow missiles, defence ministry says," Reuters, 27 May 2023
"Ukraine targets Russian oil pipeline installations with drones - Russian media," Reuters, 27 May 2023
"Don't lecture us on nuclear deployments, Russia tells US," Reuters, 27 May 2023
"British Defence Intelligence Update Ukraine 28 May 2023," Kyiv Post, 28 May 2023
"Hundreds of expelled Germans set to leave Russia," BBC News, 27 May 2023
Simon Tisdall, "The moment has arrived: Biden must give Ukraine all it needs to win," The Guardian, 28 May 2023
"Expert: There is powerful pro-Ukrainian segment in Hungary," Ukrinform, 27 May 2023
"Kuleba: China's special envoy did not propose handing over occupied Ukrainian territories to Russia," Reuters, 28 May 2023
"International Bar Association Urges Creation of Special Tribunal for Aggression Against Ukraine," Kyiv Post, 28 May 2023

In Brief
By Sreeja JS and Nithyashree RB

BELARUS
Minsk substantiates Russia's nuclear weapon deployment
On 29 May, according to the Belarusian Defence Ministry, the second unit of the S-400 system arrived in Belarus. Russia decided to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus on 25 May. In 1991, Belarus returned its nuclear weapon as the US offered security and promised to avoid Western sanctions. On 29 May, according to Belarus's Security Council's secretary Alexander Volfovich, the West's inefficiency to protect Belarus has pushed them to encourage the deployment. Russia substantiated the move by accusing the West of initiating a proxy war against Moscow. Volfovich said: "The deployment of tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus is, therefore, one of the steps of strategic deterrence. If there remains any reason in the heads of Western politicians, of course, they will not cross this red line." On 28 May, according to Belarusian President Alexandr Lukashenko, deploying Russian nukes allowed a unique relationship between Minsk and Moscow. He added that concerned countries should join the Russia-Belarus Union so that there would be nuclear weapons for everyone. (Lidia Kelly, "Belarus's Lukashenko says there can be 'nuclear weapons for everyone'," Reuters, 29 May 2023; Ron Popeski, "Belarus official: West left us no choice but to deploy nuclear arms," Reuters, 29 May 2023)

NETHERLANDS
More than 1500 arrested in a protest organized by Extinction Rebellion
On 27 May, BBC News reported that about 1579 climate protesters were arrested by police for blocking A12, a major motorway in Hague. Extinction Rebellion organized the protest and demanded an end to fossil fuel subsidies. According to the police, most protestors were released except 40 people, who would be prosecuted. Extinction Rebellion accused police of using water cannons, but the police refuted by saying that the protestors were allowed to move before firing water cannons. It is the seventh time Extinction Rebellion protestors were blocking A12, which is prohibited for protests under the new rules by the mayor. ("Extinction Rebellion protest in Netherlands ends with 1,500 arrested," BBC News, 27 May 2023)

SPAIN
Socialists suffer heavy losses against conservatives in the local elections
On 28 May, in the local elections, Socialists suffered heavy losses against the Conservative People's Party(PP), with around 95 per cent of the votes counted. According to the results, in the 12 regions where elections are held, only three would retain the Socialist dominance in narrow margins, with the rest going to the conservatives. The gains of the PP indicate that the current left-wing ruling coalition led by Partido Socialista Obrero Español(PSOE) could be removed if the results are replicated in the national elections in December 2023. The main setback for the Socialists came from their losses in Valencia, Aragon and Balearic Island regions and the Southwestern region of Extremadura, one of the most important Socialist fiefdoms. Leadership in the Canary Islands will be decided by pacts, but PSOE has little chance to retain its hold. The counting also reflects the return of the two-party system dominated by PSOE and PP after a decade of greater involvement by smaller parties, which have largely lost their seats to the PP. (Jessica Jones, "Spain's conservative PP elbows Socialists out in regional elections," Reuters, 28 May 2023)

SWITZERLAND
Silence dominates as Switzerland recovers from the fall of Credit Suisse, reports Politico
On 26 May, Politico commented, "the informal code of silence dominates," on the aftermath of the collapse of Credit Suisse in March had UBS did not intervene to take it over. According to Politico.eu, there is a reason for this silence. The nation known for its utmost discretion in its role as banker to the rich is still trying to figure out what went wrong and what to do with its customers. Public opinion is against the Swiss politicians, and the elections are around the corner. The Parliament rejected the government's request to approve an emergency credit line following the takeover, exerting its authority. It will decide in June to decide on whether to launch a parliamentary commission to summon those involved for questioning. The Swiss authorities are under tough scrutiny over why they did not step in earlier even though they prevented the bank's collapse. (Hannah Brenton, "Silence speaks volumes as Switzerland still reels from bank meltdown," Politico.eu, 26 May 2023)

UKRAINE
President introduces bill to sanction Iran
On 28 May, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy introduced a bill to sanction Iran for 50 years in response to Tehran's weapon supplies to Moscow, says Zelenskyy's Chief of Staff. The bill would impose trade, financial and technology sanctions against Iran and its citizens. It would also stop the transit of Iranian goods through Ukraine and the use of its air space. According to Kyiv and its allies, Tehran has been supplying arms to Russia, including hundreds of drones, since the invasion last year. Tehran rejects the allegations. (Max Hunder and Frances Kerry, "Ukraine's Zelenskiy introduces Iran sanctions bill," Reuters, 28 May 2023)

Overnight Russian drone attacks damage Odesa port
On 29 May, the Ukrainian military said that the overnight Russian drone attack damaged some key infrastructure in the Black Sea port of Odesa, crucial for its grain exports. It further said that the Russians used Iranian-made Shahed drones for attacks but did not divulge further details of the attack and its impact on grain exports. (Pavel Polityuk and Robert Birsel, "Russia damages Ukraine's Odesa port in overnight drone attack - military," Reuters, 29 May 2023)

Moscow launches its largest drone attacks on Kyiv
On 28 May, Russia launched its largest airstrikes on Kyiv using drones and cruise missiles. The drone attacks took place on the last Sunday of May when Kyiv marked the anniversary of its official founding 1,541 years ago. The attacks came amid the speculation of a looming Ukrainian counter-offensive. Overnight strikes were carried out also in the Kharkiv region, killing two people, according to the regional governor. The Ukrainian military said the defence forces shot down more than 40 targets. (Gregorio Sorgi, "Kyiv hit by largest drone attack of the war, Ukraine says," Politico.eu, 28 May 2023; Lidia Kelly, "Russia's war on Ukraine latest: Moscow unleashes strings of large air raids on Kyiv," Reuters, 29 May 2023)

Wagner's head Prigozhin complains Kremlin's negligence in reporting him on state media
On 28 May, Wagner's head Yevgeny Prigozhin stated that he was convinced senior Kremlin officials had "forbidden" reporting about him on state media. He asserted that such an approach could bring backlash from the Russian people. 61-year-old Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner mercenary group, has been making headlines for his notoriety in the 15-month war in Ukraine. According to Reuters, nicknamed "Putin's butcher," he captured Bakhmut earlier this month. Still, the state media downplayed his role in the victory by ignoring the city's fall for 20 hours and not airing his victory speech. It took the Kremlin 10 hours to release a 36-word statement congratulating Wagner and the armed forces for "liberating" Bakhmut. He also said 72,000 Ukrainian soldiers had died, with another 100,000 to 140,000 injured. However, despite the uncertainty in numbers, Kyiv said Russia's losses in Bakhmut were large as it was the attacking side. Kyiv further insisted that its forces still control a small part of the city. (Guy Falconbridge, "Prigozhin says Kremlin banned reporting about him on state media," Reuters, 28 May 2023)