Daily Focus
By Nithyashree RB

Moldova and the US: Four takeaways from the Open Skies Agreement
On 18 May, US Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R Verma and the Moldovan Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development Lilia Dabija signed the Open Skies Agreement in Chisinau. The Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean was also present. The agreement allows both countries to access each other's air space. It gives the parties open routes and enables code sharing. 

According to Article 7 of the agreement, the countries are obliged to ensure civil aviation security. Upon signing, Verma said, "This establishes modern aviation links between the Republic of Moldova and the United States, and this Agreement will help airlines provide more convenient, affordable and efficient services to users." According to Dajiba: "We were backed in the energy, sanitary, ecological, economic, cultural and other sectors and now the aviation's turn has come" from the US. 

A brief background
In 2018, the US government initiated the idea of signing an Open Skies Agreement with Moldova in one of the cabinet meetings. In 2020, the bilateral air travel agreement was signed; cargo aeroplanes have moved from Moldova to the US and vice versa. Due to the setbacks and closing of airports from COVID-19, the signing of the inclusion of civil aviation flights was delayed. The newly signed Open Skies agreement extends it up to civil aviation flights. 

The following are the highlights of the agreement.
1. Liberalization of air transport between the US and Moldova:
The agreement paves the way for the liberalization of air transport between the US and Moldova. It enables direct flights from Moldova to various destinations in the US. It also offers increased travel and trade between the countries. It leads to the liberalization of airlines through less government interference. 

2. Revamping the trade slowdown:
The agreement can revamp the slowed trade due to COVID-19 and the Ukrainian war, promoting economic growth. According to the US Travel Association, flights cost 32 per cent lower on routes covered under the Open Skies Agreement. 

3. Enhancing the tourism sector:
The agreement will enable the tourism sector and enhances people-to-people connections as travelling is made convenient, cheap and comfortable through the liberalization of airlines. It will eventually lead to the modernization of airports and trade via air. 

4. Moving away from the Russian influence:
Although the agreement was the US's initiative, it shows that Moldova is slowly moving away from Russia under the pro-European president. There have been allegations from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, before signing the agreement, that the West is trying to make the country "anti-Russia." 

References
"Civil Air Transport Agreements," US Department of State, 26 May 2023
"United States and Moldova Sign Open Skies Agreement," US Department of State, 18 May 2023
"Moldova, USA sign agreement on liberalization of air transport," moldpres, 18 May 2023
"The Republic of Moldova and the USA signed an Agreement on air transport liberalization," radiomoldova.md, 18 May 2023
Mansur Mirovalev, "As war rages in Ukraine, is Moldova on the brink of conflict," Al Jazeera, 16 May 2023

Daily Focus
By Sreeja JS

Second Eurasian Economic Forum: Five Takeaways from the second plenary session 
On 24 May, the second plenary session of the Eurasian Economic Forum was held in Moscow. The session was attended by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Kazakhstan's President Jomart Tokayev, Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Japarov, Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan and Eurasian Economic Commission Board Chairman Mikhail Myasnikovich. Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a video address to the attendees (Click here for the speech.)

The following are the five takeaways: 
1. Eurasian economic integration: 
One of the key themes highlighted in the session was Eurasian economic integration, reiterating the purpose of forming the EAEU. President of the RSPP (Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs), Alexander Shokin, commented that Eurasian Economic Commission should have greater powers to accomplish the Strategic Development Guidelines for Eurasian Economic Integration until 2025. It includes strategies for scientific and technical cooperation, education, healthcare, technical regulations and digitalization. He also underlined the role of businesses in exacerbating integration. The leaders reaffirmed that the integration should be achieved through strengthening regional and continental alliances, industrial and technological cooperation, energy security, food security, environmental security and infrastructure connectivity. Further, integration should be for purposes and not confrontation. 

2. Decentralized global financial system: 
In his address, Putin stressed the importance of creating a new and decentralized global financial system less dependent on countries that enjoy an advantage in the form of world reserve currencies. He also said that Russia is pursuing a policy of reducing the share of "unfriendly countries' currencies" in mutual transactions and planning to expand activities with its partners, including EAEU, to complete the transition to national currencies. According to Putin, this move will "remove politics from the economic sphere." 

3. Emphasis on technological sovereignty and "soft" infrastructure:
Belarusian President Lukashenko and Putin used "technological sovereignty" to stress the importance of producing high-quality, high-tech products that can compete in global markets. Putin said: "Ensuring technological independence, lies at the heart of the heart of economic and, therefore, political independence." In the session, Tokayev talked about the need to prioritize digitalization (he used the term "soft infrastructure") as an important agenda to consider.

4. China's role in Eurasian integration: 
The leaders have spoken a great deal about aligning the Republic of China to the integration processes within EAEU through the Belt and Road Initiative. According to Tokayev, BRI is one of the largest and most prominent initiatives in the field of continental strategic connectivity in the region. Further, Shokin also pointed out that consultations are going on establishing EAEU-China business dialogue in the EAEU Business Council. 

5. Accelerating partnerships and joining efforts: 
Lukashenko said: "One of the priorities for our country and our entire Eurasian Union is to strengthen regional and continental alliances." On the one hand, the leaders affirmed the need for partnerships to deepen integration within the five-member states. On the other hand, they asserted the need to engage in alliances and partnerships with countries near and abroad that represent the majority of the world's population and global growth like India, China, Egypt and Iran. 

War in Ukraine: Day 460
By Rishika Yadav and Melvin George

War on the Ground
On 29 May, the Ukrainian General Staff of the Armed Forces reported on Facebook that during 28 May, the Ukrainian Air Force conducted 15 strikes on Russian military concentrations, targeting both personnel and heavy equipment. They specifically focused on air defense launchers, successfully hitting them six times. He highlighted the destruction of a Russian reconnaissance UAV and the neutralization of multiple Russian clusters, missile defence systems, control points, and other military assets. Ongoing Russian attempts to occupy Luhansk and Donetsk regions were repelled, while stable situations were maintained in the Volyn, Polissia, Sivershchyna, and Slobozhanshchyna areas. 

On 29 May, The Washington Post reported that Kyiv experienced its 16th air attack this month and the second in 12 hours, resulting in explosions throughout the capital. The Ukrainian air force labelled it a ballistic missile assault and reported that their air defenses successfully eliminated all threats. Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed one injury, while over 41,000 individuals sought shelter in subway stations. Kostiantyn Vashchenko, Ukrainian state secretary for defense, linked the attack to an imminent counteroffensive by Ukraine, signalling their preparedness for offensive action. He conveyed this message during a security forum in Bratislava, Slovakia.

On 29 May, Ukrainian General Staff of the Armed Forces confirmed on Facebook that during the night, Ukraine's air defence units successfully intercepted and destroyed 36 out of 40 Russian Kh-101/Kh-555 cruise missiles and 30 out of 38 Shahed-136/131 suicide drones. Furthermore, in the afternoon of 29 May, Russian forces launched Iskander cruise and ballistic missiles targeting civilian and critical infrastructure in Kyiv. However, all 11 Russian missiles were downed by Ukraine's Air Force. The General Staff emphasized that the threat of Russian missile and air strikes persists throughout Ukraine, with 53 air strikes and multiple rocket system attacks occurring in the past 24 hours, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure.

On 29 May, Ukrainian Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration Head, Serhii Lysak, provided the information on Telegram that after Russia shelled the Pokrovske community in the Synelnykove district of Dnipropetrovsk region, ten civilians were hospitalized, with three in critical condition. Lysak further stated: "The injured individuals suffered gunshot wounds, fractures, lacerations, and brain injuries. Most of the victims were transferred to hospitals in the Zaporizhzhia region."

On 29 May, Ukrainian Chief of Defence Intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, published a statement assuring Russia's attempts to intimidate Ukraine would not succeed. The statement came on Telegram by the press service of Ukraine's Defence Intelligence following Russia's failed attempt to launch ballistic missiles. Budanov emphasized that Ukraine remains resilient and focused on its work, promising a forthcoming response. The capital experienced powerful explosions, resulting in one person being hospitalized.

On 29 May, Ukrainian spokesperson, Yaroslav Zhelezniak, posted on Telegram that the Ukrainian Parliament, Verkhovna Rada, has passed Resolution No. 9333, endorsing the National Defense and Security Council's decision to impose long-term sectoral sanctions on Iran. The resolution received support from 328 parliamentarians. The sanctions, lasting 50 years, include a complete trade ban, cessation of resource transit, flight and transportation restrictions, and asset freezing for Iranian residents. Investments, technology transfers, and intellectual property rights transfers to Iran by residents are also prohibited. President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the approval of these measures, which were implemented through Presidential Decree No. 308/2023.

The defence forces of New Zealand have been helping turn motivated Armed Forces of Ukraine recruits into capable soldiers, providing them with skills they'll need to survive and be effective in frontline combat. On 29 May, the Ukrainian General staff of the Armed Forces posted on Facebook that Ukrainian military personnel, under the guidance of New Zealand instructors, practice overcoming a special obstacle lane by simulating battle conditions. The New Zealand government approved a decision to send 120 military instructors to train the Ukrainian personnel in Great Britain. 66 more Defense Forces of New Zealand service members would be sent to the UK to introduce the Ukrainian military.

On 29 May, the Ukraine's CEO of Naftogaz, Oleksiy Chernyshov, told Naftogaz's press service that he believes Ukraine will be able to get through the 2023 to 2024 heating season without importing gas. The company plans to produce 13.5 billion cubic meters of gas in 2023 and has certain expectations from private producers. War risks remain, so Naftogaz acceded to the aggregate EU joint gas purchasing mechanism. He stated: "If there is not enough fuel in case of negative developments, the company will be able to quickly order the necessary volumes."

On 29 May, Ukrainian head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Council Mykola Lukashuk told a briefing at the Media Center that a woman born in 1972 was killed as a result of a Russian attack on Pokrovske community in Synelnykove district, Dnipropetrovsk region. Nine people, including an 11-year-old child, were injured. Two settlements came under fire, and one house was destroyed while 19 were damaged in one of them, and one house was destroyed while 11 were damaged in another. The State Emergency Service teams worked there, putting the fire out. Moreover, all the injured were given medical assistance.

On 29 May, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky informed on Telegram that he had a telephone conversation with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and expressed hope that the country would continue to train Ukrainian demining specialists. Zelensky reported that he thanked Hun Sen for his principled position in support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ukrainian sappers mastered new ALIS mine detectors in Cambodia. Zelensky also informed the Prime Minister about the Ukrainian formula for peace and invited Cambodia to join the concrete steps to implement it.

On 29 May, the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs reported on Telegram that Ukraine destroyed a Russian depot in the Lyman direction. The statement came as "Border guards' aerial reconnaissance and the artillery of the Armed Forces of Ukraine worked perfectly." As reported earlier, the Defence Forces in the Tavria direction had destroyed a company of Russian personnel, eight military equipment and three ammunition depots over the past 24 hours.

On 29 May, Ukraine's Donetsk regional prosecutor's office reported on Facebook that in Toretsk, Donetsk region, invaders dropped aerial bombs on a gas station and an administrative building, killing one person and injuring nine more. The Russian troops shelled the town of Toretsk using FAB-250 bombs. In addition to the gas station and administrative building, a bank, an educational institution, and vehicles were damaged. Rescuers and law enforcement officers work on the ground. A pre-trial investigation was opened under Part 02 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (violation of the laws and customs of war). The Russian army attacked the Kyiv region with land-based ballistic and cruise missiles from Iskander ballistic missile system. The Ukrainian air defence forces destroyed all targets and means.

On 29 May, the Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces reported on Telegram that the Russians fired 11 Iskander ballistic and cruise missiles at the Kyiv region. The Ukrainian air defence forces downed all the targets. Several explosions were heard in Kyiv during an air raid alert. Six fragments of downed missiles fell on the territory of the city's districts. In Kyiv's Podilskyi district, medics hospitalized one injured person.

On 29 May, the Ukrainian Navy of the Armed Forces reported on Facebook that six Russian warships were on combat duty in the Black Sea, including two carriers of Kalibr cruise missiles. In the Sea of Azov, there is one Russian warship. In the Mediterranean Sea, up to seven Russian warships are currently on combat duty, including one Kalibr carrier. As of 10:00 on 29 May, Russia kept three missile carriers in the Black Sea, with a total salvo of up to 20 Kalibrs.

On 29 May, Reuters reported that a Ukrainian top aide to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that Kyiv's peace plan is the only solution to end the war in Ukraine, emphasizing that the time for mediation efforts has passed. Ukrainian Chief diplomatic adviser Ihor Zhovkva also expressed Ukraine's disinterest in a ceasefire and instead emphasized the implementation of their peace plan. Zhovkva dismissed various peace initiatives from countries like China, Brazil, the Vatican, and South Africa, stating that the war in Ukraine requires a specific approach. While Ukraine enjoys strong support from Western nations, it aims to garner support from the Global South, which Russia has cultivated ties with during the conflict. Zhovkva mentioned Ukraine's positive reception of its 10-point peace plan at the G7 summit and expressed the desire for G7 leaders to assist in convening a "Peace Summit" involving leaders from the Global South.

The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 29 May, Putin congratulated Erdogan on his re-election as head of the state via phone call. The development of Russian-Turkish relations in a constructive and mutually beneficial way during Erdogan's rule were emphasized during the conversation. He said that the election success opens up expansion of bilateral cooperation in various areas. Erdogan expressed gratitude and confirmed his commitment to the joint efforts. 

On 29 May, Putin signed amendments to law 'On martial law' that legalized the forced and controlled movement of citizens from a territory where martial law has been imposed to a territory where martial law has not been imposed. The amendment allowed the holding of referendums and elections in the entire occupied territories or some part of it if the Central Election Committee decides. 

On 29 May, Zelensky said Russia conducted a massive drone attack on Ukraine to date involving 54 Shaheds drones supplied by Iran. Tehran denied that it supplied the drones. He claimed that almost all the drones were shot down. "Unfortunately, there were some hits in Zhytomir Region" in the central part of the country, he added. Thirty six drones were shot down in the Kyiv region in a powerful strike. The Kyiv military administration said that at least one person died, and two others were injured. Several buildings were damaged, and one warehouse caught on fire. The Khmelnitsky administration in the western part of the country said the attack targeted a military facility, causing a fire at a warehouse, and five aircraft were disabled. Moscow's defence ministry is yet to comment on this. 

On 29 May, Lavrov criticized the Pentagon's announcement that said the training would be given to Ukrainian pilots to fly US-made F-16 jets by Denmark and the Netherlands. He warned Washington and its allies in Western Europe by saying that the Russian military has the means to respond to Western fighter jets to Kyiv. Lavrov said: "In European affairs and at European forums, these countries are actively pursuing Washington's line, first and foremost."

The West View    
Responses from the US and Europe      
On 29 May, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky tweeted to thank the Parliament and the government of Denmark for the decision to increase the financing of the special investment fund for Ukraine by USD 2.6 billion. At the end of May, Denmark launched a special investment fund for Ukraine for DKK 1 billion. Zelensky wrote that this major contribution would further strengthen the combat capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the short and medium term. He added: "Our strength is in unity!" 

On 29 May, Poland's President Andrzej Duda announced his intention to sign into law a contentious bill establishing a commission to investigate Russian influence in Polish politics, potentially leading to a ten-year ban on individuals holding public office. Duda and the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party claim the commission aims to uncover Kremlin agents. Still, the opposition argues it is a tool to harass political rivals, particularly Donald Tusk, ahead of the crucial parliamentary election. The move is expected to worsen the strained relationship between Warsaw and Brussels, with the European Commission withholding EU pandemic recovery funds due to concerns about Poland's democratic principles. The Polish Parliament narrowly approved the law, and Duda's swift signing dashed hopes of distancing himself from it. 

On 28 May, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated during an interview that if any country wanted to join a Russia-Belarus union, there could be "nuclear weapons for everyone." Lukashenko, a strong ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasized the unique opportunity for Minsk and Moscow to unite, suggesting that other countries could develop similar close relations by joining the Union State of Belarus and Russia. However, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev dismissed Lukashenko's invitation, stating that Kazakhstan already had membership in the Eurasian Economic Union and did not require further integration. He also emphasized Kazakhstan's commitment to international agreements like the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. 

The Global Fallouts      
Implications of the War 
On 29 May, Reuters reported that Alexander Volffovich said that the Western countries left Belarus with no option but to deploy Russian tactical nuclear weapons. He added: "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."

References
"General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," Facebook, 29 May 2023
"Ukraine live briefing: Russia continues to strike Kyiv; Ukrainian counteroffensive coming soon, official says," The Washington Post, 29 May 2023
"Operation information as of 18.00 on 29.05.2023 regarding the Russian invasion," Facebook, 29 May 2023
"Serhii Lysak, Ukrainian Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration Head," Telegram, 29 May 2023
"Chergova's test of the terrorist militia of the Russian Federation suddenly recognized the blows - head of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Kirilo Budanov," Telegram, 29 May 2023
"Parliament approved #9333," Telegram, 29 May 2023
"General Staff of the Armed Forces," Facebook, 29 May 2023 
"Ukraine will become the "power bank" of Europe: interview for NV," naftogaz.com, 29 May 2023
"Occupant strikes hit Pokrovske community in Dnipropetrovsk region, one dead and nine wounded reported – Mykola Lukashuk," Facebook, 29 May 2023
"Zelensky/Official," Telegram, 29 May 2023
"1 military formation of the occupiers in the Limansky direction," Telegram, 29 May 2023
"Donetsk regional prosecutor's office," Facebook, 29 May 2023
"Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces," Telegram, 29 May 2023
"Navy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," Facebook, 29 May 2023
"Ukraine peace plan only way to end Russia's war, says Zelenskiy aide," Reuters, 29 May 2023
“Телефонный разговор с Президентом Турции Реджепом Тайипом Эрдоганом,” Kremlin, 23 May 2023 
"Putin legalizes 'elections', deportation on occupied territory of Ukraine," Ukrinform, 29 May 2023
"Ukraine hit by 'one of the largest' Russian drone attacks – Zelensky," RT, 29 May 2023 
"Russian forces will 'react' to F-16 deliveries – Lavrov," RT, 29 May 2023
“Volodymyr Zelensky/Twitter,” Twitter, 29 May 2023
"Political uproar in Poland after Duda pledges to sign Kremlin commission law," Politico, 29 May 2023
"Belarus's Lukashenko says there can be 'nuclear weapons for everyone'," Reuters, 29 May 2023
"Belarus official: West left us no choice but to deploy nuclear arms," Reuters, 23 May 2023

IN BRIEF
By Sreeja JS and Nithyashree RB

POLAND
President to form a commission to ban people influenced by Russia from office
On 29 May, Polish President Andrzej Duda announced that he would sign a commission to uproot people influenced by Russians. The commission will cover the period from 2007 to 2022. If the accused's job involves the spending of public funds, they will be banned for ten years and cannot run for office. On 26 May, the commission law was approved by the Parliament. Duda said the Constitutional Tribunal will review it while the commission begins its work. The Constitutional Tribunal comprises Duda's Law and Justice party members. The opposition responded by calling the commission an instrument to silence the political rivals. Duda's undemocratic move is restricting the EU's pandemic fund to reach Warsaw. (Wojciech Kosc, "Political uproar in Poland after Duda pledges to sign Kremlin commission law," Politico.eu, 29 May 2023)

RUSSIA
Moscow hit by drones, the Mayor says
On 30 May, according to Moscow's Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, multiple drones attacked the capital. The Mayor added that no one was hurt. According to Moscow Region Governor Andrey Vorobyov, the air force has shot down several drones. TASS reported that Kyiv had denied the attack. ("Moscow attacked by drones - mayor," TASS, 30 May 2023)

Russian spy whale spotted in Sweden
On 28 May, a beluga whale accused of espionage was spotted in Hunnbostrand in western Sweden. In 2019, the whale was found wearing a camera harness and "Equipment St.Petersburg" was printed on the camera. The Beluga whale was named Hvaldimir by the Norwegians. The biologists removed the harness. According to the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries, the whale escaped from the Russian training enclosure. The directorate added that it would go towards the ships as it was accustomed to the company of humans. According to OneWhale organization's Sebastian Strand, the whale is moving faster, and the reason might be hormones or loneliness. OneWhale reported that Hvaldimir had lost weight and is moving from the colder waters of Greenland and the Arctic, which it prefers. ("Beluga whale spotted off the Swedish coast previously accused of spying for Russia," Euronews, 30 May 2023)

Foreign Minister visits Kenya
On 29 May, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov paid a surprise visit to Kenya following Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba's visit. Lavrov told the Kenyan lawmakers: "During our visit, we will discuss our cooperation in the trade, investment and economic spheres, humanitarian and cultural questions, education, cooperation in the UN and many other issues," the Russian Foreign Ministry reported. In February 2023, 22 out of 54 member states of the African Union abstained from voting on a resolution that wanted Russia to withdraw from Ukraine. The consecutive visits indicate that Kuleba and Lavrov are garnering support from African countries. ("Lavrov in Kenya on Heels of Ukrainian Counterpart's Trip to Africa," The Moscow Times, 29 May 2023)

SPAIN
Prime Minister calls for snap elections
On 29 May, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that he would dissolve the Parliament and called for snap elections on 23 July. This comes as a response to Sanchez's Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) and its ally, Podemos, losing in the regional elections on 28 May. PSOE secured 28.2 per cent, while the Popular Party won 31.5 per cent. ("Spain's PM calls snap election after his Socialist party takes a beating in regional vote," France 24, 29 May 2023)

TURKEY
Elections were free but not fair, says international observers, quotes Euronews
On 30 May, Euronews quoted international observers' opinion that Turkey's Presidential elections were free but unfair. Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) special coordinator Farah Karimi, at a news conference, said that "biased media coverage and a lack of a level playing field gave an unjustified advantage to the incumbent." According to Euronews, about 90 per cent of the Turkish media is in the hands of the government or its supporters. Only a handful of opposition newspapers remain in print while the rest transitioned to online editions. Erdogan received nearly 33 hours of airtime in the state-run TV station while his opponent Kemal Kilicdaroglu received only 32 minutes, according to the opposing members of the broadcasting watchdog. ("Turkish election 'free but not fair', say international observers," Euronews, 30 May 2023)

UKRAINE
Moscow attacks Kyiv; Kyiv retaliates
On 30 May, Russia launched a pre-dawn drone attack on Kyiv. Three people got injured, and one person died. More than 20 people were evacuated. The Russian Defence Ministry claimed that it launched a series of air strikes targeting Ukrainian air bases. They also claimed that the attacks destroyed command posts, radars, aircraft and ammunition stockpiles. According to the Ukrainian military administration, 20 Shahed drones were destroyed in Moscow's third attack in the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed a drone attack that caused "insignificant damage" to several buildings. Residents of two buildings were evacuated; no deaths were reported. Chief Diplomatic Advisor to President Zelenskyy said that Russia's war in Ukraine could only be ended with the peace plan Kyiv proposed as the time for mediation is long gone. ("Ukraine war: Moscow hit by drones, Kyiv strikes, peace plan only way to end fighting," Euronews, 30 May 2023; Guy Faulconbridge, "What do we know about the drone attacks on Moscow?," Reuters, 30 May 2023; Lidia Kelly, "Ukraine says it destroyed more than 20 drones in Russia-launched attack on Kyiv," Reuters, 30 May 2023; "Moscow attacked by drones – Mayor," RT News, 30 May 2023)

REGIONAL
Greece joins Hungary against the new European sanctions
On 26 May, Greece joined Hungary against the new set of European sanctions, which has been discussed since 08 May 2023, reported Politico.eu. Ukraine has created a list of companies which, according to it, are war sponsors. Athens and Budapest want their companies to be taken off the list as a condition to approve the new sanctions. An EU diplomat Joep Borrell is to look into Kyiv's list. On 22 May, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said that the sanctions must be decided by 26 June 2023, when the Foreign Affairs Council meeting will be held. (Barbara Moens, Jacopo Barigazzi, and Leonie Kijewski, "New sanctions against Russia stuck in limbo over Greek-Hungarian protest," Politico.eu, 26 May 2023)