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Putin Promises Retaliation After Deadly Strike on Dormitory in Occupied Ukraine

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed retaliation after accusing Ukraine of carrying out a deadly drone strike on a student dormitory in the Russian-occupied town of Starobilsk in eastern Ukraine’s Luhansk region. Russian-backed officials said at least 10 people were killed, dozens injured and several others remained missing after the overnight attack.

Ukraine’s military said it had targeted the headquarters of Russia’s elite Rubicon drone unit in Starobilsk, accusing the group of conducting repeated strikes on civilians and infrastructure inside Ukraine. However, Putin rejected claims that the site was linked to military activity, stating there were no military or intelligence facilities nearby and ordering Russia’s military to prepare response measures.

The incident marks another escalation in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, with both sides continuing to accuse each other of targeting civilians. Russia also reported fresh drone attacks overnight in the Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk, where falling debris sparked a fire at an oil depot and injured two people. Meanwhile, Ukraine said its strikes were carried out in accordance with international humanitarian law.

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Death Toll Rises to 12 After Dorm Strike in Russian-Controlled Luhansk

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The death toll from a drone strike on a student dormitory in the Russian-controlled Luhansk region of eastern Ukraine has climbed to 12, according to Russia’s emergency ministry. The attack took place in the town of Starobilsk, where rescue teams continue searching through the rubble for survivors.

Russian authorities accused Ukraine of carrying out a deliberate strike on the dorm building, with reports saying many of the victims were young students. Leonid Pasechnik, the Russian-installed head of the region, released a preliminary list of victims, most of whom were reportedly 19-year-old girls. Officials also said several people remained trapped beneath the debris.

Ukraine denied targeting the dormitory, stating its forces had struck an elite Russian drone command unit operating in the area and insisting that military operations were conducted in line with international humanitarian law. Following the incident, Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly instructed the military to prepare possible retaliatory measures.

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Russia and China Criticize U.S. ‘Golden Dome’ Missile Shield Plan

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Russia and China have jointly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump over plans for the proposed “Golden Dome” missile-defense system, warning that it threatens global strategic stability. The statement came during a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing. The project aims to expand missile interception capabilities through ground-based systems and space-based defense technologies designed to detect and potentially destroy incoming missile threats.

Moscow and Beijing argued that the proposed shield undermines the balance between offensive and defensive nuclear systems, which they say is essential for maintaining global security. The two countries also criticized Washington for allowing the 2010 New START nuclear arms treaty to expire without negotiating a replacement. Russia backed China’s stance against joining future U.S.-Russia nuclear arms control talks, while both nations accused the U.S. of pursuing destabilizing military strategies.

The joint statement also warned against the deployment of intermediate-range missiles and the use of preventive missile strikes aimed at disabling enemy forces before conflict begins. Adding to tensions, Russia released footage of military exercises involving the movement and deployment of nuclear warheads for Iskander-M missile systems across Russia and Belarus. The developments highlight growing geopolitical strains between major global powers over missile defense and nuclear security.

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EU Rejects Putin’s Proposal for Schroeder Role in Russia Security Talks

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European Union foreign ministers have rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin’s suggestion that former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder could represent Europe in future security negotiations with Moscow. Putin recently said he was open to discussing new security arrangements for Europe and named Schroeder as his preferred negotiating partner. However, EU leaders argued that Schroeder’s close ties to Putin and his past work with Russian state energy companies make him unsuitable to act as an impartial mediator.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said allowing Russia to effectively choose Europe’s negotiator would be unwise, while Germany’s Europe minister Gunther Krichbaum stated that Schroeder could not be viewed as an “honest broker.” Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the European Union has largely isolated Moscow through sanctions and limited diplomatic engagement. Many ministers also questioned whether Russia is genuinely ready for meaningful peace negotiations.

Despite the criticism, some European officials believe the EU should prepare for future direct talks with Moscow alongside ongoing US-led peace efforts. European Council President António Costa said discussions are already taking place among EU leaders about how Europe should approach any future negotiations. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also said Europe could play a complementary role in peace talks, though several ministers stressed the bloc should first strengthen pressure on Russia and agree on a united strategy before entering negotiations.

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Putin Says Ukraine War May Be Nearing Its End

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested that the conflict in Ukraine could be approaching an end, saying after Russia’s Victory Day parade in Moscow that the “special military operation” was “coming to an end.” During his speech, Putin criticised Western nations for continuing to support and arm Ukraine, accusing Nato countries of fuelling the conflict. The annual Red Square parade was notably scaled back this year, with no tanks or heavy military hardware displayed amid fears of possible Ukrainian attacks.

Putin also indicated he would only agree to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky once a long-term peace agreement had been finalised. He said negotiations could take place in a third country and mentioned former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as his preferred negotiating partner for broader European security discussions. Meanwhile, European leaders have hinted at possible future talks with Moscow, with EU officials saying there may be potential for negotiations at the right moment.

Although a US-brokered temporary ceasefire reduced tensions during the Victory Day celebrations, both Russia and Ukraine later accused each other of violating the truce through drone strikes and artillery attacks. The two sides have agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners each, but Moscow claims it has yet to receive confirmation from Kyiv. The conflict, which began with Russia’s seizure of Crimea in 2014 and escalated into a full-scale invasion in 2022, continues despite renewed diplomatic signals.

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Putin Uses Victory Day Speech to Defend Ukraine War and Criticize NATO

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Russian President Vladimir Putin used his Victory Day speech in Moscow’s Red Square to justify the ongoing war in Ukraine and accuse NATO of backing an “aggressive force” against Russia. Addressing military personnel and invited world leaders, Putin described the conflict as a “just” fight and praised Russian soldiers involved in what Moscow calls its “special military operation.”

This year’s Victory Day celebrations were noticeably scaled back, with no military hardware displayed in the Moscow parade for the first time in nearly two decades. Russian officials said tanks and other equipment were needed on the battlefield in Ukraine, while heightened security concerns over possible drone attacks also led to tighter restrictions and reduced public celebrations in several cities.

Despite the reduced scale, thousands of soldiers marched through Red Square alongside troops from allied nations, including North Korea. The event came amid a temporary three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, although both sides accused each other of violating the truce. Victory Day remains one of Russia’s most important national holidays, commemorating the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany during World War Two.

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Russia, Ukraine Trade Blame as WW2 Ceasefire Fails Amid Ongoing Attacks

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Russia and Ukraine accused each other of violating a two-day ceasefire announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin during celebrations marking the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two. Moscow claimed Ukrainian drones and artillery targeted Russian regions including Belgorod, Kursk, Moscow, and Perm, while Kyiv said Russian forces continued overnight strikes on Ukrainian positions despite the truce announcement.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected the limited holiday ceasefire and instead called for an indefinite truce, accusing Russia of making no real attempt to stop fighting. Russia warned that any disruption to Saturday’s Victory Day parade in Moscow would trigger a major missile response against Kyiv, while security around the Kremlin and Red Square has been significantly tightened ahead of the event.

The war, now in its fifth year since Russia’s 2022 invasion, continues with no breakthrough in peace talks. Russia currently controls nearly one-fifth of Ukrainian territory, though advances have slowed this year. Moscow is using the WW2 Victory Day celebrations to rally public support, but rising security concerns and disruptions across the capital reflect growing tensions as both sides continue heavy drone, missile, and artillery attacks.

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Russia Restricts Mobile Internet Ahead of Victory Day Parade

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Russia has limited mobile internet access in major cities including Moscow and St Petersburg ahead of the May 9 World War II Victory Day parade. Authorities say the мера is necessary to ensure security amid fears of Ukrainian drone attacks, which have intensified in recent months. While mobile data services were disrupted, basic phone calls continued to function in many areas.

The ограничения have caused widespread inconvenience, affecting digital payments, navigation, and taxi services. Major companies like Sberbank and Yandex warned users about potential service disruptions. Reports indicated that internet outages extended beyond the capital to several regions across European Russia, forcing many residents to rely on VPNs.

The меры come amid escalating conflict following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with both sides increasingly deploying drones in warfare. Russian officials said hundreds of Ukrainian drones were intercepted overnight, while a refinery in the Leningrad region was hit, sparking a fire. The annual parade has been scaled back this year due to security concerns linked to the ongoing conflict.

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Russia to Hold Victory Day Parade Without Military Equipment

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Russia will mark its annual Victory Day celebration on May 9 in Moscow’s Red Square, but this year’s military parade will not feature any heavy equipment. The Defence Ministry said the decision is due to the ongoing operational situation linked to the war in Ukraine. Instead, the parade will focus on marching servicemen from various military branches and educational institutions.

Victory Day, which commemorates the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, remains one of Russia’s most significant national holidays. Traditionally known for showcasing tanks, missile systems, and other military hardware, the event will still include an air force flypast displaying the national flag colors, along with personnel representing different arms of the military.

The announcement comes as fighting in Ukraine continues, with Russia claiming gradual advances while peace talks remain stalled. President Vladimir Putin has reiterated his aim of securing full control over the Donbas region, while Ukraine continues to resist and hold its positions.

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Russian Publisher Staff Questioned Over ‘LGBT Propaganda’ Probe

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One of Russia’s largest publishers, Eksmo, said several employees have been questioned by authorities over alleged “LGBT propaganda” in its book catalogue. The development follows reports of raids by investigators in Moscow, though the company denied any searches or seizures, stating that four staff members, including its director, were taken in for questioning.

The case is linked to Russia’s broader crackdown on LGBT-related content under President Vladimir Putin, whose government has labeled the “LGBT movement” as extremist. Authorities have increasingly targeted companies across media and publishing sectors, imposing fines and scrutiny on content deemed to violate strict laws promoting traditional values.

Eksmo said the investigation relates to books published by Popcorn Books, a former subsidiary known for young adult titles featuring LGBT themes. The company indicated that the probe stems from a 2025 criminal case involving certain titles and missing inventory. While the legal status of those questioned remains unclear, the incident highlights intensifying pressure on Russia’s publishing industry amid tightening censorship rules.

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