Russia is gathering troops near Kharkiv Oblast ahead of a possible attack

Russia appears to be preparing new attacks in the Kharkiv sector, as its forces continue to build up near the Ukrainian border, according to Andrii Pomahaibus, chief of staff of Ukraine's 13th National Guard Khartiia Brigade. He noted that while no assaults have yet occurred, Russian troops are moving closer to the contact line, likely in preparation for offensive operations.

This buildup aligns with earlier Ukrainian reports of Russian regrouping in Kharkiv Oblast and continued pressure in Sumy Oblast, part of what Kyiv sees as a broader spring offensive. President Zelensky has warned of renewed threats in the northeast.

Despite international calls for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, Russia continues to reject truce proposals unless military aid to Ukraine is halted. It also persists with ground assaults and long-range strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure.

Ukrainian forces deny Russian claims of end to hostilities in Kursk Oblast

Ukraine’s General Staff denied Russian claims on 21 May that fighting in Russia’s Kursk Oblast has ended, saying operations are ongoing in parts of the front. Ukrainian forces are maintaining positions, completing their objectives, and inflicting substantial losses on Russian troops.

According to the military, Russia has suffered 63,402 casualties in the Kursk area, including 25,625 killed. Ukrainian forces have also captured 971 Russian soldiers and destroyed or damaged 5,664 pieces of military equipment.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian units continue active operations in parts of Russia’s Belgorod Oblast as the cross-border fighting persists.

Iran's parliament ratified a 20-year strategic agreement with Russia

Iran’s parliament has ratified a 20-year strategic partnership with Russia, finalizing an agreement that deepens military and economic cooperation between the two countries. Initially signed by Presidents Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian in January and approved by Russia’s parliament in April, the deal outlines collaboration against shared military threats, joint exercises, and expanded military-technical ties.

The pact, while not a mutual defense treaty, further cements Iran’s role as a key Russian ally in the war against Ukraine. Tehran has supplied Moscow with Shahed drones, short-range ballistic missiles, and is reportedly preparing to send Fath-360 missile launchers. In return, Russia has begun producing its own Geran-2 drones based on Iranian designs.

The agreement also seeks to reduce dependence on Western financial systems by promoting direct interbank collaboration and national financial tools. While Iran and Russia present a united front against Western influence, their alliance has faced setbacks, notably the fall of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad last December.

US opposes joint G7 statement on further support for Ukraine

The U.S. blocked the inclusion of language supporting Ukraine in the G7 finance ministers' joint statement during a meeting in Canada, Politico reported on May 21. According to sources, Washington also objected to describing Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine as “illegal.” The move reflects a broader shift under the Trump administration, which has taken a more restrained stance on condemning Russia.

This is not the first instance of such resistance: the U.S. previously opposed joint G7 statements condemning Russian attacks and efforts to track Russia’s shadow oil fleet. Since taking office, Trump has reopened direct dialogue with Moscow and pressed Kyiv to accept a peace deal on terms aligning with Russian interests.

Meanwhile, Russia continues to demand control over occupied territories and Ukraine’s neutrality. President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly rejected these demands, stating that Ukraine will not retreat from its sovereign land or abandon its NATO ambitions.