Nine countries are pulling out of the Czech coalition supplying ammunition to Ukraine
According to the Financial Times, nine countries have withdrawn from the Czech-led coalition supplying ammunition to Ukraine. Czech President Petr Pavel, a former NATO commander, revealed that the number of contributing countries has dropped from 18 last year to only nine currently funding the initiative. Launched by the previous Czech government with Pavel’s strong support, the project has been one of the most important alternative sources of large-caliber ammunition for the Ukrainian army.
President Pavel stressed the seriousness of the situation, noting that the Czech initiative currently supplies up to 50 percent of all large-caliber ammunition delivered to Ukrainian forces. “It is difficult to replace it with anything else,” he warned. While the initiative remains active, the significant reduction in participating countries raises concerns about burden-sharing among allies and the long-term sustainability of this critical supply channel for Ukraine.
Five injured in Russian attacks on Kherson
Russia attacked residential areas of Kherson on May 26, injuring five civilians, according to local authorities. Among the injured were a 75-year-old woman and a 55-year-old man, both hospitalised with concussion, blast injuries, and closed head injuries.
A 63-year-old woman was treated at the scene after suffering a concussion, blast injuries, a closed head injury, and a shrapnel wound to her right leg. Another woman, aged 56, also sought medical treatment for a blast injury.
Later, at approximately 13:15, Russian forces reportedly dropped an explosive device from a drone near an educational institution in Kherson’s Tsentralnyi district.
A 53-year-old security guard was injured in the strike. Authorities said he sustained blast injuries, a closed head injury, acoustic trauma and multiple shrapnel wounds to his face, torso, and arms. Medics treated him at the scene.
Kherson and the surrounding areas on the west bank of the Dnipro River remain under frequent Russian artillery and drone attacks following Ukraine’s liberation of the city in November 2022.
Ukraine's foreign minister describes Lavrov-Rubio call as "arrogance towards the world's most powerful country"
Andrii Sybiha has condemned remarks by Sergey Lavrov regarding possible strikes on Kyiv, calling them a “brazen provocation” and further proof that Russia intends to continue the war.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Ukraine-Africa: Past, Present and Future of Relations forum on May 26, Sybiha reacted to reports about Lavrov’s conversation with Marco Rubio, during which the Russian side allegedly discussed plans for attacks on Kyiv.
“I view this as a brazen provocation. It is yet another public confirmation of Russia's interest in continuing the war,” Sybiha said.
The Ukrainian foreign minister said it was difficult to comprehend how Russian officials could openly discuss threats against Kyiv while international peace efforts are ongoing.
Sybiha stressed that the episode demonstrates who is interested in prolonging and escalating the war. He urged Ukraine’s international partners to respond firmly to Moscow instead of limiting themselves to warnings advising diplomats or foreign citizens to leave the Ukrainian capital.
“We very much hope that after receiving such signals, our partners… will send a firm and harsh signal to Moscow not to carry out such strikes,” he said.
According to Sybiha, the response from Ukraine’s allies should include additional military aid packages and stronger pressure on Russia.
His comments follow earlier threats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, which stated that Russian forces planned further long-range strikes on Kyiv, including attacks on what Moscow called Ukraine’s “decision-making centers.”
Emergency talks between Ukraine and the EU in Berlin amid Russian threats
Ukraine’s chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, held emergency talks in Berlin on Thursday amid escalating Russian threats. The unexpected visit comes as Kyiv intensifies diplomatic efforts to end the war while facing renewed pressure from Moscow. Umerov met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in a confidential meeting, the details of which were not disclosed by either the German Chancellery or the Ukrainian Embassy.
The talks occur against the backdrop of intensified Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, growing concerns about a possible new offensive from Belarus, and reports of Vladimir Putin preparing another wave of mobilization. Ukrainian officials view these discussions with key EU partners as critical for securing stronger political and military support as Russia signals its intention to continue the war with increased aggression.