Russians attacked Zaporizhzhia Oblast with glide bombs, people killed and injured

Russian forces attacked the village of Verkhna Tersa in the Polohy district of Zaporizhzhia Oblast with guided aerial bombs at dawn on May 28, killing one person and injuring another, according to regional head Ivan Fedorov.

At least five bombs struck residential buildings, causing destruction and trapping people under the rubble.

Russia considers higher taxes after oil and gas revenues plummet

Russian lawmakers are again debating potential tax hikes to offset a sharp decline in oil and gas revenues this year, The Moscow Times reported, citing Budget Committee Chair Andrey Makarov.

Proposals to raise taxes on banks and oil companies have been dismissed as unviable due to sanctions and economic instability. Makarov admitted that even the revised revenue forecasts seem overly optimistic.

Russia expects to collect 8.3 trillion rubles (about $104.6 billion) in oil and gas taxes, 2.6 trillion rubles less than planned. The overall revenue shortfall could reach 1.8 trillion rubles, pushing the budget deficit to nearly 3.8 trillion rubles ($47.9 billion), the highest since the COVID-19 pandemic.

To fund record military spending, the Kremlin has already imposed extra taxes on oil and gas, “overprofit” levies, and currency-related duties on large businesses.

Germany promised 5 billion euros in new aid to Ukraine, but no Taurus missiles were announced

Germany has unveiled a €5 billion ($5.65 billion) military aid package for Ukraine, marking one of its most substantial support commitments since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Announced after a meeting between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Volodymyr Zelensky in Berlin on May 28, the agreement includes funding for the domestic production of long-range weapons systems in Ukraine, the delivery of four IRIS-T air defense systems, and significant investment in Ukrainian-made drones such as BARS, AN-196, and Flamingo interceptors. With many of these weapons already familiar to Ukrainian forces, the first batch will be ready for deployment in the coming weeks, and broader manufacturing is expected by the end of 2025. Germany will also support the repair of military vehicles inside Ukraine and continue financing key communications systems, including Starlink.

The package reflects a shift in Berlin’s defense policy and a deepening strategic partnership with Kyiv. While the long-requested Taurus missiles are still not included, the agreement signals Germany’s long-term commitment to strengthening Ukraine’s defense industry and battlefield sustainability. Joint ventures between Ukrainian and German arms manufacturers will be established to manage weapons production and equipment maintenance on Ukrainian territory. The deal also includes medical support and highlights Germany’s leadership role in encouraging broader international investment in Ukraine’s defense sector amid ongoing Russian aggression.