Continued Russian aggression in Ukraine marked by drone strikes and artillery attacks.

Russian President Vladimir Putin defended his invasion of Ukraine in his Victory Day speech, drawing historical parallels between the second world war and fighting in Ukraine. Britain is set to blacklist Wagner as a terrorist organization to increase pressure on Russia. Ukraine is planning a “very important” counteroffensive against Russian forces that must “demonstrate success”. The US has announced a “new security assistance package” to help bolster Ukraine’s air defences and artillery ammunition needs. Germany’s foreign minister has said China could play a decisive role in ending the war in Ukraine.