Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that the EU urgently needs a diplomatic communication channel with Russia to prevent escalation of tensions and avoid incidents. He supports European Council President Antonio Costa's initiative to open such channels, emphasizing the need for communication beyond trade relations.
Reports detail ongoing conflict in Ukraine with casualties at Zaporozhye nuke plant, EU blaming Russia for drone incidents, and differing views on negotiations. Tensions between the US and Iran are highlighted through military actions, stalled talks, and sanctions. Russia-ASEAN summit outcomes and European security discussions are also noted.
Kalashnikov is developing a layered defense strategy against UAVs, including the new Krona-E missile system and automated drone interceptors. The company is also preparing for mass production of short-range systems and specialized anti-drone weapons.
Russian-made Molniya-PVO fixed-wing FPV interceptor drones have demonstrated effectiveness against enemy unmanned aerial vehicles, including Lyuty drones, in the special military operation area. The developer showcased the drone at the Belarus 2026 National Security Exhibition.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is launching a project to indigenously build long-range kamikaze drones with domestic partners, aiming for self-reliance in drone warfare. A tender has been issued for OWA-UAS design, development, and manufacturing, with the 5 Base Repair Depot as the nodal agency.
The article critiques the Western media's portrayal of Ukraine's drone technology, questioning the narrative that Ukraine possesses superior expertise that Western defense contractors lack. It suggests that defense contractors prioritize profit over developing cheaper, consumer-style drones, and that the focus on Ukraine's supposed drone genius serves as an excuse to continue financial aid. The author also highlights instances of Ukrainian drones straying into Baltic and Nordic airspace, questioning official explanations that blame Russia for redirecting them.
Russia's Almaz-Antey Group has unveiled its new Sokol radar station at the Fleet 2026 International Maritime Defense Show. The system can detect and track up to 50 drones simultaneously, including FPV drones at 2 km and fixed-wing UAVs at 5 km. It is described as small, light, mobile, autonomous, and cost-effective.
Ukraine's armed forces report destroying over 3,500 Russian drones in May, but warn Moscow is rapidly improving its drone capabilities, increasing numbers, quality, and planning to use 50% jet-powered strike drones.
Kherson Region Governor Vladimir Saldo stated that Western countries allowed Ukraine to enhance its drone capabilities while global attention was on the Middle East. He noted an increase in strikes and efforts to disrupt supply chains, but assured that measures are in place to counter UAVs.
Russia's air defenses intercepted 111 Ukrainian drones in the Kursk Region over 24 hours, while Ukrainian forces conducted 120 artillery strikes on evacuated zones. One civilian was injured, and several private properties sustained damage.
Recent incidents highlight the dangers of unauthorized drone flights near railways in China. Drones have crashed onto high-speed rail tracks, causing train delays, and one drone even damaged power lines, resulting in significant financial losses and leading to administrative detentions for the operators.
Explosions were heard in Kyiv, with local reports suggesting they were caused by UAVs. The "Politika Strany" Telegram channel reported the incident.
Russia's 'Yolka' handheld anti-drone system, a low-cost interceptor using kinetic impact, seen in combat use, targeting enemy drones with autonomous AI-guided flight up to 4km range.
Russia's Defense Ministry reported intercepting 217 Ukrainian drones overnight over various regions. Attacks on a college in Luhansk injured 35, including children, while four civilians were wounded in Donetsk. Power outages were reported in Kherson.
Russia's Defense Ministry reported that its air defense forces shot down 56 Ukrainian drones over various regions, including Belgorod, Bryansk, and Moscow, between 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Moscow time on Tuesday. This follows an earlier report of 70 drones destroyed in the morning.
Russia's Battlegroup North reported destroying over 90 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones in the Kharkov direction since the start of May. Air defense units utilized radar and various interception methods, including drones with high-explosive warheads.
Moscow experienced its largest drone attack in over a year overnight into Sunday, with authorities reporting 81 drones shot down from midnight. Over the past 24 hours, more than 120 UAVs were downed.
Air defenses intercepted 25 Ukrainian drones over Sevastopol and the Black Sea. Debris damaged a power line, causing outages, and affected several buildings. One explosive-laden drone was destroyed.
Russian air defense systems destroyed 76 Ukrainian UAVs between 9 AM and 3 PM Moscow time on May 16. The drones were intercepted over several Russian regions and the Black and Azov Seas.
Russia's 11th Army Corps destroyed over 55 Ukrainian Starlink communications stations in Kharkov Region since May 1, disrupting enemy communications and internet.
The Donbass Dome defense system neutralized four Ukrainian drones over the Donetsk People’s Republic in 24 hours, including one near a thermal power plant.
Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that the Ukrainian armed forces carried out 887 strikes using UAVs on the night of May 8
According to the report, at around 3:20 a.m. Moscow time, air defense and intelligence systems detected a group of six UAVs in Latvian airspace
The destruction of drone control posts and fortifications of the Ukrainian army disrupted the enemy’s operations and helped prevent the penetration of UAVs into Russian territory, the howitzer crew commander with the call sign Kedr added
