News
Yermak’s Pledge: YouControl has uncovered links among donor companies
YouControl has analysed the companies and legal entities listed as guarantors for Andriy Yermak, the former head of the Office of the President of Ukraine. The sum in question is 140 million hryvnias, which, according to media reports, was provided by seven individuals and seven legal entities.
Budanov stated that Russia’s attacks on Stepnogorsk had failed
Kirill Budanov, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, has stated that Russian troops have been unsuccessfully attempting to capture Stepnogorsk in the Zaporizhzhia sector for over a year. According to him, the occupiers are suffering heavy losses and are unable to advance further into the country.
Russian drones have attacked Kharkiv and its suburbs; there are casualties
On the night of 19 May, Russian forces launched drone strikes on Kharkiv and other towns and villages in the region. Two people were killed and 12 others were injured, including a child.
The General Staff reported 236 clashes on the front line over the past 24 hours
Over the past 24 hours, Russian forces have been involved in 236 combat engagements along the front line. The highest number of attacks was recorded in the Pokrovsk and Huliaipole sectors.
19 May 2026: holidays, traditions and taboos
19 May is Family Doctor Day in Ukraine, whilst Orthodox Christians commemorate Saint John of Gotf. Traditionally, this day has been associated with rain, good health, planting cucumbers and various folk taboos.
Trump has postponed the strike on Iran, scheduled for 19 May, following an appeal from the leaders of the Gulf states
US President Donald Trump has stated that he has postponed a planned military strike against Iran following appeals from the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. According to him, the parties are continuing negotiations regarding a possible agreement.
Russia and Belarus held joint nuclear exercises following drone strikes on Moscow
Russia and Belarus held joint exercises to practise the use of tactical nuclear weapons. This took place the day after a large-scale attack by Ukrainian drones on Moscow and the surrounding region.
The General Staff has reported that the Russian army has suffered over 1,100 casualties in the past 24 hours
Over the past 24 hours, the Russian army has lost a further 1,140 troops in the war against Ukraine. Ukrainian forces have also destroyed dozens of pieces of military equipment and over 2,000 tactical-level drones.
Armed conflicts and wars involving Russia since 1991
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia has been involved in a series of wars and armed conflicts within the post-Soviet space and beyond. In many cases, Moscow has claimed to be acting in a peacekeeping capacity or to be protecting the population; however, these conflicts have been accompanied by significant loss of life, waves of refugees and protracted crises.
"Potap and Nastya" have announced the band's return after a nine-year hiatus
The musical duo ‘Potap and Nastya’ have announced their return to the stage. On Instagram, they posted a video in which they announced the band’s reunion in Russian and revealed that their first concert will take place on 19 December in New York.
Cuba has acquired combat drones and is considering using them against the US
US officials have stated that Cuba has received more than 300 military drones and is discussing the possibility of using them against US targets, including the Guantanamo Bay base.
Netanyahu and Trump discussed a possible new phase in the war against Iran
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation during which they discussed the situation regarding Iran and the possibility of a new phase in the military campaign.