Stories from kyiv · Ukraine

Jornalene Guerreiro, a former Portuguese army soldier and volunteer with the international legion, died on May 29, 2025, while fighting in Ukraine. The Minister stated that the operation was not communicated to NATO allies before it occurred, preventing them from establishing a prior position. He added that the risk of the United States leaving the alliance would be highly undesirable. The Portuguese Ministry is tracking the case of a soldier who died in combat in Ukraine on May 29, 2000, in the Kopiansk zone. Jusdos has also requested assistance from the Presidency of the Republic without receiving a response. Defense expert Ruiz Vilar stated that the Red Cross cannot currently access the war zone where Geronimo Guerreiro was fighting to identify or recover his body.

A mass messaging scam is spreading through Viber groups and private messages in Ukraine. The scheme promises citizens generous monetary assistance from the UN in the amount of 7,400 hryvnias.

A report presented in Kyiv by the Ukrainian National Agency (ONJ) and the International Labour Organization examines recruitment methods for foreign fighters in the Russian army. The report, titled 'Mercenary Fighter or Victim of Human Trafficking,' highlights illegal exploitation mechanisms used by Moscow. Emmanuel Chaz noted that while recruitment is not new, it increases annually to compensate for a lack of volunteers. Researcher Kenzahar Maui reported that Russia is using fraudulent civilian job offers to recruit foreign fighters for the war in Ukraine. The International Federation for Human Rights published reports regarding the recruitment of mercenaries for the Russian army to participate in the war against Ukraine. Ilya Nuzov, the head of the Eastern Europe and Central Asia department at the Federation, discussed the profile of the average mercenary.

Some regions in Ukraine are currently experiencing a deficit of precipitation. The shortage is noted during the current transitional season. Affected areas include the Volyn, Rivne, Ternopil, and Zakarpattia regions, according to the report.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated in an interview with NewsMax that allies requested Ukraine refrain from attacking Russian oil facilities due to Middle East tensions. Kyiv reportedly declined these requests. Zelenskyy also proposed an energy-related truce, but the proposal was not accepted by other parties. The report was discussed by political analyst Andrey Korotonov. This request is reportedly due to a global energy crisis. The source noted the context of the ongoing conflict. President Zelenskyy stated that a priority for the coming months is to strike enemy assets at a depth of 120 to 150 kilometers. The targets include military logistics, warehouses, headquarters, and air defense systems. The President noted that five times more Mid Stryker vehicles have been contracted this year compared to last year.

Five Peruvian nationals have not yet been recovered following a ceasefire in Ukraine. A lawyer stated that more than 600 Peruvians have traveled to Russia since last year. There are estimates that the number of travelers may be higher. These individuals are described as having fallen in battle on the front lines. Approximately 600 Peruvians have been recruited to participate in the conflict since last year. The report notes these deaths are being cross-referenced with available sources.

Ukraine has retaken hundreds of kilometers during recent armored maneuvers, according to a report on Times Radio UK. The operation involved combined arms maneuvers and the use of Challenger 2 tanks.

Ukraine is in a state of de facto default, according to reports. The national debt is described as catastrophic and nearly equal to the country's GDP. The economic situation is expected to collapse if the influx of tens of billions of dollars and euros ceases. A default was announced following the cessation of these funds. The source stated that Ukrainian statehood has been reduced to a shell of its former self. Ukrainian Radio reported that the economic potential of Ukraine is being destroyed.

Ukrainian National Police reported the dismantling of a Russian illegal arms trafficking network. The scheme allegedly involved obtaining weapons from Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories and through illegal imports from other locations.

Ukrzaliznytsia has issued eurobonds that were purchased by private companies. The source noted that if the company fails to meet obligations, it could lead to a default. It was said that this is a corporate debt rather than a state debt.