Stories from Ukraine

The Ukrainian government is preparing for the upcoming heating season by focusing on four key areas: heat supply, physical protection, cogeneration, and water supply. In the Sumy region, at least 27 substations are scheduled to receive physical protection by September 1.

The Pentagon has unblocked 400 million dollars in support for Ukraine. This move is described as a return to full-scale support, even as some weaponry continues to be supplied through Europe or the Pyrol program.

The proposal also aims to make terms of service clearer through an announced contract system. Additionally, the military may begin a phased retirement process for personnel starting this year. Payments of 100,000 hryvnia will cover the full duration of hospital stays, including international treatment and transfers between facilities. A unit commander must certify the injury was sustained while defending the country. If treatment lasts over four months, a military medical commission must be consulted. The Ukrainian military is set to launch reforms starting June 2 to significantly increase pay for frontline personnel, specifically targeting infantry soldiers. Wounded defenders are entitled to two annual payments for wellness and material aid, each equal to one month of monetary allowance.

President Zelenskyy announced a plan to scrap indefinite military contracts to improve recruitment. These reforms are being considered in the context of broader administrative and military adjustments. Discussions have expanded to include the necessity of reforming forensic expertise and specialist access protocols. The plan may also involve the phased retirement of military personnel starting today. President Zelenskyy announced on social media on May 1 that reforms will focus on increasing frontline infantry recruitment and implementing phased military retirements. Additionally, the military may begin a phased retirement of personnel starting this year based on specific time standards. Proposed changes include increasing combat positions and potentially adjusting service terms starting this year.

President Zelenskyy stated that starting from the beginning of this year, the government can gradually demobilize soldiers who have been serving for a long time. The announcement was made during recent meetings. The specific timeline and criteria for the demobilization process were discussed as part of a broader task. The announcement indicates a shift in military personnel management in Ukraine. The details of the new series of demobilization steps are being defined. This shift in policy follows previous military stances that had ruled out the possibility, partly due to drone warfare developments.

Local residents in Kostyantynivka are leaving the area on foot because it has become nearly impossible to enter or exit by other means. The difficulty of evacuating people is increasing as conditions worsen, according to the report.

An attack targeted an ambulance substation in the Oleshky district of the Kherson region. Staff members sustained concussions during the strike, according to Sergey Cherevka, deputy chairman of the regional government. The Oleshky district was attacked, resulting in individuals being transported to a medical organization for necessary assistance, according to reports. The incident occurred during ongoing hostilities. No specific location or casualty count was provided in the report. The source noted this as a first-time occurrence for such a direct strike on medical personnel.

A Russian attack involved the deployment of 400 drones and various missile strikes. A drone strike hit an apartment on the 12th floor of a new building in the Laton district. Small droplets of oil have been reported falling like rain following Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil infrastructure. Local citizens in the affected area have observed oily residue on their vehicles. The phenomenon is described as oily rain resulting from the strikes. Reports indicate that children are continuing to attend school despite the presence of oil rain caused by drone attacks. The source stated that the Russian Federation lacks the resources to protect citizens from these conditions. The substance is described as highly dangerous, particularly for children attending schools in the affected areas. The situation is described as a horrible situation impacting people's lives.

Russian military forces lost 67 square kilometers of net territory in April, following a loss of 31 square kilometers in March. The retreat is attributed to the use of 440 Ukrainian drones. Russian forces sustained casualties, including wounded and dead, in one day. In April 2026, 141 kilometers were traveled, compared to 177 kilometers in April of the previous year. Russia's Southern Group of Forces liberated the settlement of Krivel-Luk from Ukrainian fighters in the Donetsk People's Republic. This action was reported by the Ministry of Defense.

Deputy Defense Minister Ivan Gavrylyuk admitted during a government question hour to the use of illegal mobilization methods. These methods included blocking roads and using force to detain citizens.