Thousands of troops are taking part in military drills in northern Finland, close to the alliance's border with Russia.

Zelensky criticises US after Russia launches one of biggest aerial assaults since war began - Zelensky says silence from the international community ‘only encourages Putin’

Following a deadly overnight attack on May 25, President Volodymyr Zelensky called for stronger sanctions on Russia and added that "America’s silence, and the silence of others around the world, only encourages Putin.

President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that Russia needs to strengthen its position in the global arms market by increasing exports of weapons.

Despite Russia’s continued aggression, including recent massive missile and drone attacks (May 23-24), its offensive in Ukraine has largely stalled, incurring catastrophic casualties (e.g., 36,600 in April for minimal gain) for diminishing territorial returns.

Russian drones and missiles again bombarded cities across Ukraine on Saturday night into Sunday morning despite the completion of the largest prisoner exchange of the 3-year-old war. The Armed Forces Operational Command in Poland -- a NATO nation that borders Ukraine to the west -- said in a Sunday morning post to X that its fighter jets were scrambled during the Russian attack.

After a stint with a drone unit led by a member of Parliament, Russian officials return to work, and promotions, garlanded as war veterans. Most soldiers are stuck in indefinite deployments.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday, May 25, announced plans to deepen cooperation with African nations through an expanded diplomatic framework, signalling a growing strategic interest in the continent amid shifting global alliances.