The US is planning to send advanced air defense systems to Ukraine after Donald Trump signed a minerals deal with Kyiv and threatened to walk away from peace talks.
One Patriot system will be moved from Israel after undergoing refurbishments, while a second system could be sent by Germany or Greece, according to four officials.
Mr. Trump paused all military deliveries to Ukraine after a row with Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office. But he has since grown frustrated with Vladimir Putin’s refusal to commit to a ceasefire and has withdrawn from formal peace negotiations.
The officials, speaking to the New York Times, refused to confirm whether the proposed shipment reflected a change in the US president’s approach toward Ukraine.
Joe Biden, the former US president, secured the deal with Israel in September ahead of Mr. Trump’s election win, according to a former White House official.
It comes ahead of a mooted three-day ceasefire this week while Putin’s allies are in Moscow for Victory Day. Mr. Zelensky has threatened to ignore the truce after dismissing it as a “theatrical performance”.
Last year, Mr. Zelensky asked Western allies for at least seven Patriot defense systems to protect Ukrainian cities from Russian missile attacks. Kyiv has eight, but only six are currently working as two are reportedly being refurbished.
A spokesman for the US national security council said it did not provide details on the strength and placement of defense systems.
“President Trump has been clear: he wants the war in Ukraine to end and the killing to stop,” he added.
Russia launched an overnight drone strike on Kyiv that left at least 11 people injured, including two children, and set several residential buildings on fire, Ukrainian officials said.
Falling debris from destroyed drones sparked several blazes in the Obolonskyi and Sviatoshynskyi districts of the capital, according to Timur Tkachenko, the head of Kyiv’s military administration.
Emergency services said dozens of firefighters were involved in extinguishing the fires raging in Kyiv overnight, as well as tackling a smaller blaze in Kyiv’s central Shevchenkivskyi district.
In an interview on Sunday, Mr. Trump signaled a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine was some way off, and said he had come close to walking away from the negotiating table in the past.
“I do believe we’re closer with one party, and maybe not as close with the other. But we’ll have to see. I’d like to not say which one we’re closer to,” he told NBC’s Meet the Press.
Mr. Trump declined to set a deadline on when a truce would have to be negotiated. Instead, he said he would tell both countries, “keep being stupid and keep fighting” if they proved intractable. “Sometimes I get close to it, and then positive things happen,” he added.
In an interview on Sunday, Vladimir Putin said he “hopes” he would not have to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine as he took a journalist on a tour of his private Kremlin apartment.
The Russian president said: “There has been no need to use those [nuclear] weapons… and I hope they will not be required,” in response to a question about Ukrainian strikes.
Putin hinted he was ready to use nuclear warfare in November last year after Ukraine struck Russia with Western missiles for the first time, when he signed a law allowing a nuclear response to be triggered by an attack with “conventional weapons” if it threatened the country’s “territorial integrity”.
Also on Sunday, Ukrainian forces struck an electrical equipment factory in Russia’s Bryansk region, destroying much of the plant but causing no casualties, the local governor said.
It comes as Mr. Zelensky said that he did not believe that Russia would keep its promise to abide by a three-day truce starting on May 8, which is timed to coincide with Moscow’s celebrations to mark the end of the Second World War.
“This is not the first challenge, nor are these the first promises made by Russia to cease fire… We understand who we are dealing with, we do not believe them,” he said on Sunday at a press conference alongside Petr Pavel, the Czech president.
A 30-hour Easter truce was meant to take place last month, but Mr. Zelensky said at the time that Moscow had breached the supposed ceasefire more than 3,000 times.
The Russian defense ministry, in turn, claimed Kyiv had launched drone and artillery attacks.
Latest updates
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That’s it today
Thanks for following our live coverage today. Here is a summary of the main events:
- The US will reportedly send a Patriot air-defense system to Ukraine after Donald Trump signed a minerals deal with Volodymyr Zelensky.
- Vladimir Putin said he “hopes” he will not have to use nuclear weapons during an interview on state television.
- Mr. Zelensky said he does “not believe” a three-day truce over Russia’s Victory Day holiday will happen.
- Ukrainian forces “struck an electrical equipment factory in Russia’s Bryansk region”.
- Mr. Zelensky visited Prague, where he met with Petr Pavel, his Czech counterpart, to discuss further military support.
- Viktor Orban, the Hungarian prime minister, and Mr. Zelensky butted heads over Ukraine’s ascension to the EU, with the former saying there would be “no Ukrainian EU accession without Hungary”.
- Vladimir Putin will sign a “series” of deals with Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, in a three-day visit to Moscow for Victory Day celebrations.
- A Russian drone strike on Kyiv injured 11 overnight, including two children.
You can find more of our coverage on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine here.
Victory Day parade rehearsals under way
Russian tanks drove through central Moscow during a rehearsal for Russia’s Victory Day parade on May 9, which will mark the 80th anniversary of the Nazi’s defeat.
The T-90M tanks will appear as part of a sizeable military parade in Red Square, presided over by Vladimir Putin and attended by various world leaders.
Among this year’s attendees will be Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, who is making an official state visit to the nation over the holiday and holding bilateral talks with his Russian counterpart.
Putin: I hope not to use nuclear weapons
Vladimir Putin said he “hopes” he will not have to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine in an interview with state television.
The Russian president told journalists that “there has been no need to use those [nuclear] weapons… and I hope they will not be required,” in response to a question about Ukrainian strikes on Kremlin soil.
Putin hinted he was ready to use nuclear warfare in November last year after Ukraine struck Russia with Western missiles for the first time.
The Russian leader signed into law a doctrine that lowered the atomic threshold, allowing a nuclear response to be triggered by an attack with “conventional weapons” if it threatened the country’s “territorial integrity”.
In a preview of the interview, posted to Telegram, the Russian president told reporters: “We have enough strength and means to bring what was started in 2022 to a logical conclusion with the outcome Russia requires.”
His comments came as the Kremlin announced Putin would be signing a “series of deals” with Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, during a three-day visit to Moscow for Victory Day celebrations next week.
Zelensky: ‘Three-day truce will not happen’
Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, said on Sunday that he did “not believe” Russia would adhere to three-day truce planned to coincide with Moscow’s Victory Day celebrations.
Speaking in a joint press conference with Petr Pavel, the Czech president, he said: “This is not the first challenge, nor are these the first promises made by Russia to cease fire… We understand who we are dealing with, we do not believe them.”
Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, had proposed a 72-hour ceasefire over the Russian holiday, which marks the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union and it allies’ victory over Nazi Germany in
Zelensky’s stance on nuclear warfare
Volodymyr Zelensky previously appeared to suggest that Ukraine would build a nuclear arsenal unless it is granted NATO membership.
In October 2024, Ukrainian president told European Union leaders during a speech in Brussels: “Either Ukraine will have nuclear weapons, which will serve as protection, or it must be part of some kind of alliance. Apart from NATO, we do not know of such an effective alliance.”
Mr. Zelensky has repeatedly called for his country to be admitted to NATO, as the alliance’s Article Five mutual defense clause states that an attack on one of its 32 members is an attack on all.
Putin stance on nuclear warfare
Vladimir Putin previously signalled he was prepared to use nuclear weapons in November last year after Ukraine struck Russia using Western missiles for the first time.
Kyiv fired US-made Atacms missiles at an ammunition dump near Bryansk, in southern Russia, roughly 100 miles from the border, shortly before dawn.
In retaliation, the Russian leader signed into law a doctrine that lowered the atomic threshold, allowing a nuclear response to be triggered by an attack with “conventional weapons” if it threatened the country’s “territorial integrity”.
At this time, Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy head of Russia’s security council, warned the Kremlin’s enemies that they could now trigger a Third World War, saying: “Russia could retaliate [to Atacms strikes] with weapons of mass destruction against Kyiv and key Nato facilities, wherever they’re located.”
Watch: Putin ‘hopes’ not to use nuclear weapons
Kyiv residents ‘suffering consequences’ of stalled peace talks
Residents caught in the overnight drone strike on Kyiv that injured 11 people, including two children, have expressed frustration at the stalled peace negotiations.
Viacheslav Khotab, 54, watched his car catch fire during the attack. “I saw my car burning. I was covered with broken glass,” he said. “I couldn’t do anything.”
He added: “They can’t agree on anything, and we are the ones who suffer the consequences.”
Another resident, Valentyna Fesiuk, 83, who lives in the capital’s Obolon district, was woken up by the attack. “I was just sleeping when the house shook. It was at 12:30. An apartment on the 12th floor caught fire,” she said.
Russia fired a total of 165 exploding drones and decoys overnight, according to Ukraine’s air force. Of those, 69 were intercepted and a further 80 lost, likely to have been electronically jammed. Russia also launched two ballistic missiles.
Russia’s defense ministry said its air defenses shot down 13 Ukrainian drones overnight.
Ukraine ‘strikes Russian electrics factory’
Ukrainian forces struck an electrical equipment factory in Russia’s Bryansk region, destroying much of the plant but causing no casualties, the local governor said on Sunday.
Alexander Bogomaz, whose region borders both Ukraine and Belarus in the far west of Russia, said on Telegram that the Ukrainian strike destroyed workshops and administrative buildings at the factory in the village of Suzemka.
Mash, a Telegram channel with links to Russia’s security services, said the factory produced electrical equipment, including transformers. It claimed the plant had been struck using a Grad rocket system and posted a video showing large plumes of smoke coiling above what it said was the factory.
A senior Ukrainian government official said the factory specialized in the production of electronic equipment for Russia’s defense industry.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Centre for Countering Disinformation, wrote in a post on Telegram: “According to preliminary information, the Strela factory in Suzemka, Bryansk Region, is no longer operational following the strike.”
Pictured: Zelensky in Prague
Zelensky and Orban butt heads over EU ascension
Viktor Orban told Volodymyr Zelensky there would be “no Ukrainian EU accession without Hungary” amid his ongoing opposition to Kyiv joining the bloc.
The Hungarian prime minister said on social media: “What the Hungarian people think is not decided by the president in Kyiv or the bureaucrats in Brussels… Every Hungarian will have their say on this. Whether you like it or not.”
Mr Orban’s comments came after the Ukrainian president told reporters on Sunday that a recent opinion poll suggested 70 per cent of Hungarians supported Ukraine’s EU accession.
The Hungarian leader has spoken out against Ukraine’s joining the bloc on the grounds that it could harm his own country’s economy.
In turn, the Ukrainian president called on Mr. Orban not to “drag us into your elections” by blocking Ukraine’s EU bid.
Russia ‘destroys 13 Ukrainian drones’ overnight
Russian air defense units destroyed 13 Ukrainian drones overnight in the regions of Rostov, Belgorod and Bryansk, according to Moscow’s defense ministry.
Belgorod in particular has seen an increase in Ukrainian activity after Kyiv’s forces staged an incursion into the western Russian region in March this year.
Russia claimed the attack was quickly thwarted, but it remains unclear whether the Belgorod incursion was intended as a brief raid or as part of a longer-term operation.
Zelensky to discuss F-16 support in Prague
Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his gratitude to the Czech Republic for its support of Ukraine’s F-16 fleet during a visit to Prague.
The Ukrainian president said in a post on social media that the two nations were co-operating on the “development of our military aviation, expanding pilot training programs, and supporting our F-16 fleet”.
The Czech artillery initiative, which was launched in 2024 to counter delayed US aid and backed by several countries including Canada and Norway, has played a key role in quickly supplying Ukraine’s front-line troops.
Mr. Zelensky said: “We express our gratitude to Czechia for its principled support and for strengthening our cooperation. The Czech artillery initiative has proven effective, and we will continue this effort.”
Together with the First Lady, we have arrived in the Czech Republic on an official visit. Meetings are scheduled with President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Petr Fiala, with the heads of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, leaders of parliamentary factions, as well as with… pic.twitter.com/ZgI7PGIF93
Putin and Xi to sign ‘series’ of deals in Moscow summit
Vladimir Putin will sign a “series” of deals with Xi Jinping in a three-day visit to Moscow for Victory Day celebrations.
The Kremlin said Mr. Xi would visit between May 7-11, and the pair will hold talks to further develop the two countries’ “partnership and strategic co-operation” amid Russia’s war in Ukraine.
China and Russia have grown closer during the war, with the West accusing Beijing of supplying weapons components to Moscow. But Mr Xi has stopped short of formally supporting Russia in the conflict and has warned Putin against the use of nuclear weapons.
The Russian president has called for a ceasefire during the Victory Day celebrations, when some world leaders will be in Moscow for a military parade, but Volodymyr Zelensky warned Ukraine would not “be playing games to create a pleasant atmosphere” over the Russian holiday.
Putin responded by telling Russian state television he hoped the need would not arise to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine, saying “I hope they will not be required”.
US no longer mediating peace talks
Xi Jinping’s visit to Russia comes as the United States announced it would no longer mediate peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
The State Department said it was changing the “methodology of how we contribute” to the talks and will no longer “fly around the world at the drop of a hat” for meetings after Vladimir Putin refused to agree to a deal.
Tammy Bruce, a spokesman, said: “We will continue to help, but we will no longer fly around the world as mediators in meetings.”
She added that Kyiv and Moscow must now present “concrete” proposals for ending the war and should meet directly to resolve the conflict.
Initiative allows 18-24 year old’s to fight in Ukraine
A Ukrainian initiative allowing those below the draft age of 25 to serve in the military on one-year contracts is fully under way.
The scheme was introduced earlier this year and entices 18 to 24-year-olds to join the army with the promise of lucrative contracts, social benefits and elite training.
The approach also enables Ukraine to recruit younger soldiers without having to formally lower the draft age, a move that it has long resisted, even in the face of White House pressure.
Putin: ‘I do not feel like a politician’
Putin told Russian state television he does not “feel like some kind of politician” in a rare look at his life behind the locked doors of the Kremlin.
In the carefully choreographed film, Putin offered chocolates and a fermented Russian milk drink to Pavel Zarubin, a top Kremlin correspondent, in his private kitchen.
Speaking about his 25 years in power as president and prime minister, Putin said: “I don’t feel like some kind of politician.”
“I continue to breathe the very same air as millions of Russian citizens. It is very important. God willing that it continues as long as possible. And that it doesn’t disappear.”
Zelensky touches down in Prague
Volodymyr Zelensky has visited Prague to discuss the Czech Republic’s ongoing support for Ukraine in its war with Russia.
The Ukrainian president landed in the country’s capital just before midday (10am GMT), where he was greeted by Jan Lipavsky, the Czech foreign minister, local media reported.
The office of Petr Pavel, the Czech president, said he would receive the Ukrainian first couple at Prague Castle on Sunday afternoon.
The EU and Nato member has provided Ukraine with extensive humanitarian and military support since the Russian invasion in February 2022.
It has taken in over half a million Ukrainian refugees, supplied the army with tanks, armored vehicles and helicopters, and backed calls for Europe to supply Ukraine with artillery ammunition.
Tanks rehearse for Russian Victory Day parade
Russian tanks have driven through central Moscow during a rehearsal for Russia’s Victory Day parade on May 9, which will mark the 80th anniversary of the Nazi’s defeat.
The T-90M tanks will appear as part of a sizeable military parade in Red Square, presided over by Vladimir Putin and attended by several world leaders.
One of those in attendance will be Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, who is making an official state visit to the nation and holding bilateral talks with his Russian counterpart.
Putin: ‘We are strong enough to finish Ukraine operation’
Vladimir Putin has said Russia is strong enough and has sufficient resources to finish its operation in Ukraine.
The Russian president told state television that Moscow had the “means to bring what was started in 2022 to a logical conclusion” and he hoped it would not need to use nuclear weapons in the conflict.
Russia has so far rejected an unconditional 30-day ceasefire backed by Ukraine and the US, which is trying to broker an end to the three-year Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The Kremlin said the proposed deal did not offer international recognition to territory seized by Moscow’s troops and suggested it did not satisfy their demands to oust Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president.
Russian forces casualties pass 955,000, report suggests
Russia has lost 956,810 troops in Ukraine since the start of the war in Feb 2022, according to a report by the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
The figure includes some 1,340 Russian forces’ casualties over the past day alone.
The report said Russia had also lost 10,758 tanks, 22,403 armored fighting vehicles, 27,327 artillery systems, 1,376 multiple launch rocket systems, 1,155 air defense systems, 372 airplanes, 335 helicopters, 34,860 drones, 28 ships and boats, and one submarine.
Drone strike on Kyiv injures 11
Russia launched an overnight drone strike on Kyiv that left at least 11 people injured, including two children, and set several residential buildings on fire, officials said.
Falling debris from destroyed drones sparked several blazes in the Obolonskyi and Sviatoshynskyi districts of the capital, according to Timur Tkachenko, the head of Kyiv’s military administration.
Some 76 firefighters were involved in extinguishing the fires raging in Kyiv overnight, as well as tackling a smaller blaze in Kyiv’s central Shevchenkivskyi district, emergency services said.
Across the city, several cars also caught light after being struck by falling drone debris, they added.
Putin and Xi’s diplomatic history
China has portrayed itself as a neutral party over the course of the three-year war, although Western governments say its close ties to Russia have given Moscow crucial economic and diplomatic support.
Last month, Volodymyr Zelensky said two Chinese citizens were captured fighting for Russia in eastern Ukraine.
The Ukrainian president claimed his forces had fought with six Chinese soldiers in Donetsk and that there were “many more” in the Russian ranks.
But the prisoners of war said they were not fighting on behalf of China and had no links to Chinese state authorities. Instead, they were recruited as mercenaries through online advertisements, they said.
Russia accuses Ukraine of making ‘threat’ against victory parade
Russia has accused Volodymyr Zelensky of making a “direct threat” to the Second World War commemorations, after the Ukrainian president said Kyiv would not “take responsibility” for ensuring safety on the day.
On Monday, Putin declared a three-day ceasefire to coincide with the 80th anniversary parade, saying it would run from May 8 to May 10 – during which Russia would host international leaders including Xi Jinping, the Chinese president.
But Mr. Zelensky on Friday dismissed the truce as “theatrics” and said Ukraine “cannot be responsible for what happens on the territory of the Russian Federation. They are responsible for your security, and therefore, we will not give you any guarantees.”
Russia responded by calling his statement a “direct threat”.
Maria Zakharova, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman, said: “He is threatening the physical safety of veterans who will come to parades and celebrations on the holy day.”
Putin and Xi to discuss ‘matters on international agenda’
Xi Jinping’s visit to Moscow comes at the invitation of Vladimir Putin.
The pair will attend the formal celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union and its allies’ victory in the Second World War, as well as holding diplomatic discussions.
A statement from the Kremlin said: “The bilateral talks to be held during the visit will focus on the core aspects of further advancement of Russia-China relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation, as well as pressing matters on the international and regional agendas.”
It added: “The two leaders are to sign a number of bilateral inter-governmental and inter-departmental documents.”
