Newsletter 07/05/2025
A daily news digest covering important war, political, economic, and cultural topics in Ukraine
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SSU drones hit Russian military plants ‘Bazalt’ and ‘Splav’ – source
Last night, long-range drones of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) struck two key defense industry facilities in the Russian rear.
“Explosions occurred at the ‘Bazalt’ — Russia’s main defense enterprise producing weapons and ammunition for all branches of the Russian military (Krasnoarmeysk, Moscow region). Local residents counted at least seven explosions followed by a fire. Drones also struck the ‘Splav’ plant — Russia’s only facility that designs and manufactures multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) and related ammunition (Tula city). A large fire and heavy smoke followed the drone impacts,” source in the SSU informed Ukrinform about it.
Ukrainian drones strike Russian defense industry facilities in Saransk, Tula
In Saransk, a fiber optic systems plant, which is a crucial component of Russia’s military communications sector, was hit. This facility specializes in the production of fiber optic cables and communication systems for the Russian army, including fiber-based drone communication systems.
Latvia, Lithuania ban Vucic from using their airspace for Moscow-bound flight - media
As Ukrinform reported earlier, in total, leaders of 20 foreign delegations are expected to come to Russia for Victory Day events. Among foreign leaders in question are Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. Putin's invitation was also accepted by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, and Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary Tho Lam.
War
General Staff reports 93 clashes on frontline since day-start, fighting ongoing in seven sectors
Since the start of the day, May 7, as many as 93 combat engagements have taken place between Ukrainian Defense Forces and Russian troops, with active fighting ongoing in seven operational directions, the most intense being in the Pokrovsk sector.
Defense Forces drones “hunt down” Russian Zaslon radar in Kursk region
CinC Syrskyi: Over 1,300 combat engagements have occurred on frontline since beginning of May
CinC Syrskyi: Russian army has lost nearly 170,000 troops since beginning of year
Russians using Zaporizhzhia NPP as military base and site for UAV crews training – Voloshyn
Ukraine’s forces down two ballistic missiles, 81 enemy drones
Ukraine’s Defense Forces shot down two Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles and 81 drones used by Russian forces to attack Ukraine beginning the evening of May 6.
FM Sybiha on night attack on Ukrainian cities: Putin mocks U.S. peace efforts
Russians attack Kyiv with ballistic missile and 28 attack drones - KCMA
Enemy attacks Pokrovsk community in Dnipropetrovsk region with guided bombs, eight wounded
Invaders strike community in Zaporizhzhia with guided bombs, wounding man
Russian drone attacks: 40 private buildings and apartment blocks damaged in Kharkiv
Russian army attacks Nikopol district 30 times in one day using artillery and drones
Politics
Merz linking security guarantees for Ukraine to long-term ceasefire
Germany’s new Chancellor Friedrich Merz has linked the issue of providing security guarantees to Ukraine with the establishment of a long-term ceasefire, expressing hope that the sides can agree on a truce in the coming days.
Macron following meeting with Merz: Europe awaiting 30-day ceasefire decision from Putin
“Today, there is only one question we need answered: Is Russia ready for a ceasefire lasting at least 30 days, so that we can build a strong and lasting peace in that context?” Macron asked.
Dutch minister on justice for Russia: We've seen extraditions even after 20 years
International justice has previously seen extraditions for crimes committed 20 years earlier, and it continues to work on behalf of victims of the war in Ukraine, even though it is currently impossible to extradite Russians from Russia.
Kellogg admits Putin main impediment to ceasefire in Ukraine
"I think we are close (to a possible ceasefire - ed.). The one man who can deliver is President Trump, as long as Putin agrees. Probably the only impediment to progress is the president of Russia, not agreeing to it," Kellogg said.
Economy
OECD calls on Ukraine to lighten regulatory burdens to help boost investment
The relevant statement was made by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in its Economic Surveys: Ukraine 2025, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
According to the document, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has inflicted massive human and economic damage. After the initial shock, the economy has progressively adapted, supported by effective policy responses and substantial external support.
Ruling party to support ratification of U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Fund Agreement – MP
“Our faction will vote to ratify the agreement. We act responsibly and fully understand what’s at stake. This concerns defense support from the U.S. Without ratification, we might not receive vital weapons and air defense systems to protect our cities and save Ukrainian lives,” Merezhko said.
Europe must accelerate Ukraine's path to EU membership to achieve lasting peace – EC President
EU member states must accelerate Ukraine's path to EU membership and open all clusters in the process of enlargement negotiations with Ukraine by the end of this year, as Ukraine's accession to the EU is the best guarantee for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and in Europe.
Lithuania wants to produce maritime drones for itself, Ukraine
Lithuania is eyeing production of naval drones under the 1+1 scheme – one for itself and one for Ukraine.
Society
Concert of Ukrainian music took place in Japan
The Tokyo Fuji Art Museum successfully hosted a concert of Ukrainian music for more than 300 listeners, including folk songs in choral performance, works by Mykola Lysenko, Mykola Kropyvnytskyi, Mykola Skoryk, R. Hlier and other. MORE PHOTOS
Go defense drones of SSU !!! Spare No Russian !!