The Washington Post
Here is the latest from Ukraine.
- World financial leaders in the Group of Seven nations agreed to provide Ukraine with about $20 billion in short-term economic support to stabilize its economy amid the ongoing invasion.
- The U.S. Senate approved President Biden’s $40 billion package of fresh military, humanitarian and financial aid to Ukraine. Biden is set to sign the package into law during a trip to East Asia that starts in South Korea on Friday.
- Remaining Ukrainian fighters at the Azovstal steel plant were ordered to lay down their arms and cease the defense of their last stronghold in Mariupol, Denis Prokopenko, a commander of the far-right Azov Regiment, said in a video Friday.
- The war crimes trial of Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin in Ukraine, the first of its kind in the conflict, has adjourned. The court will hand down a sentence next week.
More live updates here.
The Washington Post
Four maps explain how Sweden and Finland could alter NATO’s security
This week Finland and Sweden, traditionally neutral nations, announced their bids to join NATO, a move that analysts say will transform Europe’s security landscape for years to come — and further strain relations with Russia, which opposes the alliance’s eastern expansion.
The addition of the countries could offer the alliance expanded land, sea and air capabilities. Sweden has a strong navy, which would strengthen NATO’s defenses in the Baltic Sea, and builds its own fighter jets, which it exports to countries around the globe. Finland’s well-funded military maintains mandatory conscription for men.
The countries also offer key geographic advantages, which would enhance NATO’s defenses.
Read the full story here.
Russia mulls total mobilization in Mariupol this summer – city mayor’s advisor
In Mariupol, the invaders will conduct a census of men aged 18 to 50 under the guise of forming a "labor reserve to clear the rubble," while these men are most likely to be later drafted into the army to fight against Ukraine’s forces. — Ukrinform.
War to shrink Ukraine’s economy at least by a third - National Bank
The National Bank of Ukraine estimates the war-related economic contraction by at least a third compared to pre-war levels. — Ukrinform.
Russia's atrocities confirm it was rightfully expelled from CoE - Secretary General
Marija Pejčinović Burić, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, emphasizes that the atrocities committed by Russia in Ukraine confirm that the move to expel Russia from the Council of Europe was correct. — Ukrinform.
https://t.me/KyivIndependent_official/4591 ⚡️ Local official: Russian troops complete clearing rubble of ruined Mariupol Drama Theater, conceal real death toll.
#Unraine #Russia #News #NATO #WashingtonPostsux #ArmUkraineNow #RetakeMariupol 
The Kyiv Independent
⚡️ Local official: Russian troops complete clearing rubble of ruined Mariupol Drama Theater, conceal real death toll.
“Now we will never find out how many civilians were actually killed there,” said Petro Andriushchenko, advisor to Mariupol mayor. On March 16, the Russian military hit the theater, where hundreds of women and children were hiding, with an air bomb.
https://t.me/ukrainenowenglish/8630 ⚡️7️⃣The G7 countries officially approved the provision of almost $20 billion in financial assistance to Ukraine.
#Ukraine #WashingtonPostsux #Russia #NATO #News #EU 
Ukraine NOW [English]
⚡️7️⃣The G7 countries officially approved the provision of almost $20 billion in financial assistance to Ukraine
Seven wounded, including child, in Russian missile strike on Lozova, Kharkiv region
At least seven people, including a child, were injured in a missile attack on the town of Lozova in Kharkiv region. — Ukrinform.
Ukraine NOW [English]
⚡️The situation as of 6pm, May 20. General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine:
The Russian military has launched missile strikes on infrastructure in various parts of Ukraine.
Two missile battalions of the "Tochka-U" tactical missile system and a battalion of the "Smerch" multiple launch rocket system are deployed at separate ranges on the territory of the Republic of Belarus. The threat of missile strikes remains.
In the temporarily occupied territories of Kharkiv region, the enemy continues to block the work of Ukrainian mobile operators, distributes propaganda materials, and tries to broadcast Russian TV and radio channels.
In Mariupol, the enemy is carrying out filtration measures against the local population.
The Kyiv Independent
⚡️National Bank of Ukraine to lift restrictions on exchange rate.
The National Bank of Ukraine said it would remove restrictions on the exchange rate at which banks sell foreign currency on May 21. Previously this rate could not deviate from the official rate by more than 10%. The bank also temporarily reduced the monthly limit on cash withdrawals abroad from hryvnia accounts from 100,000 Hr($3,418) to 50,000 Hr ($1710).
Ukraine War Bulletins and News