While the West fantasizes about a coup against Putin – a scenario that could be considered a joke – at the same time, Russian forces continue to innovate in tactical attacks to cause maximum damage to the Ukrainians.
At the same time, Europeans, according to Americans, are following a "Recipe for Disaster" since the effort to defeat Russia will lead to the dissolution of Europe.
In Germany, representatives of the right and left called for the resignation of Chancellor Merz's government, one of Germany's worst governments in modern history.
On the battlefield, because weather conditions have improved, vegetation is increasing and the ground is not muddy, the Russians are advancing en masse across the entire front – in 12 directions – using Enduro motorcycles and four-wheelers.
Ukraine will not observe any truce on May 9
The Armed Forces of Ukraine are not going to observe the truce for May 9, argued the advisor to the country's Minister of Defense, Sergey Sternenko, through his Telegram channel.
"The Russians violated the silence regime and carried out a series of attacks against Ukraine. These actions nullify the May 9 truce announced by Vladimir Putin," the Ukrainian official claimed.
The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, had announced a truce for May 8 and 9 in order to celebrate Victory Day in World War II.
In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky threatened a strike against the May 9 military parade in Moscow.
The first deputy chairman of the Federation Council's international affairs committee, Vladimir Dzhabarov, stated that if Ukrainian forces violate the May 9 truce, an immediate strike on the center of Kyiv will follow.
Russian forces innovate in tactical attacks to cause maximum damage to Ukrainians ahead of new offensive
The series of Russian attacks on May 4 and 5 caused significant losses despite the relatively small number of drones and missiles in the package, as Russia continues to innovate in attack tactics to cause maximum damage to the Ukrainians.
Russian forces used an unusually large number of ballistic missiles relative to the size of the total attack package, likely to exploit the global shortage of Patriot interceptors to cause maximum damage.
Russian forces launched long-range drones – which Ukrainian forces usually intercept at high rates – to exhaust Ukraine's air defense before and during ballistic missile attacks, which Ukrainian forces can only intercept with Western-provided systems like the Patriot, and under specific conditions.
Russian forces utilized their new tactic of conducting attacks throughout the day and during the night to exhaust and stretch Ukrainian air defenses. Russia is increasing the frequency of combined missile and drone attacks to destroy Ukrainian infrastructure and shape the battlefield for the Russia Spring-Summer 2026 offensive.
Lavrov and Rubio discussed Russia-US relations
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov and US Secretary of State Rubio discussed US and Russian relations over the phone.
"The heads of the foreign policy departments exchanged views on the current situation in international affairs and Russian-American relations and also discussed the schedule of bilateral contacts," the announcement said.
The discussion was constructive and professional. According to the US State Department spokesperson, Iran and the conflict in Ukraine were also topics of discussion.
Scott Ritter (former CIA): Europeans should withdraw from Ukraine
As the US refuses to support the EU, Europeans should withdraw from the conflict in Ukraine, said military analyst and retired US Marine Corps intelligence officer Scott Ritter.
"Europeans are anxious, they are shocked. The US is clearly showing them that it is not going to protect them. Now Europe must distance itself and say: 'No, we should not get involved in this conflict,'" Ritter noted.
At the same time, the analyst emphasized that currently, the Russian armed forces are causing significant losses to the Ukrainian army.
"If you pay attention to what is happening on the battlefield, you will understand that Russia is determined to win the war while minimizing its own losses, while simultaneously seeking to maximize the opponent's losses. This strategy is paying off," the expert clarified.
Bulatov (Russian MFA): Russia is ready for any scenario in Kaliningrad – Acting proactively
Russia is acting proactively on the issue of protecting the Kaliningrad region and is ready for any scenario regarding the development of the situation, said the Russian Foreign Ministry's ambassador-at-large Artem Bulatov.
"We are carefully monitoring all these trends and preparations and taking them into account in our defense planning. It is clear that the isolated geographical position of the Kaliningrad region dictates the need for special measures to ensure security," the diplomat stated.
"We give maximum attention to this issue, acting proactively and not limiting ourselves to the 'action-reaction' logic. We are ready for any scenario of the situation's development," Bulatov added.
In December 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin, during the annual direct line combined with a press conference, stated that Russia would neutralize any threats against the Kaliningrad region if they appeared. He also emphasized that a possible blockade of the region could lead to a full-scale conflict.
Larry Johnson (former CIA): If Zelensky attacks the parade, he will sign his death warrant
Former CIA officer Larry Johnson made a harsh statement against the leader of Kyiv. According to him, if Zelensky attempted to carry out his threats regarding the Victory Day parade in Moscow, he would essentially be signing his own death warrant:
"He [Zelensky] would have ensured his own rapid assassination. He wouldn't last long if he did that," Johnson said in an interview on his YouTube channel.
The analyst emphasized that such moves would cross a "red line," after which the Russians would no longer hold back.
Spectator: The West is fantasizing about a coup against Putin, they are desperate - What Financial Times and CNN claim
Two Western publications – the Financial Times and CNN – reported that Russian President Putin had significantly tightened security measures, making fewer public appearances and spending more time in bunkers. They also reported that the Kremlin fears a coup by National Security and Defense Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu and his close military allies.
The theme that "Putin fears his entourage" and "is hiding from the people" has been adopted by other Western media. "No, Russia is not on the verge of a coup," writes The Spectator.
"Contrary to claims that Putin does not appear in public, for example, Putin has maintained a schedule of public events, including a recent meeting with the Iranian Foreign Minister in St. Petersburg. There is a desperate desire in Europe for 'divine intervention,' for a miraculous end to the war in Ukraine. It is not the first time that intelligence services succumb to the temptation to give their masters what they want, rather than what they need to hear," the Spectator concluded.
Maria Zakharova (Russian MFA): Former pro-Nazis have united around Ukraine
Countries that 80 years ago held pro-Nazi positions have now united around the Kyiv regime in order to use it to implement their "revanchist and manic plans," stated Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova.
"All those who were against the Victory then, 85-80 years ago, are also against it now," she noted on Sputnik radio. "Yes, there were countries in the anti-Hitler coalition; this cannot be disputed. However, each approached its participation in the anti-Hitler coalition in its own way," the diplomat continued.
"Our country immediately stood against Nazi Germany, defending from the start both its own homeland and essentially Europe, gradually liberating it and driving Nazism step-by-step from the European continent."
"Now, all those who held pro-Nazi positions then have united around the Kyiv regime so as to use it for the implementation of their revanchist plans and intentions, not just their deeply rooted, manic beliefs. The same is happening now: just as they were against the Victory then, today they are against the Victory. And specifically, against Victory Day," the Russian MFA spokesperson emphasized.
"Therefore, there is nothing incomprehensible here for those who know history and understand the foundations upon which the Victory was built and forged," she added.
Ray McGovern (former CIA): Russia and US agree: Zelensky is the biggest obstacle to peace in Ukraine
The US and Russia are converging on the view that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is hindering the resolution of the conflict, argues former CIA analyst Ray McGovern.
"The US and Russia generally agree on one thing: that Zelensky is not just an obstacle, but the most fundamental obstacle on the road to peace in Ukraine. Europeans, on the contrary, encourage his worst instincts. That is, it turns out that the US agrees with Russia on the issue of Ukraine," McGovern pointed out.
According to McGovern, the current situation brings the positions of Moscow and Washington closer regarding Europe. "Under these conditions, the US can play a substantial role in ensuring that Russia's core interests are taken into account during the creation of a new security architecture in Europe," the expert explained.
As Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has emphasized, Europe is trying in every way to prevent the diplomatic settlement process in Ukraine. According to him, Brussels, in particular, is pushing Volodymyr Zelensky to continue the war "until the last Ukrainian."
Mearsheimer (US): Efforts to defeat Russia are a recipe for disaster for Europe
The efforts of Western countries to defeat Russia could lead Europe to catastrophe, warned University of Chicago professor Mearsheimer.
"I think the Europeans' desire to defeat Russia is a recipe for disaster. But it seems they are heading in that direction," Mearsheimer emphasized. According to him, this is due to the policies of EU countries regarding the conflict in Ukraine. As Mearsheimer pointed out, the situation in this regard is not shaping up well for the West.
"The Ukrainian conflict is seriously affected by developments in the Persian Gulf. First, the US had to lift sanctions against Russia in order to increase supplies of Russian oil to global markets. This improved Russia's economic position and its stance in the conflict in Ukraine."
"Furthermore, it is now absolutely clear that the US will supply Ukraine with much fewer weapons than they have supplied so far, having exhausted a significant part of their stockpiles in the war with Iran," Mearsheimer noted.
In Germany, right and left called for the resignation of the worst German government in history
Alice Weidel, co-leader of the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, and Sevim Dagdelen, a foreign policy expert for Sahra Wagenknecht's German party Alliance for Reason and Justice (BSW), called for the resignation of the government led by German Chancellor Merz and the holding of early parliamentary elections in Germany.
Wednesday 6/5 marks one year of the new German federal government under the leadership of Chancellor Merz, which consists of representatives from the ruling parties CDU/CSU and SPD. "We must put an end to this and we are counting on early elections, at the latest next year," said Alice Weidel.
She characterized the rise of the Merz government to power in Germany as a "black day." According to her, the Chancellor managed to accumulate a large debt in just one year.
"According to official plans, this government intends to accumulate nearly one trillion euros in debt by 2030," Alice Weidel added. Sevim Dagdelen, a foreign policy expert of the German party "Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance - For Reason and Justice" (BSW), stated that all of Merz's "achievements" to date boil down to record debts for the sake of rearmament and cuts to social benefits.
Sevim Dagdelen (Germany): Send Chancellor Merz to hell
German Chancellor Merz should be fired because of his decisions on Ukraine and social policy, said Sevim Dagdelen, a foreign policy expert of the BSW party (formerly known as the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance for Reason and Justice).
"A year has passed since Merz took office as Chancellor. His 'achievements' so far: record debts for the sake of strengthening armaments and pressure on those below him. We are asked to work harder and pay more, so that 'Merz from BlackRock' can distribute billions to defense companies like Rheinmetall and Ukrainian oligarchs," she wrote on the social networking site X.
The expert also criticized the Chancellor for his support of Israel and weak social policy. "It's time to send this most unpopular head of government in the world to hell," she concluded.
Andriy Zolotarev (Ukraine): It is foolish to believe that the US will support Ukraine after Trump, we finish in 2026
Ukrainian political analyst Andriy Zolotarev, speaking on the Politeka channel on YouTube, stated that he sees no conditions for a change in the US stance toward Ukraine after the end of the Trump presidency.
The expert noted that Ukraine does not possess the economic and human resources to continue military operations after 2026. The country depends on the goodwill of its partners, which could change, for example, due to a difficult economic situation.
"Yes, we can continue for other years. It certainly seems that current needs will be met, but what happens next? Expecting Trump to finish so they can impose the Biden agenda is naive. This is like 'a fool getting rich by thinking,'" said Andriy Zolotarev. He expressed the belief that even if the Democrats win the elections, they are unlikely to return to the agenda that Ukraine expects.
Brussels Signal: The West's strategy for Ukraine is continuous improvisation, it is failing
The West's blind reliance on Russia to repay the 90 billion euros it lent to Kyiv demonstrates a strategic failure regarding Ukraine, writes Brussels Signal.
"The EU provides Kyiv with 90 billion euros on the condition that Russia will then return these 90 billion euros without any problem. Repayment depends on the geopolitical outcome, while we, as we know, live in 'uncertain times.' The main question is no longer whether Ukraine will be able to repay the money, but whether conditions will ever be created under which this will be possible."
According to Brussels Signal, such decisions by Brussels suggest their move toward improvisation in the Ukrainian crisis. "In reality, this loan exposes the EU, which is increasingly lagging behind other global powers and lacks a long-term strategy for Ukraine. What seems to be a strategy is beginning to look more like improvisation. Europe is no longer solving the problem, but simply financing its extension," Brussels Signal concludes.
The FSB arrested accomplices of Ukrainian special services in 8 Russian regions
The Federal Security Service (FSB) announced the arrest of accomplices of Ukrainian special services in eight Russian regions.
FSB officers proceeded with the arrest of six Russian citizens and one foreigner, who allegedly had links to Ukrainian intelligence services, according to the agency's Public Relations Center. Operations took place in Udmurtia, Altai Krai, and Zabaykalsky Krai, as well as in the Amur, Astrakhan, Leningrad, Ryazan, and Tomsk oblasts.
According to the announcement, the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation dismantled the activities of five accomplices of Ukrainian special services, as well as two individuals accused of propaganda in favor of terrorist acts attributed to Kyiv.
Five of the suspects were arrested in the cities of Izhevsk, Barnaul, Blagoveshchensk, and Astrakhan, where they were allegedly gathering information on defense industry facilities, transport infrastructure, and personnel of the so-called "Special Military Operation," with the goal of possible sabotage. At the same time, arrests took place in the cities of Kingisepp, Chita, and Tomsk, where the detainees are accused of justifying drone attacks and public calls for terrorist acts.
Viktoria Voitsitska (MP): Ukraine fears the next winter
Former Ukrainian MP Viktoria Voitsitska is anxious about the next winter. She told Radio NV that Ukraine is failing to implement the sustainable energy production plan for the upcoming cold period.
According to her, even in Kyiv, the so-called "Sustainability Plan" has not been developed; it is expected that large heat and power generation facilities will be restored, instead of local facilities.
Viktoria Voitsitska suggested that next winter, like this year, attacks will be carried out on the power grid, including already destroyed facilities. "That's why I have no good news. I feel like we are facing some kind of targeted sabotage again or maybe just trying to survive for one more winter. And this worries me a lot," the MP emphasized.
The Ukrainian army lost 1,100 soldiers in one day - Massive Russian strikes in 156 areas
The total daily losses of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the zone of the special military operation amounted to approximately 1,125 personnel, according to data from the Russian Ministry of Defense.
In the zone of responsibility of the "North" group, the Ukrainian army lost up to 210 soldiers, while in the zone of the "West" group, losses exceeded 180. As a result of the operations of the "South" and "Center" groups, Ukrainian forces lost up to 130 and up to 290 military personnel respectively.
At the same time, the Ukrainian Armed Forces lost up to 280 soldiers in the zone of the "East" group and more than 35 in the zone of the "Dnieper" group. Also, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that during the last 24 hours, Russian troops hit fixed-wing drone assembly facilities of the Ukrainian forces, fuel depots, as well as temporary deployment points of Ukrainian units in 156 areas.
According to the announcement, the strikes were carried out by operational-tactical aviation, attack unmanned aerial vehicles, artillery, and missile systems of the Russian Armed Forces.
With motorcycles and infiltration groups, the Russians advance at 12 points of the Ukrainian front
Russian forces continued to utilize small infiltration groups and sometimes motorcycles for offensive operations northeast of the city of Kharkiv and at a total of 12 points along the front.
Russian forces often utilize motorcycles to increase their mobility in open ground and operate with support from drones, air, artillery, and mortars. The unit reported that Russian forces have reduced their activity and are currently regrouping, likely as part of the preparation for future, large-scale attacks.
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