Update on the Ukraine conflict: Zelenskyy mentions three million shells from our allies.

Ukraine is looking to secure 3 million shells from its allies and partners, including 1.8 million through a Czech-led initiative by 2025, said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visit to Prague on Sunday. “The Czech artillery initiative is functioning exceptionally well,” he remarked. This program, aimed at supplying artillery ammunition to Ukraine, is largely financed by NATO allies. “North Korea isn’t our only source of assistance. We have allies supporting Ukraine,” Zelenskyy stated.

Zelenskyy also mentioned that details regarding a partnership with a Czech defense company would be revealed on Monday. Ongoing discussions revolve around establishing a Ukrainian and Czech training school for F-16 fighter jets, though it might not be located in Ukraine due to current security issues.

In talks with Petr Pavel, the former NATO general and current President of the Czech Republic, Zelenskyy shared, “Putin can end the war with a single decision, but there appears to be no motivation from him at this time.” Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiara and other lawmakers are expected to meet with Zelenskyy in Prague on Monday.

Ukrainian forces have targeted factories producing electrical equipment in the Briansk region of Russia, according to local governor Alexander Bogomaz. Many facilities have been damaged near the Ukrainian border, especially those specializing in electronics for Russia’s defense sector. “Initial reports indicate that the Strela Factory in Suzenka, Briansk region, is no longer operational following the attack,” stated Andriy Kovalenko, head of the government’s counter-disinformation center. A Telegram channel linked to Russian security suggested that this factory was struck using a Grad rocket system.

The Russian military reported that air defenses had intercepted four Ukrainian drones approaching Moscow early Monday.

On Sunday, Zelenskyy expressed skepticism about Putin’s commitment to a self-declared three-day ceasefire to coincide with Russia’s “Victory Day” celebrations on May 9th. “This isn’t the first time Russia has made promises regarding a ceasefire. We know who we’re dealing with, and we don’t trust them,” he said, highlighting that Russia conducted over 200 attacks on that Saturday alone. Nonetheless, Zelenskyy stated that a ceasefire with Russia remains a possibility, urging allies in Kyiv to exert more pressure on Moscow, or else Putin would not take meaningful steps to resolve the conflict.

In an investigation, Guardian’s Shaun Walker highlighted how Moscow recruits “disposable people” online to engage in sabotage, arson, and disinformation efforts across Europe. While some recruits are fully aware of their roles, others are unknowingly contributing to Moscow’s agenda.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in comments made public on Sunday, stated there is no justification for using nuclear weapons in Ukraine, expressing hope that it wouldn’t come to that. He claimed Russia could resolve the Ukrainian conflict without such measures.