In this picture produced from video supplied by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry on Sunday, a Ukrainian soldier poses for the digicam along with his finger to his lips. The video reveals troops gesturing for silence suggesting that no formal announcement of a attainable counteroffensive in opposition to Russia might be made. Text seems within the video saying: “Plans love silence. There will be no announcement of the start.”

Ukrainian Defense Ministry through AP

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Ukrainian Defense Ministry through AP

In this picture produced from video supplied by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry on Sunday, a Ukrainian soldier poses for the digicam along with his finger to his lips. The video reveals troops gesturing for silence suggesting that no formal announcement of a attainable counteroffensive in opposition to Russia might be made. Text seems within the video saying: “Plans love silence. There will be no announcement of the start.”

Ukrainian Defense Ministry through AP

Here’s a glance forward and a roundup of key developments from the previous week.

What to observe

Reports of heavy fighting in Ukraine fueled hypothesis of whether or not it might be part of an anticipated Ukrainian counteroffensive, however there is no affirmation from Kyiv. Ukraine additionally would not confirm Russia’s assertion it thwarted a major Ukrainian offensive and killed lots of of troops within the Donetsk area of japanese Ukraine.

President Biden has a busy week internet hosting the Danish prime minister on Monday and the British prime minister on Thursday. The battle in Ukraine will function on the agenda for each visits.

Countries on NATO’s japanese flank, often called the Bucharest Nine, will maintain a summit in Slovakia on Tuesday. The group has strongly condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and known as Russia “the most significant and direct” safety menace.

NATO’s chief hopes to convey Sweden into the army alliance this month, however has yet to persuade Turkey and Hungary to approve the Nordic nation’s bid.

The European Commission seems set to extend a ban on some farm imports from Ukraine inside 5 nations in central and Eastern Europe.

What occurred final week

Russia stored up its assault on Kyiv. Ukraine’s air defenses shot down lots of the drone and missile strikes over its capital, however some prompted injury and casualties. Ukrainian officers said the last weekend in May saw the most important drone assault in Kyiv for the reason that invasion started in 2022, lasting greater than 5 hours and killing one individual. A missile assault in Kyiv on Thursday left two women and a child dead.

Fighters backed by Ukraine have been waging a guerrilla-style marketing campaign in southern Russia‘s Belgorod area.

Drone strikes targeted Moscow, calmly damaging a number of house buildings. Ukrainian authorities rejoiced however prevented claiming duty for the assault.

British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly argued Ukraine “has a right” to strike outdoors its borders. The remark conveyed a tougher stance than what the U.S. has stated: The Biden administration publicly opposes Ukrainian attacks inside Russia. Dmitry Medvedev, a senior Russian official and former president, reacted to Cleverly by warning any British “officials could be considered as a legitimate military target.”

Europe has blended views on Ukraine’s bid to affix NATO. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said Ukraine’s “rightful place” is in NATO, and France is pushing for a clear path for Ukraine to affix the alliance. But Germany put a damper on issues, saying this isn’t the time to speak about it within the midst of battle in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has lobbied for his nation to grow to be a part of NATO, additionally acknowledged it will be “impossible” to affix throughout the battle.

The Ukrainian Defense Ministry issued a video displaying troops placing a finger to their lips to maintain silent. Accompanying textual content stated, “There will be no announcement of the start.” The messaging constructed suspense a few main counteroffensive Ukraine has deliberate for months. Earlier within the week, Zelenskyy told The Wall Street Journal, “we are ready.”

In-depth

Ukrainian staff describe fleeing the Russian-occupied nuclear power plant.

What Secretary of State Antony Blinken sees as Russia’s strategic failings in Ukraine.

Zelenskyy accepts Ukraine cannot become a NATO member until the war ends.

Russia experiences a number of drone strikes on Moscow buildings as Kyiv is attacked again.

She had a dream job. Now, she’s part of a massive brain drain hammering Russia.

An alleged Russian spy whale is in Sweden — and hazard. Here’s why his tale matters.

On the State of Ukraine podcast: The Ukrainian fighters preparing to retake key land from Russia. And, are worldwide sanctions lastly affecting Russia’s resilient economy?

Special report

Russia’s battle in Ukraine is altering the world: See our report on its ripple effects in all corners of the globe.

Earlier developments

You can learn past recaps here. For context and extra in-depth tales, you could find extra of NPR’s coverage here. Also, hear and subscribe to NPR’s State of Ukraine podcast for updates all through the day.