Largest drone attack on Ukraine, Eurovision 2025 finale, Zelenskyy-Vance meeting in Rome - Weekend brief

Over 270 drones: Russia's record attack on Ukraine and how air defense responded

On the night of May 18, Russia launched a record drone attack on Ukraine, deploying 273 drones, including Shahed strike drones and decoys.

According to the Air Forces, the enemy attacked from five directions: Bryansk, Kursk, Oryol regions, as well as from the Millerovo and Primorsko-Akhtarsk areas.

As of the morning of May 18, 88 strike drones were shot down, and another 128 decoy drones were lost due to losing location, meaning they did not reach their targets and caused no damage.

Zelenskyy sends letter to Trump outlining new defense and trade proposals

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy sent a letter to US President Donald Trump. The letter contains new proposals for cooperation in the defense industry and trade.

"Special attention was given to the implementation of the Ukraine–US economic partnership agreement. The Head of State noted that he had sent a letter to President Trump with new proposals for cooperation in the defense industry and trade sectors," the statement said.

Russia attacks evacuation bus in Sumy region: Most victims are elderly women

A Russian Lancet kamikaze drone struck a regular bus transporting civilians from Bilopillia, Sumy region. Most of the victims are elderly women, according to the head of the Bilopillia community, Yurii Zarko.

According to Zarko, nine people were killed in the attack, and five more were injured. They were given first aid at the scene and taken to a hospital in Sumy.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the attack killed a family of three: a father, mother and daughter.

The UN also reacted to the attack. In particular, representatives of the organization called the attack the deadliest in the last few weeks.

Who wins Eurovision 2025 and what place does Ukraine take: Final results

The Eurovision 2025 contest in Basel was won by Austria's representative JJ with the track Wasted Love.

Find out who took the top spots and where our representative Ziferblat placed in the RBC-Ukraine article.

Zelenskyy welcomes Pope Leo XIV's offer of Vatican as venue for Ukraine-Russia talks

Pope Leo XIV hosted a Ukrainian delegation following his enthronement. He expressed the Vatican's readiness to serve as a venue for direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in pursuit of a just peace, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

"After the inauguration Mass, we had a meeting with Pope Leo XIV. We are grateful to His Holiness for the audience," Zelenskyy said.

Denmark provides Ukraine with new military aid using special scheme

According to the Danish Ministry of Defense, Copenhagen will allocate hundreds of millions of euros for direct purchases of weapons from the Ukrainian defense industry.

In 2025, Denmark plans to distribute around 830 million euros to buy Ukrainian-made defense products as part of the European Peace Facility.

Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said this decision recognizes Denmark’s efforts in supporting Ukraine.

Russia is not ready for peace, Zelenskyy urges Rubio and Vance to increase pressure

On May 18, in Rome, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with US Vice President JD Vance and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The parties discussed Istanbul, pressure on Russia, and other matters.

"During our talks, we discussed negotiations in Istanbul to where the Russians sent a low-level delegation of non-decision-makers. I reaffirmed that Ukraine is ready to be engaged in real diplomacy and underscored the importance of a full and unconditional ceasefire as soon as possible," Zelenskyy said.