Vučić's illness, Romanian election, and Su-30s downed by Ukrainian Magura drones - Weekend brief
RBC-Ukraine collage
Ukrainian Magura sea drones shot down Russian Su-30s, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić's trip to the Moscow parade was called into question due to a sudden illness. Meanwhile, Romania held the first round of elections, with pro-Russian radical George Simion leading the pack.
Read more about what happened over the weekend.
Magura drones shoot down two Su-30s
On Saturday, May 3, intelligence reported that a Magura maritime drone shot down a Russian Su-30 aircraft with a missile over the Black Sea near Novorossiysk. It was the first incident in world history that an aircraft was destroyed by a naval drone.
Later, the head of the intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, said that the drones shot down not one, but two Russian Su-30s by American AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles.
To read what Ukrainian Magura drones with American missiles look like, see the report here.
Vučić may miss Putin's parade
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić suddenly fell ill during a visit to the United States. He urgently returned to Belgrade and was examined at a military hospital. The doctor diagnosed symptoms similar to a sharp rise in blood pressure and said that Vučić would not be able to return to his normal schedule for several more days.
The Serbian president is unlikely to attend the May 9 parade in Moscow because of his illness, but he has not yet officially canceled his visit. Meanwhile, the Indian Defense Minister changed his mind about visiting Russia, citing the crisis with Pakistan.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping, however, will come to Russia and take part in the celebrations of the Victory Day.
Presidential election in Romania
Romania held repeat presidential elections. None of the candidates received 50% of the vote, so a second round of elections will take place on May 18. The far-right and pro-Russian politician George Simion, who promised to cut off aid to Ukraine if he becomes president, is leading the first round by a significant margin.
Read more about the Romanian presidential election and candidates in RBC-Ukraine's article.
Trump makes new statements about Ukraine war
US President Donald Trump gave an interview on NBC News Meet the Press program, in which he repeatedly mentioned Russia's war against Ukraine.
What Trump said about the war:
- The United States has become closer to one of the parties but did not specify which one.
- He acknowledged that Russia seeks to take over the whole of Ukraine, but added that it would have to give in.
- He threatened Russia with tough sanctions if it did not reconsider its behavior.
Zelenskyy and Putin exchange statements on peace
Russian leader Vladimir Putin gave an interview to propagandists in which he spoke about an “inevitable" ceasefire with Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine does not want a long-term war with Russia, but is ready to defend itself until Moscow is forced to peace. Kyiv expects to receive 3 million artillery shells this year.
Ukraine to receive new Patriot systems
The New York Times reported that Ukraine would receive a Patriot system from Israel this summer. The system is currently undergoing major repairs. Another system may be delivered by Germany or Greece this year.
