Siobhán O'Grady

• Europe

A surprise offensive outside the city and dogged resistance in the center kept Putin from being able to trumpet the conquest of Bakhmut on Russia's May 9 holiday.

• War in Ukraine

Ukraine needs more time before launching its long-anticipated spring counteroffensive against Russian forces, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

• Europe

Russian and Ukrainian forces engaged in heavy fighting in the eastern city, officials of both countries said, but accounts differed on whether it was the start of Kyiv’s much-anticipated spring counteroffensive.

• War in Ukraine

The claimed Ukrainian advance came on the heels of Victory Day, when Russia commemorated the Soviet Union’s role in defeating Nazi Germany in World War II.

• Europe

Elements of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant require constant supervision, the head of Ukraine's nuclear operator said. Eliminating that oversight, he warned, “will be dangerous for the plant itself.”

• Europe

Ukraine is readying an assault to seize back territory occupied by Russia but Kyiv worries any gains could fall short of Western expectations and undercut support

• Middle East

At least 14,000 Sudanese have escaped to Egypt in the past week, braving dangerous roads and checkpoints, only to find themselves in another humanitarian crisis

• The Discord Leaks

Egypt made detailed plans to export rockets at Moscow’s request, but after a diplomatic offensive from Washington, later approved artillery production for Kyiv.

• The Discord Leaks

The leaked documents contain references to countries all over the world, ranging from China to Haiti.