Su-57s Struck, New F-16 Simulators, and Potential Demobilization – Ukraine Latest, May 1

Russia’s Starlink ban, updates on Russia’s May 9 ceasefire proposal, Ukraine’s new military overhaul – updates from Ukraine and beyond Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied This handout satellite image released by 2026 Planet Labs PBC on April 29, 2026, shows a plume of smoke rising from the Tuapse oil refinery in the Russian port of Tuapse, south-western Russia, on April 28, 2026. (Photo by Handout / 2026 Planet Labs PBC / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Militarily, today is what might be considered a good day – or at least one filled with mostly good news. The defense ministry announced new training simulators for Ukraine’s F-16 jets before hinting at a major reform , boosting pay and introducing new contracts – including the possibility of demobilization, a long-debated issue in Ukraine as the war passed its four-year mark and troop fatigue became a real concern. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . Russia’s Tuapse refinery was also struck again – the fourth time in two weeks – while President Volodymyr Zelensky said all the oil facility strikes this year have amounted to $7 billion in losses for Moscow’s budget . Bloomberg also reported that Russia’s oil processing has dipped to its lowest level since 2009 , with Moscow scrambling to implement damage-control measures . Many suspect these setbacks are also behind Russia’s move to ban imports of Starlink , as part of a broader effort to tighten control over communications. In what’s considered a rarity, Russia’s elusive Su-57 stealth fighters were also hit deep behind the front a few days ago, according to Ukraine’s General Staff, while Ukraine’s Military Intelligence (HUR) said a covert operation hit Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov’s Akhmat unit hard near Sumy. General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff of the Canadian Armed Forces, poses for a portrait in her office at the National Defence headquarters in Ottawa, on March 30, 2026. (Photo by Daphne LEMELIN / AFP) Other Topics of Interest Ukraine Plans Higher Pay, Phased Demobilization Under Army Reform Proposed changes include higher base salaries, large infantry contract bonuses, and phased demobilization starting in 2026. We also had an interview with Canada’s top general – the first woman to lead Canada’s Armed Forces – on Ottawa’s support for Ukraine and outlook for future security. But it is far from what one can call a perfect day – western Ukraine’s Ternopil was hit hard in a rare daytime attack , with houses in Odesa and fuel stations in Kharkiv hit just hours earlier , as Russia’s drones launched against Ukraine reached record numbers in April based on AFP tallies. US President Donald Trump also blamed his predecessor, Joe Biden, for helping Ukraine, claiming it is why the war continues ; Moscow, on the other hand, said it needs no input from Ukraine on its proposed V-Day ceasefire, which ironically is not how a ceasefire works. This undated picture released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Dec. 26, 2025 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (C) visiting major munitions industry enterprises to acquaint himself with the missile and shell production at an undisclosed place in North Korea. (Photo by KCNA VIA KNS / AFP) As Israel delivers 6,500 tons of weapons to Israel within 24 hours, the Iran war is also accelerating concerns of the US’s ability to defend itself – this time concerning threats from North Korea, as analysts suggest Pyongyang’s missile programs might be outpacing Washington’s means to defend against them. Kyiv’s dispute with Hungary’s incoming prime minister also continues to brew, with the latter now saying he won’t back Kyiv’s EU accession unless Kyiv grants more rights to its Hungarian minority. We are also keeping an eye on the Russian deputy minister who reportedly fled to the US and the latest Mindich scandal, which now implicates the manufacturer of Ukraine’s Flamingo missile. Interested in more updates like this? Subscribe to our daily newsletter here . Leo Chiu is a journalist and editor based in Eastern Europe since 2015. He has witnessed two presidential elections in Belarus and traveled widely to conflict zones and contested regions, producing reporting that bridges the gap between major developments and local realities.