Former Yanukovych aide killed in Spain, Russian strike hits Sumy Oblast firing range: May 21 highlights

Attack on a shooting range in Sumy Oblast

On May 20, Russian forces launched a missile strike on the Shostka community in Sumy Oblast, targeting a firing range, according to Ukraine’s National Guard.

The attack killed six Ukrainian soldiers and injured 10 others. An internal investigation has been launched to examine the circumstances of the strike.

Yanukovych's ex-adviser Andriy Portnov shot dead in Spain

Andriy Portnov, former deputy head of the Presidential Administration under Viktor Yanukovych, was found shot dead in Madrid, Spain, on May 21.

Portnov was attacked while dropping his daughters at the American School in Pozuelo de Alarcón, near Madrid, around 9:15 a.m. local time. Spanish media, including El País, reported that two or three assailants fired at least five shots, with three hitting Portnov, including a fatal headshot after he fell.

Witnesses heard up to seven shots, and a motorbike with possible accomplices was spotted nearby.

Spanish police are investigating a possible settling of scores as the motive, with no arrests reported.

Dnipropetrovsk Oblast denies that Russians have reached the regional border

Social media spread claims that Russian troops reached Dnipropetrovsk Obalst’s border. The Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, led by Serhiy Lysak, dismissed these as “fake” and disinformation.

“This ‘news’ and its accompanying photo are false. They were deliberately spread by the enemy to intimidate our region’s residents, sow panic, and destabilize the situation,” Lysak said.

Rubio failed to publicly call Putin a war criminal

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio refused to label Russian President Vladimir Putin a war criminal when pressed by Democratic Congressman Bill Keating during a congressional hearing.

Rubio acknowledged that “war crimes have undoubtedly been committed” but said, “There will be a time and place for accountability. Right now, the task is to end the war,” focusing on diplomatic efforts over direct accusations.

In Lviv Oblast, teenagers filmed a naked boy with autism

In Lviv Oblast, teenagers filmed an autistic boy undressing and shared the video in messaging apps with derogatory comments. The boy’s mother said the same group previously assaulted her son in 2024, prompting a police complaint.

Administrative protocols were filed against the parents of two schoolchildren involved, and authorities are considering charges against a 17-year-old participant.

Journalist Butusov said he had mobilized into the National Guard

Yuriy Butusov, editor-in-chief of Censor.NET, announced he mobilized to the National Guard.

Radio Free Europe reported that Butusov cited the military leadership’s lack of clear communication as a reason for his decision.

Bloomberg: After conversation with Putin, Trump made it clear to allies that he believes in Russia's victory

Bloomberg reported that U.S. President Donald Trump told European leaders he believes Russia is winning the war against Ukraine, echoing Kremlin talking points during a conversation with Putin.

A source told Bloomberg that Trump’s stance reflects his push for a swift negotiated settlement, raising concerns among allies about weakened support for Kyiv.

Other news

• Finnish President Alexander Stubb said “technical-level” Russia-Ukraine talks may continue in the Vatican from May 26 to June 1.
• The 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade commander criticized leadership, saying it feels like “they’re trying to erase us.”
• Overnight into May 21, drones struck Russia’s Oryol Oblast, hitting a semiconductor factory.
• A Kharkiv recruitment center officer was charged for striking a conscript during a document check.

• A fire at a thermal power plant in Bila Tserkva, Kyiv Oblast, killed two people.