EU foreign ministers plan to meet to discuss strengthening Ukraine's air defenses amid ongoing Russian attacks. The U.S. House approved a significant aid package for Ukraine, which is now pending Senate discussion. Iran and Israel have engaged in tit-for-tat attacks, with Tehran targeting Israel with drones and missiles, and Israel allegedly retaliating near Isfahan. Kosovo's elections in Serbian municipalities failed due to low turnout. Armenia and Azerbaijan reached a border-delimitation agreement. Iran's IRGC announced a new enforcement body to uphold the dress code for women. The widow of Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny warned of Putin's unpredictability. Bosnia's presidency members spoke at the UN, advocating for the condemnation of the Srebrenica genocide and the banning of genocide denial.

Democratic governance in Central Europe and Central Asia has declined for a 20th consecutive year, with Russia and Azerbaijan's aggressive actions highlighted as major concerns by Freedom House. The report emphasizes the need for democratic states to support Ukraine and protect democratic institutions. The situation of Russian opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Murza, held in solitary confinement, is detailed, highlighting the harsh treatment of political prisoners in Russia. The top U.S. general in Europe warns that Ukraine cannot sustain its fight against Russia without continued support, as a major U.S. spending bill is blocked in the House. Russian nationalist Igor Girkin plans to join Russian troops in Ukraine despite legal hurdles. Russia's Investigative Committee opens a probe into Burisma Holdings, formerly associated with Hunter Biden, in a move seen as disinformation. Floods in southern Russia and northern Kazakhstan have forced tens of thousands from their homes, with the situation expected to worsen. At least five Iranian law enforcement officers were killed in clashes with Jaish al-Adl in Sistan-Baluchistan. Armenia's Foreign Minister will not attend an upcoming CIS meeting, signaling a distancing from Russia.

Five people were killed by Russian shelling in Kharkiv, Ukraine, with more than 60 combat clashes reported along the front line. Ukrainian forces conducted drone and missile strikes on Russian border regions, including Belgorod and Kursk. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met with Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren to discuss strengthening Ukraine's air defense and military support. White House national-security adviser Jake Sullivan assured that a U.S. aid package for Ukraine would pass despite being blocked by Republicans in Congress. Meanwhile, Russia detained three individuals in Daghestan during a counterterrorism operation and continued to allege, without evidence, that Ukraine and Western spy agencies had links to a terrorist attack outside Moscow. Ukrainian cities suffered another night of bombardment, targeting civilian sites and energy infrastructure, with Zelenskiy vowing Ukraine will endure despite the attacks. France announced it would deliver armored vehicles and missiles to Ukraine, and Romania and Bulgaria partially joined Europe's Schengen travel zone.

Ukraine is facing increased Russian aggression with missile and drone attacks targeting its energy sector, while the U.S. Congress delays a $60 billion aid package. Ukrainian President Zelenskiy warns of potential retreats if aid is not received. Russia continues to blame Ukraine and the West for a deadly terrorist attack near Moscow, despite the U.S. providing advance warnings and Islamic State claiming responsibility. In Serbia, protests demand the dismissal of a professor accused of hate speech. Russian journalist Antonina Favorskaya faces charges for her work with Navalny's foundation. The Wall Street Journal's Evan Gershkovich remains detained in Russia on espionage charges, with his family and employer advocating for his release. RFE/RL journalist Alsu Kurmasheva is also detained in Russia, facing charges for her journalistic activities.

Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren stated that Ukraine is expected to receive its first F-16 fighter jets this summer, with the initial delivery coming from Denmark. The jets are part of a plan to provide 24 F-16s to Ukraine to bolster its defense capabilities against Russian aggression. Ollongren emphasized the importance of training for Ukrainian pilots and technical staff to ensure effective operation of the jets. The European Union has moved to increase its assistance to Ukraine, creating the Ukraine Assistance Fund with an earmarked 5 billion euros, as a $60-billion U.S. aid package remains stalled in the House of Representatives.

Ahmad Alamolhoda, Khamenei's representative in Mashhad, criticized the 59% of Iranians who did not vote in recent elections, saying they did not adhere to Khamenei's commands. The elections, which saw record low turnout, were the first since the 2022 protests following Mahsa Amini's death. Many prominent figures, including Narges Mohammadi, called for a boycott, and Mostafa Tajzadeh described the vote as a 'historic failure' for Iran's leaders. The elections were criticized as 'engineered,' with only candidates approved by the Guardians Council allowed to run.

Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili ended a hunger strike shortly after starting it, citing a call from the European Parliament and avoiding giving critics a reason to claim he was damaging his health. His previous hunger strikes were in protest of his incarceration and lack of adequate healthcare. Saakashvili, who is serving a six-year sentence for abuse of office, is also on trial for other charges, which he deems politically motivated. Meanwhile, Russian shelling in Ukraine continues to cause civilian casualties, and the U.S. has announced additional aid for Ukraine. The Swedish Committee for Afghanistan suspended activities after the Taliban revoked its license, and Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti discussed the ban on the Serbian dinar and the formation of an Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities. The U.S. has banned several Balkan officials for corruption, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticized the Russian presidential election as undemocratic.

Russian forces intensified shelling in Ukraine's Sumy region, with attacks on several communities and the death of at least one person. Ukrainian President Zelenskiy called for international support to strengthen air defenses. Meanwhile, Georgia's parliament is voting on a controversial 'foreign agents' bill amid protests and Western concerns. In Pakistan, a judge was kidnapped and released in South Waziristan, highlighting security issues. A Russian missile attack in Odesa killed five and injured 32, as Ukraine's President Zelenskiy urged for faster weapon deliveries from the West.

The Vetevendosje party, a leftist movement meaning 'Self-Determination', has gained significant support in Kosovo's recent parliamentary elections, securing 27% of the vote and becoming the largest single party. This reflects the electorate's frustration with the lack of economic progress, high unemployment, and corruption among the main parties, including the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK). Vetevendosje's leader, Albin Kurti, aims to unite and lead the country towards change. The party has been critical of the current political elite and has opposed agreements with Montenegro and Serbia, which have stalled reforms and frustrated voters. Vetevendosje's rise indicates a desire for change and a rejection of the status quo in Kosovo.

Kosovo is addressing the challenge of radical Islam within its prison system, where a rise in radical beliefs among inmates has been noted. The government, which promotes a secular state with moderate Islamic traditions, has enacted laws with harsh penalties for terrorist activities. Cooperation between the Justice Ministry and the Kosovo Islamic Community aims to prevent the spread of radicalism by regulating prison literature and imam visits. High unemployment and the influence of foreign Islamic charities are seen as contributing factors to radicalization. Efforts include closing extremist charities and prosecuting radical imams. Observers suggest that broader societal changes are necessary to provide alternatives to religious extremism.