Putin searching for soldiers in Transnistria, Zelenskyy warns | Morning Report

Added: 2026-05-18

[00:00:00]Hello and welcome to World News. It's 9:00 a.m. in Warsaw on TVP World.

[00:00:07]Russia launched drones, air strikes, and artillery attacks at Ukraine overnight into Monday, targeting cities like Odessa in the south and Denro in the southeast, killing one person and wounding more than 30 Ukrainian officials announced on Monday.

[00:00:23]Drones hit residential buildings, a school, and a kindergarten in the major Black Sea port of Adessa. The head of the local military administration has said that an 11year-old boy and a 59year-old man were wounded in the attack. Russia hit the southeastern Ukrainian city of Denipro with missiles in a separate attack, wounding 18, including two children, a girl of two and a boy of 10. Strikes were also recorded in the southern region of her son where they killed one person and wounded nine.

[00:00:54]Ukraine has stepped up drone attacks deep inside Russia with authorities reporting at least four people killed including three in the outskirts of Moscow in what is being described as the largest strike on the Russian capital in over a year. Our correspondent in Kiev Oscar has more. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zalinski has said that Ukraine's attacks on Russia will continue and that they are completely justified following Russian authorities saying that Ukraine launched more than 1,000 drones which Russia had downed in Russian territory and that four people had been killed following those attacks.

[00:01:33]The Ukrainian president released a statement on Sunday saying, "Our responses to Russia's prolongation of the war and its attacks on our cities and communities are completely justified," adding, "We are clearly telling the Russians their state must end its war." Now, Russia has also continued its attacks on Ukraine with the Ukrainian authorities reporting that Russia launched 279 drones into Ukrainian territory. While Russia continues to strike Ukraine, Ukraine in recent weeks especially has been ramping up its responses to Russia, particularly large drone swarm uh attacks against Russian targets that Russia is struggling to deal with in much the same way that Ukrainian air defenses have struggled to deal with these large-scale Russian attacks on Ukraine. So the Ukrainians arguing to Russia that if Russia does not stop its war, its attacks on the Ukrainian people, Ukraine will respond in kind with these largecale drone swarm attacks. Imos Kataji reporting from Kev for TVP World.

[00:02:43]As Russia recovers from the damage, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zalinski claims Russia is seeking new soldiers following the Kremlin's decision to simplify citizenship procedures for people from Transnistria and Muldoven region with strong ties to Russia. John Carter has this story.

[00:03:01]A new decree signed by President Vladimir Putin will allow permanent residents of Transnistria over the age of 18 to obtain Russian citizenship through a simplified process, allowing them to skip requirements to prove their knowledge of the Russian language, history, and legislation. Transnistrians will also be exempt from requirements to have lived in Russia for 5 years prior to their application.

[00:03:26]Russia took another step regarding Transnistria. The Russians simplified access to citizenship for people originating from this region of Muldova.

[00:03:34]It's a very telling move. It means not only that Russia's looking for new soldiers in this way because citizenship also entails military obligation. It is also Russia's way of staking a claim to Transnistria's territory. Those in Moscow often tell various interlocutors that supposedly only Donbas interests them. In reality, far more than Donbas is at stake. We must respond to this all the more so as the presence of the Russian military contingent and special services in Transnistria also poses a challenge for us. We are interested in a stable and strong Moldover.

[00:04:07]Transnistria declared independence from Muldova after a brief conflict in the early 1990s. Though no UN member state including Russia recognizes its statethood. Despite this, the region's breakaway authorities remain heavily dependent on Moscow, and Transnistria hosts a Russian military base with around 1,500 troops. Most of Transnistria's roughly 470,000 residents speak Russian as their first language, and about 200,000 hold Russian citizenship, although the majority are also Muldoven citizens. Muldo gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, but Russia continues to view the country situated between Ukraine and the EU member Romania as part of its traditional sphere of influence. But like Ukraine, Muldova has oriented itself toward the West and aims to join the European Union.

[00:05:04]Italians have gathered in the Italian city of Moda in a show of solidarity where with the victims of a major car ramming attack described by authorities as Italy's first of its kind.

[00:05:16]About 5,000 people attended the gathering on Sunday, including city mayor Masimo Mazeti, who said the vigil was organized quote against those who sow hatred and to support the victims of the attack. Eight people were seriously injured when Salim Aludri, a 31-year-old Italian man of Moroccan descent, drove a car into pedestrians in the crowded city center. The man allegedly stabbed one of three passers by who tried to stop him as he attempted to flee before being arrested by police. The suspect is under investigation for attempted murder and personal injury.

[00:05:53]Thousands of people have taken to the streets in several cities across the Czech Republic to show their support for the independence of public radio and television threatened by the government of Prime Minister Andre Babish which plans to make them dependent on direct state funding in the future.

[00:06:11]The protests held in 12 in the 12 largest Czech cities were organized by a million moments for democracy, a civic movement which recently staged a similar demonstration in the capital of Prague.

[00:06:24]Both organizers and participants gathered in opposition to a draft law that foresees broadcasters being financed directly from the state budget from 2027 onwards with significantly less funding than at present. The bill had been criticized by experts, the opposition, and the leadership both uh by Czech television and Czech radio.

[00:06:45]Employees of both public media outlets organized a protest earlier in April, calling the government to abandon the plan.

[00:06:55]Thousands took part in religious processions across Georgia on Sunday as the country marked its annual day of family purity and respect for parents. A celebration endorsed by the Georgian Orthodox Church.

[00:07:08]Established in 2014 by the late Ilia II, the Catholicus patriarch of old Georgia.

[00:07:14]The holiday was created to promote what the Georgian Orthodox Church describes as traditional family values. May the 17th was chosen deliberately for the holiday to fall on the same date as the International Day against homophobia.

[00:07:29]Since these clashes, anti-LGBTQ sentiment has hardened into law with the Georgian Parliament banning Pride events, samesex adoption, and gender affirming care in 2024.

[00:07:42]>> His holiness established this day for us, the day of family purity. And it's very important that on this day, the whole nation comes together. In every city, Georgians gather and we collectively express our respect for the family, for our mother church, and for our homeland. Crowds carrying icons, crosses, and candles filled the streets of the capital, Tiblisi, and other cities with church bells ringing to mark the occasion. The celebration is widely popular across Georgian society with priests often joining the processions alongside ordinary worshippers.

[00:08:17]In addition, a special liturgy at the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tibilisi was presided over by the newly appointed Catholic patriarch Shio and attended by Prime Minister Iraqi Kobakiza, drawing worshippers from across the country.

[00:08:31]Kovakisa is a controversial figure due to his pro-Russian stance, suspending EU accession talks in 2024 and passing a foreign agents law widely seen as modeled on Russian legislation which triggered mass protests across the country. Now in its 12th year, the day has become one of the most widely observed religious celebrations in the Georgian calendar.

[00:08:55]The rededicate 250 prayer festival was held on Washington's National Mall on Sunday to recommit America as one nation under God, drawing thousands to the US capital. The event saw President Trump and other top officials remarking on America's Christian roots.

[00:09:13]>> In a pre-recorded video, US President on Trump read a passage from 2 Chronicles, a biblical account of God speaking to King Solomon. Also appearing on video, Vice President JD Vance said America's laws and morality were rooted in religion. For his part, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said America's young identity as a nation had long been rooted in an ancient faith. One of the speakers, writer and columnist Eric Mataxis suggested that God had called Trump to build the White House ballroom he had planned. Critics of the event have argued that it distorts history and overemphasizes the role of Christianity in the founding of the United States based on enlightenment ideals and the separation of church and state.

[00:10:00]>> Sunday se the 17th of May marked the 212th anniversary of Norway adopting its constitution. It was on this day that Norway declared its independence from Denmark and set off on upon its journey of modern democracy.

[00:10:19]marches, parades, and royalty.

[00:10:23]All this to commemorate the signing of the Norwegian Constitution of 1814, which after more than two centuries is still in use. The country is a constitutional monarchy.

[00:10:38]On behalf of the 17th of May committee in Oslo, I have the honor to propose a long live the king for his majesty King Harold and the royal family. Long live.

[00:10:57]Since 1991, Norway, a country of a little over 5 and a half million people and a GDP per capita of about $90,000, has been ruled by Harold V. The most distinctive feature of the celebrations are the children's parades in Oslo.

[00:11:13]Approximately 30,000 school kids took part in this year's parade that marched through the city, concluding at the royal palace where they were greeted by members of the royal family.

[00:11:25]Everyone deals with trauma in their own way. Ukrainian car drifter Alex, who spent close to a decade in Russian captivity, has dedicated his life to motorsports, which has helped him cope with his ordeal.

[00:11:43]>> I was exchanged a year ago on May 23rd.

[00:11:46]It was a large scale exchange, 1,000 for 1,000. I was released on the first day 280 for 280 as a civilian, not military personnel. I was there for 9 years and 8 months. I spent 10 years living with negative emotions, and now I'm finally trying to let them out, and it's working thanks to this car. I want to keep driving, change the engine, and compete in drifting contests. There's something to strive for.

[00:12:15]Our guys always go all in. Everyone gives it everything they have. Nobody spares the car or the effort. Everyone helps each other and tries to drive the best they can while supporting one another. I think that's what Ukrainian drifting is all about.

[00:12:41]Bulgaria has made Eurovvision history with its first ever win as representative Dara took the crown with her song Bangaranga, scoring 516 points.

[00:12:50]Poland's representative Alitia delivered a strong performance with her song Prey, finishing 12th and earning top 12 points from several juries. Sonia Gatabishan reports. The winner >> in a historic first >> Bulgaria won the Eurovision. Dada's dance pop tune Bangaranga proved to be a crowd favorite.

[00:13:20]>> This is so unbelievable. I don't even know what's going on right now. Um but I want to thank everybody who felt the bangaranga.

[00:13:30]When asked about the meaning of her song, the 27year-old singer that known as Dada described Bangaranga as expressing a feeling that everybody has in themselves and a moment of choosing to lead through love and not fear 2027.

[00:13:49]And while Poland's Aritzio Champlinska came in 12th, the singer won over many hearts as evidenced by the comment section reacting to the performance of her Eurovvision song titled Prey.

[00:14:01]>> 12 points go to Poland.

[00:14:05]>> The Polish contestant also obtained a high score from the national juries which ranked her seventh out of the 25 finalists. Speaking to TVB World, Alicia said she was filled with gratitude. I got here with the song that nobody gave any chance at all.

[00:14:24]>> Four 12 points from juries.

[00:14:28]Oh my god, it amazed me so much. Thank you.

[00:14:31]>> But not everybody felt the Eurovvision spirit. The event took place against a backdrop of demonstrations protesting Israel's participation because of its war in Gaza.

[00:14:43]the Euro vision they decided to rule out Russia because of its terrible war on Ukraine which is actually a good thing.

[00:14:49]So by logic they would have should have done the same thing with Israel and this double standards is just something that's uh really really hard to see.

[00:14:58]>> Five countries boycotted the 70th edition of the Eurovvision over the participation of Israel which placed second in this year's competition.

[00:15:08]Eurovvision 2026 took place in Vienna.

[00:15:11]Following her victory, Bulgaria's data said that from the very beginning, her mission was to unite people through her music. For TVP World, I'm Sonia Gatabishan.

[00:15:22]>> That's all for World News right now.

[00:15:24]Thank you for joining us and we'll see you very soon. Goodbye.