Ukraine and Russia

• Pro-Russian officials in occupied parts of southern Ukraine ordered tens of thousands of civilians to evacuate ahead of an imminent Ukrainian counter-offensive. Most that left went to Ukrainian-held territory; some stubborn holdouts plan to stay put.
• Pres. Putin spoke at a military parade commemorating Victory Day, characterizing the war he started in Ukraine as one that "had been unleashed" against Russia. The celebrations were toned down this year because of fears for Putin's safety after what Russia characterized as an attempt on his life last week (which may have actually been a false flag operation).
• As Putin spoke, Russia launched a new barrage of missiles at Ukraine. Ukraine intercepted 23 of the 25 incoming missiles.
• Meanwhile, Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin said he was coerced into keeping his fighters in Bakhmut with a threat that he'd be considered a traitor if he abandoned the fight.

• Pres. Biden will meet Speaker of the House McCarthy today to try to agree on a plan to raise the debt ceiling and avoid a self-imposed default in return for spending cuts Republicans want to see. The U.S. could run out of funds around June 1 if they fail to agree to a higher borrowing cap.

• The Southern African Development Community (SADC) agreed to send troops to eastern DRC, where they'll join an East African joint force fighting M23 rebels. It's not clear how many SADC troops will join the fray.

• The Israeli military killed at least 12 Palestinians in an air raid that Israel said targeted Islamic Jihad militants - but Palestinian officials say women and children were among the dead. Militants often launch counter-attacks after raids like this, so Israel promptly activated reservists and Iron Dome defenses.