PRESS REVIEW – Monday, May 18, 2026: First, Ukraine's drone attacks on Russia may mark a turning point in the war. Next, Venezuela's post-Maduro era is conflicting for locals. Also, there's more drama at the Cannes Film Festival as Canal+ hits back at filmmakers. Finally, Gen Z find new ways of enjoying themselves on a budget.

Ukraine's drone attack on Russia over the weekend got a lot of coverage. The Washington Post explains that it was Ukraine's largest and most deadly attack on Moscow since 2022. Time Magazine reports that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine's long-range capability is changing the situation, because its forces are now able to hit targets 500 kilometres from the border. An opinion piece in The Wall Street Journal says that Ukraine is "no longer playing a losing game". The Economist reports that Russia has sustained its first net loss in territory since October 2023. The Kyiv Post says that Russian President Vladimir Putin might need to accept peace.

Meanwhile, the Guardian has a long read about Venezuela's post-Maduro era. The paper explains that people have "lost their fear". But alongside this optimism, many are baffled by the close relationship between the ousted dictator's allies and the Trump administration. The article says most locals are concerned that the US only cares for Venezuela's resources, and not its people. 

In France, the Cannes Film Festival has taken an unexpected turn. The head of Canal+ has threatened to blacklist over 600 actors, writers and artists who signed a letter opposing right-wing billionaire Vincent Bolloré and his takeover of the French film industry. Libération explains that the French film industry is facing a "fascist takeover of the collective imagination". Politico discusses far-right politicians and their "crusade against French cinema". 

Finally, the Times reports on two new drinking trends among Gen Z. 

You can catch our press review every morning on France 24 at 7:20am and 9:20am (Paris time), from Monday to Friday.