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The Escalating Cost of Russia's War in UkraineEvidence of Russia's poor performance in its war in Ukraine, both militarily and economically, has been mounting over the past week. The US Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) has confirmed earlier assessments that Russia has lost territory it previously occupied in Ukraine, while Ukraine has managed to reclaim approximately 400 square kilometers in and around Dnipropetrovsk – more territory than at any time since late 2022.Russia's Military Setbacks and Economic StrainRussia has still made a net territorial gain in 2026, but its advance is slowing down dramatically. According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a Washington-based think tank, Russia advanced by a net 104 sq km between January 1 and May 26, 2026, compared to its seizure of 1,619 sq km during the same period last year.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russian casualties had increased to 145,000 this year, of which 86,000 were killed and 59,000 troops seriously wounded. Ukraine's Defence Minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, highlighted that this meant 179 Russian losses per square kilometre of advance, compared to 67 last year – a rate higher than what Russia is currently able to replace through recruitment.Russia's war is also becoming increasingly difficult to finance. Having exceeded its entire 2026 budget deficit allowance by April, and depleted its foreign exchange reserves, Russia has been drawing down gold reserves at an unprecedented pace. According to its Central Bank, Russia has sold 27.9 tonnes of its gold reserves this year, worth more than $4bn, leaving reserves at their lowest since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in February 2022.Shifting Battlefield Dynamics and StrategiesThe DIA attributed Ukraine's territorial gains to Russia losing access to Starlink satellite services used for targeting and counter-battery fire. Ukraine attributes its success to its strategy of interdicting Russian logistics through mid-range drone and artillery strikes, which Fedorov described as a programme called "Logistical Lockdown" designed "to scale up middle-strike and systematically destroy Russian capabilities at the operational depth."This Ukrainian tactic has prevented reinforcements of men and equipment from reaching the frontlines, diminishing Russia's superiority in depth of resources and mass. The effectiveness of this strategy was demonstrated when Kherson occupation governor Vladimir Saldo restricted movement along the M-14 highway connecting Mariupol, Berdyansk and Melitopol, due to the number of vehicles being struck there.On the defensive front, Ukraine received a significant boost when Sweden announced it would donate 16 Gripen warplanes to Ukraine, which would also purchase an additional 20 through the EU's Ukraine Support Loan in a deal worth $2.9bn. Zelenskyy noted that "Gripen fighters with appropriate weapons, in particular Meteor missiles, which destroy targets at a distance of more than 200 kilometres, will help us push back Russian aircraft" against the approximately 3,000 Russian glide bombs dropped weekly.Simultaneously, Ukraine continued its long-range strikes on the Russian oil economy, which funds the war. On May 23-24, Ukraine struck oil depots and terminals at Novorossiysk and Tamanneftegaz on the Black Sea, as well as military and industrial sites including the Metafrax Chemicals plant in Perm and the Taganrog Airbase in Rostov.Russia's Response and Escalation TacticsIn response to Ukrainian advances, Russia pursued its own aerial tactic of striking Kyiv through massive combined attacks of drones and missiles. On May 24, Russia launched 600 long-range drones and 90 missiles against Kyiv and surrounding areas, including 36 ballistic missiles. Ukraine managed to shoot down 91 percent of the drones and 81 percent of the cruise missiles, though those that hit damaged government buildings, museums, and a market, injuring at least 87 people and killing two.Russia framed these attacks as retaliation for what it described as a terror attack on a college in occupied Luhansk, which it claimed killed six students and injured 39. Ukraine's General Staff countered that it was a strike on a centre for Advanced Unmanned Technologies run by Rubikon, Russia's unmanned systems force.Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov informed his US counterpart, Marco Rubio, that Russia would begin striking "military sites" in Kyiv in retaliation, warning foreign citizens, including diplomats, to leave. Moscow specifically mentioned using its newest Oreshnik intermediate range missile in the attacks, which it has also forward-positioned in Belarus.Future Outlook of the ConflictThe current trajectory suggests that Ukraine's strategy of targeted strikes on Russian logistics and supply lines, combined with enhanced air defense capabilities from international partners, will continue to challenge Russia's military advances. However, Russia's demonstrated willingness to escalate attacks on urban centers and its deployment of advanced weaponry indicate that the conflict may enter a more intense phase.As Russia depletes its financial resources and struggles to replace casualties, its ability to sustain current operations may diminish. Conversely, Ukraine's increasing success in securing international military support and refining its asymmetric tactics could shift the balance further in its favor, though the long-term outcome remains uncertain as both sides adapt their strategies.

Why a Living AI Glossary Matters NowArtificial intelligence is reshaping every industry, but its rapid evolution has spawned a parallel explosion of terminology that can leave even seasoned technologists feeling insecure. TechCrunch’s new glossary aims to provide a single, regularly‑updated reference that translates the most common AI buzzwords into plain language.Key Definitions from AGI to RLHFThe article walks readers through a spectrum of concepts, including:Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) – AI that outperforms humans on most economically valuable tasks, as defined by OpenAI and Google DeepMind.AI Agent – An autonomous tool that can perform multi‑step tasks such as expense filing, ticket booking, or code maintenance.API Endpoints – “Buttons” that let software components interact, enabling agents to automate third‑party services.Chain‑of‑Thought Reasoning – A technique that breaks problems into intermediate steps to improve accuracy.Compute – The hardware (GPUs, CPUs, TPUs) that powers AI model training and inference.Deep Learning – Multi‑layered neural networks that learn features directly from data.Diffusion – The process behind many generative AI models that learns to reverse noise‑added data.Distillation – A teacher‑student method for creating smaller, faster models like GPT‑4 Turbo.Fine‑Tuning – Adding task‑specific data to a pre‑trained model to improve performance.GAN – Generative Adversarial Networks that pit a generator against a discriminator to produce realistic outputs.Hallucination – When models generate inaccurate or fabricated information.Inference – Running a trained model to make predictions, often accelerated by specialized hardware.LLM – Large Language Models that power assistants such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Llama.Memory Cache (KV Caching) – An optimization that stores intermediate calculations to speed up inference.Open Source vs. Closed Source – The debate over publicly available model code (e.g., Meta’s Llama) versus proprietary systems (e.g., OpenAI’s GPT).Parallelization – Executing many calculations simultaneously, a cornerstone of modern AI hardware.RAMageddon – The current shortage of memory chips driven by AI data‑center demand.Recursive Self‑Improvement (RSI) – Models that can redesign themselves, a potential step toward singularity.Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF) – Training models with reward signals to improve helpfulness and safety.Tokens & Throughput – The basic units of text processing that determine cost and performance.Quantifying the AI Vocabulary ExplosionThe glossary covers more than 30 distinct terms, each accompanied by concise explanations and links to deeper resources. By cataloguing this breadth, the piece highlights how quickly the AI lexicon has expanded within just a few years of mainstream adoption.Implications for Developers, Investors, and the PublicUnderstanding this terminology is no longer optional. For developers, clear definitions accelerate product building and reduce miscommunication when integrating APIs or deploying agents. Investors gain a sharper lens for evaluating startup pitches that hinge on concepts like fine‑tuning or distillation. Meanwhile, the broader public can better assess claims about “AGI” or “hallucinations,” mitigating hype‑driven misinformation.Future of AI Terminology and Industry AdoptionTechCrunch positions the glossary as a “living document,” promising regular updates as new techniques (e.g., emerging diffusion variants or next‑gen RLHF methods) appear. As AI systems become more autonomous and specialized, the vocabulary will continue to evolve, making ongoing education essential for anyone interacting with the technology.

The Rise of AI Psychosis in Corporate Decision MakingBox founder Aaron Levie has identified a troubling trend in corporate America: what he calls "AI psychosis," where executives and decision-makers become so enamored with artificial intelligence that they believe it can replace human jobs without understanding what those roles truly entail. This overenthusiasm for AI is leading to significant workforce reductions and a growing backlash from both employees and users.Workforce Reductions Fueled by AI AmbitionThe consequences of this AI psychosis are already becoming apparent in the tech industry. Productivity software company ClickUp recently cut 22% of its workforce, citing a shift toward AI agents. This move is part of a larger trend where tech layoffs in 2026 are already nearly matching the total number of layoffs seen throughout all of 2025. These cuts suggest that companies are prioritizing AI implementation over human talent, often without fully understanding the implications.User Backlash Against Forced AI IntegrationWhile companies push AI solutions, users are increasingly resisting. DuckDuckGo has seen a surge in installations from users who want Google to stop forcing AI into search results and simply provide traditional links. This user backlash highlights a disconnect between corporate AI strategies and actual consumer preferences, suggesting that not all AI implementations are welcome or beneficial.The Duality of AI AdoptionAs TechCrunch's Equity podcast hosts discuss, both the AI-pilled (those enthusiastically embracing AI) and the AI-skeptical (those questioning its implementation) may have valid points. The challenge lies in finding a balance where AI augments human capabilities rather than replacing them entirely, and where technology serves actual needs rather than being implemented for its own sake.Future of Work in an AI-Driven EconomyAs AI continues to evolve, companies must develop more nuanced approaches to workforce planning and technology implementation. The current trend of replacing human workers with AI agents may prove shortsighted if it leads to decreased product quality, poor user experience, and loss of institutional knowledge. The future likely lies in hybrid models where AI and humans collaborate, each bringing their unique strengths to the workplace.

The LeadIga Swiatek has called for the French Open to make changes to the layout of their courts after multiple players were forced to withdraw this week having been injured when tripping over obstacles at the back of the Roland Garros courts. The world number one player expressed concern that the current setup is not safe for competitors.The Court Safety CrisisThe most recent incident occurred on Friday when Turkish player Zeynep Sonmez ran into one of the Lacoste advertising boards placed at the back of the court and fell to the floor. After a medical time out, Sonmez, alongside her partner Tatjana Maria, was forced to retire from her second round doubles match while trailing 2-0.Earlier in the week, Belgian player Alexander Blockx was forced to withdraw after injuring himself on the rain covers at the back of a practice court. In a statement on Instagram, Blockx revealed: "Unfortunately during today's practice I heard a snap in my ankle while I sprained it thanks to the 'really necessary' covers at the back of the court at Roland Garros, which is why I had to withdraw from tomorrow's match."Great Britain's Katie Boulter also had a near miss, saying the boards need to be removed after she tripped on one during her second-round match. "THESE THINGS HAVE TO GO. Got lucky last night but next time I might not be…" she wrote on social media.Historical ContextThis is far from a new issue at Roland Garros, which uses these panels towards the back of the court to advertise their sponsors. In 2017, David Goffin was forced to retire from his third round match due to a similar incident. No other grand slam tournament places their rain covers behind the baseline, making the French Open unique in this aspect.The issue is particularly problematic on clay courts due to the tendency for players to move and defend from deeper positions on the surface. This increases the likelihood of players running into the obstacles at the back of the court during extended rallies.Tournament UniquenessThe French Open is the only big tournament that still uses line judges, with the tournament placing their boards next to lines people in the court. Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open is the only other grand slam court with advertising hoardings on the court, but those boards are pressed directly to the back wall, not placed in the playing area.This design choice has been a point of contention for years, with players consistently raising concerns about the safety implications of having obstacles in the playing area. Despite these concerns, the tournament has maintained this setup, citing tradition and sponsorship requirements.Player Reactions"I didn't see the incidents, but I heard about them," said Swiatek. "Obviously if these things happen, there needs to be a reaction, because there are other ways for us to be visible for sure, you know? It's a shame, and it shouldn't – I hope they're going to put them in a different place or just put the advertising in a different way there, because it's not safe for sure."After her straight sets win over Viktorija Golubic, Marta Kostyuk expressed skepticism that the tournament would make changes: "Honestly, I feel like there are some rules that no matter what happens, they just cannot be changed, and no matter how much you speak about it or how much you fight over it, it's just the rules. I don't know."Swiatek's Path ForwardDespite the concerns about court safety, Swiatek continues to build confidence and momentum in her first major tournament alongside her new coach, Francisco Roig. After projected tough opponents like Jelena Ostapenko and Elena Rybakina were eliminated in round two, Swiatek now faces a different challenge in the form of Marta Kostyuk.Kostyuk is on a 15-match winning streak and has not lost on clay this year after winning titles in Rouen and Madrid. "I definitely have a different feeling going into this match, because I feel like last time that I played her in Cincinnati, I lost this match way before it even started, and I don't feel the same this time," said Kostyuk.

The Vision for AI Coding Agents Cognition CEO Scott Wu made headlines again this week when his two-year-old AI coding agent startup raised $1 billion at a $26 billion valuation. Cognition is the maker of Devin, one of the first and, arguably, most successful AI coding agents. Devin, the CEO says, “naturally owns tasks end to end.” The Future of Software Development In fact, in the blog post announcing that raise, Cognition laid out a vision where “we are shifting to a world of self-driving software development.” So, could Devin replace, say, a mid-level L4 programmer? Yes, and no, Wu told TechCrunch. “We’ve never thought about it as replacing humans. I know it’s like a scenario, folks have said these things. It has never been our view.” Preserving the Joy of Programming Wu emphasizes that the goal is not to make human programmers obsolete. “We are all programmers ourselves,” he explained. “I started coding when I was nine.” He views agents as another layer of abstraction between envisioning a software product and producing it, similar to how visual development environments abstracted software creation away from machine instructions. The Role of Devin in Cognition Cognition says that Devin’s role in its own company is to ship nearly all the software. The company says that 89% of code committed by its engineers was committed by Devin, and the rest by local agents. Wu explains that his agent’s role is largely to do the kinds of long-tail maintenance tasks that many programmers don’t like to do anyway: bringing old software up to date; moving applications off one platform and onto another. The Future of AI Agents Wu predicts that agents will enter other fields where they will learn tasks, from customer service to medicine, but hopes the goal will be to augment human workers in those areas, too. “Code and software has been the first to move, but we’ll see this happen in all these other industries,” he predicts. “One thing that’s been clear to us since the beginning is, it should always be up to the human what to do … you really see this in software engineering, but I think it’s true in all these other professions too.”

The Royal Return to Epsom Downs King Charles and Queen Camilla will attend the 247th running of the Epsom Derby on June 6, reviving a traditional royal engagement that Queen Elizabeth II maintained for most of her 70-year reign. Their presence marks a significant moment for British horse racing, bringing renewed attention and prestige to one of the sport's most prestigious events. A Historic Tradition Revived The late Queen attended nearly every renewal of the Classic at Epsom Downs between 1953 and 2020, missing only two races during that period. Her attendance began just four days after her coronation in 1953, when her colt Aureole finished second in the race. King Charles and Queen Camilla were previously at Epsom in 2024 to watch the Oaks, which is run a day before the Derby, but their attendance for the track's most famous race represents a full return to tradition. Declining Attendance Figures The official attendance for the Derby in 2022 was 37,274, just 770 below the 2019 figure of 38,044, but last year's race pulled in only 22,787 fans. The significant decline in recent years has raised concerns about the future of the historic event. The royal attendance is expected to boost ticket sales and media coverage, potentially reversing this downward trend. Boost for British Horse Racing The king and queen are patrons of the Jockey Club, which owns and operates Epsom. Their attendance is seen as a proud moment for everyone connected with the racecourse, as royal presence has been synonymous with the meeting for generations. While the royal colors will not be involved in either the Derby or the Oaks, their string includes runners that could be entered on the Classic undercard races. Future Outlook for the Derby With the royal couple's attendance, the Epsom Derby is poised to regain its status as a highlight of the British social and sporting calendar. The event organizers hope this will mark the beginning of a sustained revival of interest in the race, potentially leading to increased investment in facilities and greater media coverage. The presence of the monarch may also encourage a new generation to engage with horse racing, ensuring the tradition continues for decades to come.

Lead: Brazil's turbulent road to the 2026 World CupAfter a historic home defeat to Argentina and a series of losses to regional rivals, Brazil secured qualification despite a political crisis at the CBF and the sacking of Dorival Jr. The appointment of veteran coach Carlo Ancelotti in May 2025 revived hopes for a competitive tournament run.Coaching overhaul and tactical shift under Carlo AncelottiAncelotti, aged 66 (turning 67 just before the tournament), has installed a classic 4‑2‑4 formation, emphasizing attacking width and counter‑attacking pace. Injuries to key defenders Eder Militão, Rodrygo and Estêvão force the midfield to shoulder defensive duties, while the lack of high‑level full‑backs raises concerns given Brazil’s legacy of players like Cafu and Roberto Carlos.Key player roster and injury concernsNeymar – selected in the 26‑man squad but nursing a calf injury that could keep him out of the starting XI or the tournament entirely.Vinícius Júnior – slated to wear the iconic No 10 shirt; his pace and dribbling are central to Brazil’s counter‑attack strategy.Endrick – emerging talent from Lyon with 12 goal contributions in 17 Ligue 1 games; likely to be a decisive impact sub.Gabriel Magalhães – core centre‑back expected to anchor the defence amid a shortage of elite full‑backs.Alisson – veteran goalkeeper whose saves will be crucial given the attacking emphasis.Group C fixture schedule and logistical advantage for Brazilian fansBrazil’s group matches are all staged in the United States, aligning with the estimated 2.8 million Brazilians residing there:13 June – vs Morocco in New York (6 pm local, 11 pm BST)19 June – vs Haiti in Philadelphia (8.30 pm local, 1.30 am BST)24 June – vs Scotland in Miami (6 pm local, 11 pm BST)The proximity of venues to major Brazilian diaspora hubs is expected to generate massive supporter turnouts, potentially influencing match atmosphere.Strategic implications for Brazil's World Cup campaignThe combination of Ancelotti’s attacking philosophy and the squad’s injury constraints forces Brazil to rely on swift transitions and individual brilliance, particularly from Vinícius Júnior and the emerging Endrick. Defensive solidity will hinge on Gabriel Magalhães and the midfield’s ability to cover for absent full‑backs.Outlook: What to watch as Brazil heads to the tournamentKey indicators will be Neymar’s fitness, the effectiveness of the 4‑2‑4 system against varied opposition, and Endrick’s impact off the bench. If Brazil can harness its fan base in North America and mitigate defensive frailties, they remain a strong contender for the title despite a rocky qualification journey.

The Final Deadline for TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 Speaker Applications Today is the last day to submit an application to speak at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, which will return to Moscone West in San Francisco from October 13 to 15. The event is a premier gathering for startup and VC leaders, with over 10,000 attendees expected to explore the latest trends in AI, scaling, fintech, infrastructure, robotics, and the future of innovation. Opportunities to Take the Stage TechCrunch is inviting founders, investors, operators, and technology experts to apply for a chance to speak at the event. There are two session types available: Breakout Sessions: A 30-minute talk with up to 4 speakers and a 20-minute audience Q&A;, with a capacity for 100 attendees. Roundtables: A 30-minute speaker-led group discussion for up to 40 participants, focusing on insight and conversation without slides or AV. The Application and Selection Process Each application will be reviewed by TechCrunch's editorial team. Finalists will be selected for the Audience Choice vote, where TechCrunch readers will choose which sessions make it to the Disrupt Stage. To apply, interested individuals must submit their application before tonight's deadline of 11:59 p.m. PT. Why Apply? TechCrunch is looking for high-impact speakers with actionable insights and real-world experience to contribute meaningfully to the tech ecosystem. If you have expertise to share and want to help shape the conversations defining the tech industry, now is the time to apply.

The AI Psychosis Phenomenon Box founder Aaron Levie has coined the term 'AI psychosis' to describe a growing trend among CEOs: the belief that AI can seamlessly replace human jobs without understanding the intricacies of those roles. This phenomenon highlights a disconnect between the decision-makers and the realities of the workforce. The Disconnect Between AI Hype and Job Realities Recent layoffs: ClickUp cut 22% of its workforce for AI agents, and tech layoffs in 2026 are nearly matching all of 2025. Growing concerns: DuckDuckGo installs are climbing as users seek alternatives to Google's AI-driven search. The Impact on the Tech Industry The situation raises questions about the future of work and the role of AI. As the AI-pilled and AI-skeptical perspectives collide, the industry is left to ponder the implications. Key Takeaways and Future Outlook The discussion on TechCrunch's Equity podcast, featuring Kirsten Korosec, Anthony Ha, and Sean O'Kane, delves into the complexities of AI's impact on the workforce. With Waymo's new robotaxi hitting the road and significant deals on the horizon, the future of tech and AI is more uncertain than ever.