As the 812th day of the war unfolds, here are the key updates for Thursday, May 16, 2024.
Fighting continues in Vovchansk, with intense clashes occurring about 5km from the Russian border. Ukrainian troops are engaged in defensive actions, while Russian forces have reportedly taken control of several settlements in the Kharkiv and Zaporizhia regions. Air attacks in Dnipro and missile strikes in Kherson and Mykolaiv have resulted in casualties and significant damage to infrastructure.
In a separate incident, Russian forces destroyed Ukrainian missiles launched at Sevastopol in Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. Reports indicate that Sri Lankan mercenaries have also been killed in the conflict.
On the political and diplomatic front, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy cancelled visits to Spain and Portugal. Meanwhile, Switzerland is leading efforts to organise a peace summit with participation from over 50 countries. Russian President Putin’s visit to China includes talks with President Xi Jinping, with both leaders supporting China’s peace proposals for Ukraine.
European Union ambassadors have agreed to expand sanctions on Russian media outlets for publishing propaganda. A Moscow paediatrician is on trial for alleged dissemination of false information about the conflict.
The US has announced an additional $2bn in military aid for Ukraine, with a focus on delivering ammunition, armoured vehicles, missiles, and air defences to the front line. Putin has stated that Russia’s defence spending may exceed 8.7% of GDP in 2024.