As the war continues into its 813th day, here are the latest updates on the situation as of Friday, May 17, 2024.
In the northeast region of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the situation was “extremely difficult” but “under control” after the military successfully stopped a Russian advance near Vovchansk, located just 5km (3 miles) from the border with Russia. Accusations were made against Russia for using civilians as “human shields” near their command center in Vovchansk.
NATO’s General Christopher Cavoli expressed confidence in Ukrainian forces holding their lines in the Kharkiv region, stating that Russia’s military did not have enough troops for a strategic breakthrough. The most intense assaults from Russia were reported near the cities of Pokrovsk and Kramatorsk in the Donetsk region.
An air raid alert in Kharkiv lasted over 16 and a half hours due to Russian drone and missile attacks, with no reported casualties. The alert was lifted early Friday morning. In a separate incident, a woman and her son were killed by a Ukrainian drone in Russia’s Belgorod region.
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, with Xi describing their relationship as a “stabilising force” in the world. Putin expressed gratitude for China’s efforts to resolve the crisis in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia expelled the UK’s defense attache from Moscow in retaliation for the UK’s actions against a Russian defense attache in London.
Sri Lanka announced plans to send a delegation to Russia to investigate the fate of its nationals reportedly fighting in the war in Ukraine. The US imposed sanctions on Russian individuals and companies for facilitating arms transfers between Russia and North Korea, including ballistic missiles used in Ukraine. North Korea denied selling weapons to Russia, despite UN monitors finding debris from North Korean missiles in Ukraine.
Denmark pledged a new military aid package for Ukraine, focusing on air defense and artillery, valued at approximately $815.47 million.