As the war enters its 811th day, here are the latest developments on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.
Combat:
In northeastern Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, at least 20 people were injured when Russia targeted residential areas with guided bombs and artillery shells, including a high-rise apartment block.
The United Nations reported that eight civilians had been killed and 35 injured since Russia launched a new offensive in the northeastern region on Friday. The UN called on Russia to cease its armed attack against Ukraine and withdraw to internationally recognized borders.
Ukraine’s military announced that they had retreated to new positions in two areas of the Kharkiv region, noting a Russian force buildup to the north near the Sumy region. Russia claimed to have made further progress by capturing a 10th border village, Buhruvatka.
In response to Russia’s attack, Ukraine’s Air Force successfully destroyed all 18 attack drones launched by Russia over various regions, including Kyiv and the front line.
Russian officials reported one injury and some building damage in a Ukrainian air attack on Belgorod, with Russia’s air defense intercepting and destroying 25 missiles over the broader Belgorod region. A Ukrainian drone attack in southern Russia led to a disrupted cargo train and a fire in a diesel tank, damaging several hundred meters of track.
Politics and Diplomacy:
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during a surprise visit to Kyiv, assured Ukraine that military assistance that could make a significant impact on the battlefield was on its way.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit China from May 16-17 for discussions with President Xi Jinping, focusing on bilateral relations, cooperation in various fields, and international and regional issues of mutual concern.
South Korea’s President confirmed Seoul’s participation in a Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland in June, according to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.
Russia’s Supreme Court denied an appeal by Vladimir Kara-Murza, a prominent Kremlin critic, against a 25-year jail sentence on charges of treason. The UK Foreign Secretary branded the decision as an “outrage” and declared Kara-Murza a political prisoner.
International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan stated that he would not be deterred by threats as his office investigates potential war crimes in Ukraine. Russia placed Khan on its wanted list after the ICC issued arrest warrants for Putin and Russia’s children’s commissioner for their alleged involvement in deporting Ukrainian children from occupied territories to Russia.
Ireland announced a reduction in the weekly payment for Ukrainian refugees in state accommodation from 220 euros to 38.80 euros starting in August. Over 100,000 Ukrainians have sought refuge in Ireland since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, with nearly half residing in state-provided accommodation.
Weapons:
French Minister of Defense Sebastien Lecornu disclosed that France would send more Aster surface-to-air missiles for the Franco-Italian SAMP/T-MAMBA air defense system safeguarding Kyiv.
Russia announced that its submarine-launched Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile had been commissioned, marking a crucial step in modernizing its nuclear arsenal.