Summary of the day: Russian forces continued to advance north and northeast of Kharkiv City, prioritizing the establishment of a “buffer zone” along the international border rather than deeper incursions into northern Kharkiv Oblast. Significant advances were reported near Lyptsi and Vovchansk, where Russian forces also destroyed several bridges to strengthen their buffer zone. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces successfully conducted missile strikes against a Russian air defense base in occupied Crimea and drone strikes against Russian energy infrastructure. Newly appointed Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu participated in his first meeting amid reports of President Putin focusing on mobilizing the economy and defense industrial base for a protracted conflict.
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Picture Of The Day
Volunteers place an elderly man on a stretcher during an evacuation on May 13 in Vovchansk, Ukraine as the Russian army continues its offensive against Kharkiv Oblast. (Suspilne Ukraine/JSC “UA:PBC”/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)
Beyond Ukraine – March Towards World War
Belarus and China are strengthening their cooperation. The Minsk City Executive Committee announced that its delegation visited Beijing and signed an agreement with Beijing officials for technology and information cooperation from 2024 to 2026.
Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine
Ukrainian forces struck an ammunition depot in occupied Sorokyne (Krasnodon), Luhansk Oblast, using at least three ATACMS missiles. Sorokyne is 130 kilometers from the frontline. Russian sources, including TASS, reported the strike on an industrial zone, while Ukrainian sources confirmed the target was an ammunition depot.
Ukrainian forces successfully launched missile strikes on a Russian air defense base in occupied Crimea and drone strikes on Russian energy infrastructure. They hit the 3rd Radio Engineering Regiment’s base on Mount Ai-Petri, reportedly killing several Russian personnel, including the base commander. The Russian MoD claimed to have shot down four missiles and seven drones. Ukrainian drones also targeted an oil depot near Stary Oskol and an electrical substation in Lipetsk Oblast, causing a fire. The strikes aimed to disrupt Russian military and energy operations.
Ukrainian forces shot down a Russian Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopter, reported by the 47th Mechanized Brigade, which is operating in the Pokrovsk direction in Donetsk Oblast. The Ka-52 is a twin-seat attack helicopter valued at around $16 million, designed to target armored vehicles, tanks, low-speed aircraft, and personnel. According to Ukraine’s General Staff, Russia has lost about 675 aircraft during the war, including 350 planes and 325 helicopters. If confirmed, this downing would bring the total to 326 helicopters. Over the past two weeks, Ukraine also claimed to have shot down two Su-25 fighter jets.
Kharkiv Front – Initiative Russia
Luhansk Front – Initiative Russia
Donetsk Front – Initiative Russia
Zaporizhia Front – Initiative Russia
Kherson (Dnipro River) Front – Initiative None
Russian forces are rapidly advancing in Vovchansk, destroying bridges to create a “buffer zone” along the border rather than pushing deeper into northern Kharkiv Oblast. These actions have left Ukrainian forces with only two usable crossings over the Vovcha River. Russian armored units, including tanks, are deployed, indicating a focus on immediate border control. President Putin and other officials push for a “demilitarized buffer zone” in Ukraine to shield Russian territory, aiming for a 10-kilometer buffer zone in Kharkiv Oblast to bring Russian forces within artillery range of Kharkiv City and protect logistics hubs. Ukrainian commanders are concerned about border fortifications, but Ukraine has deeper layered defenses. Despite rapid Russian advances, further capabilities remain uncertain, though they have reserves. Ukraine’s General Staff reported “partial success” for Russian forces near Lukiantsi, about 5 kilometers from the border and close to Vovchansk. By 3 p.m., Russian forces were partially displacing Ukrainian units near Lukiantsi, but their advance was halted by Ukrainian counterattacks. By 5 p.m., there had been 12 armed clashes, with Ukrainian units repelling the enemy and sweeping the northern outskirts of Vovchansk.
Building fortifications around Vovchansk in Kharkiv Oblast has been challenging due to constant Russian shelling. Situated less than 5 kilometers from the Russian border, Vovchansk is a key target in Russia’s new offensive launched on May 10. The General Staff of Ukraine reported Russia’s “tactical success” in the area. Fortifications were built after Vovchansk was liberated from Russian occupation in September 2022, but their construction was hindered by ongoing shelling. Before the invasion, Vovchansk had a population of nearly 17,000.
Russian forces continued offensive operations along the Kupyansk-Svatove line without making confirmed advances. The Ukrainian General Staff reported Russian ground attacks near Synkivka, Petropavlivka, Ivanivka, Berestove, Stelmakhivka, Makiivka, and Novoyehorivka. Russian milbloggers shared footage of infantry assaulting trenches near Stelmakhivka with tank support.
Russian forces recently launched an unsuccessful mechanized assault west of Kreminna, losing five tanks (including a T-90) and five BMP infantry fighting vehicles near Torske and Terny. A Russian milblogger confirmed the losses and reported minor Russian advances north of Torske and south of Yampolivka. The Ukrainian General Staff noted 10 combat engagements in the Lyman direction west of Kreminna throughout the day.
Russian forces attempted limited offensives in the Siversk direction (northeast of Bakhmut) but made no advances. The Ukrainian General Staff reported repelling Russian attacks near Bilohorivka, Verkhnokamyanske, Spirne, Vyimka, and Rozdolivka. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed Ukrainian counterattacks near Spirne and Rozdolivka.
Ukrainian forces regained a position northeast of Chasiv Yar amid heavy fighting in the area. Geolocated footage shows Ukrainian forces clearing a Russian-held position in southwestern Bohdanivka. Russian forces are attempting offensives from Bohdanivka towards Kalynivka to encircle Chasiv Yar. They are also advancing on the southern flank near Ivanivske and the Stupky-Holubovski 2 nature reserve. Conflicting reports emerged about a Russian attack on Klishchiivka, with one source claiming success and another reporting heavy losses. Up to 25,000 Russian troops, including elite units and mobilized personnel, are involved in the Chasiv Yar effort. Combat continues near Hryhorivka, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka, and Andriivka.
Russian forces reportedly advanced west of Avdiivka. Milbloggers claimed advances west of Ocheretyne towards Novooleksandrivka and west of Semenivka towards Umanske. However, there is no visual confirmation of these claims. Russian forces are also attacking north of Avdiivka on the Arkhanhelske line, northwest on the Solovyove-Novopokrovske line, and southwest towards Netaylove, Pervomaiske, and Nevelske.
Russian forces reportedly advanced west and southwest of Donetsk City. Milbloggers claimed advances towards central Krasnohorivka, with some reporting a three-kilometer gain. Additionally, forces are said to be advancing near Paraskoviivka, though this is unconfirmed. The Ukrainian General Staff reported 18 ground attacks in the Kurakhove direction, including near Krasnohorivka and Novomykhailivka.
Positional engagements continued in western Zaporizhia Oblast with no confirmed frontline changes. A Russian milblogger claimed Russian forces advanced north within Robotyne and in fields east of Robotyne, though this is unconfirmed. Fighting also persisted near Robotyne and Verbove. Elements of the Russian 42nd Motorized Rifle Division remain active near Robotyne.
Positional engagements continued in eastern Kherson Oblast near Krynky. A Russian soldier reported that Russian forces struggle to evacuate wounded personnel from islands in the Dnipro River Delta due to issues with boats and extensive Ukrainian drone coverage.
Ukrainian Civilian Victims Of War
The casualty count of Ukrainian civilians in the past 24 hours:
DEATHS: 0 INJURIES: 3
- Russian troops attacked the border town of Snovsk in Chernihiv Oblast with cluster munitions, injuring three people, according to Ukraine’s National Police. The attack damaged civilian infrastructure, houses, and cars. The injured include a 39-year-old woman and two men, aged 51 and 72.
Ukraine News
The Wall Street Journal reported on May 13 that Ukraine’s shoot-down rates for Russian drones and missiles have significantly decreased due to more frequent and diverse Russian strikes and a shortage of US-provided air defense systems. Ukrainian forces intercepted 46% of Russian missiles in the past six months, down from 73% previously, with a drop to 30% in the past month. Russian missile and drone attacks increased by 45%, including double the number of Shahed drones. Ballistic missiles and converted S-300/400 missiles remain challenging for Ukraine to intercept. Ukraine’s GUR reported that the Russian 22nd Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Division, operating from Engels and Shaykovka Air Bases, is responsible for several missile strikes using Tu-95MS, Tu-160, and Tu-22M3 bombers.
Since May 10, at least 5,900 people have been evacuated from Kharkiv Oblast due to a new Russian offensive. The offensive targets borderline settlements, especially Vovchansk, close to the Russian border. About 200 people remain in Vovchansk, which is experiencing urban combat. Russian forces have had “tactical success” in the area. Vovchansk, with a pre-war population of 17,000, was occupied by Russia in February 2022 and liberated in September 2022. Fortifications built after its liberation are struggling to withstand the renewed offensive.
Ukraine may face electricity supply issues in the summer and a challenging winter due to Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, warned Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko. Since the start of 2024, Russia has launched five major attacks, including one on May 8 targeting critical infrastructure and another in April destroying the Trypillya Thermal Power Plant. While Ukraine has avoided nationwide blackouts, some cities like Kharkiv have blackout schedules, and energy use restrictions are in place. The Energy Ministry urges consumers to use electricity sparingly, noting an 8-gigawatt loss in generating capacity. Halushchenko emphasized the unpredictability of future attacks and the likely difficult winter ahead, but renewable energy sources like solar power may help balance the system. Russian strikes have caused over $1 billion in damage to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree dismissing Andrii Alieksieenko, the first deputy chief of Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SZRU), without providing a reason. Alieksieenko was replaced by Oleh Luhovskyi. The SZRU, which reports directly to the president, gathers intelligence on political, economic, military, scientific, and technical matters. In March, Zelensky appointed Oleh Ivashchenko as the SZRU chief, following Oleksandr Litvinenko’s move to replace Oleksiy Danilov as the National Security and Defense Council’s secretary.
Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) identified Russian Air Force personnel responsible for cruise missile strikes on civilian infrastructure. Since the invasion began, Ukraine has shot down over 2,000 Russian missiles. HUR named 29 members of the 22nd Heavy Bomber Aviation Division, which includes the 121st regiment based in Engels, Saratov Oblast, and the 52nd regiment in Shaikovka, Kaluga Oblast. These pilots, flying Tu-95MS, Tu-160, and Tu-22M3 bombers, are linked to numerous casualties and destruction in Ukraine. HUR emphasized that there will be retribution for these war crimes.
Ukraine’s Allies
Estonia is considering sending troops to Ukrainian rear areas to free up Ukrainian soldiers for frontline duties, according to National Security Advisor Madis Roll. The Estonian troops would take over non-combat roles in western Ukraine. Roll stated that discussions are ongoing, and all possibilities are being considered, preferring a NATO-wide mission but not ruling out a smaller coalition. Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė announced Lithuania’s approval for its troops to undertake non-combat training roles in Ukraine’s rear areas. The idea of Western troops in Ukraine has been debated since French President Emmanuel Macron suggested it, though the U.S., European allies, and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg have distanced themselves from Macron’s statement.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Kyiv, the first senior U.S. official visit since Congress approved a $61 billion military aid package for Ukraine. Blinken aims to reassure Ukraine during this difficult time and discuss the execution of the new aid, which includes artillery, ATACMS long-range missiles, and air defense interceptors. Blinken emphasized unwavering U.S. support for Ukraine against Russian aggression. President Biden recently authorized an additional $400 million defense aid package, including Patriot and NASAMS air defenses, Stinger missiles, HIMARS systems, and artillery shells. In Kyiv, Blinken will meet with President Zelensky and deliver a speech on Ukraine’s future.
Berlin will provide Kyiv with another IRIS-T air defense system in May, German Ambassador to Ukraine Martin Jager announced. This comes as Ukraine requests more air defense support due to increased Russian strikes on energy infrastructure. The IRIS-T and Patriot systems are effective against Russia’s ballistic and cruise missiles. Ukraine already has several IRIS-T systems, with more expected later this year, and in 2025 and 2026. Germany will also send a Patriot system, expected by late June. Despite initial delays, Germany is now the second-largest military aid provider to Ukraine after the U.S.
The European Council agreed to extend the suspension of export tariffs for Ukraine and Moldova for another year. The extension includes two new safeguard mechanisms to protect the EU market, allowing for regular monitoring and quotas if exports exceed levels from the past three years. This decision has caused tension in some EU member states, leading to protests in Poland, Romania, and Hungary. Polish Agriculture Minister Czeslaw Siekierski opposed the extension, advocating for gradual trade liberalization instead. The extension, running from June 6, 2024, to June 5, 2025, reaffirms the EU’s support for Ukraine. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal thanked the council, saying it brings Ukraine and Europe closer together.
Russia News
Newly appointed Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu participated in his first meeting, as President Putin focuses on mobilizing the economy and defense industry for a prolonged war in Ukraine. Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov clarified Shoigu’s role as a “curator” of the Military-Industrial Commission. Shoigu was reportedly removed from the Ministry of Defense due to his criticism of Rostec’s failure to supply modern weapons. Putin aims to improve the defense industry’s efficiency, and milbloggers hope Shoigu’s removal will resolve bureaucratic issues. Despite concerns about his lack of military experience, new appointee Andrei Belousov is seen as a capable manager.
Putin’s removal of Shoigu from the Russian MoD has led to the departure of Shoigu’s affiliates, including Deputy Defense Ministers Ruslan Tsalikov and Alexey Krivoruchko, amid corruption allegations. Both submitted their resignations a week before Shoigu’s removal. Tsalikov and Krivoruchko, close to Shoigu, were involved in troop support and weapons development, respectively, and have been linked to corruption scandals impacting frontline troops. Following Shoigu’s ousting, other Shoigu allies like Timur Ivanov have also been removed due to corruption charges. New Defense Minister Andrei Belousov is expected to clear out more Shoigu affiliates. Putin’s reshuffle, timed with his inauguration, aims to remove ineffective officials without appearing to concede to past pressures from figures like the late Yevgeny Prigozhin.
The Russian government expanded the “undesirable” organizations list to include those funded by foreign states, subjecting them to bans. The law, existing since 2015, targets perceived opponents of President Putin, including NGOs, media outlets, and human rights groups. Currently, 160 organizations are listed as “undesirable” and are banned from operating in Russia. The new legislation could include foreign-funded media like the BBC and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Lawmaker Vasily Piskarev stated the bill aims to combat foreign interference and sanctions. The Institute for the Study of War noted the bill would hinder reporting by foreign and opposition media on Russian politics.
Russian Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
The Russian military is increasing efforts to recruit conscripts through the Russian Volunteer Society for Assistance to the Army, Aviation, and Navy of Russia (DOSAAF) by lowering the membership age from 18 to 14, announced by DOSAAF Chairperson Army General Alexander Dvornikov. DOSAAF trains citizens aged 17 to 30 for military service and civilians aged 18 to 65 in military skills. The change aims to expand the pool of militarily-trained youth for future conscription and mobilization.
In other news, personnel from the recently dissolved Donetsk People’s Republic’s (DNR) “Kaskad” formation appealed to President Putin, complaining about a lack of pay and veteran benefits. They reported receiving only 100,000 rubles ($1,100) between January and May 2024, down from their previous monthly salaries of 245,000 rubles ($2,675). The Kaskad formation was disbanded on April 30, 2024, and members are struggling without combat veteran certificates or benefits.
Denis Oslomenko, General Director of Russian defense company “PPSh Laboratory,” claimed that Russian forces are using robotic drone suppressors based on Triton electronic warfare systems to protect troops evacuating wounded and dead personnel in contested areas in Ukraine. He stated that Russia aims to expand the production and distribution of these systems to its military.
Source Materials
Institute for the Study of War – understandingwar.org
The Kyiv Independent – kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Post – kyivpost.com