Summary of the day: Western media reports indicate Russian President Vladimir Putin is showing interest in a negotiated ceasefire in Ukraine, though actions suggest otherwise. Russian sources have given conflicting accounts of Putin’s stance on negotiations, emphasizing potential territorial concessions but largely ignoring broader strategic objectives. Despite any ceasefire, Russia remains poised to resume its offensive, viewing any outcome short of Ukrainian capitulation as a threat. Ukrainian forces achieved successful missile and drone strikes on Russian targets, and the US announced a $275 million military aid package for Ukraine. NATO is considering lifting restrictions on Ukraine’s use of Western weapons, as Russian forces advanced near Vovchansk, Svatove, Kreminna, and Donetsk City.
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Picture of the Day
Zelensky in what remains of the printing house after the Russian missile strike on May 23, 2024. (President Volodymyr Zelensky/X)
Beyond Ukraine – March Towards World War
Kremlin officials are continuing to target Moldova with misinformation. FSB Director Alexander Bortnikov claimed that Moldova is losing its identity and is controlled by “external governance,” and accused NATO of pushing Moldova into a conflict with Russia and Belarus. Russian MFA Spokesperson Maria Zakharova echoed these claims, saying NATO is trying to integrate Moldova into the alliance and that Moldova is losing its language and nationality. Zakharova also criticized Moldovan President Maia Sandu’s administration. The Kremlin has ramped up these information operations and strengthened ties with pro-Russian Moldovan politicians, aiming to destabilize Moldova, hinder its EU accession, and justify possible future actions against it.
A Russian milblogger, awarded by the Kremlin, claimed that Georgia’s “foreign agents” law is not pro-Russian and is necessary for Georgian security and independence. However, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili stated on May 18 that the bill is “fundamentally Russian” and contradicts Georgia’s constitution and European standards. Recently, Kremlin and Georgian ruling party officials have promoted narratives supporting this law.
The U.S. State Department denounced Georgia’s “foreign agents” law and imposed visa restrictions on those undermining democracy there and their families. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced a review of U.S.-Georgian relations, urging Georgia to reconsider the bill, which targets organizations receiving foreign funding and mirrors repressive Russian laws. The legislation sparked large protests, with police reportedly using water cannons and rubber bullets. Blinken criticized the law for stifling freedoms and suppressing dissent. Although vetoed by President Salome Zurabishvili, the Georgian Dream party plans to override the veto. The U.S. and EU have both criticized the law, with the U.S. considering incentives for Georgia to abandon it and some EU members pushing for sanctions.
Peace Analysis
Western media reports suggest Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to a ceasefire in Ukraine, but his actions show no genuine interest in ending the conflict. Russian sources claim Putin wants to negotiate a ceasefire that recognizes current frontlines, presenting it as a victory to the Russian public. However, US officials have not confirmed any official Russian outreach for negotiations.
The Kremlin pretends to be interested in negotiations to persuade the West to make concessions on Ukraine. However, this contrasts with its aggressive actions and rhetoric about expanding territory and destroying Ukrainian statehood. Recent Russian military operations aim for significant advances, opening a new front in Kharkiv and targeting Ukraine’s war capabilities. These actions suggest Russia seeks a complete victory rather than a ceasefire.
Russian sources have given conflicting reports on Putin’s stance on negotiations with Ukraine. One source claims Putin wants to capture more territory to force negotiations, while another says he won’t negotiate with Zelensky. Putin reportedly believes Western support for Ukraine is limited and expects Russian forces could make significant gains without full mobilization. Concerns about domestic dissatisfaction from a prolonged war contrast with Russia’s labor shortages and preparation for a long conflict, raising doubts about these sources’ accuracy.
Russian sources emphasize territorial concessions in a potential ceasefire but avoid discussing Putin’s broader strategic goals in Ukraine. Reports indicate Putin sees control over occupied territories as non-negotiable. While there were suggestions Putin might drop demands for Ukrainian neutrality and NATO opposition, these are unlikely given their central role in his invasion rationale. The Kremlin’s goals include replacing Ukraine’s government and demilitarizing its military. Focusing on territorial control suggests Russia would likely seek further concessions in the future, undermining Ukrainian statehood.
A ceasefire would not stop Russia from continuing its efforts to destroy Ukrainian statehood and could be used to prepare for future attacks. Russia’s past actions, including the 2014 interventions in Crimea and Donbas, violated agreements to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty. There is no indication that Russia would honor any new agreement. A ceasefire could allow Russia to rebuild its forces and prepare for more offensives, aiming for regime change and conquest in Ukraine. While Ukraine could also use a ceasefire to strengthen its defenses, Russia might expect waning Western support to give it an advantage in resuming hostilities.
Russia is preparing for a potential war with NATO and sees Ukrainian capitulation as essential for its defense. Russian leaders assume Ukraine would side with NATO in any conflict. Defeating Ukraine would allow Russia to redeploy forces along Europe’s eastern border and gain resources and manpower for a larger war with NATO. The Kremlin views a victory in Ukraine as crucial for this strategy, making any ceasefire or settlement only a temporary halt in their efforts to eliminate an independent Ukraine.
The Kremlin will continue pretending to be interested in negotiations to influence Western support for Ukraine and extract concessions. This strategy, known as reflexive control, aims to shape Western actions in Russia’s favor through targeted rhetoric and information operations. In December 2022, Russia’s claims of openness to negotiations likely aimed to delay Western military aid to Ukraine. Similar tactics resurfaced in Winter 2023-2024 during US debates on security assistance. Now, the Kremlin may be using this strategy again to impact discussions on lifting restrictions on Ukraine’s use of Western weapons and future aid. Consistent Western support is crucial for Ukraine’s defense and future counteroffensives.
Putin rejected Ukrainian President Zelensky’s legitimacy, part of ongoing efforts to undermine his authority and trust. Putin claimed Zelensky’s term had expired and suggested Ukraine’s parliament and constitutional court address the issue, despite the Ukrainian constitution allowing postponement of elections during martial law. These statements aim to portray Zelensky as the main obstacle to peace negotiations, continuing a Russian information campaign against him.
The Kremlin may be preparing to declare a Kremlin-backed actor as Ukraine’s president instead of Zelensky. Former pro-Russian Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych’s plane arrived in Minsk, coinciding with Putin’s visit. Yanukovych, who fled Ukraine in 2014, has been considered by some as a potential Kremlin-chosen replacement for Zelensky if Ukraine had surrendered early in the invasion. Yanukovych’s presence in Minsk raises questions about possible future moves by Russia.
President Joe Biden is likely to miss the peace summit in Switzerland on June 15-16 due to a campaign fundraiser with George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Jimmy Kimmel, according to Bloomberg on May 23. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said he couldn’t confirm Biden’s attendance at the summit, which focuses on Ukraine’s 10-point peace plan for the withdrawal of Russian troops. Over 60 countries, including India, will participate, but Russia is excluded. Sources say Biden will attend the G7 summit in Italy from June 13-15 before heading to Los Angeles for the fundraiser. President Zelensky expects the peace summit to address free navigation, global food security, Ukraine’s economic development, nuclear and energy security, and the exchange of captives and deported children. Zelensky stressed the importance of involving influential countries to pressure Russia.
Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine
Ukrainian officials are closely monitoring Russian forces near the Sumy and Chernihiv borders. Colonel Ihor Prokhorenko reported the situation in Sumy Oblast is stable, with Ukrainian forces reinforcing the area. He noted an increase in Russian troops along the border but gave no specific numbers. Sumy Oblast Military Administration Head Volodymyr Artyukh stated that Russia currently lacks sufficient forces for an offensive into Sumy Oblast.
On May 23 and 24, Ukrainian forces successfully conducted missile strikes against military targets in Russian-occupied Ukraine. They destroyed a Russian S-400 air defense system in Obrizne, Donetsk Oblast, using ATACMS missiles. Another strike hit near Alushta, Crimea, targeting a Russian military communications center. The Crimean partisan group “Atesh” reported significant damage to equipment and possibly the control center. Crimean administration head Sergei Aksyonov mentioned strikes in Simferopol and near Alushta. A Russian blogger claimed up to 16 missiles were launched, some penetrating air defenses. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported destroying three ATACMS missiles over Crimea and three naval drones in the Black Sea.
Kharkiv Front – Initiative Russia
Lyptsi
Russian forces continued their offensive north of Kharkiv City, but the frontline remained unchanged. Colonel Ihor Prokhorenko stated that the situation in northern Kharkiv Oblast is difficult but that Ukrainian forces have halted Russian advances and are counterattacking. Russian sources claimed minor advances near Lyptsi, but these claims lack visual confirmation. Assaults also continued near Hlyboke and the Travyanske Reservoir. Ukrainian officials report around 50,000 Russian troops are positioned across the border, with potential future threats to Kharkiv City. Elements of the Russian 2nd Spetsnaz Brigade are operating in Kharkiv Oblast.
Vovchansk
Russian forces have recently advanced northeast of Kharkiv City, but the situation in Vovchansk has stabilized. Geolocated footage shows Russian forces near a destroyed bridge over the Vovcha River southeast of Tykhe, east of Vovchansk. Ukrainian spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nazar Voloshyn reported ongoing street battles in Vovchansk. Russian sources claim advances of 200 to 350 meters in this direction, but these claims are unconfirmed. The frontline in Vovchansk remains stagnant, with conflicting reports about control of the Vovchansk Aggregate Plant. Russian assaults continue near Starytsya and Tykhe.
Luhansk Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces recently advanced northwest of Svatove and continued operations along the Kupyansk-Svatove line. Geolocated footage shows Russian advances in eastern Berestove and gains east of Stelmakhivka. The Ukrainian General Staff reported partial Russian success near Ivanivka, highlighting Kupyansk as the most active front. A Russian source claimed gains southeast of Ivanivka, though unconfirmed. Elements of Russian motorized rifle regiments gained a foothold in northern Berestove and are attacking Stelmakhivka from different directions. Russian offensives also continued near Petropavlivka, Kyslivka, Druzhelyubivka, Novovodyane, Novoyehorivka, and Kovalivka.
Russian forces recently advanced northwest of Kreminna and continued offensive operations in the area. Geolocated footage shows Russian troops advancing to windbreaks east of Makiivka. They also carried out operations near Nevske, Torske, Terny, and the Serebryanske forest area and Bilohorivka. Russian forces are attacking Ukrainian positions east of Terny and southeast of Novosadove, while attempting to breach defenses near Makiivka.
Donetsk Front – Initiative Russia
Siversk
Russian forces continued ground attacks near Siversk, targeting areas near Vyimka, Spirne, and Ivano-Darivka. A Russian source claimed that troops seized a Ukrainian fortified area and advanced along a railway line south of Spirne, but this claim has not been visually confirmed.
Chasiv Yar
Russian forces continued ground attacks east of Chasiv Yar with no confirmed frontline changes. Russian sources claimed advances in the Kanal Microraion area, but these remain unconfirmed. Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian mechanized attack, destroying 10 armored vehicles. Russian forces also attacked near Klishchiivka and Andriivka, struggling to consolidate positions.
Avdiivka
Russian forces continued to advance northwest and west of Avdiivka, with no confirmed changes to the frontline. Russian sources claimed advances near Ocheretyne, Sokil, and Umanske, but these are unverified. Attacks also continued near Novoselivka Persha, Kalynove, Novooleksandrivka, Prohres, Novopokrovske, and Netaylove.
Southwest of Donetsk City
Russian forces recently advanced southwest of Donetsk City. Geolocated footage from May 23 shows advances near Novomykhailivka, though further claimed advances are unconfirmed. Ground attacks continued west of Donetsk City near Krasnohorivka and Heorhiivka, and southwest near Paraskoviivka and Kostyantynivka.
Zaporizhia Front – Initiative Russia
Zaporizhia-Donetsk Border Area
Russian forces reportedly advanced in the Donetsk-Zaporizhia Oblast border area. Russian sources claimed that small groups on motorcycles made advances in Staromayorske and Urozhaine, but these claims are unconfirmed.
Zaporizhia Line
Positional fighting continued in western Zaporizhia Oblast with no changes to the frontline. Russian forces launched attacks near Robotyne, northwest of Verbove, and towards Novodanylivka.
Kherson (Dnipro River) Front – Initiative None
Positional fighting continued in eastern Kherson Oblast, near Krynky. There are speculations that Ukrainian forces withdrew from Krynky to reposition elsewhere, but this is unconfirmed. Ukrainian spokesperson Captain Dmytro Pletenchuk stated that Ukrainian forces still hold a small tactical bridgehead in Krynky.
Ukrainian Civilian Victims Of War
The casualty count of Ukrainian civilians in the past 24 hours:
DEATHS: 10 INJURIES: 49
- An S-300 missile attack on a Kharkiv printing shop killed seven employees and injured 21 civilians. Overnight, two more people were killed and 23 injured, including an 11-year-old boy, in Kharkiv and other parts of the oblast.
- Russian drone and artillery strikes on the Nikopol district injured three civilians and damaged a building, shop, and cars. The town was shelled and attacked with a kamikaze drone, damaging a house. A 37-year-old woman and two men, aged 24 and 52, suffered injuries, with two hospitalized.
- Russian attacks on Donetsk Oblast injured two residents of Toretsk.
- In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, a Russian attack on the Polohy district killed one man.
Ukraine News
Russian forces launched limited missile strikes against Kharkiv Oblast. Kharkiv Military Administration Head Oleh Syniehubov reported that Kharkiv City was hit by an S-300 missile. Additionally, Russian forces targeted railway infrastructure in the oblast. Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Major Ilya Yevlash noted a pause in Shahed-136/131 drone strikes, but an increase in reconnaissance drone activity over Kharkiv, Kherson, and Zaporizhia oblasts to support missile strikes.
President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the Kharkiv printing house destroyed by a Russian missile attack the previous day, which killed seven people. He expressed condolences to the victims’ families and noted that 21 people were injured. The attack destroyed the facility, burning tens of thousands of books, including children’s and educational materials. Regional authorities reported that Russia used S-300 missiles fired from its territory. Zelensky emphasized that Russian terror must be punished and that efforts are ongoing to ensure Russia bears the consequences. Following the attack, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba urged Kyiv’s partners to provide more Patriot air defense systems, thanking Germany for pledging an additional system last month.
Ukrainian authorities ordered the evacuation of 123 children from 36 settlements in northeastern Kharkiv Oblast. Since Russia’s new offensive began on May 10, over 11,000 people have evacuated the area. Authorities plan to evacuate orphans and children without parental care, along with their families or guardians, to Kharkiv and then to Volyn Oblast. The evacuation, set to take place within 60 days, will cover the Izium, Chuhuiv, Kupiansk, and Bohodukhiv districts.
Ukrainian Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
The Ukrainian military is addressing manpower challenges. Brigadier General Yevgeny Ostryanskyi announced plans to reduce General Staff personnel by 60% and reallocate them based on a recent survey. This includes disbanding 25% of its units and transferring 35% to other military branches. The goal is to reinforce operational and tactical management and frontline combat units. Ukrainian President Zelensky emphasized the importance of consistent rotations to boost morale and ensure readiness for future counteroffensives.
A court in Ukraine’s Khmelnytskyi Oblast released 50 prisoners on the condition they join the military, as part of the new conscription law. Ukraine’s parliament passed the law on May 8, allowing those convicted of certain offenses to serve in the military. President Zelensky signed it into law on May 17. The first two prisoners were released under this law on May 22. The released prisoners are mainly young men convicted of crimes like theft. They have no military experience but are confident in learning quickly. Many are motivated by the loss of friends and family in the war. They will be supervised by their military units and cannot leave without permission. Justice Minister Denys Maliuska stated that up to 20,000 convicts could join the military, helping to ease prison overcrowding. Over 3,000 convicts have applied for conditional release to join the Armed Forces.
The first group of Ukrainian pilots has graduated from the F-16 training program in Arizona, according to U.S. Air National Guard spokesperson Erin Hannigan, as reported by Politico on May 23. Ukraine is set to receive dozens of American-made F-16 fighter jets from the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and Norway. Several countries, including the U.S., are helping train Ukrainian pilots as part of the fighter jet coalition. The number of graduates and the exact graduation date were not disclosed for safety reasons. The pilots will now continue their training in Europe. Training began last October at Morris Air National Guard Base in Tucson, Arizona. Additional training is ongoing in Denmark, and Romania has also opened an F-16 training facility. Recently, the Dutch Defense Ministry announced that 10 Ukrainian personnel completed F-16 maintenance training in the Netherlands.
A conscript deemed fit for military service by a medical commission died suddenly at an enlistment office in Zakarpattia Oblast due to a rapid health decline, according to the regional enlistment center. Ukraine has intensified mobilization efforts as the war with Russia enters its third year. The conscript’s health worsened on May 23, and medics were called, but he was declared dead on arrival. The cause is unknown, and a special investigation is underway. The center acknowledged that tragedies can occur despite medical clearance and expressed condolences to the family. Similar incidents have been reported, including a death on May 5 in Kryvyi Rih, raising scrutiny on medical commissions amid allegations of corruption and misconduct.
Ukraine’s Allies
The US Department of Defense announced a $275 million military aid package for Ukraine to help repel Russian offensives in northern Kharkiv Oblast. The package includes HIMARS ammunition, 155mm and 105mm artillery shells, TOW missiles, anti-tank systems, precision aerial munitions, mines, and other equipment.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg suggested lifting restrictions on Ukraine’s use of Western weapons to strike targets in Russia. He noted these restrictions hinder Ukraine’s defense against Russian offensives in northern Kharkiv Oblast. Analysts believe these limitations allow Russian forces to launch attacks from border areas and assemble troops and equipment without interference.
Malgorzata Maria Kidawa-Blonska, Marshal of the Polish Senate, arrived in Kyiv for an official visit. She was welcomed at the train station by Ukraine’s parliament deputy chair, Olena Kondratiuk, and the Ukrainian and Polish ambassadors. Kondratiuk highlighted the visit’s importance for interparliamentary cooperation and strengthening Ukrainian-Polish relations. Kidawa-Blonska will deliver a speech at the Ukrainian parliament and meet with its speaker, Ruslan Stefanchuk.
Kyiv received another Iris-T air defense system from Berlin, as confirmed by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. The delivery includes Iris-T SLM and SLS units, which are advanced medium and short-range air defense systems.
Life in Russian-Occupied Ukraine
Ukrainian authorities are working to return children illegally deported to Russia. On May 23, Ukrainian Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets announced that seven children were brought back from Russian-occupied areas. On May 24, Mykola Kuleba, founder of Save Ukraine, reported the return of 10 more children, including a nine-month-old, bringing the total number of children returned by the organization to 345. Meanwhile, Kremlin-appointed Russian Commissioner on Children’s Rights Maria Lvova-Belova denied Russia’s forced deportations, claiming six children returned to Ukraine through a Qatari-brokered deal.
Kremlin officials are pushing programs to Russify occupied Ukraine and erase Ukrainian culture. Russian Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova stated the need to create exhibitions on the “recent history” of these areas and to open children’s centers in occupied Zaporizhia and Kherson oblasts.
Russia News
On May 19, Ukrainian forces used drones to damage two Russian aircraft in Krasnodar Krai, according to satellite imagery reported by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces targeted the Kushchyovskaya airfield and the Slavyansk oil refinery. Dozens of aircraft used to attack Ukraine were at the airfield during the attack. An Su-27 and Su-34 aircraft were damaged. An expert confirmed to RFE/RL that the Su-34 had “damaged or removed wings” and the Su-27 was “clearly damaged.”
On May 23, Ukrainian forces reportedly conducted a drone strike on a Russian early warning radar system in Krasnodar Krai. Photos show the aftermath at the Voronezh-DM radar station near Armavir, used by Russian forces to detect intercontinental ballistic missiles. Satellite imagery published by Radio Svoboda confirms damage to the radar system.
Russian authorities are expected to continue removing senior defense officials and military commanders in the coming weeks, according to sources cited by The Moscow Times. Since April 24, the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has arrested five high-ranking defense officials, including Deputy Defense Ministers Timur Ivanov and Yuri Kuznetsov. The FSB’s actions, reportedly approved by President Putin, are part of a broader effort to replace officials linked to former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. Sources indicate that dozens or even hundreds of more arrests are anticipated, potentially marking the largest purge of military officials in modern Russian history. The FSB aims to install its affiliates in the Ministry of Defense and gain control over its budget.
A Kremlin insider claims the recent arrests of senior defense officials show the FSB’s effort to blame the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) for early failures in Ukraine’s invasion. The FSB, responsible for domestic security and military surveillance, is conducting the arrests. While President Putin has historically encouraged infighting among powerful officials, the FSB’s actions likely align with its duties rather than a broader scheme to control the MoD. The Kremlin is still debating who to blame for the military’s early setbacks in Ukraine.
Russia has for the first time blamed the Islamic State (IS) for the March 22 terrorist attack on Moscow’s Crocus City Hall but still claims Ukraine assisted the attackers, Russian media reported on May 24. The attack, carried out by several gunmen, killed at least 145 people and injured over 500 in the Moscow suburb of Krasnogorsk. FSB head Alexander Bortnikov stated that the attack was coordinated by IS-K, a branch of IS active in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and alleged Ukrainian military intelligence was involved. Ukraine has denied any connection, and the White House found no evidence linking Kyiv to the attack. Despite IS’s claim, Russian authorities have continued to blame Ukraine. Following the attack, Russian authorities detained about a dozen men, mainly from Tajikistan, with signs of abuse reported. Putin has maintained the narrative that radical Islamists linked to Ukraine were responsible, without providing evidence. The incident has sparked controversy and differing public opinions on the responsible parties.
Russian Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
On May 23, the Financial Times reported that Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksandr Lytvynenko stated Russia recruited over 385,000 military personnel in 2023. The Russian platform To Be Precise noted a decrease of about 58,000 prisoners from 2022 to 2023, likely due to recruitment for the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian intelligence official Major General Vadym Skibitskyi reported that Russia recruits around 30,000 military personnel per month.
Russia’s Allies
On May 23, Kremlin officials criticized a UN resolution establishing an annual day to commemorate the 1995 Srebrenica genocide. Russian UN Representative Vasily Nebenzya claimed the resolution would incite regional conflict. Spokesperson Maria Zakharova echoed this, alleging it is a Western effort to rewrite history. Russian milbloggers also denied the genocide. The 1995 genocide of Muslim Bosniaks by the Bosnian Serb Army in Srebrenica is well-documented, though Serbia denies it occurred. Russia has maintained close ties with Serbia since the early 2000s.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko met in Minsk to discuss expanding their Union State framework and bilateral cooperation. They emphasized the importance of technological, economic, energy, and defense collaboration, especially given Western sanctions and perceived hostility. Lukashenko stated that this year will be crucial for Ukraine and that Russia and Belarus are not rushing to resolve the conflict. Additionally, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov met with Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin to discuss defense cooperation.
Russian Narratives and Propaganda
The Kremlin is trying to create unrest in Ukraine by undermining trust in President Zelensky. Ukrainian intelligence warned that Russia is running an operation called “Maidan 3” to discredit the government, incite panic, and portray Zelensky as illegitimate. This campaign aims to peak between March and July 2024. Anonymous online accounts have called for protests in Kyiv, offering payments to participants. These efforts are also seen on TikTok, where users are urged to demonstrate against Zelensky and spread claims of his illegitimacy.
Kremlin security officials continue to falsely accuse Ukraine of involvement in the March 22 Crocus City Hall terrorist attack. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) maintains that the Islamic State (IS) was responsible for the attack and has found no evidence to suggest otherwise.
Source Materials
Institute for the Study of War – understandingwar.org
The Kyiv Independent – kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Post – kyivpo st.com