Summary of the day: The Kremlin is intensifying its nuclear threats and diplomatic manipulation to influence Western decision-making, while Russian elites are maneuvering for influential positions before the presidential inauguration on May 7. Russian military command has appointed new leaders for the Leningrad and Moscow military districts, and Ukraine successfully targeted a Russian patrol boat in Crimea with maritime drones. Additionally, Russia is shifting its support in Sudan to align with the Sudanese Armed Forces, aiming to establish a Red Sea naval base that aligns Iranian and Russian strategies. On the battlefield, Russian forces made notable advances in Svatove, Avdiivka, Zaporizhia, and Kherson Oblasts, while conscripting Ukrainians from occupied regions into the Russian army.
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Beyond Ukraine – March Towards World War
The Kremlin is escalating nuclear threats and diplomatic manipulation to influence Western decision-making, using nuclear saber-rattling to deter military support for Ukraine. President Putin has directed the Russian military to conduct tactical nuclear weapons exercises, involving forces from the Southern Military District and others, claiming it’s a response to Western provocations. Russia views the delivery of F-16 jets to Ukraine as a potential nuclear threat, and Russian Security Council’s Dmitry Medvedev has warned of a “world catastrophe” due to Western involvement in Ukraine. These nuclear threats are part of a strategy to deter Western nations from aiding Ukraine, but Russia is unlikely to use tactical nuclear weapons on the battlefield. The drills come amid heightened nuclear rhetoric from Putin, who warned of a “real” risk of nuclear war in February. The exercises, intended to practice the use of non-strategic nuclear weapons, are a response to statements by French President Emmanuel Macron and British officials, according to the Kremlin. The drills aim to safeguard Russia’s territorial integrity against perceived threats from certain Western officials.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the British and French ambassadors to discourage Western support for Ukraine, accusing British Foreign Minister David Cameron of escalating tensions by endorsing Ukraine’s right to target Russian military sites and criticizing French President Emmanuel Macron for advocating increased military aid to Ukraine. Moscow warned of potential strikes on British military assets in Ukraine or beyond as a deterrent against Western nations bolstering Ukraine’s defenses. This warning followed British Foreign Secretary David Cameron’s support for Ukraine’s use of U.K.-made weapons for defense. The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the British Ambassador to Moscow for protest, amid concerns about potential use of nuclear weapons. While Ukraine’s allies are cautious about supplying long-range arms, President Zelensky stated that foreign-supplied weapons won’t be used outside Ukraine. Nonetheless, some allies reportedly sent weapons without such restrictions, with Ukraine allegedly using U.K.-supplied missiles to target Russian military in Crimea.
European intelligence agencies warn of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s plans for violent sabotage across Europe, including covert bombings and arson attacks on infrastructure, according to the Financial Times. Recent incidents underscore suspicions of Russian-backed sabotage, prompting concerns about ongoing threats to European security. Assessments from various countries indicate a concerted effort by Russia, highlighting a commitment to perpetual conflict with Western nations. Recent events include accusations of Russian involvement in GPS jamming in Lithuania and other countries, along with thwarted sabotage attempts. Germany, the UK, and Sweden have experienced similar incidents, with arrests made in Bavaria and the UK regarding suspected plots linked to Russia. NATO and the EU have pledged to respond to Russia’s aggression, but experts remain uncertain about Putin’s precise motives, suggesting disruption of European stability and retaliation against Western support for Ukraine as potential factors.
Russian ultranationalist bloggers are using protests in Armenia to criticize Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan for distancing the country from Russia. One Kremlin-recognized blogger dismissed the protests as ineffective due to poor organization and leadership. Others accused Western nations of corrupting Armenian youth with democratic values. Tensions between Armenia and Russia have worsened since Russian peacekeepers failed to prevent the loss of Nagorno-Karabakh, and Russia has threatened Armenia if it does not rejoin the Russian-led CSTO alliance.
Russia appears to be shifting its support to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in the ongoing Sudanese civil war, aiming to establish a naval base on the Red Sea. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov met with SAF leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in late April, expressing support for the SAF-backed government and discussing “unrestricted military aid.” Russia has pursued a Red Sea port since 2008 to protect its economic interests and bolster its military position against Western influence. In 2017, President Vladimir Putin secured an agreement with Sudan’s then-dictator Omar al-Bashir for a Red Sea base, allowing Russia to station 300 troops and four ships in exchange for military aid. After Bashir’s ouster in 2019, Russia supported both the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and SAF to advance the deal. However, the civil war between the RSF and SAF stalled these plans, and the SAF now controls Sudan’s coast, making it essential for Russia’s strategic ambitions despite risking its gold supply previously sourced through the RSF.
Russia’s potential support of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) aligns its policy with Iran, benefiting both countries. Iran seeks a Red Sea base to expand its power westward, using it to threaten shipping routes and launch attacks into Israel. Iran has been sending drones to the SAF since late 2023 but failed to secure a permanent base in Port Sudan. Russia might align its policy with Iran to reduce its own military burden, as it’s redeploying troops from African Corps units to the Ukrainian border amid recruitment issues. Prior to his Sudan visit, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov met with Iran’s Deputy PM Ali Bagheri Kani to discuss regional cooperation, signaling growing collaboration on this issue.
Russia is using its support for the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to sideline Ukrainian and U.S. influence in Sudan. During his recent visit, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov inquired about Sudan’s military ties with Ukraine, which has been providing military support to the SAF to boost its influence in Africa. The Wall Street Journal reported that nearly 100 Ukrainian special forces troops were deployed to Sudan at SAF leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s request in August 2023, assisting with combat, drones, training, and supplies. Meanwhile, Russia’s involvement threatens U.S.-backed peace talks, which have been faltering due to foreign intervention and hardline negotiating stances.
Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine
Ukraine’s military intelligence (GUR) successfully used a Magura V5 maritime drone to destroy a Russian patrol boat worth an estimated $3 million in Vuzka Bay, Crimea. Sources confirm it was a successful operation by Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate targeting a Russian military boat in Crimea early on May 6. The attack likely destroyed the boat. Meanwhile, Russia is fortifying Sevastopol Bay against similar attacks. Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed its Black Sea Fleet destroyed five Ukrainian maritime drones but acknowledged Ukraine’s adaptation of drones to counter Russian defenses. Russian military bloggers criticized the slow response of Russian forces to these improved Ukrainian drones.
Ukrainian military observer Kostyantyn Mashovets reported that Russia is attempting to centralize its reconnaissance fire complex (RFC) into an online, three-level system. Previously, individual commanders issued separate orders, but this new approach has already targeted Ukrainian Patriot air defense systems and HIMARS. The system’s first level, managed by division and brigade commanders, covers up to 12 kilometers and handles anti-tank guided missiles, tanks, and thermobaric artillery. The second level, led by army corps commanders, oversees 12 to 100 kilometers and includes multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) and aircraft. The third level, controlled by grouping-of-forces commanders, extends beyond 100 kilometers and manages Iskander missiles, drones, and advanced aircraft. Russian forces are working to minimize delays between reconnaissance and strikes. However, Russian bloggers have criticized ongoing bureaucracy as a barrier to effective strikes on Ukrainian targets.
Luhansk Front – Initiative Russia
Donetsk Front – Initiative Russia
Zaporizhia Front – Initiative Russia
Kherson (Dnipro River) Front – Initiative None
Russian forces have made minor advances northwest of Svatove during continued ground attacks along the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna line. Geolocated footage from May 5 and 6 indicates slight progress east of Stelmakhivka and south of Krokhmalne. A Russian military blogger claimed a 300-meter advance near Stelmakhivka, while Russia’s Ministry of Defense stated that Russian forces captured Kotlyarivka. Bloggers further claimed that this capture enabled the Russian 1st Guards Tank Army to seize Kyslivka, though this remains unconfirmed. Fighting continues around Pishchane, Berestove, Nevske, Novosadove, Torske, the Serebryanske forest, and Bilohorivka.
Russian forces continued limited attacks in the Siversk area northeast of Bakhmut without changing the front line. Ukraine’s General Staff reported repelling Russian assaults near Verkhnokamyanske to the east, Spirne and Vyimka to the southeast, and Rozdolivka to the south. Russian forces are reportedly active near Spirne.
Russian forces pressed their offensive toward Chasiv Yar without altering the frontline. Russian military bloggers reported intense fighting near Bohdanivka and Ivanivske, on Chasiv Yar’s eastern flanks. Ukraine’s 5th Assault Brigade released footage showing Russian “turtle tanks” with anti-drone covers operating under a smokescreen near Bakhmut. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces repelled attacks near Ivanivske and southeast of Chasiv Yar, including Klishchiivka and Andriivka.
A military spokesperson refuted claims by a serviceman that Ukrainian forces destroyed a key bridge over a Donbas canal near Chasiv Yar. Ivan Tymochko initially stated the bridge was deliberately destroyed, but later clarification from spokesperson Nazar Voloshyn revealed it remained intact and was damaged by Russian drones during repair work. Voloshyn suggested Russian forces lack the strength for a full-scale offensive on Chasiv Yar, contrasting earlier comments by Major General Vadym Skibitskyi hinting at its potential fall.
Russian troops are attempting to breach Ukraine’s defenses and advance towards Pokrovsk and Kurakhove in Donetsk Oblast, according to Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. The eastern front, covering much of Donetsk Oblast, is under intense attack by Russian forces. Syrskyi emphasized the importance of the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove sectors as the main direction of Russia’s assault. Ukrainian soldiers, facing superior numbers and firepower, are defending against daily attacks. To reinforce defense, additional resources like missiles, ammunition, and electronic warfare equipment are being allocated. Ukrainian troops recently retreated from several villages in Donetsk Oblast, with Russian forces gaining ground.
Russian forces advanced southwest of Avdiivka along the E50 highway in eastern Netaylove. Ukrainian and Russian sources confirmed ongoing fighting in Netaylove, while Russian bloggers claimed advances east of Novopokrovske and reaching the outskirts of Novooleksandrivka, though these claims are unverified. They also reported progress in eastern Umanske and attacks toward Kalynove from Arkhanhelske. The Ukrainian General Staff noted continued Russian assaults northwest of Avdiivka near Novooleksandrivka and Novopokrovske, west near Umanske and Yasnobrodivka, and southwest near Netaylove and Nevelske.
Russian sources claimed continued advances west of Donetsk City but reported no confirmed frontline changes. Russian military bloggers indicated that fighting is heavy in western Krasnohorivka near the industrial zone, while Ukrainian Lt. Col. Nazar Voloshyn said small Russian groups are attacking but are held back by Ukrainian artillery. Bloggers also suggested that Russian forces control most of Paraskoviivka, though there is no visual confirmation, with another source noting fighting is still on the outskirts. Combat continues near Krasnohorivka, Heorhiivka, Kostyantynivka, and Paraskoviivka.
Russian forces made limited and unsuccessful ground attacks in the Donetsk-Zaporizhia border area. Russian and Ukrainian sources reported attacks near Vodyane, northeast of Vuhledar, and south of Velyka Novosilka near Urozhaine and Staromayorske. One Russian blogger claimed forces advanced up to one kilometer east of Urozhaine, while another reported progress southeast of Urozhaine, though neither claim is confirmed.
Russian forces have made advances in southern Robotyne, western Zaporizhia Oblast, according to geolocated footage. Both Ukrainian and Russian sources confirm ongoing positional battles in the area, with one Russian blogger describing Robotyne as a contested “gray zone.”
Recent developments reveal Russian forces advancing north of Oleshky on the eastern bank of Kherson Oblast, as confirmed by geolocated footage, with ongoing positional engagements near Krynky. Ukrainian spokesperson Captain Dmytro Pletenchuk reported Russia’s daily deployment of up to 300 strike drones across southern Ukraine, emphasizing their aim to control Nestryha Island in the Dnipro Delta despite significant losses. Described as a contested “gray zone” by Russian sources, Nestryha Island’s operations are complicated by high water levels. Moreover, Russian forces increasingly employ guided bombs against the western bank of Kherson Oblast. Despite three unsuccessful storming attempts by Russian troops resulting in the loss of four tanks, Nestryha Island, strategically significant, was recently liberated by Ukrainian forces, with fierce fighting persisting, particularly in the heavily contested village of Krynky, where Ukrainian troops maintain control despite Russian claims to the contrary.
Ukrainian Civilian Victims Of War
The casualty count of Ukrainian civilians in the past 24 hours:
DEATHS:0 INJURIES: 7
- Russian troops conducted an airstrike on Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast, injuring four people. The attack, using a UMPB D-30SN glide bomb, damaged three high-rise buildings, a boiler room, and a car in a densely populated residential area. Two men, aged 34 and 53, were hospitalized with blast injuries and shrapnel wounds, with one in serious condition.
- Russian troops shelled Uhroidy village in Sumy Oblast, injuring three people, including two children. The attack damaged three houses. All injured individuals were hospitalized with mine-blast injuries.
Ukraine News
Russia launched 13 Shahed drones against northeastern Ukraine from Kursk Oblast. Ukraine’s Air Force reported downing 12 drones over Sumy Oblast, where energy infrastructure was targeted. In Poltava Oblast, debris from a downed drone struck a house in Myrhorod Raion. During the day, Russian forces used missiles and guided bombs in their attacks. Ukraine’s Eastern Air Command reported destroying a Kh-59/69 missile over Synelnykivskyi Raion, while Kharkiv authorities said Russian forces struck Monachynivka with a FAB-1500 guided bomb, a first for the region. Meanwhile, remnants of a Kh-69 missile were found and destroyed in Kyiv’s Holosiiv National Park.
President Zelensky proposed extending martial law and general mobilization in Ukraine for another 90 days from May 14.
Ukrainian Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced an additional 15.5 billion hryvnias ($400 million) for drone purchases in Ukraine, supplementing the 43.3 billion hryvnias ($1.1 billion) already allocated for 2024, enabling the acquisition of 300,000 more drones. The government decreed to cover up to 80% of costs for Ukrainian drone manufacturers.
Strategic Industries Minister Oleksandr Kamyshin highlighted a $10 billion funding gap for Ukrainian defense companies in 2024, despite their $20 billion annual production capacity. Seeking support from EU institutions and governments, Kamyshin plans to secure $6 billion in contracts and $4 billion locally, with international partners expected to cover the remainder. The forum also discussed Denmark and Canada’s investments in Ukraine’s defense sector and the EU’s proposal for a Defense Innovation office in Kyiv to enhance Ukraine’s integration into European defense programs and learn from its military expertise.
Ukraine’s Allies
Western allies continue to provide military aid to Ukraine. Canada will send the first 10 of 50 armored combat support vehicles to Europe in summer 2024, with delivery to Ukraine expected in fall 2024 after training. Estonia has delivered two NAVY 18 WP patrol boats to Ukraine, while Norway is allocating over 7 billion kroner ($645 million) primarily for air defense. Latvia will provide MANTIS air defense systems, tactical drone surveillance, and other equipment to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses. German defense firm Hensoldt will supply six TRML-4D radar systems to bolster Ukraine’s air defense, and Rheinmetall will deliver “hundreds of thousands” of ammunition rounds, including artillery shells with a 100-kilometer range.
European Commissioner Thierry Breton announced that the EU has begun preparations to open a Defense Innovation Office in Kyiv. This office will strengthen European and Ukrainian defense industry relations. The plan was initially revealed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in February 2024.
The Ukrainian Presidential Office announced that negotiations for a bilateral security agreement with the U.S. progressed during the fourth round of talks led by Andriy Yermak. Over 30 countries, including G7 members, have pledged support for Ukraine, with bilateral agreements already signed by 10 nations. Ukraine aims to finalize security pacts with seven more countries, including the U.S., as discussed in recent negotiations. The agreement aims to provide long-term security commitments to help Ukraine defend against Russian aggression and support post-war reconstruction efforts.
The U.S. swiftly deployed military aid to Ukraine following President Joe Biden’s signing of a $60 billion military assistance bill, as stated by Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh. Air defense and artillery ammunition were immediately supplied, with anti-armor rockets, missiles, and 155-mm artillery shells arriving on April 28, followed by a second installment on April 29, according to a New York Times report. Additionally, in response to Russian jamming impacting Ukraine’s GPS-guided munitions, the US Air Force awarded a $23.5 million contract to Scientific Applications and Research Associates Inc (SARA) to modify JDAM-ER kits with seekers capable of homing in on GPS jamming sites. These seekers identify radio frequency emitters, enabling missiles or bombs to engage them, aiming to counter Russian jamming efforts and enhance accuracy while deterring further interference.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has urged countries and international organizations not to recognize the results of Russia’s recent presidential election or Vladimir Putin’s legitimacy, citing evidence of extensive rigging, particularly in occupied territories, and accusing Russia of violating international law and UN principles, emphasizing Putin’s arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court. Many Western countries plan to boycott Putin’s inauguration, with the European Parliament condemning the election as illegitimate. The US and most EU nations are skipping Putin’s presidential inauguration on May 7, citing concerns over the legitimacy of Russia’s recent election. France and some EU states will send representatives despite Kyiv’s request not to. The UK, Canada, and the majority of EU states, including the US, won’t attend. Although Washington acknowledges Putin as president, it doesn’t consider the election fair. About 20 EU members are boycotting, while a few, including France, Hungary, and Slovakia, plan to attend.
The Netherlands plans to deliver its F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine starting in autumn, following Denmark’s summer transfer. Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren confirmed this during a press briefing in Vilnius. The Netherlands has pledged 24 jets to Ukraine, part of a plan including pilot training and maintenance. Denmark’s F-16s are expected to arrive in Ukraine this summer, with the Netherlands aiming for autumn deliveries. Several countries, including Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium, are supplying F-16s to Ukraine as part of an international coalition led by Denmark, the Netherlands, and the U.S.
Spain has delivered Patriot anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine, Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles confirmed. The missiles arrived less than 10 days after Spain pledged them at the Ramstein-format summit. Robles stated that the missiles are for air defense to protect Ukraine from attacks. The exact number of missiles sent was not disclosed.
Poland seeks to leverage its ties with former President Donald Trump to bolster U.S. support for Ukraine against Russia, Politico reported. Trump’s erratic stance on NATO spending and Ukraine has unsettled allies. Polish President Andrzej Duda’s meeting with Trump in April coincided with Trump’s social media call for Europe to prioritize Ukrainian survival. Duda’s discussions with Republican leaders are seen as instrumental in advancing U.S. military aid to Ukraine. While some credit Duda’s influence, others dismiss it as unlikely. Trump’s wavering stance on Russia and Ukraine raises concerns in European capitals ahead of the U.S. presidential elections.
Life in Russian-Occupied Ukraine
Ivan Fedorov, head of Ukraine’s Zaporizhia Oblast, reported that Russian authorities have set up infrastructure to conscript over 150,000 Ukrainians from occupied Zaporizhia into their military. This action violates the Geneva Convention, which prohibits forcing civilians in occupied territories to serve in the occupier’s armed forces.
Russia News
Russian elites and Kremlin officials are vying for influential government roles before the May 7 presidential inauguration, hoping to secure positions in case President Putin steps down after his new term. Speculation is mounting over possible changes, with rumors suggesting Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin or Sergei Kiriyenko could become the next prime minister. However, sources believe current Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin will remain in his role, and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu is also likely to stay for the ongoing war in Ukraine. Putin appears focused on loyalty, eliminating dissent, and strengthening ties with China, Iran, and North Korea. These changes are unlikely to significantly impact Russia’s domestic or international policies.
A reliable Russian insider claims that new commanders have been appointed to the Leningrad and Moscow military districts. Colonel General Alexander Lapin is now leading the Leningrad Military District (LMD), while Lieutenant General Valery Solodchuk is its Chief of Staff. Colonel General Sergei Kuzovlev will command the Moscow Military District (MMD), with Lieutenant General Mikhail Zusko as its Chief of Staff. This source has accurately predicted past command changes, though these appointments are not independently confirmed.
The Kremlin is tightening restrictions on “foreign agents,” barring them from holding government roles or running for office. The Russian State Duma unanimously passed a bill prohibiting these individuals from serving in any government capacity or as election observers and proxies. Current officials labeled “foreign agents” have 180 days to clear their status or lose their positions. The move is part of a broader crackdown on foreign agents and extremism, aiming to eliminate officials not fully aligned with the Kremlin.
Russia has shifted its military supply routes away from the Crimean Bridge, opting for overland routes in eastern Ukraine instead, as reported by The Independent and Molfar investigative group. The bridge, connecting mainland Russia with occupied Crimea, was damaged in Ukrainian strikes in 2022 and 2023. Satellite imagery analysis shows reduced military traffic, attributed to Ukrainian attacks damaging the bridge. Recent Ukrainian strikes in occupied Crimea have intensified, prompting claims of intercepted missiles by Russian proxies and the downing of a Ukrainian drone by Russian forces.
The EU plans to prohibit political parties and think tanks from receiving Russian funding in its next round of sanctions against Moscow, Bloomberg reported. This move aims to curb Russia’s influence on European politics, particularly among far-right parties accused of ties to Moscow. Additionally, the EU is considering limiting imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the upcoming sanctions package, as part of efforts to reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels by 2027. With the expiration of the transit contract between Ukraine and Russia looming, the EU is preparing for a potential disruption in Russian pipeline gas supply by the end of the year.
Russian Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
The UK Ministry of Defense reported that Chechen special forces are likely fighting on the front lines in Ukraine, while other Chechen units remain in rear positions. Following the Wagner Group’s withdrawal in May 2023, these special forces moved forward. Approximately 42,000 Russian personnel trained at the Special Forces University in Chechnya, though courses last only 10 days. Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov claimed that over 9,000 Chechen troops are currently fighting in Ukraine and that over 41,000 have served since Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Ukrainian military observer Kostyantyn Mashovets indicated that the war in Ukraine is damaging Russia’s arms exports in terms of both quantity and reputation. Russian arms exporter Rosoboronexport presented a report to Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, revealing that Russia is expected to export only $4.5 billion worth of arms and equipment in 2024, down from $6 billion in 2023 and $12 billion in 2021. This decline is due to Russia’s need for domestic arms amid the Ukraine conflict and increased competition from countries like the U.S., South Korea, Turkey, and France. Additionally, many buyers have either failed to pay or are still processing payments for Russian arms, further impacting revenue.
Rostec subsidiary Shvabe Holding has developed a reconnaissance thermal imaging system capable of detecting objects up to 300 meters away, enabling users to drive without headlights in low visibility conditions. The system can be mounted on a vehicle roof and is intended for reconnaissance, guarding facilities, and search and rescue operations.
Russia’s Allies
Russia and Belarus announced a 38% increase in the Union State budget for 2024. Union State Secretary Dmitry Mezentsev stated that the additional funds will focus on space, software, electronics, medical, and defense projects, highlighting stronger integration efforts between the two nations.
Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed support for a global truce during the Paris Olympics this summer, as reported by Le Monde. This statement came during his visit to France, his first to the EU in five years. Amid tensions over China’s support for Russia during the Ukraine war, French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Xi’s endorsement of the Olympic truce. Macron also acknowledged China’s commitment to refrain from selling weapons to Moscow. The U.S. has warned allies about China’s increased support for Russia. European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, urged China to leverage its influence to end Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Xi called for a peace conference recognized by both Russia and Ukraine, with China considering participation in Ukraine’s upcoming peace summit in Switzerland.
Russian Narratives and Propaganda
The Kremlin is running an information campaign to strain Ukraine’s relationship with Western allies and discredit Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) claims that the U.S. aims to remove Zelensky for not holding presidential elections in 2024. However, Ukraine’s constitution allows election postponement under martial law, aligning Zelensky’s decision with legal guidelines due to the ongoing war.
The Kremlin has added former senior Ukrainian officials to its wanted list as part of a campaign to discredit Ukraine’s government and enforce Russian laws over other nations. Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs included ex-Ukraine officials such as Oleksii Danilov, Pavlo Klimkin, and others on the list. Earlier, President Zelensky and former President Poroshenko were added. This move aims to delegitimize Ukraine’s current and past pro-Western governments and isolate the country diplomatically.
Source Materials
Institute for the Study of War – understandingwar.org
The Kyiv Independent – kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Post – kyivpost.com