As Ukrainian Forces Probe Kursk Oblast’s Defenses and Xi Jinping Plans Moscow Visit, Both Sides Reject Each Other’s Ceasefire Proposals While Civilians Pay the Price
Summary of the Day – May 5, 2025
The war’s complexity deepened as Ukrainian forces launched limited probing operations across the Russia-Ukraine border near Tetkino, creating ripple effects in the northern theater. Moscow faced its own vulnerability when Ukrainian drones approached the Russian capital ahead of Victory Day, triggering airport shutdowns. Diplomatic maneuvers intensified with China announcing Xi Jinping’s visit to Russia, while Zelensky rejected Moscow’s three-day ceasefire proposal. On the battlefield, Russian forces maintained pressure in several sectors, with new advances in Hryhorivka and near Dyliivka, as Russian strikes killed three civilians in Sumy Oblast border villages.
Staff of the NGO Eastern SOS evacuate elderly civilians during an operation near the front-line town of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast. (Jose Colon/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Ukrainian Forces Cross into Kursk Oblast: Limited Border Operations Test Russian Defenses
Ukrainian forces conducted a series of limited attacks across the Russia-Ukraine international border near Tetkino, Kursk Oblast on May 5, according to Russian sources. The reported operation targeted areas near Tetkino, Popova-Lezhachi, and Novyi Put, with Ukrainian forces allegedly using mine-clearing equipment to create paths through Russian minefields. Russian milbloggers claimed that a small arms clash erupted near the Tetkino Railway Station in southern Tetkino before Ukrainian forces withdrew back into Sumy Oblast.
The scale and objectives of the operation remain unclear, but tactical patterns suggest Ukrainian forces may be attempting to isolate Russian units throughout Glushkovsky Raion. Ukraine’s General Staff reported on May 5 that Ukrainian forces struck a Russian reconnaissance and drone command post near Tetkino, killing up to 20 Russian servicemembers and destroying their equipment. Russian sources claimed Ukrainian forces destroyed a bridge over the Seim River between Zvannoye and Tetkino, potentially to interdict Russian logistics in the area.
Elements of the Russian 98th Airborne Division, particularly the 5th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment, alongside other military personnel and Russian border guards, are reportedly defending against these limited Ukrainian incursions, according to Russian sources.
Phantom Threats Over Moscow: Drones Trigger Airport Shutdowns Ahead of Victory Day Celebrations
Four drones were reportedly intercepted as they approached Moscow in the early hours of May 5, just days before Russia’s annual Victory Day parade, according to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. The incident triggered temporary shutdowns across the capital’s airport system, including Vnukovo, Domodedovo, Zhukovsky, and Sheremetyevo airports, as well as restrictions at Grabtsevo airport in Russia’s Kaluga Oblast.
Russian Defense Ministry claimed its forces downed four drones over Moscow Oblast, 17 over Bryansk Oblast, and five more over Kaluga Oblast. The timing of the alleged attack just before Victory Day has heightened tensions, as Russia prepares for its May 9 celebrations commemorating the Soviet Union’s role in defeating Nazi Germany in World War II.
The reported drone activity comes as Russian authorities canceled the Victory Day parade in the occupied Crimean port city of Sevastopol, citing security concerns. Sevastopol, a major naval base on the Black Sea, has been under Russian occupation since the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Ukrainian Strike Claims Russian Drone Hub: Tetkino Command Center Hit in Precision Operation
Ukraine’s General Staff reported on May 5 that the Ukrainian Air Force struck a control center for Russia’s drone units near the village of Tetkino in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. The crews of unmanned reconnaissance and attack drones were based at this location, and the strike reportedly killed up to 20 Russian soldiers while destroying their equipment.
The village of Tetkino, less than 10 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, has become a critical node in Russia’s drone operations. According to Ukrainian Center for Countering Disinformation Head Lieutenant Andriy Kovalenko, Russian forces have been training drone operators at a school in Tetkino since 2022, making it a high-value target for Ukrainian forces seeking to degrade Russia’s unmanned aerial capabilities.
The strike represents part of Ukraine’s strategy to target Russian military and industrial facilities in rear areas to undermine Moscow’s ability to wage war, even as Russia continues its regular targeting of Ukrainian cities and villages with drones, missiles, glide bombs, and artillery.
Kyiv Under Fire: Russian Drone Barrage Injures Eleven, Including Two Children
Ukrainian air defenses were active throughout the early hours of May 5 as Russia launched a massive drone attack against the country. The Ukrainian Air Force reported shooting down 42 of 116 drones launched by Russia in an overnight attack, while 21 decoy drones disappeared from radars without causing damage.
The assault resulted in injuries to at least 11 people in Kyiv, including two children, in the capital’s Obolonskyi and Sviatoshynskyi districts, according to Timur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration. In addition to the capital, Cherkasy in central Ukraine was also targeted, with emergency services reporting damage to residential buildings and civil infrastructure.
The assault follows a pattern of escalating aerial attacks as both sides attempt to degrade each other’s infrastructure and military capabilities. Despite the proposed Russian three-day ceasefire set to begin on May 8, the intensity of drone and missile strikes has shown no signs of abating, reinforcing skepticism among Ukrainian officials regarding Moscow’s sincerity in any peace overtures.
Xi Jinping to Visit Russia: Chinese Leader to Join Putin for Victory Day
In a significant diplomatic development announced on May 5, Moscow revealed that Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Russia from May 7 to May 10. The visit will include Xi’s participation in Russia’s Victory Day commemorations alongside President Vladimir Putin, marking the Allied victory against Nazi Germany in World War II.
The timing of Xi’s visit coincides with Russia’s unilaterally declared three-day ceasefire in Ukraine, set to run from May 8 to May 10. This high-profile summit between the leaders of Russia and China—now one of Moscow’s most crucial economic and diplomatic partners since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine—signals continuing strong ties between the two nations despite Western attempts to isolate Russia internationally.
Beijing has maintained a stance of proclaimed neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict while deepening economic ties with Moscow, raising concerns among Western nations about China’s role in potentially sustaining Russia’s war effort through trade and economic support.
Zelensky Dismisses Russian Ceasefire: “Not the First Promises Made by Russia”
President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed skepticism on May 5 regarding Russia’s announced three-day truce scheduled to coincide with Moscow’s Victory Day celebrations on May 9. Speaking at a news conference with Czech President Petr Pavel, Zelensky dismissed the ceasefire proposal, stating: “This is not the first challenge, nor are these the first promises made by Russia to cease fire.”
The Ukrainian leader’s comments reflect deep distrust of Russian intentions, as he has characterized Moscow’s proposal as merely a “theatrical performance” designed to ensure a peaceful atmosphere for Putin’s Victory Day parade rather than representing a genuine step toward peace. Ukraine has instead backed the U.S.-proposed full 30-day ceasefire, which Russia has thus far rejected.
The contrasting ceasefire proposals highlight the divergent approaches to potential peace negotiations, with Ukraine demanding a more substantial pause in hostilities while Russia offers only a limited, symbolic gesture that Ukrainian officials view as primarily serving Moscow’s public relations objectives.
Trump Reports “Very Good Discussions” on Russia-Ukraine: U.S. Diplomacy Continues
U.S. President Donald Trump stated on May 5 that he and his advisers have had “very good discussions” about Russia and Ukraine in recent days, though he did not provide specific details about the content of these talks. The comment comes as the Trump administration continues efforts to broker an end to the conflict, now well into its fourth year.
Trump’s statement follows growing indications of frustration with the slow pace of peace negotiations, with reports suggesting he had previously threatened to withdraw from mediation efforts if Russia failed to demonstrate serious commitment to diplomatic resolution. The U.S. president has repeatedly claimed he could end the conflict quickly upon returning to office, but efforts to develop a comprehensive peace plan have faced significant challenges.
Meanwhile, the appointment of Julie S. Davis as the new U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Ukraine represents another element of the administration’s diplomatic approach, with Davis arriving in Kyiv on May 5 to lead American diplomatic efforts in Ukraine as discussions about possible peace terms continue through various channels.
U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Ukrainian Forces Reportedly Attack Kursk Region: New Operations on Russian Territory
Russian war bloggers reported on May 5 that Ukrainian forces launched fresh attacks in Russia’s western Kursk region, reportedly firing missiles and attempting to breach the border in at least two locations. This reported operation comes shortly after Russia claimed to have expelled Ukrainian forces from the Kursk region in late April, where Ukrainian troops had established a foothold since August 2024.
The reported incursion represents a potential new phase in Ukraine’s cross-border operations, with tactical patterns suggesting Ukrainian forces may be testing Russian defenses along the international border. Neither Russian nor Ukrainian official sources immediately confirmed these reports, leaving the scale and objectives of the operation unclear.
The reported activity in Kursk coincides with the confirmed Ukrainian attacks near Tetkino on May 5, suggesting a coordinated effort to maintain pressure on Russian forces along the northern border while potentially dividing their attention between multiple points of contact. These operations may be intended to fix Russian forces in place, preventing their redeployment to more active sectors of the front.
Training the Fighter Aces: Czech Republic to School Ukrainian Pilots on F-16s and L-39s
The Czech Republic is ready to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighters and L-39 training aircraft in cooperation with its partners from “the coalition of the willing,” Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced on May 5 during a joint press conference with President Volodymyr Zelensky. The training will take place at bases in the Czech Republic, with Fiala confirming that Ukrainian pilots are already training on some Czech aircraft models supplied to Ukraine.
“We are ready to deepen our contribution to the training of the Ukrainian military. We have agreed that together with our partners from the ‘coalition of the willing’ we will train Ukrainian pilots on F-16s and L-39s,” Fiala said during the press conference.
During the same press conference on May 5, Zelensky discussed the launch of a Ukrainian-Czech school for F-16 pilot training. “Obviously, as of now, for security reasons, we cannot open such a base in Ukraine, and Russian strikes continue every day. Therefore, we are working with partners so that such schools can open outside of Ukraine, and this will happen,” Zelensky said.
The training initiative represents a significant boost to Ukraine’s air force capabilities as the country works to integrate and effectively employ Western fighter aircraft in its defense against Russian aggression.
Tactical Evolution: Russian Forces Shift to Light Infantry Assaults Supported by Drones
Russian invading forces are increasingly using small infantry groups with improvised equipment supported by drones instead of heavy equipment, according to Maj. Viktor Trehubov, a spokesperson for the Khortytsia operational and strategic group of troops. On May 5, Trehubov revealed during a television appearance that “The Russians are using less and less heavy equipment and more and more assaults with light, improvised equipment, small infantry groups, and this trend is likely to grow by summer.”
The shift in tactics is attributed to both equipment losses and changing battlefield conditions. “Since we are now primarily engaged in a drone war, and electronic warfare devices have lost their power due to the large number of fiber-optic drones, tanks, and heavy equipment. Even with the reinforcement of electronic warfare, such devices are no longer as relevant on the front line,” Trehubov explained.
Small infantry groups coordinating with UAVs are taking the lead in Russian operations, though Trehubov claimed this approach has proven ineffective. “Russians use motorcycles for this purpose, among other things,” he noted. “But with such successes, they will soon come to the point where they will only carry out such raids with little effectiveness. We are already seeing this in some areas, such as Pokrovsk and Lyman.”
Russian Forces Attack Near Vovchansk: Continuing Pressure in Kharkiv Sector
Russian forces attacked near Vovchansk and Tykhe northeast of Kharkiv City on May 5, according to Ukrainian reports. The Russian military continues offensive operations in this area as part of their push to drive Ukrainian forces back from the international border with Belgorod Oblast and approach to within tube artillery range of Kharkiv City.
While no major breakthrough in the Kharkiv sector was reported on May 5, Russian forces maintained persistent pressure along this axis despite high casualties and relatively limited progress compared to the resources invested. The Russian operations threaten to bring more of Ukraine’s second-largest city within range of Russian artillery systems if successful.
Russian milbloggers claimed on May 5 that Ukrainian forces maintain a limited presence in northwestern Belgorod Oblast near Popovka and Demidovka, both northwest of Belgorod City, indicating the fluid nature of the border area as both sides conduct operations in this sector.
Siversk Under Pressure: Russian Forces Gain Ground in Hryhorivka
Russian forces advanced in the Siversk direction, with geolocated footage published on May 5 showing Russian forces had recently pushed into central Hryhorivka northeast of Siversk. The advance represents another step in Russia’s effort to capture Siversk, a key objective in their campaign to control the remainder of Luhansk Oblast.
Russian forces attacked northeast of Siversk near Hryhorivka and east of Siversk near Verkhnokamyanske on May 5, applying pressure along multiple axes converging on Siversk. A Ukrainian brigade operating in the Siversk direction published footage on May 5 showing Russian forces conducting a motorized assault on one motorcycle and several civilian vehicles in the area. Ukrainian forces reportedly repelled the assault and destroyed one motorcycle and 12 civilian vehicles.
The offensive operations toward Siversk demonstrate Russia’s continued commitment to capturing the entirety of Donetsk Oblast, even as the pace of advance remains slow and costly in terms of manpower and equipment.
Tactical Advances in Toretsk Direction: Russians Push Toward Dyliivka
Russian forces made a notable advance in the Toretsk direction on May 5, with geolocated footage showing Russian forces advancing to the fields southwest of Dyliivka, north of Toretsk. The advance represents one of several Russian efforts to apply pressure in this sector on May 5.
Russian forces attacked near Toretsk itself, north of Toretsk toward Dyliivka and Dachne, northeast of Toretsk near Ozaryanivka, and in multiple locations southwest and west of Toretsk on May 5. The intensity of Russian operations in this area suggests it remains a priority sector for the Russian military command.
Russian milbloggers claimed on May 5 that Russian forces operating southwest of Toretsk advanced northwest of Tarasivka, west of Kalynove, and west of Toretsk near Novoolenivka and Oleksandropil, though these claims remain unconfirmed. The ongoing Russian efforts in this sector appear focused on eliminating the Ukrainian pocket southwest of Toretsk to facilitate potential advances toward Kostyantynivka from the south.
Russians Continue Operations West of Velyka Novosilka
Russian forces conducted offensive operations northwest of Velyka Novosilka near Pryvilne and Shevchenko and toward Komar; west of Velyka Novosilka near Novosilka; and southwest of Velyka Novosilka toward Novopil and Zelene Pole on May 5. Elements of the Russian 394th Motorized Rifle Regiment (127th Motorized Rifle Division, 5th Combined Arms Army, Eastern Military District) are reportedly operating near Novosilka.
Russian milbloggers claimed on May 5 that Russian forces advanced near Fedorivka northwest of Velyka Novosilka, though these claims remain unconfirmed. A Russian milblogger claimed that Ukrainian forces counterattacked in the Shakhtarske (Velyka Novosilka) direction, indicating ongoing contest for territory in this sector.
The Russian operations west of Velyka Novosilka represent continued efforts to secure territorial gains in eastern Ukraine and potentially approach the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast border.
Russian Forces Continue Operations in Zaporizhia Direction
Russian forces continued offensive operations in the Hulyaipole direction on May 5 but did not make confirmed advances. Russian forces conducted ground attacks east of Hulyaipole near Vysoke (formerly Chervone) on May 5, according to Ukrainian reports.
Russian forces also continued offensive operations in western Zaporizhia Oblast on May 5 but did not make confirmed advances. A Russian milblogger claimed that Russian forces advanced south of Mala Tokmachka (southeast of Orikhiv), though these claims remain unverified. Russian forces conducted ground attacks south of Orikhiv near Novodanylivka; southwest of Orikhiv near Stepove and Pyatykhatky; and west of Orikhiv near Novoandriivka, Shcherbaky, Mali Shcherbaky, and Kamyanske on May 5.
The spokesperson for a Ukrainian brigade operating in the Orikhiv direction reported on May 5 that Russian forces only have enough personnel for assaults once every two days and that larger Russian mechanized and motorcycle assaults are unsuccessful in this direction.
Deadly Border Strikes: Russian Attacks on Bilopillia and Vorozhba Kill Three Civilians
Russia attacked the Sumy Oblast border villages of Bilopillia and Vorozhba on May 5, killing three residents and injuring seven others, including a 16-year-old boy, according to the regional military administration. Russian forces launched guided aerial bombs, mortars, and multiple launch rocket systems against the border area, damaging civilian infrastructure facilities in both settlements.
As of 9 p.m. local time on May 5, one of the adult victims was reported to be in critical condition, while another was in serious condition. Local authorities initiated an emergency evacuation due to the intensity of the attacks, with plans to evacuate more than 500 civilians over the next day.
Shelling has become a daily occurrence for communities near Ukraine’s northeastern border with Russia, with Sumy Oblast residents often experiencing multiple attacks per day. The deadly strikes on May 5 demonstrate the continued threat to civilian populations in border regions even as military operations continue along the front lines.
New U.S. Envoy Arrives: Julie S. Davis Takes Helm of American Diplomatic Mission in Kyiv
Julie S. Davis, the U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus and newly appointed Chargé d’Affaires to Ukraine, arrived in Kyiv on May 5, the U.S. Embassy confirmed. Her arrival comes as the Trump administration pushes for a diplomatic end to Russia’s war in Ukraine and works to strengthen bilateral ties following the recent signing of the landmark Ukraine Reconstruction Fund Agreement.
Julie S. Davis, the new U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Ukraine, steps off a train upon arriving in Kyiv. (U.S. Embassy in Ukraine/Telegram)
“Ambassador Davis arrives in Ukraine at a critical time to carry forward President Trump’s policy to end the war and ensure lasting peace and prosperity in Ukraine,” the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv stated, welcoming her to the post.
Davis was tapped by U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to take over the embassy following the resignation of Bridget Brink, a Biden appointee who had served as U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine since 2022. In her new role, Davis will lead the U.S. diplomatic mission in Kyiv while remaining accredited as Ambassador to Cyprus.
In a statement released on May 5, Davis said she is honored to serve in Ukraine during this defining moment and will remain in Kyiv until a new ambassador is nominated and confirmed. A career diplomat with three decades of experience, Davis previously served as Special Envoy for Belarus, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Europe and the EU, and Deputy U.S. Representative to NATO.
Diplomatic Ripples Beyond the Front: Romanian Far-Right Candidate Wins First Round of Presidential Vote
In a development with potential implications for regional support for Ukraine, Romania’s far-right presidential candidate George Simion, who openly opposes military aid to Ukraine, decisively won the first round of the country’s rerun presidential vote on May 5. Simion will now face the centrist mayor of Bucharest, Nicusor Dan, in a runoff scheduled for May 18.
The electoral success of an anti-Ukraine candidate in a NATO member state neighboring Ukraine highlights the complex political dynamics within the alliance as the war continues. Romania has been a significant supporter of Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, backing sanctions against Moscow and facilitating the export of Ukrainian grain amid Russian threats in the Black Sea.
The vote follows the cancellation of the previous round held in November 2024, when Romania’s Constitutional Court invalidated the outcome due to evidence of social media manipulation and foreign interference. That round had been won by populist Calin Georgescu, who openly promoted conspiracy theories and voiced strong support for Russia, calling Ukraine a “fictional state.”
Looking Ahead: The Path to Peace Remains Elusive
With fighting continuing across multiple fronts on May 5, the prospect for a negotiated settlement to end the conflict remains distant. Ukrainian Economy Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced plans to meet with each faction of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, on May 6-7 before the government votes to ratify the minerals agreement with the United States.
Meanwhile, the special tribunal on the crime of Russian aggression against Ukraine is expected to start in 2026, according to Deputy Head of Ukrainian President’s Office Iryna Mudra, who made this announcement on May 5. The tribunal, set to operate within the Council of Europe, will focus on Russia’s political and military leaders, including President Vladimir Putin.
As both sides continue to adapt their tactics and seek advantages on the battlefield, the coming days may prove critical in determining whether limited operations like those seen along the Russia-Ukraine border on May 5 presage larger shifts in the conflict’s dynamics, or merely represent tactical adjustments in a war that shows few signs of reaching a decisive conclusion.