The NATO allies' fears that sending troops to Ukraine to train the country's soldiers could draw them into war with Russia "are not well-founded," Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said in an interview with the Financial Times published on May 20.
A unit of an oil refinery in the Russian town of Slavyansk-on-Kuban was damaged in a drone attack, the Russian state-owned media RIA Novosti claimed on May 20, citing a source in the operating company.
A Ukrainian rocket attack targeted a Russian military base in occupied Luhansk's suburb of Yuvileine on May 20, said the governor of Ukraine's Luhansk Oblast, Artem Lysohor, citing local residents.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not yet confirmed his own attendance. “The level of participation will depend on timing, logistics, and parallel commitments,” Modi said.
The chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the French National Assembly, Jean-Louis Bourlanges, calls on his country to change its doctrine and no longer prohibit Ukraine from striking Russian territory. — Ukrinform.
The officials said that Russia had launched a satellite into space in February 2022 to test components for a potential anti-satellite weapon that would carry a nuclear device. However, the satellite that was launched doesn’t carry a nuclear weapon, the Wall Street Journal reported.
One critical factor in Russia's recent battlefield successes in Ukraine is its extensive use of glide bombs. Every week, hundreds of these large, deadly weapons rain down on Ukraine, creating 20-meter-wide craters and obliterating military positions and entire settlements. Russia has heavily relied on glide bombs in its new...
With Russia's military stocks running low and domestic production capacity simultaneously hampered by Western sanctions, North Korea has been shaping up as Russia's leading weapons supplier, reportedly providing Moscow with extensive military packages, including ballistic missiles and over 3 million artillery shells.
According to reports, a top official in the Sri Lankan government stated that the government will send a delegation to Russia to investigate the fate of hundreds of nationals reportedly fighting in the war in Ukraine.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has declared Adrian Coghill, the military attaché of the British Embassy in Moscow, persona non grata and ordered him to leave the country within a week.
Some NATO member states are discussing the possibility of sending military instructors or contractors to Ukraine to train Ukrainian troops and assist with equipment repairs, the New York Times reported on May 16.
"Despite attacks by Russia on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, it is likely that Ukraine will see real economic growth of around 3 percent in 2024," the ministry said.
Editor's note: We asked members of the Kyiv Independent community to share the questions they have about the war. Here's what they asked and how we answered. Join our community to ask a question in the next round. Read our previous answers here, here, here, here, and here What do
The partisans claim that the damaged depot stored "most of the missiles" for Russian Su-27 and Su-30 fighter jets as well as MiG-31 aircraft, a carrier of Kinzhal ballistic missiles that Russia uses to attack Ukraine.
The restrictions target actors purportedly involved in the transfer of North Korean arms to Russia for use against Ukraine and Iranian actors providing military aid to Moscow.
Dutch photographer and multimedia journalist Jelle Krings revisits the families that have kept a war-torn country moving, despite the Russian onslaught and in the face of great personal sacrifice
Russia targeted a total of 10 Ukrainian oblasts — Sumy, Luhansk, Poltava, Dnipropetrovsk, Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv, Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Kherson. Casualties were reported in the latter five regions.
Drones operated by Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) hit production facilities of the state-owned Russian weapons manufacturing company "Basalt" in the city of Tula overnight on May 16, a military intelligence source told the Kyiv Independent.
"As of today, the situation in Kharkiv Oblast is generally under control, our soldiers are inflicting significant losses" on Russian troops, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
Russian forces are taking Ukrainian civilians captive and preventing their evacuation in the embattled northern part of Vovchansk in Kharkiv Oblast, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said on May 16.
Under outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte, the Netherlands has been a staunch ally of Ukraine, being one of the few partners to pledge F-16 fighter jets.
Power supply restrictions in Ukraine may last until August, Yurii Boiko, an advisor to the prime minister, said at a press conference in Kyiv on May 16.
Drones from Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) attacked an oil base in the Rostov region of Russia overnight, a source in the agency told the Kyiv Independent on May 15.
Ukrainian lawmakers are trying to convince Washington to allow Kyiv to strike at Russian territory with U.S.-supplied weapons, saying the ban prevented them from attacking Russian troops amassing near Kharkiv Oblast, Politico reported on May 14.
President Volodymyr Zelensky had been due to make the trip in the coming days, partly in order to sign a bilateral security agreement with Spain, the El Pais newspaper reported on May 13.
According to Ukraine's figures, Moscow lost the most number of soldiers in a single day since the start of the full-scale invasion – 1,740 – on May 12.
"But all accounts are that they (Ukraine) continue to take measures to defend their territory," Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder said, adding that the U.S. is going to do "everything we can to get them the critical munitions and supplies that they need."
By removing Sergei Shoigu and promoting key allies, Russia’s leader is shoring up the war machine he needs to justify his survival, says Samantha de Bendern of Chatham House
More Ukrainian forces are being deployed to Kharkiv Oblast amid Russia's offensive in the region, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on May 15, following a meeting with top military commanders.
Blinken was asked about recent Ukrainian complaints that a Washington ban meant Ukraine could not strike Russian forces as they built up before crossing the border into Kharkiv Oblast.
Ukrainian forces repelled Russian attacks in the Vovchansk direction in Kharkiv Oblast and "partially pushed out enemy forces from the town," the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces said on May 15.
Austria's Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) was warned by the U.S. Treasury that its access to the U.S. financial system could be curbed due to its continued presence in the Russian market, Reuters reported on May 15.
President Volodymyr Zelensky could meet with U.S. President Joe Biden to sign a bilateral security agreement in the "coming weeks," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on May 15.
Estonian PM: NATO training soldiers in Ukraine won't escalate war (kyivindependent.com)
The NATO allies' fears that sending troops to Ukraine to train the country's soldiers could draw them into war with Russia "are not well-founded," Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said in an interview with the Financial Times published on May 20.
Russian media: Oil refinery in Russia's Krasnodar Krai damaged after drone attack (kyivindependent.com)
A unit of an oil refinery in the Russian town of Slavyansk-on-Kuban was damaged in a drone attack, the Russian state-owned media RIA Novosti claimed on May 20, citing a source in the operating company.
Governor: Ukraine strikes Russian base in occupied Luhansk's suburb (kyivindependent.com)
A Ukrainian rocket attack targeted a Russian military base in occupied Luhansk's suburb of Yuvileine on May 20, said the governor of Ukraine's Luhansk Oblast, Artem Lysohor, citing local residents.
Austin at Ramstein: US has 'already delivered many of Ukraine's top priority requirements' (kyivindependent.com)
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin described the ongoing defense against the Russian offensive in Kharkiv Oblast as a "hard and dangerous fight."
Modi confirms India's participation in Ukraine's Global Peace Summit (kyivindependent.com)
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not yet confirmed his own attendance. “The level of participation will depend on timing, logistics, and parallel commitments,” Modi said.
Austria to allocate nearly $5.4 million for Ukraine's energy infrastructure restoration (kyivindependent.com)
The allocated funds will be spent on urgently needed spare parts, generators, and repair lines, according to Der Standard.
Eagles shifting flight paths to avoid Ukraine conflict, scientists find (www.theguardian.com)
Vulnerable birds deviating from migratory routes by up to 155 miles, which could affect breeding
French parliament calls for "lifting taboo" on Kyiv's ban on strikes against Russia (www.ukrinform.net)
The chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the French National Assembly, Jean-Louis Bourlanges, calls on his country to change its doctrine and no longer prohibit Ukraine from striking Russian territory. — Ukrinform.
Denmark announces more than $815 million in new military assistance for Ukraine (kyivindependent.com)
"With today's donation, we meet Ukraine's urgent need for more air defense, artillery, and ammunition," said Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen.
WSJ: Russia tested space-based anti-satellite weapon with potential nuclear capabilities in 2022 (kyivindependent.com)
The officials said that Russia had launched a satellite into space in February 2022 to test components for a potential anti-satellite weapon that would carry a nuclear device. However, the satellite that was launched doesn’t carry a nuclear weapon, the Wall Street Journal reported.
Glide bombs help Russia gain land in Ukraine. What makes them so effective? (kyivindependent.com)
One critical factor in Russia's recent battlefield successes in Ukraine is its extensive use of glide bombs. Every week, hundreds of these large, deadly weapons rain down on Ukraine, creating 20-meter-wide craters and obliterating military positions and entire settlements. Russia has heavily relied on glide bombs in its new...
US imposes sanctions on Russians who helped transport weapons from North Korea to Russia (kyivindependent.com)
With Russia's military stocks running low and domestic production capacity simultaneously hampered by Western sanctions, North Korea has been shaping up as Russia's leading weapons supplier, reportedly providing Moscow with extensive military packages, including ballistic missiles and over 3 million artillery shells.
Reuters: G7 will support using frozen Russian assets revenue to fund Ukraine (kyivindependent.com)
The G7 finance ministers are set to meet on May 24, where they will work out the details to come to a final decision before a summit in Italy in June.
Reuters: Sri Lanka to send delegation to return mercenaries fighting on behalf of Russia (kyivindependent.com)
According to reports, a top official in the Sri Lankan government stated that the government will send a delegation to Russia to investigate the fate of hundreds of nationals reportedly fighting in the war in Ukraine.
Russian Foreign Ministry declares British defense attaché persona non grata (kyivindependent.com)
The Russian Foreign Ministry has declared Adrian Coghill, the military attaché of the British Embassy in Moscow, persona non grata and ordered him to leave the country within a week.
New York Times: NATO member states considering sending military instructors to Ukraine (kyivindependent.com)
Some NATO member states are discussing the possibility of sending military instructors or contractors to Ukraine to train Ukrainian troops and assist with equipment repairs, the New York Times reported on May 16.
Ukraine war briefing: Kharkiv campaign won’t deliver major Russian breakthrough – Nato general (www.theguardian.com)
Ukraine accuses invaders of killing civilians and setting up human shields; sanctions over North Korean arms supply to Russia. What we know on day 814
UK Defense Ministry: Ukraine's economy to grow by 3% in 2024 (kyivindependent.com)
"Despite attacks by Russia on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, it is likely that Ukraine will see real economic growth of around 3 percent in 2024," the ministry said.
Our readers' questions about the war, answered. Vol. 6 (kyivindependent.com)
Editor's note: We asked members of the Kyiv Independent community to share the questions they have about the war. Here's what they asked and how we answered. Join our community to ask a question in the next round. Read our previous answers here, here, here, here, and here What do
Partisans: Ammunition depot hit at Belbek airfield in occupied Crimea (kyivindependent.com)
The partisans claim that the damaged depot stored "most of the missiles" for Russian Su-27 and Su-30 fighter jets as well as MiG-31 aircraft, a carrier of Kinzhal ballistic missiles that Russia uses to attack Ukraine.
New Zealand announces new sanctions over Russia's war against Ukraine (kyivindependent.com)
The restrictions target actors purportedly involved in the transfer of North Korean arms to Russia for use against Ukraine and Iranian actors providing military aid to Moscow.
The families risking everything to keep Ukraine’s trains running – photo essay (www.theguardian.com)
Dutch photographer and multimedia journalist Jelle Krings revisits the families that have kept a war-torn country moving, despite the Russian onslaught and in the face of great personal sacrifice
Russian attacks against Ukraine kill 4, injure 41 over past day (kyivindependent.com)
Russia targeted a total of 10 Ukrainian oblasts — Sumy, Luhansk, Poltava, Dnipropetrovsk, Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv, Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Kherson. Casualties were reported in the latter five regions.
Source: Ukrainian drones attack Russian defense manufacturer's facilities in Tula (kyivindependent.com)
Drones operated by Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) hit production facilities of the state-owned Russian weapons manufacturing company "Basalt" in the city of Tula overnight on May 16, a military intelligence source told the Kyiv Independent.
Zelensky in Kharkiv: Situation 'difficult' but 'under control,' Russia suffers losses (kyivindependent.com)
"As of today, the situation in Kharkiv Oblast is generally under control, our soldiers are inflicting significant losses" on Russian troops, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
Minister: Russia captures, shoots civilians in northern Vovchansk (kyivindependent.com)
Russian forces are taking Ukrainian civilians captive and preventing their evacuation in the embattled northern part of Vovchansk in Kharkiv Oblast, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said on May 16.
Putin and Xi announce plans to strengthen military ties in Beijing (www.theguardian.com)
Russian leader praises ‘comradely’ talks with Chinese president before concert to mark 75 years of ‘friendship’
Netherlands' incoming coalition government reaffirms support for Ukraine (kyivindependent.com)
Under outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte, the Netherlands has been a staunch ally of Ukraine, being one of the few partners to pledge F-16 fighter jets.
PM's advisor: Power cuts in Ukraine may last until August (kyivindependent.com)
Power supply restrictions in Ukraine may last until August, Yurii Boiko, an advisor to the prime minister, said at a press conference in Kyiv on May 16.
Foreigners have opened over 2,6000 businesses in Ukraine since start of full-scale war (kyivindependent.com)
Businesspeople from Turkey represent the largest share, data shows, as they own 354 new Ukrainian businesses, or 13% of the total.
Intensifying war increasing threat to Ukraine economy, EBRD warns (www.theguardian.com)
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development cuts growth forecasts for regions it operates in, saying war ‘casting long shadow’
Source: Ukraine's military intelligence drones strike oil depot in Russia's Rostov region (kyivindependent.com)
Drones from Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) attacked an oil base in the Rostov region of Russia overnight, a source in the agency told the Kyiv Independent on May 15.
Ukraine asks US to lift ban on using American arms to strike at Russian territory (kyivindependent.com)
Ukrainian lawmakers are trying to convince Washington to allow Kyiv to strike at Russian territory with U.S.-supplied weapons, saying the ban prevented them from attacking Russian troops amassing near Kharkiv Oblast, Politico reported on May 14.
CNN: Zelensky cancels Spain, Portugal visits due to battlefield situation (kyivindependent.com)
President Volodymyr Zelensky had been due to make the trip in the coming days, partly in order to sign a bilateral security agreement with Spain, the El Pais newspaper reported on May 13.
As Russian casualties surge, Kremlin's new defense minister says he wants 'minimal losses' (kyivindependent.com)
According to Ukraine's figures, Moscow lost the most number of soldiers in a single day since the start of the full-scale invasion – 1,740 – on May 12.
Pentagon: US 'working hard' to rush aid to Ukraine, battlefield situation 'concerning' (kyivindependent.com)
"But all accounts are that they (Ukraine) continue to take measures to defend their territory," Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder said, adding that the U.S. is going to do "everything we can to get them the critical munitions and supplies that they need."
Antony Blinken’s rock performance in Kyiv bar divides opinion in Ukraine (www.theguardian.com)
US secretary of state took to stage with his guitar to perform Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World
Putin’s war machine reshuffle reveals his deepest fear – the rise of Kremlin rivals | Samantha de Bendern (www.theguardian.com)
By removing Sergei Shoigu and promoting key allies, Russia’s leader is shoring up the war machine he needs to justify his survival, says Samantha de Bendern of Chatham House
Lammy and Healey visit Ukraine to say Labour would keep up UK’s backing (www.theguardian.com)
Shadow foreign and defence ministers go to Kyiv ‘to ensure we take politics out of the UK’s support for Ukraine’
Zelensky confirms postponing participation in upcoming international events (kyivindependent.com)
President Volodymyr Zelensky decided to postpone all of his international events planned for the coming days, the Presidential Office said on May 15.
Ukraine deploys more forces to Kharkiv Oblast (kyivindependent.com)
More Ukrainian forces are being deployed to Kharkiv Oblast amid Russia's offensive in the region, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on May 15, following a meeting with top military commanders.
Blinken: US to give Ukraine additional $2 billion in military financing (kyivindependent.com)
The U.S. will provide Ukraine with an additional $2 billion in foreign military financing, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on May 15.
JCB built and supplied equipment to Russia months after saying exports had stopped (www.theguardian.com)
Exclusive: Russian customs records suggest firm owned by major Tory donor kept supplying machines after ‘voluntary pause’
Blinken: Washington has not encouraged Ukraine to strike inside Russia with US weapons, but decision up to Kyiv (kyivindependent.com)
Blinken was asked about recent Ukrainian complaints that a Washington ban meant Ukraine could not strike Russian forces as they built up before crossing the border into Kharkiv Oblast.
General Staff: Russian forces 'partially pushed out' from Vovchansk (kyivindependent.com)
Ukrainian forces repelled Russian attacks in the Vovchansk direction in Kharkiv Oblast and "partially pushed out enemy forces from the town," the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces said on May 15.
Reuters: US warns Raiffeisen that access to dollar system could be restricted due to Russia presence (kyivindependent.com)
Austria's Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) was warned by the U.S. Treasury that its access to the U.S. financial system could be curbed due to its continued presence in the Russian market, Reuters reported on May 15.
Blinken: Zelensky, Biden may meet to sign security agreement in 'coming weeks' (kyivindependent.com)
President Volodymyr Zelensky could meet with U.S. President Joe Biden to sign a bilateral security agreement in the "coming weeks," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on May 15.