Situation Report: Saturday, May 18, 2024
Fighting
- Kharkiv: Russian bombings have resulted in at least two deaths and 19 injuries, with four in critical condition, according to regional chief Oleh Syniehubov on Telegram.
- Belgorod Region: A Ukrainian drone attack in southern Russia’s Belgorod region killed one person and injured another. Regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported that the drone struck the village of Novaya Naumovka, where the victims were gardening.
- Evacuations: Ukrainian authorities have evacuated approximately 8,000 civilians from Vovchansk, a town near the Russian border.
- Northeastern Offensive: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expects an intensification of Russian offensives in the northeast. He mentioned in an AFP interview that Ukraine currently possesses only 25 percent of the air defenses needed to secure the front line.
- Russian Advances: Zelenskyy acknowledged Russian troops have advanced 5-10 km (3-6 miles) along the northeastern border before being halted by Ukrainian forces. He suggested this could be the "first wave" of a broader offensive.
- Expanded Hostilities: Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskii, commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, stated that Russia's new offensive has broadened the active combat zone by nearly 70 km (45 miles), aiming to stretch Ukrainian forces and deplete reserves.
- Air Defense Needs: Zelenskyy emphasized the necessity of acquiring 120 to 130 F-16 fighter jets or similar advanced aircraft to achieve air parity with Russia.
Politics and Diplomacy
- New Laws: Zelenskyy has enacted laws allowing prisoners to join the army and significantly increasing fines for draft evasion. The contentious mobilization law takes effect on Saturday.
- Peace Summit: Zelenskyy has urged China to participate in a peace summit in Switzerland following President Xi Jinping's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing.
- Putin's Criticism: Putin criticized the upcoming peace conference, labeling it a futile effort to impose a settlement on Russia. He insisted that any peace talks should reference a draft deal from the 2022 Istanbul negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
- Kharkiv Offensive: During his China visit, Putin claimed Russia’s offensive in Kharkiv aims to create a buffer zone, with no intention of capturing the city.
- US Position: White House national security spokesperson John Kirby reiterated that the Biden administration does not support or enable the use of US-supplied weapons for attacks inside Russia.
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