Without a doubt, there has been a cost in the "months-long delay in getting the supplementary budget request approved and the equipment sent out to Ukraine," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on May 12.
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.
An autocratic regime like Russia can readily prioritize the expansion of its defense industries over economic well-being to sustain their military actions in Ukraine, along with help from Iran and North Korea, said Lt Gen. Steven L. Basham, U.S. Air Forces in Europe deputy commander.
Ukraine has identified Russian Air Force personnel responsible for carrying out cruise missile strikes on civilian infrastructure, Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) announced on May 13.
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.
"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."
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.
Cameron stressed that Kyiv’s allies must do everything they can to “help the Ukrainians.” He pointed to the U.K.’s recent £3 billion ($3.74 billion) yearly package to Ukraine, adding that Westminster is “encouraging others to do the same.”
"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.
South Korea's intelligence service is conducting a review into suspicions that North Korea has provided Russia with artillery shells and other weaponry made in the 1970s, the country's National Intelligence Service (NIS) said on May 12.
Russia does not seek cooperation with Europe, and if European countries want to ensure peace and prosperity, they must set "clear boundaries" for Moscow, Czech President Petr Pavel said in an interview with the Austrian newspaper Die Presse published on May 11.
"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.
President Volodymyr Zelensky is planning a trip to Spain in the coming days to sign a bilateral security agreement, the El Pais newspaper reported on May 13, citing unnamed sources in the country's government.
The U.S. State Department approved on May 10 an emergency sale of three HIMARS rocket systems and associated equipment to Ukraine worth $30 million, with Germany providing the funding.
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.
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.
Blinken: No doubt there has been ‘cost in months-long delay’ of aid for Ukraine (kyivindependent.com)
Without a doubt, there has been a cost in the "months-long delay in getting the supplementary budget request approved and the equipment sent out to Ukraine," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on May 12.
‘You say you are a musician, they beat you more’: the Ukrainian sax player who survived Putin’s torture prisons (www.theguardian.com)
Yuriy Merkotan played in a military band and, after being caught up in the Mariupol siege, spent nearly two years in various jails
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.
Military: Ukraine downs Russian Ka-52 attack helicopter (kyivindependent.com)
Ukrainian forces shot down a Russian Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopter on May 13, the 47th Mechanized Brigade reported.
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
Governor: Russian ammunition depot explodes in occupied Luhansk Oblast (kyivindependent.com)
A Russian ammunition depot exploded in the occupied town of Sorokyne (Krasnodon) in Luhansk Oblast, on May 13, Governor Artem Lysohor said.
US General: 'Russia will not stop with Ukraine unless they're stopped in Ukraine' (kyivindependent.com)
An autocratic regime like Russia can readily prioritize the expansion of its defense industries over economic well-being to sustain their military actions in Ukraine, along with help from Iran and North Korea, said Lt Gen. Steven L. Basham, U.S. Air Forces in Europe deputy commander.
Military intelligence identifies Russian soldiers behind cruise missile strikes (kyivindependent.com)
Ukraine has identified Russian Air Force personnel responsible for carrying out cruise missile strikes on civilian infrastructure, Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) announced on May 13.
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.
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."
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.
Zelenskyy strongly condemns assassination attempt on Slovak PM and wishes him speedy recovery (www.pravda.com.ua)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has responded to reports of an assassination attempt on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico earlier on Wednesday.
David Cameron: Situation in Kharkiv 'extremely dangerous' (kyivindependent.com)
Cameron stressed that Kyiv’s allies must do everything they can to “help the Ukrainians.” He pointed to the U.K.’s recent £3 billion ($3.74 billion) yearly package to Ukraine, adding that Westminster is “encouraging others to do the same.”
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’
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.
Putin removes Sergei Shoigu as Russia’s defence minister (www.theguardian.com)
Russian president proposes replacing Shoigu, who has been defence minister for years, with Andrei Belousov, an economist
South Korean intelligence: North Korea suspected of supplying Russia with weapons made in 1970s (kyivindependent.com)
South Korea's intelligence service is conducting a review into suspicions that North Korea has provided Russia with artillery shells and other weaponry made in the 1970s, the country's National Intelligence Service (NIS) said on May 12.
Czech president: Europe must set 'clear boundaries' for Russia (kyivindependent.com)
Russia does not seek cooperation with Europe, and if European countries want to ensure peace and prosperity, they must set "clear boundaries" for Moscow, Czech President Petr Pavel said in an interview with the Austrian newspaper Die Presse published on May 11.
Ambassador: Germany to supply Ukraine with another IRIS-T air defense system in May (kyivindependent.com)
Berlin will provide Kyiv with another IRIS-T air defense system in May, German Ambassador to Ukraine Martin Jager said on May 13.
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.
Media: Zelensky to visit Spain to sign bilateral security agreement with Sanchez (kyivindependent.com)
President Volodymyr Zelensky is planning a trip to Spain in the coming days to sign a bilateral security agreement, the El Pais newspaper reported on May 13, citing unnamed sources in the country's government.
US approves urgent German-backed sale of 3 HIMARS systems to Ukraine (kyivindependent.com)
The U.S. State Department approved on May 10 an emergency sale of three HIMARS rocket systems and associated equipment to Ukraine worth $30 million, with Germany providing the funding.
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.
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.