It has been the 450 th day of the Ukrainian resistance to the russian military aggression.
What happened in Ukraine today:
Here is operational information of the General Staff as of 6 pm:
The russian forces launched 6 missile and 51 air strikes, and fired more than 30 times from multiple launch rocket systems. Civilian infrastructure was destroyed. In particular, the shelling of Kryvyi Rih in Dnipropetrovska oblast, Stepnohirsk in Zaporizhzhia oblast and Beryslav in Kherson oblast resulted in civilian deaths and injuries, and destruction of private homes and other civilian infrastructure.
There is still a high threat of missile and air strikes throughout Ukraine.
The enemy continues to focus its main efforts on Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Marinka, where 70 combat engagements took place. The fiercest battles were for Bakhmut and Marinka.
The situation in the Volyn and Polissya sectors remained unchanged, with no signs of enemy offensive groups forming.
Towards Siversk and Sloboda, the enemy launched airstrikes near the settlements of Volfyne, Slavhorod, Pletenivka in Sumy oblast. Bleshnya in Chernihiv oblast and Malushyne in Sumy oblast, as well as Udy, Hatyshche, Pletenivka, Pokaliane, Budarky, Zemlianky and Topoli in Kharkiv oblast were shelled.
Towards Kupiansk, the enemy conducted unsuccessful offensive actions near Bilohorivka, Luhansk oblast. They carried out airattacks near Hryhorivka, Vilshana, and Kyslivka in Kharkiv oblast. Artillery and mortar attacks were launched at Fyholivka, Novomlynsk, Dvorichna, Zakhidne, Masiutivka, Lyman Pershyi, Kyslivka, Kotliarivka, Tabaivka, Berestove in Kharkiv oblast and Stelmakhivka in Luhansk oblast.
Towards Lyman, the enemy did not conduct any offensive actions over the last day. Makiivka, Nevske, and Bilohorivka in Luhansk Oblast and Verkhniokamianske and Spirne in Donetsk Oblast were shelled with artillery.
Towards Bakhmut, the enemy continues to conduct offensive actions. Heavy fighting for Bakhmut continues. The russians carried out unsuccessful offensives against Ivanivske and Bila Hora.
The occupiers carried out air attacks near the settlements of Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Bakhmut, Ivanivske, Stupochki, and Bila Hora. Vasiukivka, Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Hryhorivka, Bohdanivka, Bakhmut, Ivanivske, Chasiv Yar, Predtechyne, Bila Hora, Dyliivka, Druzhba and Pivnichne in Donetsk oblast were affected by russian shelling.
Towards Avdiivka, the enemy conducted offensive actions Towards Novokalynove, Stepove, Avdiivka, and Pervomayske, but was unsuccessful. During the day, the russians launched an air strike in the Avdiivka region. They shelled with artillery at Novokalynove, Berdychiv, Avdiivka, Tonenke, Pervomaiske, Karlivka, and Nevelske in Donetsk Oblast.
Towards Marinka, Ukrainian defense forces repelled numerous enemy attacks in the area of the town of Marinka. Krasnohorivka, Heorhiivka, Marinka, Kurakhove and Katerynivka in Donetsk oblast were shelled.
Towards Shakhtarsk, the enemy carried out unsuccessful offensive actions in the area of Novomykhailivka. They carried out airstrikes in the areas of Vuhledar, Prechystivka, and Zolota Nyva. The russians fired at the settlements of Novomykhailivka, Vuhledar, Bohoyavlenka, Maksymivka, Zolota Nyva and Velyka Novosilka.
The enemy continues to carry out defensive actions towards Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. They launched an airstrike on the village of Kizomys.
Huliaipole, Novodanylivka, Mali Shcherbaky, Stepove, Kamianske, and Plavni settlements in Zaporizhzhia oblast; as well as Zolota Balka, Beryslav, Stepanivka, and the city of Kherson were shelled.
According to confirmed information, russian occupation forces have connected Dzharylhach Island to the occupied mainland of Kherson Oblast near the village of Lazurne by filling the ferry to the island with sand. This was done with the aim of more intensive use of the protected area of the national park for military purposes. The occupiers set up a military training ground on the island.
russian occupation forces continue to sustain significant losses on the battlefield. As a result, the enemy continues to convert civilian educational institutions in the temporarily occupied territories into medical facilities. In the village of Holubivka, Luhansk oblast, the occupiers are turning a local school into a military hospital. About 50 wounded invaders were taken there for treatment.
Aviation of the Defense Forces launched 12 strikes on buildups of russian personnel and military equipment, as well as 4 strikes on anti-aircraft missile systems.
Ukrainian soldiers destroyed 3 Kalibr cruise missiles, 16 Iranian Shahed strike UAVs, and 2 enemy reconnaissance UAVs of various types.
Rocket and artillery units struck 1 command post, 6 buildups of weapons and military equipment, 2 artillery units at firing positions and 6 enemy electronic warfare stations.
The Main Directorate of Intelligence reported that russia produces 25 Kalibr missiles, 2 Kinzhal missiles, 35 X-101 cruise missiles, and 5 9M723 Iskander-M ballistic missiles every month.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that russia fired 22 Shahed-136/131 attack drones and 6 Kalibr cruise missiles at the territory of Ukraine overnight. Air defense destroyed 19 of the 22 drones and 3 of the 6 missiles.
Ukrenergo reported that main transmission lines that provided power to one of the power plants in the east were damaged by the russian daytime shelling. People were urged to save electricity in the evening.
Recent war events in the east of Ukraine
Kharkiv oblast
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that the russian military carried out airstrikes near Hryhorivka, Vilshana and Kyslivka in Kharkiv oblast.
The Ukrainian city of Kharkiv is the main topic of the 49th issue of the Polish magazine Herito, which specializes in culture and heritage of Eastern and Central Europe. The editorial says that in the Kharkiv issue of Herito, they delve into the history of the city, ask about its Ukrainian DNA, which became so evident after the russian invasion a year ago, and check what makes it unique.
In Korotych, representatives of the NGO Kharobrist are conducting rehabilitation for the military. The soldiers ride horses and take a break from service. According to Anna Nikonenko, owner of the stable, communication with animals helps the military relax.
Kharkiv regional police reported that a 14-year-old teenager died as a result of an explosive device detonation in the village of Studenok, Izyum district. The boy was carrying explosives in a bag on his bicycle when it detonated. Tetiana Tonkoshtan, Acting Head of the service for children and families of Oskil village council said that that was the first death of a child due to detonation of an explosive device in the community.
According to Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office, a 66-year-old man was killed as a result of a russian nighttime shelling of the village of Petropavlivka in Kupiansk region.
The body of a 51-year-old man who was killed as a result of a russian missile strike on April 30 last year was exhumed in Staryi Saltov.
On May 19, in Snizhkivka village, Izium region, a 69-year-old man was blown up on an unknown ordnance in his own yard. The device exploded when the man picked up the object and tried to defuse it himself. The victim was hospitalized.
The occupiers fired at least 17 settlements in Kharkiv, Kupiansk and Chuhuiv regions.
A 52-year-old civilian man was killed as a result of a rocket attack on the village of Tsyrkuny, 2 other men aged 41 and 57 were injured. Two private houses were destroyed in the village, 13 other houses damaged.
In Teshenkivka village of Kupiansk region, buildings, property and equipment of a farm were damaged as a result of shelling from multiple rocket launchers.
In Vovchansk, Chuhuiv region, residential buildings, a fence and a civilian infrastructure facility were damaged.
Forest fires broke out in the villages of Starytsia and Perkivka in Chuhuiv region as a result of hostile shelling.
Pyrotechnic units of the State Emergency Service examined more than 8 hectares of territory and defused 183 ordnance.
Donetsk oblast
The defense forces are advancing in Bakhmut, holding the lines in the Airplane area, but the russian military is trying to regain the positions. According to Hanna Malyar, Ukraine’s Deputy Defense Minister, it is about 20 square kilometers. russian troops have increased the number of soldiers in Bakhmut several thousand and are trying to use their advantage in heavy artillery and the number of shells.
Soldiers of one of the special forces units of the 10th separate mountain assault brigade Edelweiss from Ivano-Frankivsk region liberated almost 4 km² of territory near Bakhmut and consolidated their positions.
The support program for war veterans was presented today in Donetsk oblast by Yulia Laputina, Minister of Veterans Affairs.
Investigators and forensic experts from Sloviansk exhumed the bodies of five people in Bohorodichne, Donetsk oblast. Among the dead are elderly villagers who were killed as a result of russian artillery shelling in late spring and early summer last year.
Border guards repelled an attack by the russian army in Luhansk oblast and shot down a UAV near Bakhmut. According to the State Border Guard Service, the assault by the russian military ended before it began: border guards were proactive, and the russian military fled.
Serhiy Cherevaty, Spokesman for the Eastern Group of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported that towards Lyman, the Ukrainian Armed Forces destroyed a tank, four self-propelled artillery systems, two howitzers and an Kh-31 missile.
According to Vitalii Barabash, Head of Avdiivka Military Administration, in the afternoon, at about 13:30, the russian army carried out an airstrike on Avdiivka. As a result of a missile hit, the resin storage warehouse of Avdiivka Coke caught fire. The fire was extinguished and no one was injured.
russian occupation forces dropped a FAB-250 bomb on Toretsk on May 18, injuring two people. Another 16 settlements in Donetsk oblast came under the fire.
Mariupol City Council reported that in the temporarily occupied Mariupol, the russian authorities have set up a car dump. The cars damaged and shot by the russian army were moved to one place.
In the middle of the night, russians attacked Pokrovsk with Geranium drones, hitting warehouses. The shelling damaged private houses and power lines. Currently, part of the city is without electricity.
Towards Volnovakha 1 person was killed in Velyka Novosilka. Vuhledar, Novoukrainka, Prechystivka and Bohoiavlenka are under fire.
Towards Donetsk, Kurakhove was fired upon 7 times, 2 houses were damaged. russians fired from Smerchy systems at Ukrainske, wounding 2 people and damaging 14 private houses and 13 two-story buildings. Avdiivka was shelled with Grads, artillery and tanks throughout the day. The russian army fired from artillery at Maryinka, Heorhiivka and Ocheretynska TC.
Towards Horlivka, 2 people were wounded in Toretsk. 5 hospital buildings, a multi-storey building and 8 retail outlets were damaged. Another building was damaged in Niu York. Four private houses were damaged in Chasiv Yar community.
Towards Lysychansk, a house in Verkhnekamianske and a shop in Pereizne were destroyed in Zvanivka community. A house in Zarichne was damaged in Lyman community.
Pavlo Kyrylenko, Head of Donetsk Military Administration said that over the past day, russians killed 2 residents of Donetsk oblast: in Kostiantynivka and Velyka Novosilka. Another 9 people were wounded.
Luhansk oblast
Yesterday, russians opened artillery and mortar fire on Stelmakhivka, Makiivka, Bilohorivka and Nevske. After the russian shelling, dead wood broke out near Nevsky. It was burning for almost a day, but the fire escaped the settlement. No one was injured in the shelling. However, in recent days, the russians have been increasing their firepower both on the liberated villages and on the positions of our troops.
This is due, among other things, to the invaders’ deployment of additional units, which they sent to Luhansk oblast due to significant enemy losses. The newcomers are shooting and do not spare shells. These are the so-called ‘bars’ fighters (the country’s combat army reserve) and ‘storm zed’ penalty squads formed from prisoners, which is a sign of critical depletion of the russian regular army.
No offensive actions by the enemy were observed yesterday. However, the enemy launched another airstrike on Bilohorivka, which is attacked almost daily.
Due to heavy sanitary losses, the Railway Hospital in Luhansk is being used by the invaders as a military hospital to treat wounded russian soldiers and mercenaries from the Wagner PMC.
In order to speed up the pace of forced passportization, the occupiers are encouraging local residents to issue some other documents without waiting in line, which could only be issued if they had a russian passport.
What is happening now in the north of Ukraine
Kyiv oblast
Air raid alerts lasted for more than 4 hours this night in Kyiv oblast. Kyiv RMA reported that no objects were hit in the oblast. Fallen missile fragments set forest floor ablaze in several places but all fires were promptly extinguished.
Kyiv City Military Administration reported that all air targets that were moving in the direction of Kyiv were destroyed by Ukrainian air defense forces. According to preliminary data, the russian military launched Shahed loitering munitions at the capital. The KCMA noted that this was a multi-wave attack with short intervals, aimed at exhausting Ukrainian air defense.
Joint exercises of the military riverine division and a territorial defense unit on searching, locating, blocking, and destroying enemy sabotage and reconnaissance groups continued in Kyiv oblast. After the exercise, Serhii Naiev, Joint Forces Commander, thanked the troops for their high level of training and emphasized the need of constantly maintaining it to adequately respond to enemy threats.
The Ukraine-U.S. War Time Economy Forum is underway in Kyiv. The Forum is a partnership platform aimed at accelerating integration processes between the US and Ukrainian business circles and establishing cooperation in the post-war reconstruction of the Ukrainian state.
Ruslan Kravchenko, Head of Kyiv Regional Military Administration, announced that the restoration of three high-rise buildings has started in Kyiv oblast as part of the UNITED24 fundraising platform. These are objects damaged by the invaders in the settlements of Myla, Buzova, and Hostomel. In total, it is planned to restore 18 damaged facilities within this program.
Vitali Klychko, Kyiv Mayor, informed that Kyiv City Council has renamed 26 city facilities, including metro stations, streets, and alleys. Specifically, the Druzhby Narodiv metro station was renamed Zvirynetska, the Lev Tolstoy Square station was renamed Ukrainian Heroes Square, and the Prospekt Pravdy project metro station was renamed to Varshavska.
Two photo exhibitions were held in Kyiv to mark the Remembrance Day of Crimean Tatars Deportation Victims. The exhibition Stories of the Occupied Crimea features 25 photographs taken by Ukrainian reporters who covered human rights violations in the occupied Crimea in 2014-2019 and documented the lives of families of political prisoners. The second exhibition, ‘Eyewitness Accounts of Crimes,’ tells 10 stories of Crimean Tatars deported in 1944.
Zhytomyr oblast
Zhytomyr Hospital No.1 has received equipment for on-site installation of a solar power plant from the Independent Social Ecological Movement Brno organization of the Czech Republic. The aid was handed over as part of a memorandum of cooperation with the Ecoclub NGO and Zhytomyr City Council on the development of renewable energy sources in the community.
The State Border Guard Service reported that border guards conducted an open-air lesson on “Homeland Defense” for young people and everyone interested in one of the communities of Zhytomyr oblast. The defenders demonstrated armored and all-terrain vehicles, weapons and personal protective equipment to the audience. The attendees examined the equipment, disassembled and assembled weapons, listened to the stories of the military with interest, took photos and videos.
Sumy oblast
Three employees of a regional power company were killed in Yunakivka community as a result of russian shelling. According to the information provided by the regional Prosecutor’s Office, at around 11:45 a.m., russian forces opened fire on a vehicle of the regional power company using methods of warfare prohibited by international law. According to preliminary information, they were attacked by drones when the men were locating a damaged power line.
Sumy Regional Military Administration reported that in total, the russians opened fire 7 times at the border areas at night and in the morning. There were 28 shells fired from artillery, mortars, and AGS. Seredyno-Buda, Yunakivka, and Putivl communities were under fire.
Over the past 24 hours, the enemy has attacked the settlements of Yunakivka, Bilopillia, Nova Sloboda, Miropillia, Esman, and Krasnopillia communities. In total, there were 10 attacks and 62 explosions. Two civilians sustained post-concussion syndrome as a result of mortar shelling in Studenok village of Esman community. Also, a private residential building, an outbuilding, a tractor and a sprayer were damaged.
In one of the settlements of Shostka region, which is located up to 1 km from the border, rescuers were extinguishing a fire in a private household of civilians. The fire was caused by enemy shelling launched from the territory of russia. Firefighters prevented the fire from spreading to a residential building and a cookhouse.
The State Emergency Service of Ukraine reported that EOD specialists continue to free Sumy oblast from enemy explosive devices. On May 18 alone, sappers recovered and disposed of 8 munitions in Okhtyrka, Konotop and Sumy regions, including one found in a water reservoir.
Chernihiv oblast
The ‘North’ Operational Command reported that as of 4 p.m., russian troops shelled the border areas of Chernihiv oblast twice. There were 20 bombs fired from 82-mm mortars in the area of Bleshnya and 2 shells fired from barrel artillery in the area of Karpovychi.
Chernihiv oblast has received humanitarian aid from the Danish company Rockwool. According to Viacheslav Chaus, Head of Chernihiv Regional Branch of the Regional Military Administration, the benefactors handed over 3,600 square meters of mineral wool in special packaging. Also, the oblast received 10 diesel generators, which will be distributed among critical infrastructure institutions.
After a three-year break, Mena community hosts a children’s and youth military-patriotic game “Sokol” (“Dzhura”); the main task of the event is to cultivate patriotic feelings, national dignity, high self-awareness and active civic position in young citizens. Over the course of two days, students will compete in sports and tactical competitions, demonstrate their skills as marksmen and experts in the history of Ukraine. The organizers promise that the famous dog Patron will pay a visit to the participants of the event.
Recent events in the central regions of Ukraine
Dnipropetrovsk oblast
According to Mykola Lukashuk, Head of the regional council, Kryvyi Rih was attacked by the enemy, there were several explosions at night. A private industrial enterprise was destroyed. A 64-year-old woman was injured. She was hospitalized in a grave condition. The attack caused fires at the enterprise. Several buildings and production equipment were partially destroyed. One of the administrative buildings was also damaged. A 45-year-old man was injured.
Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk RMA, said that during the day, кussian troops shelled Nikopol region three times. Heavy artillery struck Nikopol and the Chervonohryhorivka community. Private and transport companies, and two private houses were damaged.
Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk RMA announced that 3 ambulances filled with trolleys, medicines, specialized equipment and clothes for doctors were delivered from the UK to Dnipropetrovsk oblast. The ambulances equipped with defibrillators and oxygen stations will be sent to the frontline.
Vinnytsia oblast
Vinnytsia Mayor Serhii Morhunov has announced that the German city of Karlsruhe has become a sister city of Vinnytsia. The agreement was signed during an additional session of the city council. The delegation from Karlsruhe came to Vinnytsia for the first time to consolidate official relations. This will help the city adopt the best European practices and expand economic connections, which is especially important for the post-war recovery of the country.
Pan Fund charitable foundation together with the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Latvia in Vinnytsia and Vinnytsia oblast handed over a DJI Mavic 3 quadcopter to the Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine.
Poltava oblast
Vitalii Maletskyi, Mayor of Kremenchuk, announced that a car and five binoculars were delivered to the volunteer unit from Kremenchuk.
In Zinkiv, a charity event was organized on the occasion of Vyshyvanka Day to raise funds for equipment for their compatriot who is currently fighting at the front. They raised over UAH 25 K.
Cherkasy oblast
Philanthropists from the Cherkasy Humanitarian Hub have delivered anti-inflammatories, painkillers, and vitamins to Cherkasy Regional Hospital.
A charity sale in Talne raised UAH 28 K for the victims of a missile attack in Uman.
Latest news from the front of the southern regions of Ukraine
Zaporizhzhia oblast
In Zaporizhzhia oblast, russian troops fired 80 times at 17 towns and villages. There were 70 artillery attacks on Huliaipole, Zaliznychne, Stepove, 4 MLRS attacks on Orikhiv, Kamianske and Mali Shcherbaky, and one air strike on Novodanylivka.
Yurii Malashko, Head of Zaporizhzhia regional military administration, said that a 57-year-old man in Huliaipole was injured in his home during an enemy attack. He received first aid. Over the past day, 25 civilian objects were damaged.
russian soldiers are flooding fields in Vasyliv region, raising the water level in the canals, mining dams, sown fields, and the entire front line, preparing for the Ukrainian armed forces’ offensive and their retreat.
The occupiers are stealing ZNPP documents, and people’s personal belongings from their homes. By cutting off food supplies, the occupiers are implementing forced evacuations. After evacuation, people are left on their own.
Ivan Fedorov, Mayor of Melitopol reported that russians have occupied a third of 600 recreation centres in the Ukrainian resort village of Kyrylivka, Zaporizhzhia oblast. Some of them are being used to house russian military personnel, some have been looted, and in some areas the invaders run their own tourist businesses.
In Zaporizhzhia, reconstruction of a building on the central avenue that was destroyed by a russian missile was launched. The work will start on 29 May. According to the authorities, the building on Stalevariv Street is the most difficult to restore. The restoration will be sponsored by Metinvest Group and Zaporizhstal. UAH 141 million will be allocated.
In Huliaipole, a team of volunteers completed the repair and arrangement of the Invincibility Point. They installed washing machines, dryers, and showers inside the centre, arranged warehouses for medicines, food, and water, and a place for a hairdresser.
Mykolaiv oblast
Today, a delegation led by Ole Mikkelsen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark arrived in Mykolaiv on a business visit. The parties discussed further areas of cooperation and promising projects that will be implemented not only within the city of Mykolaiv but also the oblast that suffered the most from the armed aggression of russian troops. In addition, the Danish representatives presented a loan programme for Mykolaiv businesses and the municipal sector.
Mykolaivvodokanal has recently received new energy-saving motors for its pumping stations. The equipment was donated by the International Organisation for Migration in Ukraine (IOM Ukraine).
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has handed over a modern emergency repair vehicle to Mykolaivoblteploenergo, a regional utility company. The vehicle is equipped with everything that power engineers need to repair and maintain heating mains and includes a diesel-petrol generator, a lubrication station, hydraulic equipment (jackhammer, pump, polisher, jack), and pneumatic plugs for sealing pipes.
There will be no beach season in Mykolaiv oblast in 2023. Visits to the sea will remain prohibited due to the mined coastline. There is still a possibility of invasion, so the shores remain mined, and mines placed by the russians are emerging from the sea. Only hotels with swimming pools will be open to tourists.
Odesa oblast
The ‘South’ Command reported that the threat of missile and drone attacks from the enemy remains high in Odesa Oblast. As of 18 May, four russian ships, including one missile carrier, were on alert in the Black Sea, with a total capacity of up to four Kalibrs.
From the beginning of russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the doctors of Safianivka community have been relentlessly working and helping the army. They have already sent 10 vehicles to our defenders, which are working and helping our soldiers in hot spots of the war. Recently, another vehicle for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which was purchased with charitable donations, was delivered to Izmail.
Thanks to the Odesa 5T Grant Office, the rehabilitation department of City Clinical Hospital No. 1 received new expensive and much-needed medical equipment. Rehakom is a modern software and hardware complex for cognitive rehabilitation. Its use activates brain processes and improves or restores brain functions even at severe stages of the disease. Such rehabilitation helps patients with cognitive impairment to better adapt to everyday life in the future.
According to Yurii Vaskov, Deputy Minister of Development of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure of Ukraine, the grain deal, which has been extended, will now cover only two of the three Greater Odesa ports. russia agreed to resume inspections of ships heading to Odesa and Chornomorsk but refused to inspect ships heading to Pivdennyi port.
The Superhumans Centre installed a prosthesis for an Odesa soldier who lost her leg in the war. Ruslana went to the frontline on 24 February last year, she was only 18 years old. For a year, she served near Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Her vehicle got under mortar attack.
Kherson oblast
The russian army fired 57 times at Kherson oblast on 18 May. They fired 287 shells from heavy artillery, Grad MRLSs, tanks, UAVs, and aviation. The enemy attacked Kherson twice, firing 11 shells at the city. The shelling damaged medical facilities and a cultural institution. Two people were wounded.
Natalia Humeniuk, Head of the press centre of the Southern Defence Forces, said that the defense forces destroyed six self-propelled Gvozdika artillery systems of the russian army, the Murom observation complex, and shot down an Orlan drone on the left bank of Kherson oblast on 18 May.
According to the military administration, the russian military shelled the Korabel district and Stepanivka on the night of 19 May. In total, they fired twice at the territory of Kherson community during the day, firing 11 shells. One person was wounded.
The police reported that the russian army shelled summer cottages in Dariivka community. A 72-year-old local resident had mine-blast trauma, and gunshot shrapnel wounds to the abdomen, head, and spine. The man died in hospital.
Kherson Regional State Administration reported that the village of Pravdyne in Bilozerka community has resumed gas supply. For almost a year and three months, this settlement remained without centralized gas supply due to russian aggression and significant damage to critical infrastructure.
According to the military administration, Kherson shelter for victims of domestic violence received assistance from international organizations. In particular, two freezers, a washing machine, a dryer and three microwave ovens. The equipment will help to restore the operation of one of the specialized service systems in the city, which was not working due to the looting by russian troops.
“Everything will be Ukraine!” posters and leaflets have appeared on the streets of Henichesk, Skadovsk, and Novohryhorivka. In recent days, members of the Yellow Ribbon civil resistance movement have spread over 130 ribbons and graffiti. In recent days, members of the resistance movement have distributed more than 130 ribbons, 50 posters, and 20 pieces of graffiti. Currently, patriotic symbols adorn local bus stops, the Henichesk Medical College, and city streets.
Kherson Regional Military Administration reported that the Kherson-based Territorial Defense 124th Brigade has received a multi-seat special boat donated by the GRAND MARINE company. It will increase the maneuverability and mobility of the soldiers and help them on combat duty.
Kherson Regional Military Administration reported that humanitarian aid is being distributed to residents of Kherson oblast. On May 18, residents of the liberated territories received 1,209 food packages, 5 K cans of canned food, 10,400 loaves of bread, 650 portions of ready-to-eat meals, 6,270 litres of drinking water, 580 vegetable sets and milk from international NGOs, philanthropists, and volunteers. The people also received 50 OSB boards, 7 repair kits, 40 hygiene kits, and 5 tarpaulins.
Kherson Regional Military Administration reported that representatives of Doctors Without Borders continue to work in Kherson oblast. Over the past day, medical teams visited Starosillia, Fedorivka, Myroliubivka, and Mykhailivka and examined 88 patients.
Kherson Regional Military Administration reported that Chornobaivka community received a new bus provided by the Water4Ukraine initiative. It will be used to transport schoolchildren.
Dmytro Olifirenko, resident of Antonivka, collects shrapnel from russian shells in the town and arranges them into Ukrainian coats of arms, patriotic inscriptions and paintings. The man has started selling his works to foreigners and donates the money he earns to the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the restoration of his hometown.
The hospital named after Afanasii and Olha Tropins reported that two boys were born at the hospital on May 18, Vyshyvanka Day (“Ukrainian embroidered clothes”). The babies’ first clothes were embroidered shirts. The parents of one of the children were evacuated to Poland but came to Kherson to give birth to their son.
Latest news for today in the western regions of Ukraine
Volyn oblast
The RMA held a meeting with David Schneider, General Director of the Innovation Office (Great Britain). The purpose of the meeting is to present its activities and possible cooperation with Volyn in digital business development.
Zakarpattia oblast
Zakarpattia received 9 tonnes of humanitarian aid, namely, medicines, mattresses, pillows, etc., from the Druzhba public association from the city of Saint-Nazaire.
Ivano-Frankivsk oblast
Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskyyi, Commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, awarded the soldiers of the 109th separate mountain assault battalion of the 10th separate mountain assault brigade Edelveis with state awards, presented valuable gifts and monetary rewards.
The RMA reported that two GAZ 66 cars were sent to the 102nd Territorial Defense Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ivano-Frankivsk oblast.
Svitlana Onyshchuk, Head of the RMA reported that shelters will be set up in kindergartens in the oblast due to Save The Children’s support.
In Ivano-Frankivsk, the rehabilitation center Donbas has officially opened. The RMA, the Save The Children in Ukraine international charitable organizations, the AMI – SHID Luhansk regional organization, the Center for Volunteering and Protection CF united efforts to purchase equipment and carry out repair work in the premises.
The City Council of Ivano-Frankivsk and the Children’s Dream of Ukraine NGO signed a Memorandum of Cooperation. The goal is to jointly find ways to provide assistance to children who are victims of russian aggression and protect their rights.
Lviv oblast
Lviv oblast was attacked by drones. Between 3 and 5 o’clock in the morning, defenders from the West Air Command of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine destroyed 5 Shaheed combat drones over Lviv oblast. There were no injuries or damage.
The RMA reported that farmers from Belzshchyna provided 320 liters of fuel for the needs of our soldiers and volunteers.
Rivne oblast
The first Ukrainian-American forum Ukrainian American House was held in Rivne oblast. About 450 representatives of the state, public, and business sectors took part in the event. It was about reconstruction, investments and demining.
RMA representatives met with Kryshtof Marek, director of the Ukrainian branch of the Happy Kids Children’s Aid Foundation. They discussed the construction of family houses in the oblast.
The OLAS gas station network purchased and repaired 5 vehicles, namely, Mitsubishsi L200 SUVs, Nissan Pickup Double Cab, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Terracan and Volkswagen Transporter T4 minivan, for the needs of the army at its own expense.
Ternopil oblast
RMA representatives met with Leszek Buller, director of the Center for European Projects, and Vasyl Khimyak, senior expert of the Representation of the Interreg NEXT Poland-Ukraine Program in Lviv. They discussed the expansion of cooperation within the Interreg NEXT Poland-Ukraine 2021-2027 Program.
Khmelnytskyi oblast
The first Safety Classroom in the community has been opened at Novoushytskyi College. There are areas where rescue, law enforcement, medical and military training will be provided.
Chernivtsi oblast
According to the Ministry of Economy, Bukovyna is among the top three regions that received the largest number of relocated enterprises. Also, a third of them have already re-registered in the oblast and are ready to stay here for a long period.
International support for Ukraine in the Russian-Ukrainian war (Russian invasion of Ukraine)
The G7 joint statement reported that they will continue to supply Ukraine with weapons even in the event of the end of hostilities. It was also announced during the summit that G7 countries will continue military, financial and diplomatic support to Ukraine to ensure the defeat of the russian federation.
Norway will send 8 M270 anti-aircraft guns and 3 ARTHUR counter-battery radars to Ukraine.
Up to 5 K Ukrainian soldiers were secretly trained in Sweden. The Ukrainian brigade, which is undergoing training in Sweden, is equipped with Leopard 2 tanks, CV-90 combat vehicles and Archer artillery systems, “which makes it one of the most powerful units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.” They have returned to Ukraine this month.
The US announced the introduction of new export restrictions against russia and belarus. Now it will be prohibited to import phones, voice recorders and household appliances into these countries.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived on a visit to Saudi Arabia. He spoke at the Arab League summit. In addition, the President of Ukraine met with Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al-Nagayan, Vice-President, Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates. They discussed issues of global food security and the work of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. They agreed on the exchange of delegations to achieve concrete results and cooperation.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman al Saud, Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia. Current bilateral relations and global issues were discussed.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Muhammad Shia Sabbar Al-Sudani, Prime Minister of Iraq. They discussed possible ways of Iraq’s participation in the implementation of the Ukrainian peace formula.
President Joe Biden told G7 leaders that the US will support joint efforts to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets.
Charles Michel, President of the EU Council, announced that the possibility of supplying Ukraine with F-16 fighters will be discussed at the G7 summit.
Ruslan Stefanchuk, speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, visited a company in Norway that produces NASAMS air defense systems. He said that together with Eric Lee, President of Kongsberg Defense&Aerospace, and Masoud Garakhani, President of the Storting, he talked about increasing the supply of anti-aircraft systems to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Dorin Rechan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, announced that the country is no longer dependent on russian gas, as it was able to refuse its consumption by connecting to the European energy grid.
In Georgia, the first plane from russia after the resumption of air traffic was greeted with posters of “russia is a terrorist country” and the flags of Ukraine and Georgia. Protesters are also gathering in the center of Tbilisi with posters and flags of Ukraine, Georgia and the European Union.
Materials compiled by Tetiana Kliuchnyk-Horobets, Tetyana Pidgorna, Olena Reka, Yana Hushchyna, Tamara Moshkovska, Sofia Ratynska, Liudmyla Stadnykova, Vita Petrenko, Аnna Efremova, Halyna Vaskiv
Translated by Tetyana Pidgorna, Olena Reka, Yana Hushchyna, Ioanna Kryvenko, Liudmyla Stadnykova, Yevheniia Sukhonos, Marharyta Koval, Tetiana Kurbatova, Olga Shalya
Anti-disinformation activities in Ukraine-governed territories. With support The International Renaissance Foundation (IRF)
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