As the war rages on into its 818th day, here are the latest updates:
As of Thursday, May 23, 2024, the situation remains tense with a series of impactful events unfolding.
Fighting
- Kharkiv, Ukraine saw at least 10 people injured due to a Russian-guided bomb that hit a cafe and high-rise building, causing severe damage. The attack also affected a trolleybus, resulting in the bus driver losing both legs.
- Additionally, a Russian attack in Chuhuiv caused injuries to seven individuals, damaging a kindergarten and a private residence in the Kharkiv region.
- Tragically, one police officer lost his life in Vovchansk after a Russian drone targeted a police car, causing fatal injuries.
- Further escalation led to casualties in both Ukrainian shelling of Russian border villages and Russian military control over Ukrainian territories like Klishchiivka in the Donetsk region.
- Energy facilities in northern Sumy faced drone attacks, cutting off power to over 500,000 residents in Shostka and Konotop.
Politics and Diplomacy
- Ramzan Kadyrov offered additional fighters to Russia for the conflict in Ukraine, following a meeting with President Vladimir Putin.
- Meanwhile, a Russian court deliberated on labeling ex-TV anchor Alexander Nevzorov and his wife as an extremist group due to their critical views on the war.
- Continuing disputes also saw the arrest of Major General Ivan Popov and the exchange of Ukrainian children from Russia to Ukraine brokered by Qatar.
Weapons
- Ukrainian President Zelenskyy emphasized the need for enhanced defence systems to counter Russia’s use of guided bombs.
- Swedish government pledged substantial military support to Ukraine, and Ukraine equipped naval drones with multiple rocket-launching systems for combat against Russian forces.
- British Defence Secretary accused China of aiding Russia with lethal weapons for the ongoing conflict.