Zelenskyy's visits to Paris and Berlin, Russian shelling, Armed Forces movement near Bakhmut: highlights of May 14

Zelenskyy's visits

On the night of May 14, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Berlin, visiting Germany for the first time since the start of the full-scale invasion. There, he met with German Prime Minister Olaf Scholz to discuss issues important to Ukraine, including NATO.

Also in Berlin, President Zelenskyy met with members of the German Security Cabinet to discuss Ukraine's defense needs, including fighter jets.

On the evening of May 14, Zelenskyy arrived in Paris. The Élysée Palace announced that the presidents of Ukraine and France “will be able to discuss the long-term prospects for a return to peace in Europe based on the peace plan proposed by President Zelenskyy, which France supports”.

Shelling of settlement

Russian occupation forces shelled the town of Kurakhove, Donetsk Oblast. Three people, including a minor, were wounded as a result of the shelling.

Russians also shelled the village of Starytsia in Chuhuiv Raion, Kharkiv Oblast. Two civilians were reported dead.

The Marhanets community in Nikopol Raion of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast came under Russian fire. Two people were reported injured.

A 24-year-old man died as a result of the shelling of Prymorske village in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. He was in extremely serious condition and died in the hospital. Also, 6 local residents were injured, including a young child.

In addition, on May 14, the occupiers shelled the village of Respublikanets in Kherson Oblast, killing a 64-year-old man.

Ukrainian Armed Forces advance near Bakhmut

Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar reported that Ukrainian troops continue to advance in the Bakhmut sector in the suburbs. As of now, Russians are unable to surround the city and achieve victory in this area.

According to Maliar, Ukrainian units have captured more than ten enemy positions in the north and south of Bakhmut's outskirts and cleared a large area of forest in the area of Ivanivske. Russian soldiers from various units were taken prisoner.

Other important news:

• Five civilians are killed in an explosive attack in Kherson Oblast.
• Sweden wins the Eurovision Song Contest 2023.
• Media report: Culture Minister Tkachenko offered Zelenskyy's address at Eurovision, surprised by the refusal.
• The Armed Forces of Ukraine carry out 12 air strikes against the occupiers. They also hit a Russian command center.
• Hungarian Foreign Minister travels to China to discuss a “peace plan” for Ukraine.