Zelenskyy in Rome, Russian fighter jets crash, and Ukrainian Armed Forces advance near Bakhmut: today’s highlights
Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived on a visit to the Italian capital; two helicopters and two fighter jets crashed in Russia's Bryansk region; the Ukrainian troops are gradually advancing near Bakhmut. We have collected the key news for today.
Ukrainian Armed Forces advance near Bakhmut
The commander of the Ukrainian Land Forces and the Khortytsia operational and strategic grouping of troops, Oleksandr Syrskyi, reported on the advance of the Ukrainian troops in the Bakhmut direction. According to him, “Our soldiers are moving forward in some parts of the frontline, while the enemy is losing equipment and manpower”.
Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Hanna Maliar said that Ukrainian troops are gradually advancing in two directions in the suburbs of Bakhmut: “There will be no correct figures now because there are active hostilities. Our troops are destroying the enemy and have already taken many prisoners”.
Ukrainian Armed Forces officer Anatolii Shtefan said that in the area of Bakhmut, the military of the 4th separate motorized rifle brigade of the Russian Federation were “demobilized”: commander Colonel “M”, chief of Staff Colonel “M”, deputy commander Colonel “Y” (he was wounded), and deputy commander of the 2nd army corps of the Russian Federation (aka “People's Militia of the LPR”) Colonel “T”.
Zelenskyy's visit to Rome
On May 13, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy was on a visit to Italy and the Vatican. He has already held meetings with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and then went to an audience with the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis.
Zelenskyy asked Francis to condemn Russia's crimes in Ukraine and invited him to join the implementation of Ukraine's “peace formula”. In an interview with Italian journalists, Zelenskyy added that the talks focused on “specific points”.
After the talks with the Italian prime minister, Zelenskyy announced “important decisions” to protect Ukrainian skies: “Today we discussed our cooperation, in particular, security and military cooperation. There are very important decisions to protect our skies”.
Two Russian planes and two helicopters were shot down in the Bryansk region of Russia
On May 13, an air group consisting of two Mi-8 helicopters and Su-34 and Su-35 fighters crashed in the Bryansk region of Russia. However, the regional authorities officially recognized the downing of only one helicopter.
The fighters were supposed to launch a missile and bomb attack on targets in Chernihiv Oblast, and the helicopters were supposed to provide backup. the Russian fighters and helicopters could have been shot down “almost simultaneously” near the border with Ukraine. Their crews were killed.
Germany prepares its largest military aid package
The German government is preparing a new military aid package to support Ukraine worth about 2.7 billion euros, which will be Berlin's largest since the start of the full-scale war.
Among other things, it is planned to transfer air defense systems, infantry fighting vehicles, artillery ammunition, and reconnaissance drones.
New shelling
Russian occupation forces shelled the town of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast once again. Two people were killed and ten others were wounded. There are children among the victims.
The occupiers also struck Nikopol in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast with heavy artillery. A 57-year-old resident was injured. He was hospitalized in serious condition.
Meanwhile, the number of people injured as a result of the attack by Russian troops in Khmelnytskyi Oblast is approaching 30. Their lives are not in danger.
Other news:
- CNN writes that Russia tried to destroy the Patriot air defense system with the Kinzhal missile. The Ukrainian Air Force is not sure;
- Ukraine will receive the second batch of Vector drones from Germany. The first has already proven its effectiveness on the battlefield;
- German media report that Zelenskyy is to arrive in Germany on May 14. He will be awarded the Charlemagne Prize;
- South Africa says the US ambassador has apologized for accusing South Africa of supplying weapons to Russia;
- “LPR” to cut off mobile Internet in the occupied part of Luhansk Oblast;
- A reconnaissance balloon was spotted in the sky over Poland, coming from Belarus.
- Share: