Russian forces recently advanced northeast of Pokrovsk and are aiming to envelop Ukrainian positions by pushing towards Dobropillya and supporting efforts to bypass Ukraine's fortress belt in Donetsk Oblast. Despite challenges, Russia is employing tactics of partial envelopments and limited campaigns, while Ukraine continues long-range strikes against Russian military infrastructure. Western aid to Ukraine persists, and concerns about Russia's use of chemical agents in violation of international conventions are increasing. The situation remains dynamic with ongoing combat in various sectors of Ukraine and Russian efforts to strengthen their positions.
Ukrainian forces have halted Russian troops in the Kharkiv sector and are conducting counterattacks, according to Ukraine's General Staff. Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly open to a ceasefire that recognizes current front lines but will continue fighting if not agreed upon. A missile attack in occupied Crimea damaged communications equipment, with casualties reported. The first group of Ukrainian pilots has completed F-16 training in the US. Russian attacks over the past day have killed 10 and injured 48 people in Ukraine.
On May 23, Ukrainian forces launched intense drone strikes to counter a Russian breakthrough near Ocheretyne, significantly depleting Russian combat capabilities. Despite suffering heavy losses and a lack of reinforcements, Russian forces attempted localized attacks but were repelled by Ukrainian artillery and drone operations. Ukrainians regained control over several strategic positions, preventing further Russian advances and setting the stage for potential counteroffensives.
Soldiers from Ukraine's 80th Separate Assault Brigade near Bakhmut continue to train and prepare for counterattacks against Russian forces. The success of assault operations depends on careful planning, adaptability to enemy tactics, and a combination of skill, luck, and psychology. The soldiers face constant heavy shelling and the threat of shrapnel injuries, with casualties primarily caused by explosions. Despite the risks, these brave soldiers are determined to recapture Russian-held positions and fight for their country.
Russia has acknowledged that Ukraine has made territorial gains in the battle for Bakhmut, where Kyiv's forces are said to be advancing on the flanks of the Donetsk city. Despite not having an equipment or personnel advantage, Ukrainian troops have advanced up to 500 meters in the direction of Bakhmut in a day, "liberating Ukrainian land." Russian forces have likely committed to reinforcing their offensive efforts in the area, according to the Institute for the Study of War. Ukraine said its air defenses had successfully shot down 29 Russian missiles, two kamikaze drones, and two reconnaissance drones during an eight-hour barrage from Wednesday night to Thursday morning.
Ukrainian forces have launched successful counterattacks around Bakhmut, pushing back Russian forces by up to 2 km in some areas. Geolocated footage indicates limited counterattacks north of Khromove and northwest of Bila Hora, resulting in marginal advances. Ukrainian sources claim to have destroyed two companies of the 72nd Motorized Rifle Brigade of the 3rd Army Corps near Bakhmut.
Ukrainian military commander reports "effective counterattacks" are taking place in the Bakhmut area of eastern Ukraine. CNN International Diplomatic Editor Nic Robertson is on the ground reporting on the ongoing military operations.
Ukrainian forces claim to be conducting effective counterattacks in the Bakhmut area, regaining territory around the embattled city. The leader of the Russian mercenary group Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, accused a Russian brigade of abandoning its position in front-line Bakhmut, allowing Ukraine to seize territory. Despite Russia's vast manpower, they have been unable to take total control of the city and suffered heavy losses in the area. The battle for Bakhmut continues.
Russia's military has suffered 100,000 casualties, including 20,000 dead, in the past five months of fighting against Ukraine, according to US intelligence estimates. Ukraine has ousted Russian forces from some positions in the besieged eastern city of Bakhmut, but the situation remains difficult. Russia unleashed a fresh missile attack on Ukraine, killing two people and injuring 40 others. The head of the Wagner private militia renewed his appeal to Russia's defence ministry to increase ammunition shipments to his fighters trying to seize Bakhmut. Poland condemned a former Russian children's ombudsman for comments he made on Russian state TV about murdering ambassadors. House speaker Kevin McCarthy emphasised his support for military aid to Ukraine.
