Wherever the Situation is Difficult, Our Forces Give a Decent Rebuff to the Occupier – Address by the President of Ukraine

18 May 2024 – 19:17

Dear Ukrainians!

Today is a special day. Today we remember the year 1944 – the deportation of the Crimean Tatar people – and honor the memory of its victims. Unfortunately, our history is quite full of tragic pages – of things our people had to go through. But no matter how bitter or terrible these pages were, they will never become pages of lies, let alone the last pages for Ukraine.

Today, as we commemorate the victims of the deportation of the Crimean Tatars and condemn Russia’s abuse of Crimea, we feel, we know, that Russian evil is not and will not be omnipotent. The occupier’s time on our land is limited, and their expulsion is inevitable, and it depends on how we all resist, how we all try to unite the world, and how the world itself is determined – determined to protect humanity and life.

The Russian occupation of Crimea in 2014 was indeed a test – a test of determination for everyone in the world. There was no proper reaction at the time, and Putin decided that he could allegedly outgrow Crimea, that he could allegedly do more evil – with impunity. February 24th put a stop to that – through the resistance of all Ukrainians, of all our people: different people – of different generations, of various views – who all equally deterred the occupier.

The historical point put then will never again become a semicolon for Ukraine. Moscow will never have a chance to conquer our country, our people, our consciousness and history. And now, in our battles for Ukraine, in our work for Ukraine, we have reached a level where Russian evil will not hide from our just responses even on its own territory.

I thank all our warriors and units of the Ukrainian Defence Forces, who proved this week that the Russian state will pay for everything it does against our people and our society. I thank each of our warriors who showed sufficient resilience and managed to gain more confidence, especially in the Kharkiv direction, this week. The invaders are losing their infantry and equipment – it’s a significant loss, although, as in 2022, they were counting on a rapid advance through our land.

We also do not forget about other directions of combat besides the Kharkiv ones: Kramatorsk, Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, the southern directions – wherever the situation is difficult, our forces give a decent rebuff to the occupier. In particular, I would like to specially and separately thank the guys who repelled the Russian assault on Chasiv Yar. Our warriors destroyed more than twenty armored vehicles of the occupier. Well done, guys!

And I also thank every representative of our state – the entire diplomatic team of the Office, our government officials, our embassies, the civil society activists who are helping – I thank you for the steady, step-by-step progress in the preparation of the Peace Summit – the first Global Summit that will be held in Switzerland.

Together with our partners, we are preparing a real platform – a platform for the world that is truly capable of forcing Russia into peace, the world that Russia will not be able to deceive. This week we have added new participants to the Summit. At the level of Heads of State and Government alone, I had conversations with Georgia, Canada, the Republic of Korea, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Malawi, Portugal, Slovenia, France, Sweden, and Liberia, and I also spoke with the U.S. Secretary of State. And the next week will also be active in terms of diplomacy. Ukrainian diplomacy is working together with Ukrainian weapons for the sake of a just peace for our country and a just punishment for Russia for this war. We will definitely fulfill our Ukrainian tasks.

I thank everyone who helps! I thank everyone who chose Ukraine and ensures the strength and results for our country.

Glory to Ukraine!

https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1791858894311931924

“No one is going to give up” – President @ZelenskyyUa commenting on the Russian offensive.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview with AFP that Ukraine will hold its defensive lines to stop any major Russian breakthrough, and the occupiers do not have enough forces for a “full-scale offensive on the capital.”

🔹The president called on China and the developed countries in the world to participate in the peace summit to be held in Switzerland. In his opinion, global players such as China “have influence over Russia.”

“The more such countries are on our side, I would say on the side of ending the war, the more Russia will have to move and reckon with them,” Zelenskyy said.

❗️According to the President, Ukraine has only “about 25% of what we need” to defend the country in terms of air defense. He added that “in order to have parity” with Russia, 120-130 F-16 fighters or other modern aircraft are needed.

Full interview:

The cost:

https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1791721498975105216

A brief fight update:

https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1791978256901485058

https://twitter.com/ChristopherJM/status/1791976662667538680

https://twitter.com/ESPNRingside/status/1791976603376926872

Washington, DC:

https://twitter.com/Kasparov63/status/1791513006662181270

Georgia:

https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1791834047431188797

Tatiania Stanovaya has published a new article in Foreign Affairs, which is very good, however it is also being misunderstood. So she posted a thread to make her points explicit. Here it is from the Thread Reader App:

In my recent piece in Foreign Affairs, I argued that nobody in Moscow is looking for an exit strategy from the war; rather, people are prepared to fight as long as it takes. Many interpreted this as a thesis that Moscow will not negotiate with Ukraine or agree to a ceasefire. That is not what I was saying. Here are several points to make my understanding more nuanced: 1/

Russia’s Pro-Putin ElitesHow the dictator recruited them to his anti-Western agenda.https://www.foreignaffairs.com/russia/russias-pro-putin-elites

There is no discussion among senior officials in the Kremlin about negotiating with Ukraine or what compromises could be reached with Kyiv or the West. Decision-making on this issue is monopolized by Putin, and many senior officials simply guess what he wants but do not dare to initiate anything. The common belief is that Russia is winning, advancing successfully, and has the upper hand in Ukraine. Hence, they see no point in talking to the West, let alone Ukraine. 2/ 

Putin does not aim to storm Odessa, Kyiv, or even Kharkiv. First, he lacks the army for that. Second, he does not want to engage in large-scale battles. His strategy is to impose on Ukraine military pressure, diminish military infrastructure, and intimidate locals to coerce Kyiv into surrendering and accepting Russian demands. He will only take what he believes he can, given his limited military capacity and wait when Ukraine falls. 3/ 

Yes, Putin wants to talk, but strictly on Russian terms. He is concerned that a pause might be used by the West and Ukraine to rearm. Because of this, he will be extremely cautious about the conditions of any talks. 4/ 

He will not talk to Zelensky, as he does not believe Zelensky can deliver what Russia wants from Ukraine. Moscow has been signalling for months that the West must remove Zelensky. However, if Zelensky were to lift the ban on talks with Russia and open a window for negotiations, Putin might seize this opportunity (as a showcase and temporarily)—not to start real talks, but to demonstrate his readiness for negotiations, expecting, as well, it to accelerate Zelensky’s departure. Putin might also agree to a tactical ceasefire if reassured that it would not be used to rearm Ukraine and if he sees Ukraine is desperate and ready to discuss Russian demands. 5/ 

So, what are Russia’s demands? Putin’s flexibility will depend on the progress on three tracks, which are inter-dependable: 6/ 

1. Washington’s position: If Putin has any hope that the US might consider an “ironclad” ban on Ukraine’s NATO membership and other guarantees of neutrality, his position on two other tracks might soften.
2. Kyiv’s readiness to consider political demands: Putin wants a “friendly” regime in Ukraine—one that would exclude the emergence of anti-Russian forces. I will not go into details here, but If he believes he can achieve this, he may be flexible on territorial matters. It is important to say that I do not believe this is ever possible, but in Putin’s vision, it is no problem if Odessa remains Ukrainian as long as Ukraine is “friendly.”
3. Territorial Matters: If there is no progress on the first two tracks, Putin will continue a creeping offensive for as long as needed. If he is more successful militarily and gain more territories, he will become more contemptuous about first and second tracks. 7/ 

The point of my article in Foreign Affairs was that if there is no sign from the West that serious talks are possible (in Putin’s eyes and those of the Russian ruling elite there are no such signs), the only path is further escalation. No one is concerned about this unless it brings us to the brink of nuclear war—an eventuality that might split the elite (I do not urge to provoke the nuclear escalation). Until then, the political class will stick with Putin and support his military ambitions. 8/End 

The only appropriate response is to provide Ukraine what it needs so that it can find all Russian forces, fix them in place, and reduce them. Once the Russian military is reduced to the point of complete ineffectiveness, then, and only then, could negotiations begin.

Donetsk Oblast:

Another day, another SU-25 brought down by the Ukrainians.

https://twitter.com/DefenceU/status/1791913428988146065

Kharkiv:

https://twitter.com/IAPonomarenko/status/1791727978684002338

https://twitter.com/yarotrof/status/1791856541554888951

https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1791924175202062402

https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1791811507409302012

https://twitter.com/BohuslavskaKate/status/1791940766605918340

https://twitter.com/serhii_bolvinov/status/1791787063034958008

Here’s the machine translation of Serhiy Bolvinov’s, the head of the Intelligence Department of the National Security Service, first tweet:

KAB flies straight into a high-rise building in the center of Kharkiv.

The video shows an enemy attack on a residential building on May 14 on the street. Sciences. A modified guided air bomb in the frame – we are also collecting such physical evidence.

The Russians are deliberately and purposefully shelling civilian residential buildings.

https://twitter.com/DefenceU/status/1791842427873210447

Russian occupied Crimea:

https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1791956329373843492

https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1791952437495877922

Chasiv Yar:

https://twitter.com/auto_glam/status/1791882849252978999

The left bank of the Dnipro, Russian occupied Kherson Oblast:

https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1791915266147836162

The Avdiivka front:

https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1791859359573504288

The Kreminna front:

https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1791735035189485815

For you drone enthusiasts:

https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1791767690463281219

A crucial part of the drone war is not only their production, but also testing, installing firmware, and training of pilots directly in combat units.

The “Achilles” strike FPV battalion of the 92nd Brigade invites anyone to join their workshop and work together for victory. There is always enough work for anyone, even those without any experience.

https://t.me/brigada92_war/1660

DarthPutinKGB has posted his guide to tankies. From the Thread Reader App:

The Darth guide to different models of tankies. 🧵 

The “Basic” tankie. Russia has never invaded anyone ever. Russia become the world’s biggest country by peacefully defending itself in other people’s countries. 

The “Russia was provoked tankie”. NATO caused this war. It did this by being seen as a better option to Russia’s neighbors than Russia is and then by actually being a better option to Russia’s neighbors than Russia is. 

The “no to war no to nato” tankie. Opposes all forms of western imperialism, such as countries freely joining NATO. Appeases all forms of Russian imperialism, such as cities being flattened as they join Russia. 

The “anti imperialist” tankie. In the name of anti imperialism, Russia must be given a veto over the foreign policy of its neighbors and control who their head of state is. 

The “short skirt tankie”. Ukraine deserves to be invaded cos it was warned about flirting with other countries. 

The “what about” tankie. Thinks US doing something is wrong except if Russia does it when it’s right. 

The “academic tankie”. Pretends it is explaining Russia but is actually excusing it. Is unaware it sounds a lot like Kissinger. 

The “anti fascist” tankie. Supports a homophobic, sexist, frequently antisemitic regime that likes and funds fascists. 

The “fascist” tankie. Supports a homophobic, sexist, frequently antisemitic regime that likes and funds fascists. 

The “traditional values” tankie. Likes Russia cos we represent traditional values like legalised wife beating & mass kidnap of children. 

The “pro Hamas” tankie. Says you can’t go around grabbing pieces of land just cos your ancestors used to live there. 

The “Pro business” tankie. Thinks being able to change international borders by force & the dismantling of the international rules based order is a good for long term economic growth. 

The “defence contractors want this war” tankie. Thinks Russian defence contractors hope the war stops cos they’re ethical. Usually used to think the war wouldn’t happen in the first place. 

The “this is a proxy war” tankie. Doesn’t know/care that North Korea & Iran are waging a proxy war against the USA to the last Russian 

The “Ukrainians are forced to fight” tankie. Thinks as soon as the west stops arming Ukraine they and Russians will link arms and live happily ever after. 

The “let’s respect Russia” tankie. Thinks we can respect Russia and make the problem go away. Doesn’t care that this means treating Russia’s neighbors with disrespect. Cannot square this circle. Wears flannel a lot. 

The “this will cause nuclear war” tankie. Thinks Russia is not killing civilians, attacking civilian infra and is really nice. Also thinks Russia will kill every living thing on the planet if provoked. Aka Schrödinger’s tankie. 

The “let’s negotiate” tankie. This deal, finally, is actually the one Russia will actually stick too. Hasn’t noticed that Russian said it won’t negotiate 

The “appeasement tankie”. History teaches us this always works. Used to think the idea of the war was a hoax. 

The “MAGA tankie”. Is genuine US patriot 2nd amendment protect south border won’t vote for Iosef Bidenovich. Oddly interested in Ruble’s exchange rate to $. 

The “Brooklyn basement tankie”. Looks like less handsome Paul Giamatti. Knows everything. Has never been correct about anything. Doesn’t own soap. 

The “Irish” tankie. Looks at Ukraine. Sees its large, nuclear-armed eastern neighbor that has violent, imperialist, brutal history of conquest & cultural oppression against it & decides “No parallels here, those are the good guys in this”. 

The “tech/crypto bro” tankie. Thinks western weapons won’t be any difference, sending them will also cause nuclear war & any strike on Crimea will lead to a holocaust. Actually thinks female Z head influencers may sleep with him. 

The “we mustn’t escalate” tankie. Thinks west arming Ukraine is bad. North Korea arming Russia is ok. Will one day wonder were China got the idea invading Taiwan would be consequence free. 

The “blogger” tankie. Granny spoke Russian to it once a week till it was 9. Read 2 chapters of War and Peace. Has deleted a lot of tweets made between Dec 21 & Feb 22. 

The “CIA coup” tankie. Thinks Eastern Europeans can’t protest broken election promises themselves without American help while usually claiming to be anti racist. Believes one woman handing out biscuits is proof of this CIA plot. 

The “genocide in the Donbas” tankie. We all want to see this one debate this point with Prigozhin who said it’s bullshit but sadly Prigozhin found out what airdefense doing so we can’t. 

The “Russia is fighting all of NATO” tankie. NATO is amazing and the only reason hasn’t won. NATO is also shit cos it lost to goat herders on technicals in Afghanistan. 

The “NATO is an aggressive alliance” tankie. Russia had to invade to prevent NATO, which lacks the ammunition to invade Russia, from invading Russia even though it can’t 

The “pro Hamas tankie 2.0”. Says you have to let a nuclear power take over territory and remove the inhabitants to prevent nuclear war. Gets very angry, overloads & then reboots as the “what about tankie” when told about the irony of this. 

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

There are no new Patron tweets today. Here is some adjacent material:

https://twitter.com/UAarmy_animals/status/1791987094312698014

https://twitter.com/UAarmy_animals/status/1791986346761875829

https://twitter.com/UAarmy_animals/status/1791985795290509764

https://twitter.com/UAarmy_animals/status/1791985730194989146

And a new video from Patron’s official TikTok!

@patron__dsns

😌🤭💗

♬ оригінальний звук – Спотіфай🎧🇺🇦

Open thread!

Our Energy Sector Has Lost a Significant Part of Its Production, there is a Need for a Rational Consumption of Electricity Again — Address by the President

17 May 2024 – 19:47

Dear Ukrainians!

A brief summary of this day.

Our military. The Commander-in-Chief reported on the situation at the front. The Kharkiv directions: Vovchansk, Lyptsi, Kupyansk. We are deterring Russian pressure. I thank each brigade, each unit. We also continue to focus on the Donetsk directions, first of all, the Pokrovsk one — where the situation is the most difficult, with the highest number of battles. In fact, the entire Kharkiv operation of the occupier is aimed at weakening our overall forces along the front, and, at the same time, it is an attempt to strengthen its propaganda — propaganda aimed also at world leaders. Russia wants to show that they are the ones who determine what happens next in the war. Our task is to thwart Russia’s attempt to expand the war and to prevent the occupier from breaking both the frontline and our diplomacy — our way of bringing a just peace closer.

I have just had a long meeting on the preparations for the first Peace Summit to be held in Switzerland in June. This is the first real opportunity to bring a just end to this war closer. The Office team, our international experts, and all those involved in working with partners on the Summit were present at today’s meeting. We have almost a month to go before the Summit, a month of our work. We already have the confirmations of states from all the continents to participate in the Summit. We will definitely continue to work at all levels to make the event effective. I will continue my communication with the leaders, the team will keep working at the level of national security advisors, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Parliament, civic leaders… And we also use our informal ties with partners. Ukraine and many other countries have already been through so many Russian meannesses and deceptions — Russian violations of agreements and promises, that only the world majority together can ensure that Russia is effectively forced to respect the UN Charter, the international law, and real peace.

And there was another important meeting today. We had a very detailed and long conversation about the protection and restoration of our energy sector, and the situation in the energy industry in general. Prime Minister Shmyhal, the Minister of Energy, the military, and the representatives of energy companies. Now, after the Russian strikes, our energy sector has lost a significant part of its production. Time is needed to restore it. Much effort is needed to further develop the energy sector — the new energy sector, which will be able to function despite the threats of Russian terror. In addition, we are already preparing for the next heating season, which includes, in particular, scheduled repairs and preparation of nuclear generation. Therefore, there is a need for a very rational, thoughtful consumption of electricity again. Both at the Government level and at the level of regional and local authorities, as well as at the level of energy companies, we need to ensure that the public is fully informed about how power cuts happen now, when there is a peak load, and why we need everyone to be conscious of their consumption. Of course, we are working to provide Ukraine with more air defense protection. We are working with all our partners on a regular basis, and we are convincing them.

And one more thing.

Russian terror will never remain unpunished. Step by step, we are making sure that the Russian state feels the consequences and the price of its evil. I thank everyone who works for this, who produces our drones, our weapons. And everyone who uses them — and uses them accurately. Thank you!

Glory to Ukraine!

Here’s the details on the energy shortages and rationing:

⚡Ukrenergo: Restrictions on energy supply for industrial users remain in effect due to power shortage.

Limitations will be applied from 7 p.m. to midnight local time on May 18, while restrictions for domestic users are not forecasted for the same day.https://t.co/VwAaK3S1bx

— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) May 17, 2024

From The Kyiv Independent:

Ukraine will uphold restrictions on energy supply for industrial users due to the damage caused by recent Russian attacks against the Ukrainian energy system, the state-owned energy operator Ukrenergo announced on May 17.

Moscow has recently intensified its missile and drone strikes against Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, destroying several thermal power plants across the country. This included the Trypillia plant, the main electricity supplier to Kyiv, Zhytomyr, and Cherkasy oblasts.

Russia carried out another large-scale attack on May 8 against Poltava, Kirovohrad, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kyiv, and Vinnytsia oblasts, mainly targeting energy infrastructure. At least two hydroelectric power plants had to be decommissioned as a result of attacks.

Limitations for industrial users will be applied from 7 p.m. to midnight local time on May 18, while restrictions for domestic users are not forecasted for the same day, according to Ukrenergo.

Ukrenergo also warned that power shutdowns can still occur in the region if the limit of power usage is exceeded.

The schedules of the potential shutdowns can be found on the personal online accounts of energy supply users, as well as on the website or social media of the regional energy operator.

Ukrenergo previously implemented rolling blackouts in all of the Ukrainian regions for both industrial and domestic users on May 15.

“The capacity of Ukrainian power plants is not enough due to the consequences of five missile and drone attacks carried out by Russia on Ukraine’s energy system since March 22,” the statement read.

There is another frontline in the war in #Ukraine.  

Between #energy workers who heat homes and light streets and russian #missiles that destroy power stations and bring only darkness.  

After relentless russian attacks in the last two months, Ukraine's energy workers face a… pic.twitter.com/zXW1lsTMS7

— DTEK Group (@dtek_en) May 13, 2024

There is another frontline in the war in #Ukraine.

Between #energy workers who heat homes and light streets and russian #missiles that destroy power stations and bring only darkness.

After relentless russian attacks in the last two months, Ukraine’s energy workers face a race against time. They need the world’s help to protect our skies and find equipment to restore the energy system, before winter arrives.

Please share and join our #FightForLight: https://linktr.ee/fightforlight

 

President @ZelenskyyUa:
"russia has not stopped terrorizing our people for a single week in more than two years of this war.

russia tries to expand the war while consistently making empty statements about peace. We must use all available means to force russia to make a real and… pic.twitter.com/9MwVWGIwOr

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) May 17, 2024

President @ZelenskyyUa:
“russia has not stopped terrorizing our people for a single week in more than two years of this war.

russia tries to expand the war while consistently making empty statements about peace. We must use all available means to force russia to make a real and just peace. Our defense against russian assaults and strikes is critical in this regard.

I am grateful to everyone who defends Ukraine!
I thank all the countries that help us!”

"For the first time since the start of the war, none of the brigades complain that there are no artillery projectiles. And this has been happening for the last 2 months. However, we still have to work a lot. The Czech initiative will go ahead. We are negotiating with all partners… pic.twitter.com/dUtIoFcMq7

— NOELREPORTS 🇪🇺 🇺🇦 (@NOELreports) May 17, 2024

“For the first time since the start of the war, none of the brigades complain that there are no artillery projectiles. And this has been happening for the last 2 months. However, we still have to work a lot. The Czech initiative will go ahead. We are negotiating with all partners about money,” Zelenskyi said.

https://rbc.ua/rus/news/front-zbroya-kadrovi-rotatsiyi-ta-mir-golovni-1715931411.html

From RBC-Ukraine:

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the media, outlining the Russian objectives in the Kharkiv region, his vision for the withdrawal of Russian troops, the stance of international partners and their fears, and commenting on personnel rotations within the Cabinet and the Presidential Office.

Situation in Kharkiv region

Speaking about the situation in the Kharkiv region, the head of state noted that he had a substantive meeting with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, commanders of Operational Strategic Group Khortytsia, Yurii Sodol, and Operational Tactical Group Kharkiv, Mykhailo Drapatyi, as well as border guards including State Border Guard Service head Serhii Deineko and National Police representatives.

According to Zelenskyy, Ukrainian Defense Forces have “stabilized the Russians where they are now.” The deepest advancement of the occupiers is 10 kilometers. In some brigade directions, the enemy has made no progress at all.

“We have very powerful brigades, I am grateful to them. We have reinforced several directions with individual battalions, reallocating from reserves and other directions. The crossing of the border by the Russians is due to a lack of air defense. They operate with aerial bombs and artillery where they have an advantage… 8 months of partners delaying decisions made it difficult for our troops,” explains the president.

Regarding fortifications, Zelenskyy said that no one has reached the concrete defense line, dismissing claims as nonsense.

“The enemy reached the first line. The first line is not the border, it is impossible to build there because of the weapons used by the Russians, which caused our people to die. That is approximately where they are now. The first line was built during the war, under constant fire, by our military. The second line is also built by the military, and the third line, constructed by local authorities, is the strongest—not because they are better than the military, but simply because it is farther from the weapons, shells, and shelling,” said Zelenskyy.

According to the head of state, the Russian goal is Vovchansk. Beyond that, they want a 10-kilometer zone and aim to develop any success they achieve. However, for now, the situation is stabilized by our Defense Forces, said Zelenskyy.

Permission for using Western weapons on Russian territory

Regarding Ukraine’s use of Western weapons to strike Russian territory, the president does not believe there should be any prohibitions “because this is not about the Ukrainian army’s offensive using Western weapons on Russian territory.”

“This is defense. It is like the preventive sanctions we spoke of before the full-scale invasion. It is the same. It is a warning. Moreover, they have the same ‘gray’ zone. They also have evacuation areas. There are almost no civilians on their border for understandable reasons,” emphasized Zelenskyy.

Blinken’s visit

As the president recounted, the visit of the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Ukraine had several objectives.

“Firstly, a $2 billion aid package. Secondly, US proposals for security guarantees. A draft Treaty on Security Guarantees already exists. Thirdly, we discussed our vision for the NATO Summit. They heard our vision, accepted the information, and will return with feedback,” Zelenskyy shared.

However, he stressed that the main issue is air defense.

“At what stage is the dialogue with this or that country that has the relevant systems. Where we see them, where our partners see them, when it might happen, and what needs to be done for this,” Zelenskyy added.

Negotiations with Russia

During his conversation with journalists, the president also emphasized that Western partners are not pushing Ukraine to sit at the negotiating table with Russia.

“Partners are not pushing us. Although I think there is such an atmosphere in the world. And here we need to be very firm and strong. The correct platform has been chosen today where we have the initiative—the Peace Summit,” Zelenskyy believes.

Goals for peace summit

Speaking about the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland (to be held on June 15-16, 2024) and its goals, the head of state said that Kyiv aims to achieve a communiqué.

“We want to achieve energy security, including nuclear one. Because I believe everyone is interested in this, and it could allow us to forecast another winter. We want to achieve free navigation. Any cargo through Ukrainian waters without risk. This is also the safety of people in Odesa and the South in general. Because they hit ports—this affects infrastructure, the sea, and the economy. We also want to make a serious step towards prisoner exchange. In the humanitarian aspect, prisoner exchange is a double issue, as with energy. Energy is nuclear safety, which everyone supports. I think where there is nuclear safety, we can talk about the overall security of the energy system. Regarding exchange. Where there is a prisoner exchange, there is the return of children. That is what we want to achieve,” Zelenskyy explained.

Withdrawal of Russian troops

President also outlined how he sees the mechanism of withdrawing Russian troops from Ukraine. According to him, it is important to involve a large number of countries in this issue.

“If we have a serious number of countries and there is a corresponding communique, I believe this will be our diplomatic advantage. After that, we can organize platforms in various countries where each of these points will be technically worked out. And then this plan can be presented to the representatives of Russia. It’s like it was with the grain initiative: we agreed on a plan with the UN and Türkiye, and then they separately agreed on this plan with Russia, the first corridor,” he said.

Zelenskyy emphasized that “it is important that there are not just 2 countries, but many countries.”

“Otherwise, the Russians will jump out, as was the case with the grain corridor, and we had to build another corridor. It was very difficult. And that’s why we have such a plan on these 3 points. If we succeed, it definitely opens the way to the next meeting, where all other important matters should be addressed,” the president said.

According to him, the Ukrainian government has such a vision: before talking to Russia, there must be a detailed plan that is approved by the entire world.

“We are working on different fronts. I speak with leaders. Diplomats Andrii Yermak is dealing with. Yesterday he presented an analytical document on Ukraine to NATO with Rasmussen in Denmark. In Brussels, he and our team met with many ambassadors, including China and the Global South, regarding the summit,” the president added.

Ukraine’s accession to EU and NATO

Speaking about accession to the European Union and NATO, the head of state expressed the opinion that the Ukrainian side has done everything possible so far.

“It’s only about politics now. That is, instrumentally and operationally, we have done everything to open negotiations with the EU for Ukraine in June. I think everything will work out there. Even difficult partners today have become a bit simpler. We have actively worked with them,” Zelenskyy said.

Government and Presidential Office rotations

He briefly commented on personnel matters in the Cabinet of Ministers and the Presidential Office, stating that it “needs to be resolved.”

“We talked about it with the prime minister. Today we have acting duties in several ministries. This needs to be addressed,” Zelenskyy said.

Situation with weapons and Czech initiative

The president assured that progress is being made even with the Czech initiative concerning artillery ammunition.

“For the first time in years of war, none of the brigades complain that there is no artillery shell. And this has been happening for the past 2 months. However, much more work still needs to be done. The Czech initiative will go on. We are negotiating money with all partners,” he informed.

According to Zelenskyy, an initiative is now being opened where partners will provide funds for the production of our drones – EW systems specifically in this particular direction. He added that the technical indicators of Ukrainian drones are improving.

“We are starting to produce a lot of them, but there is not enough money for them. We are capable of producing more than there is money,” the president said.

Partners’ positions and fears

In Zelenskyy’s opinion, partners fear the defeat of the Russian Federation in this war.

“They would like Ukraine to win so that Russia does not lose. Because it will be an unpredictable defeat and unpredictable geopolitics. I believe that this does not work that way. For Ukraine to win, we need to give it everything that winners have,” he said.

Macron’s idea of Western troops in Ukraine

Zelenskyy also commented on French President Emmanuel Macron’s statement regarding the possible deployment of foreign troops to Ukraine.

“Training in Ukraine is logical, we have already talked about this. It’s faster than going, for example, to France or even to Poland. And then there is cooperation on demining, and we can create a hub for repairing French equipment in Ukraine, so that it doesn’t have to be sent to France. I look at this very positively, to be honest. All this could be a step that would push other countries as well. That is, it opens a new page in this war,” the president believes.

Ceasefire during Olympics and potential duration of war

The President of Ukraine said that he does not yet believe in a ceasefire with Russia during the summer Olympic Games.

“We have had a ceasefire already. But it doesn’t work very well with this enemy. Besides, there is a risk – who will make sure that their forces won’t approach us during the ceasefire? Ceasefire doesn’t prevent them from getting closer with equipment and then launching an offensive. That is, I don’t understand the details. For me, it still sounds like a dead story,” Zelenskyy said.

The president believes that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is not interested in dialogue with the whole world because even China will tell him: “Explain the occupation of territories!”

“Because China stands for the territorial integrity of any state. Today there should be grounds for Putin to seek a way out of this situation. Because now he has no discomfort. Because where are we shooting? What can we attack? With what? How will they help us economically? Will sanctions put enough pressure on them or not? Will there be a tribunal or not? We need to answer to each of these questions. And work and advance on each of these fronts every day,” the president summed up.

If Tatarigami’s take regarding President Zelenskyy’s statement on ammunition availability is correct, then this is a major CIV-MIL problem:

According to Ukrainian media Liga, Zelensky said today that "none of the brigades are complaining about the lack of artillery shells. This has been the case for the past two months." This is out of touch with reality and a result of positive reporting promotion in the top brass pic.twitter.com/1upEOTDK4s

— Tatarigami_UA (@Tatarigami_UA) May 17, 2024

Illia Ponomarenko writes about the two wars that Ukraine is fighting:

There's one thing that one should keep in mind as he or she follows the developments in Ukraine.

The people of Ukraine are actually fighting two wars at the same time. Apart from the Russian invasion, the largest war of aggression in Europe since Adolf Hitler, there's another…

— Illia Ponomarenko 🇺🇦 (@IAPonomarenko) May 17, 2024

There’s one thing that one should keep in mind as he or she follows the developments in Ukraine.

The people of Ukraine are actually fighting two wars at the same time. Apart from the Russian invasion, the largest war of aggression in Europe since Adolf Hitler, there’s another war — a domestic war of our people against so many things that undermine us from within.

It’s about corrupt officials, it’s about incompetent and populistic decision-makers, it’s about those who embezzle our money allocated on fortifications and defenses, it’s about those who give exemptions from military conscription to sports-betting firms (with very murky tax records), and don’t it to charity foundations providing the military with fast and vital aid.

It’s also, for instance, about entire departments of the SBU security service spying on anti-corruption investigating journalists during the war with Russia.

It’s a war against so many things that try to drag us back to what we used to be – a weak and corrupt informal Russian colony.

Just like the “military” war with the foreign invader, this internal war for saving this country from its own dark side has had its victories and setbacks.

Every time high-profile malpractice is exposed in the open, it is fought daily, triggering a scandal and a public uproar.

And these two wars are interconnected.

A favorable outcome of the war against Russia’s aggression is not possible without significant victories in this domestic war of ours.

That’s our life and the struggle for national survival in the last… ten years!

And I must say that sometimes I look through the news, I can’t help but keep thinking about the fact that so many of those insolent pen-pushers in high cabinets don’t deserve to even hold a candle to all our men and women who save this country every single day and do the impossible on the fronts of Russia’s war.

 

Meet "Juice", the warrior from the Rubizh Brigade.

She is from Kramatorsk, Donetsk region. During the first months of the full-scale invasion, she actively volunteered, and when enemy shelling destroyed her home, she did not hesitate and joined the ranks of the AFU. Now she is… pic.twitter.com/IHY5C2WvqG

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) May 17, 2024

Meet “Juice”, the warrior from the Rubizh Brigade.

She is from Kramatorsk, Donetsk region. During the first months of the full-scale invasion, she actively volunteered, and when enemy shelling destroyed her home, she did not hesitate and joined the ranks of the AFU. Now she is engaged in remote mining.

The reason:

This is what Ukraine is fighting for.

📹: Yellow Bike Educational Center pic.twitter.com/pMfeNJwIrS

— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) May 17, 2024

Lithuania:

Solidarity of the free world will lead to victory!
We are grateful to our Lithuanian friends for their steadfast support.
🇺🇦🤝🇱🇹 https://t.co/LgOVbpLZ6L

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) May 17, 2024

Tatarigami and his Frontelligence Insight team have a new assessment of the battlespace across a number of oblasts. From the Thread Reader App:

Frontlines Situation Report – May 17th, 2024

The frontline situation remains challenging. Russian forces intensified attacks in the Bakhmut area and advanced tactically in the Kharnohorivka and Kharkiv areas. Despite this, the frontline remains relatively stable

🧵Thread

2/ Chasiv Yar

Despite initial successes in the assault on Chasiv Yar, including reaching and occasionally crossing the canal with small groups, the Russians failed to establish a foothold. Lately, they’ve increased the use of armored fighting vehicles to advance.

3/ The situation south of Bakhmut is more complex. Russians attempted to advance toward Klischiivka with frequent and large assaults. While most of these attacks have been repelled, it’s unlikely that these attempts will cease soon, posing a continued risk to Klishchiivka

4/ Kharkiv region

Our team thinks that the frontline is not stable, albeit with no signs of collapse. Russian troops try to infiltrate forests and buildings further south to establish a foothold. However, we’re skeptical about their ability to advance deeply for several reasons

5/ Initially, Russian troops dispersed infantry forces along the border, but supplying them became difficult as they moved deeper into Ukrainian territory. To push south, they need to extend logistics, which is challenging with Ukrainian brigades redeployed into the area 

6/ Without fully equipped mechanized units, achieving swift and decisive penetration of defenses is almost impossible. This limitation is likely to lead to slower advances (if any), hindering the overall progress of Russian forces, unless new units will be introduced. 

7/ Kurakhove-Krasnohorivka area

The situation is difficult, with Russian forces advancing in Krasnohorivka. They may try to reach Kurakhivka, aiming to cut off Kurakhove’s logistical routes. However, rapid advances by Russian forces are unlikely due to defenses and geography.

8/ Chernihiv area

Over the past month, our team has monitored Russian forces near Chernihiv oblasts. While no significant invasion force is seen near Chernihiv Oblast, localized incursions across the border may extend the frontline and compel Ukrainian troop redeployment. 

9/ Sumy area

While we can’t estimate the current force numbers, they are larger than those near the Chernihiv oblast. We also see what seems like demonstrative actions, possibly exaggerating troop presence. The threat of another border incursion into Sumy Oblast is
very real. 

10/ The overall goal likely remains the same: to force Ukrainian reserve redeployment from Donbas. Yet, we haven’t seen significant deployment of new large Russian reserves to Donbas intending to turn the tide. This doesn’t rule out such deployments in the future, but not yet 

If you found this text helpful, please consider supporting our volunteers and charity organizations that directly assist units on the frontlines. Kindly check out these individuals and their ongoing fundraisers:

@serhiyprytula
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@Teoyaomiquu 

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Kharkiv:

The Kyiv Independent spent 48 hours in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s most-bombed major city. Heavily damaged but never captured during the first days of Moscow's full-scale invasion, the city is now once again the focus of Russian attacks.

Watch here: https://t.co/OQZ7BW2o8m pic.twitter.com/JbUKYVPHd6

— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) May 17, 2024

Instead of a thousand words.

The writing on the video says: "Moving around Kharkiv region. Window is open, gun is ready, due to drones. Everything is burning, everything is on fire…"

📹: libkos/Instagram pic.twitter.com/bFlOKA64ps

— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) May 17, 2024

If you were wondering what Putin’s justification for the invasion of Kharkiv Oblast is:

Putin: “We have no plans today to capture Kharkiv”

“RF Armed Forces are achieving success every day, according to the plan”.

Post your favourite footage of RF AF “achieving success every day” below👇

— WarTranslated (@wartranslated) May 17, 2024

Here’s the video clip with Dmitri’s translation:

When this man finally goes, I would highly recommend having his brain checked for worms. RFK may have a few ideas. He's making some sort of a "sanitary zone". God knows what this even means. Sends a couple of thousand Russians to certain death and doesn’t even blink an eye.… pic.twitter.com/j3dUkrwrh6

— WarTranslated (@wartranslated) May 17, 2024

When this man finally goes, I would highly recommend having his brain checked for worms. RFK may have a few ideas. He’s making some sort of a “sanitary zone”. God knows what this even means. Sends a couple of thousand Russians to certain death and doesn’t even blink an eye. Nothingburger. Just numbers.

I’m not even mentioning his statement about the shelling of civilians. This is said by the man who placed the murderers from Bucha next to him during the victory parade.

This person is absolutely inadequate, he is sick. He cannot be trusted to manage a pub, let alone the country.

Sumy Oblast:

Destruction of two Russian tanks in the Kursk region of Russian near the border with Sumy region of Ukraine. https://t.co/vfpWvD4Lap

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) May 17, 2024

Here’s the machine translation of Sternenko’s tweet:

2 Russian tanks were destroyed at once in the Kursk region 💥

Yesterday afternoon, the Russians pulled a couple of tanks to our state border near Sumy region. At first, artillery worked on them, not quite successfully.

Then the operators of Wings to Hell 103 OBrTRO took up the case.
With the help of your drones, both tanks were burned 🔥

Chasiv Yar:

The Kraken unit is showing how they are getting to their positions in Chasiv Yar.
Ukrainian warriors are risking their lives to defend a free Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/jyseoW39oH

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) May 17, 2024

please help me get engineering equipment (excavators) to our defenders by donating here: https://t.co/rNKFV48K0X

— ✙ Constantine ✙ (@Teoyaomiquu) May 17, 2024

Here’s the full text of Constantine’s first tweet:

russians have intensified assaults around Bakhmut area.

a big mechanized assault around Chasiv Yar – Ivanivske was stopped today. See the image for more details, you will also see more videos soon.

Also, infantry assaults are not stopping for the past 3 days around Ivanivske and Klishiivka. Enemy comes in much larger groups than before. Our defenders stand strong, but they are very exhausted.

🗺️https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ecvyft2TjdX8xGG56
📍: 48.585357, 37.926476

Odesa Oblast:

⚡️Explosions were reported in the city of Odesa after a warning from Ukraine's Air Force that missiles were incoming, Suspilne reported on May 17.https://t.co/1OGWh1CBOm

— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) May 17, 2024

Here are the details from The Kyiv Independent:

Editor’s note: This is a developing story.

Explosions were reported in the city of Odesa after a warning from Ukraine’s Air Force that missiles were incoming, Suspilne reported on May 17.

The extent of the damage is currently unknown, Suspilne wrote.

Odesa Mayor Hennadii Trukhanov later said that at least three people were injured in the attack and taken to the hospital.

Odesa Oblast Governor Oleh Kiper added that two more people were reported as being injured, raising the total to five.

Kiper also said that the attack caused a fire and damaged infrastructure but did not give more details.

Ukraine’s Air Force said later in the day that Russia had used three ballistic missiles in the attack, likely Iskander-M and three Kh-59/Kh-69 guided missiles.

Russian occupied Crimea:

/2. Russian Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Alexandrovich Kulakov, commander of military unit 85683. Killed during the attack on May 13, 2024 on the military base of the 3rd radio engineering regiment on Mount Ai-Petri Crimea.https://t.co/TIDZBuUl1S pic.twitter.com/tArz9ylj0l

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) May 17, 2024

Here’s the full text of the first tweet:

Claimed hits on the Russian radar site on the mountain Ai-Petri, Crimea. As a result of this mornings Storm Shadow/SCALP strikes. The fact of the attack is confirmed by Russian sources as well, however the targeted locations and damage is not mentioned. Some media claims:

“Russian air defense military base on Mount Ai-Petri was damaged as a result of the morning missile attack on Crimea. The commander of the military unit died

Today, May 13, at around 6 am, several missiles (presumably Storm Shadow) attacked military unit 85683 on Ai-Petri in Crimea, On the mountain there is a military air defense base of the 3rd Radio Engineering Regiment of the Russian Armed Forces.

As a result of the missile hit, the territory of the military unit was damaged, the commander of military unit 85683, Alexander Kulakov, and another serviceman were killed. There are also wounded, their number is being determined.”

(44.4845306, 34.0297396)

https://t.me/astrapress/55362

Novorossiysk, Russia:

/2. A number of objects were targeted in the Novorossiysk area. Preliminary it’s known about the strikes on:
– Grushovaya Balka oil depot
– Gazprom oil depot in Kirillovka
– Mazutnyy Terminal of the port of Novorossiysk pic.twitter.com/1dRk0vdklf

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) May 17, 2024

/8. Additional videos of strikes on Novorossiysk pic.twitter.com/F2s9dHMUWu

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) May 17, 2024

/10. As said by some Russian sources: “at least 2 UAVs attacked the Tuapse Oil Refinery, where a retification column and an area of ​​200 square meters caught fire.”
A week ago Reuters retthat Tuapse oil refinery resumed work after 3 months of repairs following the January drone… pic.twitter.com/Oe6CCggBOQ

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) May 17, 2024

Novorossiysk, Russia, this morning, a Ukrainian attack drone screams over the city at low altitude, eventually slamming into the port and exploding. pic.twitter.com/BrTsIG0J3l

— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) May 17, 2024

"It's been over 80 drones. They're flying in a row. It's really crazy!"

Footage of a drone attack on Novorossiysk and Tuapse in Russia's Krasnodar region last night.

The commentary of witnesses is curious. https://t.co/e4npyRCHt9 pic.twitter.com/3FLgbzHlnE

— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) May 17, 2024

Krasnodar Krai, Russia:

Videos showing a Ukrainian UAV attack on Russia’s Tuapse oil refinery in Krasnodar Krai. https://t.co/j43TTvys9Ghttps://t.co/ao0466GDBxhttps://t.co/TmuQMXpLjbhttps://t.co/ucgRrM4aKUhttps://t.co/mGcIP93ORA pic.twitter.com/RwClIB02Ew

— Rob Lee (@RALee85) May 17, 2024

St. Petersburg, Russia:

Russian authorities have given updated information that it was an accidental detonation of 76-mm ammunition from WWII, not a drone attack. https://t.co/9S5bMi1nJI

— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) May 17, 2024

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

There are no new Patron tweets today. Here is some adjacent material:

The power of companionship

📷: 37th Marine Brigade pic.twitter.com/2nNWu143BI

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) May 17, 2024

Усім, хто евакуює людей, усім, хто рятує тварин – величезна подяка від усієї країни! pic.twitter.com/5D20aFwYcy

— Сергій Погребецький (@pogrebeckij) May 16, 2024

Cats are being evacuated from Vovchansk in the north of Kharkiv as Russians continue to rain bombs upon the city they are trying to re-occupy. pic.twitter.com/Q95OF5ib2k

— Nate Mook (@natemook) May 17, 2024

Open thread!