Ukraine “Recovers” Lost Ground, Russia Gains In Donetsk | NATO Wants To Down Putin’s Missiles

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the urgent need for upgraded defense systems to counter Russian guided bomb attacks, which he described as Russia's primary tool in its offensive. Zelensky highlighted progress in electronic warfare, drones, and missile programs but stressed the necessity for improved systems and tactics to protect Ukrainian positions, cities, and communities from these attacks.

The Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) reported that its Yug Battlegroup had liberated Andreyevka in Donetsk and inflicted significant damage on Ukraine’s 57th Mechanised Brigade. Additionally, Russia's Battlegroup Sever advanced in the Kharkiv region, repelling two Ukrainian counterattacks. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces in the northern Kharkiv sector regained lost ground and captured Russian prisoners of war, despite ongoing fierce battles in Vovchansk.

Russian airstrikes on Kharkiv killed seven people on May 23, adding to the toll in a city under constant bombardment since the war began in February 2022. Close combat and firefights along the Vovcha River resulted in fluctuating territorial control.

Ukraine initiated a parole scheme for convicts willing to join the military, with over 3,000 prisoners expressing interest, aiming to bolster its ranks amid ongoing hostilities.

The US is providing Ukraine with equipment and training to handle potential nuclear emergencies, as reported by NNSA Administrator Jill Hruby. This includes ensuring the safe operation of nuclear power plants and enhancing Ukraine's emergency preparedness and response capabilities.

British Defence Minister Grant Shapps accused China of providing or preparing to provide lethal aid to Russia, citing a significant increase in China-Russia trade. China denied these claims, calling them baseless. A US official expressed concerns about potential Chinese lethal assistance but noted no evidence so far.

In response to former UK Prime Minister David Cameron’s comments supporting Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory using British weapons, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova warned of possible retaliatory strikes on British military targets.

Poland is evaluating the legal and technical feasibility of using its air defense systems to intercept Russian missiles over Ukraine, though there are no plans to deploy these systems outside Poland. Germany’s efforts to enhance Ukraine’s air defenses face challenges, despite commitments and calls for international support.