Last news • War in Ukraine
421 assaults on Zaporizhzhia area: the enemy attacked 11 settlements, vehicles have been broken
The occupiers carried out 421 assaults on 11 settlements within the Zaporizhzhia area, together with air strikes, UAV assaults and artillery strikes. There have been 2 reviews of automotive injury.
President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Pope Leo XIV on the Vatican on Might 18, following the pontiff's inauguration mass, he mentioned in a submit on social media.
"For tens of millions of individuals world wide, the Pontiff is a logo of hope for peace. The authority and voice of the Holy See can play an necessary function in bringing this warfare to an finish," Zelensky mentioned.
"We recognize the help for Ukraine and the clear voice in protection of a simply and lasting peace," he added.
The go to marked Zelensky's first in-person assembly with the brand new pope, previously Cardinal Robert Prevost, who was elected head of the Catholic Church on Might 8.
Throughout their assembly, Zelensky offered Pope Leo with a particular icon, "Mom of God with Youngster," painted on a fraction of a field that held heavy artillery. The icon was introduced from Izium, a Kharkiv Oblast city positioned about 50 kilometers (30 miles) from the entrance line. A pregnant lady was killed in a Russian missile assault towards Izium in February of this yr.
The present represents youngsters "who suffered from the warfare, who had been intentionally kidnapped and deported by Russia and who’re very a lot awaited at dwelling in Ukraine," Zelensky mentioned.
The return of Ukraine's forcibly deported youngsters was among the many points Zelensky and Pope Leo mentioned throughout their first cellphone name on Might 12.
Throughout the inauguration mass, Zelensky was accompanied by First Woman Olena Zelenska and Presidential Workplace head Andriy Yermak.
The occasion drew 250,000 pilgrims and 156 overseas delegations, together with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who met Pope Francis shortly earlier than his demise.
A day earlier than the occasion, Rubio mentioned that the Vatican may function a impartial venue for future peace negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.
Talking in Rome earlier than his assembly with Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the Vatican's envoy on Ukraine, Rubio famous that "either side could be comfy" holding talks there.
On Might 11, throughout his first public deal with, the pope mentioned he carried the "struggling of the beloved folks of Ukraine" in his coronary heart and referred to as for an "genuine and lasting peace."
Zelensky had his first cellphone name with Pope Leo XIV on Might 12, describing the dialog as "heat" and "substantive." On Might 18, the pontiff obtained a listing of Ukrainian prisoners of warfare held by Russia.
Earlier than changing into pope, Leo XIV denounced Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine whereas serving as Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru. In a 2022 interview, he described it as "a real invasion, imperialist in nature, the place Russia seeks to beat territory for causes of energy."
The Kyiv IndependentTim Zadorozhnyy
Russian army seeks to battle till "all objectives" are achieved in Ukraine, society can be prepared for this – ISW
Russian army and society help the conflict till the objectives and territorial calls for are achieved. In keeping with ISW, half of Russians won’t help peace till the "denazification", demilitarization, and neutrality of Ukraine.
Russia is planning a "coaching" launch of an RS-24 intercontinental ballistic missile in a single day on Could 19, Ukraine's navy intelligence (HUR) reported on Could 18.
In keeping with the company, the missile will probably be outfitted with a "coaching" warhead, and the transfer is meant to intimidate Ukraine, in addition to EU and NATO member states.
The potential launch of the nuclear-capable missile follows peace talks in Istanbul on Could 16 and comes simply hours earlier than a scheduled telephone name between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump.
The launch is ready to happen close to the village of Svobodny in Sverdlovsk Oblast, roughly 100 kilometers northeast of Yekaterinburg, in accordance with HUR.
The company didn’t specify what the potential goal of a potential assault may be.
Yars, or RS-24, is a strategic solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile system adopted by Russia in 2009. It has a claimed vary of 11,000 kilometers and, when outfitted with a fight warhead, an explosive energy equal to one million tons of trinitrotoluene (TNT).
The Kyiv Unbiased couldn’t confirm all of the claims.
The potential launch echoes Russia's use of an Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) in an assault on Dnipro on Nov. 21, 2024, which adopted the lifting of U.S. and U.Ok. restrictions on long-range Ukrainian strikes inside Russia.
That strike was additionally adopted by a Russian media marketing campaign aimed toward eroding Western help for Ukraine.
The Kyiv IndependentTim Zadorozhnyy
130 battles per day: Russians launched 54 air strikes and dropped 80 CABs – Basic Employees
Because the starting of Could 18, 130 fight clashes have taken place on the entrance. Russian invaders launched 54 air strikes, dropping 80 CABs, and concerned 1,098 kamikaze drones.
Ukraine's Basic Workers initiated an inner investigation on Might 18 following the resignation of Oleksandr Shyrshyn, commander of the forty seventh Separate Mechanized Brigade, who criticized navy management for what he described as mindless orders and pointless casualties.
"By order of the chief of the Basic Workers, a working group has been arrange for a complete research of the circumstances outlined (by Shyrshyn)," the Basic Workers wrote in a press release.
It pledged to research orders issued at a number of ranges of the command hierarchy for his or her relevance to the battlefield scenario and make "applicable choices" following the inspection.
Shyrshyn's resignation, posted to Fb on Might 16, was unusually direct.
"I’ve by no means obtained extra silly aims than within the present path," he wrote. "The silly lack of folks, trembling in entrance of silly generals, results in nothing however failures."
Shyrshyn added, "I hope your kids may even serve within the infantry and perform your orders."
He additional accused prime brass of specializing in punishments over outcomes. "All they’re able to is reprimands, investigations, imposition of penalties. Everybody goes to hell," he wrote.
The forty seventh Brigade, referred to as "Magura," was fashioned in 2022 and have become certainly one of Ukraine's most distinguished Western-trained models forward of the summer time 2023 counteroffensive. Its troopers had been skilled in NATO nations and geared up with fashionable U.S.- and European-made gear.
In 2024, the brigade participated in Ukraine's cross-border incursion into Russia's Kursk Oblast — the primary Ukrainian floor operation into Russian territory since World Conflict II.
The operation sought to delay a deliberate Russian push into Ukraine's Sumy Oblast and redirect Russian forcesaway from japanese Donetsk Oblast.
After preliminary positive factors in August 2024, Russian forces launched a serious counteroffensive in March 2025, retaking a lot of the territory, together with the city of Sudzha. Ukrainian forces withdrew from a lot of the space, although they nonetheless maintain restricted positions as of late April.
The Kyiv IndependentTim Zadorozhnyy
Zelenskyy met with Vance and Rubio as a result of considerations about Trump's dialog with Putin – WP
The assembly came about towards the background of considerations about Trump's deliberate dialog with Putin, the place the situations for ending the struggle in Ukraine shall be mentioned. Zelenskyy seeks to keep away from imposing unacceptable situations.
Key developments on Might 17-18:
Russia carried out its largest single drone attack for the reason that begin of its full-scale invasion, launching 273 drones in a single day on Might 18, Ukraine's Air Power reported.
The assault comes simply two days after Ukraine and Russia held their first direct peace talks since 2022, and at some point forward of a planned call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Kyiv Oblast Governor Mykola Kalashnyk reported that the assault killed one particular person and injured three others. Precise casualties from the assault are nonetheless being clarified, he mentioned.
Kyiv Impartial journalists within the capital heard a number of explosions all through the night time as air defenses labored within the metropolis.
The Air Force mentioned it intercepted 88 drones, whereas 128 others vanished from radars, seemingly used as decoys to overwhelm air defenses. The air protection concerned the coordinated use of digital warfare items, cellular hearth groups, and anti-aircraft programs.
The earlier largest drone attack of the full-scale invasion occurred on Feb. 23, when 267 drones entered Ukrainian airspace, Air Power spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat mentioned on the time.
Regardless of growing worldwide stress for an unconditional ceasefire, Moscow has intensified its assaults, displaying ongoing resistance to and disdain for diplomatic efforts.
The Kyiv IndependentKollen Post
Trump to speak to Putin on Might 19 in push to finish Ukraine struggle 'massacre'U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned he can be talking, by telephone, to President Vladimir Putin of Russia on Might 19, at 10 a.m.
Trump's feedback come as peace talks in Istanbul on Might 16 ended with no breakthrough, and Russia as soon as once more issued sweeping demands, together with Ukraine’s adoption of impartial standing, dropping claims for struggle reparations from Moscow and the popularity of its lack of Crimea and 4 occupied areas — none of which Russia absolutely controls.
"The themes of the decision can be stopping the 'massacre' that’s killing, on common, greater than 5,000 Russian and Ukrainian troopers every week, and commerce," he wrote on Fact Social.
"I’ll then be talking to President Zelensky of Ukraine after which, with President Zelensky, varied members of NATO," he added. "Hopefully it will likely be a productive day, a ceasefire will happen, and this very violent struggle — a struggle that ought to have by no means occurred — will finish. God bless us all!!!"
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed to Russia's state-owned TASS information company on Might 17 that the preparations for the decision are underway.
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Following his Center East journey, Trump told Fox News' Bret Baier in an interview revealed on Might 16 that he believes Putin is able to strike a deal to finish the struggle in Ukraine, however warned that if negotiations fail, his administration will transfer ahead with sanctions in opposition to Moscow.
"Truthfully, I’ll (impose sanctions), if we're not gonna make a deal," Trump mentioned. "That is turkey time, we’re speaking turkey, and we’ll see what occurs. This could be crushing for Russia as a result of they're having a tough time now with the economic system, oil costs are low."
Trump mentioned he believes a deal received't be attainable with out his involvement and expressed plans to fulfill with Putin quickly, including: "I’ve an excellent relationship with Putin."
In the meantime, Russian International Minister Sergey Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call on Might 17, reportedly initiated by the U.S., to debate bilateral relations and up to date peace talks in Istanbul, Russian state media mentioned.
Lavrov welcomed what he known as Washington's "constructive" position in encouraging Kyiv to just accept Putin's proposal to renew talks. Rubio reportedly praised the 1,000-for-1,000 POW change and ongoing efforts to outline ceasefire phrases.
Russia plans 'coaching' launch of Yars intercontinental ballistic missile in a single day on Might 19, Ukraine's HUR claimsRussia is planning a "coaching" launch of an RS-24 intercontinental ballistic missile in a single day on Might 19, Ukraine's army intelligence (HUR) reported on Might 18.
In keeping with the agency, the missile can be geared up with a "coaching" warhead, and the transfer is meant to intimidate Ukraine, in addition to EU and NATO member states.
The launch is about to happen close to the village of Svobodny in Sverdlovsk Oblast, roughly 100 kilometers northeast of Yekaterinburg, in line with HUR.
The company didn’t specify what the potential goal of a attainable assault is perhaps.
Yars, or RS-24, is a strategic solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile system adopted by Russia in 2009. It has a claimed vary of 11,000 kilometers and, when geared up with a fight warhead, an explosive energy equal to one million tons of trinitrotoluene (TNT).
The Kyiv Impartial couldn’t confirm all of the claims.
The attainable launch echoes Russia's use of an Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) in an assault on Dnipro on Nov. 21, 2024, which adopted the lifting of U.S. and U.Ok. restrictions on long-range Ukrainian strikes inside Russia.
That strike was additionally adopted by a Russian media campaign aimed toward eroding Western assist for Ukraine.
The Kyiv IndependentYevheniia Motorevska
New clips from Putin documentary recommend Russia dismissed Ukraine peace talks, ceasefire weeks in the pastVladimir Putin mentioned on March 27 that Moscow has "enough forces and means" to deliver its struggle in opposition to Ukraine to a "logical conclusion" with out making any significant concessions, it has been revealed in new clips from a documentary launched on Might 18.
"Russia has sufficient forces and means to deliver what we began in 2022 to a logical conclusion with the consequence Russia wants," Putin mentioned whereas recording the movie "Russia. Kremlin. Putin. 25 Years."
"This result’s the elimination of the causes that led to this disaster, the creation of circumstances for long-term sustainable peace, and the safety of the Russian state."
The documentary aired on Might 4 however made solely passing references to the U.S.-led peace course of ongoing on the time of the interview.
The newest feedback — publicly withheld till now and posted on Telegram by the interviewer — come practically 4 months into U.S. President Donald Trump's push for a ceasefire which has been repeatedly rejected by Russia.
A supply within the Ukrainian President's Workplace informed the Kyiv Impartial that Russia's delegation in Istanbulon Might 16 reiterated calls for for Ukraine to retreat from all annexed territories.
Within the new feedback, Putin mentioned a precedence is securing Russian-speaking populations in territories Russia claims as its personal — a reference to Crimea and the partially occupied Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts.
The Kremlin declared its annexation of the 4 areas in 2022 after sham referenda, regardless of not absolutely controlling any of them.
Moscow additionally insisted Ukraine abandon NATO ambitions, forgo reparations, and settle for a impartial standing with no overseas army assist — calls for Kyiv has categorically rejected.
Regardless of initiating the Istanbul talks, the Kremlin dispatched solely mid-level officials. Zelensky had known as on Putin to attend personally, stressing that solely the Russian president might authorize a ceasefire.
Kyiv and European governments proceed to push for an unconditional truce, which Ukraine accepted in March. Moscow has ignored the provide and intensified its strikes on Ukrainian cities.
The Kyiv IndependentKate Tsurkan
Ukraine's forty seventh Brigade battalion commander resigns, slams army management over 'silly targets'Oleksandr Shyrshyn, battalion commander of the 47 Separate Mechanized Brigade, has submitted his resignation, sharply criticizing Ukraine's army management for what he described as mindless orders and pointless casualties.
"I’ve by no means obtained extra silly targets than within the present course," Shyrshyn wrote in a blunt Facebook post saying his determination on Might 16. "Sometime I’ll let you know the main points, however the silly lack of individuals, trembling in entrance of a silly generals, results in nothing however failures."
"I hope your kids may even serve within the infantry and perform your orders," he added.
Ukraine's Normal Workers initiated an internal investigation on Might 18 in response to Shyrshyn's accusations.
The Kyiv Impartial reported in 2023 that the brigade, which was shaped from scratch in 2022 and is usually recognized by the identify "Magura," was ready with the summer time 2023 counteroffensive in thoughts; its troopers had been educated in NATO international locations and geared up with superior new Western tools.
In 2024, the brigade was engaged in fight operations inside Russia's Kursk Oblast.
Ukraine launched its cross-border incursion into Kursk Oblast in August 2024, marking the primary main overseas floor offensive into Russian territory since World Warfare II. The operation sought to delay a deliberate Russian push into Ukraine's Sumy Oblast and redirect Russian forces away from jap Donetsk Oblast.
Moscow started a serious counteroffensive in early March, retaking massive parts of territory together with the city of Sudzha. Ukrainian forces have since withdrawn from a lot of the realm however nonetheless preserve restricted management in some zones as of late April regardless of Russia's claims that its forces have absolutely recaptured the territory of the area.
In the meantime, Shyrshyn on Might 16 accused the army command of specializing in punishments slightly than outcomes. "All they’re able to is reprimands, investigations, imposition of penalties. Everybody goes to hell," he wrote. "Political video games and evaluation of the true state of affairs don’t correspond to both actuality or potentialities. They performed video games."
Shyrshyn mentioned he has filed a proper report requesting dismissal from his publish and expressed hope that it might be accepted quickly.
The Kyiv IndependentTim ZadorozhnyyUkraine Warfare Newest is put collectively by the Kyiv Impartial information desk group, who hold you knowledgeable 24 hours a day, seven days every week. If you happen to worth our work and wish to guarantee we’ve the sources to proceed, join the Kyiv Independent community.
The Kyiv IndependentTim Zadorozhnyy
Very symbolic: Zelenskyy on honoring the reminiscence of victims of political repression in opposition to the backdrop of diplomatic efforts to cease Russian aggression
The President emphasised that the commemoration of the victims of repression takes place throughout the intensification of efforts to cease the aggression of the Russian Federation. Independence is the premise of safety in opposition to Russia.
President Volodymyr Zelensky met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Could 18, following the inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV, the place the leaders mentioned sanctions on Russia and up to date peace talks in Istanbul.
The assembly marked the primary public encounter between Zelensky and Vance since their heated Oval Workplace alternate with U.S. President Donald Trump on Feb. 28.
"Throughout our talks we mentioned negotiations in Istanbul to the place the Russians despatched a low stage delegation of non-decision-makers," Zelensky wrote on X.
"I reaffirmed that Ukraine is able to be engaged in actual diplomacy and underscored the significance of a full and unconditional ceasefire as quickly as potential."
The assembly additionally occurred sooner or later earlier than a scheduled name between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin and adopted negotiations in Istanbul on Could 16, the place Russia despatched solely low-level delegates, elevating doubts about Moscow's dedication to ending the conflict.
"We now have additionally touched upon the necessity for sanctions in opposition to Russia, bilateral commerce, protection cooperation, battlefield scenario and upcoming prisoners alternate," Zelensky added.
In a single constructive improvement, Russia and Ukraine reached an settlement on Could 16 for the alternate of prisoners of conflict (POWs) on a 1,000-for-1,000 foundation, Protection Minister Rustem Umerov, who was main Ukraine's delegation, advised reporters.
"Stress is required in opposition to Russia till they’re desirous to cease the conflict," Zelensky stated.
Trump, who has not imposed new sanctions on Russia to strain it into establishing a ceasefire, plans to talk with Putin on Could 19, adopted by calls with Zelensky and NATO leaders. He stated the talks are supposed to finish the "massacre" and obtain a ceasefire.
Ukraine accepted a U.S.-proposed 30-day unconditional ceasefire in March. Moscow has continued its large-scale drone and missile strikes, together with the biggest drone assault of the conflict on Could 18, when 273 drones entered Ukrainian airspace.
In Washington, Republican lawmakers have echoed the decision for punitive actions in opposition to Moscow. U.S. Particular Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg advised Fox Enterprise that the "Russian Sanctions Act of 2025 is able to go."
At the least 72 senators assist the laws, which incorporates sweeping monetary penalties and 500% tariffs on nations that proceed shopping for Russian oil, fuel, or uranium, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham stated on Could 1.
The Kyiv IndependentTim Zadorozhnyy