Newsletter 21/05/2024
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Zelensky says his presidential tenure not over due to martial law
“My five years are not over yet. They continue due to martial law," said Volodymyr Zelensky in an interview with Reuters.
The president added he wass glad that "he is the President of such a people who did not turn their back, did not run anywhere, but defended everything they could."
"Independence doesn’t just happen without trials. It's a shame that they are so challenging," Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized.
Ukraine confirms Russian missile carrier hit in Crimea
The General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces has confirmed earlier reports that the May 19 strike destroyed Russian Black Sea Fleet’s missile carrier Tsiklon that was based in the temporarily occupied Crimea.
Council of the EU approves using revenues from frozen Russian assets in support of Ukraine
“We have approved in the EU using revenues from Russia’s central bank’s frozen assets to help Ukraine. Up to EUR 3B only this year, 90% goes for Ukraine’s military. Russia must pay for its war damages,” wrote Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Jan Lipavský on the social media platform X
Over 3,000 convicts apply for military service in Ukraine - Justice Ministry
"This is more than 3,000 people. This is what we foresaw before the law passed parliament. It cannot be said that all 20,000 people we had in our outlook as the entire potential will ultimately join. During the previous polls, about 4,500 expressed such will. Now these numbers will fluctuate..." said Deputy Minister of Justice Olena Vysotska, answering the question of how many applications for mobilization have already been received from convicts.
She explained that the Ministry of Justice understood "that there will be those who wish to do so but the law limits certain categories so it cannot be stated that all applicants will be granted parole and sign a contract."
War
Number of combat engagements on frontline increased to 55, enemy attacked in eight directions
"The enemy continues offensive actions in most areas. Most combat engagements are taking place in Donetsk region, specifically in the Pokrovske sector. The situation in the combat areas remains difficult, but fully controlled by the Ukrainian Defence Forces," - General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
According to the General Staff, the number of combat engagements along the entire frontline has increased to 55 since the beginning of the day.
Russia steps up attacks in Kharkiv region
Ukraine’s defense forces continue to hold back enemy’s offensive attempts. The number of combat clashes has now increased to 74. Today, the Pokrovsk axis remains the hottest. Also, the enemy has become significantly more active in Kharkiv region.
Drone attacks oil depot in Belgorod region
On Monday, a drone attacked an oil depot in the village of Prokhorovka, Belgorod region, Russia.
Special operations forces destroyed four Russian "Buk" complexes
Source: Official channel of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Politics
Ukraine’s top prosecutor: Peace formula offers answers to some global challenges
"I would say (that this system is going through - ed.) a moment of truth. The future of the world depends on how global security and the security and legal system will react to Russian aggression. Today it is being decided whether the civilized world will be able to prove in practice the principle proclaimed after the Second World War: that any war of aggression is the most serious international crime. Therefore, punishing Russia for armed aggression would mean a strengthening of the international legal order," the Prosecutor General believes.
Peace Summit’s agenda to include nuclear, food security, return of children, all-for-all POW swap - Zelensky
"At the summit, three points will be considered: nuclear safety, food security (free navigation in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov), return of abducted Ukrainian children, and all-for-all exchange. According to these three points, if all countries support them, step-by-step technical plans will be developed, and then different nations will hand them over to Russia at various venues and communicate with their representatives," said President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine.
Society
Over 52,000 Ukrainians gone missing since war-start
The Ministry of Internal Affairs states that, since February 24, 2022, 52,673 persons have been confirmed as missing, about 37,000 of them – under special circumstances (of martial law). During the same time, 3,676 children went missing, as per the ministry’s data.
Publications
Potential Peace Deal with Russia: Current Status and Prospects
Numerous statements regaring potential peace talks between Russia and Ukraine can be found in the information space in Ukraine and elsewhere across the world, and their numbers have been increasing during May. Is that real politics or just information noise?