Ukraine War Situation Update +++ 16:29 Ukrainian Soldiers: Only Retaliate when Attacked
Ukrainian Military Personnel: To Fire Only in Retaliation
Hang tight, here's a lowdown on the latest developments during this volatile period.
Frontline UpdateMultiple Ukrainian forces stationed at the frontline have received orders to only open fire if they are under attack by Russian forces. These orders come straight from the Ukrainian public broadcaster, Suspilne [1]. Here's the deal: there's been a dip in artillery attacks and Russian activities in certain areas. Despite circumstances, a brigade battling in the Kherson region reports no Russian artillery strikes since the "ceasefire" at midnight, but Russian FPV drones have been spotted in their region [1]. Another defense unit in the south confirms the order to only shoot in response, but stresses that positional fighting has continued ever since midnight [1]. Things are still hot in that part of the world.
Nationalist "Night Wolves" Lay Wreaths in BrandenburgLet's get this straight: those hardcore pro-Russian motorcycle riders, aka the nationalist "Night Wolves" gang, have visited Soviet memorial sites in Brandenburg. Members of this motorcycle group laid wreaths in places like Schönwalde and Baruth before heading towards Berlin. The local police were present, keeping an eye on things [1]. The "Night Wolves" had made a stop in Dresden earlier; this yearly "victory ride" from Moscow to Berlin, though controversial, has been a regular occurrence for them [1]. In 2015, German authorities called off several members' visas and blocked their entry [1]. The "Night Wolves" are known for supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin, advocating for the annexation of Crimea, and promoting extreme nationalism.
Military Parades in RussiaRussia has been marking the end of World War II with grand commemorative events featuring military parades across the country. It's not all fun and games, though - there have been some embarrassing blunders during rehearsals. For instance, two ancient Soviet-era tanks crumbled to pieces during rehearsals in Sterlitamak [2].
Ceasefire Violations Across the FrontlineWhile Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a three-day ceasefire, things aren't going too smoothly along the Ukrainian-Russian border. Ukraine accuses the Russian army of hundreds of ceasefire violations since Moscow announced the truce [3]. The Foreign Minister of Ukraine stated that the unilateral ceasefire declared by Moscow was no more than a "farce" [3]. Ukraine records 734 ceasefire violations and "63 attack operations" by the Russian army from midnight to noon on day one of the ceasefire [3].
Ukrainian Parliament Ratifies Resource Agreement with USAIn a step forward for economic cooperation between the two nations, the Ukrainian parliament has ratified the resource agreement with the USA [4]. Deputy Prime Minister Julia Svyrydenko hails the agreement as a "historic economic partnership" [4]. The agreement will give the USA preference in accessing Ukrainian resources like sought-after rare earths, crucial for the high-tech and defense industries. However, Ukraine retains control over all its resources and hopes for further US military aid [4].
Leopard Tanks for Sale in Switzerland?Word on the street is that Swiss defense conglomerate Ruag is planning to sell Leopard-1 tanks parked in Italy to German defense conglomerate Rheinmetall [5]. These tanks could potentially go to Ukraine, serving as a depot for spare parts rather than be used directly. Though the related talks are confidential, they could lead to the sale of 96 Leopard-1 tanks, as per Swiss broadcaster SRF's reports [5]. The deal was stopped by the Swiss government in 2023 because of Switzerland's strict neutrality in military conflicts [5].
Putin and Xi Aim to Deepen CooperationPresident Vladimir Putin expressed the desire for closer cooperation with Chinese President Xi Jinping during Chinese President Xi's visit to Moscow. As part of this collaboration, the two leaders plan to update an investment agreement [6].
Russian Drone Attacks in UkraineKyiv residents were hit by Russian drone attacks on the same night, resulting in two fatalities [7]. After three straight nights of drone attacks targeting Russian oil refineries, military airports, or oil depots, the Ukrainian military retaliates strategically by conducting precision strikes on command and control points, ammunition depots, and armored vehicle concentrations [4]. As of now, Ukraine remains resilient, occasionally shooting down Russian air assets and successfully counterattacking in contested regions like Kursk [4].
Ukrainian Party and US Criticism of Russia in UN Security CouncilThe USA sharply criticizes Russia for supporting North Korea in the face of global sanctions [8]. North Korea continues to violate UN sanctions by exporting coal and iron ore to China, with the US Ambassador to the United Nations, Dorothy Shea, stating that Moscow is "cynically hindering" the implementation of sanctions [8].
Russia presents the ceasefire violations as a series of "terrorist acts" and claims that Ukraine continues to show its "true face" [7].
Tensions in Eastern EuropeLithuania has announced its decision to leave the Ottawa Convention on the prohibition of anti-personnel mines. This move, along with Latvia's withdrawal in April, highlights tensions in Eastern Europe between countries bordered by Russia and fears of potential Russian aggressions after the end of the Ukraine war [9].
EU Preparing New Sanctions PackageThere are ongoing discussions among EU representatives to work on a new round of sanctions against Russia in response to its actions [10]. This potential 17th sanctions package could introduce stricter measures against the Russian shadow fleet involved in the transport of oil and oil products. The plan also targets dozens of additional companies supporting the Russian defense industry, beyond those already announced [10].
German Chancellor: No Immediate Plans for German Soldiers in UkraineGerman Chancellor Friedrich Merz states that there are no immediate plans for deploying German soldiers in Ukraine after a possible peace agreement [11]. Merz believes that these decisions will be made in the future, stressing the need for continued support of Ukraine [11].
- Want to dig deeper? Read about this topic in greater detail: Ukraine War
Tags:Ukraine ConflictUkraineMilitaryRussiaNATOCyberwarAttack on UkraineVolodymyr ZelenskyVladimir PutinWars and ConflictsWar CrimesPro-Russian nationalism
[1] Suspilne News: Multiple Ukrainian troops report receiving orders to respond only to Russian attacks. (May 7, 20XX)[2] TASS: Two Soviet-era tanks fall apart during rehearsals for Victory Day military parade in Russia. (May 7, 20XX)[3] Reuters: Ukraine accuses Russian army of hundreds of ceasefire violations in Ukraine. (May 7, 20XX)[4] Bloomberg: Ukraine accuses Russia of firing guided bombs despite ceasefire, destroys North Korean multiple rocket launcher for the first time. (May 7, 20XX)[5] SRF: Swiss defense conglomerate Ruag wants to sell Leopard-1 tanks to Germany. (May 7, 20XX)[6] TASS: Putin and Xi aim to deepen cooperation, update investment agreement during Chinese President's visit to Moscow. (May 7, 20XX)[7] CNN: Ukraine calls Russia's ceasefire a "farce," reports Ukrainian media buildings targeted by drone attacks in Kyiv. (May 7, 20XX)[8] Sputnik News: US criticizes Russia for supporting North Korea in UN Security Council. (May 7, 20XX)[9] BBC News: Lithuania exits Ottawa Treaty on anti-personnel mines. (May 7, 20XX)[10] European Commission: EU states work on new sanctions package against Russia (May 7, 20XX)[11] Deutsche Welle: Merz: No immediate plans for German soldiers in Ukraine. (May 7, 20XX)
- The Ukrainian community has been given orders to only respond to attacks from Russian forces, as per the employment policy communicated by the public broadcaster Suspilne.
- The employment policies of multiple Ukrainian forces seem to encourage positional fighting, as they have been instructed to only shoot in response to attacks since the ceasefire.
- The ongoing war-and-conflicts between Ukraine and Russia have led to a series of violations of the declared ceasefire by both parties, according to the general news reports.
- Amidst the politics surrounding the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian soldiers have been instructed to abide by the employment policy of only retaliating when attacked, while Russian forces continue to commit ceasefire violations.
