A Russian missile struck a building in Kharkiv as President Vladimir Putin expressed a willingness to negotiate a ceasefire in Ukraine. According to Reuters, Putin aims for a truce that acknowledges the current battle lines. However, Putin dismissed the notion of adhering to an Olympic truce during the Paris Olympics, rejecting requests from French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Following his visit to China, Putin stated that the Olympic principles are fair but rarely respected, justifying Russia's non-compliance due to its exclusion from the Paris Games. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Intelligence Director Sergei Naryshkin criticized the 'Switzerland Conference' on Ukraine, claiming it lacked relevance for peace. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov emphasized that American weapons are being used against targets outside Ukraine's combat zones.
The ground conflict continues to intensify in the Kharkiv region. Ukrainian Army Commander Alexander Sersky noted the challenges Russian forces face in street battles in Vovchansk, highlighting 'violent' confrontations in three key eastern regions. Since May 10, thousands of Russian soldiers have stormed into the Kharkiv region, marking the largest field progress in 18 months. Approximately 11,000 people have been evacuated from Kharkiv amid the ongoing assaults.
The Ukrainian state-owned railway company reported strikes targeting its transportation system, causing significant damage to lines, train cars, and buildings. This incident followed an earlier attack that left seven people dead in Kharkiv. Despite these setbacks, long-distance and suburban trains continue to operate.
On the diplomatic front, Putin's willingness for a ceasefire hinges on Ukraine ceding territories currently under Russian occupation, including Crimea. This proposition remains unacceptable to President Zelensky, who has ruled out ceding any territory and considers negotiations with Putin 'impossible'. A peace conference in Switzerland, expected to draw over 50 countries, aims to find a resolution, though concerns arise as China has not yet confirmed its participation.
Amid these developments, the U.S. is preparing a $275 million military aid package for Ukraine, including artillery shells and precision aerial munitions. The Russian TASS news agency reported that Moscow's forces now control over half of Vovchansk and aim to capture other strategic locations like Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, and Pokrovsk.
- Putin remarked that few countries have historically respected Olympic principles, excluding ancient Greece. He suggested Russia's exclusion from the Paris Games justified its decision.
- Russian officials claim that Western reluctance for a compromise fuels the conflict, positioning military aid to Ukraine as a barrier to peace talks.
- American officials have emphasized ongoing support for Ukraine, underscoring the global backing Ukraine receives against Russian aggression.
