2023-05-18 13:45:00
Russia has continued its bombardment of multiple sites in Ukraine, killing a civilian in Odessa and sounding air sirens over Kyiv. But on the front, Ukraine continues to make significant gains, raising speculation that its counter-offensive may well be underway.
Here are the latest developments:
Civilian casualties in Odessa: A civilian security guard was killed in Odessa overnight following fragments of a Russian missile fell on an industrial building as it was shot down by Ukrainian air defense systems. Two other civilians were injured by the missile fragments, Ukraine’s Southern Operational Command said on Facebook.
“Unprecedented” attacks in Kyiv: Another Russian missile attack was launched on Thursday towards Kyiv, making it the ninth airstrike the capital has faced this month. But Ukraine claims to have shot down 29 of Russia’s 30-launched cruise missiles overnight, in another sign that its air defenses are holding their own.
“There continues to be a series of airstrikes in Kyiv, unprecedented in their power, intensity and variety. The ninth airstrike on the capital since the beginning of May,” Serhiy Popko, head of the Kiyv city administration, said in a Telegram post.
Advances in Bakhmut: Ukrainian forces claim to have made advances into the conflict-ridden eastern city of Bakhmut over the past day, despite coming under heavy fire from Russian troops. “In the course of the fighting, our units continue to advance on the flanks,” a Ukrainian army spokesman said on Thursday.
Renewed Grain Agreement: Moscow has confirmed the renewal of the Black Sea grain deal following it expired on Wednesday. Russia had previously threatened to pull out of the deal, raising fears for global food security.
Beijing plays the role of peacemaker: Chinese envoy Li Hui wrapped up a two-day visit to Ukraine on Wednesday as Beijing tries to pose as a peacekeeper in the conflict, despite its close ties to Russia. Li spoke of the need for “peace talks”, while Ukraine reiterated its rejection of “any proposal that implies the loss of its territories”.
EU assesses sanctions: The European Union does not plan to formally sanction Russian state nuclear company Rosatom in its 11th sanctions package, according to a senior EU official. The bloc is considering further measures at the G7 meeting in Japan, which may include new sanctions on Russian diamonds.
Frozen Finnish bank accounts: Moscow has frozen the bank accounts of the Finnish embassy and consulate in response to “hostile actions” by Western nations, Dimitri Peskov, the Kremlin’s press secretary, said on Thursday. Finland has tried to bolster its defenses once morest Russia since the start of the war by joining NATO in April.
Crimean train derailment: Trains between Crimea’s two largest cities have been halted following a freight train derailed on Thursday, according to authorities. Sergey Askenov, the Moscow-appointed head of the peninsula, said wagons carrying grain “went off the rails” in Simferopol.
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