In a recent development on May 11 and 12, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin proposed firing Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and replacing him with Andrei Belousov. Shoigu will now serve as the secretary of Russia’s security council, a position previously held by Nikolai Patrushev. Belousov is known for supporting increased military spending and mobilizing Russia’s economy for the war effort. Putin also appointed a civilian as defense minister to bring innovative ideas to the ministry. Meanwhile, Ukrainian drones attacked Russian oil refineries in Volgograd, Lipetsk, and Kaluga oblasts as part of Ukraine’s strategy to halt Moscow’s advances and strengthen its defenses.
Heavy fighting is ongoing in Kharkiv and Donetsk oblasts as Russian troops attempt to gain control in several villages. President Zelensky described the situation as extremely difficult in Vovchansk, with continuous Russian attacks and Ukrainian military counterattacks. Despite these challenges, Ukrainian Defense Forces have been successful in halting Russian breakthrough attempts in various sectors. The situation is rapidly changing in different directions, with Ukrainian troops fiercely holding their defensive positions. Civilians are being evacuated from northern Kharkiv Oblast as artillery and air strikes intensify, causing power outages in multiple regions.
Russia launched attacks on 106 infrastructure facilities in Ukraine within one day, impacting nine regions and causing power outages in seven oblasts. Thousands of households were affected, with the situation particularly severe in Donetsk Oblast, where over 47,700 customers lost power. Russian air defenses claimed to have shot down missiles and rockets over Belgorod Oblast, where a residential building reportedly collapsed, resulting in casualties. Despite these challenges, Ukraine continues to conduct drone attacks on military targets within Russia’s borders, aiming to disrupt Moscow’s capabilities.
As Ukraine prepares for a major peace summit in June, President Zelensky hopes to conduct an all-for-all prisoner exchange with Russia to free Ukrainian prisoners before the end of the war. Since the full-scale invasion, Russia has detained thousands of Ukrainians, including soldiers and children, creating a humanitarian crisis. The conflict has escalated with Russia’s intensified attacks on Kharkiv, draining Ukraine’s air defense capabilities and civilian morale. Ukrainian forces are determined to retaliate against Russian assaults and resist the occupation of their territories in Kharkiv and Donetsk oblasts.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Ukrainian military intelligence agency (HUR) continues to operate drones to strike military targets in Russia, including oil refineries and industrial plants. These drone attacks have become more frequent in recent months as part of Ukraine’s strategy to deter Russian aggression and defend its territories. As the conflict escalates, both Ukraine and Russia are engaged in a relentless battle for control over strategic regions, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. The ongoing war in Ukraine underscores the urgency of international efforts to contain the conflict and bring about a lasting peace agreement.
