Russia continues to escalate its attacks on Ukraine, with key developments on May 25-26 including strikes on a supermarket in Kharkiv that killed 16 people, including a child. Following this attack, Russian forces launched another strike on Kharkiv’s city center, injuring at least 25 people. President Zelensky and other officials have called for more air defense for Ukraine, as Russia’s ongoing offensive in Kharkiv Oblast is stretching Ukrainian defenses. Zelensky highlighted the scale of Russia’s daily air attacks against Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, and emphasized the need for additional air defense to protect civilians from further attacks.
In response to the attacks and escalating situation, President Zelensky announced that Russia is forming another grouping of troops near Ukraine’s northern border. He emphasized that Russia’s actions, including the ongoing assaults in Kharkiv Oblast, indicate a lack of desire for peace. The Russian offensive in Kharkiv Oblast, which began on May 10, has exploited Ukraine’s troop shortage, forcing the country to make difficult decisions about where to commit reserves. Russian forces have been conducting ground shelling and aerial attacks against population centers in Kharkiv Oblast, with reports of civilian executions by Russian troops.
Amid the conflict, Russia’s superior shell production capabilities have been highlighted, as the country is able to produce artillery shells at triple the speed of Ukraine’s allies and at a fraction of the cost. This has led to an ammunition shortage in Ukraine, hindering its progress on the battlefield. Ukrainian soldiers have been making every round count, but the lack of supplies remains a significant issue. Additionally, Ukraine’s domestic drone companies are facing challenges due to the defense spending squeeze, forcing many companies to seek international partnerships or face consolidation.
Russia launched overnight attacks across Ukraine on May 26, causing explosions in multiple regions and injuring at least three people. The attacks included missile strikes, drone attacks, and ballistic missile launches. Ukrainian air defense units intercepted numerous drones and missiles over various regions, indicating the ongoing intensity of the conflict. Russia’s use of glide bombs has been a critical factor in its recent battlefield successes in Ukraine, causing extensive damage to military positions and settlements. Ukraine reported downing a Russian Su-25 attack aircraft in Donetsk Oblast, marking the sixth aircraft claimed to be shot down this month.
As the conflict continues, Ukraine’s General Staff reported that over 500,000 Russian soldiers have been either killed or wounded in Ukraine during the 27-month full-scale war. The staggering number of casualties highlights the intensity and toll of the conflict on both sides. With Russia’s losses in Ukraine reaching half a million, concerns about future demographic risks in Russia have been raised. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine remains a critical concern for global security, with the need for continued support for Ukraine’s defense capabilities and efforts towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
