Overview of the situation - Zelensky celebrates third German patriotic system
Ukraine has strengthened its air defense against Russian attacks and feels a little safer. "The German Patriot has arrived", said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his evening video address. Germany has provided the Ukraine with three Patriot air defense systems, the third of which has reportedly declared readiness for action.
"We will be able to do more in the sky", Zelenskyy continued. "Of course, there is still a lot to do, and the protection is not yet guaranteed, but it is still a gain for Ukraine."
Zelenskyy has repeatedly emphasized in recent weeks that Ukraine needs more air defense systems to protect its airspace. The numbers he mentioned for the required Patriot systems vary between six and 25. It is unclear how many systems have been delivered so far and whether they are all operational.
Russia is bombarding Ukraine with new air attacks. Either Ukraine's air defense is being tested by so-called kamikaze drones, which usually attack in waves, or by rocket and air attacks with remotely controlled glide bombs, which are guided to their targets by fighter pilots.
Farmer in Ukraine hit by drone strike
In a Russian drone attack in the Sumy region in eastern Ukraine, the driver of a tractor was killed. His passenger was seriously injured in the afternoon attack, Ukrainian media reported, citing the local prosecutor's office. The tractor was in a field during the harvest.
Russia has been waging an offensive war against Ukraine for over two years. Russian troops attack both civilian and military targets.
Combat activity has eased
The combat activity in Ukraine eased on Sunday. The General Staff in Kiev reported only 58 armed clashes at various frontlines, a figure that is usually over 100. The heaviest fighting was reported in the regions around Kharkiv and Kupyansk in the east. "Our indomitable defenders are thwarting the plans of the occupiers and inflicting irreparable losses on the enemy through their professional actions under extremely difficult conditions", the statement reads.
New Russian troops at Charkiw
The Ukrainian military is observing Russian troop reinforcements in the east of Ukraine with suspicion. New units have been stationed at Hlubokoje in the Charkiw region, reported Nasar Voloshyn, spokesman for the defending Ukrainian troops. Among them were an assault brigade of the Pacific Fleet's marine infantry and parts of a shield division.
The Russian military began a larger operation with a focus on Charkiw at the beginning of May. The goal of the attack was not the capture of the city, but rather the establishment of a buffer zone between Ukrainian positions and the nearby Russian border. Moscow wanted to prevent the regular Ukrainian artillery fire on Russian territory.
- Despite strengthening its air defense with the arrival of the German Patriot systems, Ukraine continues to face numerous air attacks from Russia.
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged that while the three Patriot systems provided by Germany have increased Ukraine's capabilities, the air defense is not yet fully guaranteed.
- Russia's continuous bombing of civilian and military targets in Ukraine emphasizes the need for Ukraine to acquire more air defense systems, as suggested by Zelenskyy, to protect its airspace effectively.
- The arrival of Russian troops at Hlubokoje in the Charkiw region, equipped with an assault brigade and parts of a shield division, adds to Ukraine's concerns about potential escalations and increased air threats.
- Germany's supply of three Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine has boosted the country's ability to respond to Russian air attacks, but the need for additional systems remains a critical concern for Ukrainian authorities.
