Timeline: day 92 of Ukraine's defense against russia's aggression
Today is May 26. russia's military attack on Ukraine has been going on for 92 days. We're reporting on the current news. The article will be updated.
What about today? Key points
russia is preparing three "pockets" in Donbas, the American Institute for War Studies reports. Thus, the study shows the russian military is planning pockets in the Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk area, around Zolote northeast of Popasna and Avdiivka.
Also, ISW analysts believe that russian troops have identified a priority move east and west of Popasna to cut Ukrainian land lines northwest of Sievierodonetsk and complete the encirclement of the Luhansk region.
Ukraine's General Staff says the russian army is trying to resume the offensive on Sloviansk and take complete control of Lyman in the Donetsk region.
Amid this alarming news, the Defense Ministry explained what was happening in Donbas: today, the enemy does have some temporary successes in some areas, but we don't talk about the retreat of the Ukrainian Forces because the enemy's strategy dictates the steps taken by the Ukrainian command. "The Armed Forces are conducting a maneuvering defense on certain frontline sections, changing positions, retreating, and conducting a counteroffensive under favorable conditions. We have a broad goal to liberate the entire territory of our country," said Oleksandr Motuzianyk, adding that the situation in the east changes rapidly.
Despite extreme pressure from the enemy, the Joint Forces continue to conduct a defense operation in a specific area of responsibility in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Our brave warriors inflict losses on ruscist invaders in force and equipment. Over the past 24hrs, the Joint Forces have destroyed:
- 4 tanks;
- 1 unit of special equipment;
- 2 artillery systems;
- 1 armored personnel carrier;
- 1 enemy motor vehicle.
Air defense units shot down 4 Orlan-10 unmanned aerial vehicles in the skies of the Ukrainian Donbas.
The Ukrainian forces repulsed ten enemy attacks!
The Ukrainian troops destroyed 62 occupiers and six enemy artillery systems in eastern Ukraine in one day. The East Operational and Tactical Group reported. The enemy's losses include:
- personnel – 62
- APC – 1
- artillery systems – 6
- mortars – 4
- AT-T – 4
- UAV – 1
According to Ukrainian military intelligence data, the russian occupiers have already used more than 60% of high-precision weapons stockpiles. There are relevant requirements for the threshold level that the army must maintain; for the same Iskander ballistic missile systems, this threshold level is almost there.
russia's offensive in Donbas may be the last in the war, The New York Times says. The publication notes that russia has achieved only gradual progress in the east in a month, and the Ukrainians managed to recapture their positions behind Kharkiv. russia finds it challenging to fight on a broad front. Now, the area of critical battles includes only three cities: Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, and Sievierodonetsk. A natural obstacle, the Siverskyi Donets, is complicating progress in these areas. Currently, the occupiers have limited time to recover. After that, they will have to move on to defense. "Because of the reduction in the number of troops and equipment, the battle for Donbas is likely to be the last major russian offensive in the war," the New York Times suggested.
But right now, it is boiling at the frontline. Fighting along the entire line of contact has reached its maximum intensity. The enemy is attacking in several directions at once, and the situation remains complex and shows signs of further escalation. Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar announced this during a briefing. "To date, the fighting has reached its maximum intensity. The enemy is storming the positions of our troops in several directions simultaneously," said Maliar. According to her, "we have a challenging and long stage of struggle. We must understand that it is a war, and losses on our part are inevitable."
At present, the russian military has occupied 95% of the territory of the Luhansk region.
During the Security Council's open debate on protecting civilians in conflict, Serhii Dvornyk, an advisor to Ukraine's Representative Office to the UN, stated, "Abducting at least 230,000 Ukrainian children out of 1.4 million Ukrainians forcibly deported to russia is a crime. russia seeks to destroy the Ukrainian nation by depriving us of younger generations; it's modern colonialism."
We cannot forgive the russian crimes! The EU, the US, and the UK have set up an Advisory Group to bring russian war criminals to justice. The group will assist the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine financially and with specialists.
92% of Ukrainians treat russia badly, and only 2% have a good attitude—the results of a survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology evidence this.
"However, it is important to understand that 2% is about 500,000 people, i.e., a significant number in absolute terms still maintains a positive attitude towards the aggressor, despite the obvious facts," the KIIS added. Sociologists say that the views of those who had a good attitude toward russia and those who had a conflicted attitude have changed dramatically. In particular, 80% of those who used to treat russia well now treat it badly.
Ukraine's talks with russia
"These are not territorial concessions; it is a de facto situation": peskov said Kyiv should accept territories' occupation. Naturally, the Ukrainian side doesn't agree with this at all.
Iran has offered to hold talks between representatives of russia and Ukraine. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stated this during the World Economic Forum in Davos. "Last week, I told lavrov that Iran was ready to become a platform for both sides," he said. However, the issue is not in the negotiating platform at all but in the fact that the parties' positions are radically different. Therefore, negotiations are not taking place.
Humanitarian missions
Dmytro Orlov, Enerhodar mayor, announced a humanitarian corridor in the Zaporizhia region: "From 10 am to 3 pm, we are opening a green corridor for citizens who wish to leave Zaporizhzhia for the enemy-controlled territory in Kamianske. The corridor will be closed if the security situation changes."
Who's coming to Ukraine?
On financial and information assistance, weapons and politicians
Lithuania is raising funds to buy Bayraktars for the Ukrainian army. Laisvės TV journalist Andrius Tapinas launched the fundraising. In 8 hours, the Lithuanians raised more than €1 million; as of Wednesday evening, the account was already €1,147,253 (the value of Bayraktar is €5 million). Laisvės TV will contribute €62,000 from the previous campaigns to support Ukraine. "The Ministries of Defense of Lithuania and Turkey have given the green light; the manufacturer said so," the journalist comments.
The West operational command said that Italian trailed self-propelled howitzers FH70 of 155 mm caliber were already at the forefront. Thanks to the semi-automatic projectile loader, a trained crew can make up to six shots per minute from this gun, almost every 10 seconds. Italy announced the transfer of these guns as part of the third military aid package in mid-May.
This week, the United States provided new $4 million in support to Ukraine to clear russian mines and unexploded ordnance so families could return home safely. US support will allow The HALO Trust in Ukraine to deploy ten de-mining teams.
The Prime Minister of Finland, Sanna Marin, visited Irpin and Bucha. The foreign delegation visited the site of the tragedy, including where russian terrorists committed genocide against Ukrainians. Finland did not announce the visit of the head of the government to Ukraine in advance.
NATO countries have informally agreed not to supply Ukraine with certain weapons, not to provoke russia, and not to become participants in the war, the media report, citing sources in the Alliance. Western countries have fears that russia may view, for example, the supply of battle tanks or aircraft to Ukraine as entering the war and taking military action. So far, such weapons have not been supplied to Ukraine.
News from partners
Prince Charles of Wales met with Ukrainian refugees in Bucharest. It was reported on the royal family's Instagram page. Prince Charles visited the Romexpo Donation Center. "We thank everyone at the Romexpo Donation Center who distributes free essentials every day, from food to hygiene products, clothing, and footwear, and providing social services and counseling," the statement said.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called on countries to join efforts to isolate russia, saying putin could not be allowed to win in Ukraine, which "would inspire other instigators of war." Scholz said this during a speech in Davos. Scholz said russia's invasion of Ukraine undermines an international order based on rules of cooperation that has limited large-scale military conflicts in recent decades. "Therefore, our goal is clear: putin should not win his war. And I'm convinced that he will not win it," Scholz said.
And German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called on Putin to immediately withdraw troops from Ukraine, Die Welt reports. Speaking on May 25 in Stuttgart on German Catholics Day, Steinmeier addressed the Kremlin dictator: "Show respect for Ukraine's sovereignty, cease hostilities. Mr. Putin, stop suffering and destruction in Ukraine! Withdraw your troops! Don't refuse the direct and serious talks with President Zelensky!"
It's all well and good, but it would be better if the Germans gave Ukraine weapons. And it wouldn't be as it is depicted in the caricature, shared on social media by the Ambassador of Ukraine to Germany, Andrii Melnyk, patrolling the German government:
It is impossible to appease putin. It is necessary to ensure his defeat, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said. "We must be steadfast in securing Ukraine's victory with military aid and sanctions. We can no longer take our foot off the gas pedal. We must not allow a protracted and even more painful conflict to develop in Ukraine."
What's in russia?
russia is rapidly building its coalition. Italy, Hungary, and Cyprus supported including the point on the need for peace talks between Ukraine and russia in the draft final statement of the EU meeting on 30-31 May. Reuters reported. According to the agency, the initiative was taken by Italy. It was supported only by Hungary and Cyprus, which are critical of the new package of European sanctions against russia. Hungary opposes the oil embargo, and Cyprus is concerned about banning the sale of real estate to russian citizens, Reuters says.
Sanctions on the aggressor!
European Union member states will approve an embargo on Russian oil supplies, excluding Hungary. European Council President Charles Michel announced this. He expressed confidence that the EU countries would agree on a new package of sanctions against russia with the russian oil embargo before the summit to be held on May 30.
The United States will not lift sanctions on russia in exchange for unblocking Ukrainian ports. State Department spokesman Ned Price stated at a briefing. The official condemned russia's use of food as a weapon. Price also urged not to believe russia's empty promises.
The United Kingdom previously made a similar statement.
Kyiv and the region
Kyiv will have a plan to rebuild "the day after the war," Mayor Vitalii Klychko told Interfax-Ukraine following talks at the World Economic Forum (WEF). In mid-May, the mayor estimated the cost of rebuilding all the damaged buildings in the city at more than EUR70 million. According to Klychko, projects to restore infrastructure, logistics, and construction of several facilities are planned even in wartime.
Zhytomyr region
In Zhytomyr, utility workers began cleaning up the remains of buildings destroyed by russian airstrikes. A total of 178 such facilities will be dismantled in the regional center.
Donetsk and Luhansk regions
The enemy attempted to storm Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk. Among the destructions are the Impulse Research and Production Association, 11 high-rise buildings in Sievierodonetsk, eight high-rise buildings and private houses, a community center and administration services center in Lysychansk, four houses in Pryvillia, and two each in Novodruzhesk and Hirske. Lysychansk has three victims.
A russian shell hit a humanitarian aid center resulting in a damaged volunteer car delivering food in the Luhansk region.
The occupiers are shelling Donetsk along the entire front line. In one day, there were four killed and 12 wounded civilians. Maryinka was under fire at night; the occupiers used incendiary shells there, and the scale of the fires is being clarified.
Kharkiv region
On May 25, the russian occupiers fired on Tsyrkuny in the Kharkiv region again. The shelling caused seven fires burning houses and a bathhouse.
During the day, Balaklia was also shelled: eight people were injured, and two died. The russians also fired on Tsyrkuny and Slobozhanske: two people were wounded.
Dnipropetrovsk region
The russians fired again in the Kryvyi Rih district. At midnight, the enemy fired artillery at the Apostolske Community. People were not affected.
Sumy region
15:30 – air defense forces shot down a russian missile, the head of the region said.
Poltava region
A trial was held in the Poltava region in the case of two russian service members involved in the February 24 shelling of the Kharkiv region. It led to the destruction and damage of infrastructure and residential buildings. Earlier, they fully admitted their guilt. The prosecutor's office is asking for 12 years in prison and their lawyers to reduce the term to eight years because, according to them, the russian military acted "under duress." All it is a delusion. These murderers signed military contracts of their free will. The verdict is due on May 31. Punishment will find everyone!
Zaporizhzhia region
russia is already building its third line of defense in the occupied south of Ukraine. The regrouping of russian troops in the occupied areas of the Zaporizhzhia region and the Kherson region indicates russia's intention to gain a foothold in these territories. The representative of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Vadym Skibitskyi, stated this.
In the Zaporizhzhia region, the russians are strengthening their positions to resume the offensive in the direction of Vasylivka-Kamianske, Orikhiv, and Huliaipole. The occupier collects heavy military and automobile equipment, and there is a risk of airstrikes, Zaporizhzhya Regional Military Administration reports.
Kherson region
The villages of Novovoskresenske (Novovorontsovka community) and Dudchany (Mylove community) were shelled by ruscists with cluster shells. Local deputy Dmytro Burlai announced this on social media. After cluster shells, last night russians "threw" about 1 thousand anti-personnel mines ("petals"): "People don't know what to do, mines are in all yards, on streets. At our risk, we collect them to clean yards," the deputy wrote.
russian Mi-8 helicopters raided the collision line in Mykolaiv and Kherson regions. The South Operational Command reported. According to the military, the Ukrainian Armed Forces thwarted one attack by three helicopters. As a result of enemy shelling in settlements along the contact line, a projectile that didn't detonate hit a residential building and wounded one person.
Mykolaiv region
In the Mykolaiv direction, the russian military is trying to improve the tactical situation and ensure access to the administrative borders of the Kherson region. They tried to storm in the area of the settlement of Tavriiske, but without success, the General Staff reports.
As a result of the shelling of Solonchaky, four objects of social and administrative infrastructure were damaged, and one person was injured. In the village of Kotliareve, a shop and a house with outbuildings were destroyed. A man died as a result of the Pervomaisk shelling.
In the Bashtanska district, shelling of the territory of the Shyroke community continued again. There are damaged and destroyed houses. There were shellings day and night in the Bereznehuvate community: one was killed, and one was wounded.
Khmelnytskyi region
The air defense shot down a russian missile in the Khmelnytskyi region last night, said Serhii Hamaliy, the head of the Interior Ministry. According to him, the wreckage of the rockets fell in the field. There are no casualties or damage.
