Key Events of the Russia-Ukraine War: Day 806

In the 806th day of the ongoing war, the main developments in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine are quite intense. On Friday, May 10, 2024, several significant events took place on the battlefield. Russian shelling in Ukraine’s southern city of Nikopol resulted in the deaths of two individuals. On the other hand, Ukraine’s air force successfully destroyed 17 out of 20 Russian attack drones targeting the southern Odesa region, with no reported casualties. In another incident, eight people were injured and multiple buildings were damaged in Ukraine’s air attack on Russia’s Belgorod, as confirmed by regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged the challenging situation that Ukraine’s army is currently facing against Russian forces on the eastern front. However, he expressed optimism about the incoming $61 billion military aid package from the US, believing it will ultimately turn the tide in Ukraine’s favor. Additionally, Ukraine’s state energy company Ukrhydroenergo reported that two hydropower plants were no longer operational due to the devastating damage caused by recent Russian attacks. Furthermore, unnamed intelligence sources revealed that a Ukrainian drone had carried out a long-range attack on a major oil refinery in Russia’s Bashkortostan region, marking a significant escalation in the conflict.

In terms of politics and diplomacy, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy took decisive actions following reports of a Russian plot to assassinate him. He dismissed the head of the state guards and appointed a new commander for Ukraine’s special forces. Interestingly, Ukraine’s former army chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi, known for his leadership during the initial years of the invasion, was appointed as Kyiv’s ambassador to the United Kingdom. Moreover, Ukraine’s parliament passed a bill aimed at cracking down on draft dodgers, with increased fines and the ability to detain offenders for up to three days.

During Russia’s Victory Day military parade, President Vladimir Putin lashed out at Western elites, accusing them of forgetting the Soviet Union’s role in defeating Nazi Germany and instigating conflicts worldwide. Putin’s comments come amidst Russia’s occupation of approximately 18% of Ukraine, following the full-scale invasion in February 2022. Meanwhile, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol emphasized maintaining strong ties with Ukraine and a balanced relationship with Russia, ruling out direct arms shipments to Kyiv.

In the realm of weapons supply, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced that Ukraine’s Western allies would be delivering three more High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS). This system is capable of launching multiple guided missiles rapidly, providing Ukraine with enhanced capabilities in the ongoing conflict. Despite the challenges and casualties faced by both sides, the developments on May 10, 2024, showcase the ongoing intensity and complexity of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The strategic maneuvers, military aid, and diplomatic efforts from various countries continue to shape the dynamics of the war in Eastern Europe.