Ukraine has launched drone attacks on several Russian regions, including the Ryazan oil refinery, according to Russian officials. The attacks targeted Russia’s military, energy, and transport infrastructure, with the refinery being a frequent target. While the governors of affected regions reported no injuries or damage, Russia rarely discloses the full impact of Ukraine’s attacks on its territory. Kyiv officials believe that targeting these key areas undermines Moscow’s war effort, although Reuters could not independently verify the Russian reports.
Russian forces appear to be shifting their focus to Chasiv Yar in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine, potentially gathering forces for an offensive push in that direction. This shift comes after a slowdown in Russian attacks in the Avdiivka area, with an increase in attacks reported in the Bakhmut-Chasiv Yar direction. Chasiv Yar is a significant target for Russian forces as it is strategically located and could serve as a staging ground for advancing on Ukrainian-held cities in Donetsk. The Institute for the Study of War noted the potential change in Russian offensive strategies in the region.
Russia is reportedly looking to enhance its weapons supplies and combat strength ahead of an expected new offensive in mid-May or June. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu emphasized the need for increased volume and quality of weapons and military equipment to maintain the current offensive pace. Russia is anticipated to launch a new offensive, with the capture of Chasiv Yar considered a key target in the ongoing conflict. Recent advances near Avdiivka have bolstered Russia’s presence in the region, with further operations planned for the future.
Estonia has accused Russia of violating international regulations by interfering with GPS signals, affecting civil aviation in the area. Finnair suspended flights to Tartu after GPS interference incidents, leading to concerns about safety and navigation in the region. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna has raised the issue with NATO allies and EU member states, highlighting the potential dangers posed by Russian interference. Russia’s foreign ministry has not provided any immediate comment on the accusations.
Russia claims to have shot down U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles along with Ukrainian drones and French-made guided bombs. The long-range missiles provided to Ukraine by the U.S. have been used to target Russian military installations, with Russia intercepting six missiles in the past day. The ATACMS missiles have enabled Ukraine to strike Russian targets up to 300km away, posing a significant threat to Russian forces. The authenticity of these claims has not been independently verified, and Ukraine has not commented on the latest missile attacks.
A Russian attack on Ukraine’s southern city of Odesa is being investigated, following a strike that killed five individuals and injured 32 others. The attack targeted a crowded seaside park, with the Prosecutor General of Ukraine accusing Russia of deliberately targeting civilians in violation of international humanitarian law. The use of an Iskander missile equipped with a cluster warhead is suspected in the attack, causing widespread casualties and damage. Both Russia and Ukraine deny deliberately targeting civilians in the ongoing conflict, despite the devastating impact on civilian populations.
