WAR IN UKRAINE: May 16, 2023
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS: Day 447
Russian strikes on Kyiv with Iranian-built drones and missiles overnight kept many of the capital’s residents awake. “I think this was one of the loudest night in Kyiv in a while,” tweeted Yulia Tymoshenko. Some damage was reported from falling debris; one Telegram channel described the barrage as the maximum amount of incoming strikes in the shortest period of time. Officials said all 18 incoming objects were destroyed.
France will train and equip several Ukrainian battalions with dozens of armored vehicles and light tanks, including AMX-10RC, according to the Joint Declaration released by the French and Ukrainian presidents after meeting on May 14. The presidents dicussed military support for Ukraine, cooperation on war crimes prosecution, and sanctions against Russia.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky‘s visit to Britain was his fourth stop in Western allied countries in recent days as he looks to shore up military support. Britain said Monday it is sending Ukraine hundreds more missiles and attack drones in hopes of boosting Kyiv’s fight against Russia’s 14-month invasion.
Zelensky thanked British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, a staunch ally, for the new weaponry as they met at Chequers, Sunak’s official country retreat. Zelenskyy characterized the war effort as a matter of "security not only for Ukraine, it is important for all of Europe." Sunak told Zelensky that "your leadership, your country's bravery and fortitude are an inspiration to us all” - VOA
The United States sees more signs that Russia and Iran are expanding a defense partnership that will help Moscow prolong its war in Ukraine, the White House said on May 15.
Confirmed: Turkey's presidential contest will go to a runoff vote on May 28, the supreme election council says. Neither the incumbent or his opponent crossed the 50% threshold to win. Recep Tayyip Erdogan led the first round with 49.51% of the vote, over his main challenger Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who polled 44.88%
Zelensky said on May 15 in a video recorded on the train as he traveled back to Kyiv that he was returning with new defense packages, including “more ammunition, stronger weapons for the front, more protection for our people, more political support." His press service said on his last stop in London, Zelensky and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak discussed a fighter jet coalition, which Zelensky said was a very important because Ukraine currently cannot control the sky in its defense against invading Russian forces. Zelensky said after his visits with European leader he felt “extremely positive” about the chances of forming the coalition and said there would be "important decisions" in the near future - RFE/RL
China says top envoy to visit Ukraine, Russia, Poland, France and Germany in push for “political settlement” to Ukraine conflict.