WAR IN UKRAINE: May 14, 2023
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS: Day 445
Sweden’s Loreen has won the Eurovision Song Contest for a second time, earning a historic triumph at an extravagant and crowd-pleasing show held in Liverpool, United Kingdom, on behalf of Ukraine. The show was held in Britain for the first time in more than two decades, after the country – which came second last year – stepped in to handle hosting duties on behalf of 2022 winners Ukraine. The UK put on a dramatic and moving show that paid tribute to those displaced by war and celebrated the music of both countries. But a request from President Volodymyr Zelensky to address the show was rejected, organizers said Friday. Ukraine’s electronic duo Tvorchi finished a strong sixth place, while Britain returned to its traditional position toward the bottom of the leaderboard, ranking 25th – the penultimate spot.
Ternopil is the home city of Tvorchi. A Russian attack on their city happened as they were about to take to the stage in Liverpool. Tvorchi said they read reports of their city being attacked 10 minutes before taking to the stage. A non-residential building caught fire in Ternopil, rescuers are working on the spot, the mayor said. Earlier Khmelnytsky in a nearby region was targeted overnight.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy arrived in Rome on May 13 as Berlin announced a $3 billion military aid package for Kyiv -- the biggest since the start of Russia's unprovoked invasion -- before a potential visit by the Ukrainian leader to Germany - RFE/RL
Meanwhile, Pope Francis told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky he is constantly praying for peace after the two met privately at the Vatican. The pontiff also stressed on the urgent need to help "the most fragile people, innocent victims" of the full-scale invasion launched by Russia
The Russian Defense Ministry has acknowledged its forces retreated from positions north of the city of Bakhmut in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region that for months has been the scene of heavy fighting.
The South African government did not approve any weapons shipments to Russia late last year, the country’s communications minister said on May 12, one day after the U.S. ambassador to South Africa said he was confident that a Russian ship had picked up weapons at a South African port in December - RFE/RL