Overview
On Day 1,160 of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, fighting raged across multiple fronts, diplomacy intensified, and a controversial three-day ceasefire declaration by Russia stirred international debate. Here are the key developments from the battlefield and beyond.
Fighting and Frontline Updates
- Kyiv under attack: Explosions echoed across Ukraine’s capital as Russian drones targeted the city. Air raid sirens blared and air defence systems were activated.
- Massive drone offensive: Ukraine’s military reported shooting down 40 of 166 drones launched by Russia. An additional 74 were diverted via electronic warfare. Strikes were confirmed in at least four regions.
- Gas facility hit: A Russian drone attack struck a gas facility in Ukraine’s central Cherkasy region, disrupting gas supply in the city and nearby villages, according to regional authorities.
- Targeted assassination: President Zelenskyy hailed the foreign intelligence agency for the reported killing of Russian officer Yaroslav Moskalik in a car bombing.
- Russian drone counterclaims: Moscow’s defence ministry claimed it destroyed 51 Ukrainian drones within three hours, primarily in the western Kursk region.
- Kursk incursion backlash: Defense analyst Christopher McCallion criticized Ukraine’s incursion into the Kursk region, suggesting it was a strategic error that cost Ukraine more than it gained.
Putin’s Three-Day Ceasefire Declaration
In a surprise move, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a unilateral ceasefire from May 8 to May 10 to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in World War II. The Kremlin cited “humanitarian reasons” for the move and urged Ukraine to comply.
However, Ukraine and Western leaders remain skeptical. President Zelenskyy reiterated his call for a “full and unconditional ceasefire of at least 30 days” to allow room for meaningful diplomacy. “Why wait until May 8?” he questioned.
The White House, under President Donald Trump, echoed frustration. Trump’s administration, marking its 100th day, expressed disappointment that neither Putin nor Zelenskyy had yet delivered peace. “The president wants a permanent ceasefire,” said Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Global Diplomatic Pressure Mounts
- Macron warns of critical phase: French President Emmanuel Macron said the next 15 days would be “crucial” for diplomacy and urged the U.S. to increase pressure on Russia.
- U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal: Ukraine confirmed progress in finalizing a minerals agreement with Washington, describing it as “stronger and more equitable.”
- UN aid slowed: The United Nations refugee agency reduced support services after a funding cut from the U.S., affecting civilians fleeing frontline regions.
- Germany strengthens NATO role: Germany’s new government pledged deeper NATO engagement, citing Russia’s aggression as a pivotal security threat.
- UK-EU joint values statement: Ahead of a summit, the UK proposed a shared statement with the EU supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty, free trade, and climate commitments.
Technology and War: Amazon Enters the Fray
In a strategic tech development, Amazon launched its first batch of Project Kuiper satellites, challenging Elon Musk’s Starlink, which has been instrumental for Ukrainian military communications. Musk had previously threatened to suspend Ukraine’s access to Starlink, prompting concern over digital battlefield reliability.
Conclusion
As the war enters its 1,160th day, the situation on the ground remains volatile. Despite ceasefire proposals and intensified diplomacy, meaningful progress toward peace remains elusive. Putin’s symbolic truce is being met with suspicion, while international actors increase pressure on Moscow to end the violence.
- Zelenskyy said a minerals deal with the US had become “stronger, more equitable” after negotiations, while Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Kyiv was seeking to finalise any deal as soon as possible.
- The United Nations refugee agency reduced some programmes to support Ukrainians fleeing the front line after the US suspended its support for the organisation.
- Germany’s new government said Berlin would play a bigger role within NATO as the alliance faces questions about its future. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier told allies at a ceremony at NATO’s Brussels headquarters that “you can count on us”, citing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a critical threat.
- The United Kingdom proposed a broad statement of shared values with the European Union which stresses support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, the Paris Climate Agreement and free trade, according to a draft document released ahead of an EU-UK summit next month.
- Amazon launched a rival service to Elon Musk’s Starlink launching its first batch of Project Kuiper internet satellites. The development makes it an alternative to Starlink, which has been vital to Kyiv’s war effort and where Musk has previously threatened to end Ukraine’s access.
Further Reading
Want to understand why Russia’s short-term ceasefires often fall flat? Read our analysis on Why Putin’s Ceasefire Offers Often Backfire.
