Amid ongoing clashes in the Kharkiv region, Ukrainian forces repel Russian advances. Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported ongoing clashes in the Kharkiv region, where Russian forces continue to make unsuccessful attempts to advance. Despite deploying reinforcements from other areas, the Russian military has struggled to penetrate Ukrainian defences. Syrskyi noted that heavy fighting has been particularly intense in the Vovchansk area and along the parts of the Eastern frontline near Pokrovske and Kurakhove, where Russian assault brigades have concentrated their efforts for months. Ukrainian Armed Forces have steadfastly held their positions. Additional conflicts persist in regions like Chasiv Yar, Klishchiivka, and Kalynivka as Russian forces aim to extend their control towards Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. Russian attempts to capture Bilohorivka in Luhansk and to advance towards Siversk have also been repelled. In the Zaporizhzhia direction, Russian troops have been unable to make headway in Staromayorske and Robotyne. Syrskyi also mentioned ongoing combat in the Krynky area without significant changes in territorial control.
Another Russian missile strike on Kyiv. Kyiv experienced another missile strike, with a mix of different weapons targeting the capital. Russian forces launched Kh-101/Kh-555/Kh-55 cruise missiles from Tu-95MS strategic bombers, approaching Kyiv from the south in multiple waves. Simultaneously, Russian UAVs moved towards the city from the same direction. Preliminary reports suggest that ballistic missiles were also used during the attack. The air raid alert in Kyiv lasted nearly two hours, but Ukrainian air defence successfully intercepted all incoming threats, preventing any casualties or damage. The Kyiv City Military Administration has urged residents not to ignore air raid warnings and to take shelter during alerts to ensure their safety.
Ukraine’s defence ministry has announced changes to personnel policy. Furthermore, regarding the ongoing mobilisation, Deputy Minister of Defense Natalia Kalmykova highlighted the importance of a strategic personnel policy within Ukraine’s Defence Forces per the transcript by the Ministry Of Defence. This policy focuses on appointing military personnel based on their skills and competencies. Kalmykova noted the implementation of systemic changes, including the establishment of a new personnel policy and the expansion of a network of recruiting centres, now totalling 22, with plans to open three more this week. She emphasized that the ratio of volunteers to mobilised individuals joining the army as of May stands at 1:3, reflecting a strong potential for the continued defence of Ukraine.
Hungary won’t block NATO decisions on Ukraine, but will stay out of support efforts. According to European Pravda, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced an agreement with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg that ensures Hungary will not block NATO decisions regarding Ukraine, though it will abstain from participating in future NATO support efforts for the country. Orbán reiterated Hungary’s unique stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict compared to most NATO countries and clarified that Hungary would avoid involvement in NATO operations beyond its borders. Stoltenberg confirmed Hungary’s position, stating that Hungarian personnel and finances would not be involved in NATO’s support activities for Ukraine, while Hungary would not obstruct these efforts. This agreement aligns with Orban’s policy of noninvolvement in conflicts abroad despite the relative proximity of the war in Ukraine.
