Zelenskyy announces shift in balance on front line: Ukraine's combat activity exceeds Russia's
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced a shift in the balance of activity on the front line, noting that on 17 May, Ukraine's active combat operations exceeded Russia's in number.
Source: Zelenskyy's evening address
Quote: "I also want to thank our warriors today – those who are currently on the front line, every combat brigade. A lot has been done this year, and the shift in the balance of actions on the battlefield is visible. In particular, today's activity indicators show that there were more Ukrainian active operations over the past 24 hours than Russian operations. And this is a significant result.
We will increase all forms of supplies for our army – drones, UGVs [unmanned ground vehicles – ed.], shells, and all resources needed to maintain proper defence and our active operations on the front line."
Details: Zelenskyy also noted that Ukraine's long-range capabilities "are significantly changing the situation – and, more broadly, the world's perception of Russia's war".
Quote: "Many partners are now signalling that they see what is happening and how everything has changed – both in attitudes towards this war and in the reachability of Russian targets on Russian territory. The war is quite predictably returning to its 'native harbour', and this is a clear signal that one should not pick a fight with Ukraine or wage an unjust war of conquest against another people – specifically, against the people."
Background:
- Drones attacked Moscow and Moscow Oblast on the night of 16-17 May. Local residents reported a large number of explosions.
- Russia's Ministry of Defence claimed there was an attack by 586 Ukrainian UAVs, around 130 of which were heading towards Moscow.
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) and the defence forces for their precision strikes on Moscow Oblast.
- The SSU reported that working with Ukraine's defence forces, it struck a military facility and a number of oil facilities in Moscow Oblast, as well as the Belbek military airfield in occupied Crimea, on the night of 16-17 May.
- Ukraine's General Staff said Ukrainian Bars RS-1, Fire Point FP-1, Bars-SM Gladiator and other drones were used to strike the Russian facilities in Moscow Oblast.
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