Brief Facts:
- Russian troops launched a missile strike on the civilian infrastructure of a village in Vilniansk district, Zaporizhzhia region.
- Russian invaders threatened to use weapons against the Britta K, a foreign civilian vessel that transited Ukraine's territorial waters near Zmiinyi (Snake) Island.
- Russia’s BMP-T Terminator tank support vehicles has likely been deployed to the Severodonetsk axis of the Donbas offensive.
- Ukraine on Saturday again ruled out agreeing to a ceasefire with Russia and said Kyiv would not accept any deal with Moscow that involved ceding territory.
- The United States Department of Defense officially informs, that 155 mm M777 towed howitzers are secured for transportation to Ukraine by United States Air Force airmen as part of U.S. security assistance.
Side note: news are marked in accordance with the Kyiv time zone: Eastern European Time (EET), GMT/UTC+2
Read more: The 87th Day of the War: Russian Casualties in Ukraine
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23:23 TheMayor of Mykolaiv Oleksandr Sienkevych: Russians again shell Mykolaiv with cluster munitions.
“Explosions are heard over Mykolaiv again. Cluster munitions. Stay away from windows and follow the rule of two walls!” Sienkevych wrote on Telegram, Ukrinform reports.
23:10 Ukraine’s troops repel 11 russia’s attacks in the Joint Forces Operation Area, destroying dozens on enemy armored vehicles over the day.
More details in the article by Defense Express: In the Joint Forces Operation Area Ukrainian Troops Repel 11 Enemy Attacks
22:45 Operational-tactical Group “East” posted an update as of May 22.
One russia’s attack was repulsed, nine troops eliminated, a number of armored vehicles destroyed.
Find more details in the article by Defense Exxpress: Operational-tactical Group "East" Repulsed One Russian Attack During the Day, Eliminated Nine Enemy Troops
21:50 The Air Command “Center”: Russia strikes infrastructure of Zhytomyr region. Air defense units down four missiles.
“Today, May 22, at about 13:00, the enemy launched a missile strike on the infrastructure of Zhytomyr region. The air defense units of the Air Command ‘Center’ downed four cruise missiles,” the Air Command “Center” posted on Facebook, Ukrinform reports.
It is noted that three missiles were destroyed by aircraft, and another one – by a unit of anti-aircraft missile forces.
21:30 Unblocking the Black Sea water area has been a key objective to let cargo ships with grain go out in the open sea and deliver it to the countries in need.
The United States is in a position to do so, sending certain weaponry to Ukraine.
Read more in the article by Defense Express: US Might Strengthen Ukraine's Naval Defense With Harpoon Or NSM
20:00 General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine posted an operational update as of 18:00, 20 March, 2022.
According to the report, russians continue their offensive operations in the Eastern Operational Zone and missile and air strikes on the territory of Ukraine. The available information indicates that the intensity of fighting has decreased in several operational directions. The invasion forces redeploy the units from a few areas in Donbas and southeastern Ukraine to other unspecified directions.
Read more details in the article by Defense Express in Ukraine’s General Staff Operational Report: russians Redeploy Forces From Several Directions
18:37 A russian 2S4 "Tyulpan" heavy mortar got baited out of the hangar and destroyed
The National Guard of Ukraine published a video with a step-by-step explanation of how Ukrainian forces eliminated a 2S4 "Tyulpan" 240mm self-propelled heavy mortar. The vehicle ruined the bridge connecting Severodonetsk and Lysychansk cities in Eastern Ukraine. Russian propaganda media made a report about that. It exposed the location of the mortar and led to its destruction.
More details on how it happened, step-by-step:
Bait and Neutralize: National Guard of Ukraine Showed How to Destroy russian Heavy Mortars
18:26 One more attempt of russian river crossing thwarted
Air reconnaissance of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine found that russian occupiers had established a crossing over the Siverskyi Donets River, Ministry of Internal Affairs reports.
Having built a pontoon bridge, russian troops were going to relocate about a dozen armored vehicles. It was a timely message to the artillerymen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine that "made adjustments to the plans of the invaders". A precise strike destroyed the crossing together with a tank on it at that moment.
Tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and troops tried to hide from shelling, but a drone spotted the attempts. As a result of the artillery strike, russian forces lost several pieces of equipment and a few dozen soldiers.
16:48 Polish President Andrzej Duda held a speech at the Ukrainian parliament
Presidents of Poland and Ukraine Andrzej Duda and Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the Ukrainian lawmakers at a plenary session in the Verkhovna Rada. Andrzej Duda was greeted with applause, he said that the heroic defense of Mariupol will forever go down in history, as reported by Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Olena Kondratiuk.
Stratcom Centre provides the key points of the Polish President's speech:
- "The Polish people are grateful for your resistance, courage and protection of the Motherland."
- "After Bucha, Borodyanka and Mariupol, there is no way of dealing with Russia."
- "You are Ukrainians. You are not refugees. You are our guests. We will do everything to make Ukraine a member of the European Union."
Zelensky, in his turn, thanked him and Poland for providing military and other assistance to Ukraine. The Ukrainian president spoke about the construction of a new Ukrainian-Polish history where all the contradictions between the two nations are overcome. He also announced the introduction in the near future of a bill on the special legal status of Polish citizens in Ukraine.
16:16 Ukrainian artillerymen use space reconnaissance
The 45th Artillery Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine explained how artillery reconnaissance works. In the following video, the artillerymen received data directly from space reconnaissance, followed by additional reconnaissance of targets with UAVs. And then the artillery strikes and adjust fire is made with a drone.
In this particular case, the gunners used a Ukrainian-made UAV of Spectator-type. The strike was made from a Soviet 2S7 Pion artillery system. A fuel tanker and several units of light armored vehicles were destroyed.
Learn more:
Ukrainian Troops Showed Result of Pion Artillery System Strike
15:27 Ukrainian air defense shot down another Su-25 jet aircraft
An air defense unit of the 80th Air Assault Brigade has downed a russian jet, Air Assault Forces Command informs. This time it is the Su-25 "Grach" armored air support aircraft. It was successfully hit with a 9K38 "Igla" MANPADS. The photo below shows the remnants of the russian plane burning on the ground.
14:39 Ukrainian intelligence is one of the priorities of the US funding
Defense Intelligence of Ukraine highlights the financial support provided by the US to the Ukrainian intelligence institutions. As the Ukrainian Ambassador to the USA Oksana Markarova wrote on her Facebook, the additional $40 billion allocated by the United States will include financing for the defense intel. More precisely, $6 bln will facilitate the security of Ukraine: supplies of arms and military equipment, training, logistical and intelligence support for armed and internal security forces.
Learn more on the US military assistance for Ukraine:
Ukraine Can Receive Patriot SAM from the United States – Media
14:06 Ukrainian parliament passes the martial law extension
The bill submitted by President Zelensky has passed the vote in Verkhovna Rada. Martial law and general mobilization will be prolonged for 90 more days after the President has it signed, TSN.ua reports.
13:32 Japan will allocate €2 bln to maintain security of nuclear facilities in Ukraine
The funds will go to “the urgently needed dispatch of IAEA experts and necessary equipment" for the Ukrainian nuclear facilities, said Foreign Minister of Japan Yoshimasa Hayashi, Japan Today reports. Japanese minister announced the pledge after meeting with IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi.
"Russia's attacks on Ukrainian nuclear facilities are absolutely impermissible,” Hayashi said. “Japan, which suffered the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident, condemns the acts in the strongest terms," said Hayashi.
The information on provision of the funds was confirmed by the Ukrainian parliament press center earlier this morning.
13:08 According to information published by the "WSW.ORG" website on May 21, 2022, German company Rheinmetall prepares the supply to Ukraine of 88 Leopard 1A5 Main Battle Tanks and 100 Marder tracked armored IFVs (Infantry Fighting Vehicles)
Germany has already delivered to Ukraine 2,450 RGW 90 man-portable anti-tank weapons, 1,600 DM22, and 3,000 DM31 anti-tank mines. In the next few weeks, Germany will also deliver PzH 2000 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzers and Gepard 35mm self-propelled anti-aircraft gun systems.
12:28 U.S. May Boost Ukraine’s Defense With Harpoon Missiles. According to the Naval news, the U.S. is reportedly planning to supply Ukraine with anti-ship missiles to break the Russian blockade off the coast of Odessa.
Several U.S. media outlets claim that the U.S. wants to assist Ukraine with modern anti-ship missiles to counter the Russian naval blockade, either directly or through a European ally that can facilitate the transfer. The assertions are based on statements made by U.S. authorities.
Find more details on the theme and key points of the report in a publication by Defense Express:
Ukraine’s General Staff Operational Report: russian Enemy Eeployed Iskander-M in the Belgorod Region
12:00 Over the past 24hrs, Russian troops have shelled 12 settlements in Donetsk oblast and destroyed 58 civilian facilities. There are killed and wounded.
11:28 The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has published the new summary of total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02 to 22.05. Find them in an infographic by Defense Express:
So far, the list of the enemy's combat losses is the following:
Personnel - more 29050 (+200),
Tanks ‒ 1285 (+7) units,
APV ‒ 3141 (+25) units,
Artillery systems – 599 (+3) units,
MLRS – 201 (+0) units,
Anti-aircraft warfare systems – 93 (+0) units,
Aircraft – 204 (+0) units,
Helicopters – 170 (+1) units,
Vehicles and Fuel tanks – 2194 (+16) units,
Boats / cutters – 13 (+0) units,
UAV operational-tactical level – 470 (+8) units,
Special equipment – 43 (+0),
Cruise missiles - 107 (+3).
Russian enemy suffered the greatest losses (of the past day) at the Bahmut direction.
Find more details on the theme in a publication by Defense Express:
The 87th Day of the War: Russian Casualties in Ukraine
10:00 At night, Russian troops launched a missile strike on the civilian infrastructure of a village in Vilniansk district, Zaporizhzhia region.
"Today, May 22, at about 02:44, Russian troops launched missiles on the civilian infrastructure of one of the villages in Vilniansk district, Zaporizhzhia region," the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration posted on Telegram.
Currently, the relevant services are working at the scene. According to preliminary information, there are human casualties.
As reported, on May 21, Russian troops intensified reconnaissance using UAVs in Zaporizhzhia region. The invaders shell civilian infrastructure and destroy historic buildings.
Find more details on the theme in a publication by Defense Express:
Chronicle of the Russian Federation Crimes in Ukraine (May)
09:40 UK Defense Intelligence spreed last update on the situation in Ukraine - 22 May 2022
Russia’s only operational company of BMP-T Terminator tank support vehicles has likely been deployed to the Severodonetsk axis of the Donbas offensive.
Their presence suggests that the Central Grouping of Forces (CGF) is involved in this attack, which is the only formation fielding this vehicle. CGF previously suffered heavy losses while failing to break through to eastern Kyiv in the first phase of the invasion.
Russia developed Terminator after identifying the need to provide dedicated protection to main battle tanks it used during the Afghan and Chechen wars.
The Severodonetsk area remains one of Russia’s immediate tactical priorities. However, with a maximum of ten Terminators deployed they are unlikely to have a significant impact on the campaign.
Find more details on the theme and key points of the report in a publication by Defense Express:
Ukraine’s General Staff Operational Report: russian Enemy Eeployed Iskander-M in the Belgorod Region
09:20 As a result of Russiaʼs armed aggression in Ukraine, 232 children died and 430 were injured, the press service of the Prosecutor Generalʼs Office reports.
Find more details on the theme in a publication by Defense Express:
Chronicle of the Russian Federation Crimes in Ukraine (May)
08:59 Russian invaders threatened to use weapons against the Britta K, a foreign civilian vessel that transited Ukraine's territorial waters near Zmiinyi (Snake) Island.
According to the press service of the Ukrainian Navy reported this on Facebook.
"On May 21, the Britta K, a civilian ship flying the flag of the Republic of Togo, while transiting the Ukrainian territorial waters near Zmiinyi Island, received a signal from the Russians demanding that it leave the territorial waters of Russia, otherwise, weapons will be used," the statement said.
According to the Ukrainian Navy, this confirms Russia's attempts to "illegally appropriate Ukrainian territory, even without the so-called 'pseudo-referendums.' This was last done by Hitler during World War II."
"But we will not give away our territories. The invaders will definitely follow their warship," the Ukrainian Navy said.
07:56 The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has released an operational update on the state of warfare as of 06.00 on May 22, 2022.
According to Ukraine’s General Staff operational report, russian enemy does not stop conducting offensive operations in the Eastern Operational Zone. russian enemy continues to launch missile and air strikes on the territory of Ukraine. Increased the intensity of the use of aircraft to destroy the critical infrastructure of settlements in the area of active hostilities
Find more details on the theme and key points of the report in a publication by Defense Express:
Ukraine’s General Staff Operational Report: russian Enemy Eeployed Iskander-M in the Belgorod Region
06:24 President Andrzej Duda arrived in Ukraine on May 21 and will become the first head of a foreign state to deliver a speech to Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24.
05:45 The UK Defense Ministry of informed on Twitter, that yhis month saw the British Army deployed in Finland to take part in Exercise Arrow. The exercise improved the ability of UK and Finnish troops to work alongside each other as part of the Joint Expeditionary Force, a military alliance of 10 partnered nations.
04:30 On May 21, the strike aircraft of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine successfully completed its mission once again. At least 12 units of the occupiers' military equipment were destroyed, including two Solntsepek heavy flamethrower systems.
The relevant statement was made by the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook.
"The rashists once again struck on the territory of Ukraine from the Black Sea with cruise missiles "Caliber". Two missiles were intercepted and destroyed in the sky by Air Force fighters and another by an anti-aircraft missile unit in the Vinnytsia region," the statement read.
Find more details on the theme in a publication by Defense Express:
Ukraine’s Air Force eliminates 12 Ocupier’s Vehicles including 2 Solntsepek MLRS Previous Day
01:00 Bild ststes that Germany has unused Marder vehicles which it refuses to provide to Ukraine.
The German newspaper Bild has obtained a classified document stating that Germany has 62 Marder infantry fighting vehicles that are no longer used and could therefore be given to Ukraine, The Kyiv Independent reports.
Earlier Germany stated it cannot supply any Marder vehicles to Ukraine because all 343 of them were being used by the German military.
As Defense Express reported eaarlier Rheinmetall automotive and arms manufacturer didn’t leave much choice for German Government stating readiness to reinforce the Armed Forces of Ukraine with 100 units of Marder infantry fighting vehicle to withstand russia.
Find more details on the theme in a publication by Defense Express:
Rheinmetall Requests to Send 100 Marder Infantry Fighting Vehicles to Ukraine. Official Germany Thinks
00:25 Seven civilians killed in Russian shelling across Donetsk region
In Donetsk region on Saturday, May 21, Russian troops killed seven civilians, injuring ten.
This was announced on Telegram by the head of the Donetsk Regional Military Administration, Pavlo Kyrylenko, Ukrinform reports.
"On May 21, the Russians killed seven civilians in Donetsk region: three in Lyman, two in Mykolaivka, one in Avdiyivka, and one in Sviatohirsk. Another 10 people were injured," the statement said.
In addition, a person in Kostiantynivka was wounded by Russians in Luhansk region, Kyrylenko said.
It is currently impossible to determine the exact number of casualties in Mariupol and Volnovakha.
00:05 Ukraine on Saturday again ruled out agreeing to a ceasefire with Russia and said Kyiv would not accept any deal with Moscow that involved ceding territory, The Guardian reports citing Reuters.
Acknowledging that Kyiv’s stance on the war was becoming more uncompromising, presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak told Reuters that concessions would backfire on Ukraine because Russia would hit back harder after any break in fighting: "The war will not stop [after any concessions]. It will just be put on pause for some time."
Podolyak was speaking with Reuters in an interview in the heavily guarded presidential office, where some of the windows and corridors are protected by sandbags, the agency said.
You can read the full interview here.
Read more: Day 87th of War Between Ukraine and Russian Federation (Live Updates)
