The prospect of Ukraine receiving F-16 aid is approaching

Propaganda mural of Wagner mercenaries

Ukraine struggles in Bakhmut

Reuters quoted information from a Ukrainian artillery unit as saying that Ukraine advanced this week in Bakhmut, but was facing fierce fire from the Russian enemy, which was superior in both troops and ammunition.

"The fighting is intense. Our forces have advanced a short distance but are blocked near the canal. It is very difficult to dislodge the Russians from the city," said a soldier.

Quick Look: Operation Day 449, Ukraine Says It Set a Trap in Bakhmut; Russia Still Fires Missiles at Kyiv

The unit fired about 100 mortar rounds per day towards Russia. The unit's location is being kept secret.

The Ukrainian side also said it had managed to make small advances on both flanks of the city, even as Wagner mercenaries were closing in on their goal of taking complete control of Bakhmut.

Wagner said it was unlikely the city would be captured in the next two days. Ukrainian troops are currently holding out in a makeshift "fortress" south of the city.

US-made F-16 fighter jets are on Ukraine's top aid request list

US will support training of Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16

According to CNN, citing a senior US government official, the training location is unlikely to take place in the US, but instead will be held in Europe. However, in a new development, US pilots will work side by side with their European counterparts in the training of Ukrainian pilots.

"As training takes place in the coming months, the coalition of countries participating in this effort will decide when to actually provide fighter jets, how many fighters and which countries will provide them," the official said.

F-16 fighter jets will be helpless in Ukraine against Russian air defense systems?

The US official added that, up to now, Washington and its allies and partners have focused on providing aid mainly in equipment systems, weapons, and training needed for the counter-offensive campaign in the spring and summer.

"The discussions on how to improve Ukraine's Air Force capabilities reflect the long-term US commitment to Kyiv's defense capabilities," the US official said.

A day earlier, CNN also reported that the Biden administration had given European allies the green light to allow them to export fighter jets to Ukraine, according to informed sources.

More than 117,000 new recruits join the Russian army

As Russia prepares to respond to Ukraine's counterattack, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev on May 19 cited data from the Russian Defense Ministry on the number of new recruits joining the military from January 1 to May 19.

Accordingly, up to now, Mr. Medvedev said that more than 117,000 people have joined the Russian army.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said in December 2022 that it was necessary to increase the number of military personnel to 1.5 million to meet the needs of the new period.

Russian President Vladimir Putin

Also on May 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the West for trying to break Russia into dozens of states, and for trying to divide ethnic minorities and different national groups within Russia.

He also stressed that the more the West sanctions Russia, the more the cohesion of Russian society increases.

Kissinger says Ukraine should join NATO

In a related development, the US sanctions list on Russia has surpassed 300, with the latest sanctions focusing on revenue from future energy and military industrial supply chains.

Meanwhile, the UK has announced a new round of sanctions against Russia, specifically 86 individuals and businesses linked to the war in Ukraine.

Judge Karim Ahmed Khan of the International Criminal Court,

Also on May 19, the Russian Interior Ministry issued an arrest warrant for International Criminal Court judge Karim Ahmed Khan, who in March issued a warrant for President Putin's arrest on charges related to the special military operation in Ukraine.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/chien-su-ngay-450-vien-canh-ukraine-duoc-vien-tro-f-16-dang-den-gan-185230519221546442.htm