Due to the difficult situation in the energy system in Ukraine, blackout schedules have been introduced. In particular, in Kyiv, Dnieper, Odessa and other cities.
Intense fighting continues at the front. In the Kharkov direction, where the Russian occupiers intensified their offensive, the Ukrainian Defense Forces were able to add confidence near Volchansk.
However, the first cases of capture and execution of civilians by Russian troops have already been recorded there. It is not yet known exactly how many people we are talking about due to the intensity of the fighting.
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What happened in Ukraine and the world in 24 hours on May 16, 2024 – read further in the material on the ICTV Facts website.
- Lights out in Ukraine
- The situation in the Kharkov region
- Explosions in Mirgorod
- Execution of Ukrainians in Volchansk
- Veto on the dismissal of workers for relatives in the occupation
- Urgent support from the USA
- Military aid package from Denmark
- Pentagon report on the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
- Austrian investment fund for Ukraine
Lights out in Ukraine
In a number of regions of Ukraine, blackout schedules apply today and tomorrow, May 16 and 17. This is a forced step due to the difficult situation in the energy system, DTEK notes.
According to the company, power outages are applied at the direction of Ukrenergo.
At the same time, on May 17 it is also predicted that appropriate restrictions on light supplies will be in effect throughout Ukraine.
Photo: Pexels
The situation in the Kharkov region
In the Kharkov region, Russian troops attacked towards the village of Staritsa, launched missile attacks on Kharkov and Staraya Vodolaga, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported.
The report says that the invaders used aviation against Vilcha, Volchansk and Staritsa. However, soldiers of the Ukrainian Defense Forces carried out counterattack actions in the area of Volchansk, Kharkov region.
President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky reported that shelling of Russian troops does not stop, and there are still threats in the Kharkov region.
However, now the Ukrainian defenders and the measures taken have managed to add confidence near Volchansk, the president believes.
Explosions in Mirgorod
On the afternoon of May 16, powerful explosions occurred in Mirgorod, Poltava region. The OVA confirmed information about explosions in the region.
According to the regional military administration, preliminary, there were no casualties. At the same time, no attacks on civilian or critical infrastructure were recorded.
Execution of Ukrainians in Volchansk
Russian occupiers captured residents in Volchansk, Kharkov region, where active hostilities continue, and also began shooting people.
Preliminarily, we are talking about 35-40 captured people, says the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Igor Klimenko. It is not yet known exactly how many residents were shot by the Russians.
The head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs said that the Russian occupiers, who tried to gain a foothold in Volchansk, do not allow residents to leave, but kidnap them and hold them in basements. One man tried to escape and refused to follow the instructions of the Russians, for which they killed him.
Veto on the dismissal of workers for relatives in the occupation
President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky vetoed bill No. 7731, according to which an employer could fire an employee for failure to provide information about the presence of relatives in Russia and the temporarily occupied territories.
However, the President of Ukraine provided proposals for the bill, which should be considered by the relevant committee in parliament.
Urgent support from the USA
The United States is preparing another package of urgent military assistance for Ukraine, White House Speaker Karine Jean-Pierre said.
Because of Russia’s offensive, the United States is trying to provide assistance to the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kharkov area. It is not yet known exactly what will be in the new aid package.
Photo: Unsplash
Military aid package from Denmark
Denmark will provide another package of military aid to Ukraine worth €750 million, which will include strengthening air defense.
According to the Danish Ministry of Defense, this will include additional funding for future deliveries of F-16 aircraft to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, air defense, maintenance and funds for additional artillery mounts, shells and anti-tank mines.
In particular, Denmark will allocate about 2.4 billion crowns to strengthen the Ukrainian air defense system.
Pentagon report on the capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces
Ukrainian forces show battlefield ingenuity but lack some operational capabilities, US Department of Defense report says.
The Pentagon claims that from January to the end of March, a number of factors influenced the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
For example, these include the continued application of Soviet doctrine, the impact of attrition on the quality and level of force training, limited resources and capabilities, and the tactical and operational situation on the ground.
Photo: General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces
Austrian investment fund for Ukraine
In Austria they plan to create a fund, which over the next five years plans to allocate up to €500 million to support exports to Ukraine.
According to the Austrian Ministry of Finance, about €100 million per year is intended for new business, which will provide opportunities for its own exporters in the reconstruction of Ukraine.
First of all, investments will concern vital sectors of the Ukrainian economy. Project applications under the Program for Ukraine should start from mid-May 2024.
