Military experts: This is not a good sign

At night, the Russians conducted a combined strike (missiles, drones) in various parts of Ukraine. Out of 76 missiles/drones, the Ukrainians shot down 59. The main targets were energy infrastructure, at least three power plants were attacked.

The good news is that the Ukrainians managed to shoot down both Kh59/69 missiles. These guided missiles (especially its new version Kh69) are dangerous, as one of the power plants near Kyiv was severely damaged earlier.

It is good that the Ukrainians are able to shoot them down. It’s also good that you managed to shoot down all 4 Kalibr missiles. However, the launch of these missiles from the Black Sea is becoming more frequent, which is not a good sign.

Due to overloaded air defense and lack of modern systems, Ukrainians failed to shoot down Kinzhal, 2 ballistic and 1 Iskander cruise missiles. The latter have been released from Crimea again. It is true that information appeared that on May 4 the Ukrainians managed to destroy the Iskander system in Crimea, but these data still need to be verified.

It is likely that these are not the last hits these days. To celebrate the “victory” day, the Russians may carry out repeated strikes.

The Ukrainians are also trying to stay out of debt – presumably ATACMS successfully hit a fuel depot in Luhansk.

Luhansk direction

Kupjansk. The battles are intensifying. The Russians are trying to break through on the northern flank, according to unconfirmed data, they managed to make some progress in the forest near Synkivka. There were also heavy battles in the Kyslivka – Tabaivka section and near Stelmahivka.

By the way, probably because of the approaching “Victory Day”, the Russians are explaining how they destroyed not “some Ukrainian reservists” in Kyslivka, but “natovs”. “Aha,” experts quip.

Lyman. The intensity of the fighting has decreased, local clashes on the contact line continue.

Syverska. Heavy fighting continues, the contact line remains unchanged. Information appeared that the units of the 106th Airborne Division have already entered the battle. Therefore, it may be more difficult for the Ukrainians defending in the Syversk sector, but the probability that these paratrooper units will be reinforced by the Russian forces preparing for the assault on Chasiv Yar is decreasing.

Donetsk direction

Chasiv Yar. Clashes continue on the southern flank, the Russians fail to advance. The Russians are also trying to move on the northern flank, but the Ukrainians defended themselves here as well.

Pokrovsk – Vuhledar. Northern flank. Ukrainian forces maintain their positions, the Russians fail to advance. It cannot be ruled out that the offensive potential of the Russian 30th, 35th, 114th, 74th brigades and other units operating here is diminishing.

True, the lion’s share here still falls on the Russian KAB, of which the Russians used as many as 900 throughout the contact line in May. However, it does not seem that the Russians have at hand full-fledged reserves that can take over the burden of the attack. It brings some optimism.

To make it even more fun, the Bradley crew of the legendary 47th brigade operating in the sector destroyed a Russian T80 with a TOW missile.

Center. Fighting continues in Netailovė, south of Pervomaiska and near Nevelska, no changes in the contact line have been recorded.

Southern flank. The Russians managed to make some progress on the eastern outskirts of Krasnohorivka, the Ukrainians continue to defend the settlement. Information appeared that although the Russians did not occupy Paraskovijivka, they began to operate in the approaches to Kostjantinivka. It cannot be ruled out that the aggressor is trying to bypass Paraskoviyivka and disturb the important Ukrainian defense node in Kostiantynivka with distant fire.

Zaporizhia direction

The Russians managed to advance about 1 km in the approaches to Staromajorské. So the aggressor is slowly but pushing along the Mokryj Jal river to the north. Ukrainian forces counterattack.