WAR IN UKRAINE: May 15, 2023
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS: Day 446
Two senior Russian military officers have been killed in eastern Ukraine, the Russian Defense Ministry said Sunday, the latest high-profile losses for Moscow in a grinding war with its western neighbor. The ministry said the two officers -- Col. Vyacheslav Makarov and Col. Yevgeny Brovko -- were in killed in action while leading Russian troops in the Donetsk region. It did not specify when or exactly where they were killed. “The commander of the 4th motorized rifle brigade, Colonel Vyacheslav Makarov, being at the forefront, personally led the battle," a Russian Defense Ministry briefing read - CNN
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is undertaking shuttle diplomacy in Western Europe ahead of an expected spring counteroffensive against Russia. It included stops in Rome, the Vatican, Berlin and Paris. Before dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron: 'Ukraine's defensive and offensive capabilities grow with every visit.”
Germany, considered earlier as a bit of a laggard in terms of military support, pledged its biggest package yet and Chancellor Olaf Sholtz said Berlin would stand with Kyiv for as long as it takes. The €2.7-billion military aid package includes: 30 Leopard tanks, 200 combat vehicles and 100 surveillance drones.
Zelenskyy on May 14 accepted the Charlemagne Prize at a ceremony in Aachen, Germany, saying it was a "great honor" to receive the prize on behalf of the Ukrainian people, who have been fighting for their freedom and the values of Europe. Zelensky, who was showered with accolades before he accepted the prize, said every Ukrainian "would deserve to stand here." In his acceptance speech he stressed that Ukraine wanted nothing more than peace, but this could only be achieved with victory in the conflict, which he said would decide the fate of Europe.
At the event, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki hailed Zelensky as "the most outstanding leader on an international stage in the 21st century," while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Zelenskiy and the Ukrainian people were paying with their blood and their lives as they fight for freedom, humanity, and peace. Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the recipient of the award last year, was also present at the ceremony. She said it was an honor to meet Zelensky. “We stand united with Ukraine for freedom and for democracy” - RFE/RL
At least one Russian warplane and a military helicopter crashed in the Bryansk region bordering Ukraine, Russian emergency services said, with several reports claiming the craft had been shot down - RFE/RL
Turkey appeared headed for a runoff presidential election with the parties of Tayyip Erdogan and opposition rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu each claiming the lead but sources in both camps admitting they may not clear the 50% threshold to win outright. Early results on Sunday put Erdogan comfortably ahead, but as the count continued his advantage eroded as expected. A runoff on May 28 appeared likely, which would delay a verdict on the president's two decades in power - Reuters
Belarus' leader Alexander Lukashenko has missed a major state celebration, further fuelling health speculation. The autocratic politician, 68, usually speaks publicly at the annual National Flag, Emblem and Anthem Day event but his prime minister read a message on his behalf on Sunday - BBC