As the war between Russia and Ukraine continues into its 823rd day, the conflict remains intense and complex, with significant developments on both the battlefield and the diplomatic front. From deadly missile attacks and territorial advances to international condemnations and sanctions, the situation remains fluid and dire. Here’s a comprehensive look at the key events and developments as of Tuesday, May 28, 2024.

Fighting Snihurivka Attack: A Russian missile strike on the town of Snihurivka in Ukraine’s Mykolaiv region killed three people and injured six others, as reported by emergency services and the local governor.

Kharkiv Bombing: In Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, a Russian guided bomb hit a sweet factory, killing at least one woman and injuring 11 others, according to the Kharkiv regional prosecutor’s office.

Zelenskyy’s Statement: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that Russian forces have dropped approximately 3,200 guided aerial bombs on Ukraine this month. He noted that

Kyiv lacks sufficient air defense missiles to counter such extensive attacks.
Russian Advances: Russia's Ministry of Defence claimed its forces captured the villages of Ivanivka in the northeastern Kharkiv region and Netailove in eastern Donetsk. Ukraine has not commented on these claims.

Luhansk Strikes: Ukraine reportedly launched two attacks on the Russian-occupied city of Luhansk, causing a fire. Ukrainian news outlets indicated that an airfield was targeted in the second strike. Ukrainian officials have not commented on these incidents.

Joint Drills: Russia and Belarus will conduct joint air force and air defense drills from May 27-31, as announced by the Belarusian Ministry of Defence.

Politics and Diplomacy

Exclusion from Peace Summit: President Zelenskyy excluded Russia from next month’s peace summit in Switzerland, stating that Russia would obstruct the process and emphasizing that

Moscow seeks to destroy Ukraine rather than achieve peace.

EU Sanctions: The European Union imposed sanctions on the media outlet Voice of Europe, its funder Viktor Medvedchuk, and "covert head" Artem Marchevskyi. The sanctions, which extend penalties imposed by the Czech Republic, target the platform as a Russian influence operation undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty.

German Spy Sentenced: A German court sentenced Thomas H, a former army captain, to three and a half years in prison for spying for Russia. He was found guilty of handing over internal documents to Russia’s consulate in Bonn and offering to provide more in the future.

Spain’s Military Aid

Spain’s Military Aid: Spain pledged 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) in military aid to Ukraine, including Patriot missiles and Leopard tanks. The aid package was announced as Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and President Zelenskyy signed a security agreement in Madrid to enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

Belgium Security Pact: President Zelenskyy will visit Belgium to sign a security pact with Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. This agreement, part of a series with European allies, includes long-term security assistance through arms supplies and training for Ukrainian forces.

French Military Instructors: Ukraine’s top commander, Oleksandr Syrskii, signed an agreement allowing French military instructors to visit Ukrainian training centers. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence confirmed ongoing discussions with France and other countries about using foreign instructors for an ambitious training project.