The Russian army denied in a press release any “breakthrough” of its defenses by Ukrainian forces, as worried pro-Russian military bloggers and the boss of the paramilitary group Wagner.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky assured in an interview with the BBC (website in English), broadcast Thursday, May 11, that his army still needed time to prepare a major counter-offensive. To help, the United Kingdom announced that it would become the first country to supply long-range missiles. Here is the main information of this new day of conflict.
Ukraine needs time before counter-offensive, admits Volodymyr Zelensky
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky assured in an interview with the BBC (site in English) that his army still needed time to prepare a long-awaited counter-offensive intended to repel the Russian forces, for lack of “lose a lot of people”he explained.
This Ukrainian operation has been in preparation for months, while the front has been largely frozen for the past year, with the bulk of the fighting taking place for control of the devastated city of Bakhmout in the east.
The Ukrainian army has trained new forces and accumulated ammunition and equipment supplied by Western countries which analysts say will be the key to retaking the territories they occupy from the Russians.
UK to deliver long-range missiles to Ukraine, a first
The UK will become the first country to supply long-range missiles to Ukraine in response to “the aggression continues” of Russia, British Defense Minister Ben Wallace announced. These cruise missiles have a range of more than 250 kilometers, more than any other weapons supplied to kyiv by Western countries. These missiles have the ability to reach areas in eastern Ukraine controlled by Russian forces.
“The donation of these weapons systems gives Ukraine the best chance to defend itself against Russia’s continued brutality,” added Ben Wallace. These missiles “will allow Ukraine to repel Russian forces based on the sovereign territory of Ukraine”.
The Storm Shadow missile, which is being jointly developed by the UK and France, is launched from the air. It is called SCALP by the French army.
The Russian army denies any “breakthrough” of its defenses by Ukrainian forces
The Russian army denied in a press release any “breakthrough” of its defenses by Ukrainian forces, as worried pro-Russian military bloggers and the boss of the paramilitary group Wagner.
Several pro-Russian bloggers following the situation on the ground were alarmed by the movements of Ukrainian troops and the abandonment by Russian soldiers of positions, in particular near Bakhmout, the epicenter of the fighting in eastern Ukraine.
“Statements broadcast by individual Telegram channels about ‘defence breakthroughs’ allegedly taking place in various parts of the contact line do not correspond to reality”the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.
He assured in his report of the past day that he had repelled some Ukrainian attacks and reconnaissance operations on the front, without their number differing from what was reported in the previous days and weeks.
US accuses South Africa of supplying weapons to Russia
The American ambassador in Pretoria has accused South Africa of providing military support to Russia, despite its declared neutrality in the conflict with Ukraine, offending the South African government which promises an investigation and regrets publicity of these remarks.
Washington welcomed the announcement of this investigation. “It would be a welcome step”State Department deputy spokesman Vedant Patel said soberly during a press briefing.
According to Reuben Brigety, the American ambassador to South Africa, the United States is convinced that “weapons and ammunition were loaded” aboard a Russian freighter, moored near Cape Town in early December, “before he leaves for Russia”. “Arming the Russians is extremely serious” And “fundamentally unacceptable”he said during a meeting with South African media.
Questioned in Parliament, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said that the questions concerning this ship, the Lady R, were “under review”adding that “when the time comes, we will be able to talk”.