Russian offensive in Kharkiv region, US new military aid package to Ukraine - Friday brief

Russia's war against Ukraine: Latest

• War in Ukraine critical phase possible in coming months, top general says
• Russia intensively shelling border areas of Kharkiv region, casualties reported
• Russia increases its military presence in border areas with Ukraine: Details

Russians attempted to break through Ukrainian defense in Kharkiv region: Attack repelled

Yesterday morning, May 10, Russian troops backed by armored vehicles attempted to break through Ukrainian defenses in the Kharkiv region. The attack was repelled, but fighting continued in the direction of Kharkiv and Vovchansk.

According to Reuters, the Russian invaders are intensifying their attacks on the northeastern part of the Kharkiv region, in particular, on Vovchansk, to create a buffer zone.

The Center for Countering Disinformation noted that the enemy's attack on the Kharkiv region is similar to an imitation of a large-scale offensive involving limited forces and reconnaissance by combat.

Subsequently, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy was briefed by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, on the situation in the Kharkiv region. The discussion primarily focused on strengthening the border in the region, a crucial response to the escalating tensions.

Read more about the situation in the Kharkiv region in the article by RBC-Ukraine.

Missiles for Patriot and more: US announces new military aid package to Ukraine

The United States of America will provide Ukraine with armaments as part of a new military aid package worth $400 million.

The aid package includes:

• Additional ammunition for Patriot air defense systems;
• Additional ammunition for NASAMS systems;
• Stinger anti-aircraft missiles;
• Equipment for integrating Western launchers, missiles, and radars with Ukrainian systems;
• Additional HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) and ammunition;
• 155mm and 105mm artillery shells;
• Bradley infantry fighting vehicles;
• M113 armored personnel carriers;
• Mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicles;
• Trailers for heavy equipment transport;
• Optically guided TOW missiles;
• Javelin and AT-4 anti-tank systems;
• Precision aviation munitions;
• High-speed anti-radiation missiles (HARM);
• Small arms and additional ammunition for small arms and grenades;
• Demining equipment and obstacle-clearing ammunition;
• Coastal and river patrol boats;
• Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN) protection equipment;
• Spare parts, training ammunition, technical servicing, and other auxiliary equipment.

Russian oil refinery in Kaluga region attacked as part of Ukraine's intelligence operation, sources

During the night of May 10, as part of an operation by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, an oil refinery in the Kaluga region of the Russian Federation was attacked.

Multiple kamikaze drones were used in the attack. According to eyewitnesses, before the explosions on the territory of Pervyy Zavod refinery, UAVs were heard flying in the sky, and air defense operated. Later, a massive fire broke out at the site of the drone strike.

Witnesses claim that the fire engulfed tanks with diesel fuel and fuel oil.

As part of the operation, the following targets were hit:

• an atmospheric vacuum tube unit AVBT-101 (production capacity - processing 1.2 million tons per year);
• 3 tanks with diesel fuel;
• 1 fuel oil tanker.

France to supply Ukraine with more long-range SCALP missiles but there's catch, media reports

France may transfer long-range SCALP missiles to Ukraine that have expired. The decision is cost-effective, as the missiles are subject to disposal.

The missiles can be transferred under the Chrysalis program. In particular, we are talking about those missiles that were assembled from expired components. This will help Paris avoid the devastation of its own arsenal.

Overdue missiles are divided into two types:

• those that have expired;
• those in which individual components have been dismantled for use in other SCALPs.

The aforementioned missiles will be delivered to local factories and made usable in three months.

Ukraine receives first flight simulator for F-16 fighter jet

Ukraine has received its first F-16 fighter jet trainer. Czechia transferred it to one of the tactical aviation brigades.

"Czechia has handed over the first F-16 fighter jet simulator to one of the tactical aviation brigades," Commander of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Mykola Oleshchuk said.

According to him, the main module of the flight simulator is already being tested and prepared for operation by Ukrainian specialists.

Canada to provide over $55.6 million for air defense systems for Ukraine

On Friday, May 10, Canada announced the allocation of new military assistance to Ukraine. This involves strengthening air defense.

Specifically, Canada will allocate $76 million Canadian dollars (equivalent to $55.6 million USD) to Germany’s Immediate Action on Air Defence Initiative in support of Ukraine.

This initiative, launched by Germany in April 2024, pools money and resources from the international community to quickly find and deliver air defense systems to Ukraine. These systems will help defend against Russian air attacks that have killed thousands of Ukrainians and destroyed hospitals, power plants, and homes.