Ukrainian army ex-chief appointment as ambassador to Britain, attack on Russian refinery in Bashkiria - Thursday brief

Ex-Commander-in-Chief of Ukrainian army appointed as Ambassador to United Kingdom

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Valerii Zaluzhnyi as Ukraine's Ambassador to the United Kingdom.

"To appoint Zaluzhnyi Valerii Fedorovych as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland," the document says.

Ukrainian drone covers 1,500 km before hitting Russian oil refinery in Bashkortostan

The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) organized the attack on the oil refinery in Bashkiria, Russia. Before the attack, the drone flew a record 1,500 km.

According to RBC-Ukraine sources, the SSU drone set a historical record by covering a distance of 1,500 km. The drone hit an oil catalytic cracker.

"The SSU has once again proved that it has powerful technological solutions that help to inflict painful blows on the enemy. This means that Russian refineries and oil depots working for the Russian military-industrial complex cannot feel safe even in the deep rear," the source said.

Zelenskyy says Russia holds initiative on front, but Ukraine will stop it upon receiving arms

Ukraine will be able to stop the Russian offensive in the east if the arms supplies increase.

"With increased arms supplies, we will be able to stop them (the Russian troops - ed.) in the east. They have the initiative there now. This is not a secret. We need to stop them, take the initiative into our own hands. It is possible only when you have something strong in your hands," said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy adds that the command understands the names and quantities of everything the military needs. There is also an estimate of how many soldiers need to be taken out to give them a rest. Rotations continue, and there are plans for them.

"But besides these strong brigades that are being taken out, we need to bring in completed brigades. Not just strong guys, but strong guys with no bare hands. Mechanized brigades, powerful brigades," Zelenskyy said.

The president notes that there are supplies to Ukraine, however, these are not the volumes that were voted for. But as soon as the Defense Forces receive what they need, they will stop Russia's initiative in the east.

Germany to purchase three HIMARS units from US and transfer them to Ukraine

Germany, in cooperation with the United States, will transfer additional High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) to Ukraine.

"Together with the Americans, we will deliver three heavy HIMARS launcher systems to Ukraine," said German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.

According to him, they are part of the inventory of other Western armed forces and will be funded by Germany.

"We have also once again decisively confirmed the importance of NATO, but especially our European partners, when it comes to how we support Ukraine, what significance, and what danger Putin's attack on Ukraine poses to security in Europe and the world," Pistorius said.

US State Department announces deliveries of new arms to Ukraine in coming weeks

The United States will announce new arms packages to Ukraine in the coming weeks.

US Department of State spokesman Matthew Miller said that the issue of increasing the number of personnel in the Ukrainian army should be decided by Ukraine. But at the same time, the United States will continue to support it militarily and continue to support its economy to bring it to a place where it can stand on its own two feet.

Miller said that a number of measures are being implemented in this regard. The money that was transferred to the additional package can already be seen. He stated that there would be more announcements in the additional package.

The State Department spokesperson also said that in the next few weeks, there will be more announcements regarding the supply of weapons to Ukraine.

Russian troops strike 2 Ukrainian hydroelectric power stations, rendering them inoperative

During the morning Russian shelling of critical Ukrainian infrastructure on May 8, hydroelectric power facilities were also heavily damaged. Two hydroelectric power plants have been taken out of operation.

"The enemy continues to massively attack and destroy Ukraine's energy infrastructure, inflicting devastating targeted strikes," said a Ukrainian hydroelectric generating company.

According to Ukrhydroenergo, all hydroelectric power generation has been devastatingly damaged. The destroyed equipment requires considerable efforts to repair, restore, and significant financial resources.

"Today, the support, assistance, and decisive actions of the international community are more important than ever," Ukrhydroenergo emphasizes.

Ukrainian drones strike two oil transfer stations in Russia's Krasnodar region, sources

Ukraine's Security Service (SSU) drones struck two oil transshipment depots in the Krasnodar region of Russia.

According to RBC-Ukraine sources, the explosions happened at two oil depots in the village of Yurovka near Anapa in the Krasnodar region of Russia as part of an SSU operation. The oil depots, in turn, are transshipment points for fuel supplies to Russian troops in the temporarily occupied Crimea, as they are located near the peninsula.

Russian media are spreading video of the fire that broke out after the successful strikes. According to local authorities, 62 people and more than a hundred pieces of equipment were involved in eliminating the fire. The fire is likely to burn intensely.

"The bavovna (explosions ironically - ed.) season at Russian refineries and oil depots is in full swing. The SSU will continue to reduce Russia's economic and logistical potential for warfare," the source added.

Zelenskyy reveals potential start date for actual EU accession talks

Ukraine expects the next stage of rapprochement with the European Union in June.

“I have just spoken with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. We are actively preparing the next stage of rapprochement with the European Union for June - we anticipate the adoption of the negotiation framework and the actual start of negotiations on Ukraine's accession," the President stated.

He emphasized that Ukraine and Ukrainians deserve to start actual accession negotiations. Moreover, Zelenskyy emphasized that the European Union also needs this step.

“The European Union needs this step - not just politically. It's the lifeblood of the European Union to be such a European project that leaves no one outside its borders. No one who truly adheres to European values," the President summarized.