Drone attack on Russian defense enterprise and Danish military aid to Ukraine - Thursday brief

RBC-Ukraine collage

On May 16, Ukrainian drones struck a defense plant in Tula, and Denmark delivered a new military aid package to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Read more about what happened on Thursday, May 16, below.

Russia's war against Ukraine: Latest

・The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported on the elimination of another 1,520 Russian soldiers, along with 30 armored fighting vehicles, 27 artillery systems, and 19 tanks.

・In the morning Russian troops shelled a mine in the Donetsk region. As a result, six miners were wounded.

・German defense conglomerate Rheinmetall will establish joint production of anti-aircraft systems in Ukraine.

Ukrainian intelligence drones struck defense plant in Tula, Russia

Ukrainian drones targeted the Russian defense enterprise Bazalt in Tula, Russia.

According to sources, on the night of May 16, drones of the defense intelligence attacked the production facilities of the state enterprise Bazalt in Tula, which is part of the Russian defense complex.

Meanwhile, Russian propaganda media reported that air defense systems were active in the Tula region that night. According to them, two drones were allegedly shot down. Open sources indicate that this plant is one of Russia's main defense enterprises for developing and supplying weapons and ammunition to the ground forces, air force, and navy.

The production facilities are located in Tula, Moscow, Kostroma region, and Krasnoarmeysk in the Moscow region.

Denmark allocates €750 mln in military aid to Ukraine

Yesterday, on May 16, the Danish government informed the Foreign Policy Council about the new aid package for Ukraine, totaling 5.6 billion kroner (€750 million).

Of this amount, 2.4 billion Danish kroner (€321 million) is reserved for air defense systems. Part of the funds will also go towards providing Ukraine with F-16 aircraft. Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen stated that the package also includes additional funds for direct investment in Ukraine's defense industry.

In addition to air defense systems and artillery, Ukraine will receive shells and anti-tank mines. This package marks the 18th aid installment from Denmark. Troels Lund Poulsen emphasized the seriousness of the situation in Ukraine.

"There is no doubt that Ukrainians need constant and massive support from their allies. With this package, we are sending a clear message to both Ukraine and the outside world. We are making both donations now and are ready to invest in Ukraine's defense industry on a large scale and over the long term. Their fight for freedom remains our fight," the minister added.

We cannot afford to lose Kharkiv. All we need are two Patriot systems - Zelenskyy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that modern air defense systems are crucial for the more effective defense of Kharkiv, specifically mentioning that two Patriot systems would suffice.

"The situation is very serious. We cannot afford to lose Kharkiv. All we need are two Patriot systems. Russia will not be able to occupy Kharkiv if we have those," he emphasized.

When asked about who is to blame for the renewed escalation in the Kharkiv direction, Zelenskyy responded that the whole world is responsible.

"It’s the world’s fault. They gave the opportunity for Putin to occupy. But now the world can help," he said.

China must choose between Putin and West - US State Department

According to a US State Department representative, the United States has reprimanded China for its continued support of Putin, who arrived in Beijing on Thursday.

"If China purports to want good relations with Europe and other countries, it cannot continue to fuel the biggest threat to European security," the US State Department representative said.

The official emphasized that this stance is shared not only by the United States but also by the European Union, NATO, and the G7. Putin made his first trip after being re-elected for a fifth presidential term, in the US efforts to continue isolating Russia.

NATO considering sending troops to Ukraine, but not for combat purposes - NYT

NATO allies are gradually moving toward a decision to deploy their forces to Ukraine to train Ukrainian troops.

"TA move that would be another blurring of a previous red line and could draw the United States and Europe more directly into the war," the media notes.

Journalists report that Ukraine lacks sufficient forces for training troops, and the situation on the battlefield has worsened due to the Russian offensive. Consequently, Ukrainian officials have approached their American and NATO counterparts for help in training 150,000 soldiers closer to the front line for quicker deployment.

Officially, the United States has not supported this idea, but Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Charles Brown considers the process inevitable. Brown stated that potentially stationed NATO instructors in Ukraine could be at risk, necessitating the use of air defense systems to protect them, which Ukraine could otherwise deploy near the battlefield.

Meanwhile, the White House refuses to send even instructors to Ukraine and urges its NATO allies to follow its example.