Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 435

By William On May 4, 2023

As the war enters its 435th day, we take a look at the main developments.

This is the state of affairs on Thursday, May 4, 2023:

To fight

A Russian attack on the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson and the surrounding region has killed at least 21 civilians and injured dozens more, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
A 58-hour weekend curfew was imposed in the city, the head of Kherson’s regional military administration, Alexander Prokudin, said on Telegram: [it] lasts until 6 a.m. on May 8.”
Ukraine denied Russia’s claim that it attempted to attack the Kremlin overnight.
Russia opened a “terrorism” investigation after it shot down two alleged drones it said were aimed at President Vladimir Putin’s residence.
Zelensky said Ukraine will “soon” launch a counter-offensive against Russian forces. The head of Russia’s Wagner group of mercenaries said there was more activity along the front line and claimed the counter-offensive had already begun.
Rail deliveries to Russia’s Black Sea port of Taman will be restricted until further notice, Russian Railways said on its website after a fuel depot caught fire near a bridge.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said talks between Russia and the United Nations on the Black Sea grain agreement will take place in Moscow on May 5.
Nordic countries support Ukraine’s efforts to join the European Union and NATO, the leaders of Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Iceland said in a joint statement with Zelenskyy who was in Helsinki.
NATO intelligence chief David Cattler said there was an increased risk that Russia would sabotage submarine cables to punish Western countries for supporting Ukraine.
Pope Francis greeted the Russian Orthodox Church’s foreign envoy days after revealing a secret “mission” to end the war in Ukraine.
Germany condemned the eight-year prison sentence handed down to Belarusian activist Roman Protasevich, who was arrested after his flight was forced to land in the country.

The United States approved a $300 million military assistance package for Ukraine, including additional ammunition for the HIMARS missile system, howitzers, and artillery and tank ammunition.
After weeks of disputes, Sweden, the current holder of the EU’s rotating presidency, said the group’s ambassadors had made a decision “to support the Ukrainian armed forces with €1 billion for joint procurement of munitions and missiles”. The scheme aims to supply Ukraine with 1 million artillery shells within the next 12 months.