Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 441

As the war enters its 441st day, we review key developments.

This is the state of affairs on Wednesday, May 10, 2023:

Conflict

• Russia launched about 15 cruise missiles against Ukraine’s capital, its second strike in as many days. Ukraine said its air defense systems shot them all down after airstrikes were heard in two-thirds of the country.
• The fighters of Russia’s Wagner Group, fighting in eastern Ukraine, have received a “combat order” warning that if they leave positions in Bakhmut they will be considered traitors, the head of the mercenaries, Yevgeny Prigozhin, said.
• Arman Soldin, a 32-year-old journalist with AFP news agency, was killed by rocket fire near Chasiv Yar in eastern Ukraine.

Diplomacy

• In trimmed-down Victory Day celebrations marking the Soviet triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II, Russian President Vladimir Putin said civilization was at a “decisive turning point” and claimed “a real war has been unleashed” against Russia.
• The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry expressed its dismay at the participation of the Prime Minister of Armenia and the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Belarus in the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, “alongside a war criminal “. Tuesday.
• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kiev for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who said the EU and Ukraine’s efforts to secure a “united Europe” must be as strong as the Russia’s desire to “destroy” it.
• UN relief chief Martin Griffiths was on his way to Turkey for a high-level meeting on May 10-11 to discuss the Black Sea grain deal, Turkey’s Anadolu Agency reported.
• The French parliament passed a resolution calling on the EU to formally label the Russian mercenaries Wagner as a “terrorist group”.
• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he sees no immediate possibility of talks to end the war in Ukraine as both sides are confident they can win, according to an interview published by Spanish newspaper El Pais.
• The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 has kicked off in Liverpool, Northern England, with acts from 37 countries competing to win the 67th edition of the musical event. Ukraine could not host the event this year, as the winner usually does, due to the invasion of Russia.

Weapons

• The United States has announced a new $1.2 billion military aid package for Ukraine, including air defense systems, munitions and money for training, the Pentagon said.