War update: 164 combat clashes on front lines in past 24 hours
On May 20, Ukrainian forces engaged in 164 combat clashes with Russian invaders, with the highest number of enemy attacks reported in the Pokrovsk sector.
21 May 2025
On May 20, Ukrainian forces engaged in 164 combat clashes with Russian invaders, with the highest number of enemy attacks reported in the Pokrovsk sector.
The Russian army’s combat losses in Ukraine from February 24, 2022 to May 21, 2025 amount to nearly 976,780 invaders, including another 980 troops killed or wounded in action in the past day.
A Russian drone attack on the Kyiv region left five members of the same family injured, according to Mykola Kalashnyk, head of the Kyiv Regional Military Administration.
The leaders of several major European nations have agreed to maintain close coordination ahead of a new round of negotiations aimed at ending Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Decoy drones can also carry explosives, although with smaller payloads than combat UAVs.
20 May 2025
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Russia must formulate its conditions for a ceasefire in Ukraine, which would open the door for broader negotiations.
On May 20, as many as 129 combat engagements between Ukraine’s Defense Forces and Russian invaders occurred along the front lines. The Pokrovsk sector remains the hottest spot, with the enemy launching 37 offensive actions there.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, focusing on support for the Ukrainian military and deepening defense cooperation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss concrete actions that could help bring about a ceasefire and progress toward lasting peace.
In Sumy region, the number of fatalities from a Russian shelling attack on Yunakivka community has increased to two.
If Russia does not agree to an unconditional ceasefire, the EU will respond with new sanctions to put more pressure on its economy and curb the Kremlin’s ability to continue the war.
On May 20, President Volodymyr Zelensky held a series of talks with European leaders, during which he discussed his recent conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump. In this context, Zelensky emphasized that "it is important that America remains involved in the peace process."
None of the sanctions imposed against Russia during President Joe Biden's administration have been lifted by the current U.S. administration.
On Tuesday, May 20, the EU Council imposed sanctions on 21 individuals and six entities in response to Russia's destabilizing activities abroad.
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp has stated that the outcome of the war in Ukraine will significantly influence the future of Europe's security architecture for years, if not decades, to come.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere has supported President Volodymyr Zelensky's proposal to allocate a larger share of Norway's nearly $8 billion aid package for 2025 toward drone production in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Ukraine's post-war recovery.
On Tuesday, May 20, the Council of the European Union adopted a decision to impose additional restrictive measures on three Russian entities involved in the development and use of chemical weapons in the war against Ukraine.
The head of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU), Sergiy Tomilenko, has handed a list of Ukrainian media professionals held in Russian captivity to the Vatican's Ambassador to Ukraine, Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas.
The approval of the 17th package of sanctions against Russia is important, but we need to go further.
During a conversation with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed possible platforms for negotiations with Russia.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and Crown Prince Haakon of Norway discussed strengthening energy sustainability, cultural ties, and defense investments.
Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has called on EU defense ministers to prioritize procurement in the Ukrainian defense industry.
On Tuesday, the United Kingdom announced new sanctions against Russia, targeting the country’s military, energy, and financial sectors. Notably, 18 ships of Russia’s "shadow fleet" were added to the sanctions list.military, energy, and financial sectors. Notably, 18 ships of Russia’s "shadow fleet" were added to the sanctions list.
On May 20, EU foreign ministers approved the 17th package of sanctions against Russia, targeting nearly 200 shadow fleet ships.
Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon arrived in Kyiv on May 20, 2025, marking the first royal visit from Norway to Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Finnish President Alexander Stubb discussed the details of the previous day’s phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump.
The European Union and all 27 member states remain united in their demand for a full and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine, a step Ukraine agreed to over 60 days ago. The EU is prepared to intensify pressure on Russia to push it toward a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution.
Russia has simply bought time to carry out offensive operations by refusing the U.S. demand for an immediate ceasefire. Russian military bloggers are claiming they’ve been allowed to “fight until victory.”
From a reservist in Romania to a combat medic in Ukraine