Narratives in Media Coverage of Ukraine

Zelenskyy Calls for a Peace Summit

• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called on U.S. President Biden and Chinese leader Xi to join an upcoming peace summit to “show who in the world really wants to end the war.”  He called on the leaders to “please, show your leadership in advancing the peace – the real peace and not just a pause between the strikes.” (NBC News; see also Euractiv)

Russia Bombs Hypermarket in Kharkiv

• Russia bombed a hypermarket in Kharkiv, killing at least 12 people and starting a fire.  Zelenskyy said that there were more than 200 people in the hypermarket at the moment of the strike. (Politico; see also Politico, AP News)

New Eurobarometer Poll Shows Effect of War in Ukraine

• A new Eurobarometer poll shows that 77% of those surveyed back a common defence and security policy among EU member states and 71% think that the EU needs to reinforce its ability to produce military equipment.  The change in stance around defence in Europe was driven by the war in Ukraine, and the poll showed overwhelming support for helping Ukraine. (Politico)

Germany’s Initiative to Support Ukraine Falls Flat

• Germany promised to rally allies to help supply Ukraine with air defence systems, but almost no other countries are responding to Germany’s initiative.  Berlin has pledged 11 U.S.-made Patriot batteries, 50 shorter-range air defence systems, and air-to-air missiles.  It has also attempted to get allies to follow its Immediate Action on Air Defence initiative, but allies are not willing to send batteries to Ukraine. (Politico; see also Politico, AP News)

Russia Announces Tactical Nuclear Weapons Exercises Near Ukraine

• After accusing the West of being “provocative,” Russia announced it had started tactical nuclear weapons exercises near Ukraine. (Politico)  

Ukraine and EU to Start Membership Talks in June

• Brussels wants to start formal EU membership negotiations talks with Ukraine in June.  Ukrainian and EU diplomats are working to persuade the Hungarian government to approve opening talks on Ukraine’s accession. (Politico; see also Euractiv)

Ukraine Rejects France’s Olympics Truce

• Zelenskyy rejected French President Macron’s call for a truce during the Olympic Games in Paris.  Zelenskyy said that Russia would take advantage of a truce to press its military advantage. (Politico)

Law Mobilising Convicts

• Zelenskyy signed a law allowing some convicts to serve in the army.  Barring those who have committed the most serious crimes, the law will allow the recruitment of 10,000-20,000 convicts into the army. (Politico)

Putin Ready to Halt War in Ukraine with Ceasefire

• Four Russian sources told Reuters that Russian President Putin is ready to halt the war in Ukraine with a ceasefire that recognises current battlefield lines. (Reuters)

Aid for Ukraine

• The United States announced $275 million of weapons and equipment for Ukraine. (Reuters; see also AP News)
• Spain plans to send Patriot missiles and Leopard tanks to Ukraine.  The aid is part of a €1.13 billion weapons package announced earlier this month. (Reuters)

Zelenskyy Says Ukrainian Forces Secured Areas in Kharkiv

• Zelenskyy said that Ukrainian forces secured “combat control” of areas of Kharkiv where Russian troops had staged an incursion earlier this month. (Reuters; see also AP News, Euractiv)

Russia Destroys Trains and Tracks in Kharkiv

• Russia destroyed trains and tracks in Kharkiv as Ukrainian authorities organised the evacuation of children from the area. (AP News)

Russia Attacks Ukrainian Power Grid

• Russian attacks on Ukraine’s power grid have led the country to institute nationwide rolling blackouts.  Without air defences and repairs, shortages could worsen in the coming months. (AP News)

Disinformation in Ukraine

• Since the beginning of Russia’s invasion, projects across Ukraine have been developed to combat disinformation. (Euractiv)

European Defence Ministers to Discuss Support for Ukraine

• The Foreign Affairs Council in ‘Defense’ format will meet on 28 May to discuss European military support for Ukraine and the EU’s defence preparedness. (Agence Europe)

Author: Sophie Adams-Smith, Media Analyst, Promote Ukraine