Russia launches new attack, Kiev confident about Patriot, Zelensky's advisor makes bold proposal

European Union (EU) diplomatic officials commented on the possibility of peace talks and Denmark continuing to 'spend heavily', among the latest developments in the situation in Ukraine.

(05.30) Hiện trường một ngôi nhà đổ nát sau đợt tấn công của Nga tại thị trấn Toretsk, vùng Donetsk ngày 30/5. (Nguồn: Reuters)

A house destroyed by airstrikes in the town of Toretsk, Donetsk region, Ukraine on May 30. (Source: Reuters)

On May 29, RIA (Russia) quoted the announcement of the country's Ministry of Defense saying that Russian forces attacked many Ukrainian air bases last night and destroyed all targets.

The 16th airstrike by Russian forces this month, hours after the deployment of dozens of missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on the night of May 28, led to multiple explosions across Kiev.

* On the same day, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow is capable of responding to the West's suggestion of training Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 fighter jets.

Speaking during his visit to Kenya, he stated: “As for Denmark and the Netherlands and their intention to take the lead in training Ukrainian pilots to fly Western aircraft, it is first of all a desire to please the United States. These countries are actively pursuing Washington’s line in European affairs. I am sure that our armed forces are capable of responding to this move.”

* On May 29, in his nightly speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was confident in the strength of the Patriot missile defense system provided by the US.

“When the Patriot missiles in the hands of the Ukrainians guarantee a 100% interception rate of any Russian missile, the terrorists will be defeated,” he said. Earlier in the day, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said that all 11 missiles used by Russia in the morning attack were intercepted.

For his part, writing on Telegram , the Director of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, General Kirill Budanov, affirmed that he would respond to Russia: “Our response will not be long in coming. Everyone will see everything soon.”

Meanwhile, on Twitter , Ukrainian Presidential Adviser Mykhailo Podolyak made a bold proposal for the post-conflict territories of Russia and Ukraine. The official stated: “It is necessary to establish a demilitarized zone with a length of 100-120 km on the territory of the republics of Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk and Rostov (in Russia)”. According to Mr. Mykhailo Podolyak, this move will protect Ukrainian lands from shelling.

* On May 29, speaking at an event in Barcelona, Spain, European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell commented on the possibility of peace talks in Ukraine. He stated: “I see that Russia clearly wants to win. They will not participate in negotiations if they do not win this conflict.”

* On the same day, speaking to Danish public radio, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced that Oslo plans to increase military aid to Ukraine by 17.9 billion krona (2.59 billion USD) this year and next.

Writing on Twitter , Mr. Frederiksen, a potential candidate for the position of new Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), also stated: “This major contribution further strengthens the combat capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the short and medium term.... Our strength is in unity!”.

The announcement was made by the leader just ahead of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Oslo with other Nordic allies including Sweden, Norway and Finland this week.

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