Ukraine Invasion: Part 61

[MagicFox]

Welcome to thread 61 with many thanks to all So many thanks to all contributors and a special salute to those providing daily updates. For the 61st time, Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

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The United States wants to secure the right to use Ukrainian military technologies as part of the Drone Deal program, Bloomberg reports citing sources.
The relevant document is currently awaiting approval. Washington is interested because it could allow the U.S. to reproduce Ukrainian defense technologies domestically.

I hope Ukraine tells them to fuck right off. America doesn't have the cards.

Zelenskyy

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-may-19-2026/

Key Takeaways

1. Russia is using unannounced strategic nuclear exercises to posture strength against Ukraine’s allies and distract from mounting battlefield weaknesses.
2. Russian forces are likely conducting the surprise May 19 to 21 nuclear exercises and amplifying longstanding narratives aimed at influencing NATO decision-making and masking Russia’s own weaknesses.
3. Russia is escalating its efforts to set informational conditions for possible future aggression against the Baltic states.
4. Russian contract recruitment continues to decline as battlefield casualties rise, despite recent increases to one-time signing bonuses.
5. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) reportedly trained Russian military personnel in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 2025, underscoring how Russia and its allies are using the war in Ukraine for military learning and testing.
6. Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in China on May 19 for an official visit through May 20.
7. Ukrainian forces recently advanced in northern Kharkiv Oblast and in the Kupyansk and Hulyaipole directions.
8. Russian forces launched 209 drones toward Ukraine overnight.