Ukraine says it has strengthened its defense in the east near the frontline town of Chasiv Yar near Bakhmut. Army chief Oleksandr Syrskyj announced on Sunday that additional weapons and drones had been sent there.
He is convinced that Russia wants to take the city on the Siwerskyi-Donets-Donbas Canal by May 9th. On this day, Russia celebrates Victory Day over Nazi Germany with opulent military parades. Russia has been regularly reporting successes by its own army in the Avdiivka area for weeks, while the Ukrainian army is suffering from the consequences of a lack of ammunition and difficulties recruiting new soldiers. Ukraine is desperately waiting for further military aid from the USA, which has been the country's most important military supporter since the Russian invasion began in February 2022. Germany announced on Saturday that it would soon deliver a third Patriot air defense system to Ukraine. Both agreed “that further efforts from partners” are necessary to strengthen Ukrainian air defense.