Photo: president.gov.ua
The large-scale Russian attack on Ukraine on Wednesday, May 13, is not a coincidence, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He said the Kremlin is deliberately trying to overshadow the visit of U.S. President Donald Trump to China.
Zelenskyy stated that one of the most intense and prolonged Russian assault waves against Ukraine is taking place at a moment of major geopolitical attention, when the U.S. president arrived in China for a high-profile visit.
He stressed that Russia is attempting to distort the international agenda and “draw attention to its aggression” by targeting Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure.
The president also noted that throughout the day Russia has been launching continuous waves of “Shahed” drones across Ukrainian regions, including areas closest to NATO borders.
According to Zelenskyy, at least 800 Russian drones have been used since the beginning of the day, with strikes reported in multiple regions. He added that dozens of people have been injured, including children, and six people have been killed.
Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine reported that Russia has launched a prolonged, multi-phase strike campaign targeting critical infrastructure, energy facilities, and government buildings.
The current operation reportedly involves several successive waves using both drones and missiles, aimed at exhausting Ukraine’s air defense systems and causing maximum damage to essential infrastructure.
