In Russia, a Russian freight train derailed on Tuesday after the detonation of an explosive device, the second in two days, while acts of sabotage multiply.
Has Ukraine started its long-awaited counter-offensive with a series of sabotages in Russia? Russia and annexed Crimea are the target of a series of attacks that kyiv, which recently claimed that its preparations for this counter-offensive were nearing an end, has not claimed responsibility for. In the Kherson region of southern Ukraine, three people were killed in artillery strikes. Here’s what to remember from this new day in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
In Russia, an “explosive device” again derails a freight train
A freight train in the Russian region of Bryansk, bordering Ukraine, was derailed on Tuesday due to the explosion of a “explosive device” on track, with no casualties, the local governor said. On Monday, an explosion derailed a freight train, which partially caught fire, near the town of Ounetcha, closer to the Ukrainian border than Tuesday’s derailment.
Numerous sabotages on railways in Russia have been reported since Moscow launched its offensive against Ukraine in February 2022, but it is the first time this week that officials have confirmed attacks of this magnitude, as Kiev says prepare its counter-offensive to reconquer territories.
Three people killed in Kherson region
Three people were killed in artillery strikes in the Kherson region, and five others were injured, the local prosecutor of the region announced on Telegram. Ukrainian justice affirms that homes and businesses were affected by these strikes.
According to the Russian government, fighting is taking place “along the line of contact”
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told a meeting with senior military officials that fighting was taking place “along the entire line of contact” in Ukraine, reports The Guardian (article in English). According to the minister, the success of the Russian forces on the battlefield “would largely depend on the timely resupply of weapons” and other military equipment.
Ukraine and Canada pledge to continue their long-term cooperation
“Canada will continue to provide them with military, humanitarian and financial assistance”assured Monday at the end of the day the Canadian head of government, Justin Trudeau, who pledged to help “Ukraine as long as it takes”. Canada has already trained more than 36,000 Ukrainian soldiers since September 2015 and this mission has been extended until March 2025. In mid-April, the eight Leopard 2 tanks promised by Ottawa to Kiev arrived in Poland. These 55-ton machines are one of the key components of the Canadian arsenal, and are among its most advanced equipment.
The “day of victory” amputated by several holidays on May 9 in Russia
Celebrated as “Victory Day” against Nazi Germany in Russia, May 9 will not go as planned in several parts of the country. The governors of six of them announced the cancellation of the traditional parades, for security reasons, report it Guardian (in English).
Tinder’s parent company leaves Russia
To meet people in Russia, you will no longer need to count on Tinder. Match Group, the parent company of the application, has announced that it will cease all of its activities in the country by June 30. The departure of the group specializing in dating services, with Tinder but also Hinge, Meetic or even match.com, is the latest example of Western companies having chosen to leave or suspend their activities in Russia since February 2022. These departures have in particular enabled Chinese companies to often come and take over, but also for Russia to try to develop local alternatives.
