Home News

News

Ukraine battlefield near frontlines with military engagement, smoke, artillery fire and drones overhead during the May 19, 2025 Russia‑Ukraine war update.

Russia – Ukraine war updates as of May 19, 2025

On Day 1181 of Russia’s invasion, Ukraine reports 175 combat clashes, 78 air strikes and 2,904 kamikaze drones used across multiple fronts — intense battlefield activity continues. ([empr.media](https://empr.media/news/war/russia-ukraine-war-updates-as-of-may-19-2025/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
May 19, 2025
Visitors exploring a free‑entry museum in Kyiv on International Museum Day with exhibits, architecture and cultural displays. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

International Museum Day. Which museums in Kyiv are free to visit

Celebrate International Museum Day in Kyiv with free admission to the National Museum of Natural History, Kyiv‑Pechersk Lavra, St. Sophia Cathedral, Golden Gate, Ukrainian Literature Museum and more. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
May 18, 2025
Crowd gathers at Maidan Nezalezhnosti in Kyiv for the farewell ceremony honoring British deminer Chris “Swampy” Garrett, killed near Izium. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

A farewell ceremony was held in Kyiv for British deminer Chris Garrett

Kyiv’s Independence Square hosted a solemn farewell to British bomb disposal expert Chris “Swampy” Garrett, killed while clearing mines near Izium. Friends, comrades and citizens honored his sacrifice and legacy. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
May 18, 2025
Six Ukrainian climbers at Everest’s summit after historic mass ascent, part of the biggest Ukrainian mountaineering achievement to date. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

The most massive ascent: Six Ukrainians conquered Everest in a single day

Six Ukrainians reached the summit of Mount Everest on May 14 in the biggest group climb in Ukraine’s history — then four summited nearby Lhotse the next day, with one climber setting a 12‑hour double peak record. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
May 18, 2025
Ukraine air defenses engaging a massive flight of Russian drones over Kyiv region in Russia’s largest overnight aerial attack to date. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Russia – Ukraine war updates as of May 18, 2025

On May 18, 2025 Russia launched its largest drone assault yet — 273 Shahed and decoy UAVs — striking Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk regions with civilian casualties reported just days after peace talks failed. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
May 18, 2025
Damaged residential building and rescue workers after a massive Russian attack on Kyiv region that killed civilians and caused widespread destruction. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Russian massive attack on the Kyiv region: deaths and destruction

A massive Russian strike hit Ukraine’s Kyiv region with drones and missiles, killing civilians and wrecking houses, power lines and buildings — part of a relentless bombardment of the capital’s outskirts. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
May 18, 2025
Ukrainian Su-27 fighter jet flying over eastern frontline near Lysychansk, illustrating advancing Ukraine air power against Russian defenses. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Ukrainian aviation begins approaching Lysychansk

Ukrainian warplanes — including Su-27 fighters — have begun operating over Lysychansk, penetrating Russian air defenses and marking a tactical milestone that a Ukrainian colonel calls evidence of a forward advance on the occupied eastern front. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
May 16, 2025
Delegates at Ukraine-Russia talks in Istanbul after negotiations on a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange, with no ceasefire deal reached.

Summing up of Ukraine – Russia negotiations in Istanbul: ceasefire, 1000-for-1000 exchange, and Russia’s threats to capture Kharkiv and Sumy regions

Ukraine and Russia wrapped up peace talks in Istanbul with an agreement to swap 1,000 prisoners each but failed to secure a full ceasefire. Moscow reportedly threatened to seize Ukraine’s Kharkiv and Sumy regions as differences deepened. | empr.media :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
May 16, 2025
Ukrainian prisoners of war being transported or in Russian custody, symbolizing harsh terrorism sentences handed to Ukrainian soldiers by Russian courts.:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Two Ukrainian soldiers were sentenced to 16 years on charges of “terrorism” in russia

Two Ukrainian servicemen were sentenced to 16 years in a Russian prison on terrorism-related charges after being captured in combat and tried in a military court. Their long terms underscore a broader pattern of harsh convictions of Ukrainian POWs. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
May 16, 2025
Convoy of military and humanitarian vehicles transporting the bodies of 909 fallen Ukrainian defenders for repatriation and family identification. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

The bodies of 909 fallen defenders have been returned to Ukraine

Ukraine has brought home the bodies of 909 fallen defenders from frontline sectors and morgues in Russian territory as part of ongoing repatriation efforts, moving them toward forensic identification and burial rites. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
May 16, 2025
Ukrainian and Russian peace negotiators seated at Istanbul summit using interpreters to communicate during high-stakes talks. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

The Ukrainian delegation at the talks in Istanbul communicates with the Russians through an interpreter

During the first direct Ukraine-Russia peace talks in Istanbul, negotiators from both sides communicated through interpreters — a noteworthy diplomatic detail amid stalled progress and complex negotiations. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
May 16, 2025
Pope Leo XIV meets with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy at the Vatican, reaffirming willingness to host Ukraine-Russia peace negotiations. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Pope Leo XIV offers the Vatican as a venue for negotiations between Ukraine and Russia

Pope Leo XIV and Vatican officials offered St. Peter’s City as a neutral venue for future Ukraine-Russia negotiations after stalled diplomatic efforts — seeking a just and lasting peace. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
May 16, 2025

Log in with your credentials

Forgot your details?