Ukraine: War Updates – Key events as of May 15, 2025

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Ukraine: War Updates – Key events as of May 15, 2025
Ukraine: War Updates – Key events as of May 15, 2025

As of May 15, 2025, it is the 1177th day of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. Over the past day, the situation on the frontlines remained extremely tense — the enemy launched massive shelling and dozens of airstrikes, while suffering significant losses in manpower and equipment. Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to repel assaults, strike critical enemy targets in the rear, and maintain initiative in key directions.

Situation on the Frontlines

As of May 15, 2025, Ukraine recorded 168 combat engagements across the front. The fiercest battles were observed near Pokrovsk, Novopavlivka, and Lyman.

Key developments:

  • In the Kharkiv direction, Ukrainian forces repelled five attacks near Vovchansk, Hlyboke, Vysoka Yaruga, and Kudiivka.
  • In the Kupiansk area, the enemy launched three attacks near Pishchane, Kruhliaivka, and Hlushkivka.
  • In the Lyman sector, Russia attempted 32 assaults near Ridkodub, Kolodiazi, Novyi Myr, Zelena Dolyna, and other settlements.
  • Near Siversk, Ukrainian troops repelled five enemy attacks in Bilohorivka, Hryhorivka, and Verkhniokamianske.
  • In the Kramatorsk area, there were eight enemy attempts to advance toward Chasiv Yar and Kurdiumivka.
  • In Toretsk, at least 20 Russian assaults were repelled near Toretsk and Dyliivka.
  • In the Pokrovsk area, there were 101 combat engagements overall, including 74 on the previous day alone.
  • In the Novopavlivka sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled at least 37 enemy attacks.
  • In the Orikhiv area, five assaults were repelled near Stepove, Mali Shcherbaky, and Novoiaholivka.
  • In the Dnipro River area, enemy forces attempted to advance near Kozatske but were stopped.
  • In the Hulyaipole region, no ground assaults were recorded, though airstrikes took place.
  • In the Kursk direction, 17 combat clashes occurred, seven of which were ongoing by evening.

Russian forces carried out 1 missile strike, 68 airstrikes, dropped 108 guided bombs, used 3,327 kamikaze drones, and conducted 5,298 artillery attacks — including 151 with MLRS.

Ukrainian forces successfully held back Russian assaults and prevented breakthroughs despite the high intensity of attacks and large-scale enemy resources.

Russian Losses

According to the Ukrainian General Staff, as of May 15, 2025, Russian military losses since the start of the invasion on February 24, 2022, are estimated at:

  • Personnel — approximately 970,590 (+1,220)
  • Tanks — 10,812 (+8)
  • Armored combat vehicles — 22,514 (+13)
  • Artillery systems — 27,872 (+45)
  • MLRS — 1,384 (+2)
  • Air defense systems — 1,166 (+1)
  • Aircraft — 372 (unchanged)
  • Helicopters — 336 (+1)
  • Tactical UAVs — 36,000 (+140)
  • Cruise missiles — 3,197 (unchanged)
  • Ships/boats — 28 (unchanged)
  • Submarines — 1 (unchanged)
  • Vehicles and fuel tanks — 48,547 (+165)
  • Special equipment — 3,892 (+8)

In the past 24 hours alone, Russia lost over 1,200 personnel and dozens of combat vehicles, artillery systems, and UAVs. These losses highlight the effectiveness of Ukraine’s defense and precision strikes.

Ukrainian Military Achievements

Over the past day, Ukraine’s air force, artillery, and missile troops struck key enemy targets:

  • Airstrikes were carried out on three areas of Russian troop and equipment concentration.
  • Artillery and rocket forces hit:
    • 4 artillery systems in firing positions
    • 1 radar station
    • 9 additional important enemy military sites

In addition, 62 Shahed-type drones were shot down, and 29 decoy drones failed to reach their targets across Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk, Poltava, Kyiv, and Ivano-Frankivsk regions.

Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to degrade Russian capabilities through accurate, high-impact strikes deep into enemy territory.

Diplomatic Developments

On May 15, 2025, Turkey hosted the first direct peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in three years. Despite high expectations, the meetings revealed major gaps and little readiness from Moscow for constructive negotiations.

  • President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Ankara to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Zelenskyy confirmed that Defense Minister Rustem Umerov would lead Ukraine’s delegation.
  • Russia’s delegation was headed by Kremlin advisor Vladimir Medinsky. The absence of Vladimir Putin or senior officials drew criticism. Zelenskyy called the Russian team “symbolic” and not empowered to negotiate.
  • Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said Moscow’s posture was a “slap in the face to the international community” and proof of insincerity.
  • U.S. President Donald Trump said no breakthrough could occur without a direct meeting between him and Putin.
  • Talks will resume on May 16, though Russia offered no concrete proposals.

The May 15 session highlighted the deep divide between the two sides. The absence of top Russian officials and vague statements cast doubt on the process.

International Support for Ukraine

As of May 15, 2025, global partners continue their steadfast support for Ukraine’s defense, particularly in air defense and artillery capability.

  • France confirmed that all CAESAR self-propelled howitzers produced in 2025 will be delivered to Ukraine.
  • The Netherlands announced it will supply a Patriot command center, additional F-16 fighter jets, and €150 million for HAWK air defense systems.
  • Germany provided 10 IRIS-T air defense systems.
  • The United States approved the transfer of 125 long-range artillery missiles and 100 Patriot missiles.
  • France also pledged funding for the maintenance of 60 CAESAR howitzers using revenue from frozen Russian assets.

These actions demonstrate unwavering Western support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and defense.

Humanitarian Situation in Ukraine

As of May 15, 2025, Russia’s ongoing attacks continue to inflict suffering on civilians and damage critical infrastructure.

  • Sumy region: Nearly 150 strikes in 24 hours killed 3 and injured 9 civilians. Infrastructure and homes were damaged.
  • Dnipropetrovsk region: Attacks on Synelnykove and Nikopol districts left one woman dead.
  • Donetsk region: One civilian killed, seven wounded, and 2,935 attacks recorded, destroying 89 civilian structures.
  • Evacuations: Over 90 people, including 22 children, were evacuated from front-line communities.
  • Kyiv: New resilience centers were opened, equipped with generators, communications, and water supplies.

Despite harsh conditions, Ukrainian authorities and international aid agencies continue evacuations, provide shelter, and restore basic services.

Domestic Situation in Ukraine

As of May 15, 2025, Ukraine’s internal affairs focus on expanding defense, cybersecurity, and social support for military personnel.

  • The Finance Ministry announced a revised state budget prioritizing military procurement and social assistance.
  • Parliament passed a law enabling automatic compensation payments to families of fallen soldiers via the Diia platform.
  • The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) blocked a cyberattack on critical infrastructure coordinated via Russian servers using zero-day malware.
  • The Ministry of Economy launched a subsidy program covering up to 70% of domestic drone manufacturing costs.
  • Free legal aid centers for service members and their families opened in Lviv and Vinnytsia, supported by the EU and Ombudsman’s Office.

Despite the war, the Ukrainian state continues to strengthen its institutions and ensure fair support for citizens.

Conclusion

Russia continues its large-scale offensive across eastern and southern Ukraine, concentrating firepower near Pokrovsk, Lyman, and Kupiansk. Despite heavy assaults, Ukrainian forces are holding the line and inflicting high casualties on Russian troops. Precision strikes on enemy artillery, command posts, and drones highlight Ukraine’s growing battlefield capabilities.

On the international stage, the Istanbul talks marked a diplomatic milestone, even as real progress remained elusive. Western allies reaffirmed their commitment to arming and financing Ukraine’s resistance. Internally, the Ukrainian government remains in control and responsive, adapting institutions to wartime needs.

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