Ukraine: War Updates – Key events as of May 8, 2025

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Ukraine: War Updates – Key events as of May 8, 2025
Ukraine: War Updates – Key events as of May 8, 2025

As of May 8, 2025, the war in Ukraine has lasted 1170 days. At this stage of the conflict, the Armed Forces of Ukraine continue to hold the front line, repelling Russian attacks and striking back effectively. Over the past day, the intensity of combat rose to nearly 200 engagements, while Russia escalated its use of aviation and kamikaze drones. The successful liberation of a forested area near Lyptsi in Kharkiv region highlights Ukraine’s tactical achievements. Meanwhile, international support for Ukraine continues both diplomatically and militarily.

The 1170th day of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine saw intense fighting across all major sectors.

  • A total of 196 combat clashes were recorded. Russia launched 2 missile strikes and 89 airstrikes, dropping 157 guided aerial bombs. Artillery shelling exceeded 6,000 attacks, including 151 by MLRS. 2,891 kamikaze drones were used.
  • In the Kharkiv sector, Russian forces conducted 11 assaults near Vovchansk, Vovchanski Khutory, and Kamyanka. Ukrainian forces liberated a forest area near Lyptsi.
  • In the Kupyansk sector, 6 attacks took place near Hlushkivka, Nova Kruhlyakivka, Zahryzove, and Synkivka.
  • In the Lyman sector, Russia launched 24 attacks near Kopanky, Hrekivka, Kolodiazi, Ridkodub, Novyi Myr, and Olhivka.
  • In the Siversk sector — 6 clashes near Verkhniokamianske, Bilohorivka, and Fedorivka.
  • In the Kramatorsk sector — 10 engagements near Bila Hora, Chasiv Yar, Predtechyne, and Kurdiumivka.
  • In the Toretsk sector — 13 assaults near Shcherbynivka, Krymske, and Toretsk.
  • In the Pokrovsk sector — 61 attacks near Yelyzavetivka, Pokrovsk, Troitske, Malynivka, Lysivka, Kotlyne, Zvirrove, Udachne, Novoseriivka, Novooleksandrivka, Nadiyivka, Bohdanivka, Andriivka, and others. 32 were repelled.
  • In the Novopavlivka sector — 32 attacks near Kostiantynopil, Novosilka, Vilne Pole, Novopil, Bahatyr, Odradne, Pryvilne, and Burlatske.
  • In the Orikhiv sector — 7 attacks near Stepove, Kamianske, and Shcherbaky.
  • In the Prydniprovske sector — 2 unsuccessful Russian assaults.
  • In the Huliaypole sector — 1 failed attempt near Vysoke.
  • In the Kursk sector — 7 attacks, 7 airstrikes (10 bombs), and 149 artillery shellings.
  • In the “Kurschyna” zone — 19 attacks, 7 airstrikes, 325 shellings, including 1 with MLRS.
  • No significant changes were reported in the Volyn and Polissia sectors.

Ukrainian forces hold firm, neutralize Russian manpower and equipment, and make tactical gains.

Russian Losses

According to Ukraine’s General Staff, Russia continues to suffer heavy daily losses, indicating a critical decline in offensive capabilities:

  • Personnel — 1,200 (total Russian losses: 961,970)
  • Tanks — 2 (total: 10,782)
  • Armored fighting vehicles — 10 (total: 22,429)
  • Artillery systems — 50 (total: 27,552)
  • MLRS — 1 (total: 1,379)
  • Air defense systems — 1 (total: 1,156)
  • Tactical UAVs — 141 (total: 35,407)
  • Vehicles — 120 (total: 47,604)
  • Special equipment — 2 (total: 3,875)

The scale of daily losses shows the erosion of Russia’s offensive capabilities.

Ukrainian Gains and Enemy Targets Destroyed

Ukraine’s Defense Forces conducted successful strikes on key Russian positions and assets:

  • 10 areas of enemy troop and equipment concentration were hit.
  • 2 UAV control centers were destroyed.
  • 6 artillery systems were eliminated.
  • A fuel depot was destroyed.
  • 1 radar station was neutralized.
  • 20 Shahed drones were shot down during the third wave of attacks on May 7.
  • 6 decoy drones were lost by the enemy.

These actions undermine Russia’s logistics, command, and fire support systems.

Diplomatic Developments

Diplomatic activity intensified on May 8, amid growing international condemnation of Russia’s actions:

  • President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged allies to ramp up sanctions and confirmed negotiations for new support packages.
  • UK PM David Cameron announced in Parliament that London was reviewing additional sanctions on Russia’s defense industry and banking sector.
  • A NATO security forum in Berlin focused on Ukraine. A long-term defense agreement with Germany was discussed.
  • Poland’s MFA called for an urgent EU Council meeting over recent Russian missile strikes.
  • Ukraine’s UN envoy Serhiy Kyslytsya called on member states to intensify Russia’s isolation in global institutions.

Ukraine’s diplomatic front continues to strengthen, reinforcing pressure on Russia.

International Support for Ukraine

May 8 saw continued international support for Ukraine’s defense and resilience:

  • The EU transferred a fourth €1 billion tranche of macro-financial aid under the G7 ERA program (totaling €45 billion).
  • Ukraine is considering switching its currency peg from USD to EUR to align with EU integration.
  • U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed plans to meet President Zelenskyy after finalizing a rare-earth agreement.
  • Former U.S. envoy Kurt Volker stated Trump has taken a tougher stance on Russia.
  • The EU is considering doubling Ukraine military aid to €40 billion in 2025.

Global partners remain committed to Ukraine’s military and economic stability.

Humanitarian Situation in Ukraine

Russian attacks continue to target civilian infrastructure and population centers:

  • In Sumy region, airstrikes on Boiaro-Lezhachi, Nova Sloboda, and Brusky killed 1 woman and injured 2 civilians.
  • In Cherkasy region, Shahed drones struck an industrial site during the third attack wave; fire contained, no casualties.
  • In Kyiv and Zhytomyr regions, over 20 drones were downed overnight. Debris caused damage to homes and cars; several people sustained minor injuries.
  • In Donetsk region, 22 civilian sites were damaged, including homes, a school, and a power station.
  • The ICRC warned of a worsening situation in frontline areas of Donetsk and Kharkiv and requested safe access for aid.

Ukraine continues evacuation, emergency response, and humanitarian outreach.

Domestic Situation in Ukraine

Ukraine is implementing critical reforms and stabilization measures amid wartime conditions:

  • Parliament is reviewing legislation to extend martial law and revise mobilization exemptions.
  • The Ministry of Defense launched a unified digital registry of conscripts.
  • The National Bank reported inflation at 1.2% in April, with the hryvnia stable at 39 UAH/USD.
  • The Cabinet approved restoration plans for critical infrastructure in Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Chernihiv regions.
  • The Ministry of Health expanded medicine distribution in frontline areas, prioritizing antibiotics, surgical supplies, and psychosocial care.

The government remains operational, financially stable, and committed to reform and resilience.

Outlook

May 8 marked another day of intense combat across all active sectors. Despite Russia’s pressure, Ukraine held the line and made localized gains, including near Lyptsi. Russian forces suffered significant losses, while Ukraine strengthened its international support and institutional resilience.

Humanitarian challenges remain severe, but state and volunteer systems continue to respond. The strategic initiative remains with Ukraine, both on the battlefield and in diplomacy.

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