May 13, 2023 Russia-Ukraine news
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Rome Saturday, where he met with his Italian counterpart, Italy's prime minister and Pope Francis.
If you're just now catching up, here's what you should know:
Zelensky's Italy visit: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke to Italian President Sergio Mattarella about “the war and the importance of Ukraine’s victory” on Saturday, according to Zelensky’s chief of staff. Then, Zelensky arrived at the Vatican to meet Pope Francis, where the two spoke about the humanitarian and political situation in Ukraine caused by the ongoing war, the Vatican said. During the meeting, the Pope assured "his constant prayer" for peace and stressed the need for "human gestures" toward victims of the war. And after what Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described as a "long and fruitful" meeting with Zelensky, she pledged unwavering support to Ukraine, saying Italy was ready to support its partnership with NATO.
When asked afterward by Italian media about the highly anticipated counteroffensive against Russian troops, Zelensky said:
"We believe in victory and believe that the first important steps will be taken soon."
Russian attacks. At least 21 people were injured and two others were hospitalized in the western Khmelnytskyi region of Ukraine after Russian attacks early Saturday morning, according to the deputy head of the regional military administration. Ukraine's Air Force said Saturday that 17 out of 21 Russian drones had been intercepted overnight by its air defense system. And in the eastern city of Kostiantynivka, two people were killed – including a 15-year-old girl – and 10 others were wounded as a result of Russian shelling, the Donetsk Regional Prosecutor's Office said in a Telegram post.
Luhansk explosions. An explosion was heard Saturday morning in the suburbs of the eastern city of Luhansk, which is occupied by Russian forces and a significant hub for Moscow's invasion, one day after the city was struck by two missiles. The explosion happened around 10 a.m. local time in the village of Yubileiny, Russian state news agency RIA Novosti reported.
Here's the latest map of control:
Source: CNN
