From: Transform Ukraine By Douglas Landro / May 6, 2025
As Ukrainian Forces Probe Kursk Oblast’s Defenses and Xi Jinping Plans Moscow Visit, Both Sides Reject Each Other’s Ceasefire Proposals While Civilians Pay the Price
Summary of the Day – May 5, 2025
The war’s complexity deepened as Ukrainian forces launched limited probing operations across the Russia-Ukraine border near Tetkino, creating ripple effects in the northern theater. Moscow faced its own vulnerability when Ukrainian drones approached the Russian capital ahead of Victory Day, triggering airport shutdowns. Diplomatic maneuvers intensified with China announcing Xi Jinping’s visit to Russia, while Zelensky rejected Moscow’s three-day ceasefire proposal. On the battlefield, Russian forces maintained pressure in several sectors, with new advances in Hryhorivka and near Dyliivka, as Russian strikes killed three civilians in Sumy Oblast border villages.
Ukrainian Forces Cross into Kursk Oblast: Limited Border Operations Test Russian Defenses
Ukrainian forces conducted a series of limited attacks across the Russia-Ukraine international border near Tetkino, Kursk Oblast on May 5, according to Russian sources. The reported operation targeted areas near Tetkino, Popova-Lezhachi, and Novyi Put, with Ukrainian forces allegedly using mine-clearing equipment to create paths through Russian minefields. Russian milbloggers claimed that a small arms clash erupted near the Tetkino Railway Station in southern Tetkino before Ukrainian forces withdrew back into Sumy Oblast.
The scale and objectives of the operation remain unclear, but tactical patterns suggest Ukrainian forces may be attempting to isolate Russian units throughout Glushkovsky Raion. Ukraine’s General Staff reported on May 5 that Ukrainian forces struck a Russian reconnaissance and drone command post near Tetkino, killing up to 20 Russian servicemembers and destroying their equipment. Russian sources claimed Ukrainian forces destroyed a bridge over the Seim River between Zvannoye and Tetkino, potentially to interdict Russian logistics in the area.
Voice of Ukraine 