Russian offensive ongoing in Kharkiv

According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine's operational information as of 15:00 on social media, Russian troops persist in conducting offensive actions, aiming to dislodge units of the Defence Forces of Ukraine from their positions on the Kharkiv front.

As of 14:00 on May 13, the Russians had launched 11 attacks, with two ongoing combat clashes. While they achieved partial success near the settlement of Lukiantsi, their advance was halted, with Ukrainian forces initiating counterattacks. Additionally, eight airstrikes were conducted near various settlements in Kharkiv Oblast.

In response to these developments, reserves previously organized have been deployed to the Kharkiv front to bolster Ukrainian forces, with ongoing reinforcement depending on unfolding events. Ukrainian troops have been adequately equipped with the necessary weaponry.

Since the start of the day, the Russian losses on the Kharkiv front amounted to 97 personnel members and eight units of armament and military equipment. Furthermore, the Russians continue missile attacks and airstrikes across the entire frontline, including launches from multiple-launch rocket systems targeting Ukrainian force positions.

On other fronts:

• On the Kupiansk front, Ukrainian troops are repelling Russian attacks near several settlements, with 19 combat clashes reported.
• On the Lyman front, one combat clash occurred.
• On the Siversk front, 12 combat clashes occurred near various settlements.
• On the Kramatorsk front, 27 combat clashes occurred near several settlements, with airstrikes launched in proximity to specific areas.
• On the Toretsk front, no offensive actions were conducted by the Russians.
• On the Pokrovsk front, 24 combat clashes occurred.
• On the Kurakhove front, five combat clashes occurred near certain settlements, with one airstrike reported.
• On the Vremivka front, Ukrainian forces repelled Russian attacks near several settlements.
• On the Huliaipillia front, no offensive actions were reported by the Russians.
• On the Orikhiv front, eight combat clashes occurred near certain settlements, along with an airstrike.
• On the Prydniprovia front, the Russians persisted in attempting to dislodge Ukrainian troops from their positions, with ongoing combat clashes.
• On the Volyn and Polissia fronts, no significant changes were observed, with no indication of the formation of offensive Russian groupings.
• In Chernihiv and Sumy Oblasts, the Russians maintained their military presence, engaging in sabotage and reconnaissance activities, launching attacks on Ukrainian settlements from Russian territory, and increasing minefield density along the state border of Ukraine.

Ukrainian forces remain active, inflicting losses in personnel and equipment on the Russians, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Russia's revenues from oil and gas increased by 82% compared to last year

Energy revenues of the Russian budget for the first four months of 2024 reached RUB 4.157 trillion (approximately US$45.3 billion), marking an increase of 82% compared to the same period in 2023, as reported by Russia's Finance Ministry and cited by Kommersant.

The Ministry of Finance attributed this income surge to soaring oil prices and the utilization of funds from the National Welfare Fund (NWF) to compensate for the shortfall in oil and gas profits. Tax receipts, including VAT, also experienced a notable uptick of 25.4% between January and April compared to the previous year.

In April, oil and gas revenues for the federal budget exceeded the base level for the third consecutive month, totaling RUB 1.2 trillion. This figure is determined by the oil cutoff price of US$60 per barrel, established by Western countries in response to Russian aggression, which the Russian Ministry of Finance estimated at RUB 1.152 trillion for April.

Background:

Russian oil giant Gazprom has faced significant losses over the past 25 years. Despite this, the Kremlin aims to impose further taxes on one of the country's major state-owned enterprises.

In response to a series of attacks on Russian refineries, the Russian Ministry of Energy has requested the temporary suspension of the ban on petrol exports, which was implemented in March 2024.

Changes in the military leadership of the Russian Federation are a sign of preparation for a protracted war -ISW

The appointment of Andrii Belousov to the position of Minister of Defense is important because it will create economic conditions for a protracted conflict. He has no military experience, but this is nothing new—Shoigu also had no military experience.

Belousov's tenure as Minister of Economic Development and participation in the management of various innovative projects, including the development of drones, prepared him for the department's leadership and will help him combine economic and military factors in the work.