Ukrainian defenders shell Russian invaders' positions in Kherson Oblast

BM-21 Grad of the Ukrainian army is on fire
BM-21 Grad of the Ukrainian army is on fire

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Vilkul said the successful actions by Ukrainian troops had prevented the enemy from conducting an offensive.

"The enemy is suffering serious losses in manpower and equipment," he said.

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"Tonight our guys gave an effective salute."

Vilkul said that the Russian troops were continuing to shell civilian areas out of frustration.

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"Without prospering in their plans, the orcs (Russian soldiers) continue their scorched-earth tactics and massive shelling of peaceful settlements," he said.

"There wasn't a single day without shelling this week, and today there was shelling along the entire length of the front line – there were missile launches from Uragans (a Russian heavy multiple rocket launcher system) in the Shyroke territorial community."

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On May 12, Vilkul reported that the Russians had used phosphate munitions in the Kryvyi Rih area.

Russia's war against Ukraine - the main events of May 16