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What the days before 18 May 2024 showed
Summary
A look back at the reports of 16–17 May 2024 on drone strikes in Russia, US military aid and sanctions.
What was the picture on 18 May 2024, as the previous two days' reports were absorbed? Three developments, reported on 16 and 17 May, framed it: new American money for Ukraine's defence industry, new American sanctions aimed at Russia's arms links with North Korea, and a Ukrainian drone attack on Russian oil infrastructure.
Aid aimed at industry
On 16 May 2024, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced a $2 billion military aid package for Ukraine. The stated aim was to invest in Ukraine's industrial base, which points to production capacity rather than only the delivery of finished equipment.
Sanctions on arms transfers
The same day, Washington announced sanctions on two Russian individuals and three Russian companies. The reason given was that they had facilitated weapons transfers between Russia and North Korea.
Drones over southwestern Russia
On 17 May 2024, Ukraine launched a massive drone attack across southwestern Russia. As reported at the time, it caused fires at several oil refineries, including at the port of Novorossiysk.
Taken together, the reports from those two days describe pressure applied on several fronts: financial support for Ukraine's own industry, penalties for Russia's external arms suppliers and partners, and strikes on refineries inside Russia.
