The situation 1514 – May 14, 2026

1. Russian forces have conducted two days of nearly continuous strikes against Ukraine with over 1,600 total long-range drones and missiles that heavily targeted Kyiv City and resulted in high civilian casualties.
2. The large-scale strike against Kyiv City did not violate the Russian-Ukrainian Victory Day ceasefire but nonetheless demonstrates that Russia is a bad faith negotiator.
3. The Kremlin continues to replace border oblast governors, likely to scapegoat regional officials for broader border security failures.  
4. Shuvayev, who has been in command of units that have reportedly committed war crimes in Ukraine, is part of the new “elite” Putin is forming in the Russian government through the “Time of Heroes” program.
5. The Kremlin is increasing its efforts to censor reactions to Ukrainian strikes against Moscow City, suggesting that it is growing concerned about its inability to protect the Russian rear.  
6. Russian commanders continue to order Russian soldiers to commit war crimes in Ukraine.  
7. Ukrainian forces recently advanced in the Slovyansk direction.

The full update of the Russian offensive 1514 is available on UNDERSTANDING WAR.