At least two people have died following a Russian attack on a hardware store in Kharkiv.
During a vicious Russian assault on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv in its northeastern region, at least two individuals have perished, as per official reports. The mayor of Kharkiv, Igor Terekhov, confirming the casualties, posted a message on Telegram saying, "We are positive there are two fatalities." The same platform reported that 24 others got injured. The incident possibly targeted a store for home improvements in a populated area. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a separate Telegram update, shared that it's probable more than 200 people were inside the store. All emergency services are currently in action to assist individuals and put out fires, Zelensky's message mentioned.
16:30 Moscow targets a city in Belgorod with drones: The city of Shebekino faced two attacks from Ukrainian drones in the morning, as per the firsthand information given by the governor of Belgorod, Vyacheslav Gladkov via Telegram. Though no civilian casualties were recorded, the roof of an industrial building endured damage when a drone crashed there.
16:07 Russia and Iran's strengthening partnership: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has assurances that the alliance between Russia and Iran will stay intact following the passing of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. A statement issued by the Russian Foreign Ministry after a call between Lavrov and his Iranian counterpart, Ali Bagheri-Kani, alludes that the strategic partnership laid down by the presidents, Vladimir Putin and Raisi, will be upheld. All current collaborations and projects in numerous fields should proceed, the statement stressed.
15:46 Italian banks should withdraw from Russia: Italian central bank's chief, Fabio Panetta, urged Italian banks to cut ties with Russia. Although facing difficulties, Panetta affirmed the necessity toleave, basing this decision on concerns over reputation. UniCredit, among European banks, has the most significant ties to Russia, following the Austrian Raiffeisen Bank International. Intesa Sanpaolo is attempting to divest its business in the country.
15:22 Russian military advances control in Donetsk: Interfax, a renowned news agency, reported that Russian troops have taken down the village of Archangelske in the Eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region, as relayed by the Russian Defense Ministry. According to additional information provided by the ministry, they also progressed in the northern area of Kharkiv and quelled two Ukrainian counteroffensives. No statement was promptly issued by the Ukrainian government.
14:59 Russian Official warns sanctions' consequences: The Russian Finance Minister, Anton Siluanov, forewarned possible retaliation for the move by G7 nations to use frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine. He let this be known on journalist Pavel Zarubin's Telegram channel of the Russian TV station, Rossiya-1. Siluanov cautioned that Russia will reciprocate if their funds are illegally used by Western countries.
14:31 Financial support will continue to be extended to Ukraine from the G7 nations: Following the culmination of the G7 meeting in northern Italy, German Finance Minister Christian Lindner said that the G7 members will keep up with their financial assistance to Ukraine in the long run. (Refer to entry 12:51 lightning-striking-wizard-2). Funding for 2022 has been secured. "We want to proceed further." This entails devising new approaches for 2025.
14:06 In honor of Alexei Navalny, a street in Paris will be named after him: The city of Paris plans to name a street after Alexei Navalny, the celebrated Kremlin critic. A senator spoke on his behalf, mentioning how the Russian dissident has evolved as a symbol of freedom, transcending Russia's borders. With a unanimous agreement from the city council, preparations are underway to designate a site in Paris' 16th administrative area, notably in proximity to the Russian Embassy, as the future location of Navalny Street.
13:47 Ukrainian authorities conduct investigation against a brigade in Kharkiv: Ukrainian investigators have started a criminal case against the 125th Brigade, deployed to defend the Kharkiv region in May's early stages. Having invaded the North of Ukraine on the 10th of May and been pushed up to 10 kilometers into the area, a preliminary investigation asserts that this brigade had not prepared the defenses "properly" and was reproached for a "lack of commitment regarding military service." Twenty-nine commanders and commanders are under scrutiny, as the miscreants' punishment has not transpired yet.
12:51 Lindner: Aid for Ukraine shouldn't burden taxpayers
In the quest for additional financial assistance for Ukraine, German Finance Minister Christian Lindner anticipates a challenging task for the G7. "It is vital to minimize risks for taxpayers and eliminate them altogether," he stated after a meet-up of the G7 finance chiefs in northern Italy. These major Western countries seek to utilize the confiscated billions from the Russian central bank to benefit Ukraine. However, how this should be carried out remains subject to debate. The U.S. proposed that the G7 could lend Ukraine a substantial loan, which would be secured by the interest collected on the frozen Russian central bank funds. The loan could potentially amount to $50 billion. There's hope for a resolution in mid-June when the G7 heads of state gather in Apulia.
12:17 Rogozin: Ukrainian strike on Russian radar system triggers war concerns
Ukraine has allegedly assaulted a radar system of the Russian early warning system for nuclear missiles using a drone attack. Ex-Russian Ambassador to NATO, Dmitry Rogozin, offers his perspective: "This is a crucial component of the military supervision of strategic nuclear forces." Rogozin, now serving as a senator in the Russian Federation Council, accuses the U.S. of being involved in or, at least, aware of this assault. With such actions, the world drifts closer to the brink of a nuclear war.
11:48 Budanov: Unmanned Ships Are the Future for Ukraine’s Military
The Ukrainian Military Intelligence head, Kyrylo Budanov, conveys that his country is upgrading its fleet of unmanned ships so they can strike coastal areas and engage in attacking air targets. Budanov envisions unmanned ships replacing traditional warships in the future. In particular, he foresees this as the norm within enclosed or semi-enclosed bodies of water like the Black Sea or Mediterranean.
11:17 Mangott: Putin Aims to Sow Uncertainty in the Baltic Sea
A proposed legislation from the Russian Defense Ministry is causing trepidation among defense specialists over the Baltic Sea. As reported by the "Moscow Times," it appears the Kremlin is intending to increase Russian territorial waters in the area. Security expert Gerhard Mangott comments on the development.
10:55 Russian Forces Use Iskander Missiles to Strike Kharkiv Targets
The Ukrainian judicial system claims Russian troops bombarded a city district of Kharkiv with two Iskander missiles during the night. Iskander-M is a system whose missiles can fly 500 kilometers and can also carry nuclear warheads. The Iskander's missiles have a highly maneuverable trajectory, making them challenging to intercept. The alleged damage encompasses a school and a residential building.
10:04 Stoltenberg Supports Lifting Restrictions on Weapons for Ukraine
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg chimed in on the discussion about utilizing Western weapons against military targets in Russia. In an interview with "The Economist," he said yesterday that it may be time for allies to reconsider the limitations on the use of weapons they have provided to Ukraine. "We should consider whether we should lift some of the restrictions on the use of weapons we have provided to Ukraine, especially now, when battles are frequently occurring near the border in Charkiv." Stoltenberg underlined the notion of self-defense being "enshrined in the UN Charter" and being both legal and legitimate. "We are aiding Ukraine in preserving this right, and that should encompass the possibility of targeting Russian territories."
09:24 Ukraine Said to Use Drones to Attack Russian Radar Station
Unofficial claims report that Ukraine has targeted a critical radar station in the Russian Krasnodar region with drones. The station plays an essential role in the Russian early warning system for nuclear missiles and ballistic missiles. OSINT military specialists attribute the radar station to controlling an area spanning up to 6,000 kilometers in distance.
08:42 Experts Warn Against Ceasefire
Russian President Putin is broaching the subject of a ceasefire - but conditioned by their current territorial gains. This could be highly detrimental for Ukraine, argues the U.S. think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW). A ceasefire might enable Russia to prepare its forces for future offensive operations, with the goal of regime change, demilitarization, and country conquest. The Kremlin could also hinder support for Ukraine in the West by suggesting a frozen front would make it less urgent and vital.
08:11 CDU Politician Suggests Temporarily Suspending the Debt Brake for Ukraine War
CDU politician Rainer Brűgmann proposes suspending Germany's debt brake to support Ukraine in its war against Russia. Brűgmann anticipated that if the debt brake remains in effect, it could hinder Germany's assistance and cause continued financial strain. He also raised the possibility of income tax increases as an alternative way to finance German support for Ukraine.
CDU foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter suggests declaring a state of emergency due to Ukraine's situation amid the war. Kiesewetter explains in Spiegel that the war can only be won through debt, and it's incomprehensible why the German government has declared a state of emergency over the pandemic to fund a power and gas price cap amounting to 200 billion euros, while the war hasn't been deemed worthy of such measures. Declaring a state of emergency could suspend the strict budgetary restrictions in the Basic Law. Nevertheless, the FDP in the traffic light coalition has so far been strongly opposed to this.
07:56 Zelensky Praise Ukrainian Troops' Success in Kharkiv
The United States is sending more military aid to Ukraine worth millions. Additionally, another air defense system from Germany has arrived. In a video, Zelensky highlights the success of his troops in Kharkiv.
07:23 Ukrainian General Staff: Russia Has Suffered 500,000 Casualties
The Ukrainian General Staff accounts for 500,080 casualties on the Russian side since the full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022. The latest gains amount to 1140 losses. While the Russian military is intensely attacking the Ukrainian defenders, resulting in significant losses. The Ukrainians have reported 15 destroyed Russian tanks, 27 artillery systems, a missile defense system, and two multiple rocket launchers over the past 24 hours.
07:07 First Ukrainian F-16 Pilots Near Combat Readiness
The first group of Ukrainian F-16 pilots has completed their training in the US and is en route to Europe for further training. The training of pilots and ground personnel has reportedly taken almost a year. They are set to be ready for combat missions against Russian air forces in the summer. Ukraine is expected to receive over 60 F-16s from Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Belgium. These nations, along with the US, UK, Romania, France, and Bulgaria, have mobilized personnel, aircraft, and ground equipment to train the Ukrainians in flying and maintaining combat aircraft.
06:33 US Excalibur Shells Are No Longer Effective Due to Russian Jamming Devices
The Ukrainians have stopped using various US-supplied weapons as their accuracy has severely dropped. An article in the Washington Post reveals that the issue is prevalent with weapons guided by GPS - particularly Excalibur artillery shells, and HIMARS systems. The effectiveness of the Excalibur shells has allegedly dipped below 10%. The US has reportedly discontinued providing Excalibur shells to Ukraine. For effective use of HIMARS, the enemy's jamming devices should first be neutralized.
04:34 Stoltenberg: China's Support to Russia Critical in Ukraine War
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg considers China's support for Russia in the Russian invasion war crucial. "China claims it wants to maintain good relations with the West, but at the same time, Beijing is intensifying the war in Europe," Stoltenberg states to Welt am Sonntag. While China is not known to provide Russia with weapons or ammunition, there has been a rising trend in selling machine parts, microelectronics, and other technologies to Moscow for the production of missiles, tanks, and aircraft for use against Ukraine.
03:06 Hofreiter: Ukraine Should Be Allowed to Target Russian Military Bases with Western WeaponsAndreas Hofreiter, Green politician and chairman of the European Affairs Committee in the Bundestag, supports Ukraine's use of Western weapons to target Russian targets. He believes it is necessary to protect the Ukrainian population. "We shouldn't debar Ukraine from defending itself against Russian fighter jets using the weapons we have provided in Russian airspace," states Hofreiter. International law permits a state under assault to attack military targets in the adversary's land.
02:01 Ukraine - Russian Air Strikes Around Kupiansk, Partial Success
Ukrainian General Staff reports that Russia has launched fresh air raids against the city of Wowtschansk. Eight guided bombs have been used. The Ukrainian military has repelled ten Russian attacks in the city and its vicinity. Russia has managed to achieve "partial success" near Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region and in the Pokrovsk area of the Donetsk region.
01:30 Evacuations Planned for Northeastern Charkiw region after the new Russian Offensive
The police in the northeastern Charkiw region plan to evacuate 123 children to Charkiw and then to the Volhynia region in the northwest. Since the start of the new Russian offensive, more than 11,000 civilians have been evacuated.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the Ukrainian army has reclaimed control of a border region in the Charkiw area where Russian aggressors had advanced. In an evening video address, he said, "Our troops have successfully regained control of the contested area where Russian invaders had infiltrated." Zelenskyy had previously visited Charkiw. The Russian armed forces initiated a land offensive two weeks ago in the border region and seized several Ukrainian towns.
At 22:22, it was reported that 403 Ukrainian women are being held captive by the Russians. Many of these individuals are civilian non-combatants, as per information from the Ukrainian Coordination Center for Prisoners of War. The report also mentioned that there are women who went missing in 2014, and their fate remains unknown. The Russian authorities have disregarded numerous appeals demanding these imprisoned women's release.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba responded to claims of Russia's supposed readiness for peace talks by stating that Putin aims to thwart the success of a planned Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland scheduled between June 15 and 16. Kuleba stated that Putin's agenda doesn't include ending Russia's ongoing base-driven war against Ukraine. "Putin is doing everything in his power to sabotage the Switzerland summit on June 15 and 16. He's afraid of its success," Kuleba tweeted.
Lithuania's Interior Minister Agne Bilotaite revealed plans for a "Drone Wall" by NATO member states bordering Russia to protect against "provocations" from hostile countries. Bilotaite specified that the wall would extend from Norway to Poland. She described this as a new measure incorporating drone surveillance technology and anti-drone systems for border protection. The border fortification initiative stems from heightened security concerns due to Russia's attack on Ukraine.
In addition, the United States has declared it will provide an additional $275 million (over €253 million) in military aid to Ukraine to offset Russia's aggression. Ammunition for multiple rocket launchers known as HIMARS and 155 and 105 millimeter artillery munitions are included in this new aid package. This marked the fifth aid package approved by President Joe Biden since Congress endorsed a $40 billion (€37.5 billion) budget for Kiev at the end of April. Existing packages have already reached the front. The administration asserts that this fresh support should be "delivered as swiftly as possible" so the Ukrainian military can defend its nation, protect its citizens. To date, the US has provided over $50 billion (approx. €47.2 billion) in military aid to Ukraine, according to Pentagon figures.
Russia has instituted a mandatory class "Fundamentals of Personal Security" for children and teenagers in schools this academic school year. The course content includes military fundamentals like firing guns and bandaging wounds.
In a visit to Belarus, Russian President Vladimir Putin mentioned his supposed willingness to re-enter negotiations but under the stipulation that the discussions do not start from "what one side wants" but "beginning with the current realities that have developed on the ground." However, Ukraine has maintained that the return of Russian troops from their occupied territory is a prerequisite for lasting peace.
For comprehensive coverage of prior developments, please refer to this link. https://your-website-or-source.com/previous-updates-here
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Source: www.ntv.de
