02:44: Fire reported at Russian oil refinery
At an oil facility located in the Russian town of Novocherkassk, a fire has been reported by local media sources. Earlier, there were multiple explosions. The governor of Rostov's border region claims it was the target of a drone attack. Emergency responders are currently at the scene. The plant had been attacked by a Ukrainian drone before in March.
1:24 The U.S. anticipates that Russia will conduct more extensive naval and air force exercises in the Caribbean this summer. A spokesperson from the U.S. government told journalists, "In line with routine Russian military exercises, we foresee Russia engaging in intense naval and air force activities near the U.S. coast." These activities are seen as part of normal military operations and won't pose a direct threat to the U.S. Their purpose is for Russia to demonstrate its worldwide influence. Nonetheless, the U.S. Navy will monitor these operations.
0:04 Putin defends Russia's collaboration with the AfD. Speaking with international news agency representatives in St. Petersburg, the Russian president stated, "We'll establish connections with whoever wants to connect with Russia." Putin does not perceive neo-Nazism in the AfD's actions, which are considered right-wing extremist in certain areas. He emphasized that there aren't any "systematic relationships" with the German opposition party, but if someone promotes friendly relations with Russia, Moscow will pursue that.
23:29 Putin discredits rumors of a Russian invasion of NATO territory as "nonsense." Putin responded, "You came up with the idea that Russia is eager to attack NATO. Are you completely out of your mind? Are you as foolish as this table? That's ridiculous, you understand?" His denial additionally includes his dismissal of accusations that he had suggested the use of an atomic bomb. "But have I claimed the possibility of utilizing atomic weapons? You invented that."
22:20 Putin is willing to look into the circumstances surrounding the death of AFP journalist Arman Soldin. "We'll conduct whatever inquiry we can," Putin commented during his meeting with journalists from international news agencies in St. Petersburg (see entries 21:25, 20:58, and 20:18). "We're willing to do so. However, it's complicated because he was in a war zone when he was killed." Recalling that Russia couldn't launch an investigation into Soldin's passing due to his location on Ukrainian-held territory, Putin now states his readiness to explore the situation. Video journalist Soldin, aged 32, was mortally wounded by a rocket blast on May 9, 2023 as he reported on Ukrainian soldiers stationed close to the border city of Bachmut.
21:51 Lavrov seeks new partners in Africa. Russian state media reported that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, during his visit to Burkina Faso, said that Moscow will dispatch further military equipment and instructors to the West African country to enhance its defensive capabilities. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Lavrov has made nine excursions to Africa. This trip is part of the Kremlin's diplomatic campaign: Russia wants to build new ties. Lavrov summarized his relationship with Burkina Faso, asserting, "Ever since the first contacts between our countries soon after the 2022 military coup, Russia and Burkina Faso have been extremely close together in all areas, including the development of military and military-technical relations," according to the Russian news agency TASS. Russia acquires a partner that doesn't endorse the invasion but also refrains from criticizing it.
21:25 Putin anticipates no shift in Russia's stance after the U.S. election. In St. Petersburg, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a press conference with global media outlets, "Nothing will shift Moscow's approach for us." Putin said that dealing with the U.S. president selected by the American people is another tactic. Previously, Putin mentioned that he would favor a Biden victory since he's more predictable. Putin also expressed criticism toward the lawsuit against former President Donald Trump, who's campaigning against Biden on November 5.
20:58 Over 6,000 Ukrainians are in Russian captivity, according to Putin. "More than 6,000 Ukrainian prisoners of war are in Russia," declared Putin at a gathering with major international news agency representatives in St. Petersburg (see entry 20:18). The figure exceeds the number of Russian soldiers and police officers held by Ukraine.
20:18 Over 6,000 Ukrainians are in Russian custody, notes Putin. "More than 6,000 Ukrainian prisoners of war are being held in Russia," explained Putin to international news agency representatives gathered in St. Petersburg. He asserts that the number of captured Ukrainian soldiers and police officers is lower.
5:35 PM Putin cautions against employing German weapons against Russian targets
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed apprehension regarding Ukrainian forces using German arms to assault targets in Russian borders. Putin conveyed this during a meeting with significant international news agency representatives in Saint Petersburg. Last year, the delivery of German tanks to Ukraine led to a major shock in Russia. "If they now launch missiles to attack establishments on Russian territory, it will completely eliminate Russian-German relations," Putin stated. The gathering at the Lachta Center of energy colossus Gazprom is a part of the 27th Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum. It represents the primary international get-together since the inception of Putin's war against Ukraine.
5:10 PM France to provide Ukraine's infrastructure with €650 million
France has published their plan to grant additional assistance to Ukraine, pegged at €650 million, before a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During a meet at the Elysée Palace on Friday, President Emmanuel Macron will sign two agreements, according to the Elysee. The French development agency AFD will obtain €400 million in loans and €50 million in donations for its work in Ukraine. These finances are anticipated to prioritize energy and transportation projects. Furthermore, a support fund of €200 million is set to support French firms partaking in the reconstruction of Ukraine's infrastructures. Zelenskyy is in France for ceremonies commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Allied landing in Normandy.
4:51 PM The EU examines employing frozen Russian funds for Ukraine
EU finance ministers within the G7 group are exploring stances on exploiting proceeds from confiscated Russian assets to complement a sizable loan for Ukraine. "The finance ministers will discuss the need for further discussions after the G7 summit in Apulia at their meeting in June," confirms Eurogroup chair Paschal Donohoe following a digital conference of EU ministers. The Western governments concur that the confiscated Russian assets should be used to support Ukraine. The EU prefers to take up the interest payments and funnel the majority of the funds towards buying weapons and partially into Ukraine's reconstruction. However, the US government proposes employing the confiscated funds and their income as collateral for a colossal $50 billion loan to Ukraine. This notion still generates opposition within the G7 and the EU.
4:26 PM Anonymous volunteers manufacture several kamikaze drones for Ukraine
Ukraine experiences a dearth of both personnel and ammunition. To remedy this deficiency, the production of kamikaze drones is escalating. Hundreds of anonymous volunteers are handcrafting drones, which are soon to be employed for spying on and bombarding Russian military locations.
4:00 PM Ukraine uses US weapons against Russian territory
A Western government official asserts that Ukraine has employed US-provided weapons for attacks upon Russian soil. This aligns with the new guidelines approved by US President Joe Biden.
3:51 PM A Russian blogger is sentenced to more than five years in prison for broadcasting Bufficha accounts
Russian blogger Anna Bashutova, known for sharing witness statements about the Russian-claimed massacre in the Ukrainian city of Bufficha on the streaming platform Twitch, was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison by a Moscow court. The court determined that Bashutova, aged 30, disseminated "spurious" data about human rights violations perpetrated by the Russian army in Ukraine. "This is cruel and appalling," Bashutova declared in the court. "We will appeal," said Bashutova's legal representative Andrey Nevreva. Bashutova had reported witness declarations from Butcha residents on Twitch in July 2023, detailing the atrocities committed by the Russian military. Subsequently, "patriotic" Russian bloggers, who support Russia's offensive in Ukraine, targeted her. Two months later, police raided Bashutova's home and seized the video recordings. Bashutova's Twitch account was deactivated.
3:14 PM Zelenskyy proceeds to negotiations in Qatar
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Qatar for leverage talks with Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar's Emir. In a Telegram post, Zelenskyy conveys his intention to discuss Qatar's mediation in repatriating Ukrainian kids abducted by Russians. Furthermore, bilateral economic matters and the upcoming peace summit in Switzerland, where Qatar will partake, are also anticipated to be discussed. Scheduled for June 15 and 16, the peace summit is intended to find a conclusion to the conflict.
Ukrainian males of military age living abroad should expect the possibility of not being allowed back into Ukraine after visiting, but instead having to serve in the army. Starting June 1st, those who have been away from Ukraine for longer than three months will no longer be exempt from military service, says Andriy Demchenko, spokesman for the Ukrainian Border Guard. This regulation applies to any male Ukrainian citizen aged 18 to 60.
16:50 Solotschiv Border Area: Ukrainian Authorities Removing Children
Viktor Kovalenko, head of the military administration of Solotschiv, has spoken to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) about Ukrainian authorities' efforts to evacuate all children from the Solotschiv border area. Solotschiv is located within the contested Kharkiv region, very close to the Russian-Ukrainian border.
16:12 Georgsband Fined: Man Sentenced to Prison for Insulting Soviet WWII Victory Symbol
In St. Petersburg, a 60-year-old man with both Russian and US citizenship has been sentenced to serve three and a half years in a penal colony. He was convicted of insulting the memory of the Soviet army in World War II by posting offensive comments about the orange-black St. George's Ribbon, a symbol of the Soviet army's victory over Nazi Germany, on the Russian social network Odnoklassniki. Additionally, he will be banned from posting on the internet or other communication platforms for one and a half years. The man lives in Brooklyn, New York and works as a security guard at a sports center. He was arrested during a visit to Russia in December 2023.
15:46 Germany: Pistorius Aims to Make the Bundeswehr Ready for 2029
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is aiming to make the Bundeswehr combat-ready by 2029, addressing the threat from Russia. "We must be combat-ready by 2029," he said in a parliamentary hearing at the Bundestag. "We must deter to prevent the worst from happening." Pistorius highlights three key areas for this goal: finances, equipment, and personnel. "In an emergency, we need fit young women and men who can defend this country," he continued. He believes that a "new form of conscription" is necessary, but it cannot be entirely obligation free. Conscription in Germany has been suspended since 2011.
15:17 Poland: Commission Investigating Russian/Belarusian Influence
In Poland, a twelve-expert-strong commission has begun working to investigate potential Russian and Belarusian intelligence influence over the past 20 years. The committee, led by the head of military counterintelligence, General Jaroslaw Strozyk, is comprised of security experts. Russian intelligence services are feared by Poland due to its support for Ukraine and logistical hub role for Western military aid.
14:50 Ukraine: One Killed, Five Injured Due to Russian Attacks in Donetsk
According to Vadim Filaschkin, the governor of Ukraine's Donetsk region, one person has been killed and five others have been injured in Russian attacks in eastern Ukraine. The attacks targeted civilians in the city of Torezk. Another person was injured in an air attack in the city of Selydowe near the front line, according to Filaschkin. President Volodymyr Zelenskye reports that Russian forces are currently focusing their attacks on the Donetsk region, as the Kremlin has declared Donetsk and three other regions in Ukraine as annexed in winter of 2022, but does not entirely control them.
14:22 Pistorius Doesn't Plan Sending German Soldiers to Ukraine
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has ruled out the deployment of German soldiers in Ukraine. He stated this during a government hearing in the German Bundestag, in response to a question from AfD MP Ruediger Lucas regarding the possibility of such discussions in the European Union and France and potential deployment of German soldiers in Ukraine. Pistorius answered "no and no."
Russian assaults on Ukrainian electricity plants could lead to severe repercussions in the coming months. As per a Ukrainian government official, Ukrainians could spend the majority of their days without power during the coming winter. A different government official who prefers to stay anonymous remarks that the latest attacks on power plants on Saturday were "devastating." In total, 1.2 gigawatts of power generation were lost due to the bombings on Saturday, while essential infrastructure for transporting gas from underground storage in western Ukraine was gravely damaged as asserted by one of the officials. The Financial Times reports that Ukraine's power generation capacity has more than halved since the outbreak of war: from approximately 55 gigawatts it has decreased to just 20 gigawatts.
15:14 Russian regional governor: A 5-year-old girl dies due to Ukrainian artillery fire in a village
In a village occupied by the Russians in southern Ukraine, according to the regional administration, eleven individuals sustained injuries from Ukrainian artillery fire. The Russian-appointed administrator for the area of Zaporizhzhia, Yevgeny Balitsky, announced on Telegram that a 5-year-old girl had expired from her injuries. Independent confirmation of the occurrence is yet to be received. The village of Novoslobodskoye experienced shelling on Tuesday evening. According to maps of the frontline, the Ukrainian village is located roughly 3 kilometers behind the line.
11:25 Swiss Fighter Jets Land on a Highway at 260 km/h
Swiss fighter jets landed on a highway at 260 km/h during a training mission on Monday. The Swiss Air Force confirmed the incident. The jets had to make an emergency landing due to a technical issue. The highway was shut down for several hours. The Swiss Air Force declared that the pilots managed to land safely and no one was injured. The jets weren't harmed.
The Swiss Air Force trains in response to the tense global situation: F/A-18 fighter pilot training involved starting and landing on the autobahn in Payerne. The pilots had flawless landings, says Brigadier Christian Oppliger, deputy commander of the Air Force. The planes landed at a speed of approximately 260 kilometers per hour. The last such exercise by the Swiss Air Force occurred in 1991. The threat situation has evolved substantially, states Oppliger: "The Air Force must be prepared for everything." It's not just about defense anymore, but also about countering enemy ground-air systems. The Air Force aims to keep adversaries at a distance of up to 100 kilometers beyond the limits. The exercise's purpose was also to test the Air Force's readiness for deployment right after a potential first strike on military airfields elsewhere.
11:00 Kiev welcomes Harris' commitment to the peace conference
The Ukrainian Government is elated with Vice President Harris attending the peace conference in Switzerland. The affirmation of Harris' presence at the meeting on June 15-16 is a "vital message," states the head of the Presidential Administration. Ukraine had hoped for the participation of President Biden. Biden and Zelensky will meet on Thursday in France during the celebrations for the 80th anniversary of the Allied landing in Normandy. Another encounter is scheduled at the G7 summit in the upcoming week in Italy.
10:40 Scholz wants to order more Eurofighters - Defense industrial transformation necessary
Chancellor Olaf Scholz requests "reliable orders" from the defense industry to boost production capacity in Germany and Europe. "The federal government is highly interested in a robust air and space industry in Germany and Europe," says Scholz at the launch of the International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA) in Berlin. "That's why we will purchase an additional 20 Eurofighters during this legislative period – in addition to the 38 aircraft that are already in the works," adds Scholz. He refers to the necessity of a "defense industrial transformation." The government will support further prospects, such as the export of the Eurofighter. "I am dedicated to maintaining and expanding production capacities," proclaims Scholz, addressing the defense industry. More information can be found here.
10:25 Munz to the peace conference: Global support is shrinking, and Russia is successful
While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is pushing for participation in the peace conference in Switzerland, Russia is striving to discourage as many countries as possible from participating - with success. At the outset of the war, 141 UN member states rebuked Russia for their attack, significantly fewer are expressing their support for the summit as reported by ntv-reporter Rainer Munz.
In a report by "Moscow Times," heightened security measures for Russian leader Vladimir Putin have been claimed. The report states that two Russian officials disclosed an expansion of strict security measures for the Russian leader, with their presence being noted regularly at Putin's public engagements. Additionally, a source close to the Kremlin has been quoted in the newspaper. Putin is said to have been wearing a bulletproof vest since 2023 during public appearances. The potential threat of attacks, such as the one targeting Slovak prime minister Robert Fico three weeks prior or Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe a year and a half ago, has caused alarm amid the tightening of these measures. Prior to this, the Kremlin had maintained that no increase in security measures had occurred following the attack on Fico, according to one of the officials. Risk factors listed in the report include the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against Putin, the threat of Ukrainian drone assaults or sabotage, and the threat of Islamic attacks.
In other news, Nikopol is once more the target of Russian artillery bombardment. The Dnipropetrovsk region governor reported that the city on the Dnipro was struck with heavy artillery and kamikaze drones, which did not lead to any injuries but did cause damage to five houses and a power line.
The 71st Fighter Brigade of the Russian army's air defense is being monitored by Ukrainian forces with their "Storks." These units are noticing decreasing hostile movements but are confronted with a rise in penetration of Ukrainian drones into Russian territory. Russian air defense is thus taking action.
Vladimir Putin will meet foreign media representatives in St. Petersburg at the international economic forum, marking his first encounter with international journalists since the initiation of the war in Ukraine in 2022. The event is set to take place from Wednesday to Saturday this week.
The frontline in eastern Ukraine is experiencing a challenging situation, according to the Ukrainian General Staff. They've reported intense attacks northwest of Donetsk. There were 37 attacks in the region of Pokrovsk, the military has stated. The Russian military is most active in the vicinity of Otscheretyne. The city is situated between Donetsk and Pokrovsk.
Ukraine witnessed another round of drone attacks the previous night, with the Ukrainian armed forces successfully shooting down 22 out of 27 drones. The drones were shot down in various regions of the country, including the south, northeast, and central Ukraine. An industrial facility was damaged and a person was injured during an attack in the central region of Poltava, as per regional governor Filip Pronin.
The US Embassy in Ukraine has warned male US citizens with Ukrainian citizenship against traveling to Ukraine due to the possibility of indefinite detainment. Over the past month, an exception rule that allowed departure has expired, according to the US Embassy. Since Russia's invasion, men between 18 and 60 years old in Ukraine have been banned from leaving the country.
In further developments, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry is enlisting drone operators through a project known as Drones for Defence. All individuals aged 18 and above can apply, and those selected would need to complete an online course, while also learning to operate drones and agree to join the army.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has criticized China for its decision not to participate in the Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland. Stoltenberg laments this decision, citing past instances where China was unable to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which violates international law. He adds that China showed support for Moscow before the invasion by promising partnership, implying China's role in propelling Russia's economy through war.
Image: Nikopol - Heavy artillery fired by Russian forces at Ukraine city
The Shortest Stroll through Recent Headlines
Vladimir Putin's security measures reportedly tightened: 2 officials reveal enhanced security for Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin.
Russian artillery strikes Nikopol: 5 houses, power line damaged, no injuries.
Russian defense units work with Ukrainian "Storks": Air defense units monitor deep Russian activities.
Putin set to answer foreign journalists: Russian president will meet foreign media for the first time since the start of the war.
Ukraine's eastern front tense: Attacks northwest of Donetsk; Russian troops most active in the vicinity of Otscheretyne.
Ukraine reports numerous drone attacks: 22 drones shot down, 1 plant damaged.
US Embassy warns US citizens with Ukrainian citizenship: Travel to Ukraine not advised.
Ukrainian Defense Ministry recruits drone operators: Online course, drone handling training, military commitment.
NATO Secretary General faults China: Left out of Ukraine peace conference amid Russia sanctions.
President Biden of the United States is scheduled to have two significant conversations with the Ukrainian President Zelensky, according to the White House. This news was shared by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. In addition to this, President Biden is expected to attend the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Allied landing in France, and President Zelensky is anticipated to be present as well. The G7 summit is set to occur in Italy in the coming week.
Reports surfaced that Russian invaders were establishing what are known as "filtration camps" in the disputed city of Vovchansk, as per Ukrainian authorities. Governor of the Kharkiv region, Oleh Syniehubov, disclosed this information on state television. Filtration camps are utilized by Russia to identify and catalog Ukrainians in the occupied territories. There have been instances in the past of torture, sexual abuse, and deportations. In the part of Vovchansk under Russian control, only a few residents remain. These people are employed "by the enemy as human shields."
A former head of Ukrainian arms procurement will answer corruption charges in court. He is being accused of agreeing to excessively expensive contracts for aircraft components. The Anti-Corruption Bureau in Kyiv specified that these accusations are unrelated to the current conflict between the Ukrainian army and Russia's military operations. The accused had agreed with a private company on prices for aircraft components that were seven times higher than the normal market value, the bureau added. His business partner is already facing charges.
In Moscow, law enforcement officers violently dealt with supporters of late Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny who came together for a modest memorial event on his birthday. Local authorities stormed a room where several dozen individuals had gathered to watch a live broadcast of a Navalny memorial concert in Berlin. Ovd-Info, a human rights organization, reports that approximately 30 people were detained, searched, and interrogated. The media outlet "Sota" shared a brief video displaying a few masked officers approaching. Navalny would have turned 48 on this day.
In remembrance of the children killed during the war, Ukrainians honored them today. More than 600 children have lost their lives since the war began in February 2022, and more than 1400 others have been injured, according to a UN representative, Denise Brown. This is only the number of confirmed deaths by the United Nations. The actual number of children killed is likely much higher. "Help us safeguard our children," said President's wife Olena Zelenska at a remembrance event in Kyiv to the allies. Ukraine requires more armaments. "The value of air defense is inferior to the lives of children," Zelenska asserted.
Currently, images of Roman Horilyk, a Ukrainian soldier from the National Guard, are circulating widely on social media. Noted journalist Illia Ponomarenko shares these pictures, which depict Horilyk in an incredibly emaciated state. "Here's the situation when he returned to Ukraine after the last prisoner exchange," Ponomarenko writes. The soldier was captured at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant and remained in Russian custody for over two years. "The narrative repeats itself and yells for lessons to be learned." Many social media users are comparing Horilyk's condition to that of concentration camp inmates.
A series of satellite images have revealed a spectacular assault on a Russian S-300/400 air defense system. While Moscow denies this attack, there are numerous videos and images that suggest successful hits. Radio Liberty shared these satellite images, which show burned launch ramps and a damaged control center of the S-300/400 air defense system. This attack is widely believed to have been perpetrated by a HIMARS multiple launch rocket system from the United States.
The recent assault on a Russian S-300/400 air defense system has captured global attention, as it involved a crucial system and took place on Russian territory. Moscow continues to reject the attack, however, a plethora of video and picture evidence suggests successful strikes. Radio Liberty published these satellite images, exposing damaged launch pads and a damaged control center of the S-300/400 air defense system. This assault is believed to have been carried out with a HIMARS multiple launch rocket system from the United States.
During his evening video address, Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that his country is once against confronted with a critically important stage. "It's still early June, but the next few weeks will determine the entire summer and, in many aspects, the entire year," Zelensky declared. He mentioned the peace summit in Switzerland, an international mobilization for Ukraine, its relations with the European Union, the battlefront, and the country's production status.
Based on information from Brussels, there seems to be a surge in Russian disinformation before the European elections in Germany, France, and Poland. These three nations have been frequently on Russia's radar recently, reports EU Deputy Commissioner Vera Jourova. In Germany, the main topics of manipulation often revolve around "matters of immigration and security," she adds. Jourova showcased a report by the European Observatory for Online Media (EDMO). Russian disinformation campaigns frequently center around subjects related to the conflict in Ukraine. Combined, these three nations account for approximately 145 million eligible voters, approximately 40% of all voters in the EU.
Read also:
- In response to the ongoing Ukraine conflict, NATO has strengthened its cyber defenses to protect against potential Russian cyberwar attacks.
- In light of the Attack on Ukraine, Volodymyr Selensky has called for increased international support for Ukraine's defense, including cybersecurity assistance.
- Russia has been accused of launching cyberattacks against Ukraine, including disruption of critical infrastructure and government systems.
- Russian military operations in Ukraine have been accompanied by a sophisticated campaign of cyberwarfare, aimed at undermining Ukraine's political and economic stability.
