06:34 ISW: Russia steps up its attack on Chassiv Yar
Russian forces working to take control of Chassiv Yar
According to a recent analysis by the Institute for the Study of War, Russia is increasing its attempts to capture the strategically significant city of Chassiv Yar in the eastern Donetsk region. Moscow is expected to use this assault to push Ukrainian troops out of the vicinity, reports the ISW. Additionally, Russian troops are making progress in Kharkiv.
Medvedev's Plea for a "Buffer Zone"
ISW's study also mentions a statement made by former Russian President Medvedev, who asked for a "buffer zone" across Ukraine. Medvedev, who is currently Deputy Head of the Russian Security Council, has made this request, showing the Kremlin's true intention of dominating the entire country, according to the ISW.
Explosion Triggers Fire at Russian Refinery
A drone crashed on the site of an oil refinery in Slavyansk-na-Kubani, Russia, triggering a fire. Authorities in Krasnodar reported no casualties or damage. Ukraine has targeted Russian refineries in the past.
Danone Finishes Selling Russian Subsidiary
After 30 years in Russia, French dairy company Danone has sold its business to a businessman linked to Chechnya. According to Ukrinform, Vamin Tatarstan, owned by businessman Mintimer Mingasov, has bought Danone's Russian arm for 17.7 billion roubles (180 million euros). Experts estimate the real value to be much higher, up to 80 billion roubles. In July last year, Yakub Zakriyev, a relative of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, was appointed as the new head of Danone's Russian branch.
Explosions in Crimea: Air Raid on Sevastopol
There were reports of explosions on the Russian-occupied Black Sea peninsula of Crimea overnight. According to Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Crimean governor appointed by Moscow, air defense systems thwarted a missile assault in Sevastopol. However, the Crimean rescue service stated that there were no damages to civilian infrastructure.
Country-Wide Air Alert: Intense Drone Assaults
Russia is again deploying their drones to attack multiple regions in Ukraine at night. The Ukrainian air force confirmed the air raid on locations such as Kiev, Sumy, Vinnytsia, Cherkasy, Mykolaiv, and Odessa. No damages or casualties have been reported yet.
Civilians in Kharkiv Region Shelled
The Ukrainian authorities reported that Russian airstrikes hit residential areas in Kharkiv on the border with Russia. Six civilians were injured, including three youths. Moscow denied the attack, and no intention of targeting civilians. Thousands have been injured or killed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
German Military Aid for Ukraine Jumps to 3.8 Billion
The German government plans to enhance its military aid to Ukraine this year. The Federal Ministry of Defense has requested an additional budget of 3.8 billion euros for military support. The existing budget allowed for 7.1 billion euros' spending on Ukrainian military aid. The ministry aims to present this extra-budgetary expenditure to parliament for review in June.
Ukrainian General Staff Reports 77 Battles
In a new report, the Ukrainian General Staff indicated 77 combat operations within a 24-hour period. Seven of those battles are ongoing. "The Russian forces are trying to improve their tactical position," the Telegram channel of the General Staff said, while adding that Ukrainian troops counterattacked in four locations to retake held positions.
Heroic Pilot Killed in Combat Mission
Denys Vasyliuk, a celebrated fighter with the "Order of Bravery" award for his bravery and courage, was reportedly killed "recently" during an air battle. He was the chief of staff at the 831st Tactical Aviation Brigade and the deputy head of an aviation squadron. The unit has not revealed any details of the incident.
7:57 PM: Putin's Portrayal in Cannes: A Polish Filmmaker Depicts His Life
Russian President Vladimir Putin's biopic was displayed at the Cannes Film Festival. The film's director, Patryk Vega, was joking as he stated that he had invited the Russian president to be part of it. A Polish filmmaker known for making gangster movies until now, Vega said Putin couldn't participate, so he utilized AI technology to create a deepfake version of the Russian leader.
Initially, Vega attempted to use existing footage of Putin, but he wasn't satisfied with the quality. He remarked, "AI has to be fed. It requires about 20,000 high-resolution images to function." Instead of doing this, Vega developed groundbreaking technology to craft a face of a real actor resembling Putin's characteristics. Interestingly, this marks the first movie to use this technology.
The film presented Putin's life, capturing his authoritative poses, at lavish desks, and even showed him playing the piano and dealing with bodily needs in a hospital bed. The portrayal was marvellous and extremely detailed.
21:35 PM: Taiwan's Fate Relies on Ukraine's War Consequences
Joseph Wu, Taiwan's Foreign Minister, stated in an interview with the Kyiv Independent there was a significant connection between Ukraine's war and Taiwan's future. "If Russia succeeds in Ukraine, China could potentially use a similar approach towards Taiwan," Wu said.
The start of war between Russia and Ukraine had caused considerable concern for Taiwan, as the regular failure of a country risks becoming a focal point for other nations' aggression. Wu feels that Taiwan's fate remains intertwined with Ukraine's situation. After two years, he remains convinced that the fate of this island state relies upon Ukraine's war. In the event Russia is triumphant in Ukraine, Taiwan may become China's next battleground, he warned.
More updates available here. Source
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- In response to the escalating Ukraine conflict, NATO has increased its military operations in the region, providing additional support to Ukraine's armed forces.
- President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has accused Russia of engaging in cyberwarfare, targeting critical infrastructure and government systems with cyberattacks.
- The attack on Ukraine by Russia has led to international condemnation, with several Western countries imposing sanctions on Russia and increasing military aid to Ukraine.
- Medvedev's call for a "buffer zone" across Ukraine has been viewed as further evidence of Russia's intent to exert greater control over its neighbor, fueling concerns about the future of Ukrainian sovereignty.
Source: www.ntv.de
