10:20pm Scholz: Altering tactic in attacks on Russian terrain doesn't worsen the situation.
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz is unconcerned about his recent shift in Ukraine policy. He asserts that it won't escalate the situation, as it's simply about protecting a city like Kharkiv, which is necessary for everyone to accept. The decision was made in consultation with allies, he adds. However, he emphasizes the importance of being cautious. German citizens trust him, and he won't be swayed by external pressures to take hasty, inappropriate decisions. He's not prioritizing public appearances but rather taking reasonable action. Scholz is often criticized for his cautious stance on supporting Ukraine and for being intimidated by Russian threats.
21:36: A decisive edge - US Bradley swiftly destroys Russian armored vehicles
The 47th Mechanized Brigade, a renowned force, is known for its involvement in intense combat zones. This brigade uses American-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicles. The unit proudly showcases a video of Bradleys eliminating two Russian BTR-82A armored vehicles and several soldiers, explaining that modern technology and skillful use of equipment provide a significant advantage in battles. The Bradley cannon disabled the targets after waiting for an opportune moment, allowing the enemy to enter open terrain. The 47th Brigade praises the clip:
20:59: High hopes for Ukraine: Italy might offer crucial SAMP/T system
Italy is likely to supply a second SAMP/T air defense system to Ukraine, according to a knowledgeable source. The SAMP/T system, also known as MAMBA, is a French-Italian weapon capable of tracking multiple targets and simultaneously intercepting ten. It's the only European device able to intercept ballistic missiles. The source confirms claims that Italy is preparing to send an existing SAMP/T system now stationed in Kuwait but soon returning to Italy. No specific delivery schedule is provided.
20:25: Video allegedly depicts torture of Russian POWs
Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine has been raging for over three years. Reports of Russian violations, including torture, have surfaced since the fighting began. A video surfaced, featuring Russian soldiers allegedly disguising prisoners of war with blindfolds, stepping on them, and claiming to execute one of the prisoners: [link to video]
19:57: Arrests made over Russian-speaking assault on Ukrainian volunteers in the Czech Republic
Following a violent incident in Prague where Russian-speaking foreigners attacked volunteers collecting donations for Ukraine, arrests have been made. The police released a statement revealing that four foreigners have been arrested at Prague Airport. A criminal procedure has been initiated against these individuals on suspicion of several offenses. In a video of the incident, a man and a woman can be seen speaking Russian and attempting to attack the volunteers. Furthermore, the man says in German with a Russian accent before the attack, "I am German".
19:22: ISW: Ukrainian troops may have better quality "in the short to medium term" than Russians
Ukrainian field commanders training new troops on the front lines suggests that the overall quality of Ukrainian forces is likely superior to Russian forces in the immediate and medium future. The Institute for the Study of War notes that Russian troops often mobilize untrained personnel, prisoners, contract soldiers, and volunteers for mass attacks leading to substantial Russian casualties. Russian military bloggers have frequently highlighted inefficiencies in Russian training. Recently, a former Russian Sturm-Z instructor stated that strategic reserves have not received any training due to a lack of trainers.
18:54: Ukraine's limitations: "Full-scale Western weapons release would be a game-changer"
The West is adjusting its military support to Ukraine while the war against Russian invaders continues. Military expert and political scientist Walter Feichtinger discusses the potential effects of Western weapon deliveries and why the West is adapting its assistance.
Kamala Harris, US Vice President, will attend the Ukraine peace summit, scheduled for June 15 and 16 in Switzerland. She will affirm America's dedication to assisting Ukraine in its quest for a fair and lasting peace. According to the White House, Harris will say, "The US government is behind the Ukrainian people as they battle Russian aggression." Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor to Joe Biden, will accompany Harris. Zelenskyy, Ukraine's President, has confirmed the involvement of more than 100 states and organizations in the event, which does not include Russia. The summit, planned for Bürgenstock near Lucerne, aims to increase international support for Ukraine in the face of assaults from Russia. Formerly, Zelenskyy expressed a desire for Biden's personal presence at the gathering.
17:41: Russian women protest in front of Defense Ministry in Moscow
Courageous women in Moscow demand the return of their husbands and fathers who are fighting in the war zone in Ukraine. Photos and videos on social media show approximately 24 women, some with young children, protesting on the sidewalk in front of the Russian Defense Ministry. They carry signs like "It's time for the conscripts to return home" and "Bring Daddy home, please!". They also seek an audience with the new Russian Defense Minister, Andrei Belousov. Police responded with an armored transport vehicle and threatened arrests. Public anti-war protests are unusual in Russia due to severe state repression. Citizens openly critical of the government are typically arrested immediately.
17:01: Ukrainian rockets destroy German company's occupied factory
A facility of the Knauf company used to reside in the eastern Ukrainian town of Soledar. However, it was abandoned during the war. Currently, Russian military personnel work in the occupied part of the country. Ukrainian forces targeted the gypsum board factory with rockets, inflicting partial destruction.
16:34: Russia strikes civilians again - a child dies
During nighttime Russian attacks in the eastern Ukraine region, three individuals perished, one of whom was a twelve-year-old boy. The governor of Donetsk, Wadim Filaschkin, disclosed this information and two others who were injured. The governor of Kharkiv, Oleh Synehubov, reported one death and two injuries in the village of Sloboschanske. Filaschkin stated that two air raids occurred within 30 minutes, causing damage to numerous houses. "A twelve-year-old boy is among the dead," he added.
16:07: Ukraine experiences respite from war as football joy transcends reality during Euro 2020
Initially, 24 teams are preparing for the European Football Championship in Germany. The tournament offers Ukraine, in particular, a moment of joy amidst the ongoing war:
15:29: Ukrainian special forces strike another blow to Russian air defense
Ukrainian forces have been attacking Russian air defense systems along the front line for weeks. Numerous attacks have been reported, though verification is challenging. Ukrainian special forces now claim to have damaged another mobile Kasta-2E radar. "A Kasta radar was discovered on Ukrainian soil in the occupied Luhansk region in 2021," the statement reads. The specific radar has been hit with one of the "most recent innovations", which the special forces received: it is likely that a fresh type of kamikaze drone is involved.
14:54: Ukraine can use Dutch F-16 aircraft to strike targets in Russia
The Netherlands allow Ukraine to employ their F-16 fighter jets against Russian targets. Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren revealed this in an interview with Politico. Kiev is anticipated to receive around 24 F-16 fighter jets from the Netherlands. Additionally, Denmark has pledged 19 F-16s that can target areas in Russia. The first batch of six aircraft is expected this summer. Belgium will provide a total of 30 aircraft by 2028.
The top British military official, Admiral Antony Radakin, possesses a positive outlook on Ukraine's potential victory in the ongoing conflict against Russia. In an interview with Sky News, he stated his belief despite Russia's recent advances in the northeastern region of Kharkiv. At the commencement of May, Moscow initiated their offensive, but as the month came to a close, Kiev informed the public that Russian progress in the sector had ceased, and Ukrainian soldiers had counterattacked. Admiral Radakin stressed that Russia, while making progress on land, had essentially failed. "Russia is gaining tactical advantages on the ground," he shared. "Nevertheless, looking back to March of this year, Russia had amassed control over about 17% of Ukrainian territory. Now, it stands at just 11%."
At approximately 1:43 p.m., people shared footage on social media of what appears to be the aftermath of a Ukrainian strike against Russian air defense systems. These strikes are supposed to have been executed using the HIMARS multiple rocket launchers. Recently, various Western nations have sanctioned Ukraine to utilize the weapons they provided towards targets affiliated with the Putin regime on Russian soil.
As President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. received a visit from his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During their meeting in Manila, Zelenskyy acknowledged Marcos Jr.'s backing and participation in the planned peace conference for Ukraine. Marcos Jr. expressed his appreciation for Ukraine's endeavors to promote peace, "We'll persistently work toward ending the hostilities and attaining a political resolution," he assured Zelenskyy. In total, nearly 107 nations plan to join the conference, as per Ukrainian reports.
Moscow has threatened the US with repercussions over the presumed damage to a Russian early warning missile system due to Ukrainian attacks. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov explained, "Potential responses could be asymmetrical." According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the Kiev administration attempted to disrupt the normal functioning of key components within their military infrastructure before. Ryabkov accused the US of being "incredibly reckless" for not obstructing Ukrainian attempts to interfere with Russian military operations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to attend the G7 summit of government leaders in Italy. His spokesman, Serhiy Nikiforov, affirmed, "There's no doubt that he'll attend," but couldn't confirm if it would be done physically or virtually. The G7 summit is scheduled to take place from June 13th to the 15th in southern Italy, and a critical topic on the agenda would be determining how confiscated Russian assets' profits can be spent towards more military assistance for Ukraine.
Following recent Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the nation must import a record amount of electricity to compensate. The Ministry of Energy projects that imports from five European nations will total 27,178 megawatt-hours. Ukrenergo, the country's energy grid operator, has alerted the public that electricity supply restrictions will be in place in every region due to damage to energy facilities in the east, west, and center of Ukraine. Since March, at least six major attacks on its infrastructure have been reported.
Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister, is visiting Guinea. The Russian Foreign Ministry released a photograph through the telegram messaging service, depicting Lavrov's arrival at Conakry’s airport. It's also anticipated that he will journey to Chad and Burkina Faso. Since the start of Russia's large-scale offensive against Ukraine in 2022, the nation has focused on solidifying economic and diplomatic connections with Africa.
The FSB, Russia's security service, has detained a 35-year-old man in the region of Khabarovsk. Authorities accused him of collaborating with the Ukrainian secret service. He's claimed to have been against the government's decision to execute the "particular military operation" and intended to switch allegiance to the enemy.
09:46 Report claims Russia kidnapped 46 children from Kherson orphanageIn 2022, Russia is said to have abducted 46 kids from a Kherson-based orphanage, as stated by the "New York Times". They were then transported to occupied Crimea, where they received Russian birth certificates, social security numbers, and had their identities altered. A total of 19,500 children have been reported missing since the start of the conflict, according to "Kyiv Independent".
09:20 Hungary hesitant to participate in Switzerland's global peace summitHungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto expressed reservations about attending the global peace summit in Ukraine, claiming that not all warring factions would attend. Szijjarto told Belarus' state-owned TV channel ONT, "If neither side of the conflict is present, it's a valid question as to whether the entire summit has a purpose, considering its ultimate goal is to achieve peace." He believes that "the peace summit has a meaningful purpose and is a beacon of hope for peace if both sides are present."
09:00 Multiple civilian casualties from recent Russian attacksSince Sunday morning, at least one civilian has been killed, and 11 have been injured as a result of Russian attacks on Ukraine, according to local authorities. In Kharkiv's Slobozhanske, a leisure center was struck by a Russian rocket minutes after midnight, resulting in one fatality and injuring two others, reports Governor Oleh Syniehubov. Another two people were hurt in Village of Borivska Andriivka, and two more in the village of Staryi Saltiv. Five people were wounded in the Donetsk area, two each in Bilozerske and Zalizne, one in Vovche.
08:40 New Ukrainian soldiers are being trained at the front linesAs training mandates are hindered by slow mobilization, Ukrainian field commanders are teaching new recruits the basics of combat. Ukrainian commanders told the "Washington Post" that they devote much of their time to teaching novice troops, as fundamental skills are not learned in training centers.
08:20 Hopes of increased air defense aid from DenmarkA meeting is taking place in Kiev between Kiev's regional military administration head, Ruslan Kravchenko, and the Danish ambassador in Kiev, Ole Egberg Mikkelsen. The topic of discussion is improving regional security through acquiring additional air defense equipment. Other topics presented include rebuilding the region, which includes rebuilding homes, schools, and hospitals.
07:45 Ukrainian casualties reported; 1270 Russian soldiers killedUkrainian forces have reported killing 1270 Russian soldiers during recent conflict, marking the current estimated casualties at around 511,000, according to the Ukrainian General Staff's latest update. This figure constitutes 47 destroyed tanks, 22 armored cars, and 47 artillery systems.
07:10 Ukraine grapples with power shortagesRussian attacks on power facilities resulted in a 50% reduction in energy production capacity, as cited by state reports. Coal-fired power plants have essentially ceased production. Water power plants on the Dnipro River were also severely damaged. While nuclear power plants are mostly operational, energy imports from neighboring countries often fail to make up for the deficit. Planned outages and operational difficulties due to combat also contribute to power outages.
06:18 Attacks on Sumy region: Ten communities targetedFollowing the night of June 2nd, Russian troops attacked ten border areas and settlements in the Sumy region. Damaged locations include Miropillia, Khotin, Bilopillia, Mykolaivka, Krasnopillia, Shostka, Esman, Shalyhyne, Novo Sloboda, and Velyka Pysarivka. The communities were attacked with artillery fire, incendiary munitions, drones, and mortar shells, and they also planted mines. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported.
05:07 Zelensky promises Ukrainian embassy in ManilaUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held bilateral talks with the Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the presidential palace in Manila, where he announced the future opening of an embassy in Manila. The official signing of the guest book was attended by Zelensky, Marcos, and Ukranian and Philippine government representatives. Coming directly after the Shangri-La Dialog security conference, Zelensky's visit to Asia marks his second since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Approximately 1.5 million men of military age have successfully altered their military records to align with the new mobilization law enacted in late May, as reported by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry. A video published on their YouTube account showcases the majority of updates were accomplished through the newly introduced online application, Rezerv+ (Reserve+).
01:15 Wagenknecht: Scholz must give an explanation regarding using German weapons in Ukraine
Sahra Wagenknecht, head of the BSW (Bünder Sozialwehr - All-German Social Defense Union), is urging German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to release an official statement about the shift in strategy when using German weaponry against Russian targets. "He should inform the public as to why it's no longer a concern if Ukraine attacks Russian territory using German weapons, even though he'd been warning about the approaching war danger for months," stated Wagenknecht to the Funke Media Group newspapers.
23:47 Pipeline discussions between Moscow and Beijing may have ceased
According to a news report, conversations concerning the construction of a new gas pipeline between Russia and China appear to have halted as a result of diverging viewpoints between the two countries about pricing and daily volume production. China hopes to pay merely a nominal premium above Russia's heavily subsidized domestic prices and purchase only a minor fraction of the planned annual capacity of the pipeline, which is slated to carry 50 billion cubic meters of gas, according to sources familiar with the matter. Both Russia and China expressed their eagerness to construct the Power of Siberia-2 pipeline in mid-May.
22:16 Zelensky: Over 1,000 Russian attacks on aggressions with rockets, aircraft, and drones last week
Russian forces perpetrated nearly 1,000 attacks utilizing numerous types of rockets, guided bombs, and attack drones in Ukraine within the span of a week, as detailed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Telegram. "Complete disregard for human life and perpetual terror - such is the mission of Russia," read his message. "In just this last week, Russian forces conducted nearly 1,000 attacks with rockets of various types, guided bombs, attack drones."
21:38 Ukrainian football team feels secure in Germany
The Ukrainian football team trusts they will be well safeguarded in Germany prior to and during the European Championship. "Germany will act to ensure not only the protection of the Ukrainian national team, but all national teams," revealed the national coach Serhii Rebrov. To this point, they feel quite safe, he affirmed. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, a member of the SPD (Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands - Social Democratic Party of Germany), explicated that German security authorities will implement particularly comprehensive measures to secure the Ukrainian national team at the EM. The Ukrainian football squad will compete against Germany on Monday (8:15 p.m./ARD) in a friendly affair. During the European Championship (June 14 to July 14), the team will face Belgium, Romania, and Slovakia in the group stage.
(Note: All prior events can be reviewed here.)
Read also:
- Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz defends his decision to alter tactics in military operations against Russian terrain, stating it won't escalate the Ukraine conflict and merely protects cities like Kharkiv.
- Meanwhile, in Ukraine, reports surface of Russian soldiers allegedly torturing prisoners of war, stirring international condemnation.
- Germany's allies, including the US and Italy, continue to provide military support to Ukraine, with Italy potentially offering a crucial SAMP/T air defense system.
- Simultaneously, Russian women protest in front of the Defense Ministry in Moscow, demanding the return of their husbands and fathers who are fighting in Ukraine.
