10:36: Zelenskyi discusses the challenging circumstances near the city of Vovchansk.
Continued skirmishes in eastern Ukraine due to Russia's advances toward Kharkiv are causing disorder, President Volodymyr Zelensky noted in a recent video update. The conflict has led to several villages transitioning from "grey zones" to combat areas, and the invaders are attempting to establish a foothold in some of these villages or employ them for further advancement.
18:58: Governing Official Discloses Villages Near Kharkiv under Intermittent Fire
In the eastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv, the border areas are experiencing ongoing Russian shelling, according to Governor Oleh Synehubov. Synehubov revealed this information through online media, adding that the region has been seeing Russian military aggression since Friday. The entire border region is frequently attacked, causing more than 4,000 individuals to be evacuated from surrounding areas as a response to the threat. Meanwhile, Russia claims to have taken control of four additional villages in the Kharkiv region.
18:15: SPD Parliamentary Party Leader Opposes NATO Protection of Ukrainian Airspace
German politician Rolf Mützenich has vehemently objected to suggestions of defending Ukrainian airspace from Russia by deploying NATO forces. Mützenich asserts that such proposals are contrary to the principle of refraining from actively participating in the war and are instead risky and unwise. Involvement of the German military could make Germany a direct participant in the conflict, demanding legislative approval from the parliament. Mützenich also stated that the SPD parliamentary group would not support intervention along these lines.
17:35: Russian Soldiers Advance on Northern Ukrainian City of Vovchansk
During the Russian ground offensive in northeastern Ukraine, Russian troops have made their way toward the city of Vovchansk. The city's police chief, Volodymyr Tymoshko, reported that the soldiers are positioned outside of Vovchansk and are surrounding it from three sides. The authorities have spotted a Russian tank on an access road leading to the city. The city has been subject to intensive artillery fire, and civilians are taking measures to ensure the safety of its nearly 17,000 inhabitants, largely comprising seniors.
16:54: Defense Minister Boris Pistorius Advocates Solidarity in the Light of Berlin Airlift
Federal Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius suggested that Germany should look to the Allied Berlin Airlift, during the Soviet Union's blockade of Berlin, for inspiration in upholding international solidarity. Pistorius, a member of the SPD, emphasized that Germany cannot stay aloof as international law and values are being disregarded.
16:10: Most Germans Consider Russian Assault on NATO Nation Unlikely by 2030
Despite potential predictions of a Russian assault on NATO members, many Germans view this scenario as improbable, according to a recent survey commissioned by Deutsche Presse-Agentur. The statistics show that only 36% of adults in Germany consider it likely or somewhat likely that a Russian attack on a NATO member could occur by 2030. A higher percentage, at 48%, deem the situation unlikely or somewhat unlikely. Only 15% were unsure of their answer.
15:38: Navalny's Widow Accepts Dresden Peace Prize on His Behalf
The late Russian political dissident Alexei Navalny received the Dresden Peace Prize posthumously. Navalny's spouse, Julia Navalnaya, accepted the award on his behalf during a ceremony at the Staatsschauspiel Dresden theater. The citation described the award as a tribute to his fight for freedom, democracy, and peace.
14:56: Major Building Collapses After Shelling - Investigation into Russian Interference
In response to a multiple-story building collapse in the Russian border town of Belgorod, which Moscow alleges was caused by Ukrainian shelling, Russia's highest investigative authority has launched a criminal investigation into a "terrorist attack". Reports indicate at least three fatalities and several injuries. There are approximately 20 individuals still believed to be trapped under the rubble.
14:33 Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Describes Kharkiv Situation as 'Significantly Worsened'
Ukrainian army chief Olexander Syrskyi portrays the situation in Kharkiv as challenging, stating on Telegram that the past week has seen a marked deterioration in the region's circumstances. 'The situation in the Kharkiv area has escalated significantly,' said Syrskyi. 'Fighting is currently ongoing in the border regions along the state border with the Russian Federation.' He surmises that, while the scenario is dire, the Ukrainian Defense Forces are striving to maintain defensive lines and locations. Russian troops are reported to be encountering partial successes in certain areas. Reports indicate that Russian soldiers initiated an attack on Kharkiv on Friday evening.
13:59 Instruction: Spawns 50,000-Strong Military Faction Puts Ukraine under Pressure
Any recent Russian assault in the Kharkiv area, which has been in progress since Friday and is putting Ukraine in a tight spot, allegedly stems from the emergence of a new Russian military organization named Sever, according to CNN. George Barros from the Institute for the Study of War in Washington shares, "Russia intended to assemble 60,000 to 100,000 troops for the group's Kharkiv invasion. However, it's probably around 50,000." Nonetheless, he ascertains that the group is still formidable.
13:18 Governor: Thousands Evacuated Amid Threat of New Russian Offensive
As per Oleh Synyehubov, the governor of Kharkiv, roughly 4,000 individuals from the region have been evacuated over the last two days due to apprehensions of a fresh Russian offensive. In a Telegram message, Synyehubov says, 'We're working to lodge everyone who requires shelter. Approximately 70 percent of evacuees have lodging arrangements, mainly with relatives and friends.'
12:39 Moscow: Captured More Villages, Destroyed Helicopters
According to Russian Ministry of Defense announcements, Russian soldiers have claimed control over four additional villages in eastern Ukraine's Kharkiv region: Hatyshche, Krasne, Morokhovets, and Oliyinykove. Earlier, they declared capturing five potential localities. Russian forces began an offensive in Kharkiv on Friday, although they took control of the area shortly after their 2022 invasion, only to be displaced by Ukrainian troops. The Russian Ministry of Defense further claims that Russian troops have destroyed four Ukrainian helicopters and damaged one more in the Dnipropetrovsk area of southern Ukraine.
12:08 Syrskyj: Troops Counterattack, Relieve Soldiers, Inflict Damage on Enemy
In a declaration, Army chief Syrskyj elaborated on the frontline development, implying, 'Our troops are engaging in heated combat. Russian aggressors have sought to breach our defenses, which we have been able to thwart. Intelligence, artillery, and drone units are engaged. We're acutely aware of the enemy's intentions and reacting dynamically to their actions.' Syrskyj observes, 'This week, the Kharkiv region has deteriorated significantly. Although the situation is treacherous, the Ukrainian Defense Forces are working to maintain the defensive lines and positions while causing damages to the opposition.' He also confirms a replenishment of units for rest and reinstruction.
11:43 Belgorod Building Partially Collapses, at Least Three Dead
Regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov disclosed to the media that a tall residential structure in the Belgorod city of Russia had partly collapsed as a result of Ukrainian shelling. According to reports, three individuals have perished in the event. Around 20 people may still be trapped underneath the debris. 'Belgorod and the oblast were subjected to substantial shelling by the Ukrainian military,' says Gladkov. 'A shell strike on an apartment building led to a partial collapse, with the entrance area from the tenth to the second floor caving in.' Belgorod Oblast, which borders Ukraine, has been targeted multiple times before. There's been no response from Ukraine regarding the incident. Russian planes have also bombarded civilian infrastructure without apparent motive.
11:08 Ukrainian and Russian Forces Clash: Destruction in Chassiv Yar Region
Russian military failed to retake the Klishchiivka area in the Chassiv Yar region, despite their best efforts, as stated by Ukrainian army chief Syrskyj, who commented in a statement, 'The defense forces are undergoing intense combat. We've managed to thwart Russian forces attempting to overrun our defenses. Our scouts, artillery, and drone units are in action. We're mindful of the enemy's intentions and responding swiftly to their actions.' He shares, 'Although the conditions on the front are vulnerable, troop rotations are being carried out to allow for recuperation and enhancing the brigades' combat level.'
At 11:19 AM, the impacts of the Russian war of aggression on the energy sector are predicted to haunt Gazprom, a significant Russian energy company. The UK's Ministry of Defense believes that Gazprom is set to experience long-term effects due to its strained ties with its previous major clients in the West after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. The economic sanctions imposed on Russia could persist until 2030, which could affect Gazprom's revenue. In fact, last year, Gazprom reported a net loss for the first time since 1999. This year, it is projected that Gazprom will pay 25 billion euros in taxes, which translates to 9% of Russia's total state revenue. There's an expectation that the Russian government will further increase Gazprom's tax burden in 2024, potentially contributing to its decision to reduce investments by around 15% in the same year.
At 10:44 AM, Ukraine alleges that they attacked infrastructure on Russian soil last night. The targets included a Volgograd oil refinery in the Krasnoarmeysky district, the Kaluganaftelectroduct oil depot in Kaluga, and a plant in Lipetsk. As per a military intelligence source featured in the Unian news agency, they also hit military targets. The attack on the Volgograd oil refinery involved kamikaze drones, resulting in several explosions and a subsequent fire. Andrei Bocharov, the governor of the Volgograd region, confirmed the fire. However, the Russian side maintains that the air defense system was successful and only a small fire caused by fallen drone debris resulted. However, Ukrainian media shares images and videos that appear to depict a much larger fireball.
At 10:06 AM, Deepstate, a channel linked to the Ukrainian military, cautions that the situation around Kharkiv is becoming increasingly complex. The enemy forces are said to be steadily reinforcing their presence, attempting to gain a foothold and advance further. They call for greater attention to be paid to the area, or the enemy will have more success, leading to negative consequences. Even though Russia's main goal is to divert attention from other regions, the scenario could become "very serious" if the Ukrainian government does not deploy reserves.
At 09:30 AM, ntv reporter Jürgen Weichert suggests that Russia is aiming to provoke Ukrainian troops to relocate near Kharkiv. Russian forces are mounting a huge offensive near the metropolis, with several villages captured. Ukrainian President Zelensky has vowed to halt the advance at any cost. Ukraine is reportedly deploying troops in the area, and according to Jürgen Weichert, this is exactly what Russia wants - to force Ukrainian forces to move so they can make more territorial gains.
At 08:50 AM, despite the claims of chaos and panic, everyday life continues in Kharkiv. Amid speculations that the city is deserted and in a state of panic, Russian propagandists misinformation spreads. However, a Ukrainian security expert named Maria Avdeeva shares a video where people are seen shopping in the usually busy marketplace, indicating that there is no widespread panic. It's believed that Moscow's intention could be to provoke a mass evacuation from the large city.
At 08:12 AM, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian forces are making tactically important advances in the northern region of Kharkiv. They have been engaging in limited offensive operations, making progress in ill-defended areas. The size of the units participating in these limited operations indicates that Russia currently is not trying to undertake a large-scale operation to encircle, surround, or capture Kharkiv.
Finally, at 7:28 AM, Ukraine allegedly attacked a Russian oil refinery in Volgograd. The fire at the oil refinery was extinguished, according to Telegram posts by the regional governor, Andrey Botsharov. Neither the oil company nor the Ukrainian side has issued a statement on the occurrence.
In summary, Gazprom is predicted to suffer long-term consequences due to its reduced ties with its Western customers, Russia advances in parts of Ukraine, and Ukraine claims to have attacked Russian infrastructure.
7:26 Latvia to Ship Drones and Radar Defense Systems to Ukraine
In an interview with Ukrinform, Ukrainian Ambassador to Latvia Anatoly Kutsevol reveals that Latvia will soon send drones and radar defense systems to Ukraine. Kutsevol anticipates that there will be more news about these deliveries in the future. In addition, he announces cooperation for the production of essential 155 mm grenades. However, he withholds details of other joint efforts due to security concerns.
7:00 Ukrainian Brigade Reports Downing of Russian Fighter Jet
The 110th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces has reported the downing of a Russian Su-25 fighter jet. The press release on their Facebook page reads, "Anti-aircraft gunners of the 110th Brigade are once again showing off their skills. They've just shot down another SU-25." Major Oleksiy Hetman, speaking on the We-Ukraine channel, estimates that Russia has approximately 190 Su-25 jets remaining. He commends the bravery of Ukrainian forces who continue to fight. This jet type is intended for direct combat support near the frontlines.
6:30 Possible Casualties In Attack on Belgorod
Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of Belgorod region, shares that a Ukrainian attack hit Belgorod and the surrounding areas on May 11th. Although Ukraine typically does not comment on reports of attacks in Belgorod, Gladkov informs of a missile attack. Russian Telegram channels provided images of burning cars and rising smoke over Belgorod. Gladkov discloses the death of one woman and injuries to 29 people, including a child. Various properties, including homes, businesses, cars, medical, and educational facilities were also impacted. Some damage was recorded in the neighboring village of Dubovoye, he added on his Telegram channel.
5:10 Russian Regimes Can Prioritize Arms Industry
Deputy Commander of US Air Forces in Europe, Lieutenant General Steven Basham, argues that autocratic nations like Russia can prioritize their weapons production over economic welfare to fuel their military actions in Ukraine. Basham suggests that Russia may also seek support from Iran and North Korea. He also mentions the strengthening of the Western defense industrial sector: "The Western defense industrial base is amassing speed. It will eventually overcome Russia's capabilities." Basham believes that the duration of Russian presence in Ukraine offers an opportunity to enhance the Western industrial sector.
3:46 Zelenskyy: Ukrainian Troops Counterattack in Kharkiv Region
Reporting on the recent Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirms that Ukrainian troops are responding to this invasion with their own counterattacks. His statement says, "The main task of the troops is currently to disrupt the Russian attack plans. They need to regain the initiative for Ukraine."
2:14 One Civilians Dead in Sumy Oblast from Russian Attacks
The regional administration confirms that Russian shelling has struck various communities in the north-eastern Ukrainian Sumy Oblast throughout the day. They report at least 93 explosions in the past 24 hours. In an attack on the outskirts of the city of Sumy, a woman died, now 37, as a result of a rocket strike. The target of the rocket attack was local infrastructure, yet more details regarding the objective or consequences are lacking.
20:44 Canada Confirms Attendance at Ukraine Peace Summit
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces that Canada intends to participate in an upcoming peace conference for Ukraine. The conference will take place in Switzerland on June 15th and 16th, aiming to achieve peace in Ukraine in line with President Volodymyr Zelensky's ten-point peace plan, which aims for Russian troop withdrawal from occupied Ukrainian territories. Trudeau shares his excitement for working with other world leaders on this goal.
20:06 German Chancellor Fears Russian Involvement in Upcoming European Elections
In a "RND vor Ort" stage talk show, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expresses his concerns about external forces attempting to influence the upcoming European and regional elections. He mentions reports of money transfers to AfD politicians as "alarming." Scholz advises responsible authorities to investigate these allegations. He further underlines the frequency of Russian disinformation in these campaigns.
10:00 PM Scholz urges Ukrainian refugees in Germany to start working
The German Federal Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, has called on Ukrainian refugees in the country to look for jobs as soon as possible. Speaking at a "RND vor Ort" event organized by the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland in Potsdam, Scholz, a member of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), expressed his hope that Ukrainian war refugees who can work would also do so. "We've invested in integration courses and language lessons for those who have come here from Ukraine, so we'd now like to see many of them take up work using a 'job turbo,'" Scholz said. While he acknowledged that many refugees are already working, he added that there are still "hundreds of thousands more" who are needed on the German labor market. His advice to all refugees is to start working.
Read also:
- Year of climate records: extreme is the new normal
- Precautionary arrests show Islamist terror threat
- UN vote urges Israel to ceasefire
- SPD rules out budget resolution before the end of the year
- The conflict in Ukraine has led to an increase in military operations, with Russian troops attempting to establish a foothold in various villages near Kharkiv, including Vovchansk, causing skirmishes and shelling in the region.
- In response to the escalating situation in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky has discussed the challenging circumstances near Vovchansk, stating that the past week has seen a significant worsening of the situation in the Kharkiv area.
- The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has also led to an increase in cyberwarfare, with reports of Russian attempts to disrupt Ukrainian infrastructure and communications systems.
- The NATO alliance has weighed in on the situation, with some members, such as Germany, opposing the deployment of NATO forces to defend Ukrainian airspace, citing concerns about directly engaging in the conflict.
Source: www.ntv.de
