11:59 PM: Ukrainians called up overseas return to open consulates
Ukrainian military conscripts abroad can now access consular services once a new mobilization law goes into effect. Proof of military registration, either on paper or electronically, is required. This announcement was made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kiev. Additionally, the Ministry of Defense has set up an app for online registration. Many men fit for military service have left Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict with Russia.
At 10:59 PM, an arbitration court in St. Petersburg froze the bank accounts and assets of the Italian bank Unicredit in Russia. This action was taken upon request from RusChimAllianz, a Gazprom subsidiary that operates a LNG terminal on the Baltic Sea. The issue arose due to the failure to build the terminal caused by Western sanctions, which Unicredit had assisted in guaranteeing. RusChimAllianz is demanding €444 million from Unicredit. The court-ordered freeze includes assets valued at €463 million. Unicredit is currently the largest foreign bank still active in Russia, after Raiffeisenbank, and is one of the top 20 banks in the country based on assets.
At 9:55 PM, a new Ukrainian law will enable prisoners to serve in the army. This measure aims to increase the number of Ukrainian troops. President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed the law, allowing eligible prisoners to be suspended from their sentences and serve in the military on a temporary contract basis. However, prisoners convicted of serious crimes are excluded from this opportunity.
According to a report, all Starlink devices of a Ukrainian military unit in the Kharkiv region failed at the start of the Russian offensive. Citing members of the 125th Territorial Defense Brigade, the Washington Post claims that these malfunctions occurred on May 10, as Russian forces crossed the border. The satellite communication system failure is said to have facilitated the rapid territorial advances of Russian troops. The Washington Post speculates that Russian electronic warfare systems were responsible for the Starlink disruption, making it the first widespread failure of the satellite communication system in Ukraine since the Russian invasion began in spring 2022.
At 8:56 PM, there was an explosion at the Budyonny military academy in St. Petersburg. Various Russian media outlets reported on the incident, with some sources indicating that multiple individuals were injured. The Telegram channel Baza, affiliated with law enforcement agencies, mentioned the presence of seven injured people.
20:28: A closer look at Russian-Chinese military cooperation
This evening, Putin meets with Chinese President Xi to discuss peace efforts regarding the war in Ukraine and the progression of their relationship. Political scientist Frank Umbach voices his skepticism, noting that "China holds the upper hand."
20:07: Russian missiles target Odessa
Aligned with the day's missile attack on Kharkiv, the southern Ukrainian port city of Odessa on the Black Sea was also subjected to rocket fire. Odessa's governor, Oleh Kiper, confirmed these attacks, revealing one fatality and eight injuries.
19:28: Expert: Russia's actual target is not Kharkiv
The Russian military continues to attack Kharkiv. Despite the grim situation, military expert Ralph Thiele points out that Russia's objective is not to destroy Kharkiv but rather to weaken Ukrainian defenses in another region.
18:53: Scholz reiterates Germany's support for Moldova
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reinforces his support for Moldova amidst Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine. During a joint press conference with Moldovan President Maia Sandu in Berlin, Scholz emphasized Germany's commitment to the Republic of Moldova's stability and prosperity. Sandu expressed her gratitude, highlighting Germany as a "key partner" in the country's journey towards "stability, democracy, and prosperity."
18:17: CNN camera crew experiences the horrors of drone strikes in Vovchansk
The ongoing conflict in the Kharkiv region has centered around the town of Vovchansk. A CNN camera team accompanied Ukrainian police units as they attempted to evade a barrage of rockets and drone strikes. The Kharkiv region has been under constant attack since the start of the war.
In the evening, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kiev announced that Ukrainian conscripts abroad can use consular services again once a new mobilization law comes into force. However, these conscripts will be required to provide proof of registration with the military authorities on paper or electronically.
At 9:55 PM, a new Ukrainian law was signed by President Volodymyr Zelensky, which will allow certain prisoners to temporarily join the military. This initiative seeks to increase the number of Ukrainian troops, but only prisoners not convicted of serious crimes will be allowed to serve.
At 10:59 PM, the St. Petersburg arbitration court acted on requests from a Gazprom subsidiary, RusChimAllianz, to freeze bank accounts and assets belonging to the Italian bank Unicredit in Russia. This decision stemmed from Unicredit's involvement in guaranteeing the construction of an LNG terminal on the Baltic Sea, which has been halted due to Western sanctions. RusChimAllianz is demanding 444 million euros from Unicredit and has ordered the freezing of assets worth 463 million euros.
A CNN camera crew witnessed a harrowing incident in Vovchansk, a town in the Kharkiv region. The city has been under intense fire since the start of the war, with shells and drones being used. Their presence has caused a rapid retreat among Ukrainian forces.
The governor of Odessa announced at 9:07 PM that Russian forces launched a missile attack on the city, resulting in one death and eight injuries. This incident came in tandem with the attack on Kharkiv later in the day.
Military expert Ralph Thiele doesn't believe Russia's main objective is to capture Kharkiv, acknowledging challenges in obtaining military personnel and ammunition. He suggests that Russia is thinning the Ukrainian frontlines as part of a "clever operational measure."
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz publicly affirmed support for the Republic of Moldova, a partner in stability and prosperity, during a joint press conference with Moldovan President Maia Sandu. The two leaders discussed Russia's efforts to destabilize Moldova.
Finally, Putin, the Russian President, met with his Chinese counterpart, Xi, to discuss ongoing peace efforts and enhance the two nations' relationship. However, political scientist Frank Umbach doubts the effectiveness of these peace efforts, positing that China has the upper hand in this situation.
17:49 Two sources: Russian oil refinery Tuapse halted after drone attack
Two insiders revealed that the Russian oil refinery Tuapse on the Black Sea has been stopped due to a Ukrainian drone attack. This emergency shutdown resulted from a fire, as confirmed by two individuals who possess knowledge of the situation. One of them explained that the drones targeted the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) production plant, but the crude oil distillation unit remained unscathed. The individual stated, "There was no black smoke from the fire. That means only the gas was burning." Since the LPG unit can be bypassed, the refinery is expected to be operational again shortly. Tass, a state news agency, confirmed that the fire had been extinguished. Rosneft, the operator, has not yet released a statement.
17:19 Zelenskyy dismisses idea of ceasefire during Paris Olympics
Volodymyr Selenskyy dismisses the concept of a ceasefire during the Summer Olympics in Paris. Selenskyy is doubtful about the details of the proposal, particularly because Russia could take advantage of the opportunity to continue transporting military equipment towards Ukraine. In an interview with "Ukrajinska Pravda," the president expressed doubts about the viability of a ceasefire, stating, "I don't understand the details. It sounds like a non-viable story to me so far." Meanwhile, in China, Putin criticized the West for demanding Russia adhere to an Olympic truce, but not following the Olympic ideal itself by excluding Russian athletes.
16:43 Putin's reliance on Xi in China
During his state visit to China, it's evident how much Russian President Putin relies on his Chinese counterpart Xi. Although China is supplying weapons and thus aiding Russia in its war against Ukraine, Xi insists on a political solution. However, it remains unclear how genuine Xi is about this.
16:07 Missile attack on Kharkiv results in casualties
The Russian military has again targeted the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. In an attack with several precision bombs, at least two civilians were killed, and 13 others were injured. Governor Oleh Sinehubov made this announcement on Telegram.
15:27 Putin slams peace summit in Switzerland
Putin bashed the planned peace summit in Switzerland as a tactic to pressure Russia. The June 15 and 16 conference near Lucerne aims to impose conditions on Russia to end the conflict, Putin remarked at the conclusion of his two-day trip to China in Harbin. Ukraine and the West hope for China's representative's attendance at the summit, which would elevate the significance of the meeting. However, Putin criticized the exclusion of Russia from the conference and its condemnation. The Kremlin had expressed its desire not to take part in the meeting for months.
14:54 Ukrainian troops release footage of intense fighting
Ukrainian forces in the embattled city of Vovchansk released video footage showing heavy combat. According to Ukrainian sources, the defense is holding firm, while officials and NATO believe Russia is unable to achieve a significant breakthrough.
14:25 EU sanctions against pro-Russian Voice of Europe platform
EU member states have imposed sanctions on the pro-Russian platform Voice of Europe and three Russian media outlets. These outlets will be blocked across the EU.
13:53 Putin rebuffs Western sanctions as detrimental to global economy
Putin criticized Western sanctions as part of an economic distortion. Speaking to Russian state media representatives in China, he declared, "These are not market-oriented, absolutely stupid decisions with no prospects." He further emphasized that the US is debilitating the dollar with its punitive measures and "sawing off the branch on which they're sitting." He denied any connection between the sanctions and Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, suggesting the West is seeking a competitive edge.
13:41 Putin wishes for additional gas pipeline to China
Russia and China intend to expand their energy partnership. Both countries have signaled interest in constructing the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, which would transport Russian gas to China. Putin believes that an agreement will be reached on the pipeline's route. Furthermore, they are contemplating building an oil pipeline "in the same corridor."
12:58 Putin: No immediate plans to capture KharkivPutin says that, at the moment, they're not intending to seize Kharkiv - a city that's been under fire from Russian forces for several weeks. He divulged this information to Russian state media representatives while in China. A journalist asked, "what's the status of Kharkiv?" after Zelensky had visited the severely attacked region a day prior, where he spoke about the situation improving. Putin justifies this move by claiming they're trying to set up a buffer zone because the Russian region of Belgorod is receiving intense shelling from Kharkiv. However, many feel Russia has ulterior motives - like annexing the Kharkiv area.
1:18 Peking speaking frankly with Putin off-camera?China is publicly maintaining a courteous attitude towards Putin. But, behind closed doors, there might be something else going on, says political analyst Thomas Jäger. He notes that China's dependency on Russia is too great.
12:28 Putin wants to supply China with more energyDuring his China visit, Putin offers to boost energy supplies to China. He states, "Russia can continue and reliably provide China's economy, companies, cities, and villages with eco-friendly, inexpensive energy, electricity, and heat." He's sure that the strategic alliance in the energy sector will get even stronger.
11:57 Evidence of cracks in partnership between Russia and ChinaRussian media talks about a 30-page agreement with China. Nevertheless, there are some fractures, notes ntv correspondent Rainer Munz. For instance, China might participate in Swiss peace talks or try to avoid becoming too dependent on Russian raw materials.
11:34 Ukraine: The Kharkiv region's offensive has expanded Russian operations by 70kmUkraine's army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reveals Russian troops have extended their operational area by almost 70km. The objective is to force Ukraine to mobilize additional reserve brigades in this offensive against the region of Kharkiv. He expects the combat to escalate as troops in Kiev prepare for defense in the Sumy region.
11:15 Video: Consequences of attacks on Russian territoryUkrainian attacks on Russians haven't just limited themselves to Ukraine. They have targeted various areas on Russian territory, including an oil refinery in Tuapse, Krasnodar's coast. Russia says at least 100 Ukrainian drones were downed during these attacks.
10:31 Baerbock requests weapons with increased rangeMindful of the dire circumstances in Kharkiv, Foreign Minister Baerbock requests more weapons with a greater reach. The situation surrounding Ukraine's second-biggest city is "highly tumultuous," she said during a Council of Europe foreign ministers meeting. Russia is firing at Kharkiv from their own territory, so Ukrainian air defense cannot act effectively. Kharkiv is around 40km away from the Russian border.
10:02 Putin, Xi end talks with a warm embraceThe two-day Russian-Chinese talks ended in harmony. Putin and Xi met in China, then shook hands and subsequently hugged after leaving a meeting. Videos show Putin embracing Xi as he left China. He'll continue his journey in the northern Chinese city of Harbin.
9:26 Ukraine: Four explosions in KharkivUkraine reports they've thwarted all 20 drones Russia launched towards Ukraine during the night. Attacks occurred in Kharkiv, Poltava, Vinnytsia, Odessa, and Mykolaiv areas. Kharkiv mayor Ihor Terekhov says four explosions happened. One incident resulted in a fire. According to the regional governor, a five-story building was damaged, including an administrative building.
9:02 Jürgen Weichert, ntv reporter: Russians are nearing Kharkiv's city limitsThe context in Kharkiv is highly tense. Ukraine successfully secured the military situation close to the city limits, but "Russian positions have also stabilized," reports ntv journalist Jürgen Weichert. The Russians are about 30km away from Kharkiv.
08:34: Two killed in Belgorod region amid Russian drone attacks
Authorities report two casualties in Russia as a result of the massive night-time Ukrainian drone attacks. In the village of Oktyabrsky near the border region of Belgorod, a mother and her four-year-old son were killed when a combat drone struck. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov shared the news.
08:06: Sevastopol under attack in Crimea
The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed that Sevastopol in Crimea was attacked overnight. According to local governor, a substation has been damaged. "We're experiencing isolated power outages," he said. Schools and kindergartens remain closed due to the situation. This city is home to the Russian Black Sea Fleet, which has been present since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, violating international law.
07:42: Potential drone attack on Novorossiysk portVideos circulating online show millions of Ukrainian drone attacks on the Black Sea Fleet port of Novorossiysk. The Russian state news agency RIA has reported missile attacks on the region without mentioning the port.
07:18: More than 100 Ukrainian drones intercepted, say Russian authoritiesRussia claims to have intercepted over 100 Ukrainian drones during the night. The Ministry of Defense reports that 51 drones were targeted over the annexed Crimean peninsula, 44 more were intercepted in the Krasnodar region, six in Belgorod, and one in Kursk. Apart from that, the navy has destroyed six naval drones in the Black Sea. In response to the daily shelling from Russia, Ukraine intensifies its strikes on Russian territory, often targeting energy facilities.
06:58: Major Russian military airfield in Crimea destroyedLatest satellite images from Maxar show that three fighter jets - two MiG-31s and one Su-27 - were completely destroyed in the Ukrainian attacks on the Russian military airfield in Belbek, Crimea. Additionally, a MiG-29 was damaged. The "New York Times" also reported the destruction of a fuel depot in Belbek after an attack on Thursday night.
06:33: Another alleged drone hit on a Russian refineryVideos show an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on a Russian oil refinery in Tuapse on the Black Sea. Local authorities have confirmed the fire, which has been contained.
06:14: Putin plans to focus on trade with China's northeastRussian President Vladimir Putin will emphasis trade at the Russian border in northeastern China after sealing a strategic partnership with Chinese President Xi Jinping later today. Putin is concluding a two-day visit to China in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, known for its trade and cultural ties with Russia.
06:00: British military attaché declared persona non grata by RussiaThe Russian Foreign Ministry has declared Adrian Coghill, the military attaché at the British embassy in Moscow, persona non grata and ordered him to leave the country within a week. This is in retaliation to the UK expelling the Russian military attaché, whom they believe to be an undeclared intelligence agent.
05:30: NATO nations discuss sending military trainers, contractors to Ukraine?Arrayed NATO member states are contemplating the idea of sending military trainers or contractors to Ukraine to train Ukrainian troops and fix their equipment. The New York Times notes that Ukraine is seeking training for 150,000 soldiers near the front line. However, the US is hesitant, fearing possible attacks on the trainers, which could potentially result in triggering the NATO collective defense clause. Some officials suggest continuing the practice of training large numbers of Ukrainian recruits in Germany and Poland. This approach, however, causes logistical challenges in moving so many soldiers. The UK, Germany, and France are considering sending defense contractors to Ukraine, while the White House reconsiders its ban on US defense contractors in Ukraine.
04:42: Japanese law should be respected in distribution of Russian assets, says Japanese ministerFinance Minister Shunichi Suzuki comments on the US proposal to utilize the income from frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine. He emphasized the importance of adhering to international law: “Japan plans to participate in the forthcoming G7 meeting on this basis.”
03:11: Kim Jong Un's sister denies arms deal with RussiaKim Yo Jong, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's sister, denies arm sales with Russia. According to the state news agency KCNA, she stated that the weapons developed by North Korea were meant for self-defense against South Korea. She described the alleged arms deal with Russia as an "absurd theory" created out of prejudice and fabrication. The US and South Korea have publicly accused North Korea of providing weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine. Moscow and Pyongyang both deny the claims.
The air raid alert in Kharkiv was lifted in numerous areas. This alert lasted longer than 16 hours, as indicated by regional leader Oleh Synyehubov. It's reported that at least five drones targeted Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city before this. Ihor Terekhov, Kharkiv's mayor, verified a district was damaged and a fire resulted. The public broadcaster Suspilne stated that the air raid alert for Kharkiv endured past 16.5 hours, the longest since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
00:51 USA: Beijing's support to Moscow hinders reconciliation with the WestThe US administration considers Chinese backing for Russia as an impediment to reconciliation with the West. According to State Department spokesman Vedant Patel, "China can't dance at two weddings at the same time." Developing better ties with Europe and other nations isn't likely for Beijing if they simultaneously "fuel the largest threat to European security in a long time," mentioned Patel, alluding to Russia's war against Ukraine.
23:34 Zelensky cautions regarding gas infrastructure attacksUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky alerts Europe about potential hazards arising from Russian missile strikes on Ukraine's gas transport system. He spoke about this with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Zelensky announced in his evening video message. Attacks on western Ukraine's gas infrastructure posed a threat to everyone in Europe, Zelensky stated, "not just for us, but also for our neighbors. We must work together to tackle this issue."
22:06 Prolonged power outages in Ukraine after attacks due to extensive damage to power plants and substations in Ukraine, the government anticipates power blackouts to persist for months. Improvements are not foreseen until August or September, claims Yuri Boyko, advisor to the Prime Minister and member of Ukrenerho's supervisory board. Also on Wednesday, there'll be regional power interruptions on Thursday to preserve electricity. Streets in the capital Kiev are also included. Russia's missile attacks greatly damaged Ukraine's power grid, Boyko says.
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- The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has resulted in many Ukrainian men leaving the country due to the military operations. However, now that a new mobilization law has been announced, Ukrainian military conscripts abroad can access consular services once again, as long as they provide proof of their military registration.
- The announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kiev is particularly relevant for Ukrainian men currently in countries that are part of NATO. Given the complexities of the Ukraine conflict and the role of NATO in the region, it's important for these conscripts to understand the implications of returning to Ukraine for military service.
- The issue of cyberwarfare has also been a significant aspect of the Ukraine conflict. In light of the recent attack on a Ukrainian military unit in the Kharkiv region, there are concerns that Russia may be using cyber measures to disrupt communication systems, giving them an advantage on the battlefield.
- The attention of international bodies such as NATO and the United Nations has been focused on the Ukraine conflict and the role of major powers like Russia and the United States. In this context, the current conflict in Ukraine can be seen as a test of international cooperation and the willingness of major powers to address global security challenges in a responsible and constructive manner.
These sentences aim to provide context to the given words and highlight their importance in the overall narrative of the Ukraine conflict.
Source: www.ntv.de
