12:24 "We're aware of the opposition's strategies and respond adaptably to their every move"
Ukrainian army commander Syrskyj discussed the ongoing conflict in a statement, noting that defense forces were fiercely battling the enemy. Efforts to breach their defenses had been halted, with reconnaissance, artillery, and drones engaging in the fight. He acknowledged that the situation in the Kharkiv region had become more challenging, but the Ukrainian Defense Forces were doing their best to maintain their defensive lines and strike the opposition. In Chassiv Yar, Russian forces had failed to reclaim lost ground in Klishchiivka. Despite the difficult frontline conditions, a rotation of units was underway, allowing soldiers to rest and enhance the brigades' combat readiness.
In related news, a high-rise building in Russia partially collapsed following Ukrainian shelling, with at least three fatalities and potentially 20 more people trapped beneath the debris. Gladkov, Belgorod Oblast's governor, confirmed this. Belgorod, located along the Ukrainian border, had experienced extensive shelling from Ukraine earlier, yet no official response from Ukrainian officials had been made. Russian aircraft had also attacked civilians' infrastructure in the region, perhaps inadvertently.
Gazprom, a significant Russian energy firm, was expected to suffer long-term financial consequences due to strained relationships with Western consumers following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Despite this dependance on European markets, Gazprom reported its first net loss since 1999. They had paid 25 billion euros in taxes by 2023, or 9% of total Russian state revenue, the British Ministry of Defense reported. The Russian authorities planned to increase Gazprom's tax burden even further in 2024, which might have contributed to Gazprom's decision to significantly reduce its planned investments by 15% in 2024.
Ukraine also asserted hitting infrastructure in Russian regions overnight. Alleged targets included an oil refinery in Volgograd, the Kaluganaftelectrodock oil depot in Kaluga, and a plant in Lipetsk. Military infrastructure was also targeted, with a military intelligence source informing Unian news about these kamikaze drones attacks. The Volgograd oil refinery explosion resulted in numerous explosions and a raging fire. Although Russia claimed successful air defense, drone debris fires were comparatively minor, as per the local governor. However, Ukrainian media shared footage and images hinting at a more extensive fireball.
In an analysis of the situation close to Kharkiv, Deepstate, a military channel with Ukrainian ties, voiced concerns about the increasingly complex environment. The Russian military was allegedly deploying more forces into the area, infiltrating villages and attempting to establish a foothold. Deepstate urged closer attention to the region or risk further enemy success. Although their main goal seemed to be diverting attention away from other areas, this deteriorating situation could potentially lead to grave consequences without Ukrainian reinforcements.
Finally, ntv reporter Jürgen Weichert revealed that the Russian military sought to force Ukrainian troops to shift positions. The attack near Kharkiv reportedly led to the capture of several villages, with Zelenskyi adamant about preventing the enemy's progress. In response, Ukraine deployed additional troops in the region, which might have been part of Russia's desired outcome.
Part 1: Russia's Propaganda Claims of Panic in Kharkiv Contradicted by Video
In the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, the engineers of the Russian military are making progress in the region around Kharkiv, a metropolis home to millions. However, there is no news about the implementation of mass evacuation measures in the city.
Maria Avdeeva, a Ukrainian security expert, notes that according to Russian propagandists, Kharkiv is full of fear and deserted. To support her statement, she shares a graphic video that shows what seems to be a bustling market. The video shows people going about their daily business without any signs of panic. Avdeeva stresses that Kharkiv citizens are well accustomed to the Russian aggression and that they are unlikely to be intimidated by the relentless air raids from Russia. Currently, no one expects the Kremlin troops to succeed in taking over Kharkiv. It could be that the Russians are trying to provoke a mass wave of migrations out of Ukrainian cities like Kharkiv.
Part 2: Progress Report from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW)
Russia's tactical advances continue in the north of the Kharkiv region. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) considers it unlikely that the Kremlin forces will launch a major operation in an attempt to encircle, surround, or seize Kharkiv. Instead, the ISW assumes that Russia is carrying out limited attacks in less defended areas. They interpret this as an indicator that the Russians are not willing or able to launch a large-scale assault on Kharkiv.
Part 3: Ukrainian Drone Attack Hits a Russian Oil Refinery
A drone attack by the Ukrainian forces caused a minor fire at the Volgograd oil refinery in southern Russia. According to local authorities, the blaze was quickly extinguished, and there were no injuries. However, neither the oil producer Lukoil nor the Ukrainian side has issued a public statement regarding this incident.
Part 4: Expected Arms Deliveries from Latvia
The Ukrainian ambassador to Latvia, Anatoly Kutsevol, revealed that his country will soon be capable of providing drones and radar defense systems to Ukraine. Furthermore, he points out that the two countries will cooperate in the production of 155 mm grenades. He mentions that there are other unnamed areas where they cooperate but doesn't disclose the details for security reasons.
Part 5: Anti-aircraft Unit of the 110th Brigade: Another Su-25 Downed
The ultranationalist 110th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces has claimed to have shot down another Su-25 fighter jet. The post on Facebook reads: "Anti-aircraft gunners of the 110th Brigade are once again doing a great job. Today they destroyed another SU-25." The Ukrainian Major Oleksiy Hetman estimates that Moscow still has approximately 190 Su-25 jets in its arsenal. Hetman, who appears on the We-Ukraine channel, sees this aircraft as a potent weapon to inflict damage on Ukrainian troops.
Part 6: One Fatality in the Belgorod Region Attack
It's believed that a large-scale Ukrainian attack occurred in the Belgorod region on the night of May 11, resulting in damage and casualties. Belgorod's governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, disclosed that there was a missile alert. Afterward, Russian Telegram channels posted images of burning cars and smoke billowing above Belgorod. According to Gladkov, one woman lost her life and twenty-nine people, including a child, were injured and taken to hospitals. The Russian governor also reported damage to homes, businesses, cars, medical facilities, and educational institutions. He added that damage also took place in the nearby village of Dubovoye.
Part 7: Steven Basham: Russia's Weapon Industry Can Be Prioritized
Speaking at an event hosted by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies on "Transatlantic Security after 75 Years of NATO", Lieutenant General Steven Basham emphasized that Russia, as an autocratic regime, can prioritize its arms industry over economic well-being to sustain its military actions in Ukraine. Not only that, but Iran and North Korea are also offering their support to the Russians. Basham observes that the Western defense industry is on the rise, and it is gaining momentum. He believes that the time Russia spends in Ukraine is the time the West has to enhance their industrial base to the necessary level.
Part 8: Ukrainian Troops Counterattacking in the Kharkiv Region
In retaliation for Russia's offensive in the north-eastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv, the Ukrainian army is conducting its own counter-attacks, as reported by President Volodymyr Zelenskyi. The ultimate aim of the troops, according to the Ukrainian Head of State, is to "disrupt the Russian assault strategy." The Ukrainian Head of State asserts that the troops must recapture the initiative from the Russian aggressors.
Russian attacks in Ukraine kill one civilian: TV reports claim that Russian soldiers have shelled ten communities in the northeastern region of Sumy Oblast. Officials say that at least 93 explosions have occurred here in the past 24 hours. A 37-year-old woman lost her life in a rocket attack near Sumy, a city in the same region. While no further details about what she was targeted at or the causes of the attack are available, it's known that this was an attack on infrastructure.
Canada to join Ukraine peace summit: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has confirmed that his country will participate at the upcoming peace summit for Ukraine. The event will be held in Switzerland on June 15-16. The primary focus will be attaining peace in Ukraine, following President Volodymyr Zelensky's ten-point plan, which demands that Russian troops leave all occupied territories. In a tweet, Trudeau states, "The first peace summit for Ukraine will take place in June - and Canada will be there. I'm looking forward to partnering with other global leaders to realize our unified ambition of achieving a just and lasting peace for Ukraine."
Scholz warns about Russian interference in elections: Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz sounds the alarm about the ongoing Russian meddling in the upcoming European and regional elections. Speaking at the "RND vor Ort" stage talk hosted by the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, Scholz noted accusations that money was paid to AfD politicians. He emphasizes that these claims must be thoroughly investigated. "There is, without a doubt, a tremendous quantity of Russian disinformation operative in election campaigns," he states.
Scholz urges Ukrainian refugees to join the workforce: Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz has encouraged Ukrainian war refugees currently residing in Germany to start working as quickly as possible. During a recent event called the "RND vor Ort" stage talk organized by the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, Scholz shared that he hopes Ukrainians "able to work" will begin doing so. The government has already financed various courses for integrating these refugees, including language instruction. Scholz further urged them to engage in employment, and added that they need "at least a few hundred thousand more people" in the labor market. His main recommendation for everyone is, "Do the same."
Also read about past incidents here.
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- Amidst the ongoing Cyberwar between Ukraine and Russia, a military intelligence source revealed Kamikaze drone attacks targeting Russian military infrastructure, as reported by Unian news.
- The escalating Ukraine conflict has seen NATO expressing support for Ukraine, with the alliance's Secretary-General, Jens Stoltenberg, stating that NATO stands with Ukraine in its defense against Russia's Military operations.
- Following the Attack on Ukraine by Russia, Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian President, has ordered the deployment of additional troops to the region, aiming to prevent further Russian Military progress and regain the initiative.
- In response to the Ukraine conflict, several countries, including Denmark and the United States, have pledged to provide military aid to Ukraine, with Denmark announcing a delivery of additional ammunition to support Ukraine's defensive efforts against Russia.
Source: www.ntv.de
