13:14 - Russian Official: A Girl Lost Her Life Due to Ukrainian Shelling in a Village
In a village occupied by the Russians in southern Ukraine, it is claimed that eleven people were wounded by Ukrainian artillery shelling. A young girl of five passed away due to her injuries, as reported by Yevgeny Balitsky, who heads the Russian-appointed administration in the region of Zaporizhzhia. This information is yet to be independently verified. The village of Novoslatopol came under fire on Tuesday night. As per the front lines' maps, the Ukrainian village is just three km behind the Russian line.
At 12:25 p.m., Swiss pilots tested their skills by landing their fighter jets on a motorway at high speeds. The Italian Air Force's F/A-18 aircraft had perfect landings that reached approximately 260 km/h. The last such exercise in Switzerland took place in 1991, and the modified threat scenario is emphasized by the deputy commander of the Air Force, Brigadier Christian Oppliger. The Air Force believes it requires the ability to deter enemies up to 100 km beyond the border, according to Oppliger. The main objective of the exercise was to evaluate the Air Force's readiness for action in the event of a potential initial strike on foreign military airfields.
At 12:00 p.m., the Ukrainian government is delighted that US Vice President Harris will be present at the peace conference in Switzerland. The head of the Ukrainian Presidential Administration views this as a "significant message." Ukraine had initially hoped for the participation of US President Biden. Biden and Zelensky will meet on Thursday in France for the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landing, and another encounter is planned during the upcoming G7 summit in Italy.
Scholz, the Chancellor, has promised the defense industry "assured orders" to increase production capacity in Germany and abroad. According to Scholz, who was speaking at the launch of the International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA) in Berlin, the federal government prioritizes a potent air and space industry in Germany and Europe. "So we will order an additional 20 Eurofighters during this legislative period, in addition to the 38 aircraft currently pending," said Scholz. He spoke of the "defense industrial transformation" being crucial. They also support increasing Eurofighter export opportunities. His focus included preserving and expanding manufacturing facilities in the defense sector.
Munz, a newscaster for ntv, observed that the war effort by Ukraine has encountered success in inhibiting nations from joining the Swiss peace conference. While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky strives to include more countries, Russia has been attempting to minimize involvement, with relative success. Previously, 141 UN members denounced Russia's invasion, but the number of those who affirm participation in the meeting has significantly reduced.
Security measures for Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, have been reportedly heightened, as per several Russian officials and sources close to the Kremlin. The officials mentioned the likelihood of Ukrainian drone attacks or sabotage operations, as well as the increased threat posed by the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against Putin and the fear of potential Islamic attacks.
The Russian army intensified shelling on the city of Nikopol, as confirmed by the Ukrainian administration late last night and early this morning. No injuries were reported, but five homes and a power line were damaged. Additionally, four drones were downed in the area.
At 8:54, drone footage provides a glimpse into the tense surroundings of the 71st Fighter Brigade's air defense units and their response to Russian activities behind the front lines. The brigade employs "Storks" to observe lessening hostile actions, but the increasing reach of Ukrainian drones demands Russian air defense units to react accordingly.
In summary, the Ukrainian village of Novoslatopol was shelled by Ukraine, and a girl was killed. Swiss fighter pilots practiced landing their jets on a motorway. Ukrainian President Zelensky wanted more countries to join the peace conference while Russia discouraged others. Chancellor Scholz pledged increased orders to the defense industry. Russia increased security measures for Putin. Nikopol endured more artillery strikes, and Russian air defense units responded to drones getting closer to their territory.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet with international journalists for the first time since the beginning of his two-year-long conflict against Ukraine, during the international economic forum in St. Petersburg. This event took place in 2022 and 2023. The economic forum begins on Wednesday and ends on Saturday.
07:58 Difficult Situation in Ukraine's East: Intense Attacks Northwest of Donetsk
The Ukrainian army reports a tough situation at the front in eastern Ukraine. There have been reports of fierce attacks northwest of Donetsk. Yesterday, there were 37 attacks in the direction of the city of Pokrovsk, according to the military report. The Russian army is most active in the area around Otscheretyne. There, they are trying to advance in various directions. This area is located between Donetsk and Pokrovsk.
07:32 Ukraine Experiences Another Night with Drone Attacks
The Russian military used drones to attack Ukraine again during the night. Ukrainian forces state that they shot down 22 of the 27 drones. The drones were allegedly shot down in the south, northeast, and central Ukraine. During an attack in the central Ukrainian region of Poltava, an industrial facility was damaged, and a person was injured, as regional governor Filip Pronin reports.
06:55 Warning for US Citizens with Ukrainian Citizenship: May Not be Allowed to Leave Ukraine
The US Embassy in Ukraine warns male US citizens who also have Ukrainian citizenship to avoid traveling to Ukraine, as they may not be able to leave the country indefinitely. "There is a high risk that your exit will be refused, even if you have a US passport," the embassy writes. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian men aged 18 to 60 have been banned from leaving the country.
06:14 Recruitment Project for Drone Operators in Ukraine's Defense Ministry
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry is launching a project to hire drone operators for the military. According to the online newspaper "Ukrajinska Prawda," anyone over 18 years old can apply, it says. The prospective operators are first expected to complete an online course, then learn how to operate drones, and finally commit to joining the army.
05:42 NATO Secretary General Criticizes China
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg criticizes China for not participating in the Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland. "It's unfortunate that China has decided not to participate," says the Norwegian in an interview with NDR Info podcast "Streitkräfte und Strategien." The refusal represents what has been observed before: "Namely, that China was not able to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which is a clear violation of international law." The Chinese had not only not condemned the invasion but had also agreed with Russian President Vladimir Putin just beforehand, promising each other an unlimited partnership, explains Stoltenberg. Since the invasion, it can be seen how China supports the Russian war economy by selling it advanced technology, microelectronics, microchips, and other equipment.
03:39 Two Meetings Between Biden and Zelenskyy
US President Biden will reportedly have two "important meetings" with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in the coming days, according to US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. Biden is expected to attend celebrations in France for the 80th anniversary of the Allied landing, and Zelenskyy is also expected in France. The G7 summit is scheduled to take place in Italy in the coming week.
02:42 Reports of "Filtration Camps" in Vovchansk
The Russian invaders are setting up so-called "filtration camps" in the disputed city of Vovchansk, according to Ukrainian authorities. This is reported by Governor of the Kharkiv region, Oleh Syniehubov, on state television. Filtration camps are used by Russia to identify and document Ukrainians in the occupied territories. There have been reports of torture, sexual violence, and deportations in the past. In the part of Vovchansk occupied by Russian forces, only a few people remain, Syniehubov added. These people are being used by the enemy as human shields.
00:44 Corruption Charges: Former Head of Ukraine's Arms Procurement Faces Trial
The former head of Ukraine's arms procurement must answer corruption charges in court. He is accused of agreeing to inflated prices for aircraft parts, the Anti-Corruption Bureau in Kyiv announced. This case dates back to 2016 and is therefore unrelated to the ongoing conflict between the Ukrainian army and Russia's attacks. The accused had agreed with a private company on prices for aircraft parts that were seven times higher than the market value, the bureau explained further. His business partner is already on trial.
In Moscow, the authorities are taking a tough stance on supporters of the late Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny who gathered for a small commemorative event on his birthday. Officers from a special team burst into a room where numerous people had come together to watch a live broadcast of a Navalny memorial concert in Berlin. As reported by Ovd-Info, a human rights organization, approximately 30 people were taken into custody, their homes searched, and they were questioned. Navalny would have celebrated his 48th birthday today. To learn more, please follow this link.
6:56 Over 600 Children Killed Since the War Commenced
On this day, Ukrainians honored the children who lost their lives during the war. According to Denise Brown, a UN representative, at least 600 children have been killed since the conflict began in February 2022, and more than 1,400 others have been injured. This number only represents verified cases by the United Nations. The actual number of children killed is most likely significantly higher. "Let's strive to safeguard our children," urged President Zelensky's wife, Olena Zelenska, at a memorial gathering in Kyiv. Ukraine requires more weapons. The safety of children should take precedence over "the costs of air defense."
10:00 Disturbing Photos of Ukrainian Prisoners of War - Similarities to Concentration Camp Detainees
Currently, pictures of Roman Horilyk, a Ukrainian National Guard soldier, are being widely circulated on social media. Prominent journalist Illia Ponomarenko shares these photos, which show Horilyk in an incredibly emaciated condition. "This is how he looked upon his return to Ukraine following the last prisoner exchange," Ponomarenko writes. The soldier was captured at the Chernobyl nuclear facility and was imprisoned for more than two years in Russia. "The cycle recurs and screams, 'Lessons must be learned.'" Photos on social media are being compared to those of prisoners from German concentration camps.
19:11 Remarkable Satellite Images Reveal Strikes on Russian Territory
The assault on a Russian defense system has drawn considerable attention lately, as it encompasses a crucial installation and took place on Russian ground. Moscow denies the occurrence of this assault, but there are numerous videos and images that depict significant damage, and now, satellite images released by Radio Liberty as well. The images show burn marks on the launch pads and a damaged command center for the S-300/400 system. It is thought that this attack was executed with a HIMARS multiple rocket launcher provided by the United States. Washington has recently granted Ukraine the authority to target sites within Russia to protect Kharkiv's region.
19:33 "The forthcoming weeks will shape the summer and the entire year"
Ukrainian President Zelensky asserts that his country is once again confronted with a crucial stage. "Although it's merely early June, the future weeks will ultimately determine the summer and, in many ways, the entire year," Zelensky states in his evening video message. He mentions aspects including the peace summit in Switzerland, "the global mobilization for Ukraine, our ties with the EU, the positions on the front lines, and also our domestic manufacturing capabilities."
19:06 Germany is a Primary Target of Russian Disinformation Prior to the European Elections
Before the upcoming European elections, there have been a spike in Russian disinformation campaigns in Germany, France, and Poland, according to Brussels. These three nations have been "persistently" targeted by Russia, asserts EU Vice Commissioner Vera Jourova in Brussels. In Germany, information is typically manipulated around "issues of immigration and security," she states. Jourova presented a report by the European Observatory for Online Media (EDMO). Russian disinformation campaigns often revolve around the war in Ukraine. Together, Germany, France, and Poland represent about 145 million eligible voters. These figures represent roughly 40% of all potential voters in the EU.
Read also:
- The Russian military has reportedly escalated its cyberwar against Ukraine, targeting critical infrastructure and government systems, according to Ukrainian officials.
- In light of the intense attacks on Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky has urged NATO to provide stronger military support and increase sanctions against Russia.
- The attack on Ukraine has led to escalating tensions between Russia and the West, with Russia accusing NATO of providing Ukrainian forces with advanced weapons and intelligence.
- In response to the attack on Ukraine, the US and its allies have imposed sanctions on Russia, restricting its access to international finance and technology, with Russia retaliating by severing gas supplies to several European countries.
