Russian Billions for Ukraine: Berlin Welcomes Legally Secure Actions

15:42: Russian funds for Ukraine: Berlin supports legally backed measures

The top democratic industrialized nations are still debating over how to utilize the frozen assets of the Russian central bank to help support Ukraine. Christian Lindner, Germany's finance minister, shared that his country would be willing to take more measures to use the interest income from these frozen assets for Ukrainian aid. However, he mentioned that these steps would not create any legal ramifications or financial risks. During a meeting with the G7 finance ministers in Italy, there was a mutual willingness to thoroughly examine the US proposal. Albeit, negotiations are not close yet, as there are still many unresolved subjects. The EU nations have decided to utilize the interest income from the Russian central bank's assets frozen in the EU to fund military assistance for Ukraine in the future. However, the US suggests that the G7 could loan a large sum of money to Ukraine, which would be secured by the interest income. This could potentially raise more funds than the three billion the EU has planned. Lindner highlighted that it remains unclear who would be responsible for providing guarantees and bearing risks. More progress is needed before any resolution is reached. Reports indicate that an agreement may be made during the G7 heads of state and government meeting in Apulia in mid-June.

At 15:20, Ukraine claims to have stopped a Russian ground offensive in Kharkiv. The Ukrainian military officials announced that their forces have halted the Russian troops in the Kharkiv region and are counterattacking. A military representative described the situation as "challenging", stating it is "stable and under control". Chief of the General Staff, Oleksandr Syrskyj, explained that the Russian army's advances in the northeastern region had halted. He described the situation in street battles around the border town of Vovchansk, adding that "Russian troops are completely stuck and are experiencing significant losses among the attacking forces." Border skirmishes in Vovchansk led to no success, according to Syrskyj.

15:02 - Germany provides more Leopard tanks to Ukraine

Germany has donated more Leopard tanks and other equipment to Ukraine, according to updated military support services. The delivery included 40 Leopard 1 A5 main battle tanks, 100 Marder infantry fighting vehicles with ammunition and spare parts from the German army and industrial resources and 18 Leopard 2 A6 main battle tanks with ammunition and spare parts. Various Dingo transport vehicles, multi-purpose vehicles, and armored transporters were also supplied. Germany's total military aid to Ukraine will be about 28 billion euros, according to the report.

14:15 - Estonia summons Russian chargé d'Affaires

Estonia has summoned the Russian embassy's chargé d'affaires for discussions over the removal of border markers in the Narva River, which divides Estonia and Russia. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna expressed the removal to be "provocative and unacceptable." Estonia is calling for an explanation and the prompt return of the marked buoys.

13:49 - Ukrainian army chief reports heavy Russian losses near Vovchansk

Ukrainian army chief Oleksandr Syrskyj stated that the Russian army's offensive in the Kharkiv region of northeastern Ukraine has faltered. He claimed that in street battles around Vovchansk, "Russian troops have completely lost their way" and "suffered incredibly high losses among the attacking forces." Russian forces are now bringing more troops in a desperate attempt to take the city, but they have made no progress. Vovchansk, located close to the frontier with Russia, has been the focus of the Russian ground offensive launched two weeks ago. Moscow's biggest territorial gains since the end of 2022 resulted from this operation.

13:17 - Baerbock warns Russia against provocations on western borders

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock issued a warning to Russia, calling for them to refrain from aggressive actions at the EU's western borders. Ms. Baerbock stated, "Russia is setting fire to the borders of the European Union." She then pledged her support to Estonia, Finland, and Lithuania and emphasized the solidarity of the EU and NATO. This announcement comes after reports of missing buoys in the Narva River on the Estonia-Russia border. (1)

(1) https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/ukraine-schlagabtausche-101.html

A Romanian citizen is in custody after being accused of spying for Russia. The public prosecutor's office in Bucharest made the announcement. Since 2022, this individual has been snapping photos of military installations and troop transports belonging to the Romanian army and other NATO countries near Tulcea. The information was passed along to the Russian embassy in Bucharest. An investigative judge has ordered the suspect to be held for 30 days. The probe is being handled by DIICOT, the Romanian agency responsible for organized crime and terrorism investigations, along with the domestic intelligence service SRI and the army's intelligence service. During house searches, evidence connected to the case was found.

Sources claim Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to reach a ceasefire, accepting the current frontline. "Putin will continue fighting as long as necessary," one person close to Putin's inner circle spoke to Reuters. "But Putin is also ready for a ceasefire - to freeze the war." According to three other sources, Putin disclosed his thoughts to a select group of advisors. The president voiced his frustration with efforts said to be backed by the West to hinder negotiations. However, Putin has previously stated, "We are not prepared for talks based on such fanciful ideas that stem from drug use, but we are ready for negotiations based on the realities on the ground."

Rheinmetall, an arms manufacturer, has received a massive order for artillery ammunition worth nearly 300 million euros from an unidentified NATO member state. The order consists of tens of thousands of artillery shells and hundreds of thousands of propellant charge modules. Delivery is expected to occur between 2024 and 2028. Rheinmetall has secured multiple large contracts due to the need to restock militaries' ammunition due to the conflict in Ukraine.

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (ISW) believes corruption allegations in Russia's Ministry of Defense are a cover-up for the real reasons behind the purge. The Kremlin is "likely using allegations of corruption against senior officials as an excuse to oust them," according to ISW. Following the dismissal of Minister Sergei Shoigu, six other ministry officials reportedly want to exit. Military bloggers argue that the investigation will not stop with the recent arrests and firings, expressing relief that corrupt officials are being brought to justice under the new Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. ISW believes the Kremlin is allowing this commentary, as it singles out individuals targeted by the Ministry of Defense. "This supports the image of Defense Minister Andrei Belousov as a fixer within the Defense Ministry, in contrast to Shoigu."

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban deems concerns about a Russian attack on a NATO member state unjustified. "The Russian military is engaged in a challenging conflict against the Ukrainians," Orban stated on a public broadcaster. "If the Russians could quickly subdue the Ukrainians, they would have done so already." As NATO's military might is substantially greater than Ukraine's, it's improbable that Russia or any other nation would attack NATO. Orban considered it implausible that Russia, incapable of defeating Ukraine, would suddenly overtake the entire Western world. There's a slim chance of this outcome.

10:16 Moscow concert hall attack: Russian intelligence agency FSB links Islamic State for the first time

In a groundbreaking admission, Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has accused the Islamic State (IS) militant group of coordinating the brutal attack on a Moscow concert hall last March. As reported by state news agency RIA Novosti, FSB Director Alexander Bortnikov stated that during their investigation, they discovered "the preparations, financing, the attack, and retreat of the terrorists were coordinated via the Internet by members of the Khorasan Province group," the Afghan branch of IS. IS has previously claimed responsibility for the horrific incident where over 140 people were killed and 360 injured. Despite multiple attempts by Moscow to link Ukraine to the attack, which Kyiv adamantly denies, Bortnikov added that "the investigation is still ongoing, but we can already say with certainty that Ukrainian military intelligence is directly involved in the attack." However, he failed to explain the connection between the two parties.

09:55 "No move forward or backward" in Vovchansk

The siege of Kharkiv continues as the city endures heavy bombardments from Russian forces. According to ntv correspondent Stephan Richter, Vovchansk is facing the direst of situations, with "no forward and no backward." The beleaguered urban center has been bombarded for several weeks, while Russian attacks caused the city's sirens to sound.

09:29 Ukraine issues new Russian casualty figures: Nearly 500,000

Ukraine's General Staff of the Armed Forces presented alarming new casualty figures, estimating that Russian losses will soon pass the half-million mark. Since February 24, when Moscow launched its full-scale invasion, they claim 498,940 Russian soldiers have been killed in Ukraine in 2022. This tally includes 1,240 losses suffered in 24 hours' time. Furthermore, they report that Russia has suffered substantial losses in equipment: 7,635 tanks, 14,775 armored combat vehicles, 17,569 vehicles and fuel tanks, 12,902 artillery systems, 1,080 multiple launch rocket systems, 813 air defense systems, 356 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 10,401 drones, 27 ships and boats, and one submarine.

08:57 Kharkiv hit with glide bombs for a third time

The notorious assault on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv continued during the night as two glide bombs were targeted at residential buildings. As confirmed by Mayor Ihor Terekhov on Telegram, there were no reported casualties this time. However, a few structures sustained minor damages. Kharkiv has been relentlessly under fire from Russian air raids for months, with 7 deaths reported the previous day.

08:26 FSB chief: Ukraine connected to Moscow concert hall attack

The head of Russia's domestic intelligence service, Alexander Bortnikov, has pointed the finger at the Ukrainian military intelligence agency for its role in the deadly Moscow concert attack. Citing that this connection is already "certain," he referenced the state news agency TASS. This is just one of several times Moscow has implicated Ukraine in such an assault, which Russia's Armed Forces have reportedly refused to provide evidence to support.

08:02 Crimea: Russian communications center attacked; casualties reported

A command center in the occupied Crimean city of Alushta was struck by missiles supplied by the United States, causing "significant damage" to equipment and casualties, according to Ukrainian reports from pro-Ukrainian partisan group Atesh and Crimean Wind. Multiple ATACMS missiles bounced off the antenna and collided with several structures at a facility where high-ranking military personnel are allegedly residing.

07:27 Russian publicist: Russians "condemned to live and die as idiots for generations"

Russian publicist and former Duma deputy Alexander Nevzorov, a harsh critic of the Kremlin, has bluntly denounced his compatriots. Believing them to be obedient circus animals, he asserts that they will maintain all the skills taught to them by Russian propaganda until dying. "The Russians are doomed to live and die as idiots for at least a few generations." Even the demise of Vladimir Putin won't alleviate the situation, the Ukrainian passport holder insists.

07:03 Scholz: "No EU Nuclear Weapons"

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz supports French President Emmanuel Macron's plans to enhance European defense capabilities. Writing for The Economist, Scholz argued that Europe needs a variety of defense capabilities to defend itself and deter potential aggressors. In addition to nuclear deterrence, this includes strong conventional military forces, air and missile defense, cyber, space, and precision strike capabilities. Scholz emphasized the importance of improving the European defense industry through investment. However, he also clarified that there would be no "EU nuclear weapons." He deemed this idea as unrealistic.

06:38 US Pressures Tbilisi Over Controversial Agent Law

Following the adoption of a controversial law aimed at foreign influence operations in Georgia, the United States has announced new visa restrictions and a review of its relationship with the country. These restrictions would apply to individuals involved in undermining democracy in Georgia and their families. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the US hoped Georgia would reconsider the law, promoting the country's "democratic and Euro-Atlantic aspirations."

06:29 Estonia Aids Children in War-Affected Areas

The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will provide over 650,000 euros in humanitarian aid to Ukraine. This assistance, primarily intended to support the education system in frontline areas, will be distributed through the Estonian non-profit organization Eesti Pagulasabi, which will improve living conditions in vulnerable regions and provide support to Ukrainian refugees in Georgia. Mondo will use part of the funds to organize summer camps and provide psychological support for children in Zaporizhzhya.

05:57 Russian Forces Advance in Kharkiv, Targeting Slavyansk

Russian forces have advanced in the Ukrainian region of Kharkiv, with the aim of controlling more than half of the territory of the border town of Vovchansk. According to Russian MP Viktor Vodolatsky, Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, and Pokrovsk will be Russia's next targets once Vovchansk is captured.

05:29 Putin in Belarus for Security Talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Belarus for talks with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko. Subjects of discussion include security and military exercises involving tactical nuclear weapons, in which Minsk will participate.

04:33 South Korea Imposes Sanctions on North Koreans and Russian Ships

South Korea has imposed sanctions against seven North Korean individuals and two Russian ships over their involvement in the arms trade between Pyongyang and Moscow.

03:39 US Prepares Additional Aid for Ukraine

The United States is preparing military aid for Ukraine worth $275 million, including artillery shells, precision-guided bombs, and vehicles. The aid will be provided under the Presidential Drawdown Authority.

02:34 China and Brazil Distancing from Ukraine Peace Conference

Brazil and China have indirectly stepped away from the planned international peace conference on Ukraine in Switzerland, where Russia has not been invited. In a statement signed by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's special advisor Celso Amorim and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, both countries call for Russia and Ukraine to engage in peace talks. They advocate for equal participation of all parties in the conference.

01:15 Moscow Court Sentences Kremlin Opponent to 25 Years for Sabotage

A military court in Moscow has sentenced 36-year-old Vladimir Malina to 25 years in prison for sabotage and membership in a unit fighting for Ukraine. Malina, a barman from Moscow, was imprisoned for terrorism, high treason, and sabotage charges. He set fire to a railroad control box and planned sabotage actions. In June, he was arrested.

See the original text with highlighted markdown formatting here. Image source: IMDb.

List of Topics
1. Olaf Scholz's Stance on EU Nuclear Weapons2. US Visa Restrictions on Georgian Individuals3. Estonian Humanitarian Aid for Ukraine4. Russian Military Incursions in Ukraine5. Putin's Visit to Belarus for Security Talks6. South Korean Sanctions Against North Korea and Russia7. US Aid to Ukraine Worth $275 Million8. Distant Stances of Brazil and China Towards Ukraine Peace Conferences9. 25-Year Sentence Imposed on Kremlin Opponent in Moscow

11:55 PM Poland and Greece Plead for European Air Defense Shield

With the Russian conflict ongoing, Poland and Greece urge the EU to establish an air defense shield to safeguard European nations. In a joint letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said, "Europe will be secure as long as its skies are secure." The two leaders deem this air defense project crucial in addressing a significant security vulnerability.

10:26 PM Suspected Explosions in Russian-Occupied Crimea?

Russia may have faced explosions in Crimea, the occupied territory. It is rumored that Ukraine launched attacks against Crimean targets using ATACMS missiles provided by the US. In a video taken near Alushta, a village on the Crimean coast, one or more explosions seem to be visible. However, no official confirmation has been given. Similarly, the Russian air defense system seems to be operational, judging from the recording. Crimean governor Sergei Aksyonov, who was appointed by the Russian occupiers, acknowledged missile strikes on Simferopol and Alushta via Telegram. Two casualties were reported, while an empty commercial building was affected. However, Russia is known to downplay Ukrainian attacks or claim it successfully thwarted them. Kiev has been persistently targeting Russian air defense systems and radars. Some speculate that this trend continues.

10:00 PM More Arrests? Possible Continuation of Putin's Military Clean-Up

Pro-Russian channels report that Vladimir Verteletsky, the head of the Russian Ministry of Defense's department for maintaining state defense orders, has also been detained. Verteletsky is accused of committing fraud on a massive scale. This follows the arrest of Vadim Shamarin, the deputy chief of the Russian military's general staff, who was apprehended earlier. The latter was the fourth senior military officer caught since April.

Check out all previous updates here. ATACMS