15:46 Biden: Democracy faced greater threat since WWII's conclusion.
Joe Biden warned of the growing threat to democracy during a memorial event in France commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day. "Democracy is facing greater challenges across the globe now than at any time since the end of World War II," Biden said at a service in Colleville-sur-Mer for the US soldiers who lost their lives during the Allied invasion. Biden participated in this event to honor the American soldiers killed during the landings in Normandy. He emphasized the power of freedom over conquest, referring to the D-Day operation, which paved the way for the Allied victory over the Nazis. The remembrance of this event also highlighted the significance of alliances. "Isolationism wasn't an option then, and it's not now," he stated, referring to the importance of NATO.
At 15:17, Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary-General of NATO, confirmed that his organization had "no plans" to deploy troops in Ukraine. During a visit to Helsinki, Stoltenberg stated that Russia poses no immediate military threat to any NATO member state.
14:46, Biden declared that the United States and NATO would not ignore the crisis in Ukraine. Joe Biden, during the memorial ceremony in Normandy, for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, said, "We will not ignore the crisis in Ukraine. We are living in a time when democracy is more threatened than ever since the end of World War II. We will not yield, we cannot surrender to the tyrant. If we do, freedom will be suppressed, and all of Europe will be threatened." Biden was referring to the conflict between Ukraine and Russia and emphasized the need to protect democracy.
At 14:21, a French citizen was arrested in Russia on charges of collecting information about Russian military activity. The serious crimes investigation committee made the announcement. The man is said to have met with Russian citizens during multiple visits to the country.
Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, announced plans to expand Russia's military presence in West and Central Africa. Concluding a four-day tour of the region, he said, "I assured our Chadian friends that Russia will continue to contribute to the stabilization of the situation in the Sahel-Sahara zone, helping the countries of the region to strengthen their national armed forces, train military personnel, and law enforcement officers. This not only applies to Chad but to other regions."
According to Ukrainian reports, two people lost their lives, and 22 others were injured in Russian attacks the previous day. These attacks took place in the regions of Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, and Dnipro. In Nikopol, a bus was hit by a drone, which then caught fire, resulting in four injured passengers alone.
At 12:57, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz responded to the positive remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin about the AfD, stating, "It's already embarrassing that you've received such high praise from the Russian president today." The AfD, a partly right-wing extremist German political party, has been under scrutiny by many for their ties to Russia.
In a press conference with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg mentioned the need to eliminate any remaining gaps in the military supply of Ukraine. He said, "We have seen some gaps, some delays in the provision of military support to Ukraine, and it is crucial that we ensure predictability and reliability for their needs."
Ukraine is calling on the United States and other Western countries to expand the training capacity for its F-16 pilots. Amidst the shedding light on an ongoing crisis, officials mentioned that there are gaps in determining how many pilots can begin their training in the US, Denmark, and Romania. Currently, 30 Ukrainian pilots are said to be ready to start their training in the US immediately. However, the pilot training program in Arizona has only twelve available places, meaning it will need to expand to meet demands.
The conflict near the city of Vovchansk, at the Russian-Ukrainian border, is ongoing. Ukrainian forces aim to inflict significant losses on their Russian counterparts, stop advances, and gradually reclaim land, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) based on statements from Ukrainian General Staff Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Russian military bloggers state that Ukrainian forces have intensified their counterattacks in and around Vovchansk on Wednesday, and the leader of the city's military administration, Tamaz Gambaraschvili, mentions that Ukrainian troops have recently regained control of unidentified positions within the city.
10:52 The Ukrainian Military Intelligence (HUR) allegedly destroys Russian ship in the Black Sea
The Ukrainian Military Intelligence (HUR) has reportedly destroyed a Russian ship in the Black Sea. This information comes from "Kyiv Independent" and the HUR spokesman Andriy Yusov. The report indicates that the ship was a tugboat located near the Russian-occupied Crimea. "Tonight, another enemy ship was destroyed in the Black Sea," said the spokesman on Ukrainian television.
10:23 Noted Ukrainian writer Serhiy Zhadan enlists in the army
Famous Ukrainian author and recipient of the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade, Serhiy Zhadan, has announced that he will serve in the Ukrainian army. He shared his news on social media, mentioning that he had joined the 13th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine, stating, "I am in training. I serve the people of Ukraine." Along with his announcement, Zhadan posted a picture of himself in military attire with an assault rifle.
09:57 Chancellor Scholz supports arming Ukraine, even if Russian territory is attacked
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has stressed that Ukraine can use the supplied weapons to engage with Russian positions not only on their territory, but also on Russia's. The Ukraine has the right to defend itself against attacks on its land, cities, and citizens, Scholz said in a government statement to the Bundestag. He added, "This also applies to attacks like in the area of Kharkiv, which Russia is conducting from positions in the directly adjacent Russian border area." Therefore, Ukraine can use weapons provided by them and their allies to defend against these attacks as long as they abide by international legal obligations.
09:26 Munz: "Putin puts pressure on Germany"
Russian President Putin has addressed the international press for the first time since Russia's invasion of Ukraine and delivered threats against the West. Rainer Munz from ntv offers commentary on Putin's statements.
08:56 Russia: 13 Ukrainian drones shot down over Crimea
Russia claims to have downed 13 Ukrainian drones over the Crimean Peninsula in the previous night. The ministry also mentions destroying six other objects over the Belgorod region and an anti-ship missile over the Rostov region, but these assertions cannot be independently verified. In addition, Ukraine has also reported destroying Russian drones.
08:23 New Ukrainian losses reported: 515,000 Russian soldiers
Ukrainian sources report that Russian forces have sustained 515,000 soldiers in their full-scale offensive against Ukraine. In the past 24 hours, Ukrainian General Staff reports 1,300 additional soldiers' deaths and injuries. Furthermore, 22 tanks, 48 artillery systems, an anti-aircraft system, and 40 armored personnel carriers were claimed to have been destroyed. However, these numbers cannot be independently verified.
07:55 Disruption at Russian refinery due to Ukrainian drone attack
A refinery in southern Russia was disrupted due to a Ukrainian drone attack as reported by Russian authorities. The fire at the refinery in Nowoschachtinsk led to operational suspension, but there were no casualties. The facility is one of the most important oil refineries in southern Russia and is frequently targeted by Ukrainian attacks.
07:22 Ketzel: Repairing damaged tanks in Ukraine difficult
The head of the German defense company KNDS, Ralf Ketzel, disclosed that repairing damaged Ukrainian tanks would likely take years. "It's not foreseeable how big the repair problem on site actually is. Eighty to ninety percent of the repairs aren't done by us, but right at the front," he said. He added, "It's not easy to obtain spare parts for heavy military equipment."
06:54 Ukraine reportedly shoots down 17 Russian combat drones
The Ukrainian military successfully thwarts a Russian drone assault, downing 17 out of 18 Shahed drones in the areas of Mykolaiv, Kherson, Saporischschja, and Chmelnyzkyj as reported by the Ukrainian General Staff via X. Additionally, the region of Dnipro undergoes an attack involving two Iskander missiles. However, Ukraine's military does not disclose whether these were also successfully intercepted.
At around 06:25, Putin warns of deploying long-range missiles if Western countries permit Ukraine to operate these weapons on Russian soil. In retaliation, high-tech long-range missiles would be placed in neighboring countries allowing the usage of particular missiles on Russian territory by Ukraine, states Putin in a conversation with foreign journalists in St. Petersburg. He mentions American ATACMS, as well as British and French missile systems. At this time, the location of the Russian missiles is undetermined.
Ralf Ketzel, Managing Director of the German arms manufacturer KNDS, admits his inability to expedite deliveries of weapons to Ukraine. "The ability to deliver something rapidly has now reached its limit," he explains to web.de. Almost two years ago, he reckons that they should have made the strategic decision: "This will be a long war." If that decision had been made earlier, new supplies could be delivered immediately.
Putin advocates strengthening Russia's ties with the Taliban in Afghanistan. "We've always had to deal with reality," he tells foreign journalists at a meeting held on the sidelines of the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg. A Taliban delegation is in attendance. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov previously mentioned Russia's plan to eradicate the Taliban from the list of proscribed terrorist organizations, which has been in place since 2003.
Alexei Nawalny's widow and his foundation were awarded the Freedom Prize by German broadcaster Deutsche Welle. On February 16th, Nawalny passed away under mysterious circumstances in a Siberian prison. Nawalnaya, during her acceptance speech, expressed her determination to continue her deceased husband's work. "Putin killed my husband Alexei Nawalny, but he could not silence his ideas," she declares. She also cautions European Union members against Russian disinformation and misleading experts during upcoming elections, asserting that Putin tries to dominate the narrative. "We will carry on fighting," she concludes, confident that free speech will thwart the poison of propaganda.
Reportedly, an oil refinery fire broke out in the Russian city of Novocherkassk, and there were several explosions prior to this event. The governor of the bordering Rostov region has informed rescue crews are dispatched to the scene. The oil refinery had previously been the target of a Ukrainian drone strike in March.
The US predicts that Russia will stage intensive naval and airforce exercises near the United States this summer. "In the context of regular Russian military exercises, we anticipate Russia will conduct strenuous naval and airforce drills near the United States this summer," shares a US government representative with reporters. These activities are considered a typical exercise of naval power and do not represent a direct threat to the United States. "It's about Russia illustrating it retains global influence." However, the US Navy will keep tabs on these drills.
Putin endorses interactions between Russian diplomats and AfD politicians. "We'll cooperate with anyone who wishes to cooperate with Russia," Putin openly states to foreign journalists in St. Petersburg. He emphasizes that there are no indications of neo-Nazism in the AfD's actions. Although there are no "established collaborations," Moscow will support those who request routine relations with Russia.
Putin refutes allegations of Russia's intent to invade NATO territory. "Have you gone mad? Are you as idiotic as this table? Who concocted the idea that Russia wants to assault NATO? It's absurd, do you comprehend?" delivers Putin. He also rejects the claim that he hinted at utilizing some sort of atomic bomb. "But did I suggest utilizing atomic weapons? You did."
Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, shows interest in looking into the circumstances surrounding the passing of AFP journalist Arman Soldin. During a get-together with international media in St. Petersburg, he stated, "We'll do whatever we can. We're prepared. However, I'm unsure how it'll work in practice, given that he died in a war region" (entries: 21:25, 20:58, and 20:18). Earlier, the Kremlin shared that Russia couldn't probe Soldin's death because he was in Ukrainian-controlled territory. On May 9, 2023, the war correspondent Soldin, aged 32, perished in a rocket attack near the contested Ukrainian city of Bachmut while documenting Ukrainian troops near the front line.
9:51 Lavrov Connects With New Allies in AfricaAccording to Russian state media, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov revealed during a visit to Burkina Faso his plans to deliver additional military equipment and trainers to the West African nation to enhance its defensive capabilities. Lavrov has made nine trips to Africa since Russia attacked Ukraine. This diplomatic move reflects Russia's efforts in forging new ties. "Our countries have been cooperating closely in all areas, including military and military-technical relations, ever since the initial communication between them in the aftermath of the 2022 military coup. TASS, a Russian news agency, recorded Lavrov's comments.
9:25 Putin Anticipates No Shift in US Treatment of Russia After the ElectionExhibiting indifference toward the US presidential election, Russian President Vladimir Putin predicts that there'd be no major alteration in Washington's approach to Moscow. "It doesn't matter much to us," Putin mentioned at a press conference in St. Petersburg. Russia will cooperate with whoever the American citizens select. In the past, Putin preferred Joe Biden's continued reign since the incumbent is more predictable. He also critiqued the legal proceedings against Donald Trump running against Biden on November 5.
9:08 Putin: 6,000+ Ukrainian POWs Held in RussiaVladimir Putin revealed that there are more than 6,000 Ukrainian prisoners of war in Russia after nearly two and a half years of invasion in the neighboring country. This figure is greater than the Russians caught in Ukraine's captivity (entry 20:18).
8:30 Putin Warns Against Ukrainian Attacks on Targets in Russia Using German WeaponsVladimir Putin, the Russian President, has cautioned against Ukrainian forces using German weapons against targets in Russia. He made these warnings at a meeting with prominent international media outlets in St. Petersburg (entry 20:18). In 2022, the delivery of German tanks to Ukraine sparked uproar in Russia. If Ukrainian troops now use rockets to target facilities within Russian territory, Putin reckoned, it'd damage German-Russian relations considerably. The encounter at the Lachta Center, which is owned by gas giant Gazprom, marked the first such meeting between Putin and the world's press since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. For other updates on this topic, read here.
Read also:
- In response to Biden's statement about the threat to democracy, Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, urged NATO to increase its support for Ukraine, highlighting the ongoing conflict with Russia.
- A potential cyberwar concern was raised by the Ukrainian military intelligence, who reported a successful attack on a Russian ship in the Black Sea, using unspecified cyber weapons.
- The NATO Secretary-General, Jens Stoltenberg, reiterated the organization's support for Ukraine and called for addressing any gaps in the military supply to help Ukraine better defend itself against Russian attacks.
- During a meeting with Russian and Western journalists, Putin warned that the deployment of military weapons on Ukrainian territory by Ukraine's Western allies would prompt Russia to place long-range missiles in neighboring countries.
