Governor announces intense battles ongoing in Kharkiv area.

15:47: Severe combat erupts in Kharkiv's vicinity.

The governor of the Kharkiv region in northeastern Ukraine, Oleh Synyehubov, announced intense clashes. "The enemy is pushing forward into the northern part of our region," said the governor at a press conference. Fighting continues in five contested villages close to the Russian border, he added.

15:07 Russian authorities: Five killed in Ukrainian drone and artillery attacksThe authorities reported that five individuals lost their lives in Ukrainian drone and artillery assaults in the Russian border provinces of Belgorod and Kursk, as well as the Russian-controlled city of Donetsk. In Donetsk, three people were fatally wounded and eight others were harmed when a missile struck a restaurant, stated Denis Pushilin, the Russian-appointed head of administration of the occupied region.

14:24 Tusk: Poland to strengthen its entire eastern borderPoland is planning to accentuate its entire eastern border. The nation is facing a growing "hybrid war" due to unlawful migration from Belarus, declared Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Poland, a NATO and EU member state, borders Belarus, which is a Russian ally, to the east. Tusk did not provide any details on the proposed measures or the tools intended for them. When it comes to Poland's security, there are "no borders," said the head of government during a visit to the border, where he met soldiers and border agents.

13:59 Allegedly, a brigade succeeds in counterattacking Russian troops with new US armored personnel carriersPer a report by Ukrainian media outlet Euromaidan Press, Ukrainian troops curtailed the Russian advance near Avdiivka yesterday and launched a counterattack, aided by newly-delivered US military assistance. The 47th Mechanized Brigade of Ukraine is situated in this area, commonly referred to as a "fire department" in particularly contested areas of the frontline. According to the report, the brigade prepared killing zones with anti-tank mines when retreating, allowing them to thwart the Russian advance. Ukraine's armed forces then proceeded to attack and force the Russians back. Euromaidan credits new Bradley tanks provided by the US for their success in the region. It has been known for some time that the 47th Mechanized Brigade utilizes Bradleys.

13:33 Russia discusses its significant offensive in the Kharkiv regionAccording to the Russian Ministry of Defense, Russian military forces have seized control of five villages in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine. The villages of Pletenivka, Ohirtseve, Borysivka, Pylna, and Strilechna - all direct neighbors of the Russian Belgorod Oblast - are now under Russian control. On Friday, Russia initiated an offensive against Kharkiv, situated in northeastern Ukraine. The Russian army asserts to have annihilated numerous Ukrainian soldiers and destroyed their equipment. Nonetheless, there is no third-party verification of these claims. Observers believe that the Russian offensive does not symbolize a direct attack on the city but rather an attempt to tie up Ukrainian troops and advance their artillery to fire on the city.

12:54 London: Russia struggles with its bombs - to the detriment of its native populaceAccording to reports, a Russian aircraft accidentally released munitions in civilian territory on May 1st. The provincial governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, confirmed the explosion and damages in Belgorod through Telegram, without specifying the cause. Thirty houses and ten vehicles were damaged, and five individuals had to visit the hospital. The British Ministry of Defense claims this is not an isolated occurrence. A FAB-250 bomb had previously been expelled in the Belgorod region in mid-February, prompting the evacuation of 150 residents. Additionally, there were twenty instances of stray ordnance between March and April of this year. "These incidents indicate that Russia continues to be ineffective in using its ammunition accurately on its intended targets, resulting in fatal and devastating consequences for the Russian population," as per a London intelligence report.

12:13 Consists of a video purportedly displaying an Iranian Shahed drone downed by a German Gepard anti-aircraft tankGerman Gepard anti-aircraft tanks have been deployed in Ukraine since 2022. The first were dispatched to Kiev a few months following the onset of the large-scale Russian invasion. Created in the 1970s and long since retired in Germany, the Cheetahs are highly revered by the Ukrainian armed forces for their capabilities. Among the features, these anti-aircraft tanks play a crucial role in safeguarding against daily drone strikes. Ukrainian ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeiev, penned on Platform X in reference to Iranian drones, "Five to six shots are often sufficient for a Shahed." Makeiev further shared a video showcasing the successful takedown with the help of the Cheetah: https://platform.news/u/6418

11:33 AM in the USA: Initiating "heaven and hell"

According to the American Department of Defense, Ukrainian troops have been supplied with weapons from the United States. Considering the hostile circumstances, the US wants to expedite the delivery of more equipment to the front as much as possible. John Kirby, a Defense department spokesperson, stated in a Ukrainian news outlet, Ukrinform, that "part of the first package of defense aid we announced through the supplemental funding bill on the same day the president signed it is already on the field and in the hands of the Ukrainian military." The momentum of "heaven and hell" is in motion, and the preparations for supplying the second package are still ongoing. The United States has recently announced an additional aid package worth $400 million.

11:01 AM: Fighters engage in a massive offensive - Russia's potential targets near Kharkiv

What strategies does Russia have in mind as they approach the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv? Political scientist Thomas Jäger speculates on three possible scenarios. Meanwhile, Ukraine grapples with the consequences of its allies' inability to provide sufficient support in this instance.

10:33 AM: Constantly defending - Russia attempts to advance in the border region near Kharkiv

As reported by the Ukrainian General Staff, the Ukrainian army is holding its ground against an ongoing Russian offensive in the border area near Kharkiv. The military reported nine battles occurring on this section of the front this morning. While Russian advances have seemingly been repelled, the information cannot be confirmed independently. The Ukrainian military has been warning about a potential Russian attempt on Kharkiv since Friday, as immense numbers of Russian soldiers congregated near the border.

10:08 AM: Weichert on the offensive near Kharkiv: "Russia acts; Ukraine reacts"

Russian forces are attempting to gain ground in the Kharkiv region and are involved in a vast assault. Jürgen Weichert discusses the scale of the territory they have gained and how Ukraine is countering these attacks. Weichert also shares his experience visiting a German-sponsored prosthesis center in Lviv.

09:41 AM: German representatives support deployment of Western soldiers for air defense in Ukraine

Leading members of the German parliament, including the CDU, FDP, and Greens, are considering using NATO air defenses to safeguard parts of Ukraine's airspace. They back a proposal by military expert Nico Lange from the Munich Security Conference, which proposes establishing a secure zone around Ukraine's borders with Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. This potential deployment would allow Western nations to shoot down Russian missiles in Ukraine, alleviating the burden on Ukrainian air defense.

09:11 AM: "Extremely high" - Ukraine reports significant Russian troop losses

An older photo shows the dropping of FAB-250 bombs.

The current Russian push to advance on the front in eastern Ukraine, including the offensive near Kharkiv, could be evident in the casualty toll. Over the previous day, Kiev reported the elimination of 1,320 Russian soldiers, 15 tanks, 40 armored personnel carriers, and 55 artillery systems. Twenty rocket launchers, an air defense system, and 64 other military vehicles were also destroyed. The information is unverified. Security expert Frank Umbach has stated that Russian losses in the war are "exorbitantly high," and estimates suggest they will reach 500,000 soldiers by the year's end, even according to NATO projections. Moscow also faces difficulties with conscription:

08:34 AM: Journalists gain exclusive access to Putin's lavish palace

Journalists have managed to acquire video footage of the interior of Russian President Vladimir Putin's palace in Gelendzhik. The palace is said to be fully completed and luxurious: Expensive furniture, busts, massive chandeliers, and a pool are among its features.

07:56 ISW: Russian offensive near Kharkiv to divert troops, not capture city
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) thinks that the large-scale Russian offensive in the north of the Kharkiv region is designed to pull Ukrainian troops and resources away from other crucial front lines in eastern Ukraine. They predict that Russian forces might intensify their operations soon. ISW asserts that the current limited Russian progress won't indicate they're aggressively aiming to encircle and seize Kharkiv, a city of millions. The military think tank suggests it'd be tough for Russia to seize Kharkiv due to the challenges of reassigning substantial forces to the border and getting past the Ukrainian military's primary objective of capturing Luhansk and Donetsk regions.

07:17 EU's plan of using interest on Russian assets for Ukraine's military falls short
Frozen Russian assets worth approximately 210 billion euros in the EU are targeted for interest profits for buying weapons for Ukraine. However, the yearly 3-billion-euro package generated from these interest profits is deemed insufficient by Ukrainian Justice Minister Denys Maliuska. He expressed that Ukraine requires billions to win the war. The government adamantly hopes to obtain complete confiscation of the assets, considering it legitimate and decisive in resolving the war.

06:39 US announces another $400 million arms package to aid Ukraine
The US Department of Defense confirms additional assistance to match Ukraine's critical security and defense needs. This is the 57th such package of military equipment from the US since August 2021. Worth $400 million, the aid package includes ammunition for Patriot and NASAMS air defense systems, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, artillery shells, Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, more HIMARS artillery rocket systems, and ammunition, and M113 armored personnel carriers.

06:04 Ukraine activates several new robotic complexes
Since the beginning of the year, Ukraine's Ministry of Defense has introduced nine land-based robotic complexes in service. These robots execute various tasks on the battlefield, decreasing risks for Ukrainian troops. Their functions include engaging in firefights, clearing mines, and assisting in evacuating injured soldiers. Col. Volodymyr Rochniak from the Ministry of Defense shares, "Many domestic manufacturers are concentrating on producing robotic systems to expand the capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and secure the lives of our soldiers."

05:34 Civilians killed in Russia's shelling attacks in Sumy region
On May 10th, Russian forces targeted nine settlements along the border with Sumy Oblast, resulting in the death of one civilian and injury of two others, reports the Sumy Oblast military administration. A 64-year-old woman was killed and her 17-year-old granddaughter injured in the village of Esman when struck by artillery. Another resident in Seredyna-Buda was hurt.

04:45 Vovchansk official: Russians pursuing destruction of Ukrainian city
A Ukrainian official alleges that Russian forces are set on destroying the Ukrainian border town of Vovchansk. "Within 24 hours, there were likely hundreds of strikes by artillery, mines, and dozens of cluster munitions," declares the head of Vovchansk's police patrol. "They're in the process of razing the city and trying to infiltrate the area," the official added.

03:35 After Ukrainian attack on Luhansk oil depot, three die
A Ukrainian assault on an oil depot in Russian-controlled Luhansk caused the death of three people and injured six, says the regional Russian governor. Following the explosion, two people were treated for smoke inhalation. The governor claims Ukraine utilized U.S.-supplied ATACMS without providing evidence. No Ukrainian response has been provided.

02:20 Russia: Drones assault Belgorod and Kursk provincesAs reported by Russia, on May 10, Ukraine executed drone attacks in the Russian regions of Belgorod and Kursk, inflicting damage to farming structures and gear, as per Russian authorities. Concerning the incident, the Russian Ministry of Defense mentioned that air defense systems fired 17 Vampire multiple rocket launcher projectiles, 13 drones, and five guided air bombs over Belgorod Oblast. Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor of the Belgorod region, divulged that one of the drones crashed onto a farm, ruining three buildings and two items of equipment. Meanwhile, Roman Starovoit, the governor of Russia's Kursk region, asserted 12 settlements in the area were targeted by drones on the same day. One drone caused damage to an infrastructure site, he added.

00:53 Zelensky: Ferocious combat at every frontUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared a robust reaction from his nation following the latest Russian onslaught. "The struggle is highly intense across the entire front," Selensky expressed in a social media video. "We will make sure to eradicate the invader, ensuring they fail in all their plans," he supplemented.

23:46 Blaze seemingly ignites in Luhansk oil storage facility following an assaultThe Russian news agency TASS divulged an attack on an oil depot in the Russian-run district of Luhansk. A flame reportedly ignited at the site due to a Ukrainian aggression. Ukrainian bloggers stated the depot in Rowenky village was targeted.

22:14 US government deems Kremlin offensive "highly concerning"The US government is closely monitoring Russia's recent offensive near the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv with trepidation. "We had anticipated that Russia would unleash an offensive against Kharkiv and it currently seems to have commenced," disclosed James Kirby, Communications Director of the National Security Council. In the ensuing months after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russia unsuccessfully attempted to wrestle control of Kharkiv. "It is primarily the inability to capture Kharkiv that precipitated Mr. Putin's redeployment of his troops across the border," Kirby expressed. The current actions of the Russian military there are hence "very intriguing and alarming".

21:51 Zelenskyi: "It's the weaponry that's brought to Ukraine that's truly beneficial"As per President Zelenskyi, the Ukrainian forces necessitate swift delivery of aid from abroad to repel the newest Russian military offensive in their country. "Those weapons which are truly earmarked for Ukraine, and not just declared aid packages, can be highly beneficial for us," he mentioned in his evening video. The offensive came as no shock. "Our familiarity with the aggressor's troop strength and their plan is well-known," Selensky concluded. "Our troops, artillery, and drones are reacting to the intruders."

Refer to all previous happeningshere. [link]