17:04: Those of military age are now prohibited from leaving Ukraine upon their return.
Ukrainian males who are of military age and residing abroad might not be able to leave the country after vacationing; they could be obligated to serve in the army instead. Those individuals who have been gone from their homeland for over three months are not exempt from military registration, explains Andrij Demtschenko, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian border guard, to AFP. The law applies to all male Ukrainian citizens aged between 18 to 60. This new legislation was implemented on June 1st.
In relation to Ukraine, authorities are endeavoring to remove all children from Solotschiw, a city that is situated in the disputed area of Kharkiv and a few kilometers away from the Russian-Ukrainian border. The leader of the military administration in Solotschiw, Viktor Kovalenko, conversed with The Kyiv Independent and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) about this matter.
St. Petersburg court pronounced sentencing for a 60-year-old man with dual Russian and United States citizenship, resulting in a three-and-a-half-year prison term and a subsequent 1.5-year period offline, where there will be no access to internet or communication platforms. This is due to the accusation of him defaming the Soviet Army's memory during World War II in two offensive posts on the Russian online network, Odnoklassniki. The accused conceded his guilt.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in Germany supports raising the readiness of the Bundeswehr in face of the threat from Russia. He insists that the Bundeswehr should be prepared for conflict ahead of 2029 and maintains that deterring and averting a looming catastrophe is his priority. To achieve this, he emphasizes the importance of finances, supplies, and personnel. Pistorius is in favor of reintroducing conscription but he acknowledges that it cannot be entirely obligation-free. The indefinite suspension of conscription in Germany took place in 2011.
A new security commission formally initiated work in Poland, with the aim to scrutinize the potential impacts of Russian and Belarusian intelligence services throughout the previous 20 years. The body is composed of 12 individuals with security expertise, highlighted by Prime Minister Donald Tusk. General Jaroslaw Strozyk will lead the team, who is also the current head of military counterintelligence.
A single fatality and five injuries were noted from the Russian assaults in the eastern region of Ukraine, according to Ukrainian sources. Governor Wadim Filaschkin from Telegram stated that a victim in the Donetsk area was killed and five other casualties were sustained from this mornings bombardments. Another individual was harmed from an aerial assault in the nearby city of Selydowe. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Russian forces at present are mainly targeting the Donetsk region. The Kremlin claims ownership over Donetsk and other regions of Ukraine, but doesn't hold complete control.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius made it clear that deploying German soldiers to Ukraine is not a consideration his government has taken into account. As July 2023 parliamentary hearing in the Bundestag witnessed, Pistorius rhetorically affirmed "No" to discussions of this matter in the European Union and France, and "No" to the prospect of sending German soldiers to Ukraine. AfD MP Ruediger Lucassen inquired regarding potential conversations regarding this matter among the European Union, France, and Germany.
The Russian assaults on Ukrainian power plants could pose major problems during the winter months. A Ukrainian government official informed the Financial Times that the Ukrainians were likely to experience extensive power outages throughout the winter. Another government representative, who asked to remain unidentified, claimed that the recent assaults on energy facilities on Saturday were "devastating." A total of 1.2 gigawatts of electricity generation had been destroyed due to the bombings on Saturday alone, while the infrastructure responsible for transporting gas from underground storage in western Ukraine, a vital resource for the country, had been severely damaged, according to the official. Since the onset of the war, Ukraine's electricity generation capacity has more than halved from around 55 gigawatts to 20 gigawatts.
13:14 A Five-Year-Old Girl Dies from Ukrainian Attack in Russian-Occupied Village
The Russian-controlled region of Zaporizhzhia's administration stated that eleven individuals were wounded by Ukrainian artillery fire in a Russian-occupied village. The head of the Russian-appointed administration for the region, Yevgeny Balitsky, indicated on Telegram that a five-year-old girl had succumbed to her injuries. No independent verification of the incident has been available at this time. On Tuesday evening, the village of Novoslatopil was shelled. Based on the front line's mapped positions, the Ukrainian village was around three kilometers away from the front line.
12:25 Swiss Fighter Jets Perform High-Speed Landings on a Motorway
The Swiss Air Force is testing their abilities in anticipation of war: fighter jet pilots practiced landing on a motorway in Payerne. The pilots of the F/A-18 executed smooth landings, according to the deputy commander of the Air Force, Brigadier Christian Oppliger. The aircraft approached at a speed of about 260 kilometers per hour for landing. The last time the Swiss Air Force conducted such an exercise was in 1991. Now the situation has changed tremendously, opined Oppliger: "The Air Force should be prepared for any scenario." The Air Force's goal extends beyond defense, as they also aim to prevent enemies from reaching within 100 kilometers of the border. The purpose of the exercise was to determine how rapidly the Air Force is prepared for action following a potential surprise attack on other military airfields.
12:00 Ukrainian Response to Harris' Announcement of Peace Conference Attendance
Ukraine is pleased with Vice President Harris' participation in the peace conference in Switzerland. The government spokesperson considers her confirmation of attendance on June 15 and 16 to be a "significant message." Ukraine had previously hoped for the active involvement of the US President. Biden and Zelensky are scheduled to meet on Thursday in France, where the 80th anniversary of the Allied landing in Normandy is being celebrated. Another meeting is expected during the G7 summit in Italy next week.
11:20 Scholz Wants to Order More Eurofighters: "Defense Industrial Transformation Necessary"
Chancellor Olaf Scholz assures the defense industry of reliable orders to expand production capabilities in Germany and Europe. "The federal government has a strong interest in a robust air and space industry in Germany and Europe," remarks Scholz at the opening of the International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA) in Berlin. "That's why we'll order an additional 20 Eurofighters in this legislative period - besides the 38 aircraft that are already in the works," adds the Chancellor. He refers to a necessary "defense industrial transformation." The government intends to promote further opportunities for the Eurofighter in exports. "I am devoted to preserving and enhancing production capacities," Scholz says while addressing the defense industry. Learn more here.
10:49 Munz at Peace Conference: "Global Support is Waning, Russia is Succeeding"
As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pushes for participation in the peace conference in Switzerland, Russia is making efforts to dissuade as many countries as possible from attending, with some success. NTV reporter Rainer Munz indicated that the number of countries criticizing Russia's attack at the beginning of the war significantly decreased compared to the current situation.
As per Moscow Times, protective measures for Russian President Vladimir Putin have been increased significantly. This information was relayed by two Russian officials to the news outlet, with a source close to the Kremlin also confirming the intel. Since 2023, Putin has been wearing a bulletproof vest during public appearances. Instruction:
Recent attacks on high-level politicians, like Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico three weeks ago and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe nearly two years ago, have heightened alarm levels in the Kremlin. The concerned officials highlighted certain risk factors - international arrest warrant against Putin, possible Ukrainian drone attacks or sabotage, and the potential of Islamic terror attacks. Earlier, the Kremlin had insisted that no changes had been made to Putin's security protocols. One of the officials considered these identified factors - the warrant, Ukrainian drone threats, and Islamic attacks - as potential dangers.
Meanwhile, in Ukraine:
9:37am - Russian army targets Nikopol with heavy artillery to no avail
The shelling attack on the Dnipro city of Nikopol by the Russian army was unsuccessful. The Ukrainian officials reported that the guns and kamikaze drones fired at the city last night and this morning damaged one power line and five houses. However, there were no injuries. Anti-aircraft batteries managed to shoot down four drones in the region.
8:54am - Russian air defense engages with "Stork" drones in deep Russian territory
The Russian air defense units keep an eye on Russian activity far from the battlefields using their "Stork" drones. Recently, the drones have encountered less belligerent actions. Instead, Ukrainian drones are infiltrating farther into Russian territory, leading to a more proactive response from the air defense units.
8:26am - Ukrainian President and foreign media to meet
Vladimir Putin will have his first public interaction with Western media since the onset of the two-year conflict in Ukraine during the international economic forum in St. Petersburg. This event was previously cancelled in 2022 and 2023. The economic forum runs from Wednesday to Saturday.
7:58am - Ukraine faces continuous attacks in east
Ukrainian forces face an intense situation along the eastern fronts. Donetsk area reported multiple attacks yesterday — mainly in the Pokrovsk region. Over 37 attacks targeted the city, particularly by Russian troops stationed in Ocheretyne. Struggle persisted between soldiers in different directions.
7:32am - Ukrainian regions experience drone chaos
The Ukrainian army faced another night of drone attacks from Russian military. According to Dnipropetrovsk regional governor, out of 27 drones, 22 were thwarted by Ukrainian armed forces. Drone strikes were observed in different regions, with a power station in Poltava damaged and a person injured during an attack on an industrial facility.
6:55am - US warns US-Ukraine dual-citizen men against visiting Ukraine
The United States embassy in Ukraine cautions US citizens holding dual Ukrainian citizenship against traveling to Ukraine due to the possibility of long-term travel bans. "Ukrainian men between 18-60 years of age may be subject to travel restrictions," the statement reads. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, these men have been prohibited from leaving.
6:14am - Ukraine assembles drone operators
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry plans to recruit drone operators for the military. Anyone residing in Ukraine above 18 is eligible, requiring online training before becoming proficient with drones, according to Ukrainian online newspaper "Ukrajinska Prawda".
5:42am - NATO's Jens Stoltenberg disapproves China's stand on Ukraine
NATO Secretary-General, Jens Stoltenberg, criticizes China's absence at the Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland, expressing disappointment that China couldn't join to denounce Russia's invasion. He further states that China is fueling Russia's war economy by providing them with advanced technology, microelectronics, microchips, and more.
3:39am - Biden, Zelenskyy set for two critical discussions
US President Joe Biden is scheduled to hold two major talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the coming days. Dennis McDonough, National Security Adviser of the United States, revealed this plan. Biden is anticipated at D-Day commemorations in France, while Zelenskyy is expected to join in. The G7 Summit in Italy is the following event in the week.
2:04am - Russian army hones in on Kharkiv counter-artillery struggle
The Russian military has targeted Ukrainian artillery units in the Kharkiv region, causing considerable damage to their communication towers and ammunition depots. The Ukrainian military has retaliated, striking their counter-artillery radar.
1:34am - European satellites monitor Russian atrocities
An International Astronomical Union team observed Russian artillery attacks in Eastern Ukraine. The European Space Agency sent an ESA mission to document potential war crimes and human rights violations _ adding to other reports already received.
12:18am - Biden claims Ukraine stable in the "bigger picture"
US President Joe Biden, in an interview with ABC, stated that Ukraine remains stable in the "bigger picture," even though Russian forces have been closing in on the city of Lyman and its surrounding regions. He further mentioned that Ukraine benefits from modern US-supplied weapons to combat Russian aggression.
12:02am - Polish troops arrive in Ukraine
Polish troops have been deployed in Ukraine as part of a temporary mission, mainly a training assignment for Ukrainian soldiers. The Polish minister informed media outlets about the plan, calling "Defender Ukraine 2021" a confident move for the European military partnership.
02:42: "Filtration Camps" in Vovchansk Run by Russian Invaders
Ukrainian authorities have reported that Russian invaders are setting up "filtration camps" in the contested city of Vovchansk. The Governor of the Kharkiv region, Oleh Syniehubov, made the statement on state television. These camps are used by Russia to identify and document Ukrainians in the occupied territories. Syniehubov added that those few remaining in the occupied part of Vovchansk are forced to act as human shields.
00:44: Arms Procurement Head Faces Corruption Charges
The former head of Ukraine's arms procurement is scheduled to face corruption charges in court. The Anti-Corruption Bureau in Kyiv announced that he is accused of agreeing to overpriced contracts for aircraft parts. The case dates back to 2016 and is unrelated to the current conflict between the Ukrainian army and Russian attacks. The accused had apparently agreed on prices for aircraft parts with a private company that were seven times higher than market value. His business partner is already on trial.
23:26: Police Crack Down on Navalny Memorial Service
In Moscow, police have been cracking down hard on supporters of the late Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny who gathered for a small memorial service on his birthday. Representatives of a special operations unit stormed a venue where over 40 people had gathered to watch a live broadcast of a Navalny memorial concert in Berlin. Ovd-Info, a human rights organization, reports that around 30 people were temporarily detained, searched, and questioned. Navalny would have turned 48 today. For more info, see here.
22:56: 600+ Children Killed, Thousands Injured Since War Began
Ukrainians remembered the children killed since the start of the war. UN Representative Denise Brown confirmed that over 600 children have been killed since February 2022 and more than 1,400 others have been injured. This is just the number of children verified by the United Nations. The actual number of children killed is believed to be much higher. "Let's protect our children," said President's wife Olena Zelenska at a commemoration event in Kyiv, calling on allies to provide more weapons. "The life of a child is more important than the costs of air defense."
22:00: Disturbing Images of Ukrainian Soldiers from Chernobyl
Recent images of Roman Horilyk, a Ukrainian soldier from the National Guard, have spread rapidly on social media. Noted journalist Illia Ponomarenko shares these images, where Horilyk looks extremely emaciated. "This is his condition when he returned to Ukraine after the last prisoner exchange," Ponomarenko writes. The soldier was captured at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant and endured more than two years in Russian captivity. Many people on social media compare his appearance to that of prisoners from German concentration camps.
21:11: Satellite Images Reveal Spectacular Attack on Russian Territory
Recent attacks on a Russian S-300/400 air defense system have attracted attention. The importance of this system and the fact that the attack took place on Russian territory make it noteworthy. Moscow does not acknowledge the attack, but there are numerous videos, images, and now satellite pictures published by Radio Liberty that suggest successful hits. The photos show burned launch ramps and a damaged command center of the S-300/400 air defense system. The attack is thought to have been carried out with a HIMARS multiple rocket launcher from the United States. Washington has authorised Ukraine to target Russian territory to defend Kharkiv.
20:33: President Zelensky: Next Few Weeks Will Determine Summer & Entire Year
Ukrainian President Zelensky said that Ukraine is once again facing a crucial phase. "It's only early June, but the next few weeks will determine the entire summer and, in many ways, the entire year," he said in his evening video address. He mentions the peace summit in Switzerland, "the mobilization of the world for Ukraine, our relations with the EU, positions at the front, and domestic production."
20:06: Germany a Major Target for Russian Disinformation Before European Elections
Ukraine is facing a particularly critical phase, said President Zelensky. "Before the European elections, Germany is a major target of Russian disinformation," he revealed. He urged people to be vigilant and "to always check the sources of information." He added that Ukraine relies on the support of its allies to protect its democratic values.
Before the upcoming European elections, there's a significant rise in Russian disinformation in Germany, France, and Poland, according to officials in Brussels. These three countries have been continuously targeted by Russia, EU Vice Commissioner Vera Jourova mentions. In Germany specifically, there's a trend of manipulating information around topics related to immigration and security. Jourova shared findings from the European Observatory for Online Media (EDMO) analysis. The Russian disinformation efforts often revolve around the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Combined, Germany, France, and Poland cover around 145 million potential voters. This accounts for roughly 40% of the total EU electorate.
Read also:
- The new legislation in Ukraine prohibits military-age males from leaving the country upon their return, which could potentially affect Ukrainian males who are of military age and residing abroad.
- Following the implementation of this legislation on June 1st, all male Ukrainian citizens aged between 18 to 60 are subject to military registration, even if they have been gone from their homeland for over three months.
- The conflict in Ukraine has led to an increase in cyberwar activities, with reports suggesting that Russia has launched cyberattacks against Ukraine.
- In response to the conflict, NATO has increased its readiness and support for Ukraine, with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in Germany advocating for a more prepared Bundeswehr to face potential threats from Russia.
