17:35: Fake videos featuring purported Russian women are inundating China's internet.

17:35: False videos featuring purported Russian women swamp China's web.

Notice: Social media in China is witnessing an upsurge of deepfake videos. Strangers are manipulating artificial intelligence to generate faux films featuring assumed Russian women expressing sentiments they never really uttered, such as "China is the most secure nation in existence". The Chinese government intends to outlaw this behavior by enacting legislation.

17:02 Russia: Main energy line from Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant stops operatingRussian news sources disclose that the primary power line delivering electricity to the Russian-occupied Ukrainian nuclear power plant at Zaporizhzhya is malfunctioning. There's no imminent danger, as the plant can operate through a back-up power supply system. However, the plant experiences an energy scarcity due to the nuclear reactors' shutdown, and demands an outdoors power supply or diesel generators to maintain the refrigeration system and avert a nuclear accident. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports extended power supply troubles at the plant since the Russian invasion of 2022. The IAEA presents recurrent apprehensions over nuclear safety risks.

16:31 International Fund promises £150m military backing for UkraineIt's a significant but marginal contribution: the International Fund for Ukraine (IFU) has announced a new military package valued at £150 million. As cited by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, the funds are dedicated to enhance air defense and maritime features, including radar systems, drone defense mechanisms, and small boats. Ukrainian officials emphasize the requirement for additional air defense systems to safeguard the public and infrastructure from Russian terror. The IFU ensures monetary aid for prioritizing military equipment purchases for Ukraine. The fund operates under the UK's Ministry of Defense administration. Its members include the UK, Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, and Lithuania.

16:05 Baltic defense ministers push for increased defense spending before NATO summitThe defense ministers of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia seek a considerable enhancement in defense expenditure in anticipation of the NATO summit. This would signify an increment of at least 2.5% of Gross Domestic Product. The current target is 2%, and 18 NATO members are projected to attain this goal by the end of the year. The Baltic nations have manifested strong support for Ukraine and urged NATO to take stronger actions against Russian aggression.

15:28 Questionable move? Russian border authorities purportedly dismantle Estonian buoys in border vicinityIs this Russia's next contentious move in the Baltic region? The Russian Border Patrol is alleged to have dismantled buoys in Estonian territorial waters off the Narva River. These buoys identify maritime pathways and demarcate the boundary between Estonia and Russia. The Narva River severs the border line between the two countries. Following the outbreak of the conflict, Eerik Purgel, Estonia's border guard chief, reveals that buoys had been installed every spring previously but Russia disavowed Estonia's objective for their placement in 2023. Estonia recently reinstalled 50 buoys yet discovered 24 had been removed by Russian border forces. The state wishes to communicate with Russia to resolve this issue.

14:50 Street combat, advanced tanks: Ukrainian army head updates on front line situationUkrainian army commander Syrskyj reports on the developments in combat zones in a public statement. After preliminary victories in the newly established third front in the Kharkiv area, Russian troops are apparently engaged in intensive street battles in Vovchansk, causing significant losses. "The enemy keeps mobilizing reserves from several locations to support active invasions, although they've had no success," Syrskyj said. The army head also shared insights on the situation in the disputed Chassiv Yar. Russian troops are endeavoring to safeguard the city, but their more modern T-90M, BMP-3, and BMD-4 main battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles are predominantly disabled by anti-tank weapons and drones during their advancement stage, Syrsky added.

14:26 Putin embarks on two-day trip to see Belarusian ruler LukashenkoThe Kremlin has revealed plans for Russian President Vladimir Putin's second overseas journey since his inauguration for his fifth presidentship. Putin travels to Belarus this evening and intends to meet with Belarusian ruler Alexander Lukashenko for two days. The summit discussions will cover broadening bilateral relations as well as governing important global affairs, according to the Kremlin's disclosure. After visiting China, this marks Putin's second international journey following his victory in the presidential election. Putin and Lukashenko have been meeting frequently. The Belarusian ruler, economically, politically, and militarily reliant on Russia, visited Moscow on May 9 to partake in a military parade.

13:49 Russia once again warns of targeting British locations

Russia is cautioning that British targets will be attacked if Ukraine fires on Russian land with the use of British weapons. This warning echoes a statement made by Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, who mentioned that British targets could be under threat, both within the borders of Ukraine and beyond. The remark comes after British Foreign Secretary David Cameron publicly accepted that Ukraine could utilize weapons supplied by London against Russian targets. Moscow expressed indignation upon hearing this statement, which also influenced their decision to stage military exercises featuring simulated tactical nuclear missile launches.

13:21 Capture of Andriyivka village reported by Russia

Russia's Ministry of Defense has informed that the village of Andriyivka, situated in the Donetsk region, has been captured. There has been no comment made by Ukraine in response to this claim. Andriyivka had previously been regained by Ukraine in September 2023, only to witness renewed fighting in January 2024. The village lies in disarray.

12:56 Financial aid to Kiev to carry on says Yellen

The United States Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen, declared that financial aid for Ukraine would most certainly continue. Yellen was speaking ahead of the G7 finance ministers' summit in Italy. After 2025, recovery of Russian assets could also facilitate sustained support for Ukraine, the secretary proposed. This proposed source of funding could potentially provide significant financial assistance for Ukraine. The US is leading the charge, pushing for G7 nations to agree to this approach. These fund could be used as collateral for bond or loan issuances.

12:35 Steinmeier emphasizes the need for enhanced security measures

The President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, has referred to Russia's war in Ukraine as a "game-changer." Steinmeier underlines the requirement for realizing that we now reside in a world substantially altered. He expressed the necessity for dealing with military security alongside social resilience. He also emphasized the importance of debating the forms of military service needed for the community and enforcing them. Steinmeier also urged increased defense efforts, stating that "we must do more for our security; we must invest in our defense and fortify our alliances." A key figure in shaping Germany's Russia policy in the past as Foreign Minister, Steinmeier expressed doubts about NATO's 2016 maneuvers in Eastern Europe and critiqued them as "unnecessary sabre-rattling and war-crying."

12:07 Kharkiv witnesses deaths from Russian offensive

Ukrainian media publications describe at least six casualties attributed to a series of missile attacks on Kharkiv. There were reportedly 15 attacks on the city in the morning hours. The Kyiv Independent reports 16 individuals injured and several transportation infrastructure targets unscathed, as well as damage inflicted on a private company. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky castigated the "brutal aggression" displayed by Russian forces. However, Zelensky commented on the apparent lack of adequate air defense Ukrainian forces possess, potentially informing Russia's choice to target their territory.

11:36 Norway imposes stricter entry restrictions on Russians

Norway intends to impose more stringent measures for Russian citizens entering the country. The measures will affect Russians traveling for tourism and other non-essential purposes effective May 29. These restrictions will be applicable not only to those with Norwegian-issued visas but also to those with passports from other Schengen countries. Minister of Justice and Public Security Emilie Enger Mehl issued a statement stressing the nation's resolve in their ongoing solidarity with allies and partners addressing Russia's "unlawful aggression" against Ukraine.

11:09 Russia's possibility of using US weapons under observation

As a consequence of the recent Russian attacks in Ukraine, the USA considers the prospect of enabling Kiev to launch strikes on Russian territory with American weapons. The potential repercussions for Russia, should it allow for this scenario, is highlighted by ntv Moscow correspondent Rainer Munz.

10:42 Sweden enhances defensive preparations "No one knows how much time we have"

Ever since the conflict between Russia and Ukraine began, Sweden has significantly increased its defense measures. The Scandinavian nation is now relying on "total defense" and eagerly preparing its energy supply - which is vulnerable due to its susceptibility to sabotage as 16,000 kilometers of power lines wend through dense forests. Kiev is currently experiencing major power outages and disruptions due to military conflicts, providing Japan sufficient incentive for preparing themselves in case war were to break out. "No one knows how much time we have," Swedish Civil Defense Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin highlighted in his conversation with Bloomberg.

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10:14 High-ranking Russian military members continue to face arrest as part of ongoing purges. This time, the deputy chief of staff, Vadim Shamarin, has been taken into custody on corruption charges. Reports indicate he may remain in custody for an indefinite amount of time. Shamarin is not the only high-ranking officer to face legal troubles, as the deputy chief of the General Staff, known for overseeing communications, has been accused of accepting bribery payments, which carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison. This marks the arrest of four senior military officials since April, when Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov was apprehended for similar bribery charges. Preceding Ivanov was Lieutenant General Yuri Kuznetskov and Major General Ivan Popov. In a recent development, President Vladimir Putin replaced long-standing Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu with former Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov.

09:54 New measures intended to bolster Ukraine's war efforts

As the war in Ukraine rages on, Ukraine's need for soldiers and military resources continues to grow. Consequently, Ukrainian authorities are looking to recruit reinforcements through innovative means, including the use of an app and even releasing prisoners to join the fight. NTV correspondent Stephan Richter explains the situation in more detail.

09:26 Possible shift in White House's weapons policy

Until now, U.S. President Joe Biden has stressed that American-supplied weapons should not be fired at Russian territory. However, recent events, such as the escalating conflict in Ukraine and a visit by Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Kiev, may lead to a change in the White House's stance on this issue. The New York Times reports that Biden and his team are considering allowing Ukraine to target Russian missile and artillery positions situated across the border. Secretary of State Blinken is believed to be behind the proposal, but it remains unclear how many key figures in the administration share his sentiment.

09:01 The Kremlin relying more on "compatriots abroad"

Russian officials are turning to a specific group of individuals known as "compatriots abroad" for support. According to Yevgeny Primakov, a politician responsible for this group, the Kremlin is developing an "electronic map of compatriots," which could provide access to unspecified state services, facilitate travel to Russia, and potentially offer the option of Russian citizenship. Primakov predicts that the first cards could be issued at the end of 2024. Although there are currently uncertainties regarding the precise definition of "compatriots abroad" and whether all of these individuals possess Russian citizenship, he believes they represent a significant contingent, totaling between 20 and 40 million. Primakov's claims are met with skepticism in Ukraine, with the Institute for the Study of War suggesting the Kremlin is likely exploiting this group in an effort to justify further aggressive actions and hybrid operations abroad.

08:34 Air defense systems activate amid missile and drone attacks on Belgorod region

The Russian Ministry of Defense acknowledges it utilized 35 missiles and three drones to repel enemy assaults on Belgorod's border region during the night. A preliminary assessment suggests no casualties among the local population.

08:05 Rampant war crimes by Russian soldiers and occupation officials

Ukraine's Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin disclosed that 357 Russian soldiers and occupying officials have been identified as accused war criminals. "However, the actual number of such crimes, including those committed in occupied territories and in detention centers on Russian territory, is much higher," Kostin reveals. Russian forces are charged with brutal acts of torture, ill-treatment, and deliberate killings of civilians and prisoners of war. With the onset of full-scale war, their atrocities have become even more severe. Kostin elaborated that Russia has "systematically abducted, tortured, and killed Ukrainians."

07:34 Devastating Russian artillery bombardments in various regions of Ukraine

Russian forces bombarded several regions with intense artillery fire, indicating an aggressive surge of attacks. Ukrainian troops were forced to withdraw from certain sections of the frontline, resulting in setbacks. Despite the aforementioned challenges, Ukrainian defense forces have managed to achieve successes near Kharkiv in the northeast. However, this attempt to defend the entire frontline appears to be untenable.

07:06 Frontlines in Kharkiv: Ukrainian defenders holding their ground

On the front, Ukrainian forces are currently experiencing fierce battles in the mining and metallurgical region of Donbass. The area surrounding Avdiivka has seen no less than 25 skirmishes reported. Military personnel warn of intense efforts by the enemy to sneak into their formations using assault squads and equipment. The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, also identified this zone as the epicenter of the fighting. When it comes to the conflict that erupted in May near Kharkiv, the Ukrainian military confirms that their defense squads are successfully maintaining control and are putting up valiant resistance. Battles are being waged around the villages of Lipzy and Starytsya and the small town Vovchansk.

06:37 US shares plans to answer Georgia's "Russian law"

Following the approval of a controversial "foreign influence" bill in Georgia, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken outlines the US's response. "We are highly bothered by the legislation about foreign agents passed by Georgia," Blinken informs the US Congress. "We are carefully contemplating the steps we can take to manage this, and I believe action will be taken," he stressed. This law aligns with Russia's version, which is intended to limit the impact of non-governmental organizations from foreign nations.

06:13 DIW Study: European gas supply assurance without Russian gas

According to an investigation by the DIW economic research institute, a ban on Russian gas imports into the EU would not jeopardize the gas supply in the EU. If gas demand continues through 2030, it is possible to avoid Russian gas altogether. Pipeline imports from other countries and LNG could cover the needs in most scenarios. Gas supply security would not hinder the imposition of EU sanctions against Russia, the study also states. Central and Eastern European countries in the EU that are heavily reliant on Russian gas, such as Austria and Hungary, could also maintain gas supplies.

05:50 Romania ponders Patriot System handover to Ukraine

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis expresses caution regarding a possible handover of a Patriot system to Ukraine. Its approval requires the approval of the Supreme Council for National Defense and must not endanger Romania's air defenses, he specified. Iohannis emphasized that this discussion would not be made public but would take place privately with military experts and the Supreme Council. The Patriot system delivery necessitates extensive logistical and legal considerations. "Even if Romania eventually makes some concessions, it's imperative that we receive something in return. Otherwise, nothing will change."

05:22 Poland thinks about taking out Russian projectiles near the border

Poland is considering engaging its air defense systems in downing Russian missiles over Ukrainian territory. This idea emerges after Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelensky, proposed that Western allies, including Poland, could participate more directly in Ukraine's defense by eliminating Russian missiles. Polish Foreign Ministry spokesman Pawel Wronski agrees, stating that the Polish government is contemplating the technical and legal aspects of such a measure. "This subject is being analyzed from a legal and technical angle," admits Wronski.

04:40 Ukraine appears to shoot down Russian SU-25 fighter jet

Ukrainian troops proclaim they have taken down a Russian SU-25 fighter jet in the area of Pokrovsk, Donetsk region. "According to available information, Ukrainian forces have eliminated a Russian SU-25 assault aircraft," the General Staff reported. The Soviet-designed SU-25, nicknamed the "Frog's Foot" by NATO, is a heavily armored aircraft supporting Russian ground forces with air cover. The SU-25 plays a vital role in the extensive attacks Russia is executing on various parts of Ukraine's eastern front, such as the Donetsk region.

03:02 Sweden grants Ukraine €6.5 billion in military aid over three years

Sweden promises to funnel €6.5 billion in military aid to Ukraine. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson made this announcement. Zelensky expressed his gratitude for this support. "This is genuinely meaningful and shall reinforce not only us, not only Ukraine, but the whole European region from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea," says Zelensky. "Ukraine's struggle is shared by Sweden," adds Kristersson on social media.

01:54 Kadyrov ready to offer more soldiers to Putin

At a meeting with Putin, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov offers additional troops for the conflict in Ukraine. In total, some 43,500 soldiers, including 18,000 volunteers, have already served in Ukraine. Kadyrov states that "tens of thousands of well-trained and equipted fighters from the reserve" are ready to join in the fight if so commanded.

Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, is still gathering commitments for the upcoming peace summit in Switzerland. In an update, he mentioned having conversations with the heads of states of Chile, Albania, Austria, and Mozambique, saying, "Four more countries confirmed for the summit - thank you all." Olaf Scholz, the German Federal Chancellor, will stand in for Germany at this meeting, while the Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer will also be in attendance on June 15th-16th near Lucerne, as confirmed by the Austria Chancellery. Nehammer considers the conference an essential step in bringing peace back.

23:34 Zelensky requests Western help against Russian gliding bombs

President Zelensky appeals to the West for aide against Russian glide bomb attacks. These bombs are the most crucial weapon in Russian airstrikes. Zelensky believes that Ukraine requires systems and tactics for defending against these bombs, saying "Ukraine needs tools that let us protect our locations, cities, and communities from these bombs." Russia has started using glide bombs with a control system, as they are relatively secure for Russian pilots to drop and pose challenges to combat.

22:06 Ukraine's first prisoners to fight on the front line

Ukraine takes the first step in releasing prisoners to fight in its war against Russia. A court in Khmelnytsky, a western city, has granted two inmates convicted of theft their release, allowing them to join the country's National Guard. These prisoners sought release under a new law permitting those willing to fight in the military to be freed on parole. The court approved the applications, and reportedly, over 3,000 inmates have applied for release since the law's implementation.

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