At 18:08, a German IRIS-T missile system arrives in Ukraine.

18:08 An additional German IRIS-T defense system reaches Ukraine.

Germany provides an additional IRIS-T-SLM air defense system to Ukraine. As per "Der Spiegel," the weapon system is reported to have arrived in the Ukrainian territory. The country now possesses four medium-range IRIS-T systems and one short-range IRIS-T system to reinforce its defense against Russian attacks.

5:59 p.m. London: Russian African Corps Deployed in Kharkiv According to Britain's estimates, Russia has relocated soldiers from its Africa Corps to help out at the frontlines in Ukraine. The Ministry of Defense has revealed that members of this corps, alongside regular Russian forces and punitive units, were present in Vovchansk, a north Kharkiv locale, during the recent offensive. The African Corps, established in December 2023, has over 2,000 standard soldiers and officers combined with seasoned mercenaries from the Wagner Group. Some of these troops might have previously served in Syria, Libya, Burkina Faso, and Niger. As per London, Russian forces probably set up this unit along the Ukrainian border to get ready for the assault. "It is highly possible that Russia is enhancing its war against Ukraine with resources previously earmarked for Africa," they added.

5:31 p.m. Moscow Eyeing Ceasefire? Despite Putin reportedly signaling his readiness for negotiations, Ralph Thiele, a military expert, suggests that such a move is not merely Ukraine's call. Thiele emphasizes that a truce would have the tendency to divide the Western nations.

4:57 p.m. Russians Hindering Destruction of Ukrainian Glide Bombs Russian jammers are obstructing Ukraine's long-range glide bombs, resulting in failure to reach their intended targets, as confirmed by three anonymous resources informed by Reuters. The glide bomb's range measures up to 100 miles (approximately 160 kilometers). The navigation system is purposely designed to avoid hurdles like mountains and air defense systems. However, Boeing, the bomb's producer, announced the system could withstand certain jamming signals, one of the insiders stated that fixing the problem would involve a timeframe of several months.

4:26 p.m. Scholz Refuses Taurus Missile Delivery to Ukraine Olaf Scholz still stands firm on his decision against delivering Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. The Chancellor fears complicating an escalation into a full-scale war involving Russia and NATO, Europe's major protective alliance. As of now, Germany has contributed or arranged €28 billion worth of arms for Ukraine, making it the second most contributive nation after the United States. Besides donating two Patriot systems, Germany will provide an additional one, which Scholz deems as a necessary act for other contributors to assist Ukraine. For more information see entry at 3:02 p.m.

4:04 p.m.: Russian Interference with Elon Musk's Starlink Signal on the Frontline Shortly before launching the Kharkiv offence, Russia disrupted the Starlink satellite service. As per New York Times, a Ukrainian military source mentioned that interference with Starlink signal was experienced earlier when Russian troops attempted to cross the Ukrainian northern border. Starlink, run by SpaceX, provides essential communication, reconnaissance, and drone strike functionalities to Ukraine in the ongoing war. At this crucial period, the disruption forced Ukraine to rely on text-based communication.

Erwin Sellering, a former leader in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (SpD), has stepped down as the chair of the regional climate protection foundation's board. The foundation is under scrutiny for its connection to Nord Stream II. Despite facing numerous attacks attempting to dissolve the organization, Sellering stated that the time was right for him to depart. This foundation was set up in early 2021 with the intention to support the completion of the Baltic Sea pipeline's Nord Stream 2 part. The pipeline's construction partners were threatened by US sanctions, requiring the state to secretly fund the foundation. The Nord Stream 2 consortium provided the group with 20 million euros. Upon the commencement of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the state government, led by Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig, and supported by the parliament, tried to terminate the foundation. The foundation, however, successfully resisted.

The G7 nations are still debating how the frozen Russian central bank funds can be utilized to support Ukraine. Germany's Finance Minister, Christian Lindner, revealed that they would consider utilizing the interest income from these frozen Russian funds for Ukraine. He emphasized at the G7 finance ministers' gathering in northern Italy that this would hold no legal or economical harm. The Europeans were receptive to analyzing the American proposal. But for now, negotiations are a distant goal, as there are several unresolved issues. The EU countries previously opted to finance military aid for Ukraine by utilizing the interest income from the frozen Russian assets in the EU. The United States, on the other hand, have suggested that the G7 offer Ukraine a sizeable loan secured by the interest income. This loan could generate far more than the EU's projected US$3 billion. Lindner has highlighted that the specifics of who must provide guarantees and bear the risks have yet to be clarified. There is a lot of ground to cover before a resolution can be achieved. It is anticipated that an agreement might be reached at the G7 heads of state meeting in Apulia in mid-June.

Ukraine claims to have prevented a Russian ground offensive in the eastern region of Kharkiv. According to the Ukrainian army, they have successfully thwarted the Russian forces in the area and are counter-attacking. Although the situation was described as "difficult", it was deemed "stable and under control" by authorities. Army Chief Oleksandr Syrskyj stated that the Russian military's progress in north-eastern Ukraine had stalled. Moreover, Russian troops in the border town of Vovchansk experienced significant losses as they became entangled in a fight against the Ukrainian defense forces. Russia has since mobilized reserves from various locations to retake the city, with no success so far.

In a recent update, Germany has supplied Ukraine with additional Leopard tanks and other equipment. Leopard 1 A5 main battle tanks, Marder infantry fighting vehicles, ammunition and spare parts, along with 18 Leopard 2 A6 main battle tanks, were provided. Various Dingo transport vehicles, multi-purpose vehicles, and armored transporters were also added to the shipment. The German government has provided approximately 28 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine or will do so in the near future. Here's a breakdown of the new supplies received in the last week compared to the previous one.

Estonia has summoned the Russian envoy in Tallinn due to the removal of buoys marking the fairway in the border river Narva. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna informed the diplomat during their conversation that such actions were "provocative and unacceptable". Estonia demands an explanation for the removed border markers and for their immediate return. Russian border guards dismantled 24 buoys on Thursday night, which Estonia used to mark the navigational path along the Narva river. The river separates the two neighboring countries and also represents the eastern border of the EU and NATO.

1:49 Ukrainian Army Head: Russians are "totally lost" near Vovchansk

The Ukrainian Armed Forces' leadership, Oleksandr Syrskyj, has indicated that the Russian army's progress in the Kharkiv region of eastern Ukraine is faltering. In combat operations close to the frontier town of Vovchansk, Russian soldiers have become "entirely mired down" and sustained significant damage to their strike teams, Syrskyj said on social media platforms. Russian forces are reinforcing their efforts to seize Vovchansk by deploying "reserves from several regions," but continue to fail in their attempts, according to Syrskyij. Located roughly 5 kilometers from the Russian border, Vovchansk is presently the focal point of the Russian offensive that began two weeks ago in northeastern Ukraine. The Russian military has made its most significant territorial gains since the end of 2022.

12:37 Baerbock warns Russia against encroaching on its western border

Germany's Federal Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, cautions against Russian provocations on its western border. She conveys her concerns on the professional networking platform X, stating that Russia is "setting fire to the EU's borders." Baerbock asserts that Germany stands in solidarity with its allies in Estonia, Finland, and Lithuania, and is opposed to this aggressive conduct. She reiterates, "We stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies in the Baltic states and the Baltic Sea." Reports circulated Thursday that navigation buoys along the Narva River on the Estonian-Russian border had vanished, signaling potential hostilities.

11:50 Romanian arrested for spying for Russia

The public prosecutor's office in Bucharest, Romania, has detained a man for allegedly spying on and photographing military installations and troop transports of the Romanian Army and other NATO countries at the country's border near Tulcea in 2022. This individual transferred the obtained information to the Russian Embassy in Bucharest. The man will be confined in custody for an initial period of 30 days due to the order of an investigating judge. The investigation is being led by DIICOT, the special unit of the Romanian public prosecutor's office responsible for combating organized crime and terrorism, in conjunction with the SRI domestic intelligence service and the Romanian Army Intelligence Service.

11:15 Possible Ceasefire with Russia?

Russian President Vladimir Putin allegedly agrees to a ceasefire based on the current frontline, according to insiders. While Putin is willing to fight as long as needed, he is also prepared for a truce that would freeze the conflict. The sources noted that Putin was upset by what was perceived as Western efforts to derail negotiations. However, Putin has also publicly expressed his readiness to negotiate, albeit with the proviso that it would not be based on "fantasy" or "drug-induced expectations."

11:05 NATO country requests 300 million euro worth of ammunition from Rheinmetall

Rheinmetall, a German arms manufacturer, has been requested to provide artillery ammunition worth nearly 300 million euros by a NATO member state. The order entails tens of thousands of artillery rounds and several hundred thousand propellant charge modules. The ammunition is scheduled for delivery by 2028. Rheinmetall attributes the substantial order to the need for defense forces to restock their ammunition reserves.

10:40 ISW Analysis: Corruption Scandal in Russia's Defense Ministry Seen as a Pretext

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has surmised that the recent wave of purges within the Russian Ministry of Defense is likely a cover for the true reasons behind the dismissal of specific officials. The Kremlin is "probably employing allegations of corruption against senior officials as a pretext to obscure the genuine motivations behind these dismissals." The Kremlin is unlikely to limit the arrests and dismissals to those already taken place, and other sources claim that six additional ministry officials want to resign due to the departure of their superior officer, Sergei Shoigu. Many Russian military bloggers also suggest that the Russian authorities are not done with their investigation. Successfully prosecuting corrupt military officials aligns with the image of the new Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, who is seen as tackling issues in the Defense Ministry more effectively than Shoigu.

10:15 ISW: Moscow's Defense Ministry Corruption Charges Likely a Smokescreen

What's driving the wave of dismissals within Moscow's Defense Ministry? The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) posits that the Kremlin is "probably using the corruption accusations against high-ranking officials as a pretext" to mask the real objectives of these terminations. The Kremlin may not stop at the dismissals already executed - a source claims that six other ministry officials want to resign as well. Russian military bloggers have also hinted that the authorities would not cease their investigation. Nevertheless, these arrests and dismissals are welcomed by bloggers as the initial steps in the campaign to bring corrupt military officials to justice under Belousov's tenure as Defense Minister. "The Kremlin is likely allowing these critical comments because they target individuals targeted by the Ministry of Defense. This supports the perception of Belousov as a problem-solver in the Defense Ministry different from Shoigu."

10:45 Orban confident: No Russian attack on NATO nation impending

Hungarian leader Viktor Orban is certain that fears about a potential Russian attack on a NATO member country are unfounded. "The Russian military is waging a challenging and complicated war against the Ukrainians," states the influential prime minister, who is known for his conservative nationalist perspective. "If the Russians had the capacity to overwhelm the Ukrainians all at once, they would have done so already," Orban tells the public broadcaster. NATO's military might far outweighs that of Ukraine, making it highly unlikely that Russia or any other country would launch a military strike against the alliance. "I don't see logic in Russia, which is unable to defeat the Ukrainians, suddenly devouring the entire Western world. The odds are extremely slim," he adds.

10:16 First time Russia blames IS for Moscow concert hall terror attack

For the first time, Russia has implicated the jihadist group Islamic State (IS) in coordinating the deadly assault on a concert hall near Moscow. The state-run media outlet RIA Novosti cites Alexander Bortnikov, the head of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), as saying that the investigation has found "the preparations, financing, and execution of the terrorists' operations were managed online by members of the Khorasan Province group," which is the Afghan wing of IS. IS has consistently taken credit for the attack that occurred on March 22 and led to the deaths of more than 140 people and 360 injuries. However, Moscow has previously attempted to connect Ukraine with the attack, which the Ukrainian government vehemently denies. Regardless, Bortnikov asserts: "The inquiry is still underway, but we can already confidently declare that Ukrainian military intelligence is directly involved in the operation." He doesn't elaborate on the connection between IS and Ukrainian intelligence.

09:55 "No advance nor retreat in Vovchansk"

Kharkiv has been subjected to relentless attacks for several weeks. Russian artillery is currently setting off the city's air raid sirens. The situation in Vovchansk is particularly grim, according to NTK reporter Stephan Richter. The city is facing its darkest hour.

09:29 Almost 500,000 troop casualties? Ukraine releases new Russian casualty data

As per Ukrainian statistics, Russia is approaching half a million troops killed in action in Ukraine thus far this year. Since the start of the full-scale invasion on February 24, the Ukrainian General Staff claims that Russia has sustained 498,940 casualties, with 1,240 more losses in the past day. The overall toll includes 7,635 destroyed 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 Another glide bomb attack on Kharkiv

Kharkiv was once again struck by two glide bombs during the night. The city in eastern Ukraine, which has endured Russian airstrikes for months, suffered minimal damage this time. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov announced the news on Telegram. A few residential buildings and a vacant structure experienced minor damage. The day before, seven individuals were killed by Russian fire in the city. Approximately 15 converted S-300 or S-400 anti-aircraft missiles fell over Kharkiv and the surrounding region. Among the targets was one of Ukraine's largest printing houses for literature. "The Ukrainian book is the Ukrainian spirit. That's why the enemy wants to eliminate it," suggests prominent Ukrainian writer Serhij Zhadan via Facebook.

08:26 FSB chief: Ukraine directly linked to Moscow concert hall terror attack

FSB head Alexander Bortnikov accuses Ukraine's military intelligence service of having played a direct role in the deadly assault on a concert hall near Moscow three months ago. While the investigation is still underway, TASS quotes Bortnikov stating, "We can already confidently say that Ukrainian military intelligence is directly involved in the attack." Russia has previously made the same accusations. Bortnikov provides no evidence to support his claim. He also alleges that NATO is aiding in the transportation of "mercenaries and members of international terrorist organizations from the Middle East, North Africa, and Afghanistan to Ukraine" to fight against Russian forces. IS has taken responsibility for the attack on the concert hall, which claimed over 140 lives.

Russian publicist Alexander Newsorov doesn't hold back when speaking about his fellow Russians, comparing them to circus animals who keep the skills they're taught. "For generations, they're doomed to live and die as idiots," he says, pointing out that Russian propaganda has instilled in them a love of war, patriotism, and other deviations that won't simply disappear. Even if Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin passes away, he wouldn't be able to change the brains of the Russians.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz supports French President Emmanuel Macron's plan to bolster European defense capabilities, including nuclear power. He argues that Europe needs a variety of defense capabilities to protect itself and deter aggressors. This includes nuclear deterrence, strong conventional forces, air and missile defense, cyber, space, and precision strike capabilities. Scholz emphasizes that there will be no "EU nuclear weapons," as the idea is unrealistic.

The adoption of a controversial law on "foreign influence operations" in Georgia has prompted the United States to impose new visa restrictions and review its relations with the country. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken explains that these new visa guidelines will apply to those responsible for or involved in undermining democracy in Georgia, as well as their families. The US will also launch a "comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation between the United States and Georgia," hoping that the country's leadership will reconsider the law and support democratic and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

Estonia will provide over 650,000 euros in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, specifically to support the education system in frontline areas and help children affected by the war. This aid will be distributed through the Estonian non-profit organization Eesti Pagulasabi, which focuses on improving living conditions in vulnerable regions and helping Ukrainian refugees in Georgia. Part of the funds will also go to Mondo for the organization of summer camps and psychological support for children in Zaporizhzhya.

Russian parliamentary deputy Viktor Vodolatsky claims that Russian forces plan to control more than half of the territory in the border town of Vovchansk in the Ukrainian region of Kharkiv. He reveals that Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, and Pokrovsk are the next major targets for Russia once Vovchansk is captured.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Belarus for talks with his counterpart Alexander Lukashenko about security and military exercises with tactical nuclear weapons. While Russia will participate in these exercises, Minsk will also take part. The exercises will simulate preparations for the launch of small nuclear warheads.

South Korea is imposing sanctions against seven North Korean individuals and two Russian ships in connection with the arms trade between Pyongyang and Moscow.

The US is preparing to provide military aid to Ukraine worth 275 million dollars, including artillery shells, precision-guided bombs, and vehicles. This aid will be provided under the Presidential Drawdown Authority, which allows President Joe Biden to act without congressional approval in emergencies.

China and Brazil, while not directly rejecting the idea of a peace conference on Ukraine, are distancing themselves from the planned event in Switzerland, to which Russia has not been invited. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's special advisor Celso Amorim and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi call for equal participation of all parties in an international peace conference.

1:15 A Russian court in Moscow sentences a 36-year-old man to 25 years in prison for sabotage and allegiance with a unit supporting Ukraine. The prosecutor's office stated that this long-term sentence was given to Vladimir Malina for acts of terrorism, high treason, and sabotage. As stated in the accusations, the Moscow barman was a member of the "Legion for the Freedom of Russia," a group of Russians who support Ukraine. In the past year, he was responsible for setting fire to a railroad control box and planning more sabotage activities. Malina was taken into custody in June.

23:55 As a result of the Russian war, Poland and Greece have urged the EU to form a protective air defense shield to safeguard the European nations. In a joint statement to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis asserted, "Europe will remain secure as long as the skies above it are safe." They emphasized that this potential air defense shield should be a project that addresses the "vulnerability of our security."

22:26 There are believed to be explosions in the Russian-occupied Crimea. It is speculated that Ukraine has used ATACMS missiles provided by the U.S. in recent weeks to attack targets on the island. A video captured near Alushta on the Crimean coast might show at least one explosion. No official confirmation has been made as of yet. The Russian air defense system also seems to be active, as displayed in the recorded footage. Crimea's governor, Sergei Aksyonov, appointed by the Russian occupiers, admits to missile attacks on Simferopol and Alushta through his Telegram post. Two deaths are reported, and an empty commercial building was hit. However, Russia typically downplays Ukrainian assaults or claims responsibility for shooting down all missiles and drones. In recent times, Ukraine has been deliberately targeting Russian air defense systems and radars. Some sources theorize that this is also occurring now.

22:00 More suspected arrests? Russia's military purge may be ongoing. According to pro-Russian channels, Vladimir Verteletsky, the head of the Russian Ministry of Defense's department for ensuring the state defense order, has been detained. The charges against him include fraud on a grand scale. Shortly before this, Vadim Shamarin, the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, was also arrested. Shamarin was the fourth high-ranking military official to be detained since April.

To review all past occurrences, read this article. https://www.eurotopics.net/en/world/putin-s-security-purge-continues/554296