18:45: Russian Parliament Leader Blames EU for Media Censorship

18:45 Russian parliament head claims EU engages in media suppression.

After a ban on certain Russian media in the EU, Moscow's parliamentary leader Vyacheslav Volodin accuses the European Union of suppressing free speech and opinion. In his Telegram post, Volodin claims that EU politicians cannot convince their citizens using valid arguments, so they're blocking any opposing views. The ally of Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin accuses the West, which often criticizes Russia's censorship, of breaking its own standards. In Russia, there are numerous critical outlets and websites that are blocked. On Friday, EU member states enacted sanctions against the Russian state news agency Ria Novosti, the government newspaper "Rossiskaja Gaseta," the "Voice of Europe" platform, and the pro-Kremlin newspaper "Izvestia," including its affiliated television station. The media and their staff are allowed to operate freely within the EU. In response, Russia announced its retaliation.

At 18:12, a rocket attack on Vovchansk left one person dead and five others injured. The Kharkiv regional prosecutor's office shared this news via Telegram. A 60-year-old woman lost her life, while a 55-year-old and a 60-year-old man, as well as another 68-year-old individual, were hurt. Two elderly people from Vovchanske were also injured. Kharkiv's regional governor Oleh Synegubov announced the reinforcement of defensive positions near Vovchansk. Despite the ongoing violence, around 100 civilians still resided within the city, once home to around 18,000 residents.

17:45: "In Russian essence": Georgian President Vetoes Controversial LawAfter the controversial passage of Georgia's "foreign influence" legislation, President Salome Zurabishvili vetoed it. "Today I am vetoing... the law, which is at its core, Russian, and contradicts our constitution," Zurabishvili said during a televised address. If parliament's pro-government members outnumber her veto-reversing allies, the law will still become effective. Zurabichvili deemed the law unsuitable, calling it against the constitution and all European norms. The law stipulates that media, non-governmental organizations, and other non-profit entities must register if they receive more than 20% of their funding abroad and promote foreign interests.

17:25: Zelensky Admits Issues with Ukraine's Troop MoraleUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged challenges with the fighting spirit of Ukraine's military personnel in an interview with the AFP news agency. After two years of warfare, many units are in desperate need of refilling. More supplies are required to facilitate the swapping out of combat brigades. Zelensky likewise noted the difficulties in recruiting fresh soldiers. In response, a law was passed reducing the minimum draft age from 27 to 25. Moreover, penalties for those attempting to dodge the draft have been increased.

16:50: Poland Functions with a $2.3 Billion Budget to Secure Eastern BorderPoland is investing over 2.3 billion euros to fortify its eastern border against potential aggression from Russia and Belarus, stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk. He hinted that the reinforcement would include landscape and ecological modifications to make the border impenetrable. A week ago, Tusk pointed out that Poland was under threat of a "hybrid war" due to illegal immigration from Belarus. Daily, Polish border guards confront approximately 300 illegal border crossings.

16:25: Injuries in Kharkiv and Vovchansk are ReportedThe eastern Ukrainian cities of Kharkiv and Vovchansk are once again under Russian attack, according to the regional military administration. One residential area in Kharkiv was struck by multiple shells, injuring five people. In Vovchansk, glide bombs and artillery shells caused significant damage once again. But despite the persistent assaults, Vovchansk remains under Ukrainian control. The city, situated in northeastern Ukraine, had approximately 19,000 inhabitants before the war.

15:52 A drone displaying a Russian flag flies near the Reichstag building in Berlin

There was an incident involving a drone carrying a Russian flag, which flew next to the Reichstag building in Berlin. Officially confirmed by the Bundestag press office, the incident occurred on May 9th. Online media networks have been sharing footage of the drone's flight. The Bundestag reports that the drone flew over the median of Friedrich-Ebert-Platz, east of the Reichstag building, at around 20 meters in height. Consequently, the Berlin state police have filed a criminal complaint for violation of the Air Traffic Act. The Bundestag stays mum about security issues related to drone flights directly at the parliament building. It is rumored that the drone's pilot is a radical supporter of Russia's war against Ukraine. The police apprehended him on the spot. According to t-online.de, this same individual painted the "Z" sign used by Russian troops in Ukraine on the tower of the former state parliament building in Potsdam and vandalized Ukrainian pictures.

15:24 Zelensky expresses concern over expansion of Russian offensive

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj voiced his concerns about a shortage of weapons for his country's air defense and the potential for the Russian offensive to expand in eastern Ukraine. Ukraine possesses merely a quarter of the air defense systems required for its defense, according to Zelenskyj in an exclusive interview with AFP. During its ground offensive a week ago, Russia advanced five to ten kilometers in the Kharkiv area. Further waves of attacks are expected.

In his first interview since the start of the Russian ground offensive on May 10th in the northeastern region of Kharkiv, Zelenskyj stated, "We must truthfully admit that the Russians have progressed further into our territory." The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) estimates that Russian troops captured at least 278 square kilometers of land during the advance, marking their largest territorial gain since the end of 2022. Ukraine currently lacks "about 25% of what is necessary to defend Ukraine" with regard to air defense. In addition, the army requires between 120 and 130 modern fighter jets to equalize air forces with Russia's troops.

15:00 Zelensky offers hope of a new counter-offensive

According to Volodymyr Zelenskyj, Ukraine has the potential for a new counter-offensive. However, it is necessary to stabilize the front line and halt the Russian offensive first. The Ukrainian president shared his thoughts in an interview with the French news agency AFP. There are possibilities, he said, but the situation on the front line is volatile. Zelenskyj remains confident that the Ukrainian armed forces can impede the Russians. Following this, "a deployment of brigades is needed to plan the next stages of the counter-offensive." There are numerous brigades that necessitate reinforcement. Supplies are required to facilitate troop rotation. Zelenskyj was asked whether a counter-offensive by the Ukrainian armed forces would occur in 2025, to which he replied, "I can't say."

14:36 Kharkiv under attack from Russians - multiple explosions heard

Mayor Igor Terekhov of Kharkiv shares on Telegram, "There's a lot of noise in the city. There are several explosions. Be careful." The report indicates that Russians are assaulting Kharkiv. Volodymyr Zelenskyi expressed concern on Friday that the Russian offensive in Kharkiv region this month could be the first of multiple waves and that Russian forces might try to conquer Kharkiv.

14:06 Poland intensifies border security with Russia and Belarus

With an investment of over two billion euros, Poland plans to secure its eastern border. The "Eastern Shield" initiative entails the construction of a border fortification system on the border with Belarus and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated, "The reinforcement of the 400-kilometer-long border will serve as a deterrent, a strategy to keep the war away from our borders."

13:37 Ukraine reports 22 military skirmishes, eight of which are ongoing

Ukrainian troops reported 22 "military clashes" since the previous night on the front line. Out of these, eight are ongoing, according to a statement from the General Staff. "In addition, the Russian occupiers sent over 25 kamikaze drones and carried out 547 attacks on the positions of our troops."

13:02 Missile strike on Odessa

Ukraine troops responsible for the southern part of Ukraine reported that Russia fired missiles at the Odessa region. "Russian occupiers attacked Odessa with a ballistic missile (likely Iskander-M) around 6 a.m.," the message explains.

1:53 PM - Russia claims to have taken control of a village in Kharkiv

Russian officials claim their military has freed a village called Staryzia in the Kharkiv region. The advance is part of an offensive that started weeks ago, adding another front to those already active in the east and south of Ukraine.

2:42 PM - Ukrainian forces try to push back Russian forces in Kharkiv region

Ukrainian soldiers are attempting to push the Russians back towards the village of Hlyboke in the Kharkiv region, according to RBC, a Ukrainian news agency. The village is around 40 kilometers from the city of Kharkiv and about 10 kilometers from the Russian border. The statement from the Ukrainian General Staff says, "Our defenders are striving to force the enemy towards the settlement of Hlyboke."

2:10 PM - Death toll in Russian attacks on Kharkiv rises to four

The number of casualties from Russian attacks on Kharkiv over the weekend has increased to four, as a 33-year-old man who was injured passed away in the hospital, according to the governor of the region, Oleh Synyehubov. The attacks, which involved two glide bombs, injured 31 people. The conditions of two of them are serious.

1:41 PM - Europe's Political Analyst Believes Russia Exerts Influence On Germany

Ukrainian President Zelensky plans to use weapons provided by Western nations to defend Ukraine and potentially for military action on Russian soil, according to political scientist Thomas Jäger. Jäger notes that Russia is also exerting influence on Germany.

1:22 PM - Russia reports one dead in Ukrainian drone attack in Kursk

Local authorities in the Russian region of Kursk claim a Ukrainian drone attack killed one person and injured another. However, it is difficult to confirm this information.

1:09 PM - Russian air defense and airspace surveillance systems weakened in Crimea

The British Ministry of Defense predicts that Russian air defense and airspace surveillance systems in Crimea are weakening due to recent Ukrainian attacks. This could necessitate an increase in flight hours and combat aircraft patrol deployments, potentially causing more wear and tear on their fleets.

10:32 AM - Nearly 10,000 people have been taken to safety in the Kharkiv region

Authorities in the Kharkiv region, where Russian forces launched an offensive on May 10, say that nearly 10,000 people have been brought out of threatened villages. Regional governor Oleh Synegubov says more than 9,900 people have been rescued.

10:14 AM - Survey: Three-Quarters of Russians Back Armed Forces, but Oppose Giving Up Occupied Territories

A recent survey by the Russian Levada Institute shows that 71% of Russians support the president's decision to stop the military action in Ukraine. But only 30% would agree if it means losing the conquered territories.

9:51 AM - "Ukrainian Drones Pose a Significant Threat to Russia"

Kharkiv and Odessa have been targeted since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. NTV's Jürgen Weichert discusses possible motivations beyond the size, beauty, and popularity of these cities, suggesting that Ukrainian forces have weapons capable of causing substantial damage.

9:32 AM - SPD Parliamentarians Advocate for NATO Airspace Protection in Ukraine

Several German Social Democratic Party (SPD) politicians are now calling for NATO to protect Ukrainian airspace from ground forces in NATO nations using Patriot systems. This would not involve placing troops in Ukraine. Air defense could still reach into Ukrainian airspace.

09:15 Ukrainian government seeks US assistance in targeting Russian facilities

Selensky needs more air defense and modern fighter jets against the Russians.

Ukraine is requesting the US government's help in identifying potential targets in Russia that it could then attack with its own weapons. Additionally, the Ukrainian government has asked the US to lift restrictions on the use of American firearms against military targets within Russian territory, according to reports by Dow Jones and the Wall Street Journal.

09:04 Zelenskyi: West fears Russian loss, unwilling to see Ukraine lose as well

In an interview with AFP, President Zelenskyi stated that the West shares Ukraine's values, but sometimes holds contrasting opinions regarding the resolution of the conflict. He commented, "We're in a ridiculous situation where the West is afraid that Russia might lose the war, and doesn't want Ukraine to lose it, as well." Zelenskyi then invited China and other nations from the Global South to take part in the June peace summit in Switzerland. Though Russia was not invited and also declined the invitation, Zelenskyi's remarks spotlighted the complexities of international alliances.

08:27 Russia enhances naval base defenses against Ukrainian navy drones

The Russian military is strengthening the naval base in Novorossiysk, as reported by the Ukrainian news agency RBC and Telegram channel "Atesh." Novorossiysk, located on the Black Sea, serves as a strategic logistical hub for Russian oil and other exportation. The reinforced defenses are meant to counter Ukrainian navy drones. Air defense and radar systems will also receive a boost in protection.

Following a recent attack of Ukrainian drones on the port of Novorossiysk, Russian forces have now stationed more vessels in the city as a response. Due to the significance of this port for Russian exports, ongoing conflicts have heightened the stakes for both nations.

07:50 Ukraine claims Russia has lost 491,080 soldiers in the war

The Ukrainian army posts on Facebook every morning the number of Russian soldiers they've counted as killed or injured the previous day. These numbers reached 491,080 soldiers by Friday with 1210 more losses on that day. The Ukrainian military also claims to have destroyed 43 armored vehicles, two aircraft, and a helicopter during this timeframe. Nevertheless, there are no confirmed reports to verify these figures.

07:23 ISW: Western restrictions compromise Ukraine's defense power

The Institute for the Study of War contends that Western allies jeopardize Ukraine's ability to defend itself against possible offensive actions launched by Russia in the Kharkiv region. Their reasoning lies in the fact that these allies prohibit Ukraine from attacking military targets within Russian borders using Western weapons. Consequently, Russia can launch attacks on Ukrainian positions using glide bombs and missiles while maintaining a safe territory from where their troops can operate unhindered.

07:05 Ukraine claims to have downed all Russian drones

Ukrainian air defense reportedly downed 13 Iranian-type Shahed drones that Russia launched. Mykola Oleshchuk, the air force commander, shared this information with Ukrainian media outlets, detailing that the drones were fired from Primorsko-Akhtarsk on the Sea of Azov and from Kursk oblast.

06:49 Missile alarm and explosion in Belgorod

Residents of Belgorod were warned to seek safety during a missile alert, as reported by the Russian Tass news agency. Although the region frequently experiences escalated tensions due to ongoing conflict, the extent of damage and casualties appear to be disproportionate to the situation in Ukraine.

06:43 Russians up their shelling intensity towards Ukrainian forces in Krynky

Russia's military has intensified its artillery barrage on Ukrainian forces in the Krynky area. The Institute for the Study of War confirmed that despite the escalation in artillery fire by the Russian army, the conflict lines have remained unchanged. Nonetheless, Ukrainian forces have set up a bridgehead in Krynky, positioning themselves on the southern bank of the Dnipro River within the Kherson region, where they face constant attacks from Russian forces.

6:14 Explosions at St. Petersburg Military Academy Attributed to Accidental Detonation of WWII Ammo

The Russian military announced that explosions at the Budyonny Military Academy in St. Petersburg occurred due to an unintentional detonation of World War II ammunition. Interfax, Russia's state news agency, noted that soldiers were examining the underground structures of the academy during the incident. St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov confirmed that the blast had nothing to do with "terrorism."

6:02 SPD Leader Klingbeil Seeks China's Participation in Swiss Ukraine Peace Conference

SPD leader Lars Klingbeil is still optimistic about China's potential involvement in the Swiss Ukraine peace conference. "It would be crucial for this peace conference to have China in attendance," he shared with the German Press Agency. Klingbeil also expressed the importance of India, Brazil, and South Africa participating in the conference. If these nations declined, he deemed it a disappointment but not a failure of the meeting. "It's never a failure when people gather around a table to discuss ways for fostering peace."

5:43 Zelensky Criticizes Restrictions on the Use of Western Weapons

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky voiced his dissatisfaction with regulations concerning the use of Western weapons. Russia is allowed to fire any weapons from its territory into Ukraine, while Ukraine is forbidden from targeting Russian weaponry within Russian territory. The UK and the US hinted days before that these limitations might be eased.

5:10 Ukrainian Forces Battle Russian Advance in Kharkiv Region

Army commander Olexander Syrsky shared on Telegram that the offensive launched by Russians near Kharkiv one week ago continued. The Russian Army has expanded its new front to roughly 70 kilometers in width. Apparently, this would prompt the Ukrainians to deploy additional brigades from their reserves. However, so far, the Russians have not managed to break through the Ukrainian lines. The Russians are utilizing air power, missiles, artillery, and tanks to attack. Ukrainian troops are advantageous with drones and more precise artillery.

4:35 Zelensky: Kharkiv Attacks May Be Russian First Wave

Zelensky informed AFP that the Russian aggression in the Kharkiv region could potentially be a "first wave" of Russian offensives. "They have begun their operation; it could consist of several waves. This is their first wave," he commented.

2:17 Zelensky: Ukraine Needs 130 Fighter Jets to Counter Russian Air Superiority

Ukraine's President claimed that Ukraine only possesses a quarter of the air defense units necessary to protect itself from Russia. He also emphasized the need for 120-130 F16 fighter jets to nullify Russia's aerial supremacy. Zelensky also mentioned the importance of having enough soldiers to keep troops' spirits high.

12:17 Zelensky Appeals for Rational Electrical Consumption Following Power Grid Attack

President Zelensky requested Ukrainian citizens to maintain a practical approach to electrical consumption, given the damage to the country's power grid. "We now need extremely wise, thoughtful power consumption," he said during an evening address in Kiev. Municipalities and energy providers should disseminate information on why temporary power outages are necessary. In his televised speech, Zelensky disclosed that he had discussed the pressing energy sector situation with government officials and the military. "The result of the Russian attacks has significantly diminished our energy production," he indicated without providing further elaboration.

21:59 Ukrainian Conscripts Overseas May Access Consular Services Again

With the implementation of the recent mobilization law, Ukrainian conscripts residing overseas can now partake in consular services. To do this, proof of enrollment with the military must be provided either in paper or electronic format. The Minister of Foreign Affairs in Kiev specified these conditions in the evening. The Ministry of Defense introduced an application that enables online registration. Countless thousands of Ukrainian men conscripted are currently present abroad as a consequence of the Russian aggression.

21:00 Russia Blocks UniCredit Accounts and Assets

An arbitration tribunal in St. Petersburg ordered the freezing of UniCredit bank accounts and assets in Russia. This action was facilitated by RusChimAllianz, a Gazprom subsidiary that manages an LNG terminal on the Baltic Sea. The impetus for the request was the inability to finish constructing the terminal due to Western sanctions, which UniCredit had guaranteed support for. RusChimAllianz seeks 444 million euros from UniCredit. Assets worth 463 million euros will be frozen. UniCredit is currently the largest foreign bank still operating in Russia and is among the top 20 in terms of assets.

9:55 PM: Ukrainian prisoners to perform military service under new law

In order to boost the size of Ukraine's military, convicted individuals may now be conscripted into the army. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently signed a law that permits suspended prison sentences for these conscripts to serve in the military on a temporary contractual basis. However, not all prisoners are eligible - those convicted of serious offenses are prohibited from participating in this program.

9:36 PM: Ukrainian Starlink devices malfunction during Russian invasion

According to a media report, satellite communication devices belonging to a Ukrainian military unit in the Kharkiv region failed when the Russian offensive started. The Washington Post cites members of the 125th Territorial Defense Brigade, who claimed these malfunctions took place on May 10, coinciding with the invasion. The troops' satellite communication system, which relied on Starlink satellites, experienced disruption, aiding in the rapid advance of Russian forces. The Post suspects Russian electronic warfare systems are responsible for the disruption. This is the first instance of widespread failure of the Starlink communications system in Ukraine since Russia began their invasion in spring 2022.

9:06 PM: Explosion at St. Petersburg military academy

Russian media has reported an explosion at the Budyonny military academy in St. Petersburg. Various outlets, including RIA news agency and Telegram channel Baza (associated with law enforcement agencies), suggest a resident alerted officials of the incident. Seven people were said to have been injured in the blast.

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