Injuries Reported in Latest Attack Targeting Kharkiv City

19:44 Least 11 hurt due to another assault in Kharkiv.

Not long after an assault on a hardware store in Kharkiv that left at least two individuals dead and 33 injured, the city center was struck again. The mayor of Kharkiv, Igor Terekhov, shared this news through his Telegram channel. This attack occurred in a densely populated region, according to Terekhov. Among the eleven people hurt was a 13-year-old boy who required hospitalization, as reported by Oleg Synegubov, the governor of the Kharkiv region, on Telegram. Details concerning the number of casualties and damage caused are still being gathered, mentioned Terekhov. The initial attack had targeted a hardware store in the city.

19:04 - Video showcases a massive smoke plume in Kharkiv after Russian bombing attackRussia is once more attacking the contested Ukrainian city of Kharkiv and dropping a glide bomb onto a local hardware store, resulting in a large smoke cloud. It is said that around 200 people were present at the time of the assault. Casualties have been reported.

18:42 - Zelensky: Hardware store attack represents Russian insanityPresident Volodymyr Zelensky described the Russian military's attack on a hardware store in Kharkiv as "another manifestation of Russian insanity." "Only lunatics like Putin can commit such atrocities against innocent people," stated the Ukrainian president during his daily video address. The regional civil defense confirmed at least two fatalities and 33 injuries from the attack. The fire brigade's emergency teams continue to try to navigate through the wreckage. At the instant of the attack, Zelensky detailed, approximately 200 people were in the "Epizentr" hardware store.

18:06 - Ukraine-Russian Su-25 fighter jet downed in DonetskThe 110th Brigade of the Ukrainian Army downed a Russian Su-25 fighter jet in the Donetsk region, as reported by "Ukrainian Pravda" via a Telegram post on the "Khortytsia" channel.

17:35 - Ammunition supplies increased for the Ukrainian frontlineThe initial ammunition supplies from the United States have arrived in Ukraine. A Ukrainian soldier in Luhansk exclaimed, "For the first time in two years of war, we have a full load." The U.S. is now preparing another aid package for the fight for Kharkiv, while Germany sends another air defense system.

16:50 - At least two fatalities in Kharkiv due to Russian assault on hardware storeAt least two people lost their lives in a Russian attack on the city of Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine, as per regional authorities. "We have confirmed two deaths," acknowledged Kharkiv Mayor, Igor Terekhov, in a Telegram post. At least 24 people were wounded, according to the head of the regional military administration, Oleg Synegubov, in a separate Telegram message. Initial information suggests that a hardware store in a residential neighborhood was hit. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed that "perhaps over 200" individuals were in the "Epizentr" hardware store during the incident and stated that all emergency teams were now working to help individuals and put out fires.

16:30 - Ukraine assaults city in BelgorodThe city of Shebekino was attacked twice by Ukrainian drones early in the day, as per the governor of the Russian region of Belgorod, Vyacheslav Gladkov, on his Telegram channel. He reported that no civilians were wounded. The post from the governor also mentions that the roof of an industrial facility was damaged due to a drone's crash.

16:07 - Russia and Iran strengthen partnershipThe Russian and Iranian foreign ministers have verified their strategic partnership, despite the tragic demise of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. This was conveyed by the Russian Foreign Ministry after a phone call between Minister Sergei Lavrov and his interim Iranian counterpart Ali Bagheri-Kani. The ministers agreed that the path set by the state leaders Vladimir Putin and Raisi for a strategic partnership would persist. All accords and initiatives across various fields must proceed.

15:46 - Italian banks urged to pull out of RussiaItalian central bank governor Fabio Panetta petitioned Italian banks to disengage from Russia. He said this during the conclusion of the G7 financial meeting in Stresa, even though the process is believed to be challenging. "You must leave due to reputation concerns." The largest Russian connection among European banks is owned by UniCredit. Intesa Sanpaolo is in the process of selling its operations there.

15:22 - Media: Russian forces advance in DonetskRussian troops have allegedly seized control of the village of Archangelske in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk, according to a report from the news agency Interfax, citing the Russian Defense Ministry. Additionally, the ministry asserted that they advanced in the northeastern region of Kharkiv and fended off two Ukrainian counterattacks. A Ukrainian government statement has not been issued yet.

14:59 - Russian Finance Minister threatens retaliation for sanctionsRussian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov threatened sanctions in response to Western countries that have imposed them on Russia. In an interview with Russian state television, he claimed that Moscow will retaliate if the sanctions continue. "We won't hesitate to use retaliatory measures," he stated. "Russia's economic might will be used to our benefit, not to our detriment."

The Russian Finance Minister, Anton Siluanov, has warned of retaliation for the sanctions imposed on Russia by the G7 nations. This news was shared by the Russian news agency TASS, which cited a comment by Siluanov on journalist Pavel Zarubin's Telegram channel of the Russian TV station Rossija-1. Siluanov stated that Russia will respond with mirror measures if its assets are unlawfully used by Western countries.

14:31 G7 countries plan to continue providing financial assistance to Ukraine

The G7 countries intend to keep aiding Ukraine financially. German Finance Minister Christian Lindner, speaking at the end of the G7 meeting in Stresa, said, "We stand firmly by Ukraine's side." This year's funding has already been arranged, and they aim to explore new avenues of support for 2025.

14:06 Paris to rename a street after Alexei Navalny

The French capital will rename a street in honor of the well-known Kremlin critic, Alexei Navalny. A senator commented that he has become "a symbol of freedom not only in Russia but also beyond its borders." The city council made this decision unanimously. Navalny, who died in custody in February, had frequently denounced Russia's invasion of Ukraine from his prison cell. The new Nawalny Street will be located near the Russian embassy in the upscale 16th administrative district of Paris.

13:47 Ukraine investigates 125th Brigade for allegedly neglecting defense in Kharkiv

Ukrainian authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the 125th Brigade, which had been deployed to defend Kharkiv in early May. On May 10, Russia launched a new offensive in the north of Ukraine and advanced approximately 10 kilometers into the region. The initial inquiry found that the brigade failed to organize a proper defense and was accused of a "negligent attitude to military service." The future trial may involve the examination of the actions of around 30 commanders and commanders, but the potential penalties have yet to be disclosed.

12:51 Lindner highlights the importance of minimizing taxpayer risks with further Ukrainian financial support

German Finance Minister Christian Lindner recognizes that there is significant work ahead to secure additional financial aid for Ukraine. During the G7 finance ministers' meeting in northern Italy, he expressed the need to "minimize risks for taxpayers" in the process. The G7 nations intend to use the billions of frozen Russian central bank funds for Ukraine's benefit, but there is ongoing debate over the best way to do so. The United States had previously suggested that the G7 could lend Ukraine a massive loan, which would be secured by the interest on the frozen Russian central bank funds, estimated to be around $50 billion. A potential agreement is expected in mid-June, when the G7 heads of government convene in Apulia.

12:17 Russian politician cites drone attack on Russian radar system as evidence of US involvement in Ukrainian conflict

Ukraine is said to have damaged a radar of the Russian early warning system for nuclear missiles using a drone attack. Former Russian ambassador to NATO, Dmitry Rogozin, commented on the system, stating, "This is a key element of the military control of strategic nuclear forces." Rogozin, now a senator in the Russian Federation Council, accuses the United States of either planning or knowing about the attack. According to him, such actions bring the world closer to "a nuclear war."

11:48 Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov: Unmanned ships will replace traditional warships in the future

The head of Ukrainian military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that Ukraine is currently enhancing its fleet of unmanned ships. These vessels are being designed to attack coastlines and target airborne small targets. Budanov predicts that unmanned ships will soon completely replace conventional warships, especially in enclosed or semi-enclosed waters like the Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea.

11:17 Mangott: Putin aims to create "deliberate insecurity" in the Baltic Sea

A planned law from the Russian Defense Ministry is sparking concerns among Baltic Sea defense policymakers. It alludes to Russia's aspiration to enlarge its territorial waters in the Baltic Sea. Security expert Gerhard Mangott commented on the situation.

Zum Schutz vorm russischen Vormarsch werden Kinder aus der Region Charkiw in Sicherheit gebracht.

10:55 Iskander missiles reportedly hit targets in Kharkiv overnight

Two Iskander missiles are believed to have struck Kharkiv overnight, as per reports from the prosecutor's office in a specific district of the city. Iskander-M is a system that can fly 500 kilometers and carry nuclear warheads. Its flight path is highly flexible, making it difficult to intercept. The missiles allegedly damaged a school and a residential building.

NATO's Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg weighed in on the use of Western weapons against Russian military targets. In an interview with "The Economist," he asserted that it's high time for allies to consider lifting certain restrictions on their supplied arms to Ukraine. He defended Ukraine's right to self-defense, which he believes is enshrined in the UN Charter, legal, and legitimate.

At 9:24 a.m., it was reported that Ukrainian drones targeted a significant radar station in the Krasnodar area, part of Russia's early warning system for ballistic missile and nuclear-armed missile threats. The station is said to control an area up to 6,000 kilometers away.

Despite President Putin's recent talks of a ceasefire, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) cautioned this could risk Ukraine. A temporary halt in fighting could grant Russia the chance to better prepare for their planned offensive operations, potentially leading to regime changes, the demilitarization of Ukraine, and occupation of the country. Moreover, the Kremlin might use a standstill to lessen the sense of urgency and importance of supporting Ukraine for the West.

At 8:11 a.m., CDU politician Roderich Kiesewetter called for the federal government to declare a state of emergency with respect to the Ukraine war. Kiesewetter thinks Ukraine can only be victorious with increased debt. The federal government has controversially taken more than 200 billion euros to fund a power and gas price cap during the Corona pandemic but has yet to classify war as an emergency, despite the Barrande formula. Were it declared, the strict provisions of the debt brake enshrined in Germany's constitution could be temporarily suspended. The FDP in the incoming traffic light coalition, however, strongly opposes this step.

Ukrainian President Zelensky praised the achievements of his troops in Kharkiv as Ukraine received another multi-million dollar military package from the United States. Additionally, Germany delivered an air defense system.

The Ukrainian General Staff tallied 500,080 losses for the Russian forces since the February 2022 invasion's onset. In the previous 24 hours, 1140 losses were added. Russia's immense pressure on Ukrainian defenders has resulted in significant casualties on their own side. In that period, the Ukrainians also destroyed 15 Russian tanks, 27 artillery systems, a missile defense system, and two multiple rocket launchers.

The first Ukrainian F-16 pilots have completed their training in the United States. They're transiting to Europe for additional training. Reports indicate this has taken close to a year. These fighters are expected to be combat-ready by the summer. Ukraine anticipates receiving over 60 F-16s from Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Belgium. These countries will also contribute troops, aircraft, and ground equipment to help train the Ukrainians in flying and maintenance.

Ukraine's use of GPS-guided Excalibur artillery shells and HIMARS has decreased their accuracy due to Russian jamming devices. It's been reported that the success rate of these US-developed Excalibur shells is now under 10%, making them ineffective. As a result, the United States has stopped providing Excalibur shells to Ukraine. For HIMARS strikes, the enemy's jamming devices need to be taken out first, for example, through attacks with smoke munitions.

This week, Ukrainians celebrated the first graduation of Ukrainian F-16 pilots following their training in the USA. The pilots are now preparing for further training in Europe, and it's anticipated they'll be ready for combat missions against Russian air forces in the summer. Ukraine is also set to receive more than 60 F-16s from Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Belgium, along with additional soldiers, aircraft, and ground equipment from the US, UK, Romania, France, and Bulgaria. The goal of these deliveries is to facilitate Ukrainians' training in operating and maintaining fighter jets.

The NATO Secretary-General, Jens Stoltenberg, views China's support for Russia in the Russian assault on Ukraine as "vital." In an interview with "Welt am Sonntag," he stated, "China claims it wishes to maintain positive relations with the West. At the same time, Beijing is intensifying the war in Europe." China has not been found to be providing Russia with weapons or ammunition. Nonetheless, Stoltenberg points out a clear increase in the sale of machinery parts, microelectronics, and other technologies that Russia employs to construct rockets, tanks, and aircraft for use against Ukraine.

Anton Hofreiter, the Green Party's foreign policy spokesman, supports Ukraine's use of Western weapons to target Russian territory. Hofreiter, who chairs the European Affairs Committee in Germany's Bundestag, says, "This is about shielding the Ukrainian population. We shouldn't hamper Ukraine's capacity to defend itself against Russian fighter planes in Russian airspace."

Ukraine's General Staff reports that the Russian military has conducted new air raids on the city of Wowtschansk, striking it with eight guided bombs. The Ukrainian military has successfully repelled ten Russian assaults on the city and its surroundings. Limited accomplishments have been made by the Russian military near Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region and the Pokrowsk sector in the Donetsk region.

The Ukrainian authorities are planning the evacuation of 123 children from the northeastern part of the Kharkiv region. Initially, they will be taken to the city of Kharkiv before being relocated to the northwestern region of Volhynia. Since the start of the new Russian offensive, over 11,000 civilians have been evacuated.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announces that the Ukrainian army has recovered combat control in the eastern Charkiv region, where Russian invaders had infiltrated. "Our troops have managed to retake control of the combat control in the border area where Russian intruders had infiltrated," Zelensky states in his evening address. He had previously visited Charkiv. The Russian military invasion initiated a ground offensive in the border region two weeks ago and seized control of multiple Ukrainian villages.

There are currently 403 Ukrainian women held captive by Russia. Many are civilians detained illegally. According to the Ukrainian Coordination Center for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, their numbers include women who have been missing since 2014 and whose status is uncertain. Russia has disregarded repeated requests for their return.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba asserts that Russian President Vladimir Putin aims to thwart the upcoming Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland from being successful. Kuleba, in response to rumors of Putin's supposed inclination to engage in peace negotiations (see entries at 19:55 and 12:22 pm), explains, "Putin is trying to prevent the Switzerland peace summit on June 15 and 16. He is fearful of its success."

Lithuanian Interior Minister Agne Bilotaite, along with the foreign ministers of Estonia, Latvia, Finland, Norway, and Poland, are discussing the creation of a "drone wall" to protect NATO member states bordering Russia against "provocations" from "unfriendly nations." Bilotaite states, "The goal is to use drones and other technologies to safeguard our borders." She elaborates that this effort will not only preclude "provocations by unfriendly nations" but also combat smuggling. Border reinforcement stems from security concerns stemming from Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The United States is providing additional military assistance to Ukraine to combat Russian aggression. A new package worth $275 million (approximately 253 million euros) includes ammunition for HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, as well as 155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition, according to the US State Department. This is the fifth aid package approved by President Joe Biden since Congress allocated $61 billion (56.2 billion euros) for Ukraine in late April. Previous packages have already reached the front, it is reported. This new support will be "delivered as soon as possible" to help the Ukrainian military defend their nation and protect its people. Since the start of Russia's attack against Ukraine more than two years ago, the United States has provided nearly $50 billion (46.3 billion euros) in military aid to Kyiv, as per Pentagon figures.

Back in Soviet times: Forced into military basic training

In Russia, children and teenagers now have an extra mandatory subject in school this year: "Basics of Life Safety," where they learn military skills such as shooting or dressing wounds.

Putin's Conditions for Negotiations: Returning to Peace Talks

After nearly two and a half years of war against Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated his supposed readiness to negotiate - but only on his own terms. Speaking during a visit to the allied neighbor Belarus, Putin stressed his desire to go back to peace talks, but not by restoring occupied and illegally annexed territories. "We will return to negotiations again," Putin told Interfax. "But not starting from what one side wants, but (...) starting from today's realities that have developed on the ground." Russia has been actively waging war against Ukraine since February 2022, currently controlling about one-fifth of its neighbor's territory. Ukraine has consistently emphasized that the withdrawal of Russian troops from its territory is a prerequisite for lasting peace.

Find out more about previous developments here.