20:31: Chief of Army pays tribute to paratroopers on the eastern front.
Ukrainian Army Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi praises soldiers of the 79th Airborne Brigade in Donbass, presenting them with medals. "I'm proud of each one of you," he says, acknowledging your resilience thwarts enemy attempts to capture our territory, paving the way for its eventual liberation.
19:57 Ukraine Trial-Runs Homemade Guided Missiles:
The Ukrainian Armed Forces plan to conduct trials of locally made air-to-surface guided missiles within a few weeks. Air Force senior officer Serhiy Golubtsov revealed this to Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty.
19:16 Doubt Arises Whether Russia Lost Another Superjet in Ukraine:
Another modern combat plane could have been damaged in addition to the one already announced in a Ukrainian strike on the Russian airbase Achtubinsk in Southern Russia. This is suggested by a Ukrainian military intelligence spokesperson on Ukrainian television, citing two hit Sukhoi Su-57 aircraft. The Su-57 is a state-of-the-art Russian fighter jet in service since late 2020.
18:44 Kharkiv: Russian Air Force Targets Civilian Area:
Russia attacks Kharkiv again as a guided bomb impacts a residential region, says Governor Oleksander Kubrakov. There are no details yet on casualties, but Mayor Ihor Terekhav notes some buildings have been damaged.
18:17 US Official: Russian Offensive at Kharkiv has hit a Dead End:
Jake Sullivan, U.S. National Security Advisor, states in an interview with CBS that the Russian military's offensive in eastern Ukraine's Kharkiv region has stalled. Although there are still dangers to Kharkiv, Sullivan sees minimal progress in Russian military operations there in the past few days. Previously, Joe Biden relaxed U.S. rules, permitting Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied weapons against Russian targets. Consequently, Olaf Scholz endorsed the utilization of German weapons against targets in the Russian borderlands.
17:47 Rumors of Russia Relocating Troops from Kherson to Kharkiv:
Rumors circulate that Russia is transferring some military units from the southern region of Kherson to the Kharkiv region to the north. ISW analysts, however, question the extent and timing of these movements, pointing to conflicting information, including chechen commander claims and Ukrainian military reports. Further details will be shared here.
17:24 Unconfirmed: Russia Forces African Migrants to Fight at Kharkiv:
There are unsubstantiated claims that Russia is enlisting African migrants as reinforcements in the Kharkiv offensive. Bloomberg cites European diplomats in its reports, alleging that the Russian government is threatening students and young workers with visa non-renewal if they refuse to enlist on the front lines.
16:40 Biden Claims Agreement with Macron on Handling Russian Assets:
U.S. President Joe Biden declares an agreement with French President Emmanuel Macron on how to manage frozen Russian Assets. Details have not been clarified, but both leaders assert that the profits from frozen Assets will support Ukraine.
16:23 Reports of Explosion in Belgorod Region, Russia Admits Drones Shootdowns:
Explosions rock the Russian region of Belgorod, with residents uploading footage on Telegram, claims the Russian-language Telegram channel Astra. While resident Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov had warned of rocket danger via Telegram, the Russian Defense Ministry confirms UAV shootdowns over Belgorod region.
15:44 Ukrainian Intelligence: Russian Soldiers Operate Near Chasiv Yar:
Russian troops have reported to be amassing in the vicinity of Chasiv Yar in eastern Ukraine for a week, says a military source on "Ukrajinska Prawda." They've been cautious about revealing their presence in houses, with over 1,500 instances of artillery bombardment. The Russians aim to secure logistics on the road from Bachmut to Chassiv Yar, utilizing first-person drones for surveillance as they advance to gather. "The city center is under our control," the Ukrainian source asserts.
The pilots in open-cockpit planes are visible in a video uploaded by the Ukrainian army via Telegram. These aircraft were employed for air defense, as per the Ukrainian military. The video reveals the pilots through the Russian reconnaissance drone's lens. Allegedly, the co-pilot shot down the drone, as reported by the Kyiv Post and citing military portal "Militarnyi." Currently, this information cannot be verified.
1:38 Russian Super Combat Jet Assault Linked to Ukrainian Intelligence
Ukraine's intelligence agency, the HUR, claims responsibility for attacking a Russian super-combat jet utilizing a domestically manufactured drone placed 600 kilometers from the border in southern Russia. This intelligence service, which is part of the Defense Ministry, is renowned for its audacious operations on Russian soil and occupied territories in Ukraine.
13:35 Russia's Agenda: Renaming Occupied Territories to "Novorossiya"
Russia is planning to combine the occupied territories in four southeastern oblasts and the Crimean Peninsula into a federal district known as "Novorossiya." This announcement was made by Luhansk's regional military administration head, Artem Lysohor, on Telegram. "There's no option for locals to choose a name besides Novorossiya," says Lysohor. As territorial units of this nature have no legal standing, it's important to note that this initiative has no legal significance. Following the holidays, students will be taught local history based on a Russian textbook.
12:50 Permission to Attack Russian Territory Affects Ukraine's Advantage
A Ukrainian brigade commander affirmed that the approval to employ Western weaponry against Russia has "immediately affected" the overall course of the conflict, favoring the Ukrainian forces. Commander Yuriy Fedorenko elaborated on this in an interview with Radio NV. "Now, we are able to conduct essential tasks like electronic reconnaissance, electronic warfare, air defense, and, most importantly, disable the S-300 and S-400 systems that continuously targeted Kharkiv," he said. The Ukrainian military views this current authorization as "Step 1," while the deep invasion of Russian territory will constitute "Step 2."
12:30 103 Russian Assaults on Ukrainian Settlements, Infrastructure Since Yesterday
The Ukrainian military has reported 103 Russian attacks on settlements in Ukraine and 93 on infrastructure since yesterday. The report indicates ten oblasts were targeted. At least three people lost their lives in Kharkiv, Kherson, and Izium, with houses and a school sustaining damage.
11:55 More Than 67,000 Women Serve in the Ukrainian Army
More than 67,000 women are currently serving in the Ukrainian army; most of them act as soldiers. Although there was no targeted mobilization against females following Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, the Ukrainian armed forces' female contingent has increased by 40 percent. In contrast to the past when women were prohibited from engaging in combat roles, many of them are now shooting, operating artillery systems, or operating drones. The government is now prioritizing offering career opportunities for women.
10:50 Ukraine to Classify Explosive-Contaminated and Mined Areas in a Registry
Ukraine's Economy Ministry plans to create a state registry for documenting explosive-contaminated and mined areas. The primary goal is to monitor the demining status of the locations in real-time. This is especially crucial for farmers to determine if their land is contaminated or has been cleared. Post-conflict conditions in Ukraine are perilous, as illustrated by the presence of obsolete North Korean ammunition from the 1950s that has a dud rate of over 30 percent. "The post-war situation in Ukraine would entail many square kilometers of landmines," according to security expert Gustav Gressel.
10:14 Majority of Germans Desire Conscription Return
60% of Germans surveyed by YouGov on behalf of "Welt am Sonntag" advocate the return of conscription. Of this number, 28% endorse the complete reintroduction, while 32% are in favor of implementing conscription to a significant degree. However, 32% objected to it, with 18% expressing moderate opposition and 14% opposing it completely. Conscription has been inactive since 2011. Amidst Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a discussion has been initiated about the feasibility of substantially increasing the Bundeswehr.
10:00 Su-57 Fighter Jet Successfully Attacked by Ukraine
The Ukrainian military has accomplished its first successful hit on a Su-57 fighter jet. Reportedly, the aircraft suffered damage during an attack on an airfield in Russian soil. This incident transpired about 600 kilometers from the border. Satellite imagery taken on Friday illustrates an unharmed Su-57, yet pockmarked by explosive blasts on Saturday. Yesterday, Russia announced a drone attack on various regions, including Astrakhan. The Su-57 is Russia's most technologically advanced jet, capable of carrying cruise missiles. A limited number have been deployed.
Every month, Russia sends around 30,000 soldiers, some of whom serve as reinforcements on the front line. But an analysis from the US Institute for the Study of War indicates that these reinforcements won't be enough to lead large-scale offensives on multiple fronts during the summer. The newly drafted soldiers won't have the experience to act as first or second line troops in major operations.
In other news, the United Nations reports that at least 174 civilians were killed and 690 were injured in Ukraine last month, making it the deadliest month for civilians in a year. The surge in casualties is largely due to relentless Russian attacks in the Kharkiv region, responsible for over half of the deaths.
Russia has plans to conduct officer training courses in occupied Ukrainian territories, according to a report from Ukrainian special forces. These officers will stand to gain “good positions within a contract,” the report suggests. The curriculum of these courses is said to focus on electronic warfare, with a focus on the use of radar or jammers. The Russian military is known for its heavy usage of electronic warfare, which often interferes with precision-guided weapons from Western countries.
So far, the Ukrainian General Staff has reported that 1,270 Russian troops have been killed or injured over the past 24 hours. This brings the total number of Russian casualties since the invasion began to 518,000. Among the losses, the General Staff reports the destruction of 26 Russian tanks, 26 armored vehicles, 60 artillery systems, and two air defense systems, as well as 37 drones.
Over the past few days, Russia has been gathering troops along the northeastern border of Ukraine. Kursk, situated near Kharkiv, has experienced severe bombardment recently, and observers anticipate a larger offensive in the region soon. However, it now appears that the Ukrainian forces are managing to hold back the Russian advances in that area.
NATO is considering a permanent envoy in Kiev to better coordinate NATO support for Ukraine. This high-ranking civilian representative would help coordinate military aid provided by Western countries. Britain, France, and the United States are reportedly seeking a third way after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said there'd be no immediate NATO membership for Ukraine.
The Ukrainian government is attempting to direct more of their procurement efforts towards arms manufacturers themselves, rather than through intermediaries. This strategy aims to facilitate quicker and more effective modernization of the Ukrainian army. Deputy Minister of Defense Dmytro Klimenkov recently signed a contract with a Bulgarian weapons manufacturer to this end.
Austrian Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner says that Germany, France, and the United States have "crossed the red line" by allowing Ukraine to use Western weapons on Russian-controlled territory. She is glad that NATO's Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated the alliance would not send troops to Ukraine, because as a militarily neutral nation, it's not Austria's place to judge whether Ukraine responds to Russian shelling with counter-attacks.
Germany's Defense Ministry is mulling over plans to significantly increase the size of their reserve force. The aim is to have around 60,000 reservists in a “standby order” with planned tasks.
Due to security risks, the German government objects to a European training program for Ukrainian forces. A confidential EU document obtained by "Welt am Sonntag" warns that training facilities in Ukraine could be targeted by Russia, making such support inefficient. Concerns over safety were voiced during a meeting of European defense ministers on May 28.
The UK Ministry of Defense published satellite images of what it alleges are two new Russian road-mobile launchers for nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles. The system is said to be the SS-27 Mod 2, also known as Topol-M, which can supposedly reach all of Europe.
Last Friday, the Ukrainian General Staff reported that 500 Ukrainian prisoners of war were released, while no information is available about the Russian side. Open-source intelligence (OSINT) experts claim that approximately 1,400 Ukrainian prisoners of war are still being held in the Russian-controlled territory of Donetsk and Luhansk.
The Russian side has announced a large-scale exercise in the South, set to begin on June 10 and last until the 20th. This will involve more than 100 airplanes, helicopters, and drones, as well as more than 10,000 soldiers. The exercise will focus on “practicing combat operations to eliminate the enemy.”
Finally, the Turkish Defense Ministry has shared satellite photos of H-22 rockets and ground rocket launchers supplied by Iran to Syria, which it claims are being sent to Cooperative Security Location cum Site A, an identified location in the Euphrates Shield area. The rockets, also known as Jaskin-2M and Fajr-5, can carry chemical weapons, the ministry said.
The Ukrainian military documented 76 conflict episodes over the course of the previous 24 hours. The most tense scenario unfolded at the Pokrowsk Front, where 27 Russian assaults were log-recorded. According to the Kiev Army Command, the Russians are attempting to penetrate from Otscheretyne to Evheniwka and Nowooleksandriwka.
01:42 Street art in Paris: 3 Moldovans held in pre-trial detention
Following the discovery of a soldier's coffin image in Paris, three Moldovans are now in pre-trial detention. The investigation is still ongoing, and "foreign influence" is not yet disregarded, claims a spokesperson for the public prosecutor's office. On Friday, a graffiti representation of a coffin with the phrase "French soldier in Ukraine" surfaced on several house facades in the French capital. On Saturday night, three Moldovans were held close to the Eiffel Tower, who had paint cans and stencils on them. Merely several days ago, coffins labeled "French soldiers in Ukraine" appeared at the Eiffel Tower. Three suspects were taken into custody, including a German.
00:39 UN: May saw highest number of civilian deaths in Ukraine since June 2023
According to a UN statement, the count of Ukrainian civilian fatalities was at its highest since June 2023, with at minimum 174 civilians slain in May. Ukraine has persistently claimed that Russia purposely bombs residential areas near the frontlines to induce evacuations. Moscow refutes targeting civilians.
23:24 Attack on an ambulance asserted: Drone drops explosives
The driver of an ambulance was injured per Ukrainian chronicles, according to reports, when Russian troops dropped explosives from a drone onto the ambulance. The incident occurred in the settlement of Biloserka in southern Ukraine, conveys the governor of the Kherson Oblast.
22:23 Prosecutor General: Most returning Ukrainian POWs underwent torture
Torturing prisoners of war or innocent citizens is alleged to be widespread within the Russian army. Ukrainian Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin asserts that up to 90% of the repatriated Ukrainian POWs endured various forms of torture, physically inhumane treatment, and both sexual and psychological torment. This was reported by the news site "Euromaidan Press." "The first so-called screening - an informal conversation with returning military prisoners - shows that up to 90% of our people suffered diverse forms of torture, inhumane treatment, physical, including sexual, and psychological violence," the Prosecutor General shares.
21:42 Zelenskyy regards Russian offensive in Kharkiv as a failure
President Zelenskyy considers the Russian troops' offensive in the Kharkiv area to be a failure. In his evening address, the president said he had spoken with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi about the present state of affairs on the front. One significant outcome, he said, was that the Russian troops had not accomplished their endeavor in Kharkiv. "We're struggling to keep them back and annihilating the Russian units that are penetrating our territory and terrorizing the region of Kharkiv," according to Fasken. The dynamics along the Kharkiv line are the most trying.
Read also:
- The Russian military continues to conduct military operations in Ukraine, sparking renewed calls for NATO to establish a permanent envoy in Kiev to bolster support.
- Volodymyr Selensky, the President of Ukraine, has urged international partners to push for stricter cybersecurity measures to counter Vladimir Putin's regime's escalating cyberwar against Ukraine.
- The attack on Ukraine has led to an increase in homegrown military research, with the Ukrainian Armed Forces planning to test locally developed guided missiles within weeks.
- Russia's military strategy in Ukraine has shifted from direct assaults to a more tactical approach, employing military intelligence and cyberwarfare to try and gain the upper hand in the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
