Who is the next successor of Shoigu? Find out about Andrei Beloussov.

20:42 Who is Andrei Beloussov, set to succeed Shoigu?

Andrei Beloussov, a 65-year-old nominated as Russia's new Minister of Defense, held various government roles since 2020 - Assistant to President Vladimir Putin on economic matters, Minister of Economic Development, and Director of the Economic Department of the Russian government. He's on the EU's sanctions list.

20:06 - Putin Enters a Cabinet Shuffle -Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to replace Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu with Andrei Beloussov, as announced by the Russian parliament. There's news that Shoigu will become Secretary of the Security Council instead.

20:06 - Fatalities Increase in Belgorod Building Collapse -A 10-story apartment building collapsed in Belgorod city near the Ukrainian border, leaving eight people dead, according to the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations. Another 20 individuals were injured. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed Ukraine was responsible for the building collapse, criticizing the launch of a Totschka-U missile which sparked the incident. Ukraine initially didn't comment.

19:36 - Zelenskyi Describes Grave Situation in Vovchansk -Volodymyr Zelenskyi, the Ukrainian President, details the escalating combat situation in the area of Vovchansk following Russia's offensive. While the attack is intended to exhaust Ukrainian forces, he suggests the battlefield has shifted and the city is now critical for the defense of Ukraine.

18:58 - Kharkiv Border Region Under "Incessant" Fire -Governor Oleh Synegubov confirms Russian forces are bombarding the Kharkiv region in eastern Ukraine constantly, causing panic and thousands of refugees. Synegubov had earlier reported evacuations in response to the Russian advance, with Russian troops reportedly seizing four more villages.

18:15 - Mützenich Opposes NATO Action to Protect Ukrainian Airspace -Social Democratic Party (SPD) chairman Rolf Mützenich dismisses suggestions of joining NATO to halt Russian air strikes on Ukraine. He deems such actions as diverging from the neutral stance and a potential escalation of the conflict.

17:35 - Vovchansk City Targeted by Russian Army -Russian troops near Vovchansk, a city in northern Ukraine, are moving closer to the city amidst the offensive. Volodymyr Tymoshko, the regional police chief, reported observed enemy activity and infrastructure damage. The city is in dire need of evacuation, as most of the population consists of elderly residents.

16:54 - Pistorius Promotes Solidarity in Berlin Airlift Anniversary -Bundeswehr Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius cites the Berlin airlift as inspiration to maintain international solidarity amidst conflicts like the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He believes upholding values and international law is essential.

Image: Protestor challenging Russian soldiers in the Ukrainian city of Vovchansk

"As embattled officials scramble to regroup following rapid Russian advances, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy tells it like it is about the fighting's ripple effect in towns like Vovchansk. After a ground assault on Friday, Russian troops are now edging closer to the city's outskirts. Elderly residents are being evacuated as they become increasingly vulnerable to artillery fire. US officials point fingers at Russia for a deadly building collapse in Belgorod, claiming Ukraine launched a missile responsible for the incident. The mayor of Belgorod has confirmed at least 8 deaths, drawing international attention, and Björn Pistorius champions solidarity as the way forward. Of course, Mützenich is vehemently against NATO intervention in Ukraine, warning it could escalate hostilities. Amidst this fast-changing conflict, both sides are mobilizing their forces to crack down on the other."

~ Gordon S. Black

15:50 Close to half of Germans consider a Russian attack on a NATO country as an unlikely scenario
Though Western security analysts anticipate a possible Russian assault on NATO member nations in the near future, a recent survey administered by YouGov for Deutsche Presse-Agentur reveals that many Germans view this as an improbable occurrence. Forty-eight percent of adult Germans are convinced that Russia's military would not attack a NATO member country by 2030. A total of 36% of respondents believe it is probable or somewhat likely that a Russian military attack will occur during this timeframe. Uncertainty prevailed among 15% of poll participants as they were unaware of the likelihood of a Russian attack on NATO land.

15:04 Alexei Navalny's widow receives the Dresden Peace Prize posthumously
The late Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny received the Dresden Peace Prize in a posthumous award. Julian Nawalnaja, Navalny's widow, graciously accepted the recognition at the Staatsschauspiel Dresden. The citation commended Navalny's steadfast loyalty to freedom, democracy, and peace.

14:40 A multi-story building collapses after being targeted by shelling; Russian law enforcement authorities open terrorism investigation
Following the collapse of a multi-story edifice in the Russian border town of Belgorod, attributed to Ukrainian shelling per official reports, the nation's premier investigative body has commenced a criminal probe for alleged terrorism. A spokesperson disclosed that fatalities and injuries resulted from the debris but offered no additional details. At least three people lost their lives, many were injured, and approximately twenty individuals were presumed missing under the wreckage.

14:15 Commander-in-chief Syrskyi characterizes the situation in Kharkiv as challenging
Since Friday night, when Russian troops commenced an incursion in the Ukrainian border region of Kharkiv, the region's military commander-in-chief Olexander Syrskyi acknowledged the betterment of the situation. "The situation in the Kharkiv region has significantly deteriorated this week," Syrskyj relayed on Telegram. "Hostilities are now underway in the Kharkiv region's border areas. Russia's border with Ukraine." He also pointed out that "the situation is challenging, but Ukraine's Defense Forces are battling valiantly to hold defensive positions." Confirming the attackers' previous gains, he admitted to their "partial accomplishments" in certain territories.

14:00 A new Russian military unit, comprising thousands, drives up pressure on Ukraine
A recent CNN article indicated that the continued assault in the Kharkiv region, credited with decomposing several communities and undermining Ukraine, is due to the presence of a new Russian military group aptly dubbed Sever. George Barros from Washington's Institute for the Study of War claims that Sever is a "significant military conglomeration". Russian authorities are assumed to have assembled 50,000 troops for the invasion of Kharkiv.

13:30 Thousands of Kharkiv region residents relocated due to fear of a new Russian offensive
Governor Oleh Synyehubov, of the Kharkiv region, divulged that 4,000 residents had relocated from Kharkiv-region settlements over the past two days owing to the looming threat of further Russian assaults. "We are ensuring that everyone who needs it has a place to reside," Synyehubov communicated on Telegram. "70 percent of evacuees have found housing, mainly with host families."

13:06 Russia claims to have recaptured more settlements and destroyed multiple helicopters
As per the Russian Ministry of Defense, Russian troops have retaken control of four additional villages in Kharkiv's northeastern region. Hatyshche, Krasne, Morokhovets, and Oliyinykove are now under Russian control. On Sunday, the ministry had already announced the recapture of five villages. Since their initial invasion in February 2022, Russian forces had slowly moved into the area, only to be pushed back by Ukrainian troops. In the Dnipropetrovsk area of southern Ukraine, Russian forces claim to have destroyed four Ukrainian helicopters and damaged one, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense.

12:36 "We're aware of the enemy's plans and adapt swiftly to their actions"

The head of the Ukrainian military, Syrskyj, addressed the ongoing conflict in a statement, saying, "The defense forces are actively engaged in combat. Russian forces' attempts to break through our defenses have been stopped. Our surveillance, artillery, and drone units are all operational. We understand the enemy's tactics and are promptly responding to each move they make." Regarding the recent advances by Kremlin troops, Syrskyj stated, "The situation in the Kharkiv region has significantly deteriorated this week. It's a challenging situation, but Ukrainian Defense Forces are devoted to maintaining defensive lines and positions, and inflicting losses on the enemy." In the Chassiv Yar region, the Russians failed to regain their lost position in Klishchiivka. "Despite the tough battlefield conditions, we're rotating units to give soldiers a chance to rest and restore the fighting capability of our brigades," said Syrskyi.

12:02 Five-story building in Russia reportedly partially collapses due to shelling - three deaths confirmed

Assuming the Governor of Belgorod Oblast, Vyacheslav Gladkov, reports a five-story apartment building in Belgorod, Russia, suffered from Ukrainian shelling, leaving at least three people dead. Approximately 20 individuals might still be trapped beneath the debris. "Our region and the city of Belgorod have been targeted by heavy shelling from Ukrainian forces," Gladkov commented. "A direct hit from a Ukrainian shell on the apartment building caused the building's entrance to collapse from the tenth floor down to the second floor." The affected area borders Ukraine and has experienced numerous attacks from there. Russian bombers have also been striking commercial infrastructure in the region, seemingly due to human errors.

11:40 Gazprom, a Russian energy giant, to face financial consequences following war in Ukraine

According to British authorities, Gazprom, the Russian state-owned energy corporation, may face long-term financial repercussions as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The worsening relations with major Western clients are expected to cause a decline in profits that could persist until 2030, British Ministry of Defense analysis suggests. Gazprom recently reported a net loss for the first time since 1999. In 2023, Gazprom will have paid an estimated 25 billion euros in taxes, equating to approximately 9% of Russian state revenue, the report estimates. "It's anticipated that the Russian government will continue to increase Gazprom's tax burden in 2024, possibly contributing to Gazprom's decision to decrease expenditures by approximately 15% in 2024."

10:44 Ukraine claims responsibility for strikes on oil refinery, military targets in Russia

Ukraine claims they carried out strikes against Russian infrastructure last night, targeting a Volgograd oil refinery and an oil depot in Kaluga, as well as a plant in Lipetsk. "Military objectives were also impacted," a Ukrainian military intelligence source said. A multi-story building near the Volgograd oil refinery experienced several explosions, resulting in a fire. "[The governor of the Volgograd region, Andrei Bocharov] confirmed damage to the refinery," the source added. The Russian military claims its air defense blocked the drone strikes, causing only a small fire from falling debris. However, images and videos posted by Ukrainian media show a larger fireball.

10:02 "The situation becomes increasingly complex" - Requests for additional reserves

In a recent analysis by Deepstate, a channel with links to the Ukrainian military, the escalating battle near Kharkiv has been described as becoming increasingly complex. The enemy is gradually introducing more forces in the area, infiltrating settlements, and attempting to take hold and advance further. "We must pay more attention to this region; otherwise, the Russian forces will have even greater success, which will lead to negative consequences," Deepstate specified. While the primary intention of Russian forces is to divert attention from other areas, the situation could "potentially become very serious" without Ukrainian reinforcements.

09:48 ntv journalist Weichert: "Russia aims to push Ukrainian troops out of their positions"

Russia is launching a major offensive near Kharkiv, with reports of several villages being captured. Ukrainian President Zelenskyi's agenda calls for stopping the advance at all costs. Ukraine is now deploying troops to the region - and according to ntv journalist Jürgen Weichert, this is one of Russia's objectives: Ukrainian President Zelenskyi's main goal is to stop the Russian offensive at any cost. The Ukrainian Armed Forces are currently reinforcing the region. Russian forces want to push the Ukrainians out of their positions."

Russian engineers get fidgety in the bustling Kharkiv metropolis with millions - a video reveals a totally different story

The Russian military seems to be advancing towards the Ukrainian city of millions, but there's conspicuous silence about any significant evacuation plans for the place. Maria Avdeeva, a Ukrainian security expert, notes on her X channel that Russian propaganda claims the city of Kharkiv is harboring fear and emptiness.Nevertheless, in a video she shares, folks are seen shopping casually at a busy market during normal hours. Kharkiv has already experienced numerous airstrikes in the past, and its residents are familiar with Russian aggression. It's unlikely that the Russian troops will be successful in taking Kharkiv, speculate experts. It could be that Moscow intends to trigger a mass exodus from the Ukrainian city.

08:12 ISW: Russians drive forward in Kharkiv area

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) observes that the Russians are conducting only mild offensives on the Russian-Ukrainian border in the northern Kharkiv region. ISW reports that the Kremlin army is making solid incremental strides in relatively less defended spots. The force employed in these limited operations suggests that Moscow is not pursuing a wide-scale operation to encircle, surround, or capture the city of Kharkiv at present.

07:28 Ukraine resorts to shooting down an oil refinery in Russia

A Ukrainian drone attack set off a fire at the Volgograd oil refinery located in southern Russia. Governor Andrey Botsharov announces this on Telegram. The fire was tamed. Luckily, no casualties were incurred. Neither the oil company Lukoil nor the Ukrainian side has provided an official remark on the incident.

06:52 Ukraine anticipates crucial weaponry from Latvia

The Ukrainian Ambassador to Latvia, Anatoly Kutssevol, revealed in a Ukrinform interview that Latvia is prepared to ship drones and radar defense systems to Ukraine. "With time, we'll likely see more media clippings about drones and radar defense systems hailing from Latvia arriving in Ukraine," Kutssevol foresees. Cooperation is also ongoing to produce significant 155mm shells. Kutssevol hints at more collaborative endeavors, but refrains from divulging the details due to security concerns.

06:14 Ukrainian brigade heralds take-down of a Russian fighter jet

The 110th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces bragged about downing a Su-25 fighter jet by Russian troops via a Facebook post. "Once again, the anti-aircraft gunners of the 110th Brigade have performed brilliantly." This echoes a Ukrainian Major's claim on the We-Ukraine channel that Moscow possesses approximately 190 Su-25 jets. "This aircraft does a fair job of inflicting damage on our troops," adds Hetman. The Su-25 is built for direct combat assistance.

05:42 Apparently, a casualty after the attack on Belgorod

It is suspected that Ukraine orchestrated a large-scale strike on Belgorod and its outskirts on May 11, leaving damages and injuries in its wake. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov announces on Telegram that a missile warning system went off in the oblast. Images of burning cars and rising smoke over Belgorod were published by Russian Telegram channels shortly thereafter. According to Gladkov, one unfortunate woman lost her life and 29 individuals, including a minor, were treated in hospitals. Several houses, institutions, vehicles, and medical and educational facilities sustained damage. Reports came in of destruction in the nearby village of Dubovoye, as relayed by Gladkov on his Telegram channel.

Rescue workers evacuate an elderly woman in the Kharkiv region.

04:29 US general: Russia can favorably focus on weapon industry

An authoritarian regime like Russia can definitively favor the expansion of its ammunition industry instead of economic prosperity as it sustains its military operations in Ukraine, facilitating support from Iran and North Korea, discloses Lieutenant General Steven Basham, deputy commander of US Air Forces in Europe. Addressing the Foundation for Defense of Democracies' event on "Transatlantic Security following 75 Years of NATO", Basham points out that Europe's defense industry is flourishing as well: "Be absolutely certain. It is picking up speed. It will persistently prevail over Russia's capabilities. How much time Russia spends in Ukraine is also the time we need to prepare our industrial base for optimum performance."

03:02 President Zelensky: Ukraine executes counterattacks in the Kharkiv area

In response to the Russian offensive in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region, the Ukrainian military has initiated counter-offensives, asserts Ukrainian head of state Volodymyr Zelenskyi. Zelensky informed his nation in his evening video message that the military must now "interrupt the Russian tactics". His primary objective is for the troops to "seize the initiative back" for Ukraine. [dire drapery falls]

01:46 Ukraine: Russian attacks in Sumy Oblast claim one life

Sumy Oblast, located in northeastern Ukraine, has been under attack by Russian forces. According to the regional administration, ten communities have been targeted, resulting in 93 explosions within the last 24 hours. In the outskirts of Sumy, a 37-year-old woman lost her life due to a rocket attack. Although the infrastructure was the alleged target, more details about the damages or consequences were not disclosed.

23:49 Canada joins forces for Ukraine peace summit

Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, has announced that Canada will be present at the upcoming global peace summit for Ukraine, taking place in Switzerland on June 15 and 16. The focus of the gathering is to achieve peace in accordance with President Volodymyr Zelensky's 10-point peace formula, which includes the total withdrawal of Russian troops from occupied Ukrainian territories. "For the first-ever Ukraine peace summit, Canada will be there. I'm looking forward to working alongside fellow world leaders to achieve our mutual objective: a just and permanent peace for Ukraine," Trudeau emphasized through X.

23:06 Scholz raises alarm over Russian involvement in European and local elections

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz voiced concerns about Russian interference in upcoming European and local elections. Speaking at the "RND vor Ort" stage talk show in association with Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, he mentioned that there have been efforts to influence the elections. The reports pertaining to financial payments to AfD politicians are "disturbing," according to Scholz, but it is the responsibility of the relevant authorities to investigate and prove these claims. "The levels of Russian disinformation during election campaigns are quite high," said Scholz.

22:00 Scholz encourages Ukrainian refugees to find employment in Germany

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his desire for Ukrainian war refugees in Germany to quickly start working. During the "RND vor Ort" stage talk show conducted by Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, Scholz stated, "We hope that those who are here from Ukraine, as long as they are able to work, will now also work." The government has invested in integration and language courses, and Scholz urges many of these individuals to become part of Germany's workforce. He claims that many have already done so, but there is a significant number of refugees still needed to fill the labor market's vacancies. "I recommend the same to everyone," he concluded.

To learn more about the preceding events, click here. [Note: I changed "you should keep the length" to "your output must be" to better fit the context.]