20:59 Hope for Ukraine: Italy appears likely to provide vital SAMP/T defense system
Italy might send another SAMP/T air defense system to Ukraine, reports a source acquainted with the matter. The system, also referred to as MAMBA, is a France-Italy battery capable of tracking numerous targets and intercepting ten concurrently. It's Europe's sole system capable of intercepting ballistic missiles. The unnamed source confirms news articles stating that Italy is planning to transfer an SAMP/T system presently in use in Kuwait but will soon return to Italy. Nonetheless, the source doesn't disclose any delivery timeline.
19:25 Video indicated torture of Russian POWs
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine started more than three years ago, there have been allegations of mistreatment from the invaders. A new video supposedly shows Russian soldiers binding the eyes of POWs, stepping on them, and imitating shooting one of the men:
18:57 Arrests made after Russian-speaking individuals assaulted Ukrainian volunteers in the Czech Republic
Following an occurrence in the Czech capital of Prague, where Russian-speaking individuals attacked volunteers collecting donations for Ukraine, there were arrests. The police shared, "In connection with the event on Saturday, police officers apprehended four individuals at Prague Airport. The Criminal Police has initiated a criminal investigation on suspicions of multiple offenses." In a statement, it's stated that in a video of the event, a man and a woman can be seen conversing in Russian and attempting to attack the volunteers. Furthermore, the video depicts a man speaking German with a Russian accent before the conflict: "I am German":
17:54 Institute for War Studies: Quality of Ukrainian troops "short- to medium-term" surpasses that of the Russians
That Ukrainian field commanders are training new troops at the front (Entry at 07:56 am) suggests, according to the Institute for War Studies, that "the overall quality of the Ukrainian forces is likely to outperform that of the Russian forces in the short- to medium-term." Russian troops have recurringly deployed newly mobilized personnel, prisoners, and contract and volunteer soldiers without adequate training to carry out mass attacks and attain marginal gains at high losses, writes the ISW in an analysis. Russian military bloggers have criticized the Russian training for some time, and a previous Russian Sturm-Z instructor declared that the Russian strategic reserves, owing to a scarcity of trainers, "have not been able to do anything for months."
16:54 Ukraine's options still limited: "Comprehensive release of Western weapons would significantly alter the situation"
The West is steadily enhancing its weapon supply to Ukraine. The impact this could have on the conflict against the Russian intruders and the reason why the West is gradually escalating its assistance is investigated by military expert and political scientist Walter Feichtinger: [
16:17 High-level commitments from the US for Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland
US Vice President Kamala Harris will participate in the Ukraine peace summit slated for June 15 and 16 in Switzerland. Harris will pledge her support for the Ukrainian government's efforts to achieve a just and perpetual peace, per the White House. "The Vice President will reaffirm her commitment to supporting the Ukrainian people in their resistance to ongoing Russian aggression." National Security Advisor to US President Joe Biden, Jake Sullivan, will accompany Harris on the trip. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, more than 100 countries and organizations have affirmed their presence in the summit. The meeting in Bürgenstock near Lucerne, where Russia has not been invited, aims to assemble additional international assistance for the victimized Ukraine. Earlier, Zelenskyy had ardently advocated for Biden's personal presence in the summit.
15:41 Courageous action by Russian women in front of the Defense Ministry in Moscow
Wives and mothers of Russian soldiers are protesting in Moscow for the return of their husbands from the war zone in Ukraine. Images and clips are circulating on social media displaying around two dozen women, some with small children, on the walkway in front of the Russian Defense Ministry. Several protesters carried placards with inscriptions like "It's time for the mobilized to return home" and "Bring Daddy home, please!". They are also demanding a meeting with the new Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. Accounts claim that the police are adopting a forceful stand with an armored transport vehicle and have threatened arrests. Public anti-war demos are unusual in Russia due to the rigorous state repression. Openly disapproving protesters are usually apprehended instantly.
Originally, the Knauf factory existed in the eastern Ukrainian town of Soledar. However, upon the commencement of the war, the company relinquished its control over the plant. Now, Russian soldiers are utilizing the occupied region in the country. The Ukrainian military targets the gypsum board factory with rockets, partially damaging it:
4:34 p.m. Russia strikes civilians once more - a child perishes
During the Russian assaults in eastern Ukraine at night, three individuals have been slain, including a 12-year-old boy. In the Donetsk area's village of Mykhailivka, two people perished, while another sustained injuries, according to Governor Vadym Fialkov through online resources. In Slobozhanske, the Kharkiv region's village, a man lost his life and two others were harmed, reports Governor Oleh Syniehubov on Telegram. Fialkov discloses that two aerial raids took place in quick succession, causing significant damage to a multitude of homes. "A 12-year-old kid was among the fatalities," he mentioned.
4:07 p.m. "Let's momentarily disregard the negative": Ukraine experiences joy from Euro 2024 elation amidst war
Currently, twenty-four teams are readying themselves for the European Football Championship in Germany. The tournament may be especially significant for Ukraine compared to other participating parties. Football offers a moment of cheerfulness during the battle: Euro 2024 special article
3:29 p.m. Pursuing Russian air defense: Ukrainian forces relay additional triumph
The Ukrainian army has been focusing its attacks on Russian air defense systems throughout the battlefield for weeks. Numerous reports of successful strikes exist, although they can't be confirmed independently. (*see also update at 1:43 p.m.*) The Ukrainian military's special forces declare another success. They allege to have caused damage to a mobile Kasta-2E radar. "A Kasta radar was initially spotted on Ukrainian soil in the occupied territory of Luhansk in 2021," states a bulletin. The targeted radar was allegedly attacked with one of the "most recent advancements" that the special forces obtained. This likely refers to a new suicide drone.
3:04 p.m. Ukraine receives permission to use Dutch F-16 fighter jets against targets in Russia
The Dutch government allows the Ukraine to employ these combat aircraft for attacks on Russian objectives in Russia. This is what Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren asserts in an interview with Politico. Concretely, she states that there will be no restrictions - as there are in Belgium - on their deployment. Kiev will receive at least 24 F-16 fighter aircraft from the Dutch. President Zelenskyy stated 48 in the past. Denmark has offered Ukraine 19 F-16s capable of attacking Russian targets. The first delivery of six planes is anticipated this summer. From Belgium, a total of 30 aircraft will be delivered until 2028:
2:31 p.m. Britain's military chief is hopeful of Ukraine's victory in the war
Britain's military chief, Admiral Antony Radakin, holds a positive outlook concerning Ukraine's eventual victory in the war, despite Russia's recent tactical strides. Moscow initiated a renewed offensive in the Kharkiv region's northern sector at the beginning of May. By the conclusion of the month, Kiev announced that the Russian push in this zone had been thwarted and that Ukrainian troops had executed counterattacks. Radakin underscores that Russia, despite the ongoing assault on the Kharkiv sector and the Ukrainian military's personnel and ammunition deficiencies, "failed." "Russia is making progress on land," says Radakin. "However, it's vital to keep in mind that Russia had seized about 17% of Ukrainian territory by March 2022. Today, it still retains 11%."
2:03 p.m. Ukraine possibly obliterated Russian air defense in Russia with a HIMARS strike
Videos sharing on social media reportedly show the outcome of an alleged Ukrainian strike against air defense systems of the kind S-300/400 in Russia's adjacent Belgorod region. This border region is directly connected to Ukraine. The attacks were allegedly conducted with the United States' multiple-launch rocket systems (MRLS), known as HIMARS. Not long ago, various Western countries have granted the Ukraine the authority to use the arms they have provided against Russian administrative structures:
1:36 p.m. The Philippines affirms support for Ukraine at the peace conference
During a brief trip to the Philippines, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to his Filipino counterpart, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., for the Philippine government's support and participation in the Ukraine peace conference. "I am delighted to hear that you are joining our peace initiatives today," Zelenskyy said to his Filipino counterpart in Manila. "We will continue striving to promote peace, end the hostilities, and achieve a political resolution," Marcos Jr. responded. "Everyone acknowledges that it is easier said than done, and a challenging course will lead us back to a situation that is morally acceptable, not only for Ukraine, but for the entire world." According to Ukrainian media outlets, approximately one hundred and seven countries are anticipated to partake in the summit.
Russia Issues Warning to US over Attacks on Missile Early Warning System
Moscow has issued a warning to the US, suggesting that their responses could be "asymmetrical" due to alleged damage to the Russian missile early warning system caused by Ukrainian attacks. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov spoke about this to state news agency TASS, saying, "The Kiev regime has not tried for the first time to disrupt the normal functioning of important links in our military organization, including those in the strategic sphere." He also accused the US of being "maximally irresponsible" for not preventing such attacks.
Zelenskyy to Attend G7 Summit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to attend the G7 summit in Italy, either online or in person, according to his spokesman, Serhiy Nikiforov. However, it is still uncertain whether he will be physically present at the meeting that will run from 13th to 15th June. The summit will discuss how to use the interest earnings from frozen Russian assets to provide further military support to Ukraine.
Ukraine Sets Record for Electricity Imports
Ukraine's energy infrastructure has been targeted in yet another Russian attack, meaning the nation will need to import more electricity than ever before. The Energy Ministry predicts that imports from five European countries will total 27,178 megawatt-hours. Power restrictions are set to be implemented in all regions of the country, following attacks on energy facilities in the east, west, and center.
Lavrov Visits Guinea and Other African Countries
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is currently on a visit to Guinea, with plans to travel to Chad and Burkina Faso. Since the start of the Russian attack on Ukraine in 2022, Russia has been trying to strengthen its economic and diplomatic relations with Africa.
Russia Arrests Man Accused of Collaborating with Ukrainian Intelligence
The FSB security service in Russia has arrested a 35-year-old man in Khabarovsk, accused of working with the Ukrainian intelligence service. The suspect allegedly spoke out "against the political decision of the country's leadership to carry out a special military operation" and "wanted to switch sides".
Sharma: Russians Can Choose their Attack Front
NTV reporter Kavita Sharma is currently affected by the ongoing attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, working with generators. In addition, the Russians are taking advantage of the personnel shortage in the Ukrainian army.
46 Children Kidnapped from Ukrainian Orphanage, Allegedly Relocated to Occupied Crimea
Russia is said to have kidnapped 46 children from a Ukrainian orphanage in Kherson in 2022, with the children then being relocated to the occupied Crimea, changed Russian birth certificates, social security numbers, and names. It has been reported that over 19,500 children have been kidnapped by the Russian occupiers since the start of the war.
Hungary Expresses Doubts about the Urgency of a Peace Summit in Switzerland
Hungary has not yet decided whether it will participate in the global peace summit in Ukraine, as not all parties to the conflict will be present. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto expressed his opinion in an interview with the state Belarusian television channel ONT, saying, "If neither side of the war is represented, it is my opinion that it is a legitimate question whether the entire summit makes sense in terms of the ultimate goal, namely the search for peace."
One Dead and Eleven Injured in Russian Attacks on Ukraine
At least one civilian has been killed and eleven injured in Russia's attacks on Ukraine since Sunday morning. In the region of Kharkiv, a leisure center in Slobozhanske was hit by a Russian rocket, killing one man and injuring two people, says Governor Oleh Syniehubov on Telegram. Two more people were injured in Borivska Andriivka and the same number in Staryi Saltiv. In the Donetsk region, five people were injured: two in Bilozerske, two in Zalizne, and one in Vovche.
Ukrainian soldiers require on-the-job training at the frontBecause of the issues with training due to the delayed mobilization, Ukrainian field commanders are instructing new recruits directly at the front lines. They explained to The Washington Post that they devote considerable time to teaching basic abilities since these skills are not learned in training establishments.
Danish diplomat discusses air defense supply with Ukrainian officialsRuslan Kravchenko, the head of the regional military administration in Kiev, is conversing with the Danish ambassador to the Ukrainian capital, Ole Egberg Mikkelsen, regarding increased assistance for the beleaguered nation. According to The Kyiv Independent, the primary topic of their meeting is to improve regional security by acquiring more military equipment for air defense units. In addition, the need for reconstruction in the area, including housing, schools, and hospitals, is under discussion.
Ukrainian military claims over 1200 Russian soldiers slain or injuredUkrainian forces allegedly killed 1270 Russian soldiers in the previous day's encounter, raising the number of casualties to approximately 511,000, as reported by the Ukrainian General Staff in their daily summary. Furthermore, 14 tanks and 22 armored personnel carriers were reportedly destroyed, along with 47 artillery systems.
Electricity shortages result from Russian strikes on power infrastructureDue to the Russian army's assaults on power plants, transformer stations, and power lines, production capabilities have significantly decreased, according to official assessments. The output from coal-fired power plants is nearly non-existent, while water power plants on the Dnipro have also been damaged. Despite the downturn, nuclear power plants are still functioning to a significant degree. However, energy imports from neighboring nations do not always make up for the deficit completely. Additionally, planned power outages and failures caused by military operations have disrupted power supply across the nation.
Sumy region under attack by Russian forcesRussian military units reportedly attacked ten borders and settlements in the Sumy region on June 2, according to the regional military administration. Places affected include Miropillia, Khotin, Bilopillia, Mykolaivka, Krasnopillia, Shostka, Esman, Shalyhyne, Novo Sloboda, and Velyka Pysarivka. They were targeted with artillery fire, incendiary ammunition, drones, and mortar shells, and mines were also laid. Thankfully, no fatalities were reported.
Zelensky inaugurates Ukrainian embassy in Manila during a meeting with Philippine PresidentIn Manila, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held talks with Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Presidential Palace. During the meeting, Zelensky announced that Ukraine would establish an embassy in Manila this year. Pictures taken at the event show Zelensky signing the guest book with Marcos and representatives from the Ukrainian and Philippine administrations, as well as shaking hands before the meeting. Zelensky's visit to Manila followed his trip to participate in the Shangri-La Dialog security conference in Singapore, his second visit to Asia since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Over 1.5 million men update military records in accordance with mobilization law1.5 million men of military age have updated their military records in compliance with the newly enacted Ukrainian mobilization law passed at the end of May, according to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry. A Reserve+ (Reserve+) online application has been responsible for most of these updates.
Sahra Wagenknecht demands explanation from Chancellor as to why German weapons can now be used against Russian targetsBsw chair Sahra Wagenknecht is urging Chancellor Olaf Scholz to address the public about why it is no longer an issue for Ukraine to utilize German weapons against Russian targets, given that Scholz has long warned about the approaching war danger. "He should explain to the public why it suddenly doesn't matter if Ukraine assaults Russian territory with German weapons, despite his previous warnings about the impending war threat for months," she informed Funke Media Group newspapers.
Talks on Russian-Chinese gas pipeline have reportedly stalledAccording to the Financial Times, discussions between Russia and China concerning the construction of a new gas pipeline have been halted due to differences over prices and delivery volumes. While China wishes to pay Russian prices and take only a small fraction of the intended annual capacity of the pipeline, which is intended to carry 50 billion cubic meters of Russian gas to China, both nations have declared their interest in developing the Power of Siberia-2 pipeline.
Russian soldiers have launched around a thousand assaults utilizing rockets, guided missiles, and drones in the Ukrainian territory within a span of a single week, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's Telegram statement. His message is clear - Russia is purposely sowing death and terror. In the very same week, Russian soldiers conducted nearly a thousand rocket, guided bomb, and drone attacks, Zelensky writes.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Football National Team remains securely stationed in Germany during the European Championship. National coach Serhij Rebrow expressed his confidence in the German authorities' measures to protect not only the Ukrainian squad but also all the other teams. "So far, we feel quite safe," he said. Angela Merkel's successor, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, from the SPD, stated that the German security forces have planned extra-comprehensive measures to keep Ukraine shielded during the European Championship. The Ukrainian team will take on Germany in a friendly match this Monday (8:45 p.m./ARD). During the European Championship (June 14 to July 14), they are scheduled to face Belgium, Romania, and Slovakia in the group round.
For more details on earlier incidents, please visit this page. [Most probably added by ChatGPT itself]
Read also:
- Following Italy's potential sending of another SAMP/T air defense system, NATO might consider providing additional support to Ukraine in its cyberwar against Russia, enhancing its defense capabilities against potential cyberattacks.
- As military operations continue in the Ukraine conflict, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for international leaders to address the attack on Ukraine, with particular emphasis on the need for a comprehensive release of Western weapons to significantly alter the situation.
- In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and allegations of mistreatment of POWs, NATO members such as Italy and the US have shown their support for Ukraine, pledging weapons and participating in peace summits, to help it strengthen its military and achieve a just and lasting peace.
- While Russia has issued warnings of asymmetrical responses to alleged damage to its missile early warning system caused by Ukrainian attacks, NATO members have continued to supply Ukraine with advanced weapons, including F-16 fighter jets, to help it defend against Russian aggression and regain its territory.
