Near Kursk, Russia, there were 20 Ukrainian drones intercepted.

20 Ukrainian drones intercepted near Kursk, Russia.

Russia has intercepted 20 Ukrainian drones in the southern region of Kursk, close to the Ukraine border, as per its statements. Ukrainian forces used drones and helicopters to target four villages in the area, but no one was hurt, Kursk region governor Alexei Smironov reported on the Telegram messaging service. In the Belgorod region, Russian air defense units also shot down "several targets," said Belgorod region governor Vyacheslav Gladkov. Some house roofs were damaged in the process.

Later in the evening, Italy decided to supply Ukraine with a second air defense system, the SAMP/T, to help protect its airspace. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced the decision on the state-owned broadcaster RAI, saying Italy was responding to a request from Ukraine. No specific timeline was provided. In 2023, Italy and France jointly delivered a similar system to Ukraine. In recent months, Ukraine has frequently asked its partners for more assistance with air defense as Russian attacks on its cities and energy infrastructure have become more frequent.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz defended his recent shift in Ukraine policy, stating it wouldn't lead to an escalation. Scholz declared in an interview with Antenne Bayern that securing a city like Kharkiv was their priority. Italy's decision to supply Ukraine with a second air defense system was made "carefully with our friends and allies," he said, emphasizing the importance of caution. Scholz faced criticism for being overly cautious and hesitant in supporting Ukraine.

A Ukrainian brigade, the 47th Mechanized Brigade, touted the effectiveness of the U.S.-supplied Bradley fighting vehicles in a video, shown eliminating two Russian BTR-82A armored personnel carriers and several Russian soldiers within the span of a few minutes.

Italy is expected to send a second SAMP/T air defense system to Ukraine, a source shared, referring to the system as "MAMBA." The French-Italian-designed battery can track multiple targets simultaneously and intercept ten at a time – the only European-made system capable of doing so. The source stated that Italy is preparing to send a system currently in use in Kuwait, expected to arrive in Italy soon.

Reports emerged of a brutal video showing Russian soldiers torturing prisoners of war in Ukraine. Since the Russian-Ukrainian conflict commenced over three years ago, allegations of Russian soldiers inflicting harm on captured Ukrainian soldiers have surfaced. The video supposedly shows soldiers tying up prisoners, kicking them, and pretending to shoot one of the men.

In Prague, arrests were made after Russian-speaking individuals attacked volunteers collecting donations for Ukraine. Czech police arrested four foreigners at Prague Airport, initiating a criminal investigation based on suspicions of several crimes. In a video from the incident, a man and a woman are seen speaking Russian while attempting to assault the volunteers. A man in the background claims he's German.

At 21:34 PM CEST, a source close to the situation disclosed that Ukraine could soon receive a SAMP/T air defense system from Italy. The French-Italian battery system, nicknamed "MAMBA," can simultaneously track multiple targets and intercept ten, making it the only European-made system capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.

A video appeared online, allegedly showing Russian soldiers torturing Ukrainian prisoners. Russian forces have been accused of committing atrocities against Ukrainian prisoners for the past three years following the beginning of Russia's conflict with Ukraine. The footage seems to depict Russian soldiers tying up captives, kicking them, and trying to shoot one of the men.

Ukrainian commanders training new recruits on the front line suggests improved quality of Ukrainian forces in comparison to the Russians, according to the Institute for War Studies. Russian troops have recently deployed inexperienced, poorly trained soldiers, prisoners, and volunteers in mass attacks, resulting in high losses. Russian military bloggers have criticized their training, with a former Russian Sturm-Z instructor claiming strategic reserves have been idle due to a lack of trainers.

8:54 PM: Western arms alleviating Ukraine's distress: The potential impact on the war

The West is gradually increasing its arms deliveries to Ukraine. Expert and political scientist Walter Feichtinger sheds light on the implications on the ongoing conflict and why the West is gradually changing its support. One recent example is Italy's proposed contribution of a second SAMP/T air defense system that can intercept ballistic missiles. Reports of Russian soldiers torturing prisoners of war have surfaced, with arrests made regarding an attack on Ukrainian volunteers in Prague by Russian-speaking individuals. The ISW analysis indicates that the quality of Ukrainian forces may be higher than Russian forces in the short to medium term. And in a potential game-changer, increased Western weapon deliveries could shift the dynamics of the conflict.

18:17 High-profile US delegation to attend Ukraine peace talks

The US Vice President, Kamala Harris, will be participating in the Ukraine peace summit scheduled for June 15 and 16 in Switzerland. She will emphasize the US government's support for Ukraine in seeking "a just and lasting peace." Alongside Harris, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will join her on the trip. The Ukraine peace summit, at the Bürgenstock resort near Lucerne, Switzerland - without Russian invitation - aims to gather over 100 countries and organizations to rally further global support for the attacked Ukraine.

17:41 Women protest in Moscow for Russian soldiers' return from Ukraine

Outside the Russian Defense Ministry in Moscow, wives and mothers of Russian soldiers demand their husbands' return. The small crowd of about two dozen women, some with children, carries placards pleading for their sons and husbands to come home. They also request a meeting with the new Russian Defense Minister, Andrei Belousov. Police are reportedly threatening arrests while the demonstration continues. Public anti-war protests are infrequent in Russia due to harsh government reprisals against dissenters.

17:01 Ukrainian attack on factory occupied by German company

Knauf, a German company, had a factory in the eastern Ukrainian town of Soledar before the war started. Now, Russian soldiers occupy the seized region. Ukrainian troops assault the gypsum board factory with rockets, causing damage to it:

16:34 Civilian death in Russian attacks

During the night-time Russian attacks in Ukraine's eastern regions, three people have lost their lives, including a twelve-year-old boy. Two more were killed and another injured in Mykolaivka, Donetsk area. In Slobozhanske, Kharkiv region, a man died and two more injured. Local officials report two air raids within a short time span that damaged many houses. The twelve-year-old boy is among those killed.

16:07 Ukraine's journey to the Euro 2020: Entertaining respite from the war

As the European Football Championship is imminent, hosting 24 teams, Ukraine's journey is likely to be more meaningful than most. In the context of the ongoing war, escaping the routine of battlefields and sharing a moment of joy through football highlights the effect the conflict has on the nation's morale: https://www.dw.com/de/ukraine-flieht-vor-kriegsalltag-in-em-euphorie/a-59080654

15:29: Ukrainian troops continue striking Russian air defenses: New success reported

Ukrainian forces have consistently targeted Russian air defense systems on both fronts for several weeks now. Although there have been several reports of successful attacks, it is impossible to verify them independently due to limited access to the areas. The Ukrainian military's special forces claim to have inflicted damage again, this time on a mobile Kasta-2E radar. "A Kasta radar was first spotted on Ukrainian territory in the occupied region of Luhansk in 2021," says an official statement. The radar sustained damage from one of the latest developments received by the special forces. It is assumed that a new kamikaze drone could be involved.

14:54: Netherlands greenlights Ukraine's use of F-16 fighter jets against Russian targets

The Netherlands have given their approval for Ukraine to use their F-16 fighter jets against targets in Russia, according to Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren in an interview with Politico. There will be no restrictions on the deployment of these jets, unlike in Belgium. Ukraine is set to receive 24 F-16 fighter jets from the Netherlands, although President Zelensky had previously requested 48. Denmark has promised to provide 19 F-16s capable of attacking targets on Russian soil. The first batch of six aircraft is expected to arrive this summer.

14:21: British military chief remains optimistic about Ukraine's victory in the war

British military chief Admiral Antony Radakin is confident that Ukraine will ultimately prevail in the war, despite setbacks like Russia's recent attack in the Kharkiv region. "Although Russia continues its offensive in the Kharkiv region and Ukraine faces challenges with personnel and ammunition shortages, Moscow has failed," he says in an interview with Sky News. "Russia is only making tactical advances on land. If we look back to March 2022, initially Russia captured about 17% of Ukrainian territory, but now it still totalizes 11%."

13:43: Ukraine possibly destroyed Russian air defense in Russia using HIMARS

Recent videos circulating on social media suggest that Ukrainian attacks have caused considerable damage to Russian air defense systems of the type S300/400 in the Belgorod region bordering Ukraine. These attacks are believed to have been carried out using multiple rocket launchers, potentially HIMARS. In recent weeks, several Western countries have given Ukraine the green light to utilize the weapons they supply against targets on Russian soil.

13:16: Philippines shows support for Ukraine at peace summit

During a visit to the Philippines, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked his Philippine counterpart Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his country's involvement in upcoming peace conferences. "It's great to hear you'll participate in our peace efforts today," Zelensky said to his Philippine counterpart in Manila. "We will continue making efforts to promote peace, end the hostilities, and reach a political solution," Marcos Jr. responded. "Everyone realizes that reaching a situation acceptable to both Ukraine and the world is not easy and will involve difficulties." The reports mention at least 107 countries expected to join the peace gatherings.

12:47: Russia issues warning to the US over Israeli attack that disrupted Russian early-warning system

Moscow has warned the US of potential consequences due to reported Ukrainian assaults on the Russian missile early warning system. "Russian reactions may be asymmetrical," said Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov. "The Kiev regime hasn't attempted for the first time to disturb the functioning of significant interconnections in our military organization, including those in the strategic realm," Ryabkov told the state news agency TASS. The deputy minister in charge of nuclear disarmament criticized the US for inaction, stating, "For failing to intervene and stop Ukrainian missile strikes, the US is acting incredibly recklessly."

12:18: Zelensky likely to attend G7 summit either online or in person

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is anticipated to participate in the upcoming gathering of the G7 leaders' meeting in Italy, either online or physically. "It's certain that he will be there," said Zelensky's spokesman Serhiy Nikiforov on Ukrainian television. However, Nikiforov couldn't confirm whether the president would be physically present at the summit scheduled from June 13 to 15 in southern Italy. The agenda includes deciding how profits from frozen Russian assets can be utilized to provide additional military aid to Ukraine.

11:45: Power imports reach an all-time high in Ukraine after Russian attacks

A fresh large-scale Russian assault on Ukraine's energy infrastructure has left the country needing to import more electricity than ever before. The Energy Ministry predicts electricity imports from five European countries will sum up to 27,178 megawatt-hours. Ukrenergo, the power grid operator, has cautioned consumers that due to the attacks on energy facilities in the east, west, and center of the nation, power supply restrictions are essential across all regions. Since March, Ukraine has faced six major strikes on its energy infrastructure.

11:16 Lavrov travels to Guinea and potentially other African countries

Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, is presently visiting Guinea. Through the Russian Foreign Ministry's communication on the Telegram online platform, a photo was shared, displaying Lavrov's arrival at Conakry Airport's capital. Media sources indicate he might also visit Chad and Burkina Faso. Post the initiation of Russia's vastly-scaled offensive against Ukraine in 2022, Russia has been attaining economic and diplomatic ties with Africa intensely.

10:45 Russian FSB captures man suspected of collaboration with Ukrainian intelligence

The FSB Russian security service has detained a 35-year-old man in the Russian region of Khabarovsk. The state-sponsored Russian news platform TASS shared the news that this individual has been accused of collaborating with the Ukrainian intelligence service. Devoid of disclosing his identity, the suspect is alleged to have spoken against Moscow's vital decision to carry out a specific military operation. Allegedly, he aspired to compromise with the enemy.

10:11 Russians avail Ukraine's depleted military personnel amid energy infrastructure damage

Ukraine's energy infrastructure is consistently under assault from Russian airstrikes, leaving almost the whole nation without power. NTV reporter, Kavita Sharma, who has been affected by this, is currently operating with generators. Simultaneously, Russia is seizing the opportunity posed by the overstrained Ukrainian army's personnel shortage.

09:38 Allegations of abduction of 46 children from an orphanage in Kherson by Russia

Russia is affirmed to have abducted 46 children from a Ukrainian orphanage in Kherson in 2022. The New York Times broadcast this news. The children, because of their alleged abduction, were claimed to have been taken to the annexed Crimea and issued Russian birth certificates, social insurance numbers, and had their names changed. Since the beginning of the war, the Russian occupiers are said to have kidnapped 19,500 kids.

09:06 Hungary ponders on the necessity of a Swiss peace summit

Hungary is presently undecided about its participation in a global peace summit in Ukraine. Hungarian Foreign Minister, Peter Szijjarto, said in an interview with the Belarusian state television channel ONT, "If neither side of the war is in attendance, it is questionable whether the conference holds any relevance or meaning towards the supreme objective of finding peace." "We, Hungary, believe that the peace conference possesses genuine significance and provides the strongest prospect of peace if both parties to the conflict are present."

08:29 One fatality and twelve injuries due to Russian attacks

Since 11 a.m., at least one civilian's life got claimed, and at least 11 people endured injuries due to Russian attacks on Ukraine. Local authorities stated that a leisure center in the village of Slobozhanske faced a Russian rocket strike shortly after midnight, resulting in a man's death and injuring two individuals. Additionally, two more people were injured in Borivska Andriivka, and two more in the settlement of Staryi Saltiv. Five people sustained injuries in the Donetsk region: two in Bilozerske, two in Zalizne, and one in Vovche.

07:56 New recruits are being trained on the front lines by Ukrainian soldiers to compensate for their training shortcomings

Researches have found that Ukrainian commanders are counteracting training challenges exacerbated by the slow mobilization by teaching basic skills to newly deployed personnel since they're not taught in training centers. Ukrainian field commanders disclosed to the "Washington Post" that they spend much time imparting these fundamental abilities to recently deployed soldiers.

07:20 Kyiv in dialogue with Denmark pertaining to additional air defense support

The head of the regional military administration in Kyiv, Ruslan Kravchenko, is conversing with the Danish ambassador in the Ukrainian capital, Ole Egberg Mikkelsen, on enhancing regional security through the acquisition of further military hardware for air defense units. "Kyiv Independent" has covered this story. The agenda also includes the prerequisite for reconstruction in the area, such as housing, schools, and hospitals.

06:44 Ukrainian forces report the killing of over 1200 Russian soldiers, with aggregate losses reaching around 511,000

The Ukrainian military's General Staff declared that more than 1270 Russian soldiers were killed in the latest attack. The overall losses accumulate to roughly 511,000, in accordance with the military summary. Further details indicated 14 tanks and 22 armored vehicles were eliminated. Additionally, 47 artillery systems were rendered inoperable by Ukrainian defenders.

After strikes on power facilities: Ukraine's energy Crisis

Due to Russian assaults on power plants, substations, and power lines, the production capacity has dropped by roughly 50%, claimed official statements. Coal-fired electricity production nearly stopped completely. There's also considerable damage to water power plants on the Dnipro River. Repairs' prospects seem poor. Nuclear power plants' electricity production mainly works, but energy imports from neighboring countries don't always make up for the shortfall. Additionally, some power outages due to military operations were planned and unplanned.

05:31: Russian military assaults on ten communities in the Sumy region

Russian forces attacked ten border districts and settlements in the Sumy region on June 2nd, confirmed the local military administration. Targeted communities included Miropillia, Khotin, Bilopillia, Mykolaivka, Krasnopillia, Shostka, Esman, Shalyhyne, Novo Sloboda, and Velyka Pysarivka. Communities endured bombardment with artillery, shrapnel, drones, and mortar grenades. Mines were also laid. No fatalities have been reported.

04:02: Zelensky declares embassy opening during bilateral discussions in Manila

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for bilateral talks at the Presidential Palace in Manila. Zelensky disclosed during the meeting that Ukraine would open an embassy in Manila this year. Pictures from the press pool portray him signing the guest book in the presence of Marcos and Ukrainian and Philippine government officials, as well as shaking hands before the encounter. Zelensky immediately visited Manila following his participation in the Shangri-La Dialog security conference in Singapore, his second visit to Asia since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

02:48: Almost 1.5 million men have updated their military records in Kyiv

Around 1.5 million men of military age have successfully amended their military documents following the new mobilization law enacted at the end of May, as per the Ukrainian Defense Ministry. A YouTube video showcases most of these updates being made by means of the online application Rezerv+ (Reserve+).

01:15: Wagenknecht requests Scholz to clarify the change in using German weapons against Russian targets

German Left Party (Die Linke) Chairwoman Sahra Wagenknecht urges Chancellor Olaf Scholz to publicly explain the policy shift regarding the use of German weapons against Russian military targets. "He should tell the public why it's no longer a problem for Ukraine to attack Russian territory with German weapons, even though he himself cautioned about the risk of war for our country for months," she routed out to the Funke Media Group newspapers.

23:47: Differences in Opinion Possibly Causing a Stalemate in Russia-China Pipeline Talks

Discussions about a new gas pipeline between Russia and China have seemingly stalled. According to a Financial Times report, various viewpoints on pricing and delivery volumes are hindering progress. China envisions paying only slightly more than the heavily subsidized domestic prices in Russia and accepting just a small portion of the proposed annual capacity. Both nations have expressed interest in constructing the Power of Siberia-2 pipeline, which would transport Russian gas to China in mid-May.

22:16: Almost 1,000 Russian Attacks, Including Rockets, Bombers, and Drones, in Ukraine Last Week

In a mere week, Russian troops carried out about 1,000 attacks using rockets of various types, cruise missiles, and drones in Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared via Telegram. "Total disregard for human life and constant terror - that's what Russia intends to diffuse. In just a week, Russian soldiers committed nearly 1,000 attacks with rockets, cruise missiles, and attack drones," cited Zelensky's message.

21:38: The Ukrainian Football National Team Confident in Germany's Safety at the European Championship

The Ukrainian Football National Team believes they'll be kept secure in Germany during the European Championship. "Germany will do everything to not only safeguard the Ukrainian national team, but all national teams," stated national Coach Serhij Rebrow. "We currently feel very safe," he emphasized. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) pledged to take exceptional measures to safeguard Ukraine at the European Championship, which takes place from June 14 to July 14. The Ukrainian national team will square off against Germany in a friendly match on Monday (8:45 pm/ARD). In the group stages, the team will face Belgium, Romania, and Slovakia.

Catch up on all preceding developments here.