21:29: Could Romania be providing Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine?

21:29: Does Romania provide Patriot air defense system to Ukraine?

Ukraine's allies are still failing to supply Kiev with extra Patriot air defense systems. Besides Germany's pledge, there's a stalemate. Romania has declared that delivering a Patriot unit is possible only if the nation receives a replacement. President Klaus Iohannis divulged this news to Romanian portal digi24. Nevertheless, the decision will be made by the National Defense Council, and Iohannis can't provide a time frame. It's intriguing if Romania, a neighboring country to Ukraine, would give away a Patriot unit to Kiev. There are other NATO nations with these air defense systems in their possession that are less prone to potential Russian aggression.

At 20:57, the Ukrainian General Staff reported numerous assaults along the entire front line. The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces stated that the Russian invaders have directed 105 attacks today, most centering on Kupjansk. "The Ukrainian defenses are counteracting the Russians' actions effectively and undertaking measures to reduce Russian troops' offensive abilities," the General Staff proclaimed.

At 20:29, a former figure close to President Volodymyr Zelensky was charged with suspected corruption. The individual is accused of unlawfully acquiring real estate, land, and luxurious vehicles worth $400,000 by the National Anti-Corruption Investigation Bureau. According to Ukrainian media, the suspect is Andriy Smyrnov, Zelensky's ex-deputy office manager, who was dismissed in March. The anti-corruption agency asserts that the accused obtained two Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen vehicles, two Honda and BMW motorcycles, three parking spots in Kiev, an apartment in Lviv, and a piece of land in the Transcarpathian region. The official had hidden most of his property by passing it to his brother but retained the right to "dispose of the entire property." If found guilty, the culprit faces up to a decade in prison.

At 19:47, Mike Johnson, the speaker of the US House of Representatives and a top American politician, supports allowing Ukraine to attack Russian territory with US arms. "Ukraine should be permitted to wage war in its own way. It should be able to defend itself," Johnson told a Voice of America journalist. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a similar remark during a Kiev visit: "We haven't authorized or backed any assaults on foreign lands. However, Ukraine must decide how it wants to engage in this war to safeguard its territory." This rhetoric can be seen as tacit authorization, albeit contradictory sentiments have been expressed by other high-ranking US officials who insist the prohibition should persist.

At 19:12, there's uncertainty about whether another attack on the Crimean bridge is imminent. Russia has installed protective barriers in the water in front of the Crimean Bridge to safeguard the structure from Ukrainian naval drones, reports Brady Africk, a US analyst. According to satellite images, the majority of the barriers were installed in the past fortnight. A Ukrainian military intelligence official disclosed last month that a third attack on the Crimean Bridge was planned and its destruction is unavoidable. "It'll happen in the first half of 2024," said the official. Thus, the bridge must face a large-scale attack soon, as has occurred on multiple occasions since the beginning of the war. It has already been seriously damaged twice.

At 18:32, possibilities exist for Russia's ambitions in the Baltic Sea. Military expert Ralph Thiele discusses the prospect of Russian activities in the region:

At 17:54, a tempting reward awaits Ukrainian soldiers. Videos are frequently shared from Ukrainian military ranks showcasing Russian military equipment being damaged or destroyed. Often, kamikaze drones record the whole process up to the moment of impact. This material serves as Ukrainian propaganda but doesn't reveal Russian equipment damaged in the same manner. Moreover, it's likely there are numerous misses because some drones are successfully jammed or don't reach their targeted destination. Nonetheless, independent observers frequently point out that Ukrainian soldiers annihilate significantly more enemy equipment than they lose. The Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers has decided to approve a procedure for awarding additional leave to soldiers for destroyed enemy equipment. The ranks of the armed forces have continuously complained about a lack of relief, which is also linked to the manpower shortage.

5:29 PM - Ukraine reports multiple casualties from Russian plane attack in Kharkiv city

Officials say that ten people have suffered injuries, some critically, in a Russian air raid on Kharkiv. An eatery was hit during the assault, and gas station caught on fire. A city bus' driver's legs required amputation. Three more individuals are getting hospitalized. Kharkiv, being a common target of Russian aerial bombardments, has been subjected to nonstop airstrikes by Russian soldiers, aiming to instill fear in the civilian population.

4:57 PM - Purported video shows extensive bombardment by Russian troops

A video, widely circulated on social media, allegedly captures Russian troops initiating a bombing campaign from helicopters. The footage displays several missiles, possibly discharged by Russian rocket launchers, being fired every second. The intense blasts light up the sky as a result.

4:20 PM - Germany hesitant about transferring Russian funds to Ukraine

The German government is being hesitant about adopting the US's proposal to use the frozen Russian funds for Ukraine. Government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit stated, "Our stance remains: it's about the income from the frozen funds. It's not about the funds themselves." The issue of providing financial aid to Ukraine will be addressed at a two-day G7 finance ministers' meeting in Italy. The United States wants to seize all Russian assets or utilize them as collateral for loans. However, other European countries have reservations about this move. Ukrainian officials are anticipating approximately 800 billion dollars in seized Russian assets, with the EU holding the majority.

3:49 PM - Deployment of F-16 jet fighters draws nearer: Technicians return from training overseas

The introduction of F-16 jet fighters in Ukraine is seemingly edging closer. Despite numerous delays, the airplanes will likely reach the frontline between June and July. Ukrainian media have reported that technical staff, who acquired their training abroad, are now returning to impart their skills to others. The Netherlands reportedly plans to give 24 jet fighters to Kiev, with Ukraine receiving aircraft from the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway.

3:10 PM - Village outside Ukraine's border allegedly taken over by Russian invasion troops for a second time

The village of Klishchiivka, on the Russian border in eastern Ukraine, is said to have been captured by Russian troops for the second time. Based on the Ministry of Defense's report, Russian soldiers have regained control of Klishchiivka, situated near Bakhmut, due to offensive operations. The Ukrainian General Staff's morning review acknowledges hostile attacks on Klishchiivka. However, it affirms the situation as being under control. Prior to the onset of warfare, the village had a population of around 500 people.

2:35 PM - Ukrainian civilians gunned down by Russian forces while trying to run away

The Russian military is purportedly committing atrocities and shooting civilians attempting to flee from Vovchansk, a city on the new third front, Ukrainian sources state. Policemen from the city, Oleksii Kharkivskyi, informs Kyiv24 that multiple incidents of this nature have been recorded. Russian soldiers are firing at those seeking to escape the carnage in Vovchansk. Approximately 100 civilians are believed to remain trapped within the city.

2:00 PM - Volunteer interest in enlisting in Poland's armed force substantial - Optional military service not a concern

Poland lacks any immediate plans to restore compulsory conscription. Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz disclosed in the Parliament of Warsaw that "There is enough interest from citizens, so there's no reason to consider reintroducing regular conscription." The minister emphasized that voluntary basic military service is adequate. As of now, Poland has roughly 198,000 active soldiers. The nation has offered its support to Ukraine, which continues to face assailants from Russia, and is engaged in a significant armament program. By the following few years, Poland intends to expand its military to a force of 300,000 soldiers. Poland had discontinued compulsory military service in 2009, requiring all male citizens to visit a draft board annually in preparation for possible conscription during times of defense.

1:27 PM - Saudi Arabia presents nonaggression agreement to Russia and Ukraine

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has proposed a nonaggression agreement to Russia and Ukraine, as the tensions between the two nations are mounting. This potential concord could de-escalate the escalating confrontation, which has swept over Europe. The UAE has extended invitations to senior officials representing both Moscow and Kiev, urging them to meet in the Emirates. Saudi Arabia remains committed to sustaining peace and stability between the conflicting countries.

1:00 PM - Ukrainian soldier accuses Russian forces of killing civilian would-be rescuers

A Ukrainian soldier, who was detained by Russian forces, declares that during his capture, he witnessed Russian troops murdering civilians attempting to save two other captives. The soldier revealed that the detainees were brutally executed and that their bodies were taken away by the Russian soldiers. The victimized civilians had been goaded into rushing to help the detainees upon hearing the sound of gunshots.

At 13:59, Ukrainian exports of grain and oilseeds in April surpassed any previous figure since the start of the Russian war of aggression in 2022, reaching 6.6 million tons. This achievement demonstrated Ukraine's ability to export via its maritime routes in the Black Sea, where shipping is guaranteed by the Ukrainian sea corridor. The ministry of defence in Britain announced that a total of 1600 vessels have transited through these channels and 45 million tons of cargo have been exported.

At 13:32, Russian troops were reported to have taken control of the village of Klishchiivka in the eastern region of Donetsk. The Russian Ministry of Defence shared this information through state news agencies. Prior to this, the Ukrainian military had reported that there were Russian attacks near the village, but they had managed to repel them. However, the situation is now considered stable. The village is located near Bachmut, which has largely been destroyed after numerous months of fighting.

At 13:05, Britain's Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps, alleged that China is providing "lethal aid" to Russia, implying the supply of weapons for use in the war against Ukraine. Shapps based his statement on intelligence reports from both the British and American governments. Despite these claims, the Chinese embassy in London has yet to respond to a request for comment. Previously, the Chinese embassy in the US had denied any involvement in the Ukraine crisis.

At 12:37, the Kremlin expressed cautiousness regarding reports about shifting maritime borders in the Baltic Sea. It referred to the Ministry of Defence for further details, and emphasised that there was no political motive behind the situation. Tensions are rapidly escalating in the Baltic Sea region.

At 12:06, Sweden has decided to assist Ukraine with a military aid package worth 6.5 billion euros, which will be spread out over three years (2024-2026). This initiative aims to bolster Ukrainian military capabilities and improve its prospects for the future. This support comprises both delivery and financial assistance to acquire military equipment. With this financing, Sweden's military aid to Ukraine is expected to exceed 8.6 billion euros.

At 11:36, Russia has flatly repudiated allegations of plans to redefine maritime borders in the Baltic Sea. According to sources in military and diplomatic circles, Russia has been considering readjustments to its boundaries in the region. Previously, the ministry of defence gave the impression that Russia was implementing these plans.

At 11:12, the Ukrainian domestic intelligence agency, the SBU, is enhancing its Sea Baby naval drones with the capacity to fire multiple Grad missiles. The site Kyiv Independent reported that the drones have successfully struck several Russian warships. Up until now, the SBU used these drones as kamikaze ones that detonate immediately upon impact or in the target's vicinity. The enhanced capabilities of the Sea Baby fleet have made a dramatic difference in the conflict. "This technological solution is already proving highly effective," the source was quoted as saying. "Our Sea Baby is not merely a drone, but a multifunctional platform that is constantly evolving."

At 10:49, Poland has sealed a deal with the US government to procure a radar system for air defence in its north-eastern border area. The agreement, valued at $960 million, will see the military receiving four balloons that will provide air defence and coastal protection for Poland.

At 10:17, a perceived "aggressive act" from Moscow has caught Baltic Sea nations off guard. The island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea, traditionally outside of Russia's interest, now faces a heightened threat level. Swedish authorities have issued an alarm in response to Moscow's proactive approach. One expert, Rainer Munz, notes that this action could pose a problem for Sweden's military presence in the area.

10:38 Finland Demands Compliance with International Maritime Law - RussiaFinnish Foreign Affairs Minister Elina Valtonen urges Russia to adhere to United Nations regulations and international maritime rules. An earlier statement revealed that Russia is planning to expand its borders in the Baltic Sea, though the reasons remain unclear. The possibility of talks with other countries bordering the Baltic Sea is uncertain. Finland is part of NATO.

10:06 USA Pushes for Access to Frozen Russian Funds - G7 MeetingAt the upcoming G7 finance ministers' meeting in Italy, strategies to financially sustain Ukraine for the long term will be discussed. The US insists on either fully seizing or using frozen Russian assets as collateral for securities or loans. This proposal, however, raises legal concerns, especially within the EU.

09:39 Russia and Belarus Allegedly Aid in Directing Migrants to Western EuropeBased on recent reports, Russia and Belarus are reportedly escalating their attempts to guide refugees toward the EU - including Germany. Germany's Federal Police reports a marked increase in the number of migrants arriving this way, as opposed to the minimal figures seen in January and February 2024, when only a few came. According to the "Süddeutsche Zeitung" and the broadcasters WDR and NDR, there were 412 arrests in March, 670 in April, and 416 by mid-May. Recognizing these developments, Polish border police have also noticed an uptick in individuals entering their country from Belarus. Pointing to "hybrid warfare" tactics is a common reaction among security officials.

09:10 Ukrainian Guerrillas Secretly Deliver Death from AboveClandestinely, a small group of Ukrainian soldiers moves close to the front lines. Equipped with smartphones, Starlink, mines, and drones, they execute operation after operation during nighttime. "Visa-free," they quip while advancing into Russian territory and laying booby traps from the sky.

08:34 July Payment for Ukrainian Funds from Frozen Russian AssetsUkraine will receive the initial income from frozen Russian assets in July, as announced by the European Commission. Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis reiterates a sense of urgency surrounding the swift distribution of funds: "The European Commission will make every effort to make the first payment as early as July."

08:00 Moscow Times: Russia Wants to "Expand" Territorial Waters in the Baltic SeaThe "Moscow Times" claims that Russia aims to extend its territorial waters in the Baltic Sea near the border with Lithuania and Finland. This plan is derived from a draft government decree allegedly prepared by the Ministry of Defense. It states that Russia intends to categorize parts of the water area near the towns of Baltiysk and Zelenogradsk in the Kaliningrad region, as well as adjust the coordinates in the zones of the islands of Jähi, Sommers, Holland, Rodsher, Maly Tyuters, and near the northern entrance of the Narva River, and the border with Lithuania involving the Curonian Spit, Cape Taran, Cape Southeast of Cape Taran, and the Baltic Spit, for its inland waters.

07:30 Russian Network Responsible for Alleged Celebrity QuotesThe German Federal Ministry of the Interior attributes a disinformation campaign utilizing fake quotes from German celebrity figures to the Russian doppelganger network uncovered in 2022. This new technique incorporates fabricated quotes attributed to celebrities from the entertainment industry. In a recent example, untrue statements about Ukraine were attributed to actor Til Schweiger. "Sharelications" - a term coined by the ministry - circulated on social media and were also exhibited as Facebook ads. The ministry acknowledges that the "Doppelganger" campaign "remains active and has been employing more than just the original tactic of imitating websites of existing reputable media and public institutions for some time now."

07:00 Russian Network Targets Celebrities with Fake Quotes about UkraineWith an alleged connection to the Russian "doppelganger" network that surfaced in 2022, misleading celebrity sham quotes about Ukraine have emerged on social media. These false statements have also been broadcast as Facebook advertisements. The Ministry of the Interior is cognizant of the campaign and states that it continues to be active and has been employing varying means beyond reproducing the websites of existing honorable media and public institutions.

06:06 Russia speaks out against the EU's "theft" of blocked funds

Russia's representatives at the EU in Brussels have protested against plans to use billions in interest income from frozen Moscow assets to fund Ukraine. The EU is effectively stealing from a sovereign state, they claim. This action demonstrates to the world that the EU believes it can seize financial reserves entrusted to it and ignore its responsibility to protect property. Theft is officially becoming a tool of EU foreign policy. On Tuesday, EU ministers made the necessary decisions in Brussels to be able to utilize billions in interest income from Russian central bank assets to provide military support to Ukraine in the future. Up to three billion euros are expected to be raised for Ukraine this year. Meanwhile, Russia is said to be appropriating properties in scale on the illegally annexed territories of Ukraine.

05:38 European Council prompts Georgia to abolish polarizing law

The Council of Europe is strongly urging Georgia to withdraw a controversial law on "foreign influence." The Council of Europe's Venice Commission argues that this law restricts rights such as freedom of expression, freedom of association, and the right to privacy, rendering it incompatible with the principles of the European Convention on Human Rights.

04:45 Swedish army chief raises alarm over Putin's aspirations in the Baltic Sea

The head of the Swedish armed forces, Micael Byden, raises concerns about Russia's power ambitions in the Baltic Sea. "I am convinced that Putin has his sights set on Gotland. His goal is to gain control of the Baltic Sea," Byden said in an interview with Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland newspapers. "If Russia acquires control and seals off the Baltic Sea, it would have devastating consequences for our lives - not only in Sweden, but for all countries bordering the Baltic Sea. We must prevent this from happening," the army chief emphasizes. "The Baltic Sea should not become Putin's playground, where he intimidates NATO members."

03:49 Pentagon discloses Russia's anti-satellite weapon in space

The United States alleges that Russia has launched a satellite that likely serves as a space weapon. The satellite is capable of destroying other satellites and is currently orbiting in a low-Earth orbit, according to Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder. The launch occurred on May 16. The Russian satellite is now in the same orbit as a US government satellite, Ryder added. When asked if the Russian satellite poses a threat to the US satellite, Ryder replied, "Yes, it's a space defense weapon in the same orbit as a US government satellite." Similar Russian launches took place in 2019 and 2022.

02:42 FDP proposes reactivating reservists in lieu of mandatory military service

In the debate about reintroducing conscription, FDP parliamentary group leader Christian Dürr recommends that Defense Minister Boris Pistorius consider reactivating reservists. "The Bundeswehr reserves need a clear signal that they are needed. Alongside the active forces, we would have a total of over a million soldiers," Dürr told Funke newspapers.

01:45 German Ministers signal hope for Ukraine's negotiation initiation

Ukraine and Moldova can anticipate EU accession negotiations beginning soon. Following a ministerial meeting in Brussels, the current Belgian EU Council Presidency has indicated its efforts to schedule a conference of negotiating delegations by the end of June. "We're doing our utmost to reach an agreement," Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib explains. It's possible that negotiations will commence within the next 40 days. However, the EU states must still unanimously approve the negotiating frameworks, which outline guidelines and principles for accession talks with each candidate nation.

00:39 Baerbock backs Pistorius' request for increased Ukraine aid

Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock agrees with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius' call for an additional 3.8 billion euros in support for Ukraine this year. "I'm completely in line with the Minister of Defense," Baerbock stressed in an interview with the newspaper "Bild" in Kiev. "We need a security budget." Our European peace order, our European continent has never been challenged like it is now on our doorstep. We can't justify saying, "We didn't allocate additional funds for peace when the Russian war of aggression began to engulf Europe."

00:01 IfW economist considers Germany a threat to Europe's security

The Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW) is urging the German government to allocate more defense funds. If necessary, Germany may need to incur more debt to address glaring deficiencies in its military capabilities. "German fiscal policy poses a security risk for Europe," IfW President Moritz Schularick says. "To close huge gaps in Germany's defense capacity, the Federal Republic will need to spend approximately three percent of its economic output on defense in the foreseeable future."

[source: https://derstandard.at/20000800860101276731/Kriegsgefangenlaeufer-im-Kafkaesken-von-EU-Russland-Krieg-SLOVENIEN-trifft-sich-mit-negativen-Merkeln-Reaktionen]

11:16 PM: Baerbock condemns Russian nuclear drill

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock strongly criticizes the recent military exercise conducted by Russian nuclear forces. She expressed her concerns over the location of the exercise near the Ukrainian border, stating that this move is a sign of intent to escalate tensions and possibly use nuclear weapons. The Green Party politician conveyed her views on ZDF TV, warning that the Russian president appears to be attempting to undermine a society that has yearned for peace and freedom for the past two years.

9:11 PM: Zelensky describes Donetsk's situation as dire

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi gave a harrowing update on the situation in the eastern region of Donetsk, saying that the conditions have significantly worsened. He specified that intense fighting continues in the Kramatorsk, Kurakhove, and Pokrovsk areas. However, in the Kharkiv region, the Ukrainian forces have managed to regain control. Speaking in a televised message in the evening, he mentioned the positive outcomes of the military's actions, adding that tangible progress has been made.

8:38 PM: Ukrainian military reports Kharkiv region stabilization

Ukrainian troops have managed to bring stability to the Kharkiv region, as per official statements. Nazar Voloshyn, spokesperson for the Khortytsya operational grouping, shared this information on Ukrainian television. According to him, the situation in this area remains complex and unpredictable. Yet, the Ukrainian military and allied forces have effectively controlled the situation in the city of Vovchansk. Voloshyn also mentioned that the Russian military is persisting with its attempts to break through in the area surrounding Vovchansk.

All previous news can be found here.