22:59 Russia seizes Unicredit's financial holdings

22:59: Russia seizes UniCredit's bank accounts and assets.

An arbitration court in St. Petersburg has frozen the bank accounts and assets of Italian bank Unicredit in Russia following a request from RusChimAllianz, a Gazprom subsidiary running an LNG terminal on the Baltic Sea. The reasoning behind this move is the unsuccessful construction of the terminal due to Western sanctions that Unicredit helped to guarantee. RusChimAllianz is seeking 444 million euros from Unicredit, and assets worth 463 million euros are being frozen. The Italian bank holds the title of the largest foreign lender still operating in Russia after Raiffeisenbank and ranks among the top 20 largest banks in the country in terms of assets.

21:55 A new law permits Ukrainian prisoners to enlist in the armyTo augment troop numbers, some Ukrainian prisoners are eligible to serve in the military. President Volodymyr Zelensky enacted a law that grants temporary suspension of sentences for prisoners drafted into the army. Those with convictions for serious crimes are ineligible.

21:36 Report: Ukrainian Starlink devices malfunctioned at the start of the Russian offensive in KharkivAccording to a media account, all Starlink devices belonging to a Ukrainian military unit in Kharkiv malfunctioned when the Russian offensive began in the area. The Washington Post cites members of the 125th Territorial Defense Brigade, who claim that the failures occurred on May 10th, as Russian forces closed in on the region. The Russian electronic warfare systems are thought to be responsible for the satellite communications system breakdown. This is the first widespread malfunction of Ukraine's Starlink system since the Russian invasion started in spring 2022.

20:56 Explosion in St. Petersburg's Budyonny military academyRussian media confirm the occurrence of an explosion at St. Petersburg's Budyonny military academy, with several media outlets reporting about the incident. The state news agency RIA cites local officials as stating that a resident reported the explosion at the academy. Baza, a Telegram channel linked to law enforcement agencies, claims that seven individuals were injured.

20:28 Russian-Chinese military cooperation "more extensive than anticipated"Visiting his Chinese counterpart, Xi, Putin focuses on peace talks regarding the Ukraine war and deepening the relationship between the two powerhouses mutually benefiting from each other. Political scientist Frank Umbach is skeptical, noting, "China is in the driver's seat."

20:07 Russian missile assault on OdessaDespite the Kharkiv missile attack, the Ukrainian port city of Odessa also encountered a Russian missile strike this day. Odessa Governor Oleh Kiper reported Russian military forces using rockets against the city, resulting in one casualty and injuring eight others.

19:28 Military expert: Russia's aim isn't Kharkiv, but another areaWith Ukraine's limited ammunition and personnel, military expert Ralph Thiele shares concerns. He considers Russia's strategy of thinning the Ukrainian front lines to be a "clever tactical maneuver." However, the true target isn't Kharkiv but a different region.

18:53 Chancellor Scholz stresses German support for MoldovaAmid Russia's unprovoked war against Ukraine, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirms Germany's support for Moldova. Addressing a press briefing with Moldovan President Maia Sandu in Berlin, he stated, "Germany stands by your side" while acknowledging the persistent Russian attempts to destabilize Moldova. Sandu thanks the German government for its unwavering support and views Germany as "a pivotal partner" on Moldova's journey towards stability, democracy, and prosperity.

18:17 CNN crew witnesses drone terror near VovchanskVovchansk, a small town in the Kharkiv region, has been under constant Russian fire since the war's onset. Currently, Ukrainian forces are subjected to shelling and drone attacks, as illustrated by a CNN recording of a rapid retreat.

17:49 Russian refinery halted in Tuapse following Ukrainian drone strikeA fire at the Tuapse refinery on the Black Sea rendered the plant temporarily inactive due to a Ukrainian drone attack. Two insiders reported the predicament, with both describing the incident's spurring of the emergency shutdown. One source explained that the drones targeted the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) production plant, leaving the crude oil distillation unit unharmed. The refinery should resume operations shortly after addressing the LPG unit issue. The state news agency Tass affirmed the fire's extinguishing, although Rosneft has yet to release an official statement.

Selenskyj: A ceasefire at the Olympics doesn't seem feasible to me

Volodymyr Selenskyj isn't buying the idea of a truce during the Summer Olympics in Paris. He doesn't have a clear understanding of the plan, especially since Russia could use the opportunity to continue their military advance towards Ukraine, as he told Ukrainian newspaper "Ukrajinska Pravda." Selenskyj reiterated that there had already been a ceasefire, but it wasn't effective with the Russian enemy. He also raised concerns about who would ensure that their forces don't move closer to Ukraine during the ceasefire. There's a risk of technological advancements during this time, followed by an attack, he warned. "So I'm still not sold on it," he said.

16:43 "China is a vital partner for Russia, without which Russia couldn't wage war"

Vladimir Putin is currently on a state visit to China. His reliance on Chinese leader Xi is evident, but despite China supplying arms to support Russia's war against Ukraine, Xi is pushing for a political solution. It's unclear how genuine Xi's efforts are, though.

16:07 Kharkiv under attack, casualties reported

Russia is once again bombarding the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. At least two civilians were killed and 13 others injured in an attack with several precision bombs. Governor Oleh Sinehubov made the announcement on Telegram.

15:27 Putin shuts down proposed peace summit in Switzerland

Putin criticizes the peace summit planned in Switzerland as a means of pressuring Russia. The conference scheduled for June 15 and 16 near Lucerne is an attempt to impose conditions on Russia to end the conflict, Putin said at the end of his two-day trip to China in Harbin. Ukraine and the West hope that China will send a representative to the summit to give it more weight. However, Putin criticizes the fact that Russia wasn't invited to the meeting. Russia has repeatedly stated it won't be taking part in the conference.

14:54 Footage of heavy street fighting in Kharkiv region released

Ukrainian forces have shared video footage from the conflict-torn city of Vovchansk. While the fighting is intense, the defense is holding, according to Ukrainian sources. NATO believes that Russia can't make a major breakthrough.

14:25 EU imposes sanctions on pro-Russian platform Voice of Europe

EU member states have imposed sanctions on the pro-Russian platform Voice of Europe and three Russian media outlets. These will be blocked across the EU.

13:53 Putin slams West for imposing conditions on Russia

Putin criticizes western sanctions as part of a distorted market competition that's hurting the entire global economy. "These are not market-oriented, absolutely idiotic decisions with no prospects," he told representatives of Russian state media in China. He claims that the US is weakening the dollar with the sanctions and "cutting off the branch they're sitting on." Putin denies that the sanctions have anything to do with the war he ordered against Ukraine. Instead, he believes the West wants to gain a competitive advantage.

13:41 Putin keen on developing gas pipeline to China

Russia and China are looking to expand their energy partnership. They've expressed interest in building the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, set to transport Russian gas to China, said Putin during his visit to China. He believes Gazprom and other companies will reach an agreement on the pipeline's route. They're also considering building an oil pipeline "along the same corridor."

13:21 Putin: No current plans to take Kharkiv

According to Putin, Kharkiv, which has been under fire from Russian troops for weeks, won't be captured at the moment. There are currently no plans to take the city, Putin told representatives of Russian state media in China. Zelensky had visited the heavily attacked Kharkiv region the day before and spoke of a stabilizing situation. Putin claims that Russia is creating a buffer zone there, as the Russian region of Belgorod is being heavily shelled from Kharkiv. However, many experts suspect the Kremlin wants to annex the region.

12:58 Putin sees China as speaking "very clearly" with him behind closed doors

Publicly, China maintains a polite attitude towards Putin. Privately, the situation may be different, says political scientist Thomas Jäger. Russia's dependence on its powerful neighbor is too significant: [

12:23 Ukrainian forces release video of intense fighting

Ukrainian forces have released a video of the intense combat taking place in the besieged city of Vovchansk. Although the battles are brutal, the Ukrainian defense is holding firm, according to Ukrainian sources. NATO also believes Russia is currently unable to make significant progress.

12:00 EU imposes sanctions on pro-Russian platform and media outlets

The EU has imposed sanctions on the pro-Russian platform Voice of Europe and three other Russian media organizations. These organizations will be blocked in the EU.

11:37 Putin belittles demands for Russian representatives at peace summit

Putin dismisses Western pressure for Russian representatives at the proposed peace summit in Switzerland, claiming that the conference is just an attempt to place conditions on Russia to end the conflict. He spoke to reporters at the end of his two-day visit to China in Harbin. Ukraine and the West hope that China will send a delegate to the summit to add more weight to the event.

11:14 Kharkiv under attack, casualties reported

Russian forces are targeting the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv again. At least two civilians have been killed and 13 others injured in a series of precision bombings. Governor Oleh Sinehubov shared the news on Telegram.

10:45 Selenskyj: Ukraine rejects Olympic ceasefire idea

Volodymyr Selenskyj has rejected the concept of a ceasefire during the Summer Olympics in Paris, saying he doesn't understand its practicality. Russia could exploit the opportunity to continue their military advances towards Ukraine, he noted, during an interview with "Ukrajinska Pravda" journalists. Zelenskyi raised concerns about how the truce would be enforced, fearing that it could pave the way for technological advancements and subsequent attacks.

12:28 Putin proposes to increase China's energy supply During a visit to China, Putin suggests increasing Russia's energy supplies to the neighboring country. "Russia is able and willing to continuously and reliably provide the Chinese economy, companies, cities, and villages with environmentally friendly and affordable energy, electricity, and heat," said the Kremlin leader at the opening of a Russian-Chinese trade fair in Harbin. He is confident that the strategic alliance in the energy sector will further grow stronger.

12:14 Satellite photos depict harm done to Russian airbase Belbek
For two consecutive days, the Ukrainian military targeted the occupied Crimea and struck the Belbek airbase. Russia claims to have intercepted all five ATACMS. New satellite photos show the remains of fires and damaged fighter jets:

11:57 Munz notices fissures in the partnership between Russia and China
Russian media report a 30-page agreement between Russia and China. However, there are still some cracks, according to ntv reporter Rainer Munz. For example, due to Beijing's potential involvement in the peace negotiations in Switzerland - or because China does not want to become excessively reliant on Russian commodities:

11:34 Ukraine reports increased size of Russian combat area
Ukrainian army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi states that Russian troops have expanded their active combat area by nearly 70 kilometers from their offensive in the Kharkiv region. Russia launched this assault to compel Ukraine to deploy additional reserve brigades. He anticipates that fighting will intensify as troops in Kiev prepare for defense in the Sumy region.

11:15 Video exhibits repercussions of substantial attacks on Russia
Ukraine claims to have assaulted various locations on Russian soil, including a drone attack on an oil refinery in Tuapse on the Krasnodar Coast. Russia asserts that it hindered over 100 Ukrainian drones throughout the night:

10:31 Baerbock calls for long-range weapons
In light of the state of affairs around Kharkiv, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expresses the need for more weapons with a longer range. The situation in Ukraine's second largest city is "highly critical," said Baerbock at a Council of Europe meeting of foreign ministers. Russia is attacking the city from its own land, thereby disabling Ukrainian air defense. Ukraine also needs weaponry capable of medium- and long-range attacks, emphasized the minister. Kharkiv is about 40 kilometers from the Russian border.

10:02 Putin and Xi share warm goodbyes
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President and Party Leader Xi Jinping concluded their discussions in China with a harmonious gesture. In Beijing on Thursday night, Putin and Xi shook hands first and then embraced each other a moment later, as shown on a CCTV video. Putin was supposed to continue his two-day visit in the northern Chinese city of Harbin.

09:26 Ukraine reports four explosions in Kharkiv
Ukraine claims to have shot down all 20 drones attacked by Russia during the night. The military reported these occurrences in the regions of Kharkiv, Poltava, Vinnytsia, Odessa, and Mykolaiv. In Kharkiv, four explosions took place during the attack, states Kharkiv's mayor, Ihor Terekhov. A fire broke out during one of the detonations. According to the regional governor, five buildings were damaged, including an administrative building.

08:34 ntv reporter: "Russians are gaining ground closer to Kharkiv's city limits"
The war condition in Kharkiv is incredibly uncertain. Although Ukraine can secure the military situation at the city outskirts, "Russians have also managed to stabilize their position" and are approximately 30 kilometers away from Kharkiv, reports ntv reporter Jürgen Weichert:

08:06 Russia records casualties in Belgorod region
In accordance with the authorities, two fatalities occurred in Russia during the nighttime drone attacks brought on by Ukraine. A mother and her four-year-old son were killed by a combat drone in the village of Oktyabrsky, situated in the area of Belgorod, according to Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov.

07:42 Russia confirms attack on Sevastopol in Crimea
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the city of Sevastopol in Crimea was assailed during the night. Local governor Mikhail Razvozhaev reports that a substation has been harmed. "There will be occasional power outages." As a response to the situation, schools and kindergartens remain closed. Sevastopol is home to the Russian Black Sea Fleet. Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 in violation of international law.

Around 7:18 in Moscow, it's reported that over 100 Ukrainian drones were intercepted. The Ministry of Defense in Russia provided details, stating that 51 drones were seen over the Crimean peninsula, another 44 in the Krasnodar region, six in the Belgorod region, and one in the Kursk region. Additionally, they revealed that they destroyed six naval drones near the Black Sea. This comes as frequent shelling from Russia has led Ukraine to intensify their attacks, often targeting energy facilities.

When we looked at satellite images provided by Maxar, we could see that three Russian fighter jets were completely destroyed - two MiG-31s and one Su-27 - and another one, a MiG-29, was damaged in a Ukrainian attack on the Belbek military airfield in Crimea. The New York Times analyzed these images and reported that a fuel depot was also targeted. On Thursday night, Ukraine attacked the airbase for a second consecutive night.

There's also talk of another drone attack on a Russian oil refinery in Tuapse by the Black Sea. Videos indicating this attack are circulating online. Update at 7 a.m.: Officials have confirmed the fire, stating it's under control.

Russian President, Vladimir Putin, is set to emphasize the significance of trade near Russia's northeastern border with China after sealing a strategic partnership with Chinese President Xi Jinping today. Although Russia and China have maintained cultural and trade ties in Heilongjiang province for years, Putin's visit marks a significant step forward as he concludes his two-day visit in Harbin, Heilongjiang province.

Another piece of news involves Russia declaring a British military attache persona non grata. The Russian Foreign Ministry has asked Adrian Coghill, the military attaché at the British embassy in Moscow, to leave the country within a week. This action comes as a response to the UK expelling a Russian military attaché whom they believed to be an undeclared intelligence agent.

As NATO considers sending military trainers or contractors to Ukraine, some NATO member countries are considering this possibility. The New York Times reported that Ukraine is requesting assistance from the US and other NATO members to train 150,000 soldiers near the front line. However, the US is hesitant due to the potential risk of attacks on trainers that may lead to their activation of the collective defense clause. It's being suggested that they should continue to train large numbers of Ukrainian recruits in Germany and Poland, though this approach could present logistical challenges. Some nations, including the UK, Germany, and France, are considering sending defense contractors to Ukraine while the US is rethinking its ban on defense contractors in Ukraine.

The Japanese Finance Minister, Shunichi Suzuki, has shared his thoughts on the US proposal to use frozen Russian assets' interest to finance Ukraine. Suzuki stressed the need to align these discussions with international law. Japan will take part in the subsequent G7 meeting with this standpoint in mind.

Regarding the alleged arms deal between Russia and North Korea, Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has denied any involvement in such a transaction. Yo Jong claimed that the weapons developed by North Korea served defensive purposes only, not for export. She deemed it a "ridiculous theory" based on biased assumptions and fabrications. The US and South Korea accuse North Korea of selling arms to Russia to use them against Ukraine, while both Moscow and Pyongyang deny these accusations.

The air raid alert in Kharkiv has been lifted in most areas, following drone attacks there. Officials estimate that at least five drones targeted Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, leading to a district being hit and a fire being ignited. This day-long air raid alert is the longest since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

An underlying tension between the US and China emerges, with American authorities voicing concerns that Beijing's support for Moscow poses a hindrance to improved ties with the West. "The Chinese government can't 'dance at two weddings at the same time'", said State Department spokesman Vedant Patel, highlighting Moscow's war of aggression against Ukraine.

06:58 - x days ago, three Russian fighter jets were completely destroyed - two MiG-31s and one Su-27 - and another one, a MiG-29, was damaged in a Ukrainian attack on the Belbek military airfield in Crimea, as analyzed by the New York Times. A fuel depot was also targeted.

06:14 - x days ago, Russia announced a somewhat surprising focus on border trade with China's northeastern region as planned by President Vladimir Putin after sealing a strategic partnership with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

06:00 - x days ago, the Russian Foreign Ministry expelled the British military attaché, Adrian Coghill, declaring him "persona non grata", in retaliation to the UK expelling the Russian military attaché whom they suspected of being an undeclared intelligence agent.

05:30 - x days ago, some NATO member countries considered the possibility of deploying military trainers and contractors to Ukraine to train their troops and help maintain equipment.

04:42 - x days ago, Japanese Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki emphasized potential conferences' adherence to international law as these treaties involved frozen Russian assets. "Japan will be participating in this issue based on this fundamental stance," he noted.

03:11 - x days ago, North Korea's Kim Yo Jong denied any arms trade between her country and Russia, describing it as an "absurd theory based on fabrications."

02:04 - x days ago, the air raid alert in Kharkiv was lifted, and normal operations resumed in most areas after attackers targeted the city with drones.

00:51 - x days ago, the US government described Chinese support for Moscow as an inimical factor hindering closer ties with the West. They stated that it's impossible for Beijing to "dance at two weddings simultaneously" while Russia wages war against Ukraine.

11:34 PM: Zelensky Issues Alert on Russian Missile Attacks on Ukraine's Gas Infrastructure

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned about the potential repercussions for Europe after Russia launched missile attacks on the country's gas distribution network. In a video message with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Zelensky expressed concern, noting that such attacks pose a threat not only to Ukraine but also its neighbors. "We need to take collective action against this," he stressed.

10:06 PM: Ukraine's Power Outages Likely to Last for Months

Due to the extensive damage inflicted on power plants and substations across Ukraine, the government expects to endure uninterrupted power cuts for several months. According to Yuri Boyko, an advisor to the Prime Minister and a member of the Ukrenerho board of directors, there may be some improvements by August or September. On Thursday, there will be rotating shutdowns in regions across the country in an effort to conserve electricity. Streets in Kiev are also affected by the blackouts. Boyko blames Russian missile attacks for the damage to Ukraine's power grid.

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