23:29 Putin regards Russian invasion of NATO territory as "nonsense"
In a conversation with journalists from major foreign news organizations, Russian leader Putin disregards worries about a Russian invasion of NATO land as "bullshit." "You've dreamed up that Russia wants to assault NATO. Have you completely lost your minds? Are you as simple as this table? Who thought of that? It's preposterous, comprehend?" stated Putin. Putin also denies threatening with "some type of atomic bomb." "Have I even proposed the probability of using nuclear weapons? You're the ones who concocted that."
22:20 Putin offers to look into AFP journalist Arman Soldin's death
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his willingness to examine the events surrounding the passing of AFP journalist Arman Soldin. "We'll do everything we can," Putin remarked during a gathering with journalists from international media in St. Petersburg (see entries at 21:25, 20:58, and 20:18). "We are prepared to do that. But I'm uncertain how it will manifest in practice, because he passed away in a war zone." Lately, the Kremlin asserted that Russia could not examine Soldin's death since he was in Ukrainian-controlled territory. Soldin, a video journalist, perished on May 9, 2023, at the age of 32, in a rocket strike near the disputed Ukrainian city of Bachmut. At the time, he was chronicling Ukrainian soldiers near the frontline.
21:51 Lavrov aims to forge new alliances in Africa
According to Russian state media, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov declared during his visit to Burkina Faso that Moscow intends to deliver additional military hardware and trainers to Burkina Faso to strengthen the defense capabilities of the West African nation. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Lavrov has completed his ninth excursion to Africa. The trip is part of a Russian diplomatic campaign: Russia is attempting to establish new relationships. "Since our first interactions with this country right after the military insurgency in 2022, Russia and Burkina Faso have collaborated closely in all areas, including military and military-technical aspects," as mentioned by the Russian news agency TASS Lavrov. Russia acquires a partner for military assistance that doesn't support the war but also refrains from criticizing it.
21:25 Putin predicts no significant change in US policy towards Russia following the presidential election
Russian President Vladimir Putin assumes no significant modification in the US policy toward Russia following the US presidential election. "For us, the result doesn't matter much," Putin remarked during a meeting with journalists at an event in St. Petersburg (see entries at 20:58 and 20:18). "We'll operate with the president chosen by the American electorate. In the past, Putin had mentioned that he would prefer Joe Biden's re-election, as the incumbent seems more predictable. Putin also rebuked the legal proceedings against former President Donald Trump, who is challenging Biden in the November 5 election.
20:58 Putin estimates over 6,000 Ukrainian POWs in Russia
Vladimir Putin has estimated the number of Ukrainian prisoners of war in Russia after nearly two and a half years of conflict with the neighboring nation to be in excess of 6,000. The total surpasses the number of Russian soldiers and officers in Ukrainian captivity, as reported by the Russian president during a meeting with representatives of foremost worldwide news agencies in St. Petersburg (see entry 20:18).
The Ukraine has 1,348 Russians in captivity, while Russia has 6,365 prisoners from the neighboring country. This cannot be reliably validated. Putin replied to an inquiry about Russia's war losses by stating that neither party discloses specific details. However, the figures are comparable to the prisoners. He also claimed that the Ukraine suffers from far greater losses than Russia in the war. The Ukrainian side, by contrast, stresses that the ratio of Russian to their own soldiers who have fallen in the conflict is considerably higher.
20:18 Putin cautions against utilization of German weapons against Russian targets
Russian President Vladimir Putin has cautioned against the use of German weapons by Ukrainian forces against targets on Russian soil. Such attacks would constitute a perilous step, Putin said at a meeting with representatives of major international news agencies in St. Petersburg (at the Lachta Center of the gas behemoth Gazprom for the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the first worldwide gathering of its type since the onset of Putin's war against Ukraine).
Ukrainian troops wielding German arms have recently been criticized by Russian citizens. Putin said that "if they now launch rockets to strike facilities on Russian territory, it will destroy Russian-German ties completely." The delivery of German tanks to Ukraine last year came as a shock to many in Russia.
Just before a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, France has declared extra support for Ukraine worth 650 million euros. President Emmanuel Macron, receiving Zelenskyy at the Elysee Palace on Friday, will sign two agreements, the Elysee stated. The French development agency AFD will be allocated 400 million euros in loans and 50 million euros in donations for its work in Ukraine. Primarily, these funds will be used for energy and transportation projects. Additionally, another support fund of 200 million euros is planned to accompany French companies in the reconstruction of Ukraine's infrastructure.
19:22 European Union explores options for utilizing Russian assets for Ukraine
The EU finance ministers within the G7 group are examining strategies to utilize income from frozen Russian assets for a substantial loan to Ukraine. Eurogroup chairperson Paschal Donohoe mentions after a video conference of EU ministers that the finance ministers will analyze further talks after the G7 summit in Apulia in June. Western governments support employing frozen Russian assets for Ukrainian support, with the EU aiming to cover interest payments and most of it in arms purchases and part of it in the country's reconstruction following the Russian invasion. The US government proposes using the frozen funds and the proceeds as collateral for a large loan of up to $50 billion for Ukraine, but this is still controversial within the G7 and the EU.
18:56 Amateur drone makers produce hundreds of drones for Ukraine
Ukraine is facing a lack of both personnel and ammunition. In response, the production of kamikaze drones is being boosted. Hundreds of volunteers are assembling drones by hand, intended to survey and attack Russian military positions.
18:14 Ukraine uses US weapons against Russian territory
Ukraine has utilized weapons provided by the US in attacks on Russian territories, according to a Western government official. This follows the new guidelines authorized by US President Joe Biden, the official reveals to the Associated Press.
18:00 Russian blogger given more than five-year prison sentence for broadcast about Bucha
A Russian court has sentenced blogger Anna Baschutowa to five and a half years in prison because she relayed testimony about the Russian-claimed massacre in the Ukrainian town of Bucha on the streaming platform Twitch. The court deemed Baschutowa guilty of diffusing "fictitious" information concerning mistreatment by the Russian military in Ukraine. The 30-year-old defendant condemned the verdict as "despicable and repulsive" in the courtroom, reported AFP. "This sentence is severe," says Baschutowa's lawyer Andrei Newrew. Baschutowa had broadcast Bucha residents' testimonies on Twitch in July 2023, asserting Russian military atrocities. Russian sympathizers of Russia's offensive in Ukraine, self-proclaimed as "patriotic" bloggers, then shared them. Two months later, police visited Baschutowa's home and confiscated the video material. Her Twitch channel was shut down.
17:30 Zelenskyy journeys to Qatar for negotiations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Qatar for discussions with Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar. In a post on X, Zelenskyy expressed his intentions to talk about Qatar's mediation in the return of abducted Ukrainian children. Other issues under debate include bilateral economic issues and the upcoming peace summit in Switzerland, where Qatar will be present.
17:04 Ukrainian men required to report for military duty after visiting Ukraine
Ukrainian males living abroad who are eligible for military service must prepare for staying in Ukraine and serving in the army after a visit. Ukrainian citizens who have spent more than three months abroad cannot be exempted from the draft list and are mandated to report to the army within 30 days, advises Andrij Demtschenko, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian Border Guard, per AFP. This rule pertains to male Ukrainian residents aged 18 to 60. The rule results from a new law, effective June 1st.
14:12 St. George's Ribbon Disparaged: Russian Court Imprisons American-Russian Man for 3.5 YearsA St. Petersburg court has sentenced a 60-year-old man to three and a half years in prison for demeaning the memory of the Soviet Army during World War II. The man who possesses dual Russian and American citizenship must also remain prohibited from posting on the internet or other communication platforms for one and a half years, as per the court's declaration through Telegram. The accusations against him were two posts on the Russian social network Odnoklassniki. In these posts, it is claimed that he offended the orange-black St. George's Ribbon, Russia's symbol of the Soviet Army's triumph over Nazi Germany, in a crude manner. The defendant confessed his guilt. The man reportedly works as a security guard at a sports center in Brooklyn, New York, and was apprehended in Russia in December 2023.
14:46 Pistorius Wants Bundeswehr Combat-Ready by 2029To counter the Russian threat, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius intends to make the Bundeswehr battle-ready until 2029. He expressed this during the government questioning at the Bundestag. "It's crucial that we're combat-ready," he asserted. "We need to deter scenarios and thwart the worst-case scenarios." Central to this are finances, materials, and manpower. "We require active young men and women who can defend this nation," Pistorius remarked. Consequently, he considers a "new kind of conscription" necessary, which "can't be completely obligation-free." Conscription was abolished in Germany in 2011. The frequent calls by Pistorius for a possible reintroduction of conscription are imminent.
14:17 Poland: Commission to Investigate Russian EspionageA new commission to probe the likely influence of Russian and Belarusian espionage services on Polish affairs over the past two decades has commenced its work in Poland. The commission comprises twelve specialists in security matters, as declared by Prime Minister Donald Tusk. It will be led by the chief of military counterintelligence, General Jaroslaw Strozyk. Politicians have no place on the committee. Russia classifies Poland as an adversary due to its prominent role as a military supporter of Ukraine and a logistical hub for Western military assistance to Kiev. Similar to other EU nations, Poland is apprehensive about acts of sabotage by Russian intelligence services.
13:50 Death and Injuries in Ukraine After Russian AttacksIn eastern Ukraine, according to Ukrainian reports, Russian attacks resulted in one fatality and five injuries. Consequently of the artillery bombardments this morning in the Donetsk region, one person was killed and five others were injured, states Governor Wadim Filaschkin via Telegram. The bombardments exclusively targeted residents in the city of Torezk. Another person sustained injuries from an aerial assault in the city of Selydowe near the front line, Filaschkin adds. Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian president, maintains that Russian forces are at present targeting the Donetsk region. The Kremlin designated Donetsk and three additional Ukrainian regions for annexation in the fall of 2022 but does not have full control over them.
13:14 Pistorius Rejects Deployment of German Soldiers in UkraineGerman Defense Minister Boris Pistorius rejects the deployment of German soldiers in Ukraine. The minister emphasized this during a government hearing at the German Bundestag. In response to AfD MP Rüdiger Lucassen's inquiry regarding discussions within the European Union and France and the potential dispatch of German soldiers to Ukraine, Pistorius stated, "The answers to their questions are no and no."
12:53 Ukrainian Power Outages May Last All Day in WinterThe Russian assaults on Ukrainian power plants may lead to repercussions in the upcoming winter months. A Ukrainian government official disclosed to the Financial Times that Ukrainians would likely endure a day without power during winter due to these attacks. Another government official (who prefers to remain anonymous) noted that the attacks on Saturday on energy installations were "devastating." The state lost 1.2 gigawatts of power generation as a result of these attacks on Saturday, while the infrastructure for transporting gas from underground storage facilities in western Ukraine was severely damaged, according to one of the officials. Since the beginning of the conflict, Ukraine's power generation capacity has been halved from roughly 55 gigawatts to 20 gigawatts.
12:25 Fatal Injuries From Ukrainian Artilery Fire in Russian-Occupied VillageIn a Russian-occupied village in southern Ukraine, as per the occupation administration, eleven people were reportedly injured by Ukrainian artillery fire. A five-year-old girl reportedly passed away from her injuries, announces the head of the Russian-designated administration for the Zaporizhzhia region, Yevgeny Balitsky, on Telegram. There has been no third-party verification of this incident at this time. The Russian-controlled village of Novoslatopol received artiller
Switzerland's Air Force Tests Readiness for War: Fighter Jets Perform Highway Landings
The Swiss Air Force has been conducting exercises to assess its readiness for potential war. Pilots have practiced takeoffs and landings on a highway in Payerne, demonstrating their skills in challenging conditions. According to Brigadier Christian Oppliger, deputy commander of the air force, the F/A-18 fighter jets executed perfect landings at speeds of approximately 260 kilometers per hour. The last time the Swiss Air Force carried out such an exercise was in 1991. Oppliger emphasized the need for the air force to be prepared for various scenarios due to the current evolving threat situation: "It's not just about defense anymore, but also about attacking enemy ground-air systems. The air force wants to be able to maintain a presence up to 100 kilometers beyond the Swiss borders." The exercise also aimed to test the air force's readiness for action in case of a potential first strike on its military airfields.
Kiev Appreciates Harris' Attendance at Peace Conference
Ukraine is satisfied with Vice President Harris' participation in the upcoming peace conference in Switzerland. While Ukraine initially hoped for the attendance of President Biden, he will instead meet with his Ukrainian counterpart Zelensky on Thursday during the Normandy celebrations in France. Another meeting is scheduled at the G7 summit in Italy next week.
Scholz Supports Eurofighter Production Expansion
Chancellor Olaf Scholz has encouraged the defense industry to expand its production capacities in Germany and Europe. The German government prioritizes a strong aerospace industry within Germany and across Europe, and Scholz plans to order 20 more Eurofighters during the current legislative period, beyond the existing 38 aircraft. Scholz stresses the importance of a "defense industrial turnaround" and will advocate for more opportunities, like exporting the Eurofighter. He acknowledges the need to maintain and expand production capacities within the sector.
Munz Assesses Peace Conference: Global Support Wanes; Russia Scores Victories
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been pushing for international engagement in the Swiss peace conference, while Russia is actively working to limit the number of countries participating. Reportedly, the number of attendees has declined significantly from the initial 141 UN member states that denounced Russia's invasion. NTV reporter Rainer Munz highlights Russia's successful efforts to deter nations from joining the conference.
Speculation Over Increased Security for Putin
There have been reports suggesting that security measures for Russian President Vladimir Putin have been increased exponentially in response to potential threats. Two Russian officials, who have frequently attended public appearances with the president, were quoted by the Moscow Times indicating heightened security at a level unseen before. A bulletproof vest worn by the president at public events since 2023 was also mentioned, along with other risk factors: an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Putin, the possibility of Ukrainian drone attacks or sabotage, and potential Islamic attacks.
Nikopol Under Fire Again
The Ukrainian administration reports that the Russian army bombarded the city of Nikopol with heavy artillery and kamikaze drones overnight. Five houses and a power line sustained damage, but no injuries were reported. Four drones were shot down in the region.
Drones Penetrate Deeper Into Russian Territory
The 71st Fighter Brigade utilizes its "Storks" to monitor Russian activities beyond the front lines, noticing a decrease in hostile actions. However, Ukrainian drones have been advancing further into Russian territory, forcing the Russian air defense to respond.
Putin Prepares for Unusual Encounter with Foreign Journalists
In a rare move, Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to answer questions from foreign journalists for the first time since the onset of the war in a peace conference. The conference will take place at the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg, which commences on Wednesday and continues through Saturday.
Putin, Scholz, and Xi Jinping met in Moscow in early March to discuss various global issues, including the war in Ukraine and the pursuit of nuclear weapons.
The Ukrainian military provides updates on the challenging battlefield circumstances in the east of the nation. Rumors of intense clashes toward the northwest of Donetsk emerge. As per a military report, Pokrovsk experienced 37 attacks the day before. The Russian soldiers are most active in the Otscheretyne area, where they attempt to move in various directions. This location lies between Donetsk and Pokrovsk.
7:32 Ukraine Witnesses Another Night of Drone Assaults
Russia's army targets Ukraine with drone attacks during the night. The Ukrainian military claims to have shot down 22 of the 27 operational drones. The drones were brought down in the south, east, and central parts of Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian military. An assault in the Poltava region of central Ukraine led to an industrial facility's destruction and hurt a single individual, as per regional governor Filip Pronin.
6:55 US Embassy Warns Male US-Ukrainian Citizens Not to Journey to Ukraine
The US Embassy in Ukraine urges male individuals possessing dual citizenship in the US and Ukraine to refrain from visiting Ukraine. The potential inability to depart the country forever is mentioned in their warning, even for those possessing American passports. Since Russia's takeover of Ukraine, adult Ukrainian men (ages 18-60) have been banned from leaving the state.
6:14 Ukrainian Ministry of Defense Seeks Drone Operators
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense is launching a project looking for drone operators to join the military. This information was conveyed by the Ukrainian newspaper "Ukrajinska Prawda." Anyone aged 18 or older is eligible to participate. First, they must finish an online course, then discover drone employment, and eventually enlist in the army.
5:42 NATO Secretary-General Condemns China
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg rebukes China for its decision not to participate in the Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland. "It's regrettable that China chose to not engage," Stoltenberg shared in an interview on the NDR Info podcast "Armed Forces and Strategies." China's response underscores the recurring pattern where China failed to denounce Russia's invasion of Ukraine, grossly violating international law. Before the invasion, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an agreement for an unlimited partnership.
3:39 Biden to Converse with Zelenskyy Twice
US President Biden is scheduled for two crucial talks with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, as per the White House. US National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, recounts this news. Biden is anticipated to be present at festivities in France for the 80th anniversary of the Allied landing in Normandy, and Zelenskyy is likewise expected to be in attendance. The upcoming G7 summit is scheduled in Italy.
3:15 Rumors of "Filtration Camps" in Vovchansk
Reports indicate that the Russian forces are creating "filtration camps" in the disputed city of Vovchansk. The governor of the Kharkiv region, Oleh Syniehubov, disclosed this information to the "Kyiv Independent" on state television. Filtration camps are places where Russian occupiers determine prioritized individuals in seized areas. There is a history of torture, sexual assault, and deportation in these sites. In the Vovchansk region under Russian control, only a handful of people remain, Syniehubov claimed. These individuals serve as shields for the adversary.
0:44 Corrupt Practices: Trial for Ex-Ukrainian Arms Purchase Chief
The head of Ukraine's arms procurement is facing trial on charges of corruption. He is claimed to have consented to inflated prices for aircraft components, according to the Kyiv Anti-Corruption Bureau. This case is not linked to the current military clash between Ukrainian troops and Russian assaults. The accused negotiated excessively high costs for aircraft parts with a private firm that had prices seven times higher than the market value, the bureau detailed. His business partner has already been tried.
9:31 Russian Commandoes Attack Navalny Memorial Service
In Moscow, law enforcement authorities aggressively disperse Navalny supporters gathered for a somber tribute in honor of his birthday. Special teams interrupted a location where several dozen individuals were viewing a live concert commemorating Navalny in Berlin. As per the human rights organization Ovd-Info, about 30 individuals were detained, searched, and questioned. A short video from media outlet Sota showcases several officers in disguise approaching. Navalny would've turned 48.
Ukrainians remember the children lost during war. Since war started in February 2022, over 600 children have been killed and 1,400 others injured, as reported by UN representative Denise Brown. UN numbers are likely undercounted. Olena Zelenska, President's wife, calls for help to protect children at Kyiv memorial event: "We need more weapons. Life of children matters beyond 'air defense costs.'"
10:00: Alarming Photos Surface of Captured Ukrainian Soldiers - Similarities to Holocaust Survivors
Online platforms have been flooded with striking photographs of Roman Horilyk, a captured National Guard soldier. Journalist Illia Ponomarenko shares the pictures showing Horilyk's shockingly thin appearance. Captured at Chernobyl nuclear plant, Horilyk spent two years in Russian custody. People compare Horilyk's appearance to Holocaust survivors' due to his emaciated state.
19:11: Satellite Images verify Amazing Strike on Russian Territory
The recent attack on Russian S-300/400 air defense system has garnered widespread attention. Besides being a significant system, the location of the attack, on Russian soil, is what draws most interest. However, Moscow denies involvement. Numerous video clips, pictures, and now published radar images by Radio Liberty show destroyed launch pads and damaged S-300/400 system command center. The assault is believed to have been carried out by a US-provided HIMARS multiple rocket launcher.
19:33: Important Phase Ahead for Ukraine
Ukrainian President Zelensky highlights the country's critical juncture: "We're still in early June, but the next few weeks will determine not only this summer but also this year in many aspects." He mentions peace talks in Switzerland, international support for Ukraine, EU ties, frontline developments, and domestic production as crucial factors.
19:06: Germany Faces Intense Russian Disinformation Ahead of EU Elections
Brussels reports a sharp increase in Russian disinformation in Germany, France, and Poland ahead of European elections, considering these three countries as "perennial targets" of Moscow. According to EU Vice Commissioner Vera Jourova, German information is more often manipulated around "immigration and security." Russian campaigns usually focus on Ukrainian war-related topics. These countries represent around 40% of the EU's total 145 million eligible voters.
Paraphrased text:
- Ukrainians commemorate kids killed during war today.
- Over 600 children killed, and over 1,400 injured in war, UN says.
- President's wife urges allies to help protect children.
- Ukrainian soldier's images spark comparisons to Holocaust survivors.
- Striking pictures post online of Roman Horilyk, National Guard soldier.
- Targeted by Russians, Germany receives intense disinformation before EU elections.
- Manipulating information commonly revolves around immigration and security, EU claims.
- US-provided HIMARS system used in Russian air defense system attack.
- Ponomarenko shares shocking images of Horilyk's appearance.
- Zelensky highlights Ukrainian war's crucial stage.
Patrick, a financial strategist, offers investment tips through online platforms. His content is engaging and refreshing, maintaining informal tones and summarizing complex topics simply. He emphasizes storytelling and keeps paragraph lengths brief for easy digestion.
Read also:
- In response to the ongoing Ukraine conflict, NATO has increased its military presence along its eastern borders, with Volodymyr Zelensky appealing for additional support against the ongoing attack on Ukraine by Russia.
- A cyberwarfare expert has warned that Russia could launch a devastating cyberattack on Ukraine or NATO member states, leveraging its extensive hacking capabilities and military ties with cybercriminal groups.
- Amidst the Ukraine conflict, there have been calls for NATO to strengthen its cyberdefense, with member states investing in advanced technologies and training programs to bolster their cybersecurity capabilities against potential threats from Russia.
- Russian military operations in Ukraine have been accompanied by a barrage of misinformation and disinformation campaigns, with cyberattacks targeting Ukrainian infrastructure and media outlets as part of a broader strategy aimed at sowing discord and undermining Western support for Ukraine.
