21:40 "NATO members look to establish a 'drone wall' from Norway to Poland"

9:40 PM: NATO Members Plan to Construct "Drone Barrier" from Norway to Poland

Six NATO countries that share borders with Russia, including Lithuania, are planning to create a "drone wall" to safeguard against potential threats and provoking incidents. According to Lithuania's Interior Minister, Agne Bilotaite, this project which spans from Norway to Poland, will make use of modern technology to monitor and protect borders. It's not just about deterring unfriendly countries, but also combatting smuggling. The wall will employ drones for surveillance and also anti-drone defense mechanisms. Bilotaite described this initiative as a "completely new thing" without providing any specific timeline. The inspiration for this project stems from the security concerns that arose due to Russia's aggression towards Ukraine.

In a separate development, the United States has announced additional military aid for Ukraine to counter Russia's ongoing military aggression. According to the US State Department, this new aid package is worth $275 million and includes ammunition for multiple rocket launchers, as well as 155 and 105-millimeter artillery shells. This is the fifth tranche of military aid greenlit by President Joe Biden since Congress allocated nearly $61 billion for Kiev in April. The previous aid packages have already reached the front line, as per reports. The new support will be delivered as swiftly as possible, enabling the Ukrainian military to better defend their country and protect its people. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine over two years ago, the US has provided approximately $50 billion in military assistance to the embattled nation, as per the Pentagon.

In a surprising move, the Russian government has introduced a compulsory subject for students, "Fundamentals of Life Safety", which covers basic military training skills such as shooting and wound care. Since the school year began, children and teenagers in Russia have been required to take this course.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin has again expressed a desire to resume negotiations with Ukraine, but not on the basis of restoring the pre-2014 territorial status. Addressing a visit to Belarus, he stated that these talks must be based on "today's realities that have developed on the ground". Putin's stance comes after the nation has been openly waging war against Ukraine for more than two years, capturing around a fifth of its territory. Ukraine insists on the withdrawal of Russian troops as a precondition for lasting peace.

Doubts have been raised by political scientist, Gerhard Mangott, over Putin's intentions. Mangott believes that Putin's goal is to seize permanent control over occupied territories and thwart the Ukraine conference in Switzerland.

The EU Commissioner for Economic Affairs, Paolo Gentiloni, foresees an arrangement over frozen Russian assets at the upcoming G7 summit in Apulia. There was a constructive dialogue, according to Gentiloni, following discussions between G7 finance ministers in Stresa, northern Italy. He believes that the EU's approach of diverting the interest on Russian assets to fund aid for Ukraine is a promising idea. This week, the EU member states approved plans to mobilize the interest profits from Russian assets to finance further military aid for Ukraine. The ambition is to generate approximately €3 billion annually for assistance to Ukraine. The G7 is also debating a US proposal for a $50 billion loan facility to be funded through future interest on Russian assets [(see also entry at 15:42]

Explosions have been reported in Crimea once again, as Ukraine claims to have successfully attacked a Russian communications facility. Footage shows several blasts and an air defense response. Russia acknowledges two casualties.

A German IRIS-T-SLM air defense system has been provided to Ukraine. This is the latest addition to Ukraine's arsenal, which includes four medium-range IRIS-T systems and one short-range IRIS-T system. (see also entry at 18:08)

5:59 PM London: Russian African Corps participating in battles in Kharkiv

As per estimates from the UK, Russia has relocated soldiers from its African Corps and dispatched them to the war zone in Ukraine. In recent times, these units have been seen acting in coordination with regular Russian military units and repressive forces during the assault on Vovchansk in the northern part of Kharkiv, according to Britain's Ministry of Defense. The African Corps of the Russian Ministry of Defense was created in December 2023 and consists of over 2,000 soldiers and officers along with experienced mercenaries, with numerous of them being former members of the Wagner Group, the British claim. The African Corps troops were likely stationed in Syria, Libya, Burkina Faso, and Niger prior to their deployment in Ukraine. The UK highlights that the Russian Ministry of Defense probably sent troops to the Ukrainian border in April as part of the offense preparations. "There is a high likelihood that Russia is strengthening its fight against Ukraine with resources that were once designated for Africa."

5:31 PM Moscow mulling a truce? Putin's reversal may spark divisions among the West

As per reports, Putin is suggesting readiness for a ceasefire. Military expert Ralph Thiele says that negotiations on this are not solely controlled by Ukraine and adds that the signal from Moscow could potentially weaken the West's solidarity.

5:07 PM Russians impede Ukrainian long-range glide bombs

Russian jammers are hampering the efficacy of several of Ukraine's more recent long-range glide bombs. Three sources who are familiar with the issue disclosed this information to Reuters news agency. The glide bomb, capable of flying 64 miles (around 100 kilometers), utilizes a navigation system that avoids obstacles and known air defense systems. While Boeing has mentioned that the system could fend off certain jamming signals, one of the informants said that repairing the problem would take months, as per the report.

4:46 PM Scholz reaffirms against supplying Taurus missiles to Ukraine

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterates his stance against delivering Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. Scholz wants to avoid the danger of the war progressing to a battle between Russia and the trans-Atlantic defense alliance NATO. Germany has provided or promised 28 billion euros worth of weapons to Ukraine and is the second-largest contributor worldwide, behind the US. The country has also given two Patriot systems to Ukraine and will provide a third one, which the Chancellor sees as a prerequisite for other states to assist Ukraine. "We've really reached the limit on what we can accomplish," said Scholz at the Berlin Democracy Festival. As the German Chancellor, he has a responsibility. "Our responsibility is: we're aiding Ukraine in its struggle for defense, but we'll prevent the war from escalating into a conflict between Russia and NATO," said Scholz. According to him, delivering a missile with a range of 500 kilometers that is so accurate could only be justified by the country delivering it if they determine and choose the targets themselves. "This, though, is not achievable if you don't want to be directly involved in this conflict yourself, but the largest European supporter of Ukraine."

4:24 PM Russia interferes with Elon Musk's Starlink signal on the battlefield

Shortly before the Russian assault on the Kharkiv region, they interrupted the Starlink satellite service. This was revealed by the New York Times, citing the Ukrainian military. Starlink is managed by Elon Musk's company SpaceX and has played a significant role for Ukraine since the inception of the Russian aggression. The armed forces rely heavily on the service for their communication, surveillance, and drone strikes. According to the report, the Ukrainians encountered the jamming of the Starlink signal shortly prior to Russian soldiers crossing the northern border of Ukraine. The disruption in communications prompted them to switch to text messages, as noted in the report.

4:02 PM Sellering stands down as head of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's climate protection foundation

The former Prime Minister of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Erwin Sellering (SPD), has stepped down as Chairman of the Board of the state's climate foundation, which is contentious because of its involvement with Nord Stream II. The foundation defended itself against all counterattacks and efforts to disband it, as mentioned by Sellering in a statement from the foundation. With no one determined to continue the attacks, Sellering decided to retire early. The climate foundation was conceived by the state in early 2021 with an additional goal of aiding the completion of the controversial Nord Stream 2 Baltic Sea pipeline, as organizations involved in its construction faced potential US sanctions. The Nord Stream 2 consortium funded the foundation with 20 million euros. After the onset of the Russian war against Ukraine, the state government led by Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig attempted to disband the foundation with the assistance of the state parliament. The foundation vehemently opposed this.

2:42 PM Russian Billions for Ukraine: Germany Open to Legally Stable Steps

Top industrialized nations are debating ways to utilize funds from Russia's central bank to aid Ukraine. According to Finance Minister Christian Lindner, Germany would consider taking more measures to utilize the interest from frozen Russian assets for Ukraine. Lindner added, during a gathering of G7 finance ministers in northern Italy, that any actions wouldn't carry any negative legal or economic risks. The Europeans remain open to thoroughly considering America's proposal. Nevertheless, discussions are far off since several issues remain unresolved. The EU has planned to utilize interest from Russia's frozen assets in the EU to fund future military aid for Ukraine. The US sees this method as insufficient. They've proposed the G7 give Ukraine a substantial loan backed by interest from the central bank's assets. This could yield much more than the anticipated three billion by the EU. Lindner still notes it's unclear who'd issue guarantees and bear risks. It's a long road until settlement. Potentially, a resolution could be reached during the G7 leader's meeting in Apulia mid-June.

2:20 PM Ukraine Stops Moscow's Ground Offensive in Kharkiv Region

Ukraine reports halting a Russian ground assault in the eastern area of Kharkiv. "The Ukrainian defense forces halted the Russian troops in the Kharkiv region and initiated counter-offensives," the Ukrainian military stated through online services. A general staff representative described the situation as "complicated", yet "steady and manageable." Army commander Oleksandr Syrskyj earlier stated that Russia's advances in the Kharkiv region's northern Ukraine had stalled. In street clashes around the border town of Vovchansk, he said Russian troops were "thoroughly mired" and endured "exceptionally high losses within assault squads." Russia is now deploying "reinforcements from various regions" in an effort to seize the town, but thus far, they have achieved no results, he added.

2:02 PM Germany Sends More Leopard Tanks to Ukraine

Germany has provided more Leopard tanks and other equipment to Ukraine. The German government shared in a military assistance update that 40 Leopard 1 A5 main battle tanks, 100 Marder infantry fighting vehicles with ammunition and spare parts from Bundeswehr and industrial reserves, and 18 Leopard 2 A6 main battle tanks with ammunition and spare parts have been dispatched. Moreover, Dingo transport vehicles, multi-purpose vehicles, and armored transporters were delivered. Germany is estimated to provide Ukraine with around 28 billion euros in military assistance or plans to in the coming years. The following table depicts the new shipments versus the previous week.

1:45 PM Estonia Summons Russian Chargé d'Affaires over Border Markings

Estonia was compelled to summon the Russian embassy's chargé d'affaires in Tallinn due to the removal of buoys marking the fairway in the border river Narva. At the meeting, the diplomat was advised these steps were "provocative and unacceptable," based on Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. Estonia demands an explanation for the buoy removal and their immediate return. On Thursday night, Russian border guards extracted 24 buoys that marked the Narva for Estonia to denote the shipping route. The Narva separates the two neighboring countries and demarcates the eastern border of the EU and NATO.

1:17 PM Ukrainian Army Chief: Russians "Lost Their Way" near Vovchansk

Ukrainian army chief Oleksandr Syrskyj stated that Russia's advances in the Kharkiv region in northern Ukraine have come to a halt. Describing the street fighting around Vovchansk, he noted Russian troops were "thoroughly trapped" and incurred "extraordinarily high casualties within attacking squads." Due to these setbacks, the Kremlin is deploying "reserves from different regions" in an effort to capture the city. So far, they've achieved no progress. Vovchansk is currently where Russia's ground offensive began two weeks ago in north-eastern Ukraine. Russians have made their largest territorial gains since late 2022.

12:49 PM German Foreign Minister Warns Russia Against Western Border Provocations

Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warns Russia against provocations on its western border: "Russia is setting fire to the borders of the European Union," Baerbock shared on Platform X. "We stand with our allies in Estonia, Finland, and Lithuania, and won't accept this aggressive behavior," the minister emphasized. "On the contrary: we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our friends in the Baltic States & the Baltic Sea." Reports came out Thursday about missing floating buoys in the Narva River marking the boundary between Estonia and Russia.

A Romanian individual has been detained on suspicion of spying for Russia, as declared by the Bucharest Public Prosecutor's Office. Since 2022, the man reportedly spied on and captured images of Romanian and other NATO countries' military facilities and troop transportation close to the city of Tulcea. The information was later submitted to the Russian embassy in Bucharest. Currently, a judge has authorized authorities to keep the Romanian suspect in custody for three weeks. DIICOT (the Romanian Department for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism), the SRI (Domestic Intelligence Service), and the Army's Intelligence Service are investigating the case. Evidence found during their house search corresponds with the allegations, as explained by DIICOT.

Intriguingly, Russian President Vladimir Putin is allegedly prepared to negotiate a ceasefire that acknowledges the present frontline, according to four individuals briefed on conversations with Putin's circle. These sources asserts that Putin's mindset is, "Putin can fight as long as it takes, but Putin is also ready for a truce to halt the war." Putin supposedly voices frustration over efforts, allegedly supported by the West, to hinder potential dialogue. However, during a previous confirmation of his presidency, Putin remarked that talks might not take place based on unrealistic expectations, "We are not open for discussions that stem from desirable fiction, but rather discussions based on real-world events."

Rheinmetall, the German-based arms manufacturer, has obtained a significant order for artillery ammunition worth nearly 300 million euros from a NATO state. This deal includes tens of thousands of artillery shells and several hundred thousand propelling charge modules, expected to be supplied between 2024 and 2028. The significant demand for artillery ammunition is largely attributed to the war in Ukraine.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) posits that probes into corruption within Russia's Ministry of Defense may simply serve as a pretext to cover other motives for replacing high-ranking officials. The ISW surmises, "The Kremlin is likely using the accusations of corruption against senior officials as a smokescreen to obscure the true reasons driving the dismissal of particular individuals from the Ministry of Defense." There are likely more senior officials in the Russian Ministry of Defense considering their resignation following the removal of Sergei Shoigu. Military bloggers have praised Putin's new Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, partly because the bloggers are pleased he has apparently begun to arrest corrupt officials. Interestingly, the Kremlin could be encouraging these criticisms, as they refer specifically to those targeted by the MoD.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has traditionally advocated for Russia, states his belief that worries over Russia assaulting a NATO member state are unwarranted. "The Russian military is engaged in a difficult and trying war against the Ukrainians," Orban commented on public radio. "If the Russians could crush the Ukrainians instantaneously, they would have already done so." Apparently, NATO's military capabilities belie the assumption that Russia or any other country would launch an attack on NATO. "[It] is improbable that Russia or any other country would assail NATO given its complete inability to conquere Ukraine," said Orban. "The likelihood of that is extremely minimal."

Russian spy agency implicates IS in Moscow terror attack for the first time

For the first time, the Russian secret service, FSB, has accused the jihadist group Islamic State (IS) of coordinating the brutal attack on a concert hall near Moscow. The state news agency RIA Novosti reports that director of the FSB, Alexander Bortnikov, stated that during the investigation they discovered that "the preparations, financing, attack, and escape of the terrorists were organized via the internet by members of the Khorasan Province group," the Afghanistan branch of IS. IS has repeatedly claimed responsibility for the attack on March 22, which left over 140 people dead and 360 injured. However, for months, Moscow has tried to link Ukraine with the attack. When asked about this connection to IS, Bortnikov only said, "The investigation is still ongoing, but we can already say with certainty that Ukrainian military intelligence is directly involved in the attack." He did not explain how this correlation might exist.

Stephan Richter, an ntv correspondent, reports, "There is no forward and no back in Vovchansk." The city of Kharkiv, which has been dealing with heavy Russian attacks for several weeks, is now facing its worst days.

New casualty figures from Ukraine

Ukrainian military officials have released the latest report detailing Russian casualties in Ukraine. Since the full-scale invasion on February 24, Russia has suffered the loss of 498,940 soldiers in 2022, according to the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This number includes 1,240 losses within the last twenty-four hours. The report also includes a breakdown of destroyed Russian equipment, such as 7,635 tanks, 14,775 armored combat vehicles, 17,569 vehicles and fuel tanks, 12,902 artillery systems, 1,080 multiple launch rocket systems, 813 air defense systems, 356 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 10,401 drones, 27 ships and boats, and one submarine.

Another glide bomb attack in Kharkiv

During the night, two glide bombs hit the city of Kharkiv, again under attack by Russian air strikes for months. Nothingtemporary disability did not confirm any injuries, but several residential buildings and an unoccupied building were slightly damaged. Kharkiv Mayor lgor Terekhov announced this on Telegram. The day prior, seven people had been killed by Russian fire in the city.

FSB chief claims Ukraine's involvement in Moscow attack

The head of the Russian domestic intelligence service, FSB, Alexander Bortnikov, claims Ukrainian military intelligence is directly involved in the deadly attack on a concert hall near Moscow in March. He announced this to the state news agency Tass, even though the investigation is still underway. Russia has previously made similar accusations. Bortnikov does not provide evidence for his remarks, and he also claims that NATO facilitates the transfer of "mercenaries and militant members of international terrorist organizations from the Middle East, North Africa, and Afghanistan to Ukraine" so they can fight against Russian forces.

Russian journalist forecasts doom for future generations

Russian journalist and former Duma deputy Alexander Newsorov expresses his disappointment with the Russian people. He compares them to pugs, chimpanzees, or circus animals, implying that they will retain all the skills they have been taught until they die. The well-known publicist critical of the Kremlin, who had been sentenced in absentia to years in prison, now holds a Ukrainian passport. Newsorov predicts the Russians will "live and die as idiots for at least a few generations." Even the death of Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin would not change their minds.

Ukraine: "Significant damage" after attacks on Crimea

A missile attack on a Russian communications center in the occupied city of Alushta in Crimea caused "significant damage to the equipment" and numerous casualties, according to Ukrainian reports. The Kyiv Independent cited the pro-Ukrainian partisan group Atesh and the Crimean Wind telegram channel for this information. The Crimean Wind channels claim that at least six ATACMS missiles belonging to the US were used to strike the antenna as well as several buildings within the facility, where "high-ranking military personnel" were thought to be staying.

07:03 Scholz: "No EU Nuclear Weapons"

Angela Merkel's successor, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, is supporting French President Emmanuel Macron's plan to boost European defense capabilities. This includes nuclear capabilities. Scholz writes in an article for The Economist, "Europe needs a mix of strong conventional forces, air and missile defense, cyber defense, space capabilities, and precision-strike abilities." To achieve this, Europe must invest in its defense industry. However, Scholz clarifies, "There will be no 'EU nuclear weapons.' It's unrealistic."

06:38 Controversial Law Sparks U.S. Ire

The United States has imposed visa restrictions and launched a review of relations with Georgia in response to the passage of a controversial law on foreign influence operations. Washington's actions target individuals who undermine Georgia's democracy. The US hopes the Georgian leadership will reconsider the law, promoting democratic values.

06:29 Estonia Aids Ukrainian Children

Estonia is contributing €650,000 in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, a significant portion of which will go towards improving education in frontline areas. This aid will be distributed through Estonian non-profit organizations, such as Eesti Pagulasabi, who will focus on refurbishing living conditions in volatile regions and ensuring support for Ukrainian refugees in Georgia. Moreover, non-profit group Mondo will allocate part of the funds for summer camps and psychological support for children in Zaporizhzhya.

05:57 Russia Advances Near Vovchansk

Russian forces have stepped up their efforts to capture the town of Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine. Russian MP Viktor Vodolatsky has informed Russian news agency TASS that the cities of Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, and Pokrovsk are their next major targets.

05:29 Putin In Meetings With Lukashenko

Russian President Vladimir Putin has traveled to Belarus to hold talks with Alexander Lukashenko, covering topics such as security and military exercises with tactical nuclear warheads. Minsk is slated to participate in the exercises, where the launch of small nuclear warheads will be simulated.

04:33 South Korea Imposes Sanctions

South Korea has sanctioned seven North Korean individuals and two Russian ships over weapons trade between Pyongyang and Moscow. The South Korean Foreign Ministry confirmed these measures.

03:39 USA Supports Ukraine With $275 Million

The United States is preparing to provide military aid worth $275 million to Ukraine, including artillery shells, precision-guided bombs, and vehicles. This aid will be supplied under the Presidential Drawdown Authority, allowing President Joe Biden to act without Congress' approval during emergencies.

02:34 China and Brazil Disengage from Ukraine Peace Conference

Brazil and China are distancing themselves from the proposed Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland where Russia has not been invited. Both countries call for equal participation of all parties in a global peace conference, which has been recognized by Russia and Ukraine.

01:15 Russian Opponent Sentenced to 25 Years for Sabotage

A Moscow military court has sentenced Vladimir Malina, a 36-year-old man to 25 years in prison on charges of terrorism, high treason, and sabotage. Malina, a barman from Moscow, was a member of the "Legion for the Freedom of Russia," a group of Russians fighting for Ukraine. According to the indictment, he set fire to a railroad control box and planned sabotage actions. He was arrested in June.

Midnight: Poland and Greece Urge EU for Air Defense Shield

As the ongoing Russian conflict intensifies, Poland and Greece are requesting the European Union (EU) to establish an air defense system for the protection of European nations. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis penned a joint letter to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, stating, "Europe will be secure as long as its skies remain safe." They emphasized the air defense shield as a crucial undertaking related to the "great vulnerability of our security."

22:26: Possible Attack on Crimea? Explosions Suspected

A series of alleged explosions have occurred in the Russian-occupied Crimea region, with rumors of a potential Ukrainian assault using the ATACMS missiles provided by the US. A video captured on the Crimean coast in Alushta may contain evidence of an explosion, but official confirmation is still pending. The Russian defense system seems to be active, as evidenced in the recording. The pro-Russian governor of Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov, acknowledged missile attacks on Simferopol and Alushta, resulting in the deaths of at least two people and the destruction of an empty commercial building. However, Russia is known for downplaying Ukrainian attacks or claiming to have shot down any missiles and drones involved. Ukraine has recently heightened its focus on targeting the Russian air defense systems and radars. Some speculate that similar measures may have been taken during this incident.

22:00: Continued Military Purge? Another Arrest?

According to pro-Russian media sources, Vladimir Verteletsky, head of the Russian Ministry of Defense's department for upholding state defense orders, has been arrested. He is currently under investigation for alleged major fraud. Not long before this, Vadim Shamarin, the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the army, was detained as well. Shamarin was one of four high-ranking military officials arrested since April.

Read more about the previous developments here.