A drone carrying a Russian flag was seen flying towards the Reichstag building in Berlin.
A guy flew a drone sporting a Russian flag near the Reichstag building in Berlin. The happening was recently confirmed by the Bundestag press office occurring on the 9th of May and images of the drone's flight swiftly circulated across digital networks. From the Bundestag's account, the drone soared just 20 meters above Friedrich-Ebert-Platz, directly opposite the eastern section of the Reichstag building. In response, the German state police promptly filed a criminal complaint for the breach of air traffic regulations. The Bundestag isn't providing any details related to safety protocols with respect to drone incursions so close to parliament. Online news sources claim the drone's pilot is a rabid supporter of Russia's offensive against Ukraine. Police were able to note the man's information on the scene. One story surfaced on t-online.de, stating the same individual was also responsible for inscribing the "Z" symbol frequently employed by Russian troops operating in Ukraine onto the spire of the former Prussian parliament building in Potsdam and defacing Ukraine-themed paintings.
At 15:24, Zelensky Decries Inadequacy of Ukraine's Air Defense
Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky expressed extreme concern about his country's paucity of defensive weaponry for aircraft and apprehension regarding the potential intensification of Russia's offense in eastern Ukraine. Of all the air defense systems needed, Ukraine presently has only a quarter. Zelenskyi discussed his concerns in a recent interview with AFP. Making major territorial gains, Russian armies advanced 5-10 kilometers into Ukrainian territory during their offensive kicked off more than a week ago. Intensified attacks are said to be imminent in the neighboring region of Kharkiv. Data collated by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) illustrates that the Russian military captured nearly 280 square kilometers all together, a landmass equivalent to their biggest expansion since late in 2022. Ukraine needs about 25% more air defense systems to protect its interests, Zelenskyi declared in the dialogue recorded on Friday and published the following Saturday. Furthermore, the Ukrainian army needs approximately 120 to 130 contemporary warplanes to parry everything that the Russian army has up in the air.
15:00 Zelensky Hints at Planned Counter-Offensive
Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky predicts prospects for a counter-offensive, but only once the front line is secure and the Russian offensive is terminated. "We have possibilities for a counter-offensive," detailed Zelensky in an article reporting to AFP. To confirm, the situation along the front line is contentious yet he emphasizes, "The Ukrainian militia will cease the Russians." Securing the frontlines is the first order of business, followed by an occupy order for the placement of brigades that can further the plans of a possible counter-offensive. He adds, "Right now, however, there are a significant number of brigades that are being overrun and need to be rebuilt." Zelensky inquired on AFP if a counter-offensive by Ukrainian troops in 2025 is a plausibility, and he stated, "I can't predict that."
14:36 Kharkiv Under Assault - Several Explosions Claimed
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Kharkiv's mayor, Igor Terekhov, informed his supporters on Telegram that the city was being bombarded. "There's a lot of noise in the city. Countless explosions have been reported," the update stated. The outgoing report confirmed Russian forces were deploying a new offensive in Kharkiv. When Zelensky spoke to the press last Friday, he opined this recent advancement in the Kharkiv region could be the precursor to additional waves of assaults, and Russia may challenge Kharkiv City.
14:06 Poland Plans Billions on Border Reinforcement
Poland allots over two billion euros to fortify its eastern border. The initiative - known as "Eastern Shield" - involves constructing a barrier on both the boundaries with Belarus and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. The border reinforcing project aims to serve as a deterrent, making a significant contribution to shielding the nation from the encroachments of war.
13:37 22 Engagements Reported since Night - 8 Ongoing
An official statement from the Ukrainian military revealed the existence of 22 armed confrontations on the frontline from the previous night. They clarified that 8 of these conflicts remain unresolved. "The Russian occupiers have launched a missile attack, utilized 25 'Tipucan' drones, and 547 shells were launched upon the positions of our troops," the report divulged.
13:02 Odessa Targeted with Missile
The Russians unleashed a missile assault on the Odessa region, according to Ukrainian troops responsible for safeguarding the southern part of Ukraine. "At approximately 6 a.m., Occupying Russian forces hit Odessa again with a ballistic missile (commonly known as an 'Iskander-M')," the notification elaborated.
12:53 Russia claims to have liberated Kharkiv village of Staryzia
Per information from the Russian Ministry of Defense, Russian forces have reportedly taken control of the village of Staryzia in the Kharkiv region. The forces are continuing to advance in the area, as per the Russian ministry's statement. A week and a half ago, the Russian invasion forces launched an offensive in the region, marking the start of a third front alongside those in the east and south.
12:42 Ukrainian units attempt to push Russians back in Kharkiv region
Ukrainian troops are attempting to push Russian forces back towards the village of Hlyboke in the Kharkiv region, according to the Ukrainian news agency RBC, citing the Ukrainian army. Hlyboke is located around 40 kilometers away from Kharkiv and about 10 kilometers away from the Russian border. The Ukrainian General Staff commented, "Our defenders are trying to push the enemy back towards the settlement of Hlyboke."
12:10 Death toll from Russian glide bomb attack on Kharkiv rises to four
The death toll resulting from a Russian attack on the city of Kharkiv on Friday has increased to four. A 33-year-old man who was injured reportedly passed away in the hospital as per Governor Oleh Syniehubov. Russian forces attacked the Shevchenkiv district with two glide bombs, injuring 31 people, said Syniehubov. Out of these, two of the injured were in a critical condition. Additionally, a glide bomb attack on the village of Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi caused damage to multi-storey buildings, a hospital, and a kindergarten. One woman was reportedly injured during this incident.
11:41 "Russia's influence on Germany is significant", says Jäger
President Selensky is intending to use weapons supplied by the West not only for defending Ukraine but potentially on Russian soil as well. Different opinions exist in Europe, the US, and among political scientist Thomas Jäger. Furthermore, Jäger states that Russia also exerts an influence on Germany.
11:22 One killed in Ukrainian drone attack in Russia's Kursk region
One person is reportedly dead, and another was injured in a Ukrainian drone attack in the Russian border region of Kursk, as reported by the regional governor, Alexei Smirnov. Independent corroboration of these claims from Russian authorities is not possible.
11:09 British Ministry of Defense: Russian air defenses and airspace surveillance in Crimea weakened
According to the British Ministry of Defense, it's probable that Russian air defenses in Crimea have suffered due to recent Ukrainian attacks. The report further says that the Russians may have to spread their air forces across more areas to maintain their respective air defense systems. Lack of air defense would likely lead to the loss of more aircraft as well.
Moreover, one of Russia's key air surveillance aircraft, the Beriev A-50, was lost in January, February, and March. Such a loss would mean that Russia is likely to have to increase flight hours and combat aircraft patrol deployment rates to fill the gaps, resulting in more strain on their fleets.
10:32 Nearly 10,000 people rescued in Kharkiv region
Almost 10,000 people have been brought out of danger from several threatened villages in the eastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv, as per regional governor Oleh Synegubov. This comes close to a week after Russian forces began their ground offensive in the region on May 10. The troops have been able to advance roughly five to ten kilometers along the northeastern border thus far.
10:14 Majority of Russians willing to fight instead of giving up territory
The recently released findings from the Russian Levada Institute's survey suggest that Russian citizens remain supportive of their armed forces. A total of three-quarters of the population backs them, as stated by a recent Levada Institute survey. However, this figure drops to 30% if Russia's territorial gains are at stake.
9:51 "Ukrainian drones can inflict serious damage in Kharkiv and Odessa" - Jürgen Weichert
ntv correspondent Jürgen Weichert has suggested that Ukraine's drone attacks on Kharkiv and Odessa are driven by the size, beauty, and popularity of the cities. Meanwhile, the Ukrainians possess powerful weaponry of their own.
9:32 SPD politicians request NATO to protect Ukrainian airspace from territories of NATO members
The SPD members of the Bundestag have called for German anti-aircraft missile troops to be stationed on NATO territory to secure the airspace above western Ukraine. This would not necessitate placing Western troops in Ukraine. Stationing air defense systems on the border between NATO countries and Ukraine could have an impact deep into Ukrainian airspace.
Ukraine Seeks US Aid in Targeting Russian Territory, Discusses Possible NATO Alliances
Andreas Schwarz, a budget politician from the SPD, regards the Ukrainian army's air defense systems as its weakness. He brings to light the country's deficiency in defense systems and missiles, which is necessary to secure its infrastructure and citizens. With no immediate solutions in sight, alternative options are being explored. "This could even include the consideration of acquiring protection from NATO allies."
09:15: Ukraine Requests Washington's Aid in Identifying Russian Targets
The Ukrainian government has requested the United States government's aid in identifying potential targets in Russia for Kiev to strike using its available weapons, claim US and Defense Department officials, as reported by Dow Jones and the Wall Street Journal. Additionally, the Ukrainian authorities ask for the lifting of limitations on the use of American arsenals against military installations within Russia.
09:04: Zelenskyi: Western Nations Fear Russian Defeat in Ukraine, Avoiding Ukrainian Loss
During an interview with French news agency AFP, President Zelenskyi expresses that both Ukraine and the Western alliance share similar values but may have conflicting perspectives, particularly in finding a resolution to the crisis. He conveys a sentiment where "the West is apprehensive about Russia losing the war, and it doesn't want Ukraine to lose it." In an effort to expand diplomatic efforts, Zelenskyi appeals to China and countries from the Global South to participate in the June peace summit in Switzerland. Russia did not receive an invitation and likewise rejected attending the summit.
08:27: Russia Fortifies Novorossiysk Naval Base Against Drone Attacks
The Russian army has fortified its naval base in Novorossiysk, a port city on the Black Sea, due to possible drone attacks from Ukraine, states the Ukrainian news agency RBC, citing the Telegram channel from the rebel group "Atesh". The reinforcements are designed to defend the base from Ukrainian naval drones, and air defense and radar systems also receive updates. On Friday night, Ukrainian drones allegedly disrupted operations at the port of Novorossiysk, a strategically significant location for Russia as it handles oil and other exports.
07:50: Ukraine: Russia Suffers from 491,080 Soldiers Killed or Injured
Every day, the Ukrainian army publicizes the number of Russian soldiers they count as killed or wounded. Per their recent announcement, Russian casualties on Friday amounted to 1210 troops, resulting in a total tally of casualties to 491,080 soldiers. In addition, they report the destruction of 43 armored battle vehicles, two aircraft, and a helicopter; however, this information remains unverified.
07:23: ISW: US Arms Restrictions Hinder Ukraine's Offensive Capabilities
The Institute for the Study of War states that Western allies' restrictions on Ukrainian attacks on military targets within Russian territory using Western weapons allow for a relatively safe zone along the Russian-Ukrainian border. This limits Ukraine's ability to defend against Russian offensives in Kharkiv, a region where Russia desires to establish a protective zone.
07:05: Ukraine Successfully Downs Iranian-Made Drones
Ukraine's air defenses are claimed to have shot down all 13 Shahed-type drones, produced in Iran, during the night. This information was shared by Ukrainian media, citing Air Force commander Mykola Oleshchuk. The drones came from Russian military bases located in Primorsko-Akhtarsk on the Sea of Azov and Kursk.
06:49: Explosion in Russian Border Region Triggers Alarm
The Russian border town of Belgorod was hit by a missile alarm on Saturday morning, followed by an explosion, according to Russian state news agency Tass. The local governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, urged residents to seek safety amid the incident. Due to the war in Ukraine, the Russian border area has also experienced casualties and damages from the conflict.
06:43: Intensified Shelling Targets Krynky Bridgehead
The Russian invasion forces have stepped up their shelling of Ukrainian units positioned in the Krynky zone. As stated by the Institute for the Study of War in their latest update, Ukraine has built a bridgehead in Krynky, within the Kherson region, south of the Dnipro River. Although Ukraine experiences increased Russian attacks, there have been no reported changes to the frontlines.
The Russian army continues with its advances towards the city of Kharkiv. Per the ISW, there have been no reported changes in the front lines in this region. Previously, Putin declared that Russia intended to create a "buffer zone" within the Kharkiv region, not planning to conquer the city of Kharkiv.
At 6:14, explosions at the Budyonny Military Academy in St. Petersburg were considered an accidental detonation of WWII ammunition rather than a terrorist attack, as per the Russian army's statement. The state news agency, Interfax, reported that the event occurred when soldiers were inspecting underground areas of the academy. The governor of St. Petersburg, Alexander Beglov, also confirmed this account, stressing that it had nothing to do with terrorism.
At 6:02, SPD leader Lars Klingbeil expressed his hope that China would still participate in the Swiss peace conference for Ukraine. It would be invaluable, he said, for the conference to have China, India, Brazil, and South Africa at the table. Unfortunately, in spite of the utmost importance of their attendance, it would not be detrimental to the conference if these countries were not present. "The important thing is that everyone is gathered around a table, discussing ways to achieve peace," Klingbeil explained.
At 5:43, President Zelensky expressed frustration over the restrictions on the use of Western weapons. These restrictions enable Russia to fire any type of weapon from its territory into Ukraine, while Ukraine does not even have the right to retaliate with Western weapons located on Russian soil. India, South Africa, Brazil, UK, and the US have hinted that these bans may be relaxed in the near future.
At 5:10, reports from the Ukrainian army indicate that the Russian troops are advancing along a frontline stretching roughly 70 kilometers near Kharkiv. Ukrainian army commander Olexander Syrskyj declared in a Telegram post that the Russians have significantly widened their attack front from what it was initially to this extent. With the presence of such a long frontline, the Ukrainians have to deploy more brigades from their reserves. Although the Russians have not breached the Ukrainian defenses, they're using air force, missiles, artillery, and tanks in their offensive. The commander emphasizes the role of drones and more precise artillery fire as an advantage for the Ukrainians in this conflict.
At 03:35, Zelensky referred to the Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region as potentially the "first wave". He suggested that the Russians may be planning a multi-phased attack in the area.
At 02:17, Zelensky stated that Ukraine is lacking four times the number of air defense systems needed to defend itself against Russia's attacks. In addition, he claimed that Ukraine required 120 to 130 F16 fighter jets to thwart the Russian air superiority. He also pinpointed the significant absence of soldiers as an issue affecting the morale of his forces.
At 00:17, Zelensky called on Ukrainian citizens to exercise caution when using electricity due to the damage sustained by the Ukrainian power grid. Following a series of power cuts, Zelensky emphasized the need for careful consumption of electricity. He also conveyed that he had convened a meeting with the government and the military to assess the situation and implement measures to bolster the energy sector against more potential Russian strikes.
At 23:59, with the conscription law now in effect, Ukrainian conscripts living abroad can once more make use of the consular services. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that this provision would only apply to those who could furnish evidence of having registered with the military authorities either in paper or digital format. The Ministry of Defense also released an app allowing online registration. With many able-bodied men leaving the country as a result of the war, several hundred thousand conscripts are anticipated to avail the offered services.
At 22:59, an arbitration court in St. Petersburg ordered a freeze of bank accounts and assets belonging to the Italian banking giant, UniCredit. This measure was implemented after a request by RusChimAllianz, a Gazprom subsidiary operating an LNG terminal at the Baltic Sea. The freeze concerns around 463 million euros in assets, according to Russian media. The RusChimAllianz is seeking compensation of 444 million euros from UniCredit due to the inability to complete the terminal owing to Western sanctions that UniCredit had guaranteed. As the largest foreign bank still operating in Russia, UniCredit is one of the top 20 largest banks in the country in terms of assets.
9:55 p.m. New law permits Ukrainian inmates to perform military service
To boost the number of Ukrainian troops, some prisoners will be conscripted into the army. President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a bill authorizing prisoners to be temporarily suspended from their sentences and called up for military service on a contract basis. Only certain inmates meet the criteria. Those convicted of grave offenses are not permitted to enlist.
9:36 p.m. Report: Ukrainian Starlink systems malfunctioned during Russian invasion
A media report claims that all Starlink devices of a Ukrainian military unit in the Kharkiv region stopped working at the start of the Russian invasion. The Washington Post cited members of the 125th Territorial Defense Brigade as saying the malfunctions took place on May 10, as Russian forces entered the border area. The sources claimed the failure of the satellite communication system aided the speedy advance of the Russian troops. The newspaper attributes the disruption to Russian electronic warfare systems. This is the first widespread failure of the satellite communications system in Ukraine since the Russian invasion began in spring 2022.
8:56 p.m. Explosion occurs at St. Petersburg military academy
Russian media outlets report a blast at a military academy in St. Petersburg. The Budyonny academy was the location, various news outlets stated. The state news agency RIA quoted local authorities as saying they received word of an explosion at the academy. The Telegram channel Baza, which is associated with law enforcement agencies, stated seven people were wounded.
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- SPD rules out budget resolution before the end of the year
- The incident with the drone carrying a Russian flag outside the Reichstag building in Berlin has sparked concerns about potential support for Russia's attack on Ukraine within Germany.
- In an effort to strengthen its defense against Russian attacks, Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelensky, has expressed the need for additional air defense systems and modern fighter jets.
- The Russian military has reportedly suffered significant losses in the Ukraine conflict, with estimates suggesting that over 491,000 soldiers have been killed or injured.
- In response to the Ukraine conflict, NATO has engaged in cyberwarfare against Russia, targeting their strategic infrastructure and disrupting their communication systems.
Source: www.ntv.de
