Apparent fire erupted at an oil storage site near Luhansk following a possible assault.
Russian news agency Tass reports that an oil depot in the Luhansk region has been targeted in a Ukrainian attack, resulting in a fire. The affected village is reportedly Rowenky.
At 22:14, the US government expresses its concern over a significant Russian offensive near Kharkiv. National Security Council Communications Director, John Kirby, has stated that they had expected Russia to launch an attack on Kharkiv, and it now appears to have begun. He also mentioned that Russia's repeated attempts to seize the city failed earlier, which eventually prompted Putin to pull his troops back across the border. Kirby finds the recent actions of the Russian military in the area "intriguing and certainly concerning".
According to President Zelenskyi, the Ukrainian army requires timely foreign aid to fend off the new Russian barrage in the country. Speaking in his evening video address, Zelenskyi said, "What really helps are the weapons that actually make it here, and not just the announced packages." He acknowledged that the attack was anticipated, adding that Ukrainian soldiers, artillery, and drones were responding to the Russian attackers.
Around 21:51, the US government declared that Russia was possibly gearing up for a large attack on Kharkiv. The statement was made by the President's office.
Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair revealed plans to provide €52 million ($76 million CAD) to Germany's initiative to bolster Ukraine's air defense capabilities during a press conference with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. He reasoned that this money would assist Ukraine in defending itself against vicious assaults that have claimed the lives of numerous civilians and destroyed vital infrastructure. Pistorius confirmed that Iris-T air defense systems are to be dispatched to Kiev in the upcoming weeks, as "there is no time to lose."
Meanwhile, former Russian President and National Security Council Vice-Chairman, Dmitry Medvedev, threatened London and Paris with retaliatory strikes should Ukraine use either British or French cruise missiles against Russia. He mocked the Ukrainians, referring to them as "idiots in embroidered robes," while addressing these countries as the true culprits. Though Medvedev did not explicitly outline a location for a potential strike, he hinted that the reprisal could target areas beyond Kiev and involve hazardous munitions.
In an interview with the "Tagesspiegel" at around 19:14, retired US Lieutenant General Ben Hodges considered the Russian incursion in Kharkiv ambiguous. While it might be a feint designed to draw Ukraine's resources to a particular area and then launch an attack elsewhere, such a feat would demand tact and agility from the Russian military - qualities that he has yet to observe. An alternative possibility is that Russia does not have plans for a breakthrough but aims to wear down Ukrainian forces further through this prevailing offensive. Hodges also mentioned an additional theory: "The Russians may be trying to exhaust the Ukrainians with this [offensive] as long as they perceive themselves in a strong position."
On behalf of the German Foreign Office, a call for support for the defense of Kharkiv has been issued. The statement underscores that the people of Kharkiv have valiantly resisted continuous Russian shelling and that providing assistance in their defense is essential.
Finally, Russia's inflammatory broadcasts have been laced with abusive language, as noted by Russia expert, Niko Karasek. Such broadcasts could distort public opinion by portraying the West as the oppressors and elevate their connection to the Nazi era.
17:38 US prepares $400 million aid package for Ukraine: Official
The United States is set to deliver a $400 million weapons package to Ukraine, according to a government official. The package includes artillery, air defense systems, armor-piercing ammunition, armored vehicles, and small arms that can be used on the battlefield immediately. The US deliveries are possible again after Congress lifted its months-long blockade on military aid to Ukraine.
17:07 Expected Delivery of F-16 Jets to Ukraine in June or July: Insider
Ukraine is expectant of the first F-16 fighter jets to be delivered in June or July, according to a high-ranking military source quoted by Reuters. The source did not disclose which country would supply the US-made aircraft. Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium have agreed to provide F-16s. The jets aim to help Ukraine combat Russia's air superiority.
16:39 Russia's Kharkiv Offensive Falsely Reported, Says Governor
Russia is currently launching an offensive in the Kharkiv region, with unverified reports claiming that four border villages have been captured by Russian troops, including Striletsche, Krasne, Pylne, and Boryssiwka. However, the governor of the Kharkiv region, Ihor Synyehubov, has denied the claim via Telegram, stating that the Ukrainian armed forces are holding their positions and no ground has been lost. He does not consider Kharkiv to be in danger at the moment.
16:17 Russian Foreign Ministry Announces Complaint over Leipzig Occupation
Following an attempted occupation of Russia's former consulate in Leipzig, the Russian Foreign Ministry has announced a formal complaint. Six people breached the fence and displayed anti-Russian banners on the balcony. They also declared their intention to occupy the Russian-owned building. Two employees of the Russian embassy were present at the time, alerting the police, who detained the group. Russia will lodge a complaint with the German government and demand punishment for the individuals.
15:42 Expert: Russian Forces Face Time Pressure Despite Advantages
An offensive on Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, has begun, with expert Frank Umbach suggesting that the Russian forces are feeling a time crunch despite their current dominance. A significant aspect lost in the Western media, according to Umbach, is that Russia is experiencing considerable losses - financially, politically, and militarily.
15:13 Germany Opens Ukraine's Largest Workshop for Prostheses for Wounded
German Development Minister Svenja Schulze opened the country's largest workshop for producing prostheses for war-wounded individuals in Ukraine. The Lviv building was funded by Germany and is part of a center for orthopedics. In addition to producing prostheses, the center houses specialists and a rehabilitation center. "This is a place of hope, a place of strength," said Schulze during the opening ceremony. Ukraine has suffered numerous casualties due to mines, grenades, and collapsing buildings.
14:48 President Zelensky Confirms Russian Offensive Operation
Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed a Russian offensive operation in the Kharkiv region in a statement to the Kyiv Independent. The Russian military is targeting the area with Ukrainian troops, brigades, and artillery fighting to repel them. Earlier, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense revealed that Russia had attempted to break through Ukraine's defensive line in the Kharkiv region.
14:09 Ukrainian Troops Perform Reconnaissance Behind Front Lines in Bachmut
The ruins of Bachmut are currently under Russian control, but Ukrainian troops are still engaged in the fight for the town. Should the region fall to Russia, the Ukrainians fear that the enemy could advance further inland. Reconnaissance units are constantly on the lookout for opportunities to strike back, but they remain at risk of being discovered themselves.
13:47 Russian Troops Advance One Kilometer in the Kharkiv Oblast
In north-eastern Ukraine's Kharkiv oblast, near Vowtschansk, Russian troops have advanced one kilometer, according to a report. A high-ranking Ukrainian military source revealed that Moscow's goal is to advance up to ten kilometers to establish a buffer zone. The Ukrainian armed forces struggle to prevent the Russian advance.
At 13:28, civilians are being evacuated from the city of Vovchansk located in the Kharkiv oblast of Ukraine. Ukrainian sources state that a Russian breakthrough has been thwarted so far, but the escalating shelling by Russia has prompted the evacuation. This information was shared by Tamaz Gambarashvili, the military administration chief of Vovchansk, on Hromadske radio station. He mentioned that many civilians are leaving using their own vehicles, but the military administration is also providing transportation for those without cars.
At 13:11, Nico Lange, a defense expert, dissects the military parade in Russia on Victory Day. Despite the unveiling of numerous armored vehicles and other military technology, he believes that Russia is not as strong as it wants the world to think. Lange urges Western nations to be cautious about certain myths surrounding Russia's military capabilities.
At 12:42, Ukraine has deployed additional forces to bolster its defenses in the Kharkiv region. Their Ministry of Defense made this announcement, emphasizing that the reinforcements are intended to support the existing troops in resisting Russian attacks. In the early morning, Russian forces had attempted to break through the border using armored vehicles, but were repelled. However, fighting continued in the area.
At 12:31, the governor of the Kharkiv region, Oleh Synehubov, shares that Russian troops have attempted to breach the border of Ukraine. He stated that the Russian artillery barrage on Vovchansk, a city near the Russian border, was unsuccessful. Synehubov asserted that Russia does not possess the resources to make an advance on the city of Kharkiv. He considers these actions a "provocation."
At 12:13, a 64-year-old woman was killed and a 17-year-old girl was injured in a Russian attack in Sumy Oblast. The Ukrainian state news agency, Ukrinform, reported this tragedy, which took place in the Shostkynskyi district. The girl is the granddaughter of the deceased according to the regional public prosecutor's office. The assault lasted for an hour, with the victims being hit by artillery fire targeting civilian infrastructure.
At 11:41, Ukraine is facing a considerable power shortage after several attacks on its energy infrastructure. Due to these incidents, the country has decided to impose restrictions on energy usage for both companies and industry. The severity of the situation was highlighted by Ukrenergo, the Ukrainian state energy supplier, in a report. Five major attacks have happened since the beginning of the year, with the most recent one on the night of May 8. Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, the head of Ukrenergo, suggests that imports from Europe may not be fully sufficient to address the energy deficit. Ukraine has already reached out to nearby countries, including Poland, for support.
At 11:23, the FDP parliamentary group opposes the notion of exempting defense spending from the debt brake. Christian Dürr, the group leader, states that defense spending is not subjected to the debt brake, but determined by political decisions. He says that they need to reevaluate their budget to address the situation. In response to these proposals, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius wanted defense spending and parts of crisis preparedness to be excluded from the debt brakes, but Finance Minister Christian Lindner from the FDP rejected this idea. Instead, he suggested reallocating resources within the government budget to stimulate the economy.
At 10:51 AM, the mayor of Kharkiv said that Russian troops had attacked the city with an S-300 missile the previous night. Ukrinform shared this news, citing Mayor Ihor Terekhov. The attack left an 11-year-old child and a 72-year-old woman injured. It also caused a fire in three houses, with two being completely destroyed and one partially damaged. A total of 26 buildings and over 300 windows were destroyed.
At 10:13 AM, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested his previous Prime Minister, Mikhail Mishustin, as the new Prime Minister in his upcoming term. The speaker of the lower house of parliament announced this news.
Between 9:56 and 9:18 AM, there were 95 skirmishes between Ukrainian and Russian troops. Ukinform, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, made this announcement on Facebook. The Russian military conducted six rocket attacks, 80 air strikes, and 127 attacks with multiple rocket launchers on Ukrainian troops and towns and villages.
At 8:36 AM, Rainer Munz, a reporter for ntv, expressed her opinion on Putin's latest nuclear threat. In her view, it's a "political bluff." She also discussed why Ukrainian drones could pose a problem for Russia.
ISW analysts think that Russia's accusations of a "Nazi-like genocide" in Moldova might be part of a plan to take over the entire country. This suspicion stems from the fact that Moscow has been using similar remarks to justify its aggression in other parts of Eastern Europe, like Ukraine. Zakharova, a Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, made these claims in a TASS interview during the Russian military parade for "Victory Day." Moldovan Victory, a pro-Kremlin opposition group, was also present at the parade, which could indicate Russia's intention to destabilize all of Moldova and halt its democratic processes and EU accession.
In the Russian region of Kaluga, an oil refinery caught fire after a Ukrainian drone attack. The Russian state news agency RIA reported this, quoting emergency service insiders. Three diesel fuel and one heating oil containers were destroyed in the fire at the Pervyi Zavod refinery. Governor Vladislav Shapshah initially stated that a fire at one of the companies had been extinguished, but he didn't specify which one.
Finally, at 7:51 AM, Ukrainian officials said that nearly 1,000 Russian soldiers were eliminated in one day. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense reported this figure. They have recorded 479,710 Russian soldiers killed or injured since the beginning of the conflict in February 2022. The Ministry also announced the loss of 5 more tanks and 9,800 drones. Moscow hasn't released any information regarding its own casualties in Ukraine. [10:51] Kharkiv faced an attack using a Russian S-300 missile during the night. According to the city's mayor, Ihor Terekhov, a child aged 11 years and a 72-year-old woman were injured in this incident. A fire erupted in three buildings: two were destroyed completely, and one partially. 26 buildings and over 300 windows were affected by this attack.[10:13] Vladimir Putin recommends Mikhail Mishustin for the position of Russian Prime Minister again. This news was shared by the lower house of parliament's speaker.[09:56] In the last 24 hours, 95 clashes took place between Ukrainian and Russian troops. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine posted these numbers on Facebook. The Russian army conducted six rocket attacks, 80 air raids, and 127 strikes with rocket launchers against Ukrainian troop positions and settlements.[09:18] Rainer Munz, an ntv correspondent, believes Putin's renewed nuclear threat is just a "political bluff." She also discussed why Ukrainian drones might be problematic for Russia.[08:36] ISW analysts consider Moscow's accusations of "Nazi-like genocide" in Moldova as preparation for more aggressive actions. This hypothesis stems from the similar tactics used by Russia in other Eastern European nations, like Ukraine. Maria Zakharova, a Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, made these statements during an interview with TASS. Analysts suggested that pro-Kremlin actors, such as Moldovan Victory, may be utilized by Moscow to destabilize Moldova and undermine its democratic processes and plans for EU accession.[08:12] A fire broke out at an oil refinery in Russian Kaluga. A media report claims this fire was caused by a Ukrainian drone attack. Emergency service insiders told RIA, a state news agency, about the incident. Three diesel fuel and one heating oil tank were destroyed in the fire at the Pervyi Zavod refinery. Governor Vladislav Shapshah previously reported the immediate extinguishing of a fire, but he didn't specify which company was affected.[07:51] Ukrainian authorities claimed that 980 Russian soldiers were killed or incapacitated in a single day. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense provided this information. Since the beginning of the war in 2022, Ukraine has recorded the loss of 479,710 Russian soldiers, 5 more tanks, and almost 9,800 drones captured or destroyed by its forces.
07:29 Russian troops intensively attack Sumy oblast with more than 300 attacks
The authorities of the Sumy oblast in Ukraine report that Russian troops have attacked the region 302 times in 60 separate incidents throughout the day. These attacks primarily targeted 11 border communities and involved mortar, drone, rocket, and artillery attacks, with explosives also dropped from drones onto two communities, according to the Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Independent." While no casualties or injuries were reported, the town of Velyka Pysarivka, located near the Ukrainian-Russian border and home to approximately 4,000 people pre-war, sustained the majority of these incidents with a recorded 67 explosions.
07:03 SBU arrests man in Kharkiv accused of spying on Ukrainian positions
The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) has taken into custody a 45-year-old man from Kharkiv, charged with spying on Ukrainian positions. The local media outlet "Kyiv Independent" reported the news. The accused is accused of keeping tabs on Ukrainian military installations and transmitting their coordinates to Russian intelligence. The SBU say they found evidence of his activities when they apprehended him at his residence in the Vovchansk district. Authorities have confiscated his mobile phone, with records of alleged communications with Russian intelligence agents.
06:34 Ukrainian military intercepts and destroys all ten Russian drones launched last night
Ukraine's military said they have successfully intercepted and destroyed all ten combat drones Russian forces launched last night. The Ukrainian Air Force stated on their official Telegram account that the Russian military also fired two anti-aircraft-guided missiles; however, their fates remain unknown.
06:09 Governor confirms Russian drone attack in Russian region, no casualties
Governor Vladislav Shapshah of the Russian region of Kaluga claims a fire occurred at a nearby company because of a Ukrainian drone attack. He shared the news via Telegram and reported that the blaze has since been extinguished. There were no casualties. It remained unclear which company was targeted.
05:16 Russian airstrike damages homes in Kharkiv, one person injured
The city of Kharkiv experienced significant damage after a Russian airstrike that ignited a fire in a residential neighborhood during Russian airstrikes. The mayor, Igor Terakhow, informed residents via his Telegram account, adding that one person endured injuries due to the attack.
04:25 Defence Minister emphasizes unity against Russian expansionist ambitions
Ukrainian Defence Minister Boris Pistorius highlighted the importance of Western Allies unity during his visit to Washington, stating that "America and Europe together can keep the West strong and defend it against Russia’s expansionist ambitions and the unbridled desires for power and dominance from other players." He expressed optimism that they will seize this "transatlantic opportunity" like they have in the past, mentioning the Berlin Airlift, the Marshall Plan, and the reunification of Germany.
03:14 Russian drone intercepted south of Moscow
Moscow's mayor, Sergey Sobyanin, communicated via Telegram that Russian air defense systems captured a drone in the skies south of the city. There were no reports of casualties or injuries due to falling debris. The news cannot be independently verified.
01:20 President Zelensky urges Ukraine's accession to the EU for political reasons
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continues his efforts to join the European Union. In his daily video address, he said, "[Our] state, our people deserve it, and the European Union also needs this step - not just politically." Kiev hopes to commence accession negotiations in June.
23:22 180,000 pieces of ammunition purchased by partners are expected to arrive in Ukraine in roughly two months
Czech President Petr Pavel informed a German broadcaster that the first batch of ammunition purchased by European allies through the Czech-led initiative will reach Ukraine in June. The ammunition will be in the form of 155mm and 122mm shells, and supplies have already been contracted for an additional five to six-digit number of shells. Prague identified 500,000 155mm shells and 300,000 122mm shells that could be procured and delivered to Ukraine once funding was secured. Several countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, France, Denmark, Belgium, Sweden, and Slovenia, have committed funds to the Czech initiative that could result in 1.5 million shells being delivered to Ukraine. The first 180,000 shells are scheduled to arrive in June.
Kiev will limit evening street lighting due to Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy system resulting in widespread power shortages across the nation, has revealed Serhii Popko, the head of Kiev's military administration. The latest attack from Russia, which occurred on Wednesday night, targeted the oblasts of Poltava, Kirovohrad, Zaporizhia, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kiev and Vinnytsia, causing significant damage to the energy infrastructure. Two hydroelectric power plants were forcibly shut down as a result of the attack.
Kiev's potential accession to the EU by the year 2030 is considered a viable timeline by Katarina Mathernova, the EU Ambassador to Ukraine. Although she admits that predicting when exactly Ukraine might join the European Union is an impossible task, she still considers this time frame as a reasonable estimate. In November 2023, the European Commission recommended the initiation of accession talks with Kiev, but emphasized that four additional reforms needed to be fulfilled first. This recommendation was followed by the European Council's decision to start accession negotiations with Ukraine the next month.
In response to a foiled assassination attempt on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Zelensky has dismissed the head of his bodyguard. The head of the State Security Department of Ukraine, Serhiy Leonidovich Rud, was summarily dismissed as per a presidential decree issued on this matter. Two officers were apprehended for allegedly planning the assassination attempt. The Ukrainian domestic intelligence service SBU reported that it had dismantled a "network of agents" under the control of Russia's secret service FSB who were planning the murder of the Ukrainian president.
Ukrainian oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky was issued an arrest warrant by a Kiev court on May 9 as part of a murder case. He will remain in custody until July 7 without the option of bail. Kolomoisky, a well-known business tycoon in Ukraine, was previously arrested on charges of fraud and money laundering related to his oil and gas holdings. Last Wednesday, the Prosecutor General's Office reported that Kolomoisky was also suspected of commissioning the murder of a lawyer in Crimea over 20 years ago. The lawyer, who had refused Kolomoisky's demands to annul a decision made at a shareholders' meeting, was targeted by hitmen in accordance with the investigation.
Volodymyr Zelensky reappointed Dmytro Hereha as commander of the Ukrainian support forces after originally firing him and appointing Oleksandr Yakovets in March. This change in leadership was part of Zelensky's reshuffle of positions within the Ukrainian military, which also included the dismissal of Ukraine's most senior military commander Valery Salushnyi. Hereha was dismissed after just two months in office, only to be reinstated as commander of the Support Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, a vital formation within the Ukrainian military responsible for providing operational support to the troops.
The missing person notices for Volodymyr Zelenskyi and Petro Poroshenko (Ukraine's current and former presidents) have mysteriously vanished from the Russian Interior Ministry's website, according to Russian media outlet Mediazona. The profiles were removed shortly after being inadvertently discovered by the Russian news agency RIA Novosti on Saturday. Mediazona claims that the two Ukrainian presidents had been added to the wanted list by a Russian Interior Ministry office in the occupied areas of the Ukrainian oblast of Donetsk, a development that seemingly occurred towards the end of February.
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- The ongoing Ukraine conflict has seen Russia launch military operations in the Luhansk region, targeting an oil depot in Rowenky and resulting in a fire.
- In response to Russia's aggressive actions, Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, has called for timely foreign aid to strengthen Ukraine's military capabilities.
- Amidst escalating tensions, there are concerns over a potential cyberwar targeting Ukraine, with experts warning of the potential for disturbances in critical infrastructure.
- With NATO monitoring the situation closely, there have been calls for increased military support from NATO members to aid Ukraine in their defense against Russian attacks.
Source: www.ntv.de
