Army chief Syrskyi refers to the situation in Kharkiv as "markedly worse."

Army Chief Syrskyi describes Kharkiv's situation as "noticeably escalated."

After the progression of Russian soldiers toward the Ukrainian border area of Kharkiv, Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Olexander Syrskyj described the circumstances there as challenging. "This week, the state of affairs in the Kharkiv region has become significantly worse," Syrskyj shared on Telegram. "Fighting is currently underway in the border areas along the state border with the Russian Federation." He then added, "The situation is difficult, but the Ukrainian Defence Forces are making every effort to maintain defensive lines and positions." Meanwhile, he admitted that the Russian assailants had attained "partial victories" in some regions. Reports suggest that the Russian offensive in the Kharkiv border area, which has been underway since Friday and has led to the conquest of several villages, is connected to a newly established Russian military group known as Sever. George Barros of the Institute for the Study of War in Washington states that Sever is a "operationally significant group." "Russia meant to deploy 60,000 to 100,000 troops for its group's attack on Kharkiv. We presume it's more like 50,000," Barros conveyed to the broadcaster, "they still possess considerable combat power."

14:07 ISW: A Fresh Military Group with Tens of Thousands of Fighters Threatens Ukraine
As per a CNN report, the Russian assault in the Kharkiv region, which has been ongoing since Friday and reportedly involves a number of captured villages, is attributed to the emergence of a new Russian military group named Sever. George Barros of the Institute for the Study of War in Washington informs the broadcaster that Sever represents a significant operational mechanism. "Russia wanted to field 60,000 to 100,000 troops for its group's invasion of Kharkiv. We suspect it's closer to 50,000," Barros said, but "they still retain significant combat ability."

13:30 Governor of Kharkiv Region: 4,000 People Evacuated
According to Oleh Synyehubov, the governor of the Kharkiv region, around 4,000 residents have been evacuated from neighbouring villages over the past two days due to the threat of the new Russian offensive. "We're offering lodging to anyone who requires it. Seventy percent of the evacuees have accommodations, mostly with relatives and friends," Synyehubov stated on Telegram.

12:59 **Russia Alleges Capture of Further Villages and Destruction of Several Helicopters
As per the Ministry of Defence in Moscow, Russian soldiers have seized control of four additional villages in the northeastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv. Hatyshche, Krasne, Morokhovets, and Oliyinykove are now under Russian authority, the ministry revealed. It has also claimed, "We had already announced the capture of five villages yesterday." The Russian military started its attack on Kharkiv on Friday. Despite their initial entry into the region during the onset of their invasion in February 2022, the Russians were subsequently pushed back by Ukrainian forces. In the Dnipropetrovsk region to the south of Ukraine, Russian soldiers have claimed to have destroyed four Ukrainian helicopters and damaged one, the Russian Ministry of Defence asserts.

12:24 "We're knowledgeable about the adversary's plans, and we adapt swiftly to their every move"
Ukrainian army chief Syrskyj disclosed the situation on the front in a statement: "The defense forces are fervently fighting. We've prevented the Russian occupiers from breaking through our fortifications. Our reconnaissance, artillery, and drone units are in action. We comprehend the enemy's intentions and respond suitably to their actions." Commenting on the latest Russian offensive by the Kremlin's troops, Syrskyj mentioned, "The situation in the Kharkiv region has deteriorated considerably this week. The circumstances are arduous, but the Ukrainian Defence Forces are doing everything they can to uphold defensive lines and positions and inflict harm on the foe." In the Chassiv Yar area, the Russians have failed in their attempts to retake the position lost in the Klishchiivka area. "Despite the tough circumstances, we're facilitating unit rotation to enable soldiers to rest and restore the fight capableness of the brigades," Syrskyi concluded.

11:53 Partial Collapse of a High-rise Building in Russia After Shelling - Three Reported Dead
As per the governor of Belgorod Oblast, Vyacheslav Gladkov, a high-rise residential complex in the Russian metropolis of Belgorod has partially collapsed in the aftermath of Ukraine's shelling. According to media reports, at least three people perished. Around 20 individuals may still be buried under the debris. "The city and the oblast were bombarded extensively by the Ukrainian armed forces," sheds light Gladkov. "A shell's direct impact on an apartment building resulted in the overall entrance region from the tenth to the second floor to crumble." Belgorod Oblast borders Ukraine and has experienced numerous assaults from there. There was initially no announcement from Ukraine. Russian bombers have also frequently targeted civilian infrastructure in the region, presumably due to mechanical malfunctions.

11:19 The conflict between Russia and Ukraine impacts Gazprom's business
The British Ministry of Defense believes that Russian energy giant Gazprom will suffer the repercussions of Russia's aggressive actions against Ukraine for years. This is due to its strained relationship with its major Western clients since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Gazprom's inability to break free from its reliance on the European market may continue to hurt its profits until 2030. Recently, Gazprom reported its first net loss since 1999. The company will need to pay around 25 billion euros in taxes, or 9% of total Russian government revenue, in 2023, according to reports from London. Plans to increase Gazprom's tax burden in 2024 could have contributed to its decision to cut investments by approximately 15% in 2024.

10:44 Ukraine claims strikes on Russian targets
Ukraine reports that it attacked various Russian targets last night, including an oil refinery in Volgograd's Krasnoarmeysky district, the Kaluganaftelectroduct oil depot in Kaluga, and a plant in Lipetsk. A military intelligence source told the Unian news agency that "military targets were also hit." The attack on the oil refinery in Volgograd caused multiple explosions, followed by a fire. The governor of the Volgograd region, Andrei Bocharov, confirmed the information. The Russian government claims that its air defense successfully deflected the attack, causing only a small fire from falling drone debris. However, Ukrainian media shares videos and images that suggest a larger fireball.

10:06 "The situation is becoming increasingly complex" - reserves needed
Deepstate, a channel with ties to the Ukrainian military, discusses the difficult fighting in the Kharkiv area in its recent analysis. "The situation is getting more and more complicated. The enemy is gradually bringing more and more forces into our area, the infantry is constantly penetrating, moving in groups to settlements and trying to gain a foothold there and advance further." The region needs more attention, "otherwise the enemy will have even more success, which will have very negative consequences," said Deepstate. Although the primary objective of the Russian forces is to divert attention from other areas, the situation could become "very serious" without the introduction of Ukrainian reserves.

09:30 ntv reporter Weichert: "Russia intends to outpace Ukrainian troops"
Russian forces are waging a large-scale attack near Kharkiv, with several villages reportedly captured. Zelenskyi wants to stop the Russians at all costs. Ukraine is moving troops to the region - and according to ntv reporter Jürgen Weichert, this is precisely the goal Russia aims to achieve:

08:50 Russian fears in Kharkiv's million-person city - video shows a different picture
While Russian forces are advancing near Ukraine's million-population city of Kharkiv, there is no news about mass evacuations there. Ukrainian security expert Maria Avdeeva notes on X that Russian propagandists claim Kharkiv is panic-stricken and empty. However, in a video she shares, people can be seen shopping normally at a busy market. Kharkiv has experienced numerous airstrikes in the past, and its population is accustomed to Russian aggression. Experts don't expect the Kremlin troops to capture Kharkiv. It's thought that Moscow may try to create a mass exodus from the Ukrainian city.

08:12 ISW: Russians achieve tactically significant progress in the Kharkiv region
The Russian army is conducting limited offensives along the Russian-Ukrainian border in the north of the Kharkiv region and "continues to make tactically significant advancements in less defensively protected areas," according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The size of the units involved in these limited operations indicates that Russian forces aren't trying to launch a large-scale operation to encircle, surround, or capture the city of Kharkiv.

6:52 Latvia is expected to provide Ukraine with vital weapons

The Ukrainian ambassador to Latvia, Anatoly Kutsevol, shared in an interview with Ukrinform that Latvia will soon provide drones and radar defense systems to Ukraine. Kutsevol mentioned, "I believe that in due time, we will hear more about drones and radar defense systems from Latvia being delivered to Ukraine." Additionally, there will be collaboration in the production of significant 155 mm artillery grenades. Furthermore, Kutsevol noted, "There are other areas in which we cooperate, but for security reasons, we can't discuss them at the moment."

6:14 Ukrainian brigade claims to have downed Russian fighter jet

The 110th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces claims to have shot down a Su-25 fighter jet by Russian troops. An update on Facebook reads, "The anti-aircraft gunners of the 110th Brigade are once again doing an outstanding job. Today they took down another SU-25." The Russian troops are apparently unaware that the skies above Ukraine are not safe for them, as more of their jets are expected to be shot down. Ukrainian Major Oleksiy Hetman on the We-Ukraine channel states that around 190 Su-25 planes are still in Russian possession. "This is indeed a powerful aircraft when it comes to inflicting damage on our troops," said Hetman. The main purpose of the Su-25 is to directly support ground combat missions.

Rescue workers evacuate an elderly woman in the Kharkiv region.

5:42 Belgorod under attack, causing casualties and damages

Reports indicate that there was a significant Ukrainian attack on Belgorod and the surrounding areas on the evening of May 11, which resulted in damage and casualties, as per Belgorod governor Vyacheslav Gladkov. Ukraine usually does not respond to allegations of attacking Belgorod. Gladkov reports engaging a missile warning alert in the oblast. Images of burning vehicles and rising smoke over Belgorod were shared on Russian Telegram channels. According to Gladkov, one woman was killed, and 29 people, including a child, were hospitalized. Residential areas, businesses, cars, medical and educational institutions, and the village of Dubovoye reportedly sustained damage.

4:29 US General predicts Russia's emphasis on arms industry rather than economy

Lieutenant General Steven Basham, deputy commander of US Air Forces in Europe, suggests that an authoritarian regime like Russia can prioritize the expansion of its arms industry over economic development to sustain its military activities in Ukraine, alongside assistance from Iran and North Korea. Basham notes at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies event on "Transatlantic Security after 75 Years of NATO" that the Western defense manufacturing sector is currently growing. "Let me be clear. It's picking up speed. It will keep outpacing Russia's capabilities. The time spent in Ukraine is the time we have to elevate our industrial base to the level it needs to be," said Basham.

3:02 Zelenskyj orders Ukrainian army to launch counterattacks in Kharkiv region

After the Russian offensive in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region, the Ukrainian military is conducting counter-attacks, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyi. In his evening video address, Zelensky said, "The troops' primary objective at the moment is to 'disrupt the Russian attack plans.' We need to regain the initiative."

1:46 One civilian killed in Russian attacks on Sumy Oblast

The Sumy Oblast regional administration reports that Russian forces targeted communities in north-eastern Ukraine over the course of the day, resulting in 93 explosions. At least one civilian was fatally wounded in a rocket attack on the outskirts of the city of Sumy, according to reports. The attack targeted local infrastructure, but no further details about the target or ramifications were provided.

23:49 Canada to attend Ukraine peace summit

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed that Canada will take part in the upcoming global peace summit for Ukraine. The summit will take place in Switzerland, with the focus on achieving peace in Ukraine in accordance with Zelensky's 10-point peace formula. A strategy that calls for the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from Russian-occupied regions. "The first peace summit for Ukraine will take place this June - and Canada will be there," Trudeau wrote on X. "I'm looking forward to working with other world leaders to advance our joint goal of a fair and enduring peace for Ukraine."

23:06 Scholz raises concern over Russian influence on European and local elections

Chancellor Olaf Scholz cautions against Russian interference in the upcoming European and regional elections. In a Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland talk show titled "RND vor Ort," Scholz highlighted concerns about foreign influence on upcoming elections, stating, "There are attempts by external parties to interfere in both the European and state elections. This is troubling." Scholz urged the appropriate authorities to investigate and confirm these claims. "There is a tremendous amount of Russian disinformation campaign propaganda during election seasons," said the SPD politician.

10:00 PM Scholz urges Ukrainian refugees to seek employment

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz has encouraged Ukrainian war refugees in Germany to find jobs as soon as possible. "We would like those who have come to Germany from Ukraine and are capable of working to start working now," said the SPD politician at a "RND vor Ort" stage talk hosted by the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland in Potsdam. "We have financed integration courses and language classes, which is why we'd like to encourage many of them to join the workforce with a job boom," added the Chancellor. "Several of them are already doing this, I must say, but there are still hundreds of thousands more who are desperately needed in the job market," said Scholz. "My advice to everyone is to follow suit."