At 00:39, the United Nations report a death toll of 174 civilians in Ukraine.
As per a recent United Nations declaration, May recorded at least 174 civilian casualties in Ukraine, which marks the deadliest month since June 2023. Ukraine alleges that Russia deliberately targets residential areas near the front lines, aiming to prompt evacuations. Russia refutes such accusations, claiming they do not purposefully attack civilians.
23:24: Ambulance Attacked: Drone Explodes on Emergency Vehicle
In an incident reported from Ukraine, Russian soldiers are said to have attacked an ambulance by dropping explosives from a drone. The vehicle's driver sustained injuries during the incident in Biloserka, a community in the southern part of the country, as reported by the region's governor.
22:23: Prosecutor General: Over 90% of Returning POWs Tortured
Torturing prisoners of war and civilians is believed to be a common occurrence within the Russian military, claims Ukrainian Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin. According to the news portal "Euromaidan Press," up to 90% of the returning Ukrainian prisoners of war faced some form of torture or inhumane treatment, physical, including sexual, and psychological violence.
21:42: Zelenskyy: Kharkiv Offensive Failed
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy considers Russia's offensive attempt in the Kharkiv region a failure. In a statement, the president mentioned his conversation with Chief of Staff Oleksandr Syrskyi regarding the present situation at the frontlines. Zelenskyy remarked that Russian forces have not been successful with their operation around Kharkiv. Despite their efforts, Ukrainian forces are struggling to contain their advance while simultaneously destroying incoming Russian units.
21:17: Deaths and Injuries from Aerial Bombardment in Kharkiv Regions
The Charkiv Prosecutor's Office reported one death and two injured women after an air raid struck a village near Kharkiv. A destroyed building was shown in pictures released by the prosecutor's office, with claims that a school, residential, and commercial buildings were damaged in the village of Khotimlia.
20:43: Drones Hit Military Airfield Hundreds of Kilometers Away
Ukrainian intelligence confirms that Ukrainian drones attacked a military airfield in the Caucasus, reportedly in a special operation executed by the intelligence service. The military intelligence agency HUR states that the drone attack occurred in the Caucasus region, with the air defense responding by shooting down three drones over the city of Mosdok. The attack led to "minor damage and fires." The Defense Ministry in Moscow acknowledged the occurrence of a drone attack in the area but did not release further details.
20:07: Kharkiv Governor: Russian Assaults Subsiding, But Threat Persists
Despite seemingly decreased activity along the frontline, Russian troops are still attempting to fortify their positions and advance, warns the governor of Karkiv, Oleh Syniehubov. He told the Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform that there is continuous shelling of settlements such as Wowtschansk, Sinkivka, and Andriivka. Kharkiv authorities have fleed to Russia since the Russian ground offensive at the start of the year.
19:26: Collaborating Administrator Expires After Assault
A former Ukrainian mayor, Hennadii Matsehora, is now in critical condition following an attack. Ukrainian military intelligence HUR does not take responsibility for the attack but accuses Matsehora of willingly cooperating with the Russian military when they invaded Kupiansk at the end of February 2022. Ukrainian authorities claim the mayor fled to Russia after the city was liberated from Russian control.
18:49: Biden Guarantees Continued Assistance: "Putin Will Not Succeed in Ukraine"
Despite the disagreement surrounding the deployment of military trainers to Ukraine, the United States and France remain steadfast in their resolve to support Ukraine and its allies. During his state visit to France, U.S. President Biden expressed their commitment to standing steadfastly by Ukraine and its allies. He also reiterated the potential risks to Europe if Putin can conquer Ukraine. "We will not let that happen," Biden emphasized.
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German Chancellor Scholz rejects Macron's proposal: NATO soldiers won't be in Ukraine
After French President Macron's announcement of sending military trainers to Ukraine, German Chancellor Scholz once again opposes deploying German soldiers to the war-torn region. He emphasized, at an SPD election event in Duisburg, "We'll keep working to prevent escalation," while also highlighting American President Biden's similar stance. Both leaders are adamant there'll be no troops from their countries or NATO in Ukraine. Read more.
17:31: Woman dies in hospital after Ukrainian house bombing
According to Ukrainian sources, two civilians died due to Russian attacks. A woman reported dead in hospital, rescued from rubble of a house in Poltava, was one of them. Governorn Filip Pronin shared on Telegram that "doctors fought till the last minute for her life." The house near Poltava was bombed by a Russian rocket on Friday. In Kherson, a 60-year-old woman was killed in Dudchany village following the Russian army's firing on the region.
16:58: Luhansk governor: Casualties from Ukrainian missile attack increase
The Moscow-installed governor of the occupied Ukrainian region of Luhansk reveals two more deaths after a Ukrainian missile strike. The casualties now number six, as the bodies were found in the rubble. Moreover, 60 people were reportedly injured in the attack on Luhansk city, Pasechnik stated. Pasechnik declared a day of mourning and canceled public events Read more.
16:29: Swiss NGO assists arrested employee in Russia
The Geneva-based non-governmental organization, Center for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) is aiding their detained staff member in Russia. This intervention involves locating a lawyer and reaching out to Russian authorities. "Branches of HD remain engaged in discussions about the circumstances which led to his arrest and charges resulting from them," they shared. According to state-owned Russian news agency Tass, Vinatiers' lawyer said his client pled guilty in court and didn't think of registering as a foreign agent. Besides, the Russian authorities accuse him of gathering information on military activity.
15:57: Ukrainian air defense successfully intercepted less than half the Russian drones
The Ukrainian air defense forces confirm that they've downed nine out of 13 Russian drones, covering the central regions of Poltava, southern regions of Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk, and northeastern region of Kharkiv. However, 1 drone damaged commercial and residential buildings and, according to Dnipropetrovsk Governor Serhiy Lysak, who announced this news, "Russia attacked Ukraine with 25 drones today; no casualties were reported."
15:25: Kiev: Russian forces crippled 75% of Ukraine's power plants
Russian forces have damaged a larger portion of Ukraine's power infrastructure, reportedly disrupting 75% of the country's electricity generating capacity. Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal claimed on Ukrainian TV (per "The New Voice of Ukraine") that 50% of the nation's energy capacity has been destroyed by Russian rocket and drone attacks, transcribed in an interview as: "Russia has destroyed 50% of our electricity generation capacity." This represents approximately 9.2 gigawatts, half of the capacity required last winter. It is noteworthy that 20 hydroelectric power plants are operating.
14:48: Two Rapists Among Russian Occupiers Identified
The Kyiv Independent news portal claims to have identified two Russian soldiers who sexually assaulted two women in Ukraine during the Russian occupation of the Kiev and Kherson areas in 2022. The suspects haven't been prosecuted for their crimes yet, as the documentary "He Came Back" investigates sexual violence by Russian military forces close to the beginning of the war in a report detailing 292 registered cases of sexual crimes by Russian soldiers. One suspect is currently living in the occupied city of Horlivka, Donetsk region, while the other is alleged to have committed other war crimes like murder. Read more.
13:57: Moscow's response to the Crimean Bridge - new defense measures in place
UK intelligence experts have spotted eight barges in satellite images of the Kerch Bridge, installed by the Russian military to strengthen its protection and maintain a clear approach angle against Ukrainian drones. The British report notes that previous installations, damaged by severe weather, have been replaced. The Kerch Bridge connects the mainland Russia to Crimea and is critical to Russian front-line supply lines. Read more.
13:41 Pistorius affirms: German military needs to "get battle-ready"Defense Minister Boris Pistorius reiterates his statement that the German military must "get battle-ready." It's about being ready to wage a defense war if attacked - "thus being prepared for the worst to avoid facing it," said the defense minister today at the German military's celebration in Faßberg. Many security experts estimate that Russia could take roughly five years to build capacities for an attack on a NATO country. The Kremlin invested about 5.9% of its economy on the military in 2023 and is increasing it to 7%.
13:15 Ukraine: South Front constantly under fire, attacks stymied
At the South Front, Russian forces continue to attack with relentless ferocity. Over the span of this past Friday, Ukraine recorded 240 reconnaissance drones over the southern region. Besides artillery, rockets, and combat drones, they are being deployed. The Ukrainian forces claim to have repelled three attacks in the areas of Orichiv and Krynky.
12:29 Kuleba: Utilize frozen Russian assets for Ukraine!
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba asks those supporting Ukraine not only to utilize the profits from frozen Russian assets but also these assets themselves. "We understand our partners' concerns about the ramifications of this measure," Kuleba says, "but we are on the grounds of international law." In the EU, assets belonging to the Russian central bank are locked up at a value exceeding 200 billion euros. It's also being contemplated by the G7 during their summit in Italy next week whether not only the interest but also the funds themselves could be utilized.
11:55 Near Kharkiv: Even cows shot at by Russians
Reports are coming from Kharkiv, where people have lost everything due to Russian attacks - their families, their homes. On a farm, the Russians even shot at some cows.
11:34 Scholz: "Putin won't succeed"
Before the European elections, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expresses his stance on Russia attacking Ukraine. "Putin will not succeed with his imperialistic endeavors," Scholz states in a video message. "He must acknowledge that he won't prevail in his brutal campaign." Peace policy means "backing Ukraine in guarding its independence and sovereignty."
10:57 Airfield in Caucasus attacks under Ukrainian drone strikes
Moscow reports that a Ukrainian drone reached the North Ossetian region in the Caucasus. The regional leader confirms that the objective was a military airfield. The media claim this is the first time since the onset of the conflict that a Ukrainian drone has made it to the North Ossetian region, which is over 700 kilometers distant from the Ukrainian border. This airfield is where combat jets are launched for strikes on Ukraine, like with guided missiles. The Ukrainian army is focusing more and more on destroying infrastructure on Russian territory to disrupt logistics and supply chains.
10:20 Front at Pokrovsk: Single Ukrainian brigade impedes three Russian brigades
As per reports from the Ukrainian Army, Russian forces are attacking heavily at the eastern front. At the Pokrovsk front, a Ukrainian armored brigade is defending there, stopping three Russian brigades. This frontline is the crux of the clashes. The location is situated west of Ocheretyne, which has now been seized by the Russians. "They're trying to push deep into our territory," the report states. "With massive reinforcements of troops, the Russians swiftly compensate for their significant casualties and throw more and more soldiers into the fray. The skirmish never stops."
09:48 Moscow: Ukrainian drone attacks denote further emphasis on cutting Russian supply lines
Moscow claims that on Saturday morning, 25 Ukrainian combat drones swarmed Russian targets. The Defense Ministry alleges they were downed in Rostov, Bryansk, Belgorod, and Crimean Peninsula's border areas.
09:12 Sharma: Russians intending to create a wedge within Ukrainian positions
The state of affairs in the Donetsk region remains tense. Russian troops appear to be trying to execute a strategy experts have been warning about, confirmed by Kavita Sharma from the Donetsk region.
08:55 Ukrainian General Staff: 1,210 Russian fatalities since yesterday
The Ukrainian General Staff reported that 1,210 Russian soldiers died or were injured in the last 24 hours. They claim Russian losses since the onset of the full-scale invasion in February 2022 are in excess of 517,000. Yesterday, the Ukrainian army demonstrated success, destroying nine Russian tanks, 36 armored cars, a multiple rocket launcher, and seven air defense systems.
08:31 Ferrying Ukrainian participation in the EM - Security position "tense"
Ukraine's military intelligence agency HUR reveals that Russia is plotting a multi-million-euro propaganda push against Ukraine's military leadership. 15 million euros are believed to be committed to creating articles and films that would portray the Ukrainian special forces and military leadership in a negative light. Russian forces have been instructed to propagate this material in Ukrainian and Western media. The objective is to strain relationships within Ukraine.
German authorities anticipate a worried atmosphere as the approaching European Football Championship nears. Their primary concern encompasses the possibility of severe cyber assaults, particularly since Russia is engaged in its harmful war against Ukraine, whose squad is competing in the EM. A crucial task for them is safeguarding stadiums and other event venues from aerial drone attacks. Previously, drones were spotted over German army bases where Ukrainian soldiers received training, reinforcing these concerns. Islamic attacks on one of the 51 matches or significant fan festivals could also occur. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser pledged a substantial police force presence at stadiums and fan zones, labeling it as a "strong statement."
In the evening, explosions popped up in Sevastopol throughout occupied Crimean Peninsula as per Ukrainian Media, including reports by the Kyiv Independent. The settlement of Balaklava, a city in Sevastopol, experienced the noise of these explosions around 1:39 local time. From Crimean Wind reports, the initial detonation occurred near a power plant. Crimean Wind suspects a drone attack, as large-caliber noises were heard prior to the explosion. A second explosion followed close behind, occurring in the vicinity of Sevastopol's port. The Kyiv Independent is yet to confirm the reports. Ukrainian troops make an effort to halt Russian war logistics and supply for their front line by orchestrating strikes on infrastructure.
Reports of nighttime explosions surfaced from Crimea's Sevastopol, unveiled by Ukrainian Media and citing Crimean Wind. Settlers near Balaklava, a neighborhood in Sevastopol, heard explosions around 1:39 local time approximately. Per Crimean Wind, the first explosion erupted near a power plant, likely resulting from a drone attack, seeing as a substantial gunfire preceded it. Just moments later, a second explosion was heard near Sevastopol's harbor. The authenticity of these reports are still under investigation by the Kyiv Independent. Ukrainian soldiers attempt to thwart Russian logistics for their assaults by damaging their infrastructure.
The Ukrainian Air Force provides admiration for the Mirage fighters France plans to donate, remarking they are advanced and multifunctional. However, the top spot on their list still goes to F-16 fighter aircraft. The training of F-16 pilots is not yet complete, and pilot schooling on Mirage fighters needs roughly half a year. The French Mirage jet originated in France during the 1970s and was exported to several countries. It was previously the preeminent combat jet utilized by the French Army.
In Sumy, a Ukrainian-Russian border area, eight additional settlements are being evacuated following continuous Russian attacks. State television recently made this announcement. Over 50 blasts were recorded in Sumy in the last 24 hours. At the commencement of the week, fatalities amounted to three while injuries totaled three as a result of Russian shelling. These incidents led the number of civilians killed this year in the region to 50. They suffered from explosions caused by artillery, mortars, and suicide drones.
The French arms organization Thales is selling a second air defense system to Ukraine. After delivering a prior air defense system in 2023, Ukraine will buy a second one, according to Thales, without mentioning the purchase price. Zelensky, the President, highlights the requirement for aircraft defense since there is insufficient protection for Ukrainian troops on the front line and significant cities in the country.
According to Bloomberg, Germany considers sending a fourth Patriot missile defense system to Kyiv, marking the fourth one Germany delivers to Ukraine. This decision comes during a time when Germany permits the use of Patriot systems against Russian aircraft in their airspace. With Patriot, Ukraine could hypothetically bring down aircraft from Russia that use rockets or glide bombs to strike targets in the Kharkiv area beyond Russian airspace.
"Russian people are merely an audience": Zelensky dismisses Putin's legitimacy assertionIn response to Russian President Vladimir Putin's claims regarding the "illicit" legitimacy of Volodymyr Zelensky's presidency, Zelensky insists that Putin is the only one who perceives him as legitimate. "In Ukraine, our president is chosen by the people. I'm thankful to the Ukrainian populace for their support. Our nation is free; honestly, we're battling for this." While conversing with French President Macron, Zelensky added, "Putin's legitimacy is merely recognized by Putin himself. Putin solely selects Putin. Russians are merely a backdrop, and he's the only one on the show's main stage."
At the Berlin Conference, Germany intends to offer Ukraine possibilities beyond military aid in the upcoming week. This involves presenting opportunities to civil society, economy, municipalities, and regions. Additional themes consist of reforms and employment. The conference on Tuesday and Wednesday in Berlin will host Chancellor Scholz, various German Ministers and Ministers, and a prominent Ukrainian delegation. This event, as a government rep stated, "isn't a fundraising conference, but a networking conference."
As per the Russian administrators, a Ukrainian artillery assault claimed the lives of 22 civilians in a Russian-occupied village in the southern area of Kherson. Vladimir Saldo, the Russian-assigned leader for the region, claimed through Telegram that the village's store, bustling with people, was targeted in the village of Sady. 15 individuals also sustained injuries during the incident. In his message, he denounces the terrible killing of civilians, attributing it to the Western shipments of weapons to Ukraine. While his posting displays images, they fail to convey a comprehensive image of the damage. And there are no independent verifications available for this occurrence.
Macron pushes for EU accession talks with Ukraine "by the end of the month"
French President Macron pushes for discussions on Ukraine's EU accession "by the end of the month." Speaking at a joint press conference alongside Ukrainian President Zelensky in Paris, Macron declares, "France stands with Ukraine in all aspects, including on the European level, where we're trying to initiate real start of accession negotiations by the end of this month." Zelensky likewise states, "There are decisions concerning Ukraine's EU integration that are almost complete." Earlier, the EU Commission confirmed it believes the conditions for Ukrainian accession talks have been met. The neighboring country of Moldova faces a similar fate. However, Hungary, which will assume the EU presidency on July 1, is hindering the process.
A dip in Zelenskyy's support: polls put him at an all-time low
In the wake of over two years of war, President Zelenskyy's public approval in Ukraine has plummeted to an all-time low - yet he still manages to retain the trust of more than half the populace. The KIIS Institute's survey reveals that Zelenskyy's support level has dipped below 60% for the first time. In May 2022 (shortly after the Russian offensive war commenced), the figure was 90%. Zelenskyy's approval ratings have been on a downward trend since the inception of the war. Although his tenure was scheduled to end in May, he continued in the role under martial law. Authorities in Ukraine announced that no elections would take place for the foreseeable future, given that 20% of the nation is under Russian control and millions of Ukrainians have evacuated abroad.
The United States refuses to take part in Macron's idea of sending military trainers to Ukraine
The US government has no plans to participate in Macron's endeavor to dispatch military trainers to Ukraine. John Kirby, Director of Communications for the National Security Council, indicated this during a visit to France by US President Joe Biden. While acknowledging Biden's support, Kirby reiterated, "Biden has been steadfast since the outset of the Ukraine conflict that he would not send American soldiers there." Kirby affirmed, "That has been the case thus far and will continue to be so." Biden ordains that it is Macron's prerogative to determine how much information to make public and the degree of clarity to provide. However, Biden has delivered several messages since the conflict in Ukraine began, one of which being, "We aim to avert a third world war and a war with Russia."
Read also:
- Despite the United Nations reporting 174 civilian casualties in Ukraine, Russia continues to deny purposefully attacking civilians, claiming their actions are not deliberate.
- The Ukraine conflict escalates as an ambulance in Biloserka is attacked by Russian soldiers using a drone, leading to injuries for the vehicle's driver.
- As tensions between Ukraine and Russia grow, NATO is considering military operations against Russia, with the potential involvement of leaders like Volodymyr Selensky.
- The Cyberwar between Ukraine and Russia intensifies as Ukrainian drones successfully strike a military airfield in the Caucasus, causing "minor damage and fires."
