At 10:25 p.m., a Ukrainian pilot bravely lost his life while undertaking a combat mission.
Lieutenant Colonel Denys Vasyliuk was honored with the "Order of Valor," an accolade for individual bravery and heroism. This news was shared by the 831st Tactical Aviation Brigade on Facebook, who mentioned that Vasyliuk participated in "numerous combat missions." He served as chief of staff of the brigade and a deputy commander for an aviation squadron. His unit has subsequently confirmed that Vasyliuk was killed "recently" during a military operation. Unfortunately, no additional details regarding his demise have been disclosed. The Ukrainian Air Force has yet to comment on Vasyliuk's unfortunate death.
At Cannes Film Festival, filmmaker Patryk Vega discusses his biopic about Russian President Vladimir Putin, entitled, "21:57 Putin in Cannes." In a candid interview, Vega shares that he had previously reached out to Putin, inviting him to participate in the film. However, he playfully admits to the interviewer, "I was joking." Being unable to secure Putin's involvement, Vega opted for AI technology instead. He explains, "AI requires 20,000 images of high resolution to work successfully." Vega's film, "21:57 Putin in Cannes" features a deep fake of Putin, created with the help of advanced AI. This unprecedented use of AI has astounded audiences for its stunning realism. Vega has primarily made gangster films in the past and rephrases, "As the real Putin was unavailable, I decided to capture his face using AI."
Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu shares his views on the conflict in Ukraine and its potential implications for Taiwan in an interview with the Kyiv Independent. He states, "If Russia can conduct this war against Ukraine, China could do the same with Taiwan." Wu elaborates by suggesting that Taiwan could be the next victim should Russia be successful in its current invasion of Ukraine. He insists, "It has been two years, and the future of Taiwan depends on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine."
In an evening video update, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reveals that the Ukrainian defense forces have successfully repelled a Russian attack on the city of Chasiv Yar, located in the Donetsk region. Zelensky notes that more than 20 Russian armored vehicles were destroyed during the clash.
Vega's "21:57 Putin in Cannes" showcases AI technology, resulting in a remarkably realistic depiction of Putin. Ukrainian anti-aircraft gunners of the 110th Mechanized Brigade have successfully shot down a Russian Su-25 fighter aircraft in the east of the Donetsk region. This is the fourthdowned enemy aircraft in the past two weeks, as reported by the brigade's Facebook page.
Volodymyr Zelensky reflects on the 80th anniversary of the deportation of the Crimean Tatars and draws parallels with Russia's ongoing occupation of Crimea. He shares, "We condemn Russia's mistreatment of Crimea and recognize the continued resilience of the Crimean Tatar population."
Zelensky further emphasizes, "The occupier's time on our land is fleeting, and their eventual expulsion is imminent." His speech commemorating the Crimean Tatars' deportation acknowledges Russia's occupying forces as "evil," insisting that they will never conquer Ukraine or its people. He concludes, "Russia's occupation of Crimea in 2014 served as a wake-up call for the world. Then, there was no adequate response. However, Putin's actions in Ukraine have sparked a fire in the hearts of Ukrainians, propelling them to resist."
5:15 PM - Kremlin critic Volkov:keeping up the battle against Putin
In an interview with the BBC, a Russian activist, Leonid Volkov, who was assaulted in exile in Lithuania recently, confirms his intent to keep up fighting against President Vladimir Putin. Volkov was a close ally of opposition politician Alexei Navalny, who died in a prison camp in February. His demise has left Navalny's friends and co-workers broken hearted. Navalny had always told them not to surrender. According to Volkov, putting up a fight against Putin and constructing the beautiful Russia Navalny envisioned for so long is the sole sensible way of upholding his legacy and averting his self-sacrifice from being in vain. Navalny's wife, Yulia Navalnaya, is a strong-willed and magnetic leader, said Volkov. She never intended to be in this public role. The goal now is to assist her. Volkov has taken refuge in Lithuania and was hurt outside his home in Vilnius in March. The details of the attack are undisclosed. Two suspects were arrested in Poland later.
5:00 PM - Russian parliamentary leader charges EU of media suppression
Following the banning of several Russian media in the EU, Moscow's parliamentary leader Vyacheslav Volodin accuses the European Union of repression and infringement of the freedom of the press and the freedom of expression. In his Telegram post, Volodin contends that with the absence of compelling arguments to persuade their own citizens, EU politicians are curbing any contrary viewpoints. The confidant of Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin further rebukes the West, which has constantly complained about censorship in Russia, of dissonant standards. Russia too has numerous media outlets that criticize Putin's policies as well as thousands of websites blocked. On Friday, the EU member states enforced sanctions on the Russian state news agency Ria Novosti, the government newspaper "Rossijskaya Gazeta", the "Voice of Europe" platform and the pro-Kremlin newspaper "Izvestia", which runs a television station. This spells these media outlets and their employees will be inaccessible EU-wide. The EU maintains, though, that the media can persist in operating in the EU. Russia is expected to respond.
4:38 PM -Rocket attack on Vovchansk:one fatality, five injured
A woman was killed and five other civilians hurt due to shelling in Vovchansk, in the Kharkiv region. The Kharkiv regional prosecutor's office disclosed this via Telegram. Accounting for the statement, a 60-year-old woman perished in the attack, two men aged 55 and 60, and two other 68-year-old residents sustained injuries. The village of Ukrainske in the city of Vovchanske was targeted as well, causing a 59-year-old civilian to get wounded. According to Kharkiv's regional governor Oleh Synehubov, defensive positions are being reinforced near the city of Vovchansk. There are still approximately a hundred civilians residing in the city, which had an estimated population of 18,000 inhabitants before the war broke out.
4:12 PM - "Russian in spirit": Georgian president overturns contentious law
Post the approval of the debatable "foreign influence" law in Georgia, president Salome Zurabishvili has rejected it. "Today I am vetoing (...) the law, which is essentially Russian and goes against our constitution," the president said in a live transmission. However, the pro-government parliamentarians in Tbilisi have the required majority to disregard the president's veto. Switzerland has portrayed the law as unacceptable. In line with the law, media, non-governmental organizations and other non-profit entities required to register if they get more than 20% of their funding from foreign sources and serve the interests of a foreign nation. It goes against the Georgian constitution and "all European norms", she suggested.
4:00 PM - Zelensky acknowledges difficulties in the determination of Ukrainian troops
During an interview with AFP media agency, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky admits the troop morale among Ukrainian forces is below the mark. After over two years of war, there are many brigades in dire need of reinforcements. Logistics are imperative for a rotating troop system. However, there is also a loophole in recruiting fresh troops. Following vigorous discussions, a law mandating conscription at the age of 25 came into play. Penalties for those attempting to sidestep their duty have been made more stringent.
5:00 PM - Poland Spends Over 2 Billion Euros on Eastern Border Reinforcement
Prime Minister Donald Tusk of Poland reveals a plan to spend more than 2.3 billion euros in fortifying the country's eastern border. The goal is to secure the nation from growing threats posed by neighboring Russia and Belarus. As per Tusk, the project includes the construction of a robust fence as well as landscape and environmental changes to create an impenetrable barrier for any potential enemy.
1:55 PM - Kharkiv Hit by Russian Shelling Attacks; Five Injured
The Mayor of Kharkiv, Ukraine, confirmed that the city and its outlying area, Vovchansk, have become the targets of Russian attacks yet again. Ihor Terekhov announced through Telegram that a residential area in Kharkiv had been hit by numerous shells, injuring five people. Vovchansk also incurred significant damage due to Russian glide bombs and shells. Andrei Kovalenko from the Security Council shared their distress on Telegram, describing the situation, "Unfortunately, the city of Vovchansk has been almost completely destroyed by the enemy, which relentlessly attacks with glide bombs." The city remains under Ukrainian control despite repeated attacks. Vovchansk, a city in northeastern Ukraine, had a population of nearly 19,000 before the war.
1:22 PM - Drones with Russian Flags Fly Near the Reichstag Building, Berlin
A man flew a drone adorned with a Russian flag near the Reichstag Building in Berlin. The incident was confirmed by the German Bundestag's press office, with the drone recorded flying at a height of approximately 20 meters over Friedrich-Ebert-Platz, on the east side of the Reichstag. Berlin State Police have subsequently filed a criminal complaint for violating the Air Traffic Act. The Bundestag also reported that the drone pilot is an ardent supporter of Russia's aggression toward Ukraine. Officers on-site gathered the individual's contact information at the time of the incident. t-online.de reported on a similar man who had previously displayed the "Z" symbol used by Russian troops in Ukraine and damaged Ukrainian images on the former state parliament building in Potsdam tower.
12:52 PM - Zelensky Fears Expansion of Russian Offensive in Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his concerns regarding a severe lack of weapons for Ukraine's air defense system, fearing an escalation of the Russian offensive in eastern Ukraine. Zelenskyy shared in an interview with AFP that his country only currently has 25% of the air defense systems it requires for its defense. He added that, in order to match Russia's air force military capabilities, Ukraine needs approximately 120 to 130 modern fighter planes. The President's remarks come after Russia gradually captured more than 278 square kilometers of land during its ground offensive in Kharkiv, which started on May 10. This is believed to be the greatest land gain since the end of 2022.
12:25 PM - Zelensky Hints at New Counter-Offensive Plans
During an interview with the French news agency AFP, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sheds light on opportunities for a potential new counter-offensive. However, he emphasizes the need for these plans to only be realized if the front line is secured and the Russian assault is halted. After achieving these milestones, Zelenskyy emphasizes the necessity of preparing and rotating the troops, along with supplying goods. Asked if a Ukrainian counter-offensive will take place in 2025, Zelenskyy cautiously states, "I can't say."
Loud noises echo through the streets of Kharkiv. Explosions have been reported, urging residents to remain cautious, as reported by the city mayor, Igor Terekhov, over Telegram. These explosions reportedly stem from Russian attacks on the city. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyi stated during a previous press conference that the Russian offensive in Kharkiv could represent just the initiation of several waves of their advancement, possibly attempting to take control of Kharkiv, the city's primary hub.
The situation borders on escalating further, as Poland has recently committed to allocating over €2 billion in the pursuit of reinforcing its 400-kilometre long border spanning between Belarus and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. This strategic maneuver is aimed at serving as a deterrent mechanism, keeping the conflict at bay from Poland's borders.
According to the Ukrainian military, clashes have been increasingly prevalent at the frontline, signaling a total of 22 such occurrences since the previous night's events. Furthermore, a considerable amount of those incidents are still actively flowing through, unfolding as complex military situations based on the General Staff's statement.
In the Odessa region, a series of missile attacks have been spraying the district, as per declarations from Ukrainian troops in charge of the southern territories involved. Around 6 a.m. on Saturday, allegedly, the Russian occupiers initiated another missile attack on Odessa. Reportedly, the missile in question could have been an Iskander-M.
As the conflict continues to spread its reach, there's constant friction and tension. The Ukrainian military is striving to force back the Russian troops into the village of Hlyboke in the Kharkiv region, communication from a local news agency communicates. The location is conveniently situated a distance of about 40 kilometers from Kharkiv and approximately 10 kilometers from the Russian border.
Kharkiv's Shevchenkiv district suffered from the consequences of two glide bombs dropped by the Russians. The grim toll of the incident now stands at four deaths, including a 33-year-old man who succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. Moreover, another 31 individuals were left wounded following his demise. Additionally, a glide bomb was launched by the same perpetrators at the village of Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi, causing extensive damage to a hospital and a kindergarten, among other buildings. A sole injured woman is the only survivor of this attack.
Russia trumpeting its success with the purported liberation of Staryzia village in the Kharkiv region, as delivered by its Ministry of Defence, progressing with its dominance in the region minimally. This development echoes the opening up of a third front for Russia's advancement after the company launched an offensive there around a week ago.
The Ukrainians are making a strong push to hinder Russian progress, particularly in the Kharkiv region, according to the Ukrainian news agency RBC. The Ukrainian army is reportedly attempting to force the Russians towards the village of Hlyboke, approximately 40 kilometers from Kharkiv and 10 kilometers from the Russian border.
In response to the increasing threat, various countries and political experts are weighing in on the potential implications. President Selensky is eager to use Western-supplied weapons not only for Ukraine's defense but also for aims on Russian soil. This topic, among others, invokes diverse opinions, forging cracks in the international community. Meanwhile, Russia maintains a significant impact on Germany, states political scientist Thomas Jäger.
Russian military suffered a heavy blow, losing an aircraft believed to be used for air surveillance, the Beriev A-50. This marks a depleted line of defense for the country. This strategy to spread resources is likely to lead to denser maintenance routines for their aircraft, leading to the imminent risk of running the fleet to its breaking point.
A report issued by the British Ministry of Defence suggests that, due to the recent Ukrainian attacks, Russian air defenses in Crimea have been visibly damaged. Consequently, Russia is forced to redouble its efforts to monitor airspace, which may contribute to increased wear and tear on their flights.
10:32 Approximately 10,000 individuals have been evacuated from danger zones in the Kharkiv district.
Within a week of the Russian ground attack in the eastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv, officials state that around 10,000 people have been relocated from endangered villages. Kharkiv's governor, Oleh Synegubov, announced that more than 9,900 people have been safeguarded. Russian forces initiated a ground attack in the Kharkiv region on May 10th. Since then, they have advanced about 5 to 10 kilometers along the northeastern boundary.
10:14 A large portion of Russians would choose war over relinquishing occupied territories.
A recent survey conducted by the Russian Levada Institute revealed ongoing support for the Russian military among Russians. Approximately three-quarters of the population backs their armed forces. However, this figure drops to 30% if the condition is to relinquish the newly gained territories.
9:51 Ukrainian drones might cause substantial harm to Russia.
Several Ukrainian cities, including Kharkiv and Odessa, have been subjected to bombardment since the commencement of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. ntv journalist Jürgen Weichert speculates about potential reasons such as the size, attractiveness, and fame of these cities. However, Ukrainians have more than verbal weapons.
9:32 SPD politicians urge NATO to safeguard Ukrainian airspace.
For the first time, SPD representatives in the Bundestag are urging the deployment of German anti-aircraft missile troops on NATO soil near the border with Ukraine to defend the airspace over western Ukraine. SPD defense expert Joe Weingarten suggested using Patriot systems.
Having inadequate air defense systems and missiles, Ukraine is in dire need of external assistance. SPD budget politician Andreas Schwarz refers to air defense as Ukraine's weak spot. He believes protective measures should be sought from NATO allies.
9:15 Ukraine requests US assistance with attacks on Russian targets.
Ukraine is seeking American assistance in tracking targets in Russia that Kiev may subsequently target with its weapons. Ukraine also requested the US to ease the restrictions on the use of American weapons against military targets within Russia.
9:04 Zelensky: The West fears a Russian defeat and doesn't want Ukraine to lose.
Ukraine's President, Zelensky, stated in an interview with the French news agency AFP that himself and his Western allies share similar values but diverge on how to end the conflict. "The West is fearful that Russia could lose the war. They don't want Ukraine to lose it," Zelensky expressed. He called upon China and other countries in the Global South to join a peace summit in Switzerland in June. Russia, however, was not invited and refused to attend even if invited.
8:27 Russia fortifies naval base against drone attacks.
Russia is bolstering its naval base in Novorossiysk to shield it from Ukrainian drones, as per the Ukrainian news agency RBC. Reportedly, reenforced air defense and radar systems will be installed.
On Friday, Ukrainian drones assaulted the port of Novorossiysk. Strategically important for Russia, the port serves as a passageway for exporting large quantities of oil and other goods. Shortly after Ukraine attacked the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol, Crimea, in September 2023, Russia transferred several warships to Novorossiysk.
7:50 Ukraine affirms that Russia has lost 491,080 soldiers.
Ditto the Ukrainian military's daily practice, the Ukrainian army listed the casualties observed on the previous day on their Facebook page. On Friday, Russian losses amounted to 1210 soldiers, resulting in a total of 491,080 deaths. In addition, 43 armored combat vehicles, two aircraft, and a helicopter were allegedly destroyed.
7:23 ISW: US stipulations restrict Ukraine's defensive capabilities.
The Institute for the Study of War disclosed that Western allies deny Ukraine the capabilities to mount counter-attacks on military targets on Russian soil with their weapons. This creates a protected area where Russian forces can freely deploy. Consequently, the ISW warned that this US policy significantly jeopardizes Ukraine's potential to defend itself against Russia's offensive operations in the northern Kharkiv oblast.
Ukrainian air defense shoots down 13 Iranian-type Russian drones:Reports suggest that the Ukrainian military, led by air force commander Mykola Oleshchuk, has successfully shot down all 13 Russian drones of the Shahed type that were launched during the night. The drones were believed to have been fired from the Russian port city of Primorsko-Akhtarsk on the Sea of Azov and from the Russian oblast of Kursk.
Explosion in Belgorod after missile alarm:In the early hours of Saturday, the Russian border region of Belgorod experienced an explosion following a missile alarm. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov urged residents to seek safety. Russia's border region has been frequently targeted due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, the casualties and damages are not as significant as the consequences of the war itself in Ukraine.
Russian forces intensify shelling of Ukrainian positions in Krynky:The Russian army has intensified its shelling attacks on Ukrainian forces in the Krynky area, where Ukraine has established a bridgehead on the southern bank of the Dnipro River in the Kherson region. Despite the increased Russian attacks, there have been no reported changes to the front line, as per the latest update from the Institute for the Study of War.
Russian army targeting Kharkiv, but not seeking to capture the city:The Russian forces have been intensifying their offensive towards the city of Kharkiv, but not with the intention of capturing it. President Vladimir Putin had earlier expressed his interest in establishing a "buffer zone" in the Kharkiv region. According to the ISW, Russia is not currently attempting to conquer the city.
Russian army denies responsibility for St. Petersburg explosions:The Russian military has stated that the recent explosions at the Budyonny Military Academy in St. Petersburg were the result of an accidental detonation of World War II ammunition. Governor Alexander Beglov of St. Petersburg also confirmed that the incident was not connected to terrorism.
Lars Klingbeil hopes China will participate in Swiss Ukraine peace conference:German Social Democratic (SPD) leader Lars Klingbeil expressed his hopes that China would still participate in the Swiss Ukraine peace conference. Klingbeil believes that it would be crucial for the peace conference to have China present, along with India, Brazil, and South Africa. If these countries were absent, the conference would not be a failure, as long as they are discussing ways to achieve peace.
President Zelensky complains about restrictions on the use of Western weapons:Ukranian President Zelensky has expressed his frustration over the limitations on the use of Western weapons. Although Russia can launch its weapons from its territory, Ukraine cannot target Russian weapons located on Russian soil with Western arms. Both the UK and the US have recently hinted that these restrictions may be relaxed.
Ukrainian commander-in-chief: Russian front near Kharkiv 70 kilometers long:Ukrainian army commander Olexander Syrskyj has confirmed that Russian ground troops are continuing their offensive near Kharkiv. The Russian army has extended their front to around 70 kilometers, which could force Ukraine to deploy more brigades from their reserves. However, the Russian forces have yet to break through the Ukrainian defenses.
Zelensky: Kharkiv offensive might be the first wave of Russian attacks:Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claims that the Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region could be the first wave of a series of attacks. He stated that "They have launched their operation, it could consist of several waves. And this is their first wave."
Ukraine needs more fighter jets to end Russian air superiority:President Volodymyr Zelensky believes that Ukraine requires 120 to 130 F16 fighter jets to counter Russia's air superiority. Ukraine currently lacks the necessary air defense systems to protect itself against Russia.
00:17 Ukrainian President Zelensky urges energy conservation due to damaged power grid
In light of the damage to Ukraine's power grid, President Zelenskyy has urged citizens to be mindful of their electricity usage. He made this call during an evening address in Kiev, saying, "Now is the time for careful, thoughtful electricity consumption." Zelenskyy also asked municipalities and energy suppliers to communicate why temporary power outages are necessary. In his video message, he revealed that he had consulted with the government and military regarding the challenging state of the country's energy system, which has been targeted by Russia. "Due to Russian attacks, our energy sector has now lost a significant portion of its production," explained Zelenskyy. Extensive measures are required to restructure the energy supply, making it resilient against future Russian damage. However, he did not specify the details.
23:59 Ukrainian conscripts abroad can access consular services again
Due to the new mobilization law taking effect, Ukrainian conscripts overseas can once more utilize consular services. The condition for this is providing proof of registration with military authorities, either physically or electronically. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kiev made this announcement in the evening. Concurrently, the Ministry of Defense launched an app that enables online registration. Many thousands of men eligible for military service have left Ukraine as a result of the Russian military campaign.
22:59 Russian court orders seizure of Unicredit assets and accounts
In St. Petersburg, a court has seized the accounts and assets of the Italian bank Unicredit in Russia. The action was initiated by RusChimAllianz, a subsidiary of Gazprom, which operates an LNG terminal on the Baltic Sea. The reason for this seizure is the inability to complete the terminal's construction because of Western sanctions—a project that Unicredit had assisted in guaranteeing. RusChimAllianz is demanding 444 million euros from Unicredit, and assets worth 463 million euros are blocked. Unicredit is one of the largest foreign banks still operational in Russia after Raiffeisenbank and ranks among the top 20 banks in the country in terms of assets.
21:55 Ukrainian prisoners may be conscripted into military service
To increase the Ukrainian military's size, some prisoners will now be enlisted. Zelenskyy signed a law that allows prisoners to have their sentences suspended and enlist in the army on a temporary contract basis. However, only specific convicts are eligible. Prisoners convicted of serious crimes are not allowed to report for military service.
21:36 Starlink devices within a Ukrainian military unit failed at the start of the Russian offensive
A media report claims that all Starlink devices of a Ukrainian military unit in the region of Kharkiv failed when the Russian offensive began. Members of the 125th Territorial Defense Brigade informed the Washington Post that these malfunctions occurred on May 10, as Russian troops advanced into the border region. According to sources, the Starlink communication system's failure helped Russian forces achieve rapid territorial gains. This is the first known, widespread Starlink failure in Ukraine since the Russian invasion first started in spring 2022.
20:56 Explosion at Russian military academy in St. Petersburg
Russian media report an explosion at the Budyonny military academy in St. Petersburg. Multiple outlets shared this information, with the state news agency RIA citing local officials who mentioned an explosion at the academy. According to the Telegram channel Baza, linked to law enforcement agencies, seven people were injured.
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- In response to the Ukrainian military's successes, Russia has reportedly increased its cyberwar tactics against Ukraine, aiming to disrupt critical infrastructure and communications.
- The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Nato) has pledged its continued support for Ukraine, promising to provide additional military aid and strengthening its eastern flank in response to Russia's attack on Ukraine.
- Volodymyr Selensky, the Ukrainian President, has accused Russia of launching an attack on Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of international unity in countering Russia's aggression.
- In a military strategy meeting, NATO military leaders discussed potential strategies to counter Russian cyberattacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure, with a focus on protecting NATO member states as well.
Source: www.ntv.de
