Russians declare victory in another village at 15:45 hours.

At 15:45, Russians declare capture of a new village.

The Russian army has allegedly seized another village in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, named Paraskoviyivka. The Russian Defense Ministry in Moscow claimed that units from the southern military group have strengthened their positions and freed the village from its hold. Paraskoviyivka is approximately 25 kilometers southwest of Donetsk, a city that Russia had already captured in 2022. Following months of a standstill, Russian forces have declared the capture of multiple settlements this year.

Jens Stoltenberg, NATO's Secretary General, has stated that according to international law, Ukraine has the right to defend itself against Russia. This includes targeting legitimate military targets within Russia's territory.

At a meeting in Paris, US President Joe Biden informed Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyj that the United States would provide a new military aid package worth $225 million (€207 million). This package includes rockets for Hawk anti-aircraft systems, ammunition for HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, and artillery ammunition with 155 and 105 millimeter calibers. The US Department of Defense has stated that the primary focus of the current military assistance is to improve Ukraine's air defense capabilities and provide ammunition following a period of shortage.

Russia has accused Ukraine of launching airstrikes on the eastern Ukrainian city of Luhansk. Moscow claims that three civilians were killed and a residential building was partially destroyed. There are differences in reports about the number of injured, with some sources stating that 22 or 35 individuals were injured, including three children. The head of the region, Leonid Pasetschnik, alleges that "Ukrainian nationalists" were responsible for the "massive rocket attack on the civilian infrastructure of Luhansk." The Ukrainian forces supposedly used "at least six ATACMS rockets produced in the US" to strike the city. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, four of these rockets were intercepted by Russian air defense systems, while the other hit two residential buildings.

An estimated additional 75,000 soldiers are needed to fulfill NATO's revised plans, according to confidential documents obtained by "Spiegel." These plans were adopted at last year's NATO summit in Vilnius and outline how the alliance would respond if Russia were to make an attack. The German Defense Ministry has yet to issue a statement regarding this matter.

Ukraine and Moldova have supposedly satisfied all requirements for negotiations on joining the European Union, according to an appraisal by the EU Commission. Representatives of the EU member states in Brussels received this assessment. Both countries had reportedly settled all outstanding issues in March, such as measures to protect national minorities and limiting the influence of oligarchs. The German government had stated earlier that it believed Ukraine had fulfilled all criteria for the start of EU accession talks.

Biden has apologized to Zelensky for the months-long interruption in weapons deliveries from the United States. During a meeting in Paris, the US president expressed regret for the weeks of uncertainty about additional aid. The holdup in financial assistance from the US was caused by certain conservative politicians who prevented a bill from passing. However, the issue has now been resolved, and President Biden assured Zelensky that the United States would not abandon Ukraine.

For the first time, Russia is accusing the US of being responsible for the deaths of women and children in Russia due to weapons deliveries to Ukraine. Spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, mentions that Ukraine used weapons supplied by the US in the past week for attacks in the Belgorod border region. She claims that statements from the US government, giving approval for such attacks, are "equivalent to a confession...for the murder of children and women in the Belgorod region." Fragments of HIMARS rockets will serve as evidence, Zakharova adds. This accusation comes after warnings from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who said the West is playing with fire and risking a global conflict if they allow Ukraine to fire weapons supplied by them on Russian territory.

Security expert Christian Mölling sees direct success after the decision to allow Ukraine to attack military targets in Russia with Western weapons. Mölling believes that the result of using weapons can improve the situation and give Ukrainian troops a better position. However, one must ask where one is still "braking" and thus take responsibility for the deaths, injuries, and damaged infrastructure. The basic principle is that military targets can be attacked, otherwise, it creates safe havens for the aggressor, which is counterproductive.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warns against the expansion of the Russian aggression war. He compares the actions of Russian President Vladimir Putin to those of Hitler in the 30s. Zelensky also mentions that Russian President is using "the arsenal of the past century," including blockades at sea and the abduction of children for re-education. He adds that Russia is trying to destabilize Europe.

The trial of a US soldier is about to begin in Russia. Gordon Black, who is 34 years old, is expected to testify in the trial in Vladivostok. He was arrested after his partner accused him of stealing from her. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison. This case further strains the already tense relations between the US and Russia, as Russia is currently holding several Americans, including Paul Whelan and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, on charges the US considers unlawful.

Russia claims that Ukraine is firing US rockets at civilian targets on Russian territory, causing the deaths of women and children in the Belgorod region. The spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, states that fragments of HIMARS rockets will serve as evidence. This accusation follows warnings from Russian President Vladimir Putin that the West is playing with fire and risking a global conflict if they allow Ukraine to fire weapons supplied by them on Russian territory.

Ukraine is suing retired Russian General Oleg Makarevich for premeditated murder and violating the laws of war, accusing him of ordering the destruction of the Kakhovka dam on June 6, 2023, causing a massive humanitarian and ecological catastrophe in the Kherson region. If arrested and convicted, the general faces a life sentence. "The SBU is making every effort to identify and bring to justice all those involved in crimes against Ukraine," a statement from the secret service says.

Ukraine experiences frequent air raids, with attacks targeting Odessa, Kyiv, and Donetsk. However, the training of pilots for promised combat aircraft is facing delays.

Ukraine reports intercepting numerous drones

Ukraine states that they have thwarted all five rockets fired by Russia throughout the night. From the 53 drones launched, 48 were successfully shot down, according to the authorities. These rockets were utilized in the Kiev region. The drones targeted the energy infrastructure in Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, South Odessa, and Kherson regions. Fortunately, no damage was caused to the energy infrastructure. However, some areas had minor damage. Fortunately, no one was injured.

Historian Winkler issues warning on prioritizing debt brake over Ukraine

Historian Heinrich August Winkler expresses concern about prioritizing the debt brake over dealing with the escalation in Ukraine. "If there's an intensification in Ukraine, it would be detrimental if we had to say, 'We preserved the debt brake and lost Ukraine.' This would be hazardous for European peace and the freedom of European democracies," Winkler cautions in the "Sudeutsche Zeitung." "We need to significantly enhance our conventional defense efforts together with the other European members of NATO. The debt brake should not serve as an impediment," emphasizes the historian. "We can't attain a leading role in domestic politics concerning Russia in any case."

Swiss President speculates on possible follow-up Ukraine peace conference with Russia

The Swiss Federal President Viola Amherd anticipates that the Ukraine peace conference organized by her country in mid-June may just be the initial phase of further negotiations. "For us, it's evident that we won't sign a peace agreement at the end of the conference," says Amherd to the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung." "For a peace, both parties have to be present at the table," she points out, considering the fact that Russia isn't participating in the summit. "In a prospective follow-up conference, Russia could then be there." According to Switzerland, more than 80 countries have agreed to participate, including Germany with Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Russia itself hasn't been invited to the conference on June 15/16, but the government in Moscow had also conveyed that it wouldn't send representatives if invited.

Numerous German corporations plan investments in Ukraine despite ongoing conflict

many German companies operating in Ukraine are planning new investments in the Eastern European country, despite the ongoing war. Around 43% of these companies plan to continue their commitment, while only 8% wish to disinvest, according to a survey conducted by the German-Ukrainian Industry and Trade Chamber (AHK Ukraine). 142 companies were surveyed by the consulting firm KPMG. Essential factors for expanding business activities include political and economic stability, as well as public funding and guarantees. Approximately 42% of the companies anticipate that the economic situation in Ukraine will improve in the next twelve months. Around 48% expect no changes, while 10% fear it might worsen.

Propagandists under scrutiny - NGOs aim to hold Russian propagandists accountable

The International Federation for Human Rights, the Center for Civil Liberties, and the Kharkiv Human Rights Group have filed a report with the International Criminal Court, accusing Russian propagandists of inciting hatred against Ukrainians. The human rights organizations accuse five Russian propagandists, Vladimir Solovyov, Margarita Simonyan, Dmitry Kiselyov, Sergey Mardan, Dmitry Medvedev, and Alexei Gromov, the first deputy head of the Russian Presidential Administration, of having "definitely incite violence." Previously, the International Criminal Court had issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova for forced deportations of Ukrainian children to Russia.

Putin vows to reinforce Russia's war economy

Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin pledges to fortify Russia's war economy after over two years of his invasion of Ukraine. Putin has authorised numerous instructions for the growth of the defense sector, producing more weapons and ammunition, said the first deputy prime minister Denis Manturov at the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). The event's focus was on defense matters, where participants emphasized that Russia produces weapons and ammunition quicker and less expensively than the West. The country is preparing for a century-long war economy, it was stated. The number of companies - including private industries - has skyrocketed in the past two years of war. "There are now more than 850 of them," said Manturov. "Today, the military-industrial complex serves as the driver of the economy," states economist Pyotr Fradkov, chairman of Promsvyazbank, amid significant business deals.

The German government's refusal to label a new support project for Ukraine as a mission within NATO is sparking dissatisfaction among other NATO members. Diplomatic sources indicate that Germany's reluctance to use the word "mission" is seen as an unnecessary calculation towards Russia, a stance that is not understood by most other allies. The German government argues that using the term "NATO Mission Ukraine" (NMU) could lead to confusion, as it may imply that the alliance is sending soldiers to Ukraine. They fear it could be exploited by Russia for propaganda purposes. Those who support the use of the term "mission" maintain that it could be used by Russia as justification for aggressive actions against the alliance. Germany's position is not seen as reasonable, especially considering that they support the project in principle, as they have stated.

Russia expert on Ukraine conference: "Really incomprehensible" that Biden doesn't come

The absence of key countries, including China, Brazil, and South Africa, from the upcoming Ukraine conference in Switzerland is considered detrimental to the conference's importance, according to a political scientist at the University of Innsbruck. The fact that a follow-up conference is already being discussed before the conference has even started indicates that low expectations are held for the current conference. The exclusion of the United States, who will only be represented by Vice President Kamala Harris and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, is a significant blow, especially for Ukraine. It's particularly baffling that US President Joe Biden has decided not to attend, said the expert, Gerhard Mangott.

Russia attacks with drones and cruise missiles

Air raid sirens sound across much of Ukraine at night, with the exception of regions in the west. According to the air force, airborne drones were launched towards Odessa, and cruise missiles were also destroyed.

USA to provide new military aid to Ukraine worth approximately 225 million dollars

The United States will provide a new round of military aid to Ukraine, valued at approximately $225 million. According to Washington government sources, the aid package will include ammunition suitable for targets beyond Ukraine's national borders, specifically to protect the city of Kharkiv from a heavy Russian attack. It is expected to include ammunition for the HIMARS system, mortar systems, and artillery shells. US President Joe Biden is expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris today.

Power outages in numerous regions due to consumption limits

Ukrenergo, the Ukrainian power grid operator, announces power outages in twelve regions. Affected areas include Lviv and Zakarpattia in the west, the capital Kiev, the Kiev region, Odessa in the south, and Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia to the east. The outages affect both private households and industrial facilities in the regions of Volhynia, Donetsk, Zhytomyr, Transcarpathia, Saporizhzhia, Lviv, Mykolayiv, Kirovohrad, Odessa, Rivne, Kharkiv, and the region of Kiev, as well as the city of Kharkiv itself.

Due to "Russian law": USA bans entry for some Georgians

The United States is imposing visa restrictions on some individuals involved in the passage of the "foreign influence" law in Georgia, following its implementation. A "dozen" people, including members of the ruling Georgian Dream party, parliamentarians, and members of the security services and their relatives, will no longer be permitted to enter the USA. The State Department made the announcement, in line with an earlier warning from Washington. Additionally, relations with Georgia are being reviewed. Mass protests occurred in Georgia for weeks to try to prevent the law's passage. The law bears similarities to the 2012 Russian law against "foreign agents," which allows authorities to take harsh action against government-critical media and organizations.

Russian governor: Occupied Ukrainian territories may soon become a federal district

Russian governor Yevhen Balitsky, active in the occupied region of Zaporizhzhia, suggests that the occupied territories of Ukraine could soon be combined into a new federal district. In 2014, Russia illegally annexed Crimea and occupied parts of the Ukrainian Donbass region. Since the onset of the full-scale war in February 2022, Moscow has occupied further parts of Ukraine, including the Ukrainian regions of Kherson, Donetsk, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia.

Energy shortage: Ukrenergo cuts power in Kiev and other regions

The power grid operator Ukrenergo cuts power in Kiev and twelve regions of Ukraine in the evening. The state-owned company announced the outages on Facebook, as reported by Ukrinform. The power cuts affect residential and commercial establishments in the regions of Volhynia, Donetsk, Zhytomyr, Transcarpathia, Saporizhzhia, Lviv, Mykolayiv, Kirovohrad, Odessa, Rivne, Kharkiv, and the region of Kiev, as well as the city of Kharkiv itself.

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky is heading to Berlin, based on reports from German publication FAZ, and is also slated to address the German parliament. Next week, the Ukrainian reconstruction conference, organized by the Foreign Office, will be held in the German capital. Earlier speculations had suggested Zelensky might attend the event. If this happens, it wouldn't be his first visit to Berlin since the war began, but it would mark his first speech in the German parliament. This would require an extraordinary session of the MPs.

20:36 Macron Passes on Mirage-2000 Jet Fighters to Ukraine

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that Mirage-2000 jet fighters will be handed over to Ukraine. "These jets enable Ukraine to safeguard its soil and airspace," Macron told French broadcast networks in an interview. Additionally, the training of 4,500 Ukrainian soldiers will be facilitated, Macron stated.

20:01 Zelensky Commemorates the Dams Collapse Anniversary in Southern Ukraine

Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, marked the anniversary of the dam collapse in southern Ukraine. "A year ago, the Russian invaders blew up the dam and Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant buildings," Zelensky posted on social media. Zelensky described the event as one of the most significant ecological crimes carried out by Russian occupiers since their invasion. He revealed that thousands of people were affected by the ensuing flood, their water supplies disrupted. "The aftermath of this crime was even visible in the neighboring countries of our Black Sea region," he added.

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