Kremlin speaker Peskov attempts to intimidate America at 19:55.

At 19:55, Kremlin spokesperson Peskov attempts to intimidate the US.

The Kremlin is cautioning the United States not to permit Ukraine to initiate assaults on Russian territory utilizing American weaponry. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed his viewpoint on Russian state television, stating that this behavior is "irresponsible" and "dangerous" with possible consequences. Washington, as well as several European capitals, are routinely contributing to the escalation, in Peskov's opinion. He added that there are "decision-makers in the US who see it as their mission to keep adding fuel to the fire." During his recent trip to Kiev, American Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized, "We have not supported or enabled attacks outside Ukraine, but ultimately Ukraine must decide for itself how it wants to conduct this war, a war it is waging in defense of its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity."

At 19:19, U.S. soldiers in Ukraine? Thiele states, "With American soldiers present in Ukraine, the risk of the war escalating is increased significantly." This White House decision, according to the military analyst, is connected to the fact that the U.S. has been tardy in providing arms, resulting in "hotheads in the U.S." wanting to "fan the flames."

In an announcement, the U.S. will provide Ukraine with another $275 million in military aid. The support includes the HIMARS multiple rocket launcher system and ammunition, according to two sources within the U.S. government who spoke to the Associated Press. This is the fourth such support package provided to Ukraine since Congress approved a delayed foreign aid bill in April. The Biden administration has committed to regularly supplying weapons and getting them to the front lines as quickly as possible to Ukraine.

At 18:10, with a super drone? Ukraine targets deep within Russia. According to a military intelligence source, Ukraine allegedly targeted military factories 1,000 kilometers away in Russian Tatarstan just today. Drones were spotted in Kazan and Nizhnekamsk, which are believed to be Aeropract A-22 civilian aircraft. These civilian planes have been converted into kamikaze drones by Ukraine to attack targets at long range. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported only the shooting down of one unidentified drone. According to local media reports, Tatarstan businesses ordered evacuations due to the danger, and two airports momentarily suspended operations.

17:35 - Deepfakes of supposed Russian women flood China's internet: China's government plans to outlaw deepfakes. Unknown individuals are using artificial intelligence to create deepfakes featuring Russian women with captions they haven't spoken previously, like "China is the safest country in the world."

17:02 - Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant's primary power line collapses: Interrupting power supply. The main power line delivering power to the Russian-controlled Ukrainian nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhya has failed, according to Russian sources. While there is no danger, the plant may be supplied by a backup power supply or diesel generators to prevent a meltdown. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) revealed that there have been serious issues with the plant's power supply since the Russian attack commenced in 2022. The IAEA frequently issues warnings about potential risks to nuclear safety.

16:31 - Multi-million Euro military package for Ukraine from the International Fund: The International Fund for Ukraine (IFU) has announced an additional military package worth 150 million pounds. According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, the funds will be used for air defense and maritime capacities, including radars, drone defense systems, and small boats. "Ukraine requires more air defense systems to protect its citizenry and infrastructure from Russian aggression," stated Kiev. The IFU is a funding instrument that utilizes funds from global partners to procure high-priority military equipment for Ukraine. It is managed by the British Ministry of Defense, and members include the UK, Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, and Lithuania.

16:05 - Baltic Defense Ministers: NATO allies to significantly boost defense spending: The Lithuanian, Latvian, and Estonian defense ministers have requested a substantial increase in defense spending ahead of the NATO conference. They propose an increase to 2.5% of gross domestic product. Currently, 18 NATO members are projected to fulfill this goal this year. The three Baltic countries have been among Ukraine's strongest supporters since the start of the conflict and have continuously urged NATO for more vigorous action against Russian aggression.

15:30 Is this Russia's next move in the Baltic States? There are claims that Russian border guards have removed Estonian buoys in a border area by the Narva River. These buoys mark the shipping routes and are vital for Estonia. Eerik Purgel, the head of the Border Guard Bureau, explains that both countries used to install these buoys every year before the war began. However, since 2023, Russia no longer agrees with Estonia's position on where they should be placed. Estonia recently put up 50 buoys, but found that 24 of them were removed by Russian border guards at night. Purgel says Estonia will reach out to Russia to discuss the situation.

14:55 From minor victories to fierce street battles: Ukrainian Army Chief Syrskyj shares frontline updates
The Ukrainian Army Chief Syrskyj has provided an update on the situation in the combat zones. Initially, the Ukrainians had achieved some successes in the new third front in Kharkiv. However, Russian troops are now fully engaged in street fighting near Vovchansk, suffering heavy losses. Syrskyj added that the Russians are trying to hold Chassiv Yar at all costs with their more modern tanks and infantry fighting vehicles. But these are often destroyed by anti-tank weapons and drones when moving.

14:28 Putin sets off to see Lukashenko in Belarus
According to the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin is making a two-day visit to Belarus to meet his closest ally, head of state Alexander Lukashenko. They are expected to discuss bilateral relations and touch upon crucial matters in international politics, according to the Kremlin statement. This is Putin's second trip abroad since he was inaugurated for his fifth term as president, following a visit to China.

14:04 Russia makes another threat: target UK if Ukraine uses British weapons
The Russian Foreign Ministry has warned that they would target British targets if Ukraine attacks Russian territory using British weapons. This is in response to comments made by British Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, who said that Ukraine has the right to use weapons supplied by the UK to target Russian targets. Moscow argues that this statement was a reason for the recent military exercises that involved simulating tactical nuclear missile launches.

13:38 Russia claims capture of devastated Andriyivka in the Donetsk region
The Russian Ministry of Defense has announced the capture of the Ukrainian village of Andriyivka in the Donetsk region. Ukraine has not made any official statement on this. In 2023, Ukraine reported that they had recaptured Andriyivka, but fights in the area persisted. The village is now almost completely destroyed.

12:59 Yellen underscores: Sweden will continue to support Kiev with funds
US Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen, announces that financial aid for Ukraine will not cease. She plans to use the funds from the frozen Russian assets after 2025. This could provide significant financial aid to Ukraine. The US wants to push for this to be approved by the G7 nations. These funds could potentially be used as collateral for issuing bonds or loans.

12:38 Steinmeier: We need to be more proactive about our security
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier calls Russia's attack on Ukraine a "majestic turning point." He urges the global community to recognize this change in reality. Military security and societal resilience need to be considered together, he says. Steinmeier stresses that more efforts should be made towards defense and investing in alliances. Steinmeier, who has had a central role in shaping Germany's Russia policy in the past as Foreign Minister, was once critical of a NATO maneuver in Eastern Europe, saying it was a case of "loud sword-rattling and bellowing war calls."

Kharkiv: Over Six People Killed in Russian Missile Attacks
According to Ukrainian sources, at least six individuals have been killed in several missile assaults on Kharkiv. Russian forces attacked the city at least 15 times in the morning, the report said. Seventeen people were injured, as per the Kyiv Independent. Infrastructure targets as well as a private company were hit in the attacks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the "incredibly brutal attack." Meanwhile, Zelensky proclaimed that the Russian aggressors are capitalizing on Ukraine's lack of adequate air defense, as he mentioned on X.

Norway Strengthens Entry Regulations for Russian Citizens
To further solidify border restrictions for Russian citizens, Norway plans to enhance entry regulations. As of May 29, Russians traveling for recreational or non-essential reasons will be deported from entering the country. This rule applies to individuals possessing a Norwegian visa and those holding visas released by other Schengen states, according to the Norwegian government's declaration.

"Equipping for a Comfortable Situation" in Moscow Could Become More Complicated
When considering the recent Russian attacks in Ukraine, the US is currently mulling the potential option of allowing Kiev to attack Russian territory with American weapons. In an analysis for ntv, Moscow correspondent Rainer Munz deliberates over the possible consequences this would inflict on Russia.

Stocking Up on Energy Supplies in Sweden: "No One Knows How Much Time We Have"
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Sweden has adopted the idea of 'total defense' and is setting up its power supply for potential warfare. The country possesses a widely extensive network of electric power lines that run through dense forests and are prone to sabotage, therefore making Sweden extraordinarily vulnerable in this area. Critical infrastructure is a typical target in wars, evident in the current scenario in Ukraine with its recurring power cuts and winters stripped of functional heating. Sweden intends to be prepared for such hardships: "No one knows how much time we have," declares Minister of Civil Defense Carl-Oskar Bohlin in an interview with the business journal "Bloomberg".

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Another Senior Russian Military Officer Arrested
The purges in Russia are ongoing. The army's deputy chief of staff, Vadim Shamarin, has been detained for alleged corruption. State news sources indicate that Shamarin will remain in custody temporarily. The Deputy Chief of the General Staff, responsible for overseeing communications, is being accused of accepting bribes on a considerable scale. In Russia, this is a misdemeanor punishable by a thirteen-year imprisonment. Shamarin marks the fourth high-ranking military officer to be arrested since April, with Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov, Lieutenant General Yuri Kuznetskov, and Major General Ivan Popov having been previous detainees. On this month, President Vladimir Putin dismissed influential Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and replaced him with former Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov.

"Prisoners are Recruited to Join the Ukrainian Army"
The war in Ukraine has claimed much ammunition and numerous soldiers' lives in addition to necessitating personnel reinforcement for the Ukrainian army. To obtain these reinforcements, Ukraine is implementing new methods - through a mobile application and from within prisons, reports ntv correspondent Stephan Richter.

Apparent Shift in US Policy on Firing US Weapons Against Russia
Prior to the recent Russian attacks in Ukraine, US President Joe Biden had maintained that weapons delivered to Ukraine should never be fired at Russian land. However, recent events in the conflict zone and Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Kiev seem to have prompted a shift in White House policy, with speculation that the Ukrainians could be allowed to produce US weapons on Russian targets directly behind the border, as stated in the New York Times. Secretary of State Blinken is a promoter of this proposal; nonetheless, it is still in its infancy, and it remains unclear how many members of Biden's inner circle endorse it.

The Kremlin is gradually depending more on "Russian compatriots living overseas." According to Yevgeny Primakov, a prominent politician in charge of these migrants, an "electronic map of compatriots" produced by his department will soon be ready. This initiative aims to provide these individuals access to unspecified federal services, allow them to visit Russia, work there, and even apply for Russian citizenship in the future. The initial cards are projected to be issued by the end of 2024, although some of these expats don't have Russian citizenship and are uncertain about Russia's policies. Nonetheless, they share a connection to Russia in some way, which the program hopes to foster. Primakov approximates that there may be anywhere from 20 to 40 million individuals, although the concept of "Russian compatriots abroad" is unclear. Researchers at the Institute for the Study of War anticipate that Russia is likely recruiting these people as part of an attempt to "justify further violence and covert activities abroad to 'protect' Russian compatriots."

Several missiles and drones assaulted the Belgorod border region, as claimed by the Ministry of Defense, originating from Ukraine during the night. Officials in the region have not disclosed any potential casualties.

Ukraine has already had US HIMARS multiple rocket launchers in use since 2022.

Ukraine's prosecution authorities have identified over 350 troops and occupation officials who are presumed to have committed war crimes. In the words of Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin, speaking to X: "The actual number of such atrocities, however, is significantly larger, including those occurring in occupied areas and in detention centers on Russian soil." Russians are being accused of purposely killing civilians, physically abusing prisoners of war, and other inhumane acts. "Ever since the beginning of its unlawful war in 2014, Russia has systematically abducted, tortured, and murdered Ukrainians," Kostin states. "The massacre policy against anyone identifying as Ukrainians has grown even more vicious with the onset of complete-scale war."

Ukraine claims to have made progress defending Kharkiv's north-eastern areas, while needing to retreat from other portions of the front and accept setbacks. Moscow persists with attacking multiple regions.

On the front lines, over 25 fights have been documented near Avdiivka, an industrial hub in the Donbass region's coalfields. "The enemy is attempting to infiltrate our military units with assault squads and heavy equipment," announced the military. The region is mentioned by President Volodymyr Zelensky as a primary battleground. The Ukrainian military asserts their management of the situation in the Kharkov border region battlefront, with defenders resisting valiantly. Battles in the towns of Lipzy and Starytsya and the small town of Vovchansk are where the fight is intensifying.

The American government has declared its reaction to a disputed law passed in Georgia. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken disregards the "foreign agent bill" and conveys his worry about its implementation to the US Congress. He allows that the US will devise a reaction to this piece of legislation. This law, like the one in Russia, seeks to restrict foreign influence on non-governmental organizations.

A DIW economical research institute study asserts that a prohibition on Russian natural gas imports into the European Union will not threaten gas supplies in the EU. The study projects that even if EU gas demand remains high until 2030, it can be maintained without Russian natural gas. "It would be possible to substitute these imports with gas transmission from other countries and LNG without expanding already existing infrastructure in almost all scenarios," the researchers share. Security of supply thus wouldn't impede additional sanctions on Russia.

5:50 Romanian President Iohannis is wary of potentially delivering a Patriot system to Ukraine

Romanian leader Klaus Iohannis is cautious about the potential transfer of a Patriot defensive system to Ukraine. Any such agreement would require approval from the Supreme Council for National Defense, and must not compromise Romania's own air defense capabilities, Iohannis stresses. According to the Romanian news outlet Digi24, this matter will be discussed privately with military experts and the Supreme Council, without public confrontation. The deployment of a Patriot system is fraught with several logistical and legal complications. "Even if Romania makes some compromises, it must receive something in return for such a move," said Iohannis.

5:22 Poland mulls shooting down Russian missiles over Ukrainian territory

Poland is pondering engaging its air defenses to intercept Russian missiles over Ukraine. This step came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested in a recent interview that Western allies, including Poland, could contribute more directly to Ukraine's defense by intercepting Russian missiles. Polish Foreign Ministry spokesman Pawel Wronski confirmed that Poland is assessing the feasibility of such an approach, taking both legal and technical perspectives into account. "This issue is being evaluated from a legal and technical standpoint," explained Wronski.

4:40 Ukrainian forces claim to shoot down Russian fighter jet

Ukrainian soldiers allege to have downed a Russian SU-25 fighter jet near Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. "Ukrainian forces have reportedly downed a Russian SU-25 attack aircraft," stated the General Staff. The Soviet-designed SU-25, known as the "Frog's Foot" by NATO, is a heavily armored ground attack aircraft that offers air support to Russian ground troops engaged in intense fighting across multiple frontlines, particularly in the Donetsk region.

4:08 Sweden pledges a further €6.5 billion in military aid to Ukraine

Sweden has committed to furnish an additional €6.5 billion in military aid to Ukraine over the next three years. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson made the announcement, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressing his gratitude. "This is substantial and will significantly enhance not only Ukraine, but the entire European region from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea," praised Zelensky in a video address. "Ukraine's cause is Sweden's cause," affirmed Kristersson in a video posted on a social network.

3:00 Kadyrov offers additional troops for the battle in Ukraine

In a meeting at the Kremlin, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov proposes adding more troops to assist Russia's efforts in Ukraine. Kadyrov notes that at least 43,500 soldiers, with 18,000 volunteers, have already participated in the conflict. "I offer you 10,000 more well-trained and equipped fighters from the reserve," he said in a statement.

1:54 Zelensky pursues more pledges for the Swiss peace summit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to solicit commitments for the upcoming peace conference in Switzerland in mid-June. In a video address, Zelensky mentioned speaking with the heads of state from Chile, Albania, Austria, and Mozambique. "Today I had conversations with the heads of state and governments of Chile, Albania, Austria, and Mozambique," he recounted. "Four more countries have confirmed their participation - I thank them." It's already known that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will represent Germany at the meeting. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has confirmed his attendance, calling the event an important step towards reviving the possibility of peace.

1:16 Zelensky urges the West for help against Russian glide bombs

In a nightly address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky solicits aid from the West to counter Russian glide bomb attacks. Glide bombs are a vital component of Russia's aerial assaults. "Ukraine needs systems and tactics that allow us to safeguard our positions, our cities, and our communities from these bombs," Zelensky emphasized. Russia is increasingly deploying bombs reinforced with a guidance system that enables pilots to safely drop them on targets and are challenging to combat.

22:00 Ukraine frees first prisoners to fight on the front line

Ukraine releases its first prisoners to take up arms on the front lines against Russia. A court in the western city of Khmelnytsky has authorized the release of two inmates convicted of theft, who will join the National Guard. The release follows a new regulation allowing prisoners prepared to engage in combat to be set free on parole. More than 3,000 inmates have submitted applications for release since the law's passage, according to Kiev.

21:24 Zelenskyy seeks international intervention against Russian glide bombs

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is calling for Western support to counter Russian glider bombs. These bombs are a significant component of Moscow's aerial offensive. "Ukraine requires systems to protect our positions, cities, and communities from these weapons," said Zelensky in a nightly video message. "Russia is increasingly deploying guided bombs, which pilots can safely drop and are difficult to overpower."