At 20:01, Selensky honors the anniversary of the dam collapse in southern Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took to social media to remember the anniversary of a dam disaster in southern Ukraine last year. He stated that the Russian occupiers were responsible for the incident, which resulted in tens of thousands of people being affected. The dam break caused a flood wave, disrupted water supplies for several hundred thousand people, and was described as one of the environmental crimes committed by the Russian invaders. Zelensky claimed that neighboring countries in the Black Sea region felt the consequences of this calamity.
In an act of sabotage, a court in the Russian republic of Tatarstan has handed down long prison sentences to two teenagers and a young man. The trio had attempted to undermine Russia's defense capabilities and economic security, purportedly in Ukraine's interest. One 20-year-old received a 17-year sentence, while the minors were sentenced to five years in a juvenile detention center each. They were accused of burning out a railway switchgear, which plays a key role in regulating train traffic. Reportedly, they were paid around €80 by unknown Ukrainian contractors to carry out their actions. The train traffic was slowed in affected sections as a safety precaution. The incident reportedly occurred in March 2023. At the time, the two defendants were 15 and 16 years old.
French President Emmanuel Macron addressed D-Day commemorations in Normandy, encouraging people to defend freedom around the world. "In the face of the return of war to our continent, in the face of those who question what you fought for, in the face of those who claim to change borders or rewrite history, let us prove ourselves worthy of those who landed here," he said in his speech, attended by veterans and numerous heads of state and government. He also acknowledged the presence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying, "We will not give in." Adding, "Freedom must be fought for every morning anew. For all those who live everywhere in the world, hoping for freedom, equality, and brotherhood, June 6 is a day without end. June 6 is a new dawn."
US President Joe Biden has made it clear that weapons supplied by America to Ukraine cannot be used to attack Moscow or other targets within Russia. He stated that such weapons could only be used in instances where Russian border areas were being attacked. Biden's statement came in an interview with the US broadcaster ABC News, where he underlined that attacks with US weapons on targets "200 miles (about 320 kilometers) inside Russia" or on Moscow "or on the Kremlin" were not authorized.
One person was killed and four others injured due to Russian shelling in the village of Pivnichne, part of the Donetsk region. The Emergency Services posted about it on Facebook. Pivnichne lies close to the front line in the Bakhmut district. Two of the injured were hospitalized.
In Ukraine, a former soldier has been sentenced to five years in prison for supplying military information to Russia. He had made contact with an FSB representative via the online service Signal and consequently shared the locations of soldiers and military equipment in the Kharkiv and Mykolaiv regions. Russia used this information to bomb Ukrainian defenders with targeted air strikes, according to the Prosecutor's Office of Kharkiv. Ukrainian authorities arrested the man near the front city Kupyansk.
Ukrainian authorities have ordered evacuations in several cities and villages due to intensified fighting in the eastern region of Donetsk. Children and their parents/caretakers were told to leave Lyman, Prohres, and other nearby places. The Donetsk Governor, Vadym Lisitsyn, explained that the security situation continues to worsen and the intensity of shelling is escalating. "This crucial decision is aimed at saving the lives of our children." Lisitsyn reported that 217 people had been evacuated the previous day, including 61 children.
4:52 Air Force Official Faced Disciplinary Action for Missile Conversation with Russia
The Inspector of the Air Force, Ingo Gerhartz, received a simple disciplinary reprimand for his conversation about the Taurus missile with Russia. The General Lieutenant now has to pay a fine, thus closing the case. By regulation, no more sanctions can be imposed. Yesterday, the Defense Committee was informed about the decision. According to reports, a Russian intelligence agency intercepted a Webex call between four senior officers of the Air Force. The contents of this discussion, which included discussion about deployment plans for the German Taurus missile in Ukraine, were made public.
10:21 Orban Offers Conditional Support for Rutte's NATO Chief Official Position
The Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, has attached conditions to his potential support for Mark Rutte's candidacy for the NATO Secretary General position. Firstly, Rutte must apologize for "offensive remarks" against Hungary, which he made while serving as Prime Minister. Secondly, any potential NATO Secretary General must sign an agreement with Hungary stating that Hungary will not participate in any military operations in Ukraine targeting Russia under NATO's domain. It must be emphasized that NATO has no intention of conducting military operations in Ukraine. Further, individual member states conducting operations outside the NATO area are not legally obliged to align with NATO's decisions.
10:58 Scholz Views D-Day as Inspiration for Increased Defense Efforts
Chancellor Olaf Scholz urges Europe to assume greater responsibility in terms of defense in the lead-up to the D-Day commemorations. A strong Europe, in terms of economy, military, and social security, is necessary to uphold peace. This refers to Russia as a threat. "We are determined to work towards the European vision that emerged from June 6, 1944," Scholz stated in an article for the French newspaper "Ouest-France". Germany and allies are united in the view that Russia cannot achieve "brutal imperialism" without opposition, and will therefore continue to support Ukraine's defense as long as necessary.
10:46 Biden: Democracy More Threatened Than Ever Since the End of World War II
U.S. President Joe Biden warned of the imminent threat to democracy during a commemorative event in France for the 80th anniversary of D-Day landings. Biden echoed concerns, stating that democracy is more imperiled today than since the end of World War II. He highlighted the central role of the D-Day military operation in the Allied victory over Nazi Germany. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of alliances, stressing that "isolationist" policies will do no good now.
10:17 NATO Stoltenberg: No Plans for Troops in Ukraine
NATO has no plans to deploy troops in Ukraine, confirmed NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Even though there's no impending danger against any NATO member from a NATO standpoint, the region faces a precarious situation. He was in Helsinki, Finland, at the time.
13:17 Biden: U.S. and NATO Refuse to Avert Ukraine Crisis
US President Joe Biden reiterated that the U.S. will not bypass the Ukraine crisis, citing tyrannical behavior from Russian leadership seeking power. In Normandy, honoring the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, Joe Biden asserted, "We don't back down, we won't surrender. It's unthinkable to give in. If we do, freedom will be diminished, and all of Europe will be at risk."
12:46 Frenchman Detained in Russia for Alleged Military Data Collection
A Frenchman was apprehended in Russia for alleged military data collection. These actions, characterized as "serious criminal offenses," fall under the purview of the Russian investigation committee. The individual visited Russia several times and engaged with other Russian citizens.
12:21 Lavrov: Sahel States to Receive Continued Russian Military Support
Russia plans to maintain and enhance its military presence in West and Central Africa. Completing a four-day tour of the region, the Russian Foreign Minister stated, "I promised our Chadian friends that Russia will continue to be a constructive partner in the stabilization of the Sahel-Sahara zone. This involves helping regional countries upgrade the readiness of their national armed forces and training military and law enforcement personnel."
11:30: Two Casualties and Multiple Injuries Resulting from Russian Attacks
Two individuals have been killed and many more injured in Russian attacks.
11:01 Lavrov: Increased Support for Sahel States' Military Readiness
Russia intends to widen its military footprint in West and Central Africa. Concluding a four-day visit to the region, the Russian Foreign Minister remarked, "I've assured the Chadian government that Russia will offer further support for regional stability in the Sahel and Sahara region, including strengthening national armed forces and military training."
10:30: Orban: Apology and Anti-Russian Alignment Requirements for Rutte's NATO Appointment
Prime Minister Viktor Orban, in a "Mandiner" portal interview, imposed conditions on his possible backing for Mark Rutte for the NATO Secretary General position. He demanded a public apology from Rutte for former insulting remarks against Hungary. Additionally, Orban required that part of any potential NATO Secretary General's agreements guarantee that Hungary interrupts their involvement in anti-Russian military actions in Ukraine. It's crucial to note that none exist at present.
As per Ukrainian news sources, Russia experienced two fatalities due to their attacks the previous day, with an additional 22 people sustaining injuries. These attacks inflicted damage in the regions of Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, and Dnipro. In Nikopol, a bus was hit by a drone which led to a fire resulting in four wounded passengers.
12:57 Scholz finds Putin's endorsement for AfD "embarrassing":Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his discomfort during a government declaration regarding the positive words conveyed by Russian President Vladimir Putin about the AfD. "It's already disheartening that you've received such favorable feedback from the Russian president today," stated the Chancellor. Before this, there were interruptions from AfD members. "You have worked hard to achieve that, and the public will fairly appraise it," emphasized the Chancellor. At a gathering of foreign media representatives earlier, Putin defended the cooperation of Russian representatives with the right-leaning AfD. "We will work with anybody who wishes to cooperate with Russia," said the Kremlin chief. "We observe no signs of neo-Nazism in the actions carried out by the AfD."
12:31 NATO Secretary General asserts need to prevent supply gaps to Ukraine:Gaps in the delivery of military aid to Ukraine should be avoided, according to NATO's Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. This responsibility falls on the Western allies. "We have witnessed some setbacks and delays in supplying military assistance to Ukraine during the past several months," noted Stoltenberg at a joint press conference with Finland's President Alexander Stubb in Helsinki. Ukraine expects unwavering commitment and predictability from its NATO allies.
11:59 Ukraine requests more F-16 pilot training spots:Ukraine demands that the US and other Western nations enhance the training capacities for its F-16 pilots. According to Ukrainian viewpoints, there aren't enough spots available to supply the forthcoming jets with pilots. There are around 30 pilots prepared to commence their training in the US right now, as mentioned in Kiev. However, the United States informs that only twelve spots are available in the training program in Arizona. In other training nations, similar problems are said to exist.
11:28 ISW: Ukraine intensifies counterattacks in Vovchansk:Fighting persists around the city of Vovchansk located near the Russian-Ukrainian border. The Ukrainian forces are attempting to inflict maximal losses on the Russian forces, halt their advances, and gradually reclaim territory, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), citing statements from Ukrainian General Staff Chief Oleksandr Syrskyj. Russian military bloggers claim, according to the report, that Ukrainian forces intensified their counterattacks in and around Vovchansk on Wednesday. Additionally, the head of the military administration of the city, Tamaz Gambarasvili, attested to Ukraine's recent recapture of unspecified areas within Vovchansk.
10:52 Ukrainian Military Intelligence reportedly destroys Russian ship in the Black Sea:The Ukrainian Military Intelligence (HUR) has allegedly neutralized a Russian ship in the Black Sea. The spokesman for the HUR, Andriy Yusov, stated this on Ukrainian television. The ship in question is said to be a tugboat stationed in the waters surrounding the Russian-occupied Crimea. "Another enemy ship was brought down in the Black Sea tonight. The HUR's special operation proved successful and resulted in 'minus one' enemy vessel," Yusov declared.
10:23 Renowned Ukrainian author Serhiy Zhadan joins the army:Famous Ukrainian novelist and recipient of the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade, Serhiy Zhadan, has signed up for the Ukrainian military. "I have enlisted in the 13th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine, Chartia. I've commenced my training. I serve the people of Ukraine," Zhadan wrote in various online platforms. Additionally, the 49-year-old author shared a photograph of himself in camouflage clothing holding a rifle.
09:57 Scholz defends weapons supply for Ukrainian assaults on Russia:The Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirmed that Ukraine can utilize the provided weapons to counter-attack Russian positions - even within Russian territories. Ukraine possesses the lawful authority to protect itself against invasions of its land, cities, and citizens. This extends to assaults like the one that occurred in the area of Kharkiv, wherein Russia carries out attacks from positions on the directly adjoining Russian border. Ukraine has the right to engage in battle with the weapons provided by its allies - always respecting international legal prerequisites. The risks were weighed alongside our allies.
09:26 Munz: "Putin attempts to exert pressure on Germany":Russian President Putin delivered his first address to international media after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, employing threats against the West. Munz, an ntv correspondent, examines the situation and discusses Putin's messages specifically targeting Germany.
08:56 Russia: 13 Ukrainian drones downed over Crimea:Russia claimed that it shot down 13 Ukrainian drones over Crimea. This news was released by Interfax, citing a representative of the Russian military in Crimea, Mikhail Razvozhaev.
Russia claims to have shot down 13 Ukrainian drones over the annexed Crimean Peninsula last night, as per their defense ministry. Additionally, six other objects were destroyed over the Belgorod region and an anti-ship missile over the Rostov region, according to the same source. However, these claims cannot be independently authenticated. Meanwhile, Ukraine also claims to have destroyed Russian drones around 06:54.
At 08:23, the Ukrainian forces have reported that the Russian invaders have now lost 515,000 soldiers. They assert that in the past 24 hours, 1,300 soldiers from the Russian army were killed. Moreover, 22 tanks and 48 artillery systems were destroyed, as per the Ukrainian General Staff. The report further mentions the loss of a missile defense system and 40 armored personnel carriers. Independent verification of these figures is not yet possible.
According to Russian reports, the work at a refinery in southern Russia has been interrupted due to a Ukrainian drone attack. This incident happened in Nowoschachtinsk, and Governor of the affected region Rostov, Vasily Golubev, announced the news. Although there are no casualties, the refinery has been temporarily suspended. This refinery is considered to be one of the most significant oil refineries in southern Russia and is located approximately ten kilometers east of the border. It is frequently targeted by Ukrainian attacks.
"It was not foreseeable that the damage to Ukrainian tanks would require years of maintenance," comments Ralf Ketzel, the head of the defense company KNDS. He estimates that 80-90% of the repairs are not done by them but are carried out at the front lines. He also points out that it's not easy to acquire spare parts for heavy military equipment. "This is also a subject we should consider if the government says: We want to be combat-ready," he added.
Ukrainian defenders managed to repel a Russian drone attack and shot down 17 out of 18 Shahed drones in the regions of Mykolaiv, Kherson, Saporischschja, and Khmelnytskyi, according to the Ukrainian General Staff. It remains unclear if the two Iskander missiles launched at the Dnipro region were also downed. The Ukrainian army has not released any statements regarding this matter.
At 06:25, Putin is threatening to deploy high-tech long-range missiles if the West allows Ukraine to use long-range weapons on Russian territory. He suggests that if countries allow Ukraine to use such weapons, then Russia could deploy similar high-tech long-range missiles close to those nations. He specifically mentions American ATACMS, British, and French missile systems. However, it is still unclear where the Russian missiles will be stationed.
Ralf Ketzel, the managing director of the German weapons manufacturer KNDS, mentions that his company, at present, cannot deliver supplies to Ukraine quickly. "The ability to deliver something quickly has been exhausted," he shares in an interview. He also highlights that two years ago, they should have made a strategic decision that this war would be prolonged and could have supplied new material at this stage.
On 04:22, Russia intends to extend relations with the Taliban in Afghanistan. "We have always believed that we have to face reality," Putin mentions during a meeting with foreign journalists on the sidelines of the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg, where a Taliban delegation was present. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had announced last week that Moscow plans to delist the Taliban from the list of terrorist organizations, where they've been listed since 2003.
Julia Nawalnaja, the widow of the late Kremlin critic Alexei Nawalny, and the foundation named after him received the Freedom Prize of the German broadcaster Deutsche Welle. While receiving the award, she confirmed that she and the foundation will continue her husband's work. Putin, according to her, "killed my husband Alexei Nawalny, but he did not silence his ideas." She also warned about Russian propaganda and false experts in the European Union ahead of the European elections. Putin is trying to impose his agenda. "And he often succeeds," she commented. In the end, she stated defiantly, "We will continue to fight. Freedom of expression will overcome the 'poison of propaganda.'"
As per Russian media, a blaze has occurred in an oil refinery in the Russian city of Novotsyagovsk. Prior to that, multiple explosions had taken place. The governor of the Rostov region, which borders Ukraine, informs about a drone assault, and emergency services are on the premises. It's worth noting that the refinery had previously been targeted by a Ukrainian drone attack in March.
01:24: The US Foresees Russian Military Exercises in the Caribbean
The United States anticipates that Russia will be conducting military exercises in the Caribbean. According to a US government representative, "We expect that Russia will engage in more vigorous naval and air force exercises near the United States this summer." These activities will be seen as regular maritime activities and won't pose a direct threat to the United States, the spokesperson adds. "It's about Russia showing it can still exert some global influence." The US Navy will keep tabs on the exercises.
00:04: Putin Elaborates on Russian Cooperation with AfD
Russian President Putin defends encounters between Russian officials and AfD politicians. "We'll work with anybody who wants to collaborate with Russia," Putin said during a meeting with representatives of major international news agencies in St. Petersburg. "We see no indications of neo-Nazism in the AfD's actions." Putin continues, saying, "We don't have any 'systematic relations' with the German opposition party. But if someone advocates for normalizing ties with Russia, Moscow will support it."
23:29: Putin: Russian Intrusion into NATO Territory is "Nonsense"
The Kremlin chief fiercely dismisses Western nations' apprehension of a Russian invasion of NATO territory as "rubbish." "Have you gone out of your minds? Are you as gullible as that table? Who thought of this? It's nonsense, get it?" Putin said. He also denies having threatened to use "some type of atomic bomb." "But did I propose the use of nuclear weapons? That's what you guys did."
22:20: Putin Offers to Look into the Murder of AFP Journalist Arman Soldin
Vladimir Putin has expressed his willingness to investigate the circumstances surrounding the murder of AFP journalist Arman Soldin. "We'll do whatever we can," Putin said at a gathering with reporters from international news agencies in St. Petersburg (see entry 21:25, 20:58, and 20:18). "We're open to it. But I'm unsure how it will proceed given the location of his death - a war zone." Soldin, a video journalist, was killed by a rocket attack near the contested city of Bachmut on May 9, 2023. At the time, he was covering Ukrainian soldiers close to the front lines.
21:51: Lavrov Looks for New Allies in Africa
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated during his trip to Burkina Faso that Moscow will send additional military equipment and trainers to Burkina Faso to bolster the country's defense capabilities, as reported by Russian state media. Since Russia's attack on Ukraine, Lavrov has paid nine visits to Africa. The trip is part of Moscow's diplomatic push: Russia is aiming to forge new connections. "Since our first contacts following the military coup in 2022, Russia and Burkina Faso have been working closely together in all areas, including military and military-technical cooperation," TASS quoted Lavrov. Russia finds a partner for military aid who is against the war but won't condemn it.
21:25: Putin Predicts No Shift in Russian Policy Following US Election
Vladimir Putin anticipates no drastic change in Washington's stance towards Moscow after the US presidential election. "For us, the election's outcome holds little significance," Putin told journalists in St. Petersburg. The Russian government will work with whomever the American populace elects as their leader. In the past, Putin had expressed his preference for a Biden victory because the former US president was more predictable. He also censured the legal proceedings against Donald Trump, who's competing against Biden on November 5.
20:58: Putin: Over 6,000 Ukrainians in Russian Captivity
Vladimir Putin has estimated the number of Ukrainian prisoners of war after two years of invasion in neighboring Ukraine at more than 6,000. The number is notably higher than that of Russian soldiers and officers in Ukraine captivity, said the Russian president to journalists from international news agencies in St. Petersburg (see entry 20:18).
According to Putin, Ukraine holds 1,348 Russian soldiers and officers, while Russia has 6,365 prisoners from Ukraine. Although both sides have not verified these numbers independently, Putin characterized the losses as being in a similar ratio as the prisoners. He added that Ukraine sustained significantly higher losses than Russia during the war. In contrast, the Ukrainian side emphasizes there were substantially more Russian than their own soldiers who died in the fighting.
10:18 PM Putin cautions against utilizing German weapons to target areas in Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a warning regarding the utilization of German weapons by Ukrainian military personnel against targets within Russian territory. During a gathering with representatives from significant foreign news agencies in St. Petersburg, Putin expressed that this move would pose a significant danger. Several were taken aback when Germany delivered tanks to Ukraine last year. Putin stated that if Ukraine initiates missile attacks against locations within Russia, it will cause severe damage to Russian-German relations. The meeting between international media outlets took place at the Lakhta Center of the natural gas corporation Gazprom and is part of the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. It represents the first time since Putin's conflict with Ukraine that such an international meeting has occurred.
Read also:
- Following his statement about the dam disaster anniversary, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of conducting a military operation in Ukraine.
- In connection with the Ukraine conflict, a court in Russia sentenced three individuals for sabotage, allegedly aiming to undermine Russia's defense capabilities and economic security.
- Addressing the NATO Secretary General position, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban attached conditions, including a requirement for the potential Secretary General to sign an agreement prohibiting Hungarian participation in any military operations against Russia in Ukraine.
- In response to the intensified fighting in the Donetsk region of Ukraine, the French military pledged cyberwar support to their Ukrainian partners, aiming to bolster their defenses and combat potential Russian cyberattacks.
