Canada backs German aerial defense project to the tune of 52 million euros.

At 20:43, Canada contributes 52 million euros to Germany's air defense plan.

The Canadian Defense Minister, Bill Blair, has declared that his country will contribute 76 million Canadian dollars (equivalent to 52 million euros) to boost Ukraine's air defenses, as part of a German initiative. This investment, according to Blair, will help Ukraine defend itself against the gruesome attacks that have destroyed hospitals, power plants, and residential blocks, causing the deaths of countless innocent Ukrainians. He made this statement during a joint press conference with the German Defense Minister, Boris Pistorius, in Ottawa. Pistorius, on the other hand, mentioned that the Iris-T air defense systems would be delivered to Kiev in the imminent future, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

At 19:50, Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian President and the current Vice-Chairman of the National Security Council, has warned London and Paris about severe counter-strikes if they were to execute Ukrainian attacks involving British or French cruise missiles. In a Telegram post, Medvedev referred to the traditional Ukrainian attire by addressing them as "idiots in embroidered robes" and claimed that "the response will likely not be directed at Kiev; it might even be worse".

For the former US Lieutenant General, Ben Hodges, it is still puzzling what Russia aims to achieve with its advance in the Kharkiv region. He considers the possibility that it could be a ruse to divert Ukraine's capabilities in a particular direction, while stealthily planning attacks elsewhere. He, however, acknowledges the difficulty of this strategy since he hadn't observed such tactical intelligence from Moscow before. On the other hand, he also reckons that the Russian army could simply aim to wear down the Ukrainian troops by continuing their advance, as long as they believe they possess the upper hand.

The German Foreign Office has made an appeal for assistance in defending Ukraine, following the Russian ground assault on Kharkiv. The office, in a statement on its English-language profile, applauded the Ukrainians' fearless resistance despite the constant Russian shelling, emphasizing the need for solidarity worldwide.

Niko Karasek, a Russia expert, suggests that Putin's current aggression is nothing but a provocation and that Russia would project itself as the enemy of the Western elite and align itself with the Nazi era. Additionally, he points out how nationalistic television programs have instilled this notion in the society.

The US is assembling a 400 million dollars weapons package for Ukraine, including artillery, air defense, ammunition, armored vehicles, and small arms, according to a government official. With the assistance coming from the Congress, the US can now resume its military support for Ukraine.

Following reports that four border villages in the Kharkiv region had been captured by the Russian forces, the Governor of the region, Ihor Synyehubov, denied this on his Telegram account. He assured that the Ukrainian troops are steadfast and have not lost any ground. There is currently no immediate threat to the city of Kharkiv, according to him.

The Russian government has lodged an official complaint after a group of six individuals tried to occupy the former Russian consulate in Leipzig. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the intruders placed anti-Russian banners on the balcony. Two Russian embassy employees who were in the building at that moment notified the police, leading to the arrest of the group. A criminal complaint will be filed with the German government, the ministry said. The local police confirmed the incident.

In response to the Russian advances in the Kharkiv region, Ukraine anticipates receiving the first F-16 fighter jets in June or July, claims a high-ranking military source to Reuters. Despite not disclosing the supplying country, it's known that Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium have pledged to provide these jets to help break Russian air superiority. The Kharkiv Governor, Ihor Synyehubov, dismissed unverified reports of Russian troops seizing the villages of Striletsche, Krasne, Pylne, and Boryssiwka, insisting none of these territories have been lost.

Meanwhile, the Russian government has announced their intention to file a formal grievance with the German authorities following the attempted occupation of their former consulate in Leipzig by a group of anti-Russian protesters. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, elaborated that these individuals had climbed the fence of the Russian-owned building and unfurled banners against Russia. The police apprehended the group, capturing six people, while two employees working at the embassy at the time informed the authorities. Their complaint highlights the disregard for the ruled law by these hooligans and calls for strict dealing with them.

3:42pm Umbach: "Russian casualties are outrageously excessive"

A Russian assault in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city, is ongoing. Regardless of their current advantage, security expert Frank Umbach insists that Russian soldiers face "tight time constraints." Moreover, he highlights a detail that isn't widely discussed in Western media.

3:13pm Minister Schulze unveils prosthesis center in Ukraine

German Development Minister Svenja Schulze inaugurated the nation's largest workshop for producing prosthetics for war-damaged individuals in Ukraine. The facility in Lviv, western Ukraine was financed by Germany for around €1.8 million and is part of a center for orthopedics. There, specialists are also trained and it is linked to a rehabilitation center. "This is a location of hope, a location of strength," asserted Schulze at the inauguration event. Hordes of people have had their limbs amputated, lost arms, or even their lives due to landmines, grenades, or collapsed structures.

2:48pm Zelensky confirms Russian offensive

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed a Russian onslaught. As per Kyiv Independent, Russian soldiers have launched an offensive operation focusing on the Kharkiv region. The Ukrainians are countering them "with our troops, brigades, and artillery," he reiterated. Earlier, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense announced that the Russian army had attempted to burst through Ukraine's defense line in the Kharkiv region.

2:09pm Ukrainian soldier searches for targets behind the front line in Bachmut from a hideout

Despite Russia capturing Bachmut, the Ukrainians are still fighting for the town. If this region falls to the Russians, they fear the enemy could penetrated inland. Reconnaissance units are perennially appraising opportunities to inflict small-scale harm. Their security is consistently at risk.

1:47pm Russian soldiers advance 1km into the Kharkiv oblast

As per a report, Russian soldiers have progressed 1km into the Kharkiv oblast in northeastern Ukraine near Vovchansk. A high-ranking Ukrainian army official disclosed this to Reuters. The official revealed that the Russian military planned to progress around 10km into the oblast to establish a protective zone. The Ukrainian military was battling to delay Moscow's invasion.

1:28pm Civilian evacuation from Vovchansk city in the Kharkiv oblast

The situation in the possible Russian ground incursion in the Kharkiv oblast in northeastern Ukraine remains unclear. According to Ukrainian sources, a Russian incursion has been thwarted so far. Due to elevated Russian shelling, Ukrainian civilians are being evacuated from the city of Vovchansk in the Oblast and the surrounding areas. This was reported by the British paper "The Guardian," citing an interview with Tamaz Gambarashvili, head of the military administration of Vovchansk, on the Ukrainian radio station Hromadske: "The majority of them are leaving on their own vehicles. Nonetheless, alongside the humanitarian center, we are arranging transportation for those who lack transportation."

1:11pm Lange appraises military parade: "Putin isn't as potent as he'd like us to believe"

Each year, Russia showcases numerous armored vehicles and other military technology at the military parade on Victory Day. However, this time, there was considerably less equipment on display. Defense analyst Nico Lange analyzes the images from Moscow and the myths Western countries shouldn't trust.

12:42pm Kiev redeploys reinforcements to Kharkiv

Ukraine's Ministry of Defense disclosed that they have sent military reinforcements to the border area in the northeastern region of Kharkiv. According to them, this is to support the troops there in resisting Russian attacks. Russian troops had tried breaching the boundary with armored cars in the early hours, but were repelled. Nevertheless, the skirmishes continued "with varying intensity."

12:31pm Governor: Russian troops attempt breakthrough in Kharkiv

As per the governor of the Kharkiv region in northeastern Ukraine, Oleh Synehubov, Russian troops attempted a breakthrough at the boundary with Ukraine. They had escalated their shelling of the city of Vovchansk, which is nearby the Russian border, Synehubov revealed on Telegram. The assaults were repelled, and the Ukrainian soldiers "confidently held their positions and did not lose an inch." Moscow doesn't have the means to invade the city of Kharkiv, explained Synehubov. The Russians' actions on the border were a "provocation."

12:13: Deadly Russian shelling claims a life in Sumy Oblast, another injuredIn a recent Russian attack in Sumy Oblast, one woman lost her life, and another girl sustained injuries. As reported by the Ukrainian state news agency, Ukrinform, the shelling occurred in the Shostkynskyi district. The woman killed was 64 years old, and the injured girl was 17. The regional public prosecutor's office confirmed that the victim's granddaughter was injured in the incident. From 7:10 AM on May 10, 2024, Russian forces fired artillery into the Esman community in the Shostkynsky district's civilian infrastructure.

11:41: Ukrainian energy crisis looms as Russia continues attacks on infrastructureThe repeated assaults on Ukraine's infrastructure by Russia are causing a significant electricity shortage, forcing the country to limit energy usage for businesses. Ukrainian state energy provider Ukrenergo reported that since the beginning of the year, there have been five major attacks on the energy network in central and western Ukraine. The latest attack occurred on May 8. Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, head of Ukrenergo, claims that the Russian attacks have left Ukraine with an energy deficit that cannot be completely covered by imports from Europe. Ukraine has requested emergency energy supplies from neighboring countries.

11:23: FDP parliamentary group opposes removing defense spending from debt brakeThe FDP parliamentary group rejects the notion of excluding defense spending from Germany's debt brake regulations. Leading the group, Christian Dürr, emphasized that investments in security depend on political decisions, not the debt brake. He added that the group will work to restructure the budget to give priority to defense spending. In response to this, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius suggested excluding defense and civil protection spending from the debt brake, but this idea was dismissed by Finance Minister Christian Lindner, who advocated reallocating money in the budget instead.

10:51: Kharkiv hit by Russian S-300 missile last night, 26 buildings damagedLast night, Russian forces targeted Kharkiv with an S-300 missile, injuring one 11-year-old child and one 72-year-old woman. The mayor of the city, Ihor Terekhov, revealed these details through a Telegram update. The attack resulted in a fire that completely destroyed two houses and partially destroyed another, while 26 buildings and more than 300 windows were damaged.

10:13: Putin appoints Mishustin as Prime Minister for second termRussian President Vladimir Putin has reshuffled his Cabinet, with Mikhail Mishustin being reappointed as Prime Minister. The decision was announced by the speaker of Russia's lower house of parliament.

09:56: 95 skirmishes reported between Ukrainian troops and Russian forces in the past 24 hoursThe Ukrainian General Staff recorded 95 skirmishes between the Ukrainian military and Russian forces in the past day. According to Ukrinform, Russian military forces carried out six rocket attacks, 80 air strikes, and 127 attacks utilizing multiple rocket launchers on Ukrainian troops' positions and civilians in Ukrainian towns and cities.

09:18: Munz from ntv: Putin's nuclear threat just a political bluffIn a Russia-centric news coverage, ntv correspondent Rainer Munz explained that Putin's renewed threat of using nuclear weapons during the military parade on Red Square was merely a political ploy. Munz also pointed out that the possible use of Ukrainian military drones could pose a problem for Russia.

08:36: Moscow alleges "Nazi-like genocide" in Moldova, hinting at a potential advanceThe Institute for the Study of War's (ISW) analysts have identified a significant shift in Russia's official rhetoric as Moscow now claims an alleged "Nazi-like genocide" is occurring in Moldova. This statement, made by Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, might signify preparations for a Russian advance to seize control over Moldova and not just its regions. In the context of "Victory Day" over Nazi Germany, Zakharova spoke to the Russian state news agency TASS, highlighting Russia's narrative that Russian citizens are discriminated against elsewhere and require protection by Moscow, and that Russia is in an "existential geopolitical struggle with a modern Nazi movement."

The two regions in Moldova, autonomous Gagauzia and breakaway Transnistria, have a large Russian-speaking population. Moscow might possibly be trying to justify any future Russian aggression throughout Moldova - very much like their past act in Ukraine. As per ISW, the pro-Putin opposition voting bloc "Moldovan Victory" leaders partook in the victory parade in Moscow, which could be a possible hint that the Kremlin intends to utilize these actors to destabilize the whole of Moldova and endanger the country's democracy and European Union accession process.

In a media report, an oil refinery in the Russian Kaluga oblast caught fire after a Ukrainian drone attack. This detail was shared by the Russian state news agency RIA, according to sources from the emergency services. At the Pervyi Zavod refinery in Kaluga, three diesel fuel containers and one heating oil container were destroyed. Governor of Kaluga, Vladislav Shapshah, previously mentioned that a fire at one of the companies was quickly put out. He didn't specify which company was afflicted.

As per official data from Kiev, Russian troops have sustained consistent losses. Within one particular day, 980 Russian soldiers have lost their lives or are incapable of fighting. From the start of the war in February 2022, 479,710 Russian soldiers have been "eliminated", per the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. Moreover, the Russian military has lost 5 additional tanks (7434), as indicated by the Ministry's daily data. Since Russia's invasion began, Ukraine has recorded over 14,300 armored vehicles and around 9,800 drones seized by the enemy or destroyed. However, these data can't be independently verified. Moscow refuses to disclose its own losses in Ukraine.

In Sumy oblast, Russian troops have attacked the region 302 times yesterday, with 60 separate assaults. They fired on 11 communities located along the border, as reported by the Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Independent". They used mortar, drones, rockets, and artillery attacks while simultaneously bedecking two communities with explosives through drones. There were no registered fatalities or injuries. Witnessing the majority of the reported attacks, the town of Velyka Pysarivka (previously housing about 4,000 people), which lies on the Ukrainian-Russian boundary, underwent a total of 67 incidents.

The Ukrainian domestic spy agency SBU has apprehended a Kharkiv man who allegedly spied on Ukrainian positions. This information was shared by "Kyiv Independent". The 45-year-old individual is accused of surveilling Ukrainian positions and passing coordinates of these locations to Russian intelligence officers, as per the SBU report. The man was detained at his Vovchansk district home in Kharkiv. Along with his confiscated cell phone displaying emails claiming correspondence with Russian intelligence officers, authorities also retrieved the device.

Ukrainian military claims they've intercepted and disposed of all ten combat drones launched by the Russians overnight. Additionally, Russia fired two anti-aircraft guided missiles. Their fate remains unknown.

Governor Vladislav Shapshah of the Russian region of Kaluga claimed that a brief fire broke out at a company after their Ukrainian drone attack. The fire was subsequently extinguished.

In Kharkiv, a Russian airstrike caused damage to houses and a fire broke out. The mayor of Kharkiv, Ihor Terekhov, announced this on Telegram. A single individual was injured during the attack. According to the "Kyiv Independent", five explosions were heard in the city.

Upon his visit to Washington, Ukrainian Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stressed the unity of the West, stating, "I am confident that only America and Europe combined can maintain the West robust and defend it against Russia's expansionist ambitions and the cravings of other powers for power and dominance." He went on, "My message today is: As in other occasions of transatlantic partnership, such as the Berlin Airlift, the Marshall Plan, or the reunification of Germany, let us seize this transatlantic opening again."

03:14 Russia: UAV intercepted nearby MoscowMoscow's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, announces on the messaging app Telegram that Russian air defense units have intercepted a UAV south of Moscow. There were no casualties or damage caused by fallen debris, Sobyanin wrote. However, this information couldn't be verified independently.

01:20 Zelensky promotes his country's joining of the EUUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continues his effort to get his country into the EU. "Our state, our people deserve it, and the European Union also needs this step - not just politically," said Zelensky in his daily video address. Zelensky believes the EU strengthens itself by not excluding anyone who believes in European values. They're hopeful the formal accession talks will start in June.

23:22 Artillery shells from Czech initiative to reach Ukraine in JuneThe first batch of bullets purchased by EU allies as part of the Czech-backed initiative is expected to arrive in Ukraine in June, Czech President Petr Pavel tells ARD. Pavel mentioned in February that Prague identified 500,000 155mm shells and 300,000 122mm shells outside Europe that could be acquired and transported to Ukraine as soon as the needed funds were secured. Several nations, including Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Canada, Poland, France, Denmark, and Slovenia, have dedicated funds for this Czech initiative, potentially resulting in the delivery of 1.5 million shells to Kiev. The first 180,000 pieces of ammunition are anticipated in June, and contracts for more are being finalized, explains Pavel in his chat with ARD.

22:01 Kiev limits street lightingThe Kiev city administration decides to limit nighttime street lighting due to Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy system, causing severe power shortages across the country, Serhii Popko, the head of the Kiev military administration, has revealed. On Wednesday night, Russia targeted the oblasts of Poltava, Kirovohrad, Zaporizhia, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kiev, and Vinnytsia primarily, which mainly affected the energy infrastructure. At least two hydroelectric power plants were forced to shut down as a consequence of the attack.

21:32 EU ambassador to Ukraine: Kiev can enter the EU in 2030Katarina Mathernova, the EU ambassador to Ukraine, considers that 2030 is a very achievable year for Ukraine to join the EU. She states that predicting when Ukraine might officially join the EU is like gazing into a crystal ball for predictions. In November 2023, the European Commission advised the start of accession talks with Kiev, but said four extra reforms were required. The European Council made the decision to initiate negotiations with Ukraine the next month.

20:59 Zelensky fires his bodyguard head after foiled assassination attemptUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismisses the head of his bodyguard after a planned assassination was thwarted. In a public statement, Zelensky released a decree on the "dismissal of Serhiy Leonidovich Rud from the position of Head of the State Security Department of Ukraine". It was reported earlier this week that two guards were arrested for allegedly planning an attempt on Zelensky's life. Ukraine's domestic intelligence service, the SBU, confirmed on Tuesday that it had disbanded a "network of agents" controlled by the Russian secret service, the FSB, who were "planning the assassination of the Ukrainian president".

20:32 Ukrainian oligarch detained in custody for alleged contract murder of lawyerOn May 9, a Kiev court issued a warrant for business magnate Ihor Kolomoisky's arrest in a murder case. He will remain in custody without access to bail until July 7. Kolomoisky, one of Ukraine's most notorious tycoons, was apprehended on September 2, 2023, charged with fraud and money laundering involving his oil and gas holdings. The Prosecutor General's Office revealed on Wednesday that he's also suspected of ordering the murder of the head of a law firm in Crimea nearly 20 years ago. The lawyer denied Kolomoisky's request to nullify a decision made at a shareholders' meeting, allegedly prompting the oligarch to hire hitmen to eliminate him, according to the investigation.

20:14 Zelensky removes and reappoints commander - two months laterUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reappoints Dmytro Hereha as commander of the Ukrainian support forces after sacking him in March. Zelensky underwent leadership changes within the Ukrainian military, including the dismissal of Ukraine's top military commander, Valery Salushnyi. After Hereha's dismissal, he was replaced by Oleksandr Yakovets in March. However, Yakovets was sacked following just two months in office. The Support Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces are one of the most significant formation of the Ukrainian military, responsible for giving assistance to the troops.

7:59 PM - Announcement for Ukraine's president vanishes from Russian law enforcement site

The notices for Volodymyr Zelensky, the current president, and Petro Poroshenko, former president of Ukraine, have vanished from the Russian Ministry of Interior's website. According to Mediazona, a Russian media outlet, both leaders were added to the most wanted list by a Russian law enforcement office in the occupied region of Donetsk, Ukraine. This most likely happened at the end of February.

The disappearance of their profiles was noticed by RIA Novosti, a Russian news agency, on Saturday, according to Mediazona. It is unclear why these profiles were deleted from the Russian Ministry of Interior's website.

For more details about previous events, check here. [image] Find all the latest news about previous developments [link]

The consulate general was closed at the end of 2023 because the German government withdrew the license to operate it.

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Despite Canada's contribution to boost Ukraine's air defenses, Russian Vice-Chairman Dmitry Medvedev has warned London and Paris against executing Ukrainian attacks involving British or French cruise missiles, threatening severe counter-strikes if they do.
Following the Russian ground assault on Kharkiv, Volodymyr Selensky, the President of Ukraine, has repeatedly confirmed Russian offensive operations in the Kharkiv region, with the Ukrainian forces countering them with troops, brigades, and artillery.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has reported an increase in military operations between Ukrainian troops and Russian forces in the Kharkiv region, with over 95 skirmishes recorded in the past 24 hours, resulting in numerous rocket attacks, air strikes, and attacks utilizing multiple rocket launchers.
As part of NATO's commitment to support Ukraine, military aid has been delivered to Ukrainian forces, including the arrival of F-16 fighter jets, which Ukraine anticipates receiving in June or July, to help break Russian air superiority and ensure defense against cyberwar attacks, such as those that have destroyed hospitals, power plants, and residential blocks in Ukraine.

Source: www.ntv.de