Biden states that arming Ukraine to attack Moscow and the Kremlin is forbidden.

Biden warns against Ukrainian attacks on Moscow and Kremlin using US weapons.

Joe Biden has affirmed that the weapons sent by the US to Ukraine can't be utilized for strikes on Moscow or other targets within Russia. These weapons are only allowed to be used for attacks "right across the border" if Ukrainian targets are attacked from Russian border regions, Biden highlighted in an interview with the American broadcaster ABC News, bites were released. Attacks with US weapons on targets "200 miles (around 320 kilometers) inside Russia" or on Moscow "or the Kremlin" are disallowed, Biden stressed.

18:09: One Fatality, Four Injured in Russian Artillery Fire at the Front in DonetskThe Russian military has pounded the town of Piwnitschne in the Donetsk region with artillery. One individual was killed, while four others endured injuries, based on a Facebook post by the Emergency Services. Piwnitschne belongs to the Bachmut district and is situated only a few kilometers from the front line. Two of the wounded were rushed to the hospital for care.

17:37: Ex-Soldier in Ukraine Jailed for Five Years for Leaking Data to RussiaIn Ukraine, a former soldier has been handed a five-year prison term for presumed sharing of military information with Russia. The unidentified former soldier established contact with a representative of the Russian domestic intelligence agency FSB using the online service Signal, according to the Charkiv prosecutor's office. He then relayed the locations of soldiers and military hardware in the regions of Charkiw in the northeast and Mykolajiw in the south. Russia is believed to have exploited these details to carry out targeted airstrikes on Ukrainian defenders, the prosecutor's office stated. The man was apprehended near the front city of Kupyansk. He "admitted his culpability fully," the prosecutor's office reaffirmed.

17:14: Intense Fighting: Ukrainian Authorities Order Evacuation of Some Cities and VillagesIn the face of increasing conflict in the eastern Ukrainian district of Donetsk, Ukrainian officials have instructed the evacuation of children and their parents or caregivers from various cities and villages. Donetsk Governor Vadim Filaschkin named in his widespread declaration, among several places, the municipality of Lyman, the village of Prohres, and other communities located near the front line. "The security situation in the region deteriorates continually, and the severity of shelling is escalating," Filaschkin explained. The evacuation is a "crucial step" with the primary purpose of safeguarding the lives of our kids. Filaschkin noted that 217 people were evacuated yesterday, including 61 children.

16:52 Air Force Scandal Resolved with Disciplinary SanctionThe Inspector of the Air Force, Ingo Gerhartz, will be penalized with a minor disciplinary action for the overheard conversation about the Taurus missile with Russia. The high-ranking General Lieutenant is now required to pay a disciplinary fine, which settles the issue, as the German Press Agency in Berlin found out. As per the rules, additional penalties are hence banned. The Defense Committee was briefed about this decision the previous day. A Russian intelligence service had monitored a Webex call among four high-ranking officers of the Air Force. The officers, which included Gerhartz, had discussed deployment scenarios for the German Taurus missile if it were to be provided to Ukraine.

16:21 Orban Attaches Conditions to Support for Rutte's Candidacy for NATO HeadHungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is linking his likely support for former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte's candidacy for NATO Secretary General post to conditions. One requirement from Orban is a retraction of derogatory remarks made by Rutte against Hungary during his tenure. Furthermore, whoever desires to become NATO Secretary General must strike a deal with Budapest whereby Hungary won't participate in any anti-Russian military operations of NATO in Ukraine. Although no one is advocating, planning, or scheming for a NATO-led military operation in Ukraine, military actions by individual NATO member states outside the NATO territory are not binding for all members.

15:58 Scholz Views D-Day as a Reminder for Revamping Defense MeasuresBefore the commemoration of the Allied landing in Normandy, Chancellor Olaf Scholz advocated for enhanced defense endeavors among Europeans. "For me, it's evident: Europe will assume more responsibility in the future," Scholz outlined in a guest article for the French newspaper "Ouest-France". A robust Europe is necessary to preserve peace, he mentioned, alluding to Russia. "To contribute to this Europe, which is the legacy of June 6, 1944," he added, referencing the popular tag for D-Day. For Germany and its companions, it is apparent that "brutal Russian imperialism" must not prevail. "And it shall not triumph because we will persistently assist Ukraine in its gallant defense effort as long as it's necessary."

15:46 Biden: Democracy is More Threatened Than Ever Since the Conclusion of World War II

3:17 PM: Jens Stoltenberg: NATO has no plan to deploy troops in Ukraine

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated during his visit to the Finnish capital, Helsinki, that NATO has no intention of deploying troops in Ukrainian territory. Additionally, there is no immediate threat of military action against any NATO member states from Russia, according to the defense alliance.

2:46 PM: Joe Biden: The US and NATO won't avoid the crisis in Ukraine

US President Joe Biden asserted that the US and NATO will not back down from the crisis in Ukraine during his speech in Normandy for the 80th anniversary of the Allied landing in WWII, known as D-Day. According to Biden, the threat to democracy today is higher than it's been since WWII's end. He emphasized the significance of alliances and referred to the importance of NATO by saying, "Isolationism was not an answer 80 years ago and is not today."

2:21 PM: Frenchman Arrested in Russia for Collecting Military Information

A French citizen was detained in Russia for allegedly collecting data about Russian military activities. The Russian Serious Crimes Investigation Committee made the announcement. The Frenchman is reported to have made frequent visits to Russia and interacted with Russian nationals.

2:01 PM: Lavrov: Sahel States Will Receive More Military Support

Russia aims to bolster its military influence in West and Central Africa, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, following a four-day tour of the region. "I assured our Chadian friends that Russia will continue to work with the countries of the region, helping them enhance their armed forces, train their military personnel, and train law enforcement officers," Lavrov told the state-run Russian news agency, TASS.

1:20 PM: Casualties Reported in Russian Attacks

Based on official Ukrainian reports, two people died in Russian attacks on Sunday. Twenty-two individuals were injured during the assaults in Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, and Dnipro regions. In Nikopol, a bus was targeted by a drone that subsequently caught fire, resulting in four injured passengers.

12:57 PM: Scholz Condemns Putin's Support for AfD

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz addressed the positive sentiment expressed by Russian President Vladimir Putin towards the right-wing extremist party, AfD. "It's already embarrassing that you've received such great praise from the Russian president today," said Scholz during his government statement. With interruptions from AfD factions, he added, "You've worked hard to achieve it. Citizens will fairly evaluate it."

12:35 PM: Stoltenberg: NATO Needs to Address Training Gaps for Ukrainian Pilots

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stressed the importance of avoiding future gaps in Ukraine's military supply of F-16 pilot training. Gaps in the past few months highlight the need for Western allies to expand their capacity to meet Ukraine's pilot training needs, as there are not enough places for newly-delivered F-16 pilots to receive training, according to Ukraine.

12:00 PM: Ukraine Requests More Training Places for F-16 Pilots

Ukraine is urging the United States and other Western countries to expand their training capacity for F-16 fighter pilots. Ukraine's pelite shortage has prompted concerns about not having enough pilots to man the incoming F-16s, with 30 current pilots ready to begin their training in the United States immediately, but only 12 places available in the US training program in Arizona. Similarly, training capacity limitations have been reported in Denmark and Romania.

11:59 AM: Scholz Condemns Putin's Support for AfD

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz responds to Putin's endorsement of the AfD during a meeting with foreign media: "It's already embarrassing that you've received such great praise from the Russian president today." Scholz emphasized the importance of the AfD's hard work to earn the praise and how the public would evaluate it. Putin had defended the cooperation between Russian representatives and the AfD, claiming a lack of evidence of neo-Nazism in their actions.

11:28 AM: Intensified Counterattacks in VovchanskThe ongoing battle near the city of Vovchansk, situated close to the Russian-Ukrainian border, continues. Ukrainian forces are aiming to inflict maximum damage on Russian troops, prevent further advancements, and gradually regain control, as indicated by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), citing statements from Ukrainian General Staff Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Meanwhile, Russian military bloggers claim that Ukrainian forces have stepped up their counteroffensives in and around Vovchansk, with the leader of the military administration for the city, Tamaz Gambaraschvili, stating that the Ukrainians have recently retaken certain unspecified positions within the city.

10:52 AM: Ukrainian Military Intelligence Destroys Russian Ship in the Black SeaUkrainian Military Intelligence (HUR) has reportedly destroyed a Russian ship in the Black Sea, as revealed by HUR spokesperson Andriy Yusov on "Kyiv Independent." The ship is believed to be a tugboat typically found in waters nearby the Russian-occupied Crimea. On Ukrainian television, Yusov declared, "Another enemy ship was destroyed tonight in the Black Sea. The special operation of the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) was successful, resulting in 'minus one' enemy ship."

10:23 AM: Renowned Ukrainian Writer Serhiy Zhadan Joins the ArmyNoted Ukrainian author Serhiy Zhadan, being a recipient of the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade, has enlisted in the Ukrainian military army. Zhadan shared this information via online media, writing "I have joined the 13th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine, Chartia. I am in training. I serve the people of Ukraine." The 49-year-old author also posted a photograph of himself in camouflage and holding an automatic rifle.

09:57 AM: Scholz Stands Firm on Weapons Delivery for Ukrainian Attacks on RussiaGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirms that Ukraine can use the supplied weapons to engage in attacks against Russian positions even on Russian soil. Scholz explained during his government statement in the Bundestag that Ukraine has the lawful right to protect itself from assaults on its territory, cities, and civilians. "This also applies to attacks like in the Kharkiv area, which Russia is conducting from positions near the directly adjacent Russian border. To counter these attacks, Ukraine may utilize the weapons furnished by us and our allies – always adhering to international legal obligations."

09:26 AM: Munz: "Putin Puts Pressure on Germany"Russian President Putin addressed representatives of the international media for the first time since Russia's invasion of Ukraine and employed his words for threats against the West. Munz, a correspondent from ntv, provides context for Putin's speech.

08:56 AM: Russia: 13 Ukrainian Drones Downed over Crimea

According to Russia's claims, 13 Ukrainian drones were reportedly shot down over the annexed Crimean Peninsula during the previous night. In addition, six other objects were allegedly destroyed in the Belgorod region and an anti-ship missile in the Rostov region, as per the Russian Defense Ministry. These assertions cannot be corroborated independently. Ukraine also claims to have destroyed drones belonging to the Russian assailants (see entry at 06:54).

08:23 AM: Ukraine: 515,000 Russian Soldiers Lost in the Offensive WarUkraine reports that the Russian attackers have lost 515,000 soldiers throughout the offensive war. The Ukrainian General Staff declared via X that in the last 24 hours, Russian losses rose by 1,300 soldiers. Additionally, 22 tanks and 48 artillery systems were destroyed, along with an anti-aircraft system and 40 armored personnel carriers. Independent verification of these claims is not possible.

07:55 AM: Ukrainian Drone Attack Affects Russian Refinery WorkRussia alleges that a Ukrainian drone attack has caused a fire at a refinery in southern Russia, disrupting the regular operations. Rostov region Governor Vasily Golubev made the announcement. No casualties were mentioned in the statement, and the refinery Novoshakhtinsk is frequently targeted by Ukrainian attacks due to its strategic location near the border.

07:22 AM: KNDS: Challenges in Sourcing Parts for Replacing Damaged Ukrainian TanksKNDS, a prominent defense company led by Ralf Ketzel, acknowledges the difficulties in sourcing spare parts for Ukrainian tanks. In response to the government's statement that the country could be better prepared for potential battles, Ketzel says, "We didn't anticipate that the damage to Ukrainian tanks would necessitate years of maintenance. We don't know how significant the maintenance issue on the ground truly is. 80 to 90 percent of the repairs are not performed by us but at the front."

06:54 AM: Ukraine Disturbs Work at Russian Refinery with Drone AttackRussian sources state that a Ukrainian drone attack has disrupted operations at a refinery near Rostov. Governor of the affected region, Vasily Golubev, broadcasted this information. Fortunately, there were no casualties. The refinery Novoshakhtinsk plays a significant role in Russia's oil supply and is often targeted by Ukrainian strikes.

Ukrainian forces successfully defended against an aerial assault by Russian drones. 17 out of 18 drones of the Shahed variety were shot down in areas including Mykolaiv, Kherson, Saporischschja, and Khmelnytskyi. Additionally, the Dnipro region was targeted by two Iskander missiles. Information on whether these were deployed successfully is currently unavailable.

06:25: Putin warns: Potential deployment of long-range missiles against Western countries

Putin threatens to deploy long-range missiles near countries that allow Ukraine to utilize these weapons against Russia. He cites potential use of American ATACMS, as well as British and French missile systems, adding that Russian missiles could also be stationed in proximity to these countries. The precise location of these new missiles has not yet been revealed.

05:52: KNDS manager: Lengthy wait for more weapon deliveries to Ukraine

Ralf Ketzel, the German weapons manufacturer's managing director, states that his company is unable to provide additional resources to Ukraine promptly. "Shipping something quickly is no longer possible." He argues that, two years ago, a strategic decision to treat this as a protracted conflict should have been made. "Then we could have provided new materials today." However, this wasn't a given at the time.

04:22: Putin desires increased relations with the Taliban

Russian president Putin advocates an expansion of relations with the Taliban in Afghanistan. Additionally, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov disclosed Moscow's plans to remove them from the list of banned terrorist organizations, where they've been since 2003.

03:32: Nawalny's widow: Intent to carry on with her husband's work

Julia Nawalnaja, Alexei Nawalny's widow, along with his foundation, has been bestowed with the Freedom Prize by German broadcaster Deutsche Welle. Following his abrupt passing in a Siberian prison, she vows to continue his legacy. "Putin murdered my husband Alexei Nawalny, but he couldn't silence his ideas." She also foresaw potential disinformation campaigns from Russia within the EU and recommended combating it with freedom of speech.

02:44: Novocherkassk oil refinery engulfed in flames

A fire erupted in the Novocherkassk oil refinery in Russia, according to local media reports. The area was previously home to a Ukrainian drone attack in March.

01:24: US anticipates Russian naval exercises in the Caribbean

US government representatives predict that Russia will conduct intensive naval and air force exercises near the United States later this year. These activities are considered as part of normal maritime activities and don't pose an immediate threat to the US.

00:04: Putin deems NATO invasion claims "nonsense"

In response to Western countries' concerns about an impending Russian invasion of NATO territory, Putin dismisses these allegations as "silliness." He also denies having made any threats of deploying atomic weapons.

23:29: Putin defends meetings with AfD members

Russian president Putin defends Russia's interactions with AfD politicians. He states, "We'll work with anyone who wants to cooperate with Russia." Putin dismisses accusations of fascism within the AfD and affirms that there are no "systemic ties" to the German opposition party. However, if someone seeks to maintain normal relations with Russia, Moscow will support this cause.

22:20: Putin supports increasing cooperation with the Taliban

Putin seeks to strengthen ties between Russia and the Taliban in Afghanistan. "We want to deal with reality," he says. "There are no signs of neo-Nazism in the actions of the AfD. There's no systemic relationship with the German opposition party. But we support anyone who advocates normal ties with Russia."

Putin Offers Assistance in Probe of AFP Journalist's Death

In a meeting with journalists from international news outlets in St. Petersburg, Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his willingness to look into the circumstances surrounding the death of AFP journalist Arman Soldin. "We'll do our best," said Putin. "We're open to it, but I'm not sure how that would manifest in practice since he was in a conflict zone." The Kremlin had previously stated that Russia could not investigate Soldin's death as he was in an area controlled by Ukraine. The video journalist was killed on May 9, 2023, at age 32 by a rocket attack near the contested Ukrainian city of Bachmut while reporting on Ukrainian soldiers close to the front.

Russia Expands Defense Ties with Burkina Faso

According to Russian state media, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced during his visit to Burkina Faso that Moscow will send extra military equipment and trainers to strengthen the defense capabilities of the West African country. This follows Lavrov's nine visits to Africa since the Russian attack on Ukraine. This voyage is part of the Kremlin's diplomatic push; Russia aims to forge new relationships. Lavrov spoke to TASS news agency, quoting, "Since our initial contact between our nations after the military coup in 2022, Russia and Burkina Faso have collaborated closely in all areas, including the development of military and military-technical relationships." Burkina Faso partners with Moscow for military support without endorsing the invasion.

No Major Shift in US-Russia Relations Predicted by Putin

After the US presidential election, Russian President Vladimir Putin anticipates no significant change in Washington's policy toward Moscow. He said, "For us, there's no great significance" at a media briefing in St. Petersburg. Russia will interact with the elected president regardless. In the past, Putin preferred Joe Biden's reelection as he found him more predictable. Putin also criticized the legal proceedings against former President Donald Trump who stood against Biden in the November 5 election.

Putin Reveals Ukrainian POW Numbers

In the same media gathering in St. Petersburg, Vladimir Putin disclosed that over 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers are held captive by Russian forces. This is more than twice the number of Russian personnel detained in Ukrainian captivity. However, Putin could not validate these figures. He added that neither Russia nor Ukraine is providing concrete information on their casualties. Still, Putin claimed Ukraine's casualties are considerably higher than Russia's. The Ukrainian side asserts that there are far more Russian than their own soldiers who died during the conflict.

Putin Warns of German Weapons Use against Russia by Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Ukraine against using German arms against Russian targets. Such actions, he said, could end Russian-German relations, during a meeting with representatives of major foreign news agencies in St. Petersburg. The delivery of German tanks to Ukraine in the previous year was startling for many Russian citizens. "If they now target facilities within Russian borders with these weapons, it would completely jeopardize Russian-German ties," Putin said. The event at Lakhta Center of gas giant Gazprom is the first international meeting in this vein since the onset of Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Catch up on previous occurrences here.