19:23: Russian chaos captured on camera in Vovchansk's surveillance footage

Camera captures disordered actions by Russians in Vovchansk at 19:23.

The situation in the Ukrainian border town of Vovchansk is reaching a critical point. Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko alleges that Russian forces have been firing at civilians in the region. Additionally, there are reports that Russian mercenaries have tried to take over a nearby hospital. Footage captured by surveillance cameras shows mayhem and chaos.

18:49 Two Possible Russian Spies Apprehended in LatviaLatvian security officials have arrested two individuals on suspicion of spying for Russia. They are being investigated for gathering and sharing classified information with their country's intelligence services. The detainees are claimed to have provided details on other suspected spies in Latvia, leading to their current detention. One of the arrestees has been accused of espionage before.

18:19 Mangott: "Ukrainian Conflict Provides Two Benefits to China"During his initial visit to China since being re-elected, Russian President Putin is advocating for stronger cooperation between the two nations. A key reason for the collaboration is their shared desire to form an alliance against the West, claims political scientist Gerhard Mangott.

17:49 Diplomats Criticize Russia's Aggression at EU Celebration Neighboring KremlinEU Ambassador Roland Galharague voiced his disapproval of Russia's hostility against Ukraine while attending a delayed celebration of Europe Day in Moscow near the Kremlin. The Russian attack on Ukraine was unprovoked, illegal, and in violation of the United Nations Charter, he asserted. The French diplomat also stated at the event: "Wars of today only create the hate of tomorrow." Afterwards, anti-Western protesters marched through the heart of Moscow, protesting the participation of diplomats from many countries. A leaflet distributed by the main communist protesters read that it was absurd to celebrate Europe Day while Russian soldiers were dying due to Western arms being delivered to the alleged "criminal regime in Ukraine." "Russian blood is on your hands," read a red banner displayed. Diplomats reported that they were confronted by the activists at the hotel's entrance where the gathering took place.

17:22 British Defense Secretary: We Should Consider the Attack on Kharkiv a WarningFollowing the Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region, UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps cautions against providing prolonged backing to Ukraine. "I hope this serves as the warning we've been trying to send and that is now being heard," said Shapps in an interview with Sky News. He stressed that this is not a conflict where you can afford to be complacent or be distracted by other situations and then expect conditions on the ground to remain unchanged. You must consistently support Ukraine, he reminds us. "And I think that's the main lesson from Kharkiv." When asked about specific countries, Shapps referred to the delay in getting the US's aid package through Congress.

16:33 Expert Speaks: How Is the Assassination of Slovak Prime Minister Fico Related to Russia?Following the assassination of Slovakian populist Prime Minister Robert Fico, security expert Frank Umbach discussed the connection between the deep schisms in Slovak society and Russia's hybrid warfare in an interview with ntv.

15:54 Initial Reports of Civilians Being Killed by Russian Troops in VovchanskUkrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko alleges that Russian soldiers have shot and killed civilians in Vovchansk, a city in the Kharkiv region. In a Telegram message, he revealed: "The first instances of Russian troops shooting at civilians in Vovchansk have come to light." According to the report, a person who tried to escape and disregarded Russian directives was killed. Furthermore, residents of the town were stopped from fleeing, "kidnapped, and taken to basements," Klymenko states. However, these claims could not be verified independently.

15:14 Military Commander Hurt in Russian Attack Near VovchanskThe head of the Vovchansk military administration, Tamaz Gambarashvili, sustained injuries during a Russian artillery strike on a village near the conflicted city. The Governor of Kharkiv region, Oleh Sinehubov, conveyed this news on Telegram. The shelling incident left a total of five people wounded, including two healthcare workers and two drivers. [Interestingly, during the past few days, there have been many incidents that capture the instability in various regions. In Vovchansk, Ukraine, there are reports of innocent civilians being targeted by Russian troops. The situation is critical and shows the perils of ongoing conflict. In Latvia, two people were detained on suspicion of spying for Russia. During the celebration of Europe Day in Moscow, diplomats from different countries faced protests from anti-Western demonstrators. British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps, in an interview, reminded the world of the importance of fully supporting Ukraine during this ongoing crisis. excitable security expert Frank Umbach shared his thoughts on the assassination of Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico being linked to Russia's hybrid warfare. Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko accused Russian troops of killing civilians in Vovchansk, stressing the need for action. In Ukraine, a high-ranking military official was wounded during a shelling near Vovchansk, an event that underscores the risky business of conducting warfare in such a chaotic situation.]

Russia has gained the largest territorial expanse since last year by seizing 278 square kilometers of land in Ukraine, according to the AFP news agency. This discovery came from the Kharkiv region where Russian soldiers gained 257 square kilometers from May 9 to May 15. Additionally, they acquired 21 square kilometers in other areas, like the village of Robotyne in southern Ukraine. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported this, claiming that Russia has now captured approximately 65,300 square kilometers of Ukrainian land ever since the conflict began in February 2022, which represents a little over 12% of the country's entire territory. This doesn't account for the Crimean Peninsula, which was already part of Russia before the invasion.

New Zealand has taken an aggressive stance by imposing further sanctions on 28 individuals and 14 entities. The rationale behind these restrictions is to target individuals and organizations that allegedly facilitate the transfer of North Korean weaponry to Russia for use against Ukraine or assist Moscow with military support from Iran.

North Korea is identified as Russia's primary source of weapon supplies, providing extensive military packages including ballistic missiles and over three million shells. Iran, conversely, has provided Russia with Shahed drones and is even said to help them produce these in domestic factories.

Ivan Shoigu, Russia's retired defense minister and now an inactive politician, offers his opinion on the military advancement in the Kharkiv region: "The offensive is making progress in all directions and is doing rather well. I hope that this progress will continue." Shoigu describes the special military operation in Ukraine as a vast undertaking that requires a major effort: "This is, of course, the production of ammunition. This is, of course, the production of weapons and military equipment. This is the primary, the main task for all of us today." Notably, Shoigu was ousted from his post shortly prior to making these statements.

Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian President, visited Kharkiv, a region constantly under attack by Russia. Despite characterizing the situation there as quite challenging, he emphasized, "By and large, it's under control." He also indicated that reinforcements would be reported to the Kharkiv region to cater to the ongoing adversity. In a previous report by the Ukrainian General Staff, they had announced that they've had success in slowing down the significant Russian offensive which has lasted nearly a week.

The Ukrainian army affirms having stopped the encroachment of the Russian invasion troops in the north-eastern part of the country. The Ukrainian General Staff states that combat is ongoing in the northern districts of Vovchansk; however, the Russian troops' advance into the town has been hindered. The situation is relatively stable and, frankly, manageable. Trying to capture a small town, approximately five kilometers from the Russian border, would represent a significant accomplishment for the Russian forces. Meanwhile, Russian media outlet RIA reported, quoting Russian authorities in occupied territory, that Russian troops are advancing towards the village of Lyptsi and are preparing to take possession of it. Lyptsi is significantly farther west than Vovchansk and is more aligned with Kharkiv.

Russian scientist Anatoly Maslov, a retired figure from Novosibirsk, was declared guilty in an under-the-radar court proceeding of spying for Germany. His lawyers told the Russian newspaper "Kommersant" and the REN TV channel that he's received a prison sentence of 17 years in a strict penal colony and a monetary fine. He's being held in custody for burglary of classified information. The charges are still being finalized; there were investigations involving prominent scientists Alexander Shiplyuk, Valery Swegintsev, and Maslov. They're acknowledged experts in hypersonic technologies essential for weapons such as the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missile. Maslov, Shiplyuk, and Swegintsev deny these claims. In April, another scientist, Alexander Kuranov, was sentenced to seven years in prison for treason.

Rainer Munz from ntv discusses Putin's current trip to China, remarking that China is Russia's strongest ally. However, despite being a similarly authoritarian regime, China hasn't cut ties with the Western world. Munz suggests that Russia is the "junior partner" in this complex relationship, intending to showcase their alliance.

11:00 - Duma leader Volodin warns West: Ukraine could drag Europe, US into a major war

Vyacheslav Volodin, the head of Russia's parliament and a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, gives a cautionary message to the Western world. Ukraine, he says, might instigate a significant war that involves not only Europe but also the United States. Volodin emphasizes that the heads of state and government in the West must work towards preventing a major global disaster. Over the past few weeks, there have been several warnings from politicians close to Putin and the president himself, urging the West not to cross Moscow's red lines by supplying weapons to Ukraine. Furthermore, Russia's nuclear arsenal has been threatened explicitly.

10:35 - Weichert: Russians gaining ground in Kharkiv area

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claims that the situation in the hotly contested city of Kharkiv is stable. However, a more in-depth analysis by ntv's foreign reporter Jürgen Weichert presents a less optimistic picture. While the situation in Kharkiv is predominantly being maintained, Moscow is "stepping up its game" in other areas, suggests Weichert.

10:07 - Putin thanks China's help in resolving Ukraine crisis

During his visit to Beijing, Putin expresses appreciation for Xi Jinping's efforts to resolve the Ukrainian conflict. The Russian president confirms that he will discuss the ongoing situation in Ukraine with his Chinese counterpart. Russian forces are actively advancing in multiple regions of Ukraine. During the visit, both leaders highlight the strength of bilateral relations between their countries (refer to entries at 08:57, 06:37, and 02:06).

"China will always be a good neighbor, a friend, and a partner to Russia in mutual trust," Xi tells CCTV, the Chinese state television. "The two countries have a solid foundation of practical cooperation," says Putin, as cited by Chinese media outlets.

09:43 - Ukraine launches missile attacks on Russian military airfield in Crimea again

Ukraine unleashes missile attacks on the Belbek airfield in the Crimean peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014. The assault targets a fuel system, resulting in a fire. Russian Ministry of Defense only reports that five US-made ATACMS missiles have passed over the Crimean peninsula. Additionally, four Ukrainian drones have been shot down, and two more have been intercepted due to radio interference. Military bloggers confirm the fires at the airport, which has been previously attacked by Ukraine.

09:18 - SPD politician Roth advocates for revised rules on Western weapons use in Ukraine

Michael Roth, an SPD foreign policy expert, recommends revisiting the regulations surrounding the employment of Western-supplied weapons in Ukraine. He comments on the "new stage of the war" in light of the recent Russian raids in Kharkiv, stating that the attacks originated from Russian territory rather than Ukrainian land. "Up to now, the Russians have been attacking from Ukrainian territory," Roth explains on a national television show. "This has now changed." In response, Roth suggests seeking a "pragmatic solution to the problem," as the current rules prevent Western nations from attacking Russia on its territory with the provided weapons.

08:57 - Video: Putin travels to China seeking assistance amid ongoing war

Russian airstrikes obliterate a residential area in Kherson. The situation in Kharkiv remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Putin praises the advancements made by his armed forces in their attack on Ukraine and journeys to China for his first official visit of his new term.

08:17 - Missile fire triggers air alert in Kiev and several other Ukrainian regions

Kiev and several other regions in Ukraine were placed on an air raid alert when the authorities detected potential ballistic missile launches from Russia. In response, the Ukrainian air force released a warning about the dangers of these missile strikes. The regions affected by the alert include Sumy, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Poltava, Dnipropetrovsk, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhya, Kirovohrad, and Cherkassy.

07:43 - Airports in Tatarstan closed as a precaution after drone attack

Tatarstan just closed two significant airports for several hours, citing security reasons. The closures occurred after a drone attack took place in the region. The drone was most likely intended for the Zakamsk industrial zone. Previously, drones had targeted an oil refinery and a residential property in Tatarstan. Reports suggest that a plant manufacturing drones is also positioned in the region.

07:00 - Putin shows support for Xi Jinping in Ukraine conflict

Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping meet during a state visit to Beijing. The Russian president expresses gratitude to his Chinese counterpart for his efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Putin intends to update Xi Jinping on the current situation in Ukraine. Throughout their meeting, both leaders emphasize the importance of the relationship between their countries, citing mutual trust and political support.

7:10 At least one person dead as Russian forces launch attacks on Sumy region

Russian military forces have assaulted ten communities in Ukraine's Sumy region, as reported by the Sumy military administration. The bombshell reveals that there were 37 assaults using mortars, multiple rocket launchers, or artillery, resulting in 187 explosions. According to local officials, one civilian lost their life, while another sustained injuries in the shelling.

6:37 Xi welcomes Putin with a lavish ceremony in Beijing

As per Chinese state television, Chinese President Xi Jinping has hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing. Footage from state broadcaster CCTV on May 15 showcased Xi warmly welcoming Putin at a grand ceremony in front of the Great Hall of the People. Xi defined the Sino-Russian relationship as beneficial for peace. He further mentioned that China intends to collaborate with Russia to uphold fairness and justice in the world. In anticipation, the Kremlin stated that the two heads of state would discuss their comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation. It marks Putin's first journey abroad since his re-election in March and his second trip to China within six months.

6:06 Recruitment rules in Finland loosen up

Finland plans to tweak its conscription laws to enable reservists to secure the border with Russia in the event of a sudden wave of migration. The new rules allow Finns who have already completed their military service in the border units to be recalled during an emergency.

5:32 Tragedy at the Ukrainian railroad

"Ukrzaliznytsia," the Ukrainian railroad company, announced the bereavement of two of its employees who unfortunately lost their lives due to Russian shelling of the civilian railroad infrastructure in the Dnipropetrovsk oblast. The casualties were identified as Serhiy Derevytskyi, 48, and Oleksandr Prykhodko, 51.

4:20 Russia objects to UN resolution paying tribute to Srebrenica massacre victims

Russia strongly disapproves of a UN draft resolution set aside for commemorating the Srebrenica massacre, stating that it is a "provocative text" threatening peace and security in Bosnia and the region. Russian UN Ambassador Vasily Nebenzia shared these concerns at the United Nations Security Council. He attributed this provocative intent to the Western countries in support of the draft resolution and said that they were "reopening the old wounds of the civil war." However, the resolution will be deliberated in the General Assembly and not on the Security Council level, where Russia holds the power to veto the text.

3:17 Six suspects - possibly Russian secret agents - arrested in Ukraine

Ukrainian authorities have arrested six individuals believed to be Russian military intelligence service agents, alleging that they helped Russia in attacks on targets in the eastern region of Ukraine. The SBU (Ukrainian Domestic Intelligence Service) reported that the detainees provided the Russian army with coordinates for their destructive acts in the Donbass region. The detained suspects face charges of treason and could potentially receive life-long imprisonment.

2:06 President Putin lands in China for a two-day visit

Russian and Chinese state media outlets confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in China on a two-day visit. Putin and his team touched down in Beijing early in the morning. His timetable included a meeting with Xi Jinping, the Chinese state and party leader. In addition, the Russian leader intends to visit the Russian-Chinese trade fair in Harbin.

0:58 Estonia lays the groundwork for transferring frozen Russian assets

Estonia enacted legal groundwork to enable the transfer of frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, suffering from Russian aggression. The parliament in Tallinn approved legislation allowing Russian assets frozen as part of the sanctions against Russia to be released to cover damages. To legitimate the legislation, President Alar Karis must ratify it. The amendment will enable the use of assets of individuals and companies implicated in Russia's unlawful activities as provisional compensation for the damages wrought by Russia in Ukraine.

23:42 Estonia: More than 50 nations pledge attendance at Ukraine conference, a notable absence from China

A month prior to the Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland, more than 50 countries have already consented to participate, yet a significant one withholds: "China has not confirmed," confirms Swiss President Viola Amherd post-meeting with Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin. Despite the hesitation, Amherd expressed optimism about changes in the participant roster as the day of the conference approaches.

22:16 Moscow condemns Western plan using Russian assets to support Ukraine

Russia reprimanded the schemes of the US and the EU to employ resources from frozen Russian assets for aiding Ukraine. The Foreign Ministry in Moscow argued that their actions contradicted their own laws and risked destabilizing the international financial system. They also denounced such endeavors as colonialist and part of a hybrid war being waged by the West against Russia.

21:48: Frozen Russian assets in Germany total 3.9 billion euros

Germany's Federal Ministry of Finance reports that 3.9 billion euros worth of Russian assets are currently halted within the country. As a representative informed the media, this value encompasses funds, stocks, or even yachts tied to individuals, organizations, or corporations under sanctions. Previously, in June, the government disclosed a worth of 5.2 billion euros in response to a query from the CDU/CSU parliamentary group. She clarified that the sum is affected by market conditions and undergoes modifications due to the EU's delisting of people or entities from the sanctions list.

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