Video reveals massive plume of smoke above Kharkiv following Russian air attack.

Cloud of smoke engulfs Kharkiv following Russian bomb strike in video footage.

Yet again, Russia bombards the disputed Ukrainian town of Kharkiv and fires a glide bomb onto a neighborhood hardware shop, lifting substantial smoke. Around 200 individuals allegedly occupied the store during the attack. Consequences include fatalities and injuries.

18:42 Zelensky: Assault on hardware store is proof of Russian insanityUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky despises the Russian military's attack on a hardware shop in the eastern Ukrainian metropolis of Kharkiv as "one more sign of Russian insanity." The Ukrainian leader mocks Putin in his day-to-day video address, stating, "Only madmen like Putin can slaughter and terrorize people in such a disgraceful manner." Authorities recorded at least two casualties and 33 hurt in the assault. Firefighters are doggedly pursuing their way through the demolished store. As per Zelensky, nearly 200 people inhabited the 'Epizentr' hardware shop at the time of the attack.

18:06 Ukraine: Air defense shoots down Russian Su-25 fighter jet in DonetskSoldiers from the 110th Brigade of the Ukrainian Army have shot down a Russian Su-25 fighter jet in the Donetsk region. 'Ukrainian Pravda' claims this information, citing a Telegram post on the 'Khortytsia' channel.

17:35 Ukrainian border unit showcases new ammunition suppliesUkraine's first ammunition supplies from the United States have arrived. "For the first time in two years of war, we can pack a full load," a soldier in Luhansk said. The United States is now prepping another aid package for the battle for Kharkiv. Plus, Germany is forwarding another air defense system.

16:50 Two killed and many injured after Russian attack on hardware shop in KharkivAt least two individuals died during Russia's onslaught on the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv on Saturday, as per official data. Kharkiv Mayor Igor Terekhov narrated in a Telegram post, "We're aware of two deaths." At least 24 people were wounded, according to Oleh Syniehubov, the head of the regional military administration, also in a Telegram post. Initially reported, a hardware shop in a residential area was damaged. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky mentions on Telegram, "Perhaps more than 200" individuals may have been present in the 'Epizentr' hardware store. All emergencies services are operating to assist people and put out fires, Zelensky wrote on Telegram.

16:30 Governor: Ukrainian drones strike city in BelgorodThe urban center of Shebekino was hit twice by Ukrainian drones in the early hours. This was published by the guv of the Russian area of Belgorod, Vyacheslav Gladkov, in a Telegram post. Reportedly, no civilians were hurt. Unhappily, the roof of an industrial facility was injured after a drone plunged.

16:07 Russia and Iran fortify collaborationRussian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Iranian interim counterpart Ali Bagheri-Kani have affirmed the strategic relationship between the two countries in the aftermath of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's death. As per the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, the route established by Presidents Putin and Raisi for a strategic partnership will be maintained, and all deals and projects in diverse sectors should go through.

15:46 Italian banks need to depart RussiaItalian central bank governor Fabio Panetta begs for Italian banks to exit Russia. Although this brings about issues, the ECB banker remarked after the G7 economic summit in Stresa concluded. "You've got to pull out as your reputation is on the line." UniCredit possesses the biggest relations with Russia among European banks. Intesa Sanpaolo is working on selling its business in the nation.

15:22 Media source: Russian troops infiltrate further into DonetskRussian forces have taken over control of the village of Archangelske in the eastern Ukrainian district of Donetsk, according to a report by the news agency Interfax, citing the Russian Defense Ministry. Moreover, in the northeastern district of Kharkiv, they expanded and repelled two Ukrainian counterassaults, the ministry disclosed. Nonetheless, Ukraine has not yet responded.

14:59 Russian Finance Minister menaces revenge for penaltiesRussian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov ordered retaliation for Western nations' plans to deploy frozen Russian assets to subsidize Ukraine. Siluanov issued this warning on the Telegram channel of Pavel Zarubin, a Russian TV journalist at Rossija-1. Russia will act with countersanctions if their resources are used illegally by Western countries, Siluanov scribed in the comment.

14:31 G7 states commit to continuous support for UkraineG7 countries are anticipating to persist financially supporting Ukraine. "We are united with Ukraine," said German Finance Minister Christian Lindner on Saturday at the culmination of the G7 conference in the northern Italian town of Stresa. Already, money handling for this year is guaranteed. "We aim to go further." The discussion centers around new approaches for 2025.

Paris plans to rename a street in memory of Alexei Navalny, a prominent Russian opposition politician who passed away in prison. This decision comes as a tribute to his symbolic representation of freedom not just within Russia, but also internationally. The city council unanimously made this decision. The projected Navalny Street is said to be located in the 16th administrative district of Paris, close to the Russian embassy. Navalny had repeatedly criticized Russia's attack on Ukraine in the past, before his death in February.

13:47 Ukraine's 125th Brigade faces criminal investigation

The Ukrainian prosecutor's office has initiated a criminal inquiry against the 125th Brigade for its inadequate defense of positions during Russia's offensive in the Charkiv region on May 10. Russian troops advanced up to 10 kilometers into the location where the brigade was stationed. Preliminary findings claimed that the brigade was not organized effectively for local defense and accused them of neglecting their military duties. This investigation focuses on examining the conduct of 30 commanders and officers. The exact consequences are still unknown.

12:51 Lindner highlights taxpayer safety over aid to Ukraine

As discussions continue regarding additional financial assistance for Ukraine, German Finance Minister Christian Lindner emphasizes that "risks to taxpayers must be minimized or excluded." The G7 group of countries aim to allocate funds currently held in the Russian central bank to support Ukraine. However, there is much debate on how this should be accomplished. The US recently proposed a large loan financed by the interest on the frozen Russian central bank funds. This loan could be worth around $50 billion. They expect an agreement in mid-June at the upcoming G7 leaders' conference in Apulia.

12:17 Rogozin responds to Ukrainian attack on a Russian radar system

A Russian radar system for monitoring strategic nuclear forces might have been damaged by a Ukrainian drone attack. Former Russian ambassador to NATO, Dmitri Rogozin, called attention to this so-called "key element of the military control of strategic nuclear forces." He suggests that the United States could be involved or at least aware of this attack and warned against the escalation towards atomic warfare.

11:48 Ukraine's intelligence chief emphasizes the future of unmanned ships

Ukraine is in the process of developing its fleet of unmanned ships for attacking coastal regions and targeting small airborne targets. Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukrainian military intelligence, predicts that unmanned ships will obsolete traditional warships. He especially sees their potential in enclosed or semi-enclosed waters such as the Black Sea or the Mediterranean.

11:17 Mangott raises concerns over Russian territorial claims in the Baltic Sea

An upcoming Russian Defense Ministry law is causing concern among Baltic Sea defense experts. This proposed law suggests extending Russian territorial waters in the region. Security expert Gerhard Mangott analyzes this development.

(Translated from German)

10:55 Two Iskander missiles allegedly hit a school and residential building in Kharkiv

Prosecutors in a Kharkiv neighborhood report that Ukrainian troops were targeted by two Iskander missiles launched overnight by Russian troops. Iskander-M is a missile system that can travel up to 500 kilometers and carry nuclear warheads. The flexibility of its flight path makes it challenging to intercept.

10:04 Stoltenberg urges lifting of restrictions on using Western weapons against Russian targets

NATO's Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg addressed the issue of whether to relax rules surrounding the use of Western weapons against Russian targets. In an interview with The Economist, he stated that it is time for NATO allies to weigh the possibility of allowing Ukrainian forces to strike targets within Russia's territory. He stressed that self-defense as outlined in the UN Charter is legal and justified. "We are aiding Ukraine in exercising this right."

09:24 Ukrainian drones allegedly hit a Russian radar station close to the Crimean border

Industry experts believe that Ukrainian drones have attacked and damaged Russia's early warning system for ballistic missile launches and nuclear-armed missiles in the Krasnodar region. This radar station plays a crucial role in controlling areas up to a distance of 6,000 kilometers.

08:42 Ceasefires are cautioned against by US experts

Putin openly discusses a truce starting from the current territorial gains, a risky move for Ukraine, says the US think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW). A truce could allow Russia to enhance their forces better for future hostile operations, with objectives including regime change, demilitarization of Ukraine, and occupation of the country. The Kremlin might also assume that a standstill would make support for Ukraine in the West less urgent and essential.

Zum Schutz vorm russischen Vormarsch werden Kinder aus der Region Charkiw in Sicherheit gebracht.

08:11 CDU politician Kiesewetter urges government to declare state of emergency for Ukraine war aid

CDU foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter calls on the federal government to grant a state of emergency, enabling suspension of the debt brake set by the Basic Law, for Ukrainian war aid. Ukraine is in desperate need of assistance. It's baffling that the coronavirus pandemic merits a state of emergency and 200 billion euros, while the war doesn't. The state of emergency would, however, face resistance by the FDP in the coalition government.

07:56 Zelensky praises success of Ukrainian troops in Kharkiv

Ukraine receives another military package from the US, valued in millions. Germany has provided a fresh air defense system. In a video, Zelensky parades his army's victories.

07:23 Ukrainian General Staff tallies 500,080 Russian losses since invasion

The Ukrainian General Staff estimates 500,080 losses for Russia due to the full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. In the past 24 hours, 1,140 losses were incurred. Russian troops are aggressively targeting Ukrainian defenders, with heavy casualties on their side. Ukrainians also report 15 destroyed Russian tanks, 27 artillery systems, an air defense system, and two multiple rocket launchers.

07:07 Ukrainian F-16 pilots near completion of US training for combat operations

The first batch of Ukrainian F-16 pilots completed their training in the US and will receive extra training in Europe. Training for pilots and ground personnel took approximately a year. They are projected to fly combat missions against Russian air forces in summer 2023. Ukraine anticipates receiving more than 60 F-16s from Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Belgium. These countries, along with the US, the UK, Romania, France, and Bulgaria, have been mobilizing resources to assist the Ukrainians in flying and maintaining combat aircraft.

06:46 Excalibur shells are unable to penetrate due to Russian jamming devices

Ukrainian forces have stopped using certain US-made weapons due to their accuracy reduction. A "Washington Post" report claims this is due to GPS-guided artillery and rocket systems like Excalibur shells and HIMARS having lower precision. Excalibur bombardments showed a 10% hit rate, with many missing targets. The US has stopped delivering Excalibur ammunition. To make HIMARS effective, enemy jamming devices must be disabled, for instance, by engaging them with smoke shells.

04:34 Stoltenberg labels China's assistance to Russia critical in Ukraine war

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg feels China's backing for Russia during the Russian aggression in Ukraine is "critical." Stoltenberg explains to "Welt am Sonntag," "China claims it wants to maintain good relations with the West. Meanwhile, China is intensifying the war in Europe." China has not furnished weapons or ammunition to Russia. Nonetheless, there is an increase in the sale of equipment utilized to construct rockets, tanks, and planes for use against Ukraine, he points out.

03:06 Hofreiter supports Ukraine using Western weapons to target Russian targets

Greens foreign policy spokesman Anton Hofreiter recommends that the Ukraine is not hampered from using Western weapons to counter Russian aircraft when they violate Ukrainian airspace. Hofreiter argues, "This is about protecting the Ukrainian people. Therefore, we should not curb the Ukraine from employing the provided weapons to defend against Russian combat aircraft in Russian airspace," addressing the Funke Media Group newspapers. "International law permits a state under attack to attack military targets in the aggressor's territory."

The Ukrainian military claims that the Russian army has once more launched airstrikes on the city of Wowtschansk, hitting it with eight guided bombs. The Ukrainian forces have successfully defended ten Russian attacks on the city and its surroundings. The Russian military has reportedly achieved "partial success" in the areas of Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region and Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region.

12:25 Schoolchildren in northern Ukraine to be evacuated

Approximately 123 schoolchildren living in the northeastern part of the Charkiv region are being evacuated. They will first be taken to the city of Charkiv and then to the northwestern region of Volhynia. Since the start of the recent Russian offensive, over 11,000 civilians have been evacuated from the area.

10:40 Ukrainian soldiers regain control in Charkiv area

In his evening address, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukrainian troops have successfully regained control of the border area in the eastern part of the Charkiv region, where Russian forces had previously infiltrated. The Russian military had initiated a ground offensive there two weeks prior and had captured several Ukrainian villages.

22:00 Captive Ukrainian women: Over 400 imprisoned by Russia

According to a report from the Ukrainian Coordination Center for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, currently, 403 Ukrainian women are being held in Russian captivity. Many of these women are civilians who have been illegally detained. There are also reports of women who have been missing since 2014; their fate is currently unknown. The Russian authorities have allegedly ignored requests to return these women.

21:50 Russia fears success of Ukrainian peace summit

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba responds to rumors of Putin's willingness for peace talks by claiming that the Russian President wants to prevent the upcoming Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland from succeeding. Kuleba suggests that Putin is not interested in completely ending the war started by Russia, and thus is attempting to thwart the summit.

20:50 "Drone Wall": Six NATO members plan drone defense system

The six NATO member states bordering Russia are planning to create a "drone wall" to protect themselves against potential threats, according to Lithuanian Interior Minister Agne Bilotaite. The drone wall would utilize drones and other surveillance technology to monitor and defend their borders, aimed at both preventing "provocations from hostile countries" and combating smuggling. The project includes both drones for border surveillance and anti-drone systems.

19:50 United States provides additional military aid to Ukraine

The US government is set to provide an additional $275 million (around €253 million) in military support to Ukraine to help combat the Russian war of aggression. The new package includes ammunition for multiple rocket launchers of the HIMARS type and artillery ammunition with calibers of 155 and 105 millimeters, as stated by the US State Department. This marks the fifth such package approved by President Biden since the release of funds for Ukraine in late April. The aid has already been sent to the front lines, while this latest support is intended to be delivered "as quickly as possible." To date, the US has provided Ukraine with more than $50 billion in military assistance.

19:15 Soviet-era class: Russian kids must learn military basics in school

In Russia, children and teenagers are being required to take a new class this school year called "Fundamentals of Life Safety," in which they will learn military skills such as shooting and bandaging wounds.

Almost two and a half years into his military conflict with Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated he's open to negotiations again - though without giving back the occupied and annexed territories. In an announcement while visiting Belarus, Putin told Interfax, "There will be more talks about returning to negotiations." Despite this, he qualifies the conditions, saying, "Let's go back to them. But not from what one side wants, but (...) from the actual developments on the ground." Russia has been openly fighting against Ukraine since February 2022 and has control over nearly 20% of its neighbor's territory. The Ukrainians have insisted that for any lasting peace, Russian troops must leave their soil. Catch up on all the earlier details here. [http://link.to/previous-developments]