Employees at the DIY store in Kharkiv are concerned about potential double taps.
The area of the Charkiw Lumber Market, which got damaged by a Russian bombing, measures 10,000 square meters. The area is now being attended to by law enforcement officers, firefighters, and the prosecutor's office. Clean-up efforts are ongoing but are accompanied by a sense of fear.
A mass brawl took place in Chelyabinsk, a millionaire's city in Russia, involving former soldiers of the Wagner mercenary unit. The Investigation Committee has initiated a criminal investigation. The incident occurred over the weekend, resulting in a dispute between men over a woman. In the video, there are two groups fighting. Initially, one group, believed to be former Wagner soldiers, attacks their opponents with clubs. Later, masked people appear, firing shots from pistols. The pistols, according to reports, were non-lethal weapons. Some people got injured as a result.
Russia and Belarus are conducting joint air force exercises, according to statements from Minsk. The flight and air defense exercises are scheduled from May 27 to May 31.
Poland is planning to limit the freedom of movement of Russian diplomats in the country. This action is a response to Russia's involvement in hybrid warfare against the EU and Poland. A diplomatic note will be handed over to the Russian embassy in Warsaw soon. The restraints will not apply to the ambassador but to all other diplomats working in the embassy and consulates. They will only be allowed to move within the area of their place of work in the future. "I hope that Russia will see this as a serious warning signal," says Radoslaw Sikorski, the Foreign Minister.
Ukraine is experiencing a major challenge due to the extension of its front with Russia. Dr. Julian Pawlak, a scientist from a German armed forces think tank, states the Russian plans regarding the Baltic Sea serve as a reminder of World War II. The need to strengthen NATO's borders is essential.
Rheinmetall received a significant order, manufacturing gun barrels for Panzerhaubitze 2000, a European customer. The order has a value in the low three-digit million euro range. Rheinmetall plans to deliver the barrels from 2024 to 2029.
The German government opposes the idea of creating a defense shield against Russian air raids on western Ukraine from a NATO area. "This would be, in our view, a direct involvement in the conflict. And that's something we don't aim for," says Gotred Steffen Hebestreit, the government spokesperson.
The NATO calls on its member states to enable Ukraine to use Western weapons against military targets in Russia. The Parliamentary Assembly (PA) of NATO adopted a declaration during its spring session in Sofia, urging to lift some restrictions on the use of the supplied weapons.
Sweden has approved the use of its weapons for attacks on Russia. Rainer Munz, an NTV reporter, shares that Kremlin media is focusing on the positions of Western countries. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov also declares that Russia is already being attacked using Western weapons.
Ukraine claims that it attacked a target 1500 kilometers behind the front lines in the Russian hinterland with a drone. An unidentified representative from the Ukrainian intelligence service claims a new long-range record has been set in the use of drones. The target was the early warning radar "Woronesh M" near the city of Orsk on the border with Kazakhstan. The radar can detect rockets or aircraft at great distances. The informant did not provide any information on possible damage to the radar during the attack on Sunday.
"Shield of the East": Poland is planning its largest operation since 1945 to fortify its eastern border.
Poland plans to safeguard its eastern border with a €2.3 billion project called "Shield of the East." This is the largest endeavor to bolster the Polish eastern frontier and NATO's east flank since 1945, says Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz. The initiative envisions installing fortifications, different types of barriers, and cutting-edge air defense systems at all elevations. The border, which is also an EU external frontier, spans 700 kilometers and is scheduled to be completed by 2028.
12:05: Explosions in Kharkiv: Videos show pandemonium inside a DIY storeThe contentious city of Kharkiv experiences another bout of Russian hostilities. Russian military forces attack a DIY store, where roughly 200 civilians were allegedly present. Camera footage from the store captures the blast and ensuing devastation within the building.
11:31: Richter discusses Ukraine's ammunition shortage: "Eastern Front stagnates, Russians seize another village"Sweden agrees to utilize their firearms in strikes against Russian ground. In Ukraine, optimism rises over "other nations following suit." Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelensky is in Spain, with the primary subject being Ukraine's ammunition shortage and weaponry:
11:10: EU enacts framework for Russia sanctions: Targeting oppressorsThe 27 EU foreign ministers have endorsed a new legal foundation for punitive measures against Russia for flagrant human rights violations. The framework will allow the application of sanctions against those responsible for stifling the opposition.
10:41: Germany disburses additional millions for areas under "Russian terror subjugation"The German government is contributing more humanitarian assistance to the Russian-dominated sections of eastern Ukraine. Germany will give 60 million euros, predominantly for the east of Ukraine, explains German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock before the EU ministerial get-togethers in Brussels. Baerbock asserts, "There's a shortage of everything." She aims to provide assistance cooperatively with international partners in the occupied territories.
10:13: Lithuania castigates Hungary for routinely hindering EU's Ukraine assistanceLithuania critiques Hungary for impeding all EU endeavors to aid Ukraine in its battle against Russian aggression. The EU needs to "find a means to bypass this bottleneck," states Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis prior to a meeting with his EU cohorts in Brussels. Hungary is accused of being determined in this regard. "We must view this as a calculated strategy to resist any EU efforts in foreign policy," opines Landsbergis. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also calls on Hungary to forsake the barricade on further EU military assistance for Ukraine. She implores, "Urges Hungary to finally allow us to support Ukraine for maintaining peace." The EU foreign ministers will deliberate on additional aid for Ukraine in Brussels. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has pleaded for extra anti-aircraft systems and other weapons.
9:40: Substantial aid package from Spain: Ukraine to receive more Leopard tanksSpain will reportedly furnish Ukraine with around a dozen Patriot missiles for the air defense system and 19 Leopard tanks. These armaments form part of the announced assistance worth €1.13 billion for the Russian-harassed nation, according to the newspaper "El Pais" quoting sources. In addition, equipment for drone defense and ammunition will be dispensed. The new military assistance will likely be disclosed during the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Spain. Zelensky is due to meet Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and King Felipe in Madrid. A spokesperson for Sánchez declined to comment on the newspaper's report. Ukraine has also received Leopard 1A5 tanks from Germany recently.
09:09: Ukraine strikes Russian land with dronesA Ukrainian drone attack on a gas station in the Russian region of Orjol leads to one death, confirms Russian authorities. "Today at dawn, a drone fell on the grounds of a gas station in the city of Liwny," states Governor Andrej Klychkov on Telegram. Three individuals were hurt in the onslaught, approximately 160 kilometers behind the Ukrainian border. Additionally, an administrative building seems to have sustained damage. A second drone strike took place after rescue services arrived on the scene, explains Klychkov. "It ultimately appears that the fire truck driver was killed." The injured individuals were also emergency personnel, according to Klychkov. The Russian Defense Ministry claims that twelve Ukrainian drones were dismantled overnight, including six in the Orjol region.
08:35: Lange: "We encourage Russia to conduct more war crimes; instead of deterring it,"Military analyst Nico Lange considers Russia's missile strikes on a printing house and a home improvement store in Kharkiv to be fresh war crimes. "If we minimize our support for Ukraine, we are encouraging Russia to perpetrate more war crimes, rather than dissuading it," he writes on the platform X.
The re-election of Gitanas Nauseda as Lithuania's president receives positive reactions in Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky extends his warm congratulations to his counterpart in a statement: "Dear Gitanas Nauseda, heartfelt congratulations on your re-election! You've been a steadfast ally during these challenging times. I highly appreciate your steadfast support for Ukraine and am convinced that our collaboration will ensure freedom, peace, and security in Ukraine, the Baltic states, and across Europe." Lithuania has been wholeheartedly aiding Ukraine to the best of its abilities.
10:28 Kuleba: Russia has recklessly sabotaged peace talks for 8 years
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has tried, but failed to find meaningful common ground with Russia on numerous occasions. "The fundamental issue is that Russia has always been disingenuous during negotiations, unless compelled to do so," he stated on X. Moscow has sabotaged the peace process after 200 rounds of talks between 2014 and 2022, initiating a "full-blown war against Ukraine." Kuleba sees the only path forward in a collective effort from the international community to discover a path to genuine peace. "That's why the peace conference in Switzerland on June 15th and 16th is crucial. And that's why it's crucial for as many nations as possible to participate."
19:39 What's going on in Russian territory near the Ukrainian border?
Russian military forces are reportedly amassing near the border, about 90 kilometers from Kharkiv, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This move is likely designed to manipulate and lure Ukrainian troops into position while also readying for offensive operations to enhance Russia's influence in the border area, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The ISW has discovered satellite images of the Berezne-Svitlodarsk area in the western region of Belgorod, which suggest that Russian troops have extended their activities to camps and storage facilities in adjacent settlements in recent weeks. However, it's unclear how many soldiers Russia might have mobilized in this region.
5:05 Klitschko relies on Western allies after the deadly Kharkiv missile attack leaves numerous casualties
Emotions are still high following the strike on a hardware store in Kharkiv that resulted in multiple casualties. Vitali Klitschko posts on X: "These Ukrainians lost their lives due to Russian bombs because we lacked proper air defense. How much longer will the countries with PATRIOT systems wait?" Airstrikes on targets within Russia itself must be allowed, according to Klitschko. "The planes that rain bombs on our civilians take off from Russian airfields. We need to destroy these planes on their takeoff."
5:00 Southern Ukraine under air alert
In southern Ukraine, an air raid warning has been initiated overnight. The Ukrainian armed forces are observing, among other things, a Russian stealth bomber Su-57 over the Black Sea. They also warn of the launch of cruise missiles.
4:44 Zelenskyy calls for permission to strike at sites within Russia with Western weapons
Ukraine requires not only improved air defense, but also the right to attack targets within Russia with its foreign-supplied weapons, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. He says in his video address that many foreign politicians and organizations have expressed their sympathies and condemned Russia. "It's vital that your condemnation lead to tangible consequences," he asserts. Ukraine needs not just more air defense but the authorization to engage with Russian forces on Russian soil with its Western armaments. "We see every Russian troop deployment. We know where all Russian rockets and combat aircraft launch from." It's a political decision to authorize the proactive elimination of these forces before they target Ukraine.
00:52 Four civilians killed by Russian shelling
The Ukrainian Prosecutor's Office reports four civilians have been killed due to Russian shelling in the Donetsk region. Multiple civilian deaths have also been reported in Sieversk in the northern part of the region and further south in Krasnohorywka and Tchassiw Jar. The Prosecutor's Office in the Kharkiv region also reports one civilian death near the city of Tchuhujiw.
19:25 Zelenskyy to travel to Spain
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is heading to Spain today. He will be welcomed by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at noon, the Spanish government in Madrid revealed. They'll also hold a press conference afterward. Zelensky initially intended to make this trip on May 17th. However, he postponed the visit due to the escalating situation in the area of Kharkiv.
22:30 Macron: "Peace is not surrender"
President Emmanuel Macron from France emphasizes that peace must not be equated with giving in to Russia's demands. "Russia reacts violently to any expression of solidarity from the West. We must not fall into the trap of thinking that the sole agitator of peace is someone who has an interest in war," Macron emphasized. European countries, as part of an international alliance, should not be intimidated into making disproportionate concessions to Russia, which risks validating Russia's aggressive actions. Macron also restated the European intention to assist Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression.
The French leader Emmanuel Macron cautioned against forsaking support for Ukraine during its battle against Russia. He declared during his 3-day state visit to Germany, "Today, being on the side of peace involves reinforcing the rule of law. Peace isn't capitulation. Peace isn't abandoning principles." Macron further asserted that both Germany and France plan to highlight this when they attend the bilateral Defense and Security Council meeting on Tuesday. There, they will pledge to assist Ukraine "until the end" in its effort to resist, "to exhaust, to train, and to prepare for various scenarios to establish an enduring peace - a peace that respects international law."
22:22 Medvedev's threat against Poland with "radioactive ash"
Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president, aimed threats at Poland. He responded to a comment by Poland's Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski concerning the United States' potential reaction to a Russian nuclear weapons assault on Ukraine. The Polish authority had spoken to the British newspaper "The Guardian" about how the U.S. might respond under such circumstances. "If the Americans reach their objectives, it signifies a global war, and a foreign minister, even one from a country like Poland, should perceive this," expressed the deputy head of the Russian Security Council on his X blog. "Warsaw will not be immune and will definitely receive its share of radioactive ash. Do you want that?" said Medvedev.
22:00 Zelenskyy's inaugural interview with Central Asian media
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian president, granted his first interview to media from Central Asia, notably journalists from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. This was published by the Kazakh platform "Orda" as a video on YouTube. Regarding the possibility of a truce with Russia, Zelenskyy said there was no place for an accord.
21:40 Russian President Putin's state visit to Uzbekistan
Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, arrived for a state visit to Uzbekistan. This was relayed by Russian state outlets. Shavkat Mirziyoyev greeted Putin upon his arrival at Tashkent's airport, the Uzbek capital. Mirziyoyev has been Uzbekistan's President since 2016 when he took over. Putin and Mirziyoyev will focus on the development of Russian-Uzbek relations and current region issues during the two-day visit. As per the Kremlin, they plan to sign a "comprehensive bundle of bilateral documents" after the visit.
9:20pm Ukrainian Military: Despite "maximum effort" from the Russians, no progress
The Ukrainian Military claims there were 83 clashes with Russian soldiers on Sunday. The Russian forces are allegedly applying "maximum effort" to breach the Ukrainian defense lines. "The Ukrainian troops are taking measures to maintain their positions and damage the enemy's offensive capability," the General Staff stated on social media. There are "no major developments" in the direction of Kharkiv, but the Russians continue their attacks around the city of Vovchansk and the settlement of Lyptsi.
9pm Ukrainians demonstrate in Kyiv in front of the U.S. Embassy
The restriction on not targeting Russian soil with Western weapons is causing bewilderment within the Ukrainian population. Approximately 150 people are protesting against this in front of the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, according to NTV correspondent Stephan Richter. They're demanding the removal of this restriction.
8:40pm Georgian Independence Day March: Protests flood Tbilisi
On May 26th, Georgian Independence Day, thousands of protesters take part in a "Freedom March" through Tbilisi. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) covers this news. The participants carry the flags of Georgia and the European Union while chanting slogans, including opposing the "foreign influence" law. They also light up their mobile phones as flashlights. They screamed, "No to the Russian law!" and "No to the Russian regime!" In an earlier statement, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili had addressed her inauguration of recruits on Freedom Square in Tbilisi about the "Russian menace overlooking Georgia."
You can find more earlier developments here.
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- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged NATO to allow Ukraine to use Western weapons against military targets in Russia, citing the need to defend against Russian aggression and cyberwar attacks.
- The Ukrainian government accused Russia of conducting a military operation against Ukraine, including cyberwar attacks, and called on Western allies to provide additional military aid to strengthen Ukraine's defenses.
- There were concerns about potential double taps and military operations in Ukraine following a bombing in Kharkiv, prompting calls for increased security measures and international support.
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed that Russia was already being attacked through cyberwarfare and the use of Western weapons against Russia-backed targets in Ukraine.
Source: www.ntv.de
