Footage from body-worn cameras captures intense street brawls in the Kharkiv district.

Footage from bodycams depict intense street brawls in the Kharkiv area.

Ukrainian soldiers share battle footage from their struggle in Vovchansk. The fighting continues, but they hold the defense, according to Ukrainian reports. NATO also believes that Russia is currently incapable of major progress.

At 2:25 PM, the EU imposes sanctions on pro-Russian platform Voice of Europe and three Russian media outlets. The countries will block them across the EU.

At 1:53 PM, Putin describes Western sanctions as "foolish decisions." He criticizes these moves while addressing Russian state media representatives in China, stating they dismantle competition and harm the global economy. The US would weaken their currency with the sanctions, claimed Putin, and warned that they were destroying their own position. Putin denies any ties between the sanctions and the aggression against Ukraine. Instead, he argues that the West aims to gain a competitive advantage.

At 1:41 PM, Putin expresses interest in extending Russia's energy partnership with China. He confirmed their intention to construct the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline and may also consider building an oil pipeline in the same corridor. Both countries seemed determined to finalize the route of the pipeline.

At 1:21 PM, Putin hints at not taking Kharkiv at the moment. Kharkiv, under Russian fire for weeks, will not be conquered for now, according to Putin. He claimed there were no plans to seize the city, but defended that Russia wants to secure a buffer zone due to the shelling targeting the Russian region of Belgorod from Kharkiv. However, experts suggest that Russia might seek to annex the Kharkiv area.

At 12:58 PM, political analyst Thomas Jäger suggests China is communicating "clearly" with Putin behind closed doors. He argues that the ties between them are essential, and Russia's reliance on China is significant.

At 12:28 PM, Putin indicates his intent to provide China with more energy. Putin talked about supplying China with clean and affordable energy, electricity, and heat at the opening of a Russian-Chinese trade fair in Harbin. He was optimistic that the strategic energy alliance would strengthen.

At 12:14 PM, damage to the Russian airbase Belbek from a Ukrainian attack was shown in satellite imagery. Russia declared five intercepted ATACMS in response to the bombings. Russian authorities shared pictures of damaged fighter jets and fire remnants.

At 11:57 AM, Munz sees signs of strain between Russia and China. While both countries signed a 30-page agreement, cracks remain, including Beijing's participation in Swiss peace talks and China's apprehension to become overly reliant on Russian resources.

At 11:34 AM, the Ukraine army general, Oleksandr Syrskyi explained that Russian forces increased their combat area by 70 kilometers in their offensive against the Kharkiv region. The Russian goal was to push Ukraine to deploy more reserve brigades. He anticipates the fighting to escalate as troops in Kiev prepares for defense in the Sumy region.

At 11:15 AM, video evidence shows the aftermath of Russia's massive attacks. Ukraine claims to have hit various Russian sites, including a drone attack on a Tuapse oil refinery. A total of over 100 Ukrainian drones have been claimed to be thwarted by Russia.

At 10:31 AM, Baerbock believes it's time for long-range weapons in the context of Kharkiv. The crisis around Ukraine's second-biggest city is "dramatic," said Baerbock during a Council of Europe meeting. Ukraine cannot attack the Russian forces in Kharkiv, so Ukraine needs weapons capable of medium-long range attacks.

Ukraine is attacking various Russian locations, including a drone attack on an oil refinery in Tuapse on Krasnodar's coast. In total, Russia allegedly stopped over 100 Ukrainian drones during the night. Ukraine continues to suffer attacks from Russian forces on their own territory. The defense on Kharkiv is preparing for more intense fighting.

Annalena Baerbock asserts that Ukraine needs long-range weapons. The situation around Ukraine's second-largest city Kharkiv is distressing, Baerbock said. With Russian troops stationed on Ukrainian land, Ukrainian air defense isn't functional. Ukraine must acquire medium- to long-range weapons for defense. Kharkiv has drawn close to the Russian border.

Putin is offering China more energy. Putin spoke about concluding the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline during a visit to China. The oil pipeline will share the same corridor as the gas one. Both countries are still negotiating.

In satellite imagery, Russia's Belbek airbase shows damage from Ukrainian shelling. Russia said they have detained five ATACMS. The images demonstrate remains of fires and planes.

Russia and China plan to expand their energy partnership. Academician Thomas Jäger suggests China and Russia are in a tussle throughout their cooperation. Amid China's possible involvement in Swiss peace talks and the risk of dependence on Russian resources, unrest exists.

Russia's territories in Crimea are under massive attack, according to Ukrainian Army. Another base, Belbek, experienced Russian fighter jets and fires.

Federation Council's First Vice-Speaker suggests the needs for more weapons. Oleksandr Syrskyi disclosed that Russian troops extended their active combat area in Kharkiv by 70 kilometers. To answer this, more Ukrainian reserve brigades must be deployed.

Russian media report on Wuhan's 30-page agreement with China. Rainer Munz, an ntv correspondent, has identified irregularities. China might consider participation in Switzerland's peace talks or opt against overdependence on Russian resources.

Sentiment between China and Russia is strained, though outwardly polite. Political analyst Thomas Jäger speculates that Beijing engages "clearly" with Putin behind a mask. He claims Russia cannot succeed in putting strength above mutual dependency.

A Russian-Chinese trade fair in Harbin witnessed Putin's hopes for a stronger energy partnership. A continuous and reliable energy distribution to China, cities, and villages was promised. Russia intends to expand cooperation in this sector.

Recent aerial images display damage to Belbek, a Russian airbase. ATACMS, allegedly intercepted by Russia, kept it safe from impairment. Fighter jets showed signs of burns and shrapnel holes. Ukraine had reportedly bombed several Russian territories, including an oil refinery in Tuapse.

Despite this, Russia acknowledges the adversarial situation. Ukraine's Annalena Baerbock advocates long-range deliverance against Kharkiv. Ukraine is attempting numerous attacks in Russia's territories, evidenced by drone hits and destruction of fighter jets. Despite being some kilometers away, Kharkiv is near the Russian border.

At 10:02, Putin and Xi bid each other farewell with a friendly embrace. The Russian and Chinese leaders wrapped up their discussions in China with a warm gesture. As seen in a video from state broadcaster CCTV, Putin and Xi initially shook hands before hugging one another goodbye. Today, Putin proceeds with his two-day visit in the Chinese city of Harbin.

In response to the nightly Russian drone attacks, Ukraine claims to have successfully shot down all 20 drones targeting their country. Attacks were reported over 5 regions - Kharkiv, Poltava, Vinnytsia, Odessa, and Mykolaiv. The attack in Kharkiv resulted in four explosions, with one causing a fire. According to the regional governor, five buildings suffered damage, including an administrative building.

At 09:26, ntv news reporter Jürgen Weichert shared information on the ongoing tense situation in Kharkiv. The city is now under control, but Russia has managed to secure its position in the region, only about 30 kilometers away from Kharkiv's borders.

At 08:34, Russia announced the death of two individuals in the Belgorod region as a result of Ukrainian drone attacks. A mother and her four-year-old child succumbed to injuries after being struck by a combat drone in the village of Oktyabrsky.

According to the Ministry of Defense, Sevastopol in Crimea was under attack during the night. Local authorities reported a substation was damaged, causing power outages in the area. Schools and kindergartens remained closed due to the situation. Sevastopol is Russia's Black Sea Fleet's home port. The annexation of Crimea in 2014 was carried out in violation of international law.

Videos of a suspected Ukrainian drone attack on the Black Sea Fleet port of Novorossiysk were posted online at 07:42. The Russian state news agency RIA reported missile attacks in the area but didn't specifically mention the port.

Russia announced it had intercepted over 100 Ukrainian drones during the night. 51 of these drones were brought down over Crimea, 44 in the Krasnodar region, six in Belgorod, and one in Kursk. In addition, the navy destroyed six naval drones in the Black Sea. Due to daily shelling from Russia, Ukraine has escalated its attacks on the Russian mainland, primarily targeting energy facilities.

Satellite images from Maxar revealed significant damage to three fighter jets - two MiG-31s and an Su-27 - and a damaged MiG-29 at the Russian military airfield Belbek in Crimea. An analysis by the New York Times also revealed a destroyed fuel depot at the airbase. Ukraine targeted the airbase for the second time in two consecutive nights.

Videos circulated around 06:33 showcase an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on a Russian oil refinery. The Tuapse plant on the Black Sea was allegedly the target.

Update at 7 a.m.: Local authorities confirmed the fire and successfully contained it.

Putin intends to stress the significance of trade near the Russian border in northeastern China after finalizing a strategic partnership with Xi Jinping later today. Putin is wrapping up his two-day China trip in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, known for its long-standing trade and cultural ties with Russia.

The Russian Foreign Ministry declared the British military attaché Adrian Coghill persona non grata and ordered him to leave the country within a week. This retaliation came after the UK expelled the Russian military attaché on May 8, who they suspect was an undeclared intelligence agent.

05:30 "New York Times": Some NATO countries consider sending military trainers to Ukraine

Certain NATO nations are mulling over the idea of deploying military instructors or contractors in Ukraine to train local troops and fix equipment. The New York Times reports that Ukraine has reached out to the US and other NATO nations for assistance in training 150,000 soldiers close to the front line. However, there's apprehension in the US due to the potential risk of attacks on these trainers, which could potentially lead to NATO's collective defense being invoked. Some officials are perhaps still in favor of continuing to train large numbers of Ukrainian recruits in Germany and Poland, as had been done earlier. Yet, this solution comes with its own logistical challenges when it comes to transporting such a large workforce. Countries like the UK, Germany, and France are among those exploring the option of sending defense contractors to Ukraine, whilst the White House is reassessing its prohibition against US defense contractors in Ukraine.

04:42 Japan: Strict adherence to law required for Russian assets' distribution

The Japanese Finance Minister, Shunichi Suzuki, voiced his opinion on the US proposal to draw from the interest on frozen Russian assets in order to benefit Ukraine. Suzuki asserted that these discussions should abide by international law, reiterating: "Japan intends to take part in the discussions at the ensuing G7 summit under this fundamental perspective."

03:11 Kim Jong Un's Sister Refutes Allegations of Arms Trade with Russia

Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean ruler Kim Jong Un, has debunked allegations of arms trade between North Korea and Russia. CNN reported her statement quoting KCNA, North Korea's state news agency, adding that the weapons built by North Korea were intended for defense rather than export. She deemed the alleged arms deal between the two countries as a far-fetched theory conjured up by anticipations and misinformation. Both Russia and North Korea have denied the divorcements.

02:04 Kharkiv's air raid alert lifted after drone attacks

The air raid alert in Kharkiv, which spanned well over 16 hours, has been withdrawn in most areas of the region. According to regional governor Oleh Syniehubov, at least five drones had previously targeted Kharkiv, the second-largest city in Ukraine, citing a fire incident as a consequence. It was the longest air raid alert in the region since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, lasting for more than 16.5 hours.

00:51 USA: Beijing's support for Moscow hampers reconciliation with the West

In light of the amicable encounter between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, the US government marked China's backing for Russia as an obstacle to reconciliation with the West. "China cannot dance at two weddings at the same time," stated State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel in Washington. Improved ties with Europe and other countries will not be possible for Beijing if it simultaneously "fueling the greatest security threat to Europe for a long time," the spokesperson stated, referring to the ongoing Russian onslaught against Ukraine.

23:34 Zelensky Warns of Imminent Attacks on Gas Infrastructure

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared his concerns about the potential repercussions for Europe as a result of Russian missile attacks on gas pipeline infrastructure. In a video message, Selensky spoke with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk about this matter. The damage caused by Russians to the gas grid poses a risk for the entire European continent, he added, highlighting the need for joint action against these attacks.

22:06 Severe Power Cuts Expected to Last Months in Ukraine

Due to extensive damage incurred to power plants and substations in Ukraine, the government anticipates prolonged power interruptions lasting till August or September at least. In a conversation with Ukraine Business News, Yuri Boyko - the advisor to the Prime Minister and a board member of the utilities provider Ukrenerho - underscored that no significant progress is expected until August or September. Planned blackouts taking place across Ukraine are meant to preserve electricity supplies. Kiev's streets have also been affected by the damage caused by Russian missile attacks on the power grid.