Geneva Time 21:24: Negotiations with Russia Regarded as Credible in Saudi Arabia
Diplomatic negotiations for a ceasefire agreement necessitate Russia's involvement, as asserted by Saudi Arabia, in light of the Ukraine conference held in Switzerland. The Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, expressed this viewpoint and warned that a path to peace would require uncomfortable concessions. Saudi Arabia is being considered as a potential host for a potential sequel conference.
20:51 Battleground shifts: Ukrainians claim victories on the Eastern FrontThe Ukrainian military forces report triumphs on the Eastern Front in the areas of Klischtschijiwka and Serebrjansker Forst. They have forced Russian troops to abandon their positions, according to the Ukrainian army's Telegram page. The accomplishments of the 12th Special Brigade Asow are attributed to this. Its deputy commander, Sviatoslav Palamar, announced on Facebook that Russian troops had lost their positions in the Serebrjansker Forst area.
20:16 Ukraine endures fresh assaults near WowtschanskDespite extensive international efforts to establish peace in Ukraine, Russian troops continue with their attacks on various front lines. Backed by their air force, Russian units launched another offensive in the eastern region of the country near Wowtschansk, as reported by the General Staff in Kiev in their evening situation report. Surprisingly strong Russian advances were also reported from the region Pokrowsk in the southeast of Ukraine. More than a quarter of the 74 Russian attacks of the day were documented there. All attacks were repelled, it was reported.
19:57 Scholz urges Russia's inclusion in the peace processGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for Russia to participate in the peace process for Ukraine. "Indeed, peace in Ukraine cannot be achieved without Russia's involvement," Scholz stated at the peace summit in Switzerland. At the same time, he insisted on a complete Russian withdrawal from the partially occupied Ukraine. "Russia could end this war today or at any time if it halts its attacks and pulls back its troops from Ukraine."
19:25 Harris dismisses Putin's plans as ludicrous: "He is asking for surrender"US Vice President Kamala Harris rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposals for dispute resolution with Ukraine as absurd. "We must be honest. He is not proposing negotiations, he is asking for surrender," Harris said at the peace summit in Switzerland. She assured Ukraine of continued support in its struggle against Russia. "America is not standing beside Ukraine out of affection, but because it serves our strategic interests." Putin called for an end to hostilities under the condition of a complete Ukrainian withdrawal from the territories of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and the Crimean peninsula.
19:14 Switzerland calls for political action at the Ukraine conferenceSwiss Federal President Viola Amherd calls on all participants at the onset of the Ukraine conference to collaborate on a joint political action. Only then can preliminary steps towards peace in Ukraine be taken, Amherd informs the delegations from 92 countries. "We all have an existential interest in international relationships being based on rules and respect for international law and human rights." During the conference, some fundamental principles for future peace talks are expected to be established by Sunday.
18:56 Kremlin on peace conference: "We have no messages for your gathering"Russia will not convey any messages to the participants of the Swiss peace summit regarding Ukraine - according to Kreml spokesman Dmitri Peskov, as reported by the Tass news agency. "We have nothing to share," Peskov is quoted as saying. We hope to attend a constructive and hopeful event next time. The Russian Foreign Ministry considers the conference in Switzerland a waste of time. Moscow sees no evidence that the West intends to engage in fair negotiations. Russia was not invited to the peace summit. However, Moscow has expressed no interest in participating.
18:48 Scholz is "absolutely confident" that Ukraine will receive $50 billion in aidGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz expresses certainty that the $50 billion in aid for Ukraine agreed upon at the G7 summit will be provided, despite remaining questions. "I am now absolutely sure that it will work out," Scholz told ZDF. "It is clear for Ukraine now that it will receive the support."
18:20 Russia reports pipeline explosionA fire has been reported on a gas pipeline in the Russian region of Saratov. According to the region's governor, Roman Busargin, the event occurred near the city of Saratov, which is approximately 470 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. The pipeline has been shut down, Busargin says. He describes it as an accident. Preliminary information suggests that unusual heat caused a pressure drop, resulting in an explosion, Busargin writes on Telegram. No one was hurt. The Kyiv Independent news portal reports that locals are reporting several explosions and a large fire.
17:35 Stockholm: Russian jet breaches Swedish airspaceA Russian military aircraft has transgressed Swedish airspace, according to reports from Stockholm. The Su-24 fighter jet was intervened by a Swedish Jas-39 Gripen fighter aircraft south of the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea, the Swedish Defense Ministry reports. The incident, which took place in the afternoon, lasted only a few minutes, according to broadcaster SVT. Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom condemns the Russian behavior as unacceptable and announces that he will summon the Russian ambassador. According to the Swedish Defense Ministry, there had been no such violation by Russian military jets since 2022. Sweden recently became a member of NATO and announced this week that it would partake in airspace surveillance under NATO command.
3:08 Meloni Brushes Off Putin's Peace Conditions as PropagandaItalian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni dismisses Putin's prerequisites for peace talks with Ukraine as mere propaganda during a press conference after the G7 summit in Italy. She sarcastically remarks, "It doesn't strike me as an effective plan to ask Ukraine to abandon Ukraine." Putin had made the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from four Russian-controlled regions in Ukraine a condition for a ceasefire and peace talks the day before the Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland. Kiev was also supposed to renounce NATO membership. More on this here.
2:48 Nehammer: West Can't Change Russia's Stance AloneThe Ukraine conference in Switzerland is viewed by Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer as a possible means to break the deadlock. "We're just circling among ourselves. We all agree, but that's not enough," the Austrian chancellor says. The EU and US are trying to garner additional allies to intensify pressure on Moscow during the Ukraine war. "Without parts of Asia, Africa, and South America, it won't work for us to bring the Russian Federation to change its mind," Nehammer adds. The presence of India and Brazil - though not at the ministerial level - at the meeting is a "glimmer of hope," Nehammer comments.
2:30 Zelenskyy Targets Historical Peace SummitUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy anticipates a memorable conference in Switzerland. At the summit, "history will be made," Zelenskyy says. The focus will be on initial steps towards peace in Ukraine. Nevertheless, experts and critics predict minimal progress, as Russia is absent from the summit. The organizers have outlined three main themes: nuclear security, food security, and humanitarian issues. The list of topics to be addressed is significantly shorter than the contents of a ten-point plan that Zelenskyy had proposed. In it, he demanded the withdrawal of Russian troops from occupied territories and the cessation of hostilities.
2:03 Weichert Expects Moscow to Take Notice of Peace ConferenceA peace conference in Switzerland is intended to help Ukraine put an end to Russian aggression. What can we expect from the summit without Russian representation? The participant list should catch Moscow's attention, according to ntv reporter Weichert.
1:27 Zelenskyy Believes Pressure on Moscow Will IncreaseUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sees the pressure on Moscow growing due to the peace conference in Switzerland. The two-day meeting of 92 countries and eight international organizations reinforces the idea that collective effort can halt a war and foster trust and peace, Zelenskyy says just before the delegations begin their deliberations. "We've given diplomacy a shot." Meanwhile, the host downplays expectations for the conference. "Our objectives are modest," says Swiss Federal President Viola Amherd. The focus is on inspiring a process towards a sustainable and just peace. Central to this is the significance of international law as the foundation of the international order. "Russia's attack transgresses this severely," Amherd says.
1:59 Helicopter Brings Harris to Switzerland Peace ConferenceUS Vice President Kamala Harris arrived at the peace conference for Ukraine in Switzerland in the afternoon. This was reported by the Swiss news agency Keystone-sda. Harris was flown from Zurich Airport to the meeting venue on the Bürgenstock by helicopter. She represents US President Joe Biden, who is attending campaign events in California. It is unclear whether there will be a joint declaration. According to the news agency, there are still several contentious issues among the delegations. It is also possible that there will be a declaration without consensus.
1:34 Russians Block Views of "Admiral Gorshkov"Four Russian Navy ships, including the aircraft carrier "Admiral Gorshkov," are being sent to Cuba by Moscow. The frigate is a target for onlookers, as Russia is inviting visitors for a tour of the ship.
1:01 Does Germany Block New Russia Sanctions? Scholz Denies AllegationFederal Chancellor Olaf Scholz denies the allegation that Germany is blocking a new sanctions package against Russia in the EU. "It's not being blocked. We're discussing the specifics of implementation," Scholz told Welt TV and other media outlets of the Axel Springer Corporation. "It's about how we can ensure that the German economy can continue its activities." At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that goods, which would be destined for South America, Asia, or Africa, do not "find their way to Russia by means of detour," Scholz adds. He expresses optimism that an agreement will soon be reached. "It's a practical matter and not a fundamental issue." The new sanctions package includes a series of measures against sanctions evasion. Additionally, for the first time, restrictions on Russian liquefied gas are being planned, but there is no import ban, as the European Parliament demands.
12:38 USA Announces Additional Aid Packages for UkraineUS Vice President Kamala Harris announced a $1.5 billion aid package to support Ukraine's energy sector. The funds are intended to help rebuild the energy infrastructure damaged during the war, according to Harris's office, which is participating in the Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland. In addition, more than $379 million in humanitarian aid for Ukraine is planned.
12:18 Hunter Clears Up Questions about the Summit: Will there be a summit with Putin after Switzerland?After the G7 summit, the supporters of Ukraine are holding a peace conference in Switzerland. What can be expected from this conference and what further steps does a peace plan for Ukraine entail? ntv speaks about this with political scientist Thomas Hunter:
12:43: Swedish fighter jets intercept Russian military planes- A Russian military plane supposedly trespassed Swedish airspace on a Friday, as reported by the Swedish military forces. The aircraft reportedly penetrated the Swedish airspace east of the Eastern Sea island of Gotland and disregarded warnings, according to the Swedish military. Subsequently, two Swedish fighter jets confronted the SU-24. Earlier, there were suspicions that up to four Russian military planes may have entered Finland's airspace on a previous Monday. Sweden has repeatedly expressed apprehensions about a potential Russian invasion, particularly regarding the strategically important island of Gotland.
12:07: Brigade: No tranquil land will ever grasp the truth of modern warfare- The 47th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces often serves on frontlines where the intensity is heightened. The unit, known for employing USA's M1A1 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, has reportedly endured excessive wear and tear from the equipment. According to the brigade's social media statement, "Every piece of equipment needs repair and upgrades, especially foreign equipment. No nation at peace will ever grasp the realities of modern warfare." The commander adds, "The primary advantage of the Bradley lies in its accuracy, remarkable stability, and agility despite its significant weight." The Bradley is designed for combat during day and night, due to its high-quality thermal imaging cameras.
11:35: Russia reports several casualties after Ukrainian attacks- According to Russian reports, at least five people were killed, and several were injured in Ukrainian attacks on the Russian border town of Schebekino. The regional governor of Belgorod, Vyacheslav Gladkov, reportedly found four bodies in the debris of a house. A woman passed away in the hospital, and six civilians were injured during the late Friday evening attack. The 40,000-resident Schebekino is situated in the southern Russian region of Belgorod, which shares a border with the Ukrainian region of Kharkiv. Russian forces initiated a ground offensive there on May 10th.
10:56: Ukrainian intelligence reports a drone swarm attack on Russian airfield- The head of the Ukrainian military intelligence, Kirillo Budanov, confirms to the War Zone media outlet a drone swarm attack on the Morosowsk airfield in Russia. Reportedly, around 70 drones were involved in the attack. Su-34 combat aircraft were allegedly stationed at the base. Budanov did not provide a number of downed jets. The assessment of Russian losses is ongoing. Satellite images, published by War Zone, show signs of the alleged drone attack.
10:15: Ukraine is meticulously preparing for a new phase of war- The Ukrainian military has reportedly been targeting Russian air defense systems and destroying them in recent weeks. Military expert Nico Lange states that the intensive use of combat aircraft is being prepared. "Ukraine is meticulously preparing the use of its own Su-24 with British and French missiles and the use of F-16," he tells "Bild." Ukraine earlier declared that one of its goals was to gain air superiority in order to push back Russian forces. The first F-16s are anticipated to fly missions this summer, thereby initiating a new phase. However, Kiev is only expected to initially be able to deploy a few combat jets due to a pilot shortage. It is also hoped that the F-16s will be able to shoot down planes that launch glide bombs from Russian territory onto Ukraine.
09:33: German Chancellor Scholz rebuffs Putin's peace initiative- The peace initiatives proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin for the commencement of peace talks were not discussed at the G7 summit, according to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. He informed ZDF that these initiatives were not sincere and were connected to the conference in Switzerland. Putin announced conditions for peace talks with the Ukrainian government on Friday. Russia would halt the fighting if Ukraine gave up its attempts to join NATO, he said. Additionally, he demanded the withdrawal of the Ukrainian army from the four regions that Russia had declared annexed. More information on this here.
09:01: ntv-Reporter Schmidt-Denker: "Summary of the G7 summit is apparent"- The G7 summit in Italy has concluded, and the peace conference in Switzerland is about to commence. Not every G7 participant is continuing their journey. Ntv-Reporter Holger Schmidt-Denker knows how successful the meeting was and what assistance for Ukraine is now being arranged:
08:35: Heusgen expects no political progress from the Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland- The chief of the Munich Security Conference, Christoph Heusgen, does not anticipate political progress from the Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland this weekend. "It's about symbols of solidarity and hopefully a powerful closing declaration. Central is that representatives of countries from Asia, Latin America, and Africa are participating," Heusgen told t-online. "This will also be noticed in other parts of the world. Russia has challenged the international rule-based order, which is not indifferent to countries in the global south." According to the former foreign policy advisor to former Chancellor Angela Merkel, the two-day summit provides insight into how much restraint Russia and China currently have in the international community.
07:47: Military expert: Peace conference may set the process in motion, with Russia participating later- According to military expert Nico Lange, a peace conference in Switzerland "may initiate a process, where later Russia could also participate. It's worth meeting. No blockade of food supplies, no atomic weapons, exchange of prisoners of war – these are generally accepted principles," Lange stated to X. Russia will only be serious about meaningful weapons ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine when it is militarily pressured there. "Putin still believes he can achieve his goals, even hoping that the Americans and Europeans will falter."
07:03 KNDS CEO fails to notice Germany's defense enhancements:Germany's current administration seems to be fortifying its defense systems, yet KNDS CEO observes no shift in this regard. In their contracts, they observe little to no change. A snippet from FAZ states: "Frank Haun, whose firm manufactures the Leopard-2 battle tank, reveals that the majority of KNDS's contract inflow in 2023 isn't from Germany, but from other NATO nations." Haun also points out: "Our German inventory of operational battle tanks amounts to around 300 units; thus, I'm fond of saying: We can defend Augsburg, but Munich and Berlin might not be safeguarded anymore."
06:30 EU Commissioner Breton envisages 2.5 million 155mm artillery shells by 2025:As per French EU Commissioner Thierry Breton, the EU has the potential to produce 1.7 million crucial 155mm artillery shells by year-end. The following year, this number should surpass 2 million. Breton shares in an interview with La Tribune: "Our goal is 2.5 million. I reckon we'll attain that by the end of 2025." The EU has launched a €500 million program to fund a series of factories for the munition manufacturing. For quite a while, Ukraine has faced a deficit in 155mm artillery shells relative to Russia.
05:54 EU sets talks for Ukraine, Moldova's accession in motion:The EU states have consented to initiate accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova in principle. As the Belgian EU presidency reports, the first government conferences are anticipated to be convened on June 25. The decision needs confirmation at an EU Council meeting on June 21, and the Dutch parliament's endorsement is also necessary. Charles Michel, the European Council President of State and Government Heads, declares in X, "The EU will keep its word and support Ukraine and Moldova on their path to membership." The European Commission had already approved Ukraine and Moldova's readiness for accession negotiations in June.
04:54 Casualties Reported in Russian and Ukrainian Attacks:Russia claims six fatalities in the Belgorod region, adjacent to Ukraine, the previous day. Four of the casualties are reported to have been retrieved from the debris of a multi-story building in the city of Schebekino. A man supposedly was hit by a Ukrainian drone in his vehicle, while a woman perished due to rocket fire in the western town of Oktjabrski. Information from the governor of the region, Vyacheslav Gladkov, indicates that a person was killed in Schostka, the Sumy Oblast, in Ukraine. The inhabitants of the Sumy region endure daily Russian bombardments.
02:26 Russia allegedly planning for potential evacuation of Crimea's cultural assets:Russia seems to be which preparing for the possible transportation of cultural artifacts and historical relics from occupied Crimea. The claim was made by the Ukrainian news portal Ukrajinska Pravda, citing a supposed letter from the Russian-administered "Culture Ministry" of Crimea regarding potential "evacuations." Russia is said to be hurrying the classification and assessment of artifacts using digital registers. The Ukrainian National Resistance Center is concerned that valuable relics from Crimea may be transported to Russia's internationally recognized territory.
00:39 A dozen Ukrainian children reportedly rescued from Russian-occupied territories:Twelve Ukrainian children, who were being held captive in Russian-held territories, have reportedly been returned to regions under Ukrainian control. Three lads and nine girls aged between 2 and 17 were allegedly transported back to Ukrainian-controlled territory from the southern Kherson region, announced Oleksandr Prokudin, the region's governor, on Telegram. Ukraine implicates Russia for kidnapping nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children from eastern and southern territories since the conflict began in 2022 February. Many more children reportedly remain under Russian control. The return of the children is a diplomatic priority for the Ukrainian government.
23:07 Russia said to be targeting gas transshipment terminal in Kursk:According to Russia, the Ukraine supposedly shelled a gas transshipment terminal in Russia. The governor of the Kursk region, Alexei Smirnov, shared on Telegram that Ukraine supposedly bombarded several settlements, including Sudja. Sudja is home to the final working distribution center for Russian gas exports to Europe via Ukraine. Smirnov states that there was no damage to the gas infrastructure; however, two people suffered injuries, and a house was destroyed in the shooting. The responsible Ukrainian utility company asserts that the Russian gas transit remained unscathed by the assaults.
22:13 Austin: Putin shouldn't decide Ukraine's actions for peace
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin asserted that Russian President Vladimir Putin has no right to set terms for Ukraine's peace. Following a NATO Defense Ministers meeting in Brussels, Austin stated that Putin's illegal annexation of Ukrainian territory is unacceptable. "It's not right for a leader to suddenly redraw a neighbor's borders and seize its land," Austin commented. Putin should cease dictating actions for Ukraine's peace. Putin has the power to end the conflict now. Previously, Putin demanded that Ukrainian troops withdraw from territories annexed by Russia as a prerequisite for a potential peace agreement. Yet, those territories are still not under Russia's control. Simultaneously, he reiterated demands made at the onset of the February 2022 war against Ukraine, including a neutral, non-aligned, and nuclear-free Ukraine, as well as demilitarization and a "de-Nazified" government in Kiev (a term interpreted by Russia to mean a leadership friendly towards Moscow).
21:45 Germany hinders new sanctions against Russia
EU nations initially planned to discuss a 14th sanctions package against Russia during their permanent representatives' meeting. However, Germany raised concerns about the plan, which remain unaddressed. The start of accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova is crucial, especially for Kiev. This weekend, the Ukraine peace conference begins in Switzerland.
21:34 EU nations agree on accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova
The EU nations have agreed in principle to initiate accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova, as announced by the Belgian presidency in Brussels.
21:07 Finland: Four Russian military planes trespassed airspace
The Finnish Border Guard speculates, based on its own findings, that four Russian military aircraft breached Finnish airspace on the previous Monday. Initially, only one aircraft was reported by the Defense Ministry. However, as the investigation unfolded, evidence emerged suggesting three other planes also violated Finnish airspace. It's plausible that two bombers and two fighter jets were involved.
20:36 Putin seeks a global security system - and NATO can participate
Russian President Vladimir Putin considers the Western model for global security as being incapable, in his words, of maintaining global security. During a meeting with Russian Foreign Ministry representatives, Putin observed that the contemporary world is witnessing the downfall of the European-transatlantic system. We are at a point where revision is no longer an option, Putin stated. He accused the USA, in particular, of jeopardizing global security by abandoning arms control agreements. Putin advocated for the establishment of a new global security system. This system would be open to all, including NATO.
According to Putin, 700,000 Russian soldiers are deployed in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that 700,000 Russian soldiers are actively engaged in Ukraine. In December, Putin stated that there were 617,000 soldiers. The British intelligence agency claimed in late May that around 500,000 Russian soldiers have been either killed or wounded since the invasion's outset. According to Mediazona and the Russian branch of BBC, 136,500 Russian soldiers have been killed in Ukraine. Based on accessible public data, the deaths of approximately 50,000 Russian soldiers have been verified. The Kremlin has so far only acknowledged the death of about 6,000 fighters in September 2022.
For updates on previous events, check here.
Read also:
- Given the ongoing negotiations with Russia in Switzerland, it's crucial for NATO to bolster its cyberwar defenses, considering the potential threat to Ukraine's digital infrastructure in the conflict.
- Russia's military operations in Ukraine continue even after international calls for a ceasefire, such as the attack on Wowtschansk near the eastern region, which further escalates tension between the two nations.
- As Volodymyr Selenskyy leads Ukraine through the conflict, it's essential for NATO to consider strategic cyberwar initiatives to protect against Russian cyberattacks, safeguarding Ukraine's critical infrastructure and militaries.
- With Russia's persistence in their attacks on Ukraine, NATO should explore enhanced cyberwar strategies to augment their defense against offensive cyber operations, ensuring the safety and stability of Ukraine during the ongoing conflict.
