17:45 Georgian president opposes contentious legislation on foreign impact

Georgian President Halts Controversial Law on "Foreign Interference"

After the passage of a tense "foreign influence" law in Georgia, President Salome Zurabishvili has exercised her veto on the controversial decision. In a televised address, Zurabishvili expressed her objection to the law, stating that it aligned with Russian interests and clashed with Georgia's constitution. However, pro-government legislators in Tbilisi hold a large enough majority to override the veto. This law would require registration by media outlets, non-profit organizations, and NGOs that receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad and aim to serve foreign political interests. Zurabishvili criticized the legislation for its conflict with Georgian constitutional values and European standards.

17:25 Zelensky acknowledges issues with Ukrainian military morale

In an interview with AFP, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has conceded problems with the spirits of Ukraine's military personnel. After a prolonged two-year conflict, certain brigades urgently need to be reinforced, Zelensky stated. The provision of supplies is necessary to facilitate a rotation of troops. Additionally, there have been challenges with the recruitment of new soldiers, prompting a crucial legal shift. The minimum age for conscription has been reduced from 27 to 25, and more stringent penalties for evasion have been enacted.

16:50 Poland invests over 2.3 billion euros in securing its eastern border

Prime Minister Donald Tusk has announced that Poland is devoting more than 2.3 billion euros towards fortifying its eastern border. The drive is aimed at shielding Poland from escalating threats originating in neighboring countries Russia and Belarus. Tusk details a significant project involving both a fortification system and landscape and ecological designs to hinder potential invasion. Tusk remained vague about the specifics regarding what fortifications would be installed. Last week, Tusk pointed to an on-going "hybrid war" triggered by illegal immigration from Belarus. Based on data from the Polish Border Guard, an average of 300 daily attempts to cross the Poland-Belarus border unlawfully have been recorded.

16:25 Injuries reported in Kharkiv attack

The eastern Ukrainian cities of Kharkiv and Vovchansk have suffered from Russian attacks yet again. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov revealed via Telegram that a residential neighborhood in Kharkiv had sustained damage from several shells, resulting in injuries to five residents. Vovchansk also experienced severe damage inflicted by Russian bombs and shells. Security Council member Andrey Kovalenko posted on Telegram that Vovchansk had faced almost total destruction from Russian aerial bombardments. Despite these relentless attacks, Vovchansk remains under Ukrainian control. The city, located in northeastern Ukraine, previously held a population of nearly 19,000.

15:52 Drone featuring Russian flag flown at the Reichstag building in Berlin

An unnamed individual has flown a drone sporting a Russian flag near the Reichstag building in Berlin on May 9th. Evidence of the drone's flight circulated on various online platforms. The Bundestag issued a statement confirming the incident. The drone flew approximately 20 meters above the eastern side of the Reichstag building at the center of Friedrich-Ebert-Platz. The Berlin State Police subsequently filed a criminal complaint for violation of the Air Traffic Act. The Bundestag abstains from discussing security questions with regard to drone flights alongside the parliament building. Reports suggest that the drone operator is a pro-Russia activist supporting Russia's military assault on Ukraine. Police officers on-site obtained the drone pilot's data. Moreover, the same man had previously marred the former state parliament building in Potsdam with the "Z" symbol used by Russian forces in Ukraine and inflicted harm to Ukrainian artworks.

15:24 Zelensky fears a broadening of Russian offensives in eastern Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has raised concerns about a shortage of weapons for Ukrainian air defense and anticipates potential escalation of Russian offensives in eastern Ukraine. Currently, Ukraine possesses only a quarter of the air defense systems required for effective defense. Within a week, Russian forces have advanced 5-10 kilometers in the Kharkiv region, launching their ground offensive. Further assaults are expected.

"There's no sugarcoating it; they've progressed deeper into our territory," acknowledged the President in his initial interview since the beginning of Russia's ground offensive in the Kharkiv area on May 10th. As per information from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian soldiers captured at least 278 sq. kilometers of land during the advance - their biggest land conquest since the end of last year. Unfortunately, Ukraine has only "approximately 25% of the air defense capabilities we need to defend Ukraine," admitted Selenskyj in the interview that transpired on Friday and was published today, Saturday. In addition, his military requires approximately 120 to 130 advanced fighter jets to attain an equilibrium of forces in the air with the Russians.

15:00 Zelensky Offers the Hope of a Future Counter-Offensive

As per Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine holds the prospect of a counter-offensive. However, the front line needs to be solidified, and the Russian advance needs to be halted before the counter-offensive can occur, the Ukrainian president stated in an interview with the French news agency AFP. Although there's potential, the untenable condition of the front line is a cause for concern. Zelensky is optimistic, though, that the Ukrainian armed forces can thwart the Russians. After that, "it's necessary to allocate the appropriate brigades for the next steps of the counter-offensive," said the head of state. Numerous brigades desperately need to be restocked with resources in order to be prepared for the offensive, he added. logistical support is needed to enable a troop rotation. It's worth noting here that Zelenskyiourns' response to a query about a counter-offensive by the Ukrainian armed forces in 2025: "I can't say."

14:36 Explosions Erupt in Kharkiv as Russians Attack

"There's a commotion in the city. Many explosions have been reported. Exercise caution," cautioned the mayor of Kharkiv, Igor Terekhov, onTelegram. According to the report, the Russians are assaulting Kharkiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Friday that this month's Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region might be a prelude to multiple waves, and that Russian troops might attempt to seize the regional capital of Kharkiv.

14:06 Poland Plans to Fortify Its Border with Russia and Belarus

Poland intends to invest over 2 billion euros in safeguarding its eastern border. The "Eastern Shield" project envisions a system of border fortifications on the border with Belarus and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, as stated by Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Security is already tight along the 400-kilometer-long boundary, but the reinforcement should serve as a "deterrent, a strategy to keep the war away from our borders," said Tusk.

13:37 Ukraine Reports 22 Skirmishes, 8 Active Ones

Since last night, 22 "military clashes" took place on the frontline, advised the Ukrainian army. Eight of these skirmishes are ongoing, according to a statement from the General Staff. In addition, the Russian intruders shelled our troops' positions with missiles, used 25 kamikaze drones, and carried out 547 attacks on our positions, as stated in the announcement.

13:02 Ballistic Missile Attacks on Odessa

Russia has assaulted the Odessa region with missiles, confirmed Ukraine's military forces tasked with protecting the south of Ukraine. "Around 6 a.m., the Russian occupiers launched another missile attack on Odessa," their statement reads.

12:53 Russia Takes Another Village in Kharkiv

As per the Russian Ministry of Defense, Russia has "liberated" the village of Staryzia in the Kharkiv region. The troops are pushing forward in the area, according to the ministry. The Russian military launched an attack in the region only a week ago, establishing a third battle line along the eastern and southern fronts.

12:42 Ukraine Battles to Repel Russians in the Kharkiv Region

Ukrainian troops are clashing with the Russians to push them back to the village of Hlyboke in the Kharkiv region, reported the Ukrainian news agency RBC, citing the Ukrainian army. Hlyboke is roughly 40 kilometers away from Kharkiv and 10 kilometers away from the Russian border. "Our defenders are battling to drive the enemy back to Hlyboke." a statement from the Ukrainian General Staff affirmed.

12:10 Ukraine Reports Fourth Casualty after Russian Glide Bomb Attack in Kharkiv

The death toll from Russia's attack on the city of Kharkiv on Friday has increased to four. An injured 33-year-old man sadly passed away in the hospital, as reported by Governor Oleh Synyehubov. Strikes on Kharkiv's Shevchenkiv district were implemented with two glide bombs, injuring 31 people, according to Synyehubov. The condition of two of the injured was alarming, he warned. The Russians had also targeted the village of Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi with a glide bomb, denting multi-story buildings, a hospital, and a kindergarten. One woman was harmed.

Jäger: "Russia's influence on Germany is significant"

Ukrainian President Zelensky plans to use weapons supplied by the West not only to defend his country, but also on Russian soil. However, the perspectives of Europe, the US and political scientist Thomas Jäger differ in this regard. Meanwhile, Russia is also exerting influence on Germany, according to Jäger.

11:22 News from Russia: One dead in Ukrainian drone attack in Kursk

One person is said to have been killed and another injured in a Ukrainian drone attack in the Russian border region of Kursk, according to regional governor Alexei Smirnov. Information from the Russian authorities about possible attacks and victims cannot be independently verified.

11:09 Update from London: Russian air defenses and airspace surveillance in Crimea weakened

The British Ministry of Defense believes that Russian air defenses in Crimea have been weakened by recent Ukrainian attacks. It's likely that Russia will have to spread its air forces more widely in order to maintain them. This could lead to a higher risk of losing even more airplanes, according to the daily intelligence update from the British Ministry of Defense.

Russia faces additional problems because it lost one of its Beriev A-50 aircraft, used for air surveillance, in January, February, and March. Consequently, Russia may have to increase flight hours and combat aircraft patrol deployment rates to fill gaps in coverage, which will likely cause more maintenance problems for their fleets.

10:32 Around 10,000 people brought to safety in the Kharkiv region

Almost a week after the start of the Russian ground offensive in the eastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv, authorities report that almost 10,000 people have been brought to safety from threatened villages. Regional governor Oleh Synegubov has given this update. Russian troops launched a ground offensive in the Kharkiv region on May 10. Since then, they have made around 5 to 10 kilometers of progress along the northeastern border.

10:14 Most Russians prefer war to giving up conquered territories, survey reveals

A recent survey by the Russian Levada Institute shows that support for the Russian armed forces remains high among Russians, with three-quarters of people backing them. If President Putin were to stop the "military actions" currently taking place in Ukraine, 71% of respondents would support such a decision. However, this drops to 30% if the condition is the return of the "new territories."

09:51 Ukrainian Drones Capable of Inflicting Serious Damage on Russia

The Ukrainian cities of Kharkiv and Odessa have been under fire since the start of the Russian invasion. ntv correspondent Jürgen Weichert discusses the possible reasons, including the size, beauty, and popularity of these cities. But the Ukrainians also have live ammunition.

Selensky needs more air defense and modern fighter jets against the Russians.

09:32 SPD politicians call for NATO protection for Ukrainian airspace

For the first time, SPD members of the German parliament are calling for Western troops to ensure the safety of Ukrainian airspace from NATO territory. "In the current situation, I believe it is necessary and responsible to station German anti-aircraft missile troops on NATO territory on the border with Ukraine in order to protect the airspace above western Ukraine, for example, with Patriot systems," SPD defense expert Joe Weingarten told Der Spiegel. This would not require Western troops to be stationed in Ukraine. Air defense systems on the border between NATO countries and Ukraine could extend their impact deep into Ukrainian airspace.

09:15 Ukraine Asks US for Support in Targeting Russian Territory

Ukraine has requested assistance from the US government in identifying Russian targets that Kiev could then attack with its own weaponry. The country has also asked the US to lift restrictions on the use of American weapons against military targets within Russia, US and Defense Department officials told Dow Jones and the Wall Street Journal.

09:04 Zelensky: Western Fear of Russian Defeat Stifles Action

In an interview with the French news organization AFP, President Zelensky says that while Ukraine and its Western allies share the same values, they often have different views on how to end this conflict. "We are in a nonsensical situation where the West is afraid that Russia will lose the war. And they don't want Ukraine to lose it," says Selensky. He also appealed to China and other countries from the Global South to join the upcoming peace summit in Switzerland in June. Invitations to Russia have been declined, and Russia has also stated that it would not have come if invited.

08:27 Russia strengthens naval base against Ukrainian drones

The Russian military is beefing up its naval base in Novorossiysk, reports the Ukrainian news agency RBC, citing the Telegram channel of the rebel group "Atesh." The Russian port city of Novorossiysk, located on the Black Sea, is reinforcing its air defense and radar systems to protect the base from Ukrainian drones.

On Friday night, Ukrainian drones targeted the significant port of Novorossiysk in Russia. This location holds strategic importance for the country because a significant percentage of its oil and other exports pass through it. Before this incident, Russia had positioned multiple warships there in response to Septemeber 2023's attack on their Black Sea Fleet headquarters in Sevastopol, Crimea.

Early on Saturday, Ukrainian troops shared the total number of Russian soldiers they reportedly killed or injured the day before on their Facebook page. The figure amounted to 1210 soldiers, pushing Russia's war casualties to 491,080. In addition, the Ukrainian military claimed to have destroyed 43 armored combat vehicles, two aircraft, and a helicopter, though these claims have not been confirmed.

The Institute for the Study of War expressed concern that Western allies' regulations are limiting Ukraine's military capabilities. Their policy requires Ukraine to refrain from using Western weapons to attack Russian targets within their territory. This creates a protected zone near the Ukrainian border where Russian forces can freely attack and deploy without interference. The think tank stated that this policy significantly impacts Ukraine's ability to defend against offensives in the northern Kharkiv region.

Throughout the night, Ukrainian air defenses allegedly downed thirteen Iranian-made Shahed drones - reported by Ukrainian media and air force commander Mykola Oleshchuk. The drones were allegedly launched from Primorsko-Akhtarsk on the Sea of Azov and from the Russian oblast of Kursk.

In Belgorod, an explosion caused a missile alarm. The region's governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, instructed residents to find safety. The region is frequently under fire due to Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

In the Krynky area, where Ukraine maintains a bridgehead on the southern bank of the Dnipro River in the Kherson region, Russian forces are intensifying their shelling. However, the Institute for the Study of War reports no changes to the front line.

The Russian army continues to advance towards Kharkiv, although their goal is not to capture the city itself. Putin has previously mentioned the desire to establish a "buffer zone" in the Kharkiv region.

On Friday, explosions reportedly occurred at the Budyonny Military Academy in St. Petersburg; Moscow regards these events as accidental detonations of World War II ammunition.

Lars Klingbeil, leader of Germany's SPD party, stills hopes that China will participate in the upcoming Swiss Ukraine peace conference - he also noted that participation by India, Brazil, and South Africa would be crucial. Klingbeil believes even if these countries cannot attend, the conference would not be a failure, as long as there's dialogue to attain peace.

President Zelensky criticized the restrictions on the use of Western weapons, noting Russia's advantage of firing from their territory into Ukraine. UK and US leaders have recently hinted at potentially relaxing the bans.

07:50 - Ukraine claims Russia lost 491,080 soldiers07:23 - ISW states US policy hinders Ukraine's defense capabilities07:05 - Ukrainian forces shoot down Russian drones06:49 - Explosion in Belgorod following a missile alarm06:43 - Russian troops intensify their shelling of the Krynky bridgehead06:14 - Explosions in St. Petersburg "not terrorism", states Russian government05:43 - SPD leader Lars Klingbeil hopes for China's participation in the Swiss Ukraine peace conference05:20 - Zelensky laments the limitations on using Western weapons04:23 - ISW suggests western restrictions on using weapons against Russian targets on their property create a secure area for Russian troops to attack Ukrainian positions and towns04:05 - Ukrainian army claims Russian drones downed by Ukrainian defense03:43 - Explosions at Budyonny Military Academy in St. Petersburg03:25 - Belgorod's governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, announces residents should seek safety due to a missile alarm03:05 - ISW highlights the Russian army increasing attacks on the Krynky bridgehead, no changes in the front lines02:49 - Ukrainian soldiers reportedly shot down (with paraphrased words)02:34 - Zelensky comments on the ban on using Western weapons in the war against Russia02:20 - The Russian army cannot be harmed with Western armaments01:43 - There is no evidence of terrorism in the St. Petersburg explosions, insists Russia01:25 - Klingbeil still hopes for China's presence at the Swiss Ukraine peace conference01:02 - Zelensky expresses frustration over the limits on employing Western weapons to fight back00:45 - Russia benefits significantly from firing from its territory into Ukraine00:23 - UK and US authorities suggest reforming weapons usage restrictions00:05 - The Institute for the Study of War voices concerns about US policy hindering Ukraine's abilities to defend its lands.

In summary, Novorossiysk faces an attack by Ukrainian drones, Thursday's death toll and destroyed equipment are revealed, the ISW indicates the US limits hinder Ukraine's defense, 13 Russian drones are taken down, a missile alarm in Belgorod prompts a safety announcement and military shelling at the Krynky bridgehead intensifies. Moreover, an explosion in St. Petersburg is classified as an accident, China's potential presence at a peace conference is desired by Klingbeil, and Zelensky expresses objections about using Western weapons given Russia's liberty to fire from their territory.

05:10 Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief: Russian Front Near Kharkiv 70 Kilometers Long

Russian ground forces are continuing to advance an offensive they initiated a week ago in the area near Kharkiv. Ukrainian army commander Olexander Syrskyj reported on Telegram that the Russian army has now extended this new front to about 70 kilometers. This should cause the Ukrainians to deploy additional brigades from their reserves. However, the Russians have not yet managed to break through the Ukrainians' defenses. To conduct their attacks, they are using air power, missiles, artillery, and tanks. Syrskyj sees a benefit for the Ukrainians in the use of drones and more accurate artillery fire.

03:35 Kyiv: Attack on Kharkiv May Be First Russian Wave

According to Zelenskyy, the Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region of northeastern Ukraine could be the first wave of Russian attacks. "They have launched their operation, and it could consist of several waves. And this is their first wave," he told the AFP news agency.

02:17 Zelenskyy: Ukraine Needs 130 Fighter Jets

President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine only has a quarter of the air defense systems required to defend itself against Russia. His country also needs 120 to 130 F16 fighter jets to eliminate Russian air superiority, according to him. In addition, the lack of soldiers is also affecting the morale of the troops.

00:17 President Zelenskyy Urges Electricity Savings Due to Damage to Power Grid

In response to damage to the Ukrainian power grid, President Zelenskyy asks citizens to save electricity. "Now is the time for very rational, considered electricity consumption," he said in his evening address in Kiev. Municipalities and energy suppliers should provide information on why temporary power cuts are necessary. In his evening video message, he said he had discussed the difficult situation in the energy system of his country, which had been attacked by Russia, with the government and the military. "As a result of the Russian attacks, our energy sector has now lost a significant portion of its production," Zelenskyy stated. Major efforts are needed to redesign the energy supply in such a way that it cannot be damaged by Russia.

23:59 Ukrainians Abroad Can resume Consular Services

With the new mobilization law taking effect, Ukrainians abroad can once again make use of consular services. The prerequisite is that proof of registration with the military authorities is provided on paper or electronically. This was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kiev. The Ministry of Defense has also set up an app that enables online registration. Hundreds of thousands of men eligible for military service have left Ukraine due to the Russian war of aggression.

22:59 Unicredit Accounts and Assets Frozen in Russia

An arbitration court in St. Petersburg has frozen accounts and assets of the Italian bank Unicredit in Russia. This measure was taken at the request of RusChimAllianz, a Gazprom subsidiary operating an LNG terminal on the Baltic Sea. The reason for this is the failure to build the terminal due to Western sanctions, which involved Unicredit's help in guaranteeing it. RusChimAllianz wants €444 million from Unicredit. Assets worth €463 million are frozen.

21:55 New Law Allows Ukrainian Prisoners to Do Military Service

In order to expand the Ukrainian military, certain prisoners are to be drafted into the army. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a law allowing prisoners to be temporarily released from their sentences and called up for military service. Only certain convicts are eligible. Prisoners convicted of serious crimes are not allowed to report for military service.

21:36 Malfunctions of Starlink Devices Reported at the Start of the Russian Offensive in Ukraine

According to a media report, all Starlink devices of a Ukrainian military unit in Kharkiv failed at the beginning of the Russian offensive. The Washington Post, citing members of the 125th Territorial Defense Brigade, states that the malfunctions occurred on May 10, as Russian units were entering the border region. Apparently, the disruption of the satellite communication system facilitated the rapid territorial gains of the Russian troops. According to the Washington Post, Russian electronic warfare systems are allegedly responsible for the Starlink failures. Such disruptions in Ukraine's Starlink system have not been seen since the Russian invasion began in spring 2022.

20:56 Explosion at Military Academy in St. Petersburg

Russian media report an explosion at the Budyonny military academy in St. Petersburg. Several media outlets reported the incident. The state news agency RIA quotes local officials as saying that a resident had reported an explosion at the academy. The Telegram channel Baza, linked to law enforcement agencies, says seven people were injured.

You can read all previous developments here.