Heavy combat compels Ukrainian officials to order the evacuation of multiple cities and towns.
Regarding the escalating violence in the Ukrainian region of Donetsk, Ukrainian officials have issued an order for the evacuation of children and their parents or caretakers from various towns and villages. Governor Wadim Filaschkin mentioned locations like the town of Lyman and the village of Prohres, among others, in his widely shared online statement. Filaschkin remarked that the security situation in the area is deteriorating rapidly and the level of bombardment is rising. This critical decision aims to protect the lives of these young ones. Yesterday, 217 individuals, including 61 children, were relocated.
At 16:52, the Air Force Inspector, Ingo Gerhartz, faces a disciplinary measure for speaking about the Taurus missile with Russia during an intercepted conversation. Gerhartz is required to pay a disciplinary fine, bringing the incident to a close. According to regulations, additional sanctions are not permitted. A Russian intelligence service intercepted a Webex call involving four high-ranking Air Force officials, including Gerhartz. The service made the recording publicly available. The officers, including Gerhartz, discussed potential deployment scenarios for the German Taurus missile if it were provided to Ukraine.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban demands certain conditions to be met before offering his support for former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte's candidacy for NATO Secretary General. In an interview on the government-funded platform "Mandiner," Orban required Rutte to issue an apology for alleged insulting comments about Hungary. Furthermore, Orban specified that any individual who aspires for the NATO Secretary General position must make an agreement with Budapest ensuring that Hungary will not join in any military operations against Russia in Ukraine. However, NATO officials have not suggested or planned any military actions against Russia in Ukraine.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz advocates for enhanced European defense efforts prior to the celebrations for the Allied landing in Normandy. In a guest article for the French newspaper "Ouest-France," Scholz emphasized that a strong Europe is necessary to maintain tranquility and resist "brutal Russian imperialism." He referred to the legacy of D-Day, which marked a turning point in World War II and demonstrated the power of freedom over conquest. To support Ukraine in its ongoing defense, Germany and its allies stand resolute, as ensuring a more secure Europe is the ultimate aspiration.
At 16:21, US President Joe Biden spoke of global threats to democracy at the commemoration ceremony for the D-Day anniversary. Biden noted that democracy is under greater threat now than at any point since World War II. He participated in the ceremony honoring the American soldiers who perished during the Allied landing. Referencing the military operation on June 6, 1944, he emphasized the significance of the World War II Normandy invasion and each nation's sacrifices in the name of freedom.
At 15:17, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg assured the public that NATO does not intend to station troops in Ukraine. "NATO has no plans to send troops to Ukraine," he said during a visit to the Finnish capital, Helsinki. Additionally, Stoltenberg assured that there is no "immediate military threat" from Russia against any NATO country.
US President Joe Biden reiterated at 15:46 that the USA and NATO will never circumvent the Ukraine crisis. He deemed the state of war between Ukraine and Russia as a result of a tyrant aiming for power. "We will not falter, we cannot surrende rto the tyrant; it's unthinkable. If we do, freedom's suppression would be inevitable, and all of Europe would be at risk," Biden remarked in Colleville-sur-Mer.
2:21pm: A French national detained in Russia for gathering military intelligenceIn Russia, a French national has been taken into custody for suspected involvement in the gathering of military intelligence. The investigative committee for severe crimes made the announcement. The individual is alleged to have gone to Russia numerous times over the years, met with Russian citizens, and is under suspicion of collecting details about the Russian military's operations.
2:01pm: Lavrov declares Russia will provide extra military assistance to nations in the Sahel RegionRussia intends to boost its military presence in the Sahel and Central Africa. After concluding a four-day visit to the region, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated, "I assured our Chadian comrades that Russia will maintain its constructive role in assisting the situation in the Sahel-Sahara zone. We'll help these countries in the region to enhance the combat capabilities of their armed forces, train military personnel, and law enforcement officers," as per the Russian state news agency, Tass.
1:30pm: Russian attacks reportedly leave two dead and multiple injuredAccording to Ukrainian officials, two individuals lost their lives yesterday due to Russian attacks, while 22 others sustained injuries. The attacks with resulting civilian casualties were reported to have occurred in Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, and Dnipro regions. An example is in Nikopol, where a bus was hit by a drone, causing it to burst into flames. At least four passengers suffered injuries there.
12:57pm: Scholz Expresses Embarrassment Over Putin's Praise for the AfDFederal Chancellor Olaf Scholz reacted during his government address to the appreciative remarks voiced by Russian President Vladmir Putin for the AfD. "That's already embarrassing that you received a lot of compliments from the Russian president today," said Scholz. Earlier, there were disruptions from the AfD's contingent. "You've worked hard for that, and the people will fairly assess it," Scholz added. Previously, Putin had expressed support for cooperation between Russian representatives and the AfD, which is partially classified as a far-right extremist group. "We'll cooperate with anyone who wants to cooperate with Russia. We don't see any indications of neo-Nazism in the AfD's actions," stated Putin.
12:31pm: NATO Secretary General: Prevent Repeating Gaps in Ukraine's SupplyNATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg emphasizes the need to avoid potential lapses in the supply of Ukraine, as the Western allies must ensure that gaps don't reoccur. "In the last few months, I've seen some gaps, delays in providing military aid to Ukraine," said Stoltenberg at a shared press conference with Finnish President Alexander Stubb in Helsinki. The assaulted country needs consistent and reliable support from its NATO allies.
11:59am: Ukraine Seeks Extra Training Slots for F-16 PilotsUkraine is pressing for additional training slots for its F-16 fighter jet pilots from the United States and other Western countries. A Politico report states that there are insufficient training capacities available to populate the fighter jets being delivered at a later date. Presently, there are 30 pilots who could start their training in the United States straightaway, according to Ukrainian officials. However, Washington only has 12 openings in the U.S. training program in the state of Arizona. In other nations like Denmark and Romania, similar dilemmas are reported.
11:28am: ISW: Ukraine Reinforces Counter-Attacks Near VovchanskThe battle around the town of Vovchansk, situated near the Russian-Ukrainian border, rages on. The Ukrainian armed forces are attempting to inflict as many injuries as possible on the Russian armed forces, halt Russian gains, and restore lost ground progressively, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), citing statements from Ukrainian Chief of Staff Oleksandr Syrskyi. Russian military bloggers, as per the report, allege that the Ukrainian armed forces have upped their counter-attacks in and around Vovchansk on Wednesday. The mayor of the city, Tamaz Gambaraschvili, reportedly announced that the Ukrainian armed forces have recently regained positions within the city.
10:52am: Ukrainian Military Intelligence Bombs Russian Ship in the Black SeaUkrainian Military Intelligence (HUR) claims to have destroyed a Russian ship within the Black Sea. Andriy Yusov, the HUR spokesperson, announced the information on Ukrainian television, stating, "Another enemy ship was destroyed in the Black Sea last night. The raiding operation by the Special Forces of the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) was efficient and resulted in a 'minus one' enemy ship." The vessel in question was identified as a tugboat, having been located in the Russian-occupied Crimea.
10:23am: Prominent Ukrainian Author Serhiy Zhadan Joins the RanksThe well-known Ukrainian writer and Peace Prize of the German Book Trade recipient, Serhiy Zhadan, has signed up for the Ukrainian military. "I have enlisted in the 13th Brigade of the Ukrainian National Guard, based in Chartia. I am currently undergoing training," Zhadan shared in online media. Additionally, the 49-year-old published an image of himself wearing camouflage and holding an automatic weapon.
10:01 Chancellor Scholz defends the use of weapons for Ukrainian retaliation against Russia
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz asserts that Ukraine has the legal right to defend itself against Russian intrusions into their territory. Scholz makes this clear during a government announcement in the Bundestag. "Ukraine can use the provided weapons to retaliate against Russian positions within Russia," he states. He mentions the case of Kharkiv as an example, where Russia is launching attacks from nearby Russian border areas. "To protect itself against such attacks, Ukraine can use the weapons provided by us and our allies, consistent with international legal responsibilities," Scholz adds.
Chancellor Scholz also mentions that the risks of using these weapons have been weighed in collaboration with their allies.
10:00 Russian President Putin targets Germany amid recent attack on Ukraine
The Russian President, Vladimir Putin, addresses the international press for the first time since the Russian assault against Ukraine, using the opportunity to make threats against the West. His main target is Germany. ntv journalist Rainer Munz provides context for these statements.
09:24 Russia claims to have shot down 13 Ukrainian drones over Crimea
According to Russian Defense Ministry reports, they have destroyed 13 Ukrainian drones over the annexed Crimean Peninsula throughout the night. Furthermore, the Russian Defense Ministry claims that 6 more objects were eliminated above Belgorod territory and an anti-ship missile above Rostov territory. These claims cannot be verified independently. Similarly, Ukraine reports that they have destroyed Russian drones during a counter-attack.
08:52 Russian losses on Ukraine assault estimated at 515,000 soldiers
Russian attackers have reportedly lost 515,000 soldiers in the ongoing war against Ukraine, according to Ukrainian figures. Reports from the Ukrainian General Staff indicate that 1,300 more soldiers were lost over the course of the last 24 hours. Moreover, 22 tanks and 48 artillery systems were destroyed. Additional Russian losses include an anti-aircraft system and 40 armored personnel carriers. These figures cannot be verified independently.
08:18 Disruption of operations at a Russian refinery by a Ukraine drone attack
Russian authorities report that the operations at the Novoshakhtinsk refinery in southern Russia were halted due to a Ukrainian drone attack. The incident took place in the region of Rostov, says the governor of the region, Vasily Golubev. The fire that occurred was the result of the drone attack, but no injuries were reported. The Novoshakhtinsk refinery is one of the most vital oil refineries in southern Russia and has been a frequent target of Ukrainian attacks, situated roughly 10 kilometers east of the border.
07:47 Maintaining damaged tanks in Ukraine is not a straightforward process
Ralf Ketzel, the head of the German arms manufacturer KNDS, acknowledges that repairing damaged tanks in Ukraine poses challenges. "It wasn't foreseeable that the situation in Ukraine would require years of maintenance." Executing repairs would not rely on KNDS, as 80-90% of the maintenance would be accomplished on-site. Ketzel further explains that obtaining parts for heavy military equipment is not a simple task. He also notes that countries providing weapons for Ukraine should prepare for a long-term conflict.
06:46 Ukraine shoots down 17 Russian combat drones
Ukrainian defenders have reportedly repelled a Russian drone attack and successfully shot down 17 of 18 Shahed drones in the Mykolaiv, Kherson, Saporischschja, and Khmelnytskyi regions. Another two Iskander missiles were used in an attack on the Dnipro region, but it's unclear if they were destroyed. The Ukrainian military has not provided any additional details about this.
06:14 Russia issues a warning about stationing high-tech long-range missiles near Europe
Putin warns that Russia will station high-tech long-range missiles in range of the West if those countries allow Ukraine to utilize long-range weapons on Russian territory. He remarks, "We plan to station similar long-range missiles near countries that allow Ukraine to deploy certain missiles on their land." While Putin doesn't disclose the specific locations for these missiles yet, his statement emphasizes Russia's assertion of power dynamics.
05:32 Ukraine's arms supplier, KNDS, incapable of swift weapon delivery
The managing director of the German arms manufacturer, KNDS, Ralf Ketzel, reveals that his company, under current circumstances, cannot provide Ukraine with immediate supply of more weapons. "The capacity to deliver something quickly has been exhausted," he declares to web.de. "It would have been prudent to make a strategic decision two years ago: This war has the potential to last for years. We could be arming Ukraine now." However, making this prediction back then was not possible.
04:02 Russia seeks to deepen ties with the Taliban in Afghanistan
Russian President Putin expresses his support for improving relations with the Taliban in Afghanistan. During a meeting with foreign journalists participating in the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg, Putin observes, "We have always believed that we have to face reality." Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had previously disclosed Moscow's intentions to remove the Taliban from their list of banned terrorist organizations, which dates back to 2003.
Julia Nawalny's Widow: "Freedom of Expression Will Overcome Propaganda"
After receiving the Freedom Prize from Deutsche Welle, Julia Nawalnaja, the widow of the late Kremlin critic Alexei Nawalny, confirmed her intention to carry on her husband's legacy. Nawalny's death in a Siberian prison late last month remains shrouded in mystery. Nawalnaja made it clear that while Putin has silenced her husband, he could not suppress his ideas. She also cautioned against the dangers of Russian disinformation and fake experts in the European Union ahead of the European elections, stressing that Putin is determined to impose his agenda. "We will continue to fight," Nawalnaja declared, asserting that the power of free speech would ultimately triumph over propaganda's poison.
02:50 Russia Reports Oil Refinery Fire in Novotsyagovsk
Russian media report a fire in an oil refinery in the Russian city of Novotsyagovsk, accompanied by a series of explosions. The governor of the Rostov region bordering Ukraine, Alexey Gordeyev, claimed a drone attack on the refinery. Emergency responders are currently on the scene to tackle the situation. Notably, a Ukrainian drone attacked the same refinery in March.
01:23 USA Prepares for expected Russian Military Exercises in Caribbean
US officials anticipate Russia will conduct military exercises in the Caribbean. According to a US government representative, such exercises would include increased naval and air force activities that will climax in a significant Russian naval exercise this fall. These activities are not considered a direct threat to the United States but rather a demonstration of Russia's ability to display global influence.
00:07 Putin Supports Russian-AfD Cooperation
Russian President Vladimir Putin insists on the cooperation between Russian representatives and AfD politicians. Responding to a question during a meeting with international media representatives in St. Petersburg, Putin stated, "We will cooperate with everyone who wishes to cooperate with Russia." He denied the presence of neo-Nazism in the AfD actions and argued against the notion of "systemic relations" with the German right-wing party, noting that Moscow would back anyone advocating normal ties with Russia.
00:01 Putin Dismisses NATO Territory Invasion Fears as "Bullshit"
Addressing the alleged Russian invasion of NATO territory, Putin denounced such suggestions as "bullshit" during a conversation with journalists from major international news outlets. He also denied ever mentioning the use of atomic weapons, affirming, "But did I raise the possibility of using atomic weapons? You did."
22:45 Putin Supports Investigations into Slain AFP Journalist Arman Soldin's Death
In St. Petersburg, Putin expressed his readiness to participate in investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of AFP journalist Arman Soldin. Soldin, 32, was killed in a rocket attack near the Ukrainian city of Bachmut on May 9, 2023, as he reported on Ukrainian soldiers' positioning close to the front. Although the Kremlin earlier contended that Russia could not probe the incident because it occurred in Ukrainian-controlled territory, Putin now voiced Russia's support for the investigations, albeit acknowledging the practical limitations given the conflict zone status of the area.
21:49 Lavrov Seeks to Strengthen Russian Ties in Africa
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, during his visit to Burkina Faso, declared that Moscow intends to send additional military equipment and trainers to the West African country. Lavrov's visit is part of an ongoing diplomatic endeavor to forge new relationships with African states, as Moscow attempts to secure support for its actions following the invasion of Ukraine. Lavrov underscored the strong ties Russia has forged with Burkina Faso, asserting that the two have collaborated closely across various fields, including military and military-technical cooperation.
President Vladimir Putin expects no major change in Washington's stance towards Russia following the US presidential election. In an informal meeting with reporters in St. Petersburg, he remarked, "For us, the outcome isn't of much importance." Russia will cooperate with whoever the American electorate picks as their leader. Previously, Putin had even expressed a preference for President Joe Biden's re-election, deeming him more predictable. Putin also rebuked the legal proceedings against former President Donald Trump, who is up against Biden in the November 5 election.
20:58 Putin estimates 6,000+ Ukrainian prisoners of war
After invading Ukraine more than two years ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin estimates there are over 6,000 Ukrainian prisoners of war. This number surpasses the Russian soldiers and officers currently held captive by Ukraine. The figures given by Putin cannot be independently verified. In response to questions regarding Russian losses in the war, Putin said that neither side issues specific statements about it. Yet, the numbers concerning prisoners follow a similar pattern. Putin also asserts that Ukraine's casualties far exceed Russia's in the conflict. The Ukrainian side, however, contends that more Russian soldiers have died in the war than their own.
20:18 Putin warns against Germany's weapons being used against Russian targets
Russian President Vladimir Putin cautions against Ukrainian troops employing German weapons against targets on Russian soil. Using German weaponry against Russian targets would be a downright dangerous move, according to Putin during a meeting with representatives of top foreign news agencies in St. Petersburg. Last year, the delivery of German tanks to Ukraine infuriated Russians, leading to this warning. "If they now fire rockets to strike targets on Russian soil, it'll utterly ruin Russian-German relations," Putin warns. The gathering at the Lachta Center of gas giant Gazprom, hosting international news agencies, is part of the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the first of its kind since Putin began his war against Ukraine.
Read also:
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian President, has called for international support in the face of increasing cyberwarfare attacks from Russia, threatening the security of Ukraine.
- In the ongoing Ukraine conflict, NATO has pledged not to station any troops in Ukraine, aiming to avoid escalating military operations and maintaining a peaceful border with Russia.
- The Russian attack on Ukraine has prompted calls for increased military support, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz advocating for strengthened European defense efforts to resist "brutal Russian imperialism".
- Amidst the escalating violence in Ukraine, Volodymyr Selenskyy and Ukrainian officials have been urging for international intervention to prevent further attacks on Ukrainian cities and towns, with strategic evacuations underway to protect civilians.
