Is a severe attack on the Crimean bridge imminent? Russia sets up distinctive barriers.
As per a report from X, Russia has put up barriers in the water near the Crimean Bridge to safeguard it from potential attacks by Ukrainian drones. The barriers have shown up in satellite images, most of which were installed recently. During a conversation with The Guardian, an official from Ukrainian military intelligence said that there was a plan for a third assault on the Crimean Bridge and its destruction was inevitable. They mentioned that it would happen in the first half of 2024, suggesting that the bridge could be targeted in the coming weeks, much like it has been since the start of the conflict. The bridge has faced damage twice so far.
18:32 Russian ambitions in the Baltic Sea: "Demands have become excessive"
Military expert Ralph Thiele thinks the Baltic Sea has been under contention since the Second World War. Thiele discusses the fears around possible Russian ambitions in the region.
17:54 Reward approaching for Ukrainian soldiers
Boxes full of videos from Ukrainian troops showcase Russian military equipment getting damaged or destroyed. These videos are used as effective propaganda by Ukraine. However, Russia also destroys tanks and other vehicles in a similar way. Moreover, there’s a possibility of many misses as drones might be jammed or not hitting the targets for various reasons. Still, independent observers note that Ukrainian fighters destroy more equipment than they lose. The Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers has decided to authorize extra leave for soldiers for destroyed enemy machinery.
17:29 Casualties reported after Russian airstrike on Kharkiv
Local authorities reported ten people got hurt, some severely, in a Russian airstrike in Kharkiv. A cafe was struck, and a gas station set on fire, as per officials. A bus also sustained damage, with the driver needing to have both legs amputated. Among other wounded civilians, three others are being treated in hospitals. Kharkiv is targeted daily with Russian airstrikes, causing terror among the local population.
17:03 Hell-like war footage surfaces on social media
The devastating impact of the Russian-backed war can be seen in a video currently being circulated on social platforms, but it can't be confirmed. In the video, multiple blasts seemingly caused by Russian rocket launchers are shown. The sky lights up due to the numerous explosions.
16:25 Germany blocks transfer of Russian billions to Ukraine
The German government is reluctant to support the US strategy of using frozen Russian assets for funding Ukraine. Spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit said, "Our stance is: it’s about the revenue generated from the frozen resources. It’s not about the resources themselves." The finance ministers of the G7 countries will meet in Italy to discuss ways to finance Ukraine in the long run. The USA is considering confiscating all the frozen assets or using them as collateral for securities or loans. However, other European countries have legal concerns regarding this decision. There are approximately 300 billion dollars worth of Russian assets frozen, the majority of which is in Europe. Providing only the income from these assets might not be highly beneficial to Ukraine, as it likely won’t generate a single-digit billion amount per year.
15:51 F-16 fighter jets’ deployment to Ukraine getting closer
The deployment of F-16 fighter jets in Ukraine is imminent. While the project has faced multiple delays, it's expected that fighter jets will be sent to the war zone by June or July. Ukrainian media state that technicians who have undergone training abroad are returning, meaning they'll be passing on their skills to other personnel. Ukraine is set to obtain fighter jets from the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway. The Dutch Ministry of Defense shared that ten Ukrainian soldiers have finished training for F-16 maintenance. The plan is for the Netherlands to supply at least 24 fighter jets to Kiev.
15:19 Klishchiivka, a Ukrainian town, might fall to Russian invasion forces again
Russia claims to have captured the village of Klishchiivka in the eastern part of Ukraine, which it had previously seized. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, Russian troops successfully took control of Klishchiivka near Bakhmut due to offensive measures. The Ukrainian General Staff acknowledged attacks on the village but claimed the situation to be under control. Klishchiivka, with around 500 inhabitants, was at risk of falling for a second time since the start of the war.
14:45 Ukraine: Military forces kill civilians trying to escape hostilities in Vovchansk
Reports from Ukraine allege that Russian troops are responsible for committing war crimes in Vovchansk, located on the new third front. Oleksii Kharkivskyi, the local police chief, spoke to Kyiv24 about the horrific events unfolding there. According to him, multiple incidents have occurred where Russian forces shoot civilians attempting to flee the conflict. Approximately 100 people are believed to still be stranded in the city. Kyiv Post and other media outlets have shared an image of a deceased individual lying on the ground.
14:19 Poland's army garnering significant interest from volunteers, preventing reintroduction of conscription
The Polish government is not currently planning to reintroduce compulsory military service. Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz shared this information during a parliamentary meeting in Warsaw. He clarified that there is no need to reintroduce regular conscription as citizen interest in joining the army voluntarily is high. The Polish military currently has around 198,000 soldiers, making it a significant ally to Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict. However, Poland is not considering reintroducing compulsory military service, as there are enough volunteers, stated the Minister of Defence.
13:59 A record-breaking amount of grain and oilseeds exported from Ukraine in April
Ukraine exceeded its monthly grain and oilseed export figures since the beginning of the Russian conflict. Data from the British Ministry of Defence reveals that Ukraine exported a staggering 6.6 million tons of crops in April. This showcases the country's capability to utilize its Black Sea shipping routes for exportation. Ukraine's Black Sea ports saw increased activity in comparison to the time of the grain agreement. The Ukrainian sea corridor, enabling secure passage along its coastline to the ports in the region of Odessa, has facilitated 1600 ship passages and exported around 45 million tons of cargo as of now.
13:32 Russian troops declare control over Klishchiivka village in Donetsk
The Russian Ministry of Defense has declared the capture of Klishchiivka, a village in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region. The news was relayed by Russian state news agencies. Reports earlier suggested that Ukrainian forces had successfully resisted an attack near the village. The situation is under control now. The village lies near Bachmut, a town that was heavily damaged due to months of relentless fighting.
13:05 UK accuses China of providing lethal aid to Russia amid Ukraine conflict
Britain's Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps, has accused China of aiding Russia with materials that could be used lethally in the war against Ukraine. He mentioned that intelligence suggests such goods are currently flowing, or are about to flow, from China to both Russia and Ukraine. Shapps expressed concern, regardless of China's initial attempts to pacify Russian President Vladimir Putin. He did not provide any evidence to support his claims. The Chinese embassy in London has yet to respond to a request for comment. Previously, in April, the Chinese embassy in the USA stated that the People's Republic had not provided any weapons and was not "involved in the Ukraine crisis".
12:37 Russian officials remain quiet on speculated plans to shift borders in the Baltic Sea
The Russian presidential office has avoided comment on rumours of potential changes to maritime borders in the Baltic Sea. When asked for details, they directed the media to the Ministry of Defense. They maintain that there is no political motivations behind such speculations. The Russian government has expressed no concern about the escalating tensions in the Baltic Sea region.
12:06 Sweden plans to provide Ukraine with multi-million Euro aid package until 2026
Sweden intends to provide Ukraine with 6.5 billion euros worth of military aid until 2026. They have established a three-year strategy that evenly distributes this funding across 2024, 2025, and 2026. The goal is to sustainably enhance Swedish support for Ukraine's long-term prospects. This assistance includes supplying military equipment and providing financial aid for its procurement. Sweden's military support for Ukraine is projected to total over 8.6 billion euros with this new aid package.
11:36 Russia denies plans to change Baltic Sea border locations
Russia has dismissed rumours of shifting its maritime borders in the Baltic Sea. Quoting unnamed sources from the military-diplomatic sector, Russian news agencies TASS and RIA reported that Moscow is not planning any border changes. In the past, a Ministry of Defense draft law had indicated such intentions, but the Kremlin has since denied them. The Baltic Sea region has been experiencing a rise in tensions.
11:20 Upgraded Ukrainian drones can now launch Grad missiles
Source: Kyiv Independent reports that the Ukrainian security service SBU is said to be enhancing its Sea Baby naval drones, making them capable of firing off rounds of Grad missiles. The existing fleet of Sea Baby drones has already been used to target and destroy Russian warships, albeit by crashing into them. According to the report, these drones have recently been deployed against Russian positions in the Kinburn Spit, a coastal strip close to Mykolaiv. The source also mentioned that this "technological solution is already showing strong results" and that, "our Sea Baby is not just a drone, but a multifunctional platform that is constantly being developed."
10:56 Poland Signs Agreement for A USD 960M US Radar System for Air Defense
Poland has signed a deal worth 960 million dollars for the acquisition of a US radar system to monitor its northeastern border. Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz made the announcement. Under the deal, Poland would receive four balloons to anchor on its eastern and northeastern borders for enhancing air defense and coastal surveillance. He stated that, "Poland will be the second country in the world to deploy this system."
10:23 Moscow Shocks Baltic Sea Countries with Aggressive Maneuvers
Russia has never had any significant claims to the Swedish Baltic Sea island of Gotland, which is the reason why Sweden has not maintained a substantial military presence there. However, the current situation is changing, prompting Sweden to issue a warning. Moscow is believed to be moving forward with "aggressive acts".
8:55 Finland Demands Russia Obeys International Maritime Law
Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen of Finland urges Russia to adhere to the conventions of the United Nations and international maritime law. During a recent announcement, it was revealed that Russia is planning to extend its jurisdiction in the Baltic Sea. The reasons behind the plan are still unknown. There is no clarity either on whether talks have taken place with other nations bordering the Baltic Sea. Finland has NATO membership.
8:20 USA Presses G7 to Confiscate Russian Assets
During their meeting in Italy, the seven major Western industrialized nations' finance ministers are expected to search for ways to financially support Ukraine in the long-term. The US administration is pressing them to go beyond the current extent by seizing the entirety of frozen Russian assets or at least using them as collateral for securities or loans. There are, however, concerns with the legal implications, especially within the EU.
8:09 Russia and Belarus Continue Their Efforts to Channel Migrants to Western Europe
Russia and Belarus are reported to be ramping up their attempts to direct refugees towards Europe, with Germany as the primary target. Figures from the German Federal Police indicate that the number of migrants arriving in Germany via this route has increased significantly in recent months. Previously, in January and February 2024, there were fewer than 30 arrivals each time, but the number grew to 412 in March and 670 in April, and so far, 416 in May. Polish border police have also observed an increase in people passing from Belarus into their country. This development is reminiscent of "hybrid warfare", security circles claim.
7:30 Covert Ukrainian Unit Launches Attacks from the Skies
In the twilight, a small group of Ukrainian soldiers prepares for their mission near the front line. Carrying smartphones, Starlink, mines, and drones, they execute raid after raid at night. "Without a visa" is how they jokingly label their operations, as they infiltrate Russian territory from above to plant booby traps.
7:04 Ukraine to Receive Funds from Frozen Russian Assets in July
Ukraine is set to receive its first payment from the proceeds of confiscated Russian assets in July, according to the European Commission's press release. Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis underlined the urgency, "The European Commission will do its best to make the first payment as soon as July."
07:03: "Moscow Times" reveals Russia's intention to expand territorial waters in the Baltic Sea.
Russia seems to plan for an expansion of its territorial waters in the Baltic Sea, near the state border with Lithuania and Finland. The "Moscow Times," citing a draft government decree, claims that Moscow wants to declare parts of the water area in the east of the Gulf of Finland and close to the towns of Baltiysk and Zelenogradsk in Kaliningrad region as its inland waters. Additionally, Moscow intends to adjust the coordinates on the border with Finland involving the islands of Jähi, Sommers, Holland, Rodsher, Maly Tyuters, Vigrund, and near the northern entrance cap of the Narva River. Moreover, the document mentions reviewing certain areas on the border with Lithuania, such as the Curonian Spit, the areas of Cape Taran, Cape South of Cape Taran, and the Baltic Spit.
06:35: Fake Quotes from German Celebrities flood Social Media - attributed to Russian Network.
The German Federal Ministry of the Interior links a new disinformation campaign involving fake quotes from German celebrities to the Russian "doppelganger" network, which surfaced in 2022. The spokesperson for the Ministry of the Interior stated that the latest tactics of this network include putting false, unfounded statements into the mouths of celebrities from the entertainment industry. For instance, a recent hoax involved ascribing certain statements on Ukraine to actor Til Schweiger through 'sharepics,' which were also featured as Facebook ads. The ministry views this campaign as still active and utilizing more than the initial tactic of imitating websites of reputable media organizations and public institutions.
06:06: Russia accuses EU of "theft" related to Ukraine and frozen assets.
Russia' s Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels has expressed grievances against the EU for utilizing the interest income from blocked Moscow assets for funding military aid to Ukraine in the future. The EU, according to the Russian representation, is participating in an unprecedented act of robbery at the expense of a sovereign state. The European Union is exemplifying to the global community that it presumes itself entitled to pillage financial reserves confided in it and ignore the responsibility to safeguard property. Theft, as a result, is officially becoming an instrument of EU foreign policy. Among the EU member state ministers, decisions were made in Brussels on Tuesday authorizing the usage of up to three billion euros from these assets for Ukraine's assistance. Reports suggest Russia also seizes apartments and houses in the illegally occupied regions of Ukraine.
05:38: Council of Europe urges Georgia to disregard the contentious 'foreign influence' law.
The Council of Europe requests Georgia to abolish a law pertaining to "foreign influence," asserting its incompatibility with the principles of the European Convention on Human Rights. The Venice Commission of the Council of Europe finds that the law negatively impacts rights like freedom of expression, freedom of association, right to privacy, and more.
04:45: Sweden's Army Chief is apprehensive about Russia's influence in the Baltic Sea.
Micael Byden, the Commander-in-Chief of the Swedish Armed Forces, fears Russia's expanding influence in the Baltic Sea. Byden expressed his belief that Putin has his sights set on Gotland. He emphasized, "Putin's goal is to gain control of the Baltic Sea," and warned that it could inflict a significant impact on the lifestyles of not only Sweden but other countries along the Baltic Sea.
03:49: Pentagon identifies Russian satellite as potential anti-satellite weapon.
According to the Pentagon, a Russian satellite launched on May 16 is likely to be a space weapon. As per Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder, this satellite can potentially damage other satellites. It is now in low-Earth orbit, similar to a US government satellite. When asked if the Russian satellite threatens the US satellite, Ryder confirmed, "Well, yes, it's a space defense weapon in the same orbit as a US government satellite." Previously, similar Russian satellite launches occurred in 2019 and 2022.
02:42: FDP wants to activate the reserves instead of mandatory military service.
In the ongoing debate about the reinstatement of compulsory military service, FDP parliamentary group leader Christian Dürr implores Defense Minister Boris Pistorius to engage with reservists. "The Bundeswehr reserves require a clear sign that they are necessary. With the active forces, we would have a potential of over one million soldiers," Dürr told the Funke newspapers.
1:45 EU Council Presidency presents chance for Ukraine to initiate negotiations
Ukraine and Moldova may anticipate expedient initiation of EU accession talks. After a ministerial gathering in Brussels, the ongoing Belgian EU Council Presidency conveyed that they are striving to organize the initial gathering of negotiating parties by the final days of June. "We are undoubtedly putting our all into achieving an agreement," expresses Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib. It might materialize within the upcoming 40 days. Prior to the accession chats commencing, the EU states have to unanimously approve the so-called negotiating frameworks. These outline guidelines and principles for the accession talks with every aspirant nation.
00:39 Baerbock advocates for additional Ukraine aid
Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock wholeheartedly endorses Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius' appeal for a 3.8 billion euro increase in aid for Ukraine this year. "I am 100% in accord with the Defense Minister. And not only with him, yet with the Interior Minister as well," argued the Green politician in an interview with daily "Bild" in Kiev. "We require a security budget." Our European peace order, our European continent has never been more tangibly challenged on our doorstep. No one could rationally assert: "At that stage, we failed to allocate billions more for preserving peace. And that subsequently gave way to this Russian war of aggression encompassing Europe."
00:01 Scholar deems Germany a security hazard to Europe
The Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW) petitions the German government to allocate greater funds towards defense. IfW President Moritz Schularick informs the "Süddeutsche Zeitung" that "German financial policy bears consequences on Europe's security." In order to mend substantial discontinuities in Germany's defense capabilities, the Federal Republic will likely need to shell out approximately three percent of its total economic output on defense in the near future.
23:16 Baerbock chastises Russian nuclear war games
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock condemns the latest Russian nuclear training exercises. The fact that Russia is executing these drills close to the Ukrainian border is a "sign that they're prepared to utilize every means available, including augments of insecurity," contends the Green politician on ZDF television. "The Russian president is simply attempting to pressure this society, which for two years has aspired to a state of calm and freedom," added Baerbock.
22:11 Zelensky describes the Donetsk front line as extremely taxingUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi labels the frontline situation in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region as extremely difficult. The zones undergoing most clashes are Kramatorsk, Kurakhove, and Pokrovsk, detailed in Selensky's telecasted message. On the contrary, Ukrainian forces have been excelling at demolishing the occupying forces in the Kharkiv region. Zelensky reports favorable outcomes after a conference with the Ukrainian military command.
21:38 Stability Maintained in the Kharkiv Region
As per their statements, Ukrainian forces have fortified the situation in the Kharkiv area. Nazar Voloshyn, Khortytsya operational group spokesman, addressed this on Ukrainian television. "Presently, the operational circumstance in the Kharkiv region is complicated and is dynamically changing," said Voloshyn. "Yet, our units and involved counterparts have effectively calmed the situation, particularly within the city of Vovchansk." According to Voloshyn, the Russian military persists with attempts to breach through in the space surrounding Vovchansk.
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- In response to the potential threats to the Crimean Bridge, NATO has been discussing strategies to protect Ukrainian infrastructure from cyber attacks, as mentioned by Volodymyr Selensky during a recent press conference.
- Russia has been accused of using cyberwar tactics to launch attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure, including military operations and energy facilities, according to reports from various intelligence agencies and cybersecurity experts.
- The Ukrainian government has announced plans to increase its cyberdefenses and bolster its cybersecurity capabilities in an effort to counteract Russia's cyberattacks and protect its critical infrastructure.
- As part of its military operations in Ukraine, Russia has been observed utilizing drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to survey and target Ukrainian positions, with some instances of Ukrainian drones being downed or captured during flights near the front lines.
Source: www.ntv.de
