London: Russia experiences difficulties with its explosives, adversely impacting its citizens.
A Russian plane inadvertently discharged ammunition onto civil territory earlier in May, as confirmed by Belgorod's governor Vyacheslav Gladkov on Telegram. The incident led to damage of 30 houses and 10 cars, and five individuals were hospitalized. The British Ministry of Defense speculates that this isn't an isolated occurrence, citing a similar incident in mid-February where a FAB-250 bomb was released in Belgorod, causing the evacuation of 150 residents. Over the span of March and April, there were 20 cases of stray ammunition. An intelligence report from London comments that such mishaps demonstrate that Russia struggles to effectively utilize their ammunition on the intended targets, leading to disastrous consequences for the nation's own population.
In a different report, a piece of footage allegedly exhibits an Iranian Shahed drone being shot down by a German Gepard anti-aircraft tank. Gepard anti-aircraft tanks from Germany have been providing assistance to Ukraine since 2022, and are particularly cherished by the Ukrainian armed forces for their capabilities. These anti-aircraft tanks play a crucial role in defending against daily drone attacks. With regards to the Iranian drones, Ukrainian ambassador to Germany Oleksii Makeiev notes on Platform X that "5-6 shots are usually enough for a shahed." He even posted a video demonstrating the successful launch utilizing the Cheetah:
As per the US Department of Defense, Ukrainian troops have acquired weapons from the United States. The US is making a concerted effort to deliver these supplies to the front line expeditiously, considering the grim situation. Their representative, John Kirby, told Ukrinform that part of the initial defense aid package has already been handed over to Ukrainian personnel, while the delivery of other components from the previous package is still underway. Washington stated that they would provide an additional sum of $400 million worth of ammunition and equipment.
Russian troops are moving into Kharkiv and launching a vast attack. Thomas Jäger, a political scientist, shares three possible motives behind this offensive. As Ukraine attempts to counter attack, it suffers from the lack of support to deal with the situation.
The Ukrainian army continues to counter the Russian advance in the Kharkiv border region, according to the General Staff. This morning, they reported nine clashes involving Russian forces on that front section. While the military claims the Russians have been repelled, this information cannot be independently confirmed. Since Friday, Ukraine has reported Russian advances on two broad front sections, prompted by the Russian army assembling a substantial number of troops along the border. However, analysts and military advisors speculate that the advance is not necessarily targeting the city of Kharkiv.
Jürgen Weichert, a journalist for ntv, discusses the scope of the advance and how Ukraine is preparing to defend itself. He also describes his experience visiting a German-funded prosthesis center in Lviv.
Several high-profile German MPs are advocating for Western soldiers to be deployed to defend parts of Ukraine's airspace from NATO territory. The proposal, supported by politicians from the CDU, FDP, and Greens, aims to create a secure zone of around 70 kilometers width on Ukraine's borders with Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. Roderich Kiesewetter, a CDU/CSU spokesperson for crisis prevention, believes that Western nations can attack "unmanned Russian missiles" over Ukraine, thereby relieving the Ukrainian air defense's burden and enabling them to concentrate on protecting the front line.
09:11 "Extremely high" - Ukraine reports massive casualties among Russian troops
Despite Russian efforts to continue their advance in the eastern part of the country and even launch an offensive near Kharkiv, Ukraine has reported heavy losses among Russian troops. Over the past day, Kiev has announced the elimination of 1,320 Russian soldiers, 15 tanks, 40 armored personnel carriers, and 55 artillery systems. Furthermore, two rocket launchers, an air defense system, and 64 other military vehicles have been destroyed. While these figures cannot be independently verified, security expert Frank Umbach tells ntv.de that Russian losses in the war are incredibly high and will likely reach 500,000 soldiers by the end of the year, according to both Russian and NATO estimates. Moreover, Moscow is also struggling with mobilization.
08:34 Russian offensive near Kharkiv sparks concern - ISW evaluates the situation
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) believes the significant Russian offensive along the Ukrainian-Russian border in the north of the Kharkiv region aims to draw Ukrainian troops and resources away from other crucial frontlines in eastern Ukraine. The ISW further argues that it is highly probable that Russian forces have reserves prepared to escalate their operations in the ensuing days. They are not, however, attempting to instigate a massive offensive operation to encircle and captivate Kharkiv. Instead, the think tank asserts that capturing this metropolis would necessitate a diversion of vital resources to the border area, which is highly improbable considering that it would go against the Russian military's ultimate goal of seizing the rest of the Luhansk and Donetsk regions.
07:56 Russian offensive near Kharkiv concerns experts - ISW analyzes the situation
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) contends that the extensive Russian offensive along the Ukrainian-Russian border in the north of the Kharkiv region is an attempt to detract Ukrainian forces and resources from other primary frontlines in eastern Ukraine. Furthermore, it is highly likely that Russian forces possess reserves prepared to intensify their operations in the foreseeable future. However, the ISW stresses that the current restricted efforts of Russian forces indicate that they are not immediately pursuing a large-scale, comprehensive operation to encircle and conquer Kharkiv. The US think tank continues to maintain that capturing the city is unlikely since it would require the relocation of critical forces from other war zones, something that is extremely unlikely for the Russian military with its objective of seizing the remaining areas of Luhansk and Donetsk regions.
07:17 EU plans to give away interest profits from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, but it would amount to "almost nothing" to help the country fight the war
The European Union is contemplating using the interest profits from the frozen Russian assets worth roughly €210 billion to support Ukraine financially. However, this would only generate a relatively small sum in single-digit billions. Ukrainian Justice Minister Denys Maliuska expressed his dissatisfaction with the move, stating that the State needs "hundreds of billions" to win the ongoing conflict. He further emphasized that the Ukrainian government aspires to reclaim all Russian assets as a legitimate and effective path to resolving the war.
06:39 US delivers a fresh $400 million arms package to support Ukraine
The US Department of Defense has announced new assistance to give Ukraine the necessary arms and equipment for defensive requirements. This is the fiftieth-seventh aid package from America's arsenal since August 2021. This new package, worth $400 million, includes ammunition for Patriot and National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) air defense systems, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, artillery shells, Bradley armored fighting vehicles, additional High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), and related ammunition, and M113 armored personnel carriers.
06:04 Ukraine deploys several new robotic complexes in service to reduce risks for troops on the battlefield
Nine land-based robotic complexes have been deployed by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense since the beginning of the year. These robots carry out various tasks, such as fighting with machine guns, clearing mines, and rescuing wounded soldiers. Resident manufacturers are also concentrating primarily on the production of robotic systems to enhance the capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and safeguard the lives of Ukrainian soldiers, according to the Ministry's representative, Colonel Volodymyr Rochniak.
05:34 Ukrainian official: Russians want to eradicate the Ukrainian border town of Vovchansk
A Ukrainian official claims that Russian forces are making an effort to annihilate the border town of Vovchansk. "There were probably several hundred hits by artillery, mines, and cluster bombs within a 24-hour period," elaborates the head of the police patrol in Vovchansk. "They are in the process of destroying the city and attempting to gain control of the area."
03:35 Governor: Three people die in Ukrainian assault on Luhansk oil facility
Local Russian governor Leonid Passetschnik claims that three people have been killed in a Ukrainian attack on an oil depot in the Russiangoverned region of Luhansk, as relayed through a Telegram message. Six individuals were injured from the explosion, with two more suffering from smoke inhalation. A blaze erupted at the oil storage facility, with Passetschnik suspecting that Ukraine deployed United States-supplied tactical army missile systems (ATACMS), without presenting any concrete evidence. The Ukrainian government has yet to respond.
02:20 Russia: Assumed Ukrainian drone attacks on Belgorod and Kursk oblasts
Russia claims that Ukraine conducted drone attacks on their Russian-controlled regions of Belgorod and Kursk on May 10th, prompting damage to agricultural establishments and equipment, as per local authorities. Russian Ministry of Defense representatives asserted that air defense units fired 17 projectiles from a Vampire multiple rocket launcher, 13 drones, and five guided aerial bombs over Belgorod Oblast. The governor of the Belgorod region, Vyacheslav Gladkov, shared that one drone fell on a farm, causing damage to three buildings and two pieces of equipment. The governor of Russia's Kursk region, Roman Starovoit, also stated that 12 settlements in the area fell under assault by drones on May 10th, with a single drone damaging an essential infrastructure facility.
00:53 Zelensky: Tough response to Russian offensive
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announces a resolute reaction from Ukraine against the latest Russian offensive. He asserts, "Fierce fighting is underway along the entire front," during a viral video message. Zelensky reiterates, "We will undoubtedly eradicate the invader, ensuring that all Russian military plans fail."
23:46 Possible fire engulfs oil storage facility near Luhansk due to an attack
The Russian news outlet TASS reports on an affair involving an oil depot in the Luhansk area, suggesting a Ukrainian attack. Their report indicates a fire erupting at the depot in the village of Rowenky. Ukrainian bloggers also hint at the depot being hit by the aggressor.
22:14 U.S. leaders view Russian attack in Kharkiv with suspicion
American government officials express concern over the latest major Russian offensive near the city of Kharkiv in Ukraine. John Kirby, the Communication Director for the National Security Council, shares, "We anticipated that Russia would assault Kharkiv, and it seems upon us." Throughout Russia’s war against Ukraine, they had attempted to seize Kharkiv but were unsuccessful in their endeavors. This latest occurrence is thus "quite intriguing and genuinely concerning."
21:51 Zelensky: "What genuinely helps is the worldwide loading of weapons into Ukraine"
President Zelensky emphasizes the importance of countries providing practical military support to Ukraine to effectively counter the current offensive. He highlights, "The weapons that actually arrive in Ukraine are what truly help" in the face of the new Russian attack on the Ukrainian army, stating, "Our forces, our artillery, and our drones are facing the aggressors."
Read more on previous developments here.
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- The escalating Ukraine conflict has led to an increase in cyberwar attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure, as revealed by Volodymyr Selensky, the Ukrainian President.
- In response to these cyber threats, NATO has been providing Ukraine with cybersecurity assistance to strengthen its defenses against Russian cyberattacks.
- Russia, believed to be behind many of these cyber attacks, has denied any involvement and accused NATO of trying to provoke a military operation against it.
- The attack on Ukraine's infrastructure is not only limited to cyber attacks; it also includes military operations, with Russia continuously launching missile attacks on Ukrainian cities and troops.
Source: www.ntv.de
