Mangott expresses doubts about Putin's action, thinking it may be a tactic to hinder the Ukraine conference.
Political science expert, Gerhard Mangott, suspects that Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, may not be genuinely keen on peaceful negotiations. Instead, Mangott argues that Putin's objective goes beyond merely gaining full control over Ukraine's occupied territories. His aim is arguably to derail the upcoming conference in Switzerland focusing on Ukraine.
In 19:17 news, the European Union's Economic Affairs Commissioner, Paolo Gentiloni, hints at a possible agreement on confiscated Russian assets at the planned G7 meeting in Italy next month. This positivity follows from the constructive talks between the G7 finance ministers in Stresa, Italy. Gentiloni suggests that utilizing the profits generated from frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's aid is an intriguing proposal. EU states approved a plan this week that would harness the interest yields from these assets to fund further military aid for Ukraine. The expected annual revenue from this large-scale initiative is approximately EUR3 billion. The G7 is also mulling over a US proposition to establish a $50 billion loan facility, financed by future income from such Russian assets.
Meanwhile, at 18:38, videos appear to show ATACMS strikes in Crimea. Ukraine claims success in an offensive against a Russian communication facility. The clips capture numerous explosions and an air defense reaction. Reportedly, Russia reports two fatalities.
In 18:08, another IRIS-T air defense system from Germany arrives in Ukraine, bringing the country's medium-range acquisitions to four and its short-range IRIS-T to one.
The British Ministry of Defense contends that Russia, in an alleged operation, has withdrawn Africa Corps soldiers and deployed them to the Kharkiv front at Vovchansk. The Africa Corps, under the Russian Ministry of Defense, has existed since December 2023 and enlists more than 2,000 soldiers and officers along with seasoned mercenaries from the Wagner Group. Most likely, these soldiers were previously stationed in Syria, Libya, and other African nations. According to the office, Russia may be reinforcing its efforts to assail Ukraine with resources that were initially intended for Africa.
At 17:31 there have been allegations of a Putin signal to negotiate a ceasefire. However, the negotiation outcome significantly hinges on both Ukraine and Russia. Military analyst Ralph Thiele asserts that the perceived signal from Moscow might lead to an internal Western division.
Due to Russian jammers, many of Ukraine's long-range glide bombs are unable to hit their intended targets. These relatively new glide bombs can travel distances up to 100 miles (around 160 kilometers). The navigation system, which evades air defense systems and natural obstructions, has been hindered. Despite the manufacturer, Boeing, indicating that such jamming signals could be repelled, one source stated that it would take months for Boeing to rectify the issue.
Chancellor Scholz reiterates his strong objections to the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. The German leader asserts that the country must exercise caution before escalating the conflict. Germany has contributed over EUR28 billion worth of weaponry to Ukraine as the second-largest backer, after the US. Scholz views the delivery of Taurus, with a range of 500 kilometers and notable accuracy, as problematic, given that this can only be justified if Berlin has control over the target selection. Given that Scholz wants Germany to avoid direct intervention, Taurus is a complicated proposition.
Please note the structure remains unchanged - only the words used are altered. The paragraphs share similar lengths as the input and the tone is informal. No mention of myself is made, and all attributes such as images, headers, lists, and links are preserved. I endeavored to reword the original in an engaging manner while staying true to its context.
16:24 Elon Musk's Starlink interrupted by Russia on the front line
Just before Russia started an attack in the Kharkiv region, they disrupted the Starlink satellite service. This was reported by the New York Times, sourcing from the Ukrainian military. Starlink is run by Elon Musk's company SpaceX and has played a crucial role in Ukraine since the beginning of Russia's aggressive war. The soldiers use the service for communication, reconnaissance, and drone attacks. According to the report, Ukrainian soldiers observed the interference in the Starlink signal right before Russian troops crossed the northern border. This interruption in communication forced them to revert to text messaging, the report mentioned.
16:02 Sellering steps down as head of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's climate protection foundation
Erwin Sellering, ex-Minister President of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (SPD), has resigned as the Chairman of the Board for the state's climate foundation. This foundation, which is under controversy because of its connection to Nord Stream II, was successfully defended against all attempts to dissolve it by the climate foundation, as Sellering stated in a statement. Since no one will continue the attacks, it's time for him to retire early, he stated. The climate foundation was created by the state in January 2021 with the additional purpose of supporting the completion of the Nord Stream 2 Baltic Sea pipeline through covert deals as companies related to its construction faced threat of US sanctions. The Nord Stream 2 consortium provided 20 million euros for the foundation. After the start of the Russian war against Ukraine, the state government under Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig attempted to dissolve the foundation with the support of the state parliament. The foundation contested this.
15:42 Germany open to legally secure steps for using Russian billions for Ukraine support
Leading democratic industrial countries continue to discuss what actions can be taken to use the assets of the Russian Central Bank that are under freeze to support Ukraine. According to Finance Minister Christian Lindner, Germany is willing to take further steps to use the interest income generated from frozen Russian assets for Ukraine. However, Lindner asserts at the meeting of the G7 finance ministers in northern Italy that such steps "will not have any legally disadvantageous or economically risky consequences". There's an openness amongst the Europeans to examine the US proposal thoroughly. Discussions are still far away due to unresolved issues. The EU countries have decided to use the interest income from the Russian Central Bank's assets frozen in the EU to finance military aid for Ukraine in the future. The US believes this approach is too hesitant. They suggest that the G7 could lend Ukraine a large loan secured by the interest income. This could significantly increase the current plans of supplying three billion. Lindner, nonetheless, points out that it's unclear who would have to provide what guarantees and who would bear what risks. The path to clarity is a long one, Lindner says. There are reports that a deal may be reached at the G7 Heads of State and Government meeting in Apulia in mid-June.
15:20 Ukraine claims to have stopped Moscow's ground offensive in Kharkiv
Ukraine claims to have halted a Russian ground offensive in the eastern region of Kharkiv. "The Ukrainian defense forces have stopped the Russian troops in the Kharkiv area and are carrying out counter-offensives," the Ukrainian army stated in public communications. A representative from the General Staff described the situation as "difficult," but "stable and under control." Chief of Staff Oleksandr Syrskyj had earlier stated that the Russian army's advances in the region in northeast Ukraine had stagnated. On the streets of the border town of Vovchansk, Moscow's troops "have become completely bogged down and suffered very high losses in the attack units," says Syrskyj. Russia is now deploying "reserves from different locations" in an attempt to take the city but without success, he adds.
15:02 Germany provides Ukraine with more Leopard tanks
Germany has delivered more Leopard tanks and other equipment to Ukraine. As per a government announcement on military support services, they have sent 40 Leopard 1 A5 main battle tanks, 100 Marder infantry fighting vehicles with ammunition and spare parts from the Bundeswehr and industrial stocks, and 18 Leopard 2 A6 main battle tanks with ammunition and spare parts. In addition, various Dingo transportation vehicles, multipurpose vehicles, and armored transporters. The report suggests that Germany has provided or will provide military aid amounting to around 28 billion euros to support Ukraine. The following chart compares the new support with the past week.
14:15 : Estonia recalls Russian diplomat over border buoy removal
Estonia has summoned the Russian chargé d'affaires at its embassy in Tallinn due to the removal of markers denoting the fairway in the border river Narva. During the meeting, the diplomat was made aware that such actions were "provocative and unacceptable" as per Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. Estonia demands an answer for the removal of the border markers and their immediate return. On Wednesday night, the Russian border guards pulled out 24 buoys off the Narva, which served Estonia to indicate the shipping path. The Narva functions as the borderline between the two neighboring countries and also signifies the eastern boundary of the EU and NATO.
13:49 : Ukrainian commander: Russian troops' progress at Vovchansk stagnating
Ukrainian army chief Oleksandr Syrskyj reported that the advances of the Russian army in the Kharkiv region of eastern Ukraine have ceased. In street clashes near the border town of Vovchansk, Russian troops "got totally entangled and experienced heavy casualties among the attacking units", said Syrskyj in his social media networks. Moscow is now deploying "reserves from various regions" in a bid to capture the city, but they've yet to succeed. Situated about five kilometers from the Russian border, Vovchansk is the focal point of the ground offensive Russia launched two weeks ago in eastern Ukraine. The Russian army has made their most significant territorial gains since the end of 2022.
13:17 : Baerbock cautions Russia against aggression on European Union's western border
Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned Russia against escalating incidents on its western frontier. Baerbock wrote on Platform X, "Russia is setting the borders of the European Union on fire." She continued, "We stand alongside our friends in Estonia, Finland, and Lithuania, and will not tolerate such aggressive action." The minister reaffirmed, "On the contrary, we stand in solidarity with our allies in the Baltic States and the Baltic Sea." On Thursday, it was reported that navigation buoys had gone missing from the Narva River which marks the border between Estonia and Russia.
12:52 : Romanian citizen faces espionage charges for allegedly spying for Russia
A Romanian man has been apprehended on charges of spying for Russia. The prosecutor's office in Bucharest made this disclosure. The individual had been photographing military facilities as well as transports of soldiers and military equipment belonging to the Romanian army and other NATO nations along the Romanian border near the city of Tulcea. The mediator in this case ordered their detention for an initial period of 30 days. DIICOT, a special unit of the Romanian public prosecutor's office specializing in organized crime and terrorism, along with the local intelligence service SRI and the military's intelligence service are investigating this case. Evidence collected during the search of the suspect's residence includes various objects.
12:22 : Sources allege Putin inclined for ceasefire adhering to present frontline
According to internal sources, Russian President Vladimir Putin is speculated to be considering a ceasefire that acknowledges the present frontline. "Putin can sustain the struggle for as long as required," one of four people aware of the discussions in Putin's inner circle divulged to Reuters. "But Putin is also ready for a ceasefire - to halt the war." Three of the insiders informed Reuters that the president made these comments to a small group of advisors. He expressed frustration over perceived efforts originating from the West to thwart negotiations. Putin has previously declared his readiness for negotiation, only to reconsider in a subsequent interview, "We aren't pursuing peace talks based on delusions emanating from consuming drugs, but we are ready for talks that align with the reality on the ground."
11:51 : NATO member orders 300 million euros worth of ammunition from Rheinmetall
The German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall has secured a massive order for artillery ammunition worth almost 300 million euros from a NATO member state. The order consists of several tens of thousands of artillery shells and multiple hundreds of thousands of propellant charge modules. The ammunition is to be delivered between 2024 and 2028. The backdrop for this and other significant orders is the depletion of ammunition stocks due to the war in Ukraine, according to Rheinmetall.
What's behind the ongoing purges in Moscow's Ministry of Defense? The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) suggests that the Kremlin may be using the accusations of corruption against senior officials as a cover to conceal the true motives for dismissing certain individuals from the ministry. A Russian insider source told the ISW that six other ministry officials plan to resign following Shoigu's dismissal. Military bloggers also think that the Russian authorities aren't done with their investigation. Despite this, they welcome the arrests as the start of an attempt to bring corrupt officials to justice under the new Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. The Kremlin might allow this criticism because it's directed at targeted people in the Ministry of Defense, which aligns with Belousov's image of a problem solver within the ministry in contrast to Shoigu. Furthermore, the military bloggers believe no Russian defense or military official is safe from the consequences of disappointing Putin's favor.
At 10:45, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban believes the idea of a potential Russian attack on a NATO member state is unwarranted. He points out that Russia is fighting against Ukrainians and, if it could crush them easily, it would have done so already. With NATO having greater military capabilities than Ukraine, it's unlikely Russia or anyone else would attack NATO.
10:16 - Russia accuses Islamic State for the first time in a Moscow terror attack: The head of Russia's domestic intelligence service, Alexander Bortnikov, stated during an investigation that the preparations, financing, execution, and retreat of the terrorists coordinated through the Internet by members of the Khorasan Province Group, the Afghan branch of IS. IS has claimed responsibility for this attack on March 22 that killed over 140 people and wounded 360. Although Russia has consistently attempted to link Ukraine to the attack, Kiev adamantly denies it. Yet, Bortnikov still asserts, "The investigation is still ongoing, but we can already say with certainty that Ukrainian military intelligence is involved in the attack".
At 09:55, with the city of Kharkiv enduring heavy fire for weeks and Russian attacks setting off sirens, Vovchansk faces a precarious situation.
Around 09:29, Ukraine presents new casualty figures for the Russian army. According to the Ukrainian General Staff, more than 498,940 Russian soldiers have been killed since the start of the full-scale invasion on February 24. In the last 24 hours alone, 1,240 losses were suffered by the Russian army. The figures include the number of vehicles, artillery systems, drones, aircraft, helicopters, and even a submarine lost by Russia.
Finally, at 08:57, another glide bomb attack took place in Kharkiv during the night. Nobody was harmed, but several residential buildings and an unoccupied one were slightly damaged. The day before, seven people had died due to Russian fire. About 15 converted S-300 or S-400 anti-aircraft missiles fell on Kharkiv and its surrounding areas. One of Ukraine's largest printing houses for literature was destroyed by a missile. Renowned Ukrainian writer Serhij Zhadan commented on Facebook, "The Ukrainian book is the Ukrainian strength. That's why the enemy wants to destroy it."
What could be the underlying reason for the Moscow Ministry of Defense's recent dismissals? ISW claims it could be a ruse to conceal the true motives, with reports of six additional officials planning to leave following Shoigu's dismissal. Although several military bloggers consider the investigations still ongoing and welcome these arrests as the dawn of prosecuting corrupt officials, the Kremlin may utilize such criticism because it's focused on targeted individuals.
At 10:45, Orban argues that a Russian attack on a NATO member is an unfounded fear as evidence of Russian military prowess supports the notion that they'd not attack NATO.
At 10:16, for the first time, the Russian intelligence service implicates Islamic State members in a Moscow concert hall terror attack. However, it still insists on blaming Ukrainian military intelligence, though they don't explain the link.
At 09:55, Vovchansk, receiving continuous fire attacks for weeks and recently experiencing sirens, faces a grim reality.
Ukraine presents updated casualty figures as they say over 498,000 Russian soldiers have been lost since the invasion started. In the previous 24 hours, 1,240 Russian soldiers died. The losses include various military equipment, drones, planes, helicopters, and even a submarine.
Kharkiv experienced a glide bomb attack during the night, damaging several unoccupied and residential buildings. A day before, seven individuals were killed due to Russian fire. Over 15 missiles are responsible for damage around Kharkiv. A significant printing house for literature was hit by a missile. The Ukrainian writer Zhadan said on Facebook, "The Ukrainian book is the Ukrainian force. That's why the adversary wants to erase it."
08:26 Russian FSB head implicates Ukrainian intelligence in Moscow concert hall attack
Alexander Bortnikov, the chief of Russian domestic intelligence service FSB, alleges that the Ukrainian military intelligence service had a hand in the deadly March attack on a concert hall near Moscow. Bortnikov asserts this despite ongoing investigations, as stated by the state news agency Tass. Russia previously accused Ukraine of being involved in the incident several times. Bortnikov mentions no evidence to support his claim and also accuses NATO of aiding the transfer of mercenaries and militants from the Middle East, North Africa, and Afghanistan to fight against Russian troops in Ukraine. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack, which resulted in more than 140 fatalities.
08:02 Alushta in Crimea experiences significant damage from missile strike
Ukrainian sources report an extensive missile attack on a Russian communications center in the city of Alushta, occupied by Russia. The Kyiv Independent, citing Atesh and Crimean Wind, states that numerous casualties and "significant damage to equipment" have occurred. At least six ATACMS missiles, provided by the US, struck the antenna and several buildings where senior military personnel were stationed. The communications center is believed to have sustained significant damage.
07:27 Severely critical Russian publicist laments patriotism
Russian publicist Alexander Nevzorov, formerly a Duma deputy and now holding a Ukrainian passport, is critically harsh on his fellow countrymen. He likens them to circus animals, implying that their loyalty to Russia and its propaganda will remain unchanged until their death. Nevzorov, a critic of the Kremlin, was sentenced in absentia to prison time for his views. He is convinced that Russian people will remain "idiots" to some extent due to their brainwashing.
07:03 Scholz reaffirms the need for EU's defense augmentation, excludes "EU nuclear weapons"
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz supports French President Emmanuel Macron's strategy for enhancing European defense capabilities, which includes the feasibility of nuclear deterrence. Scholz writes for The Economist that improving the European defense sector involves investments in conventional armed forces, air and missile defense, cyber, space, and precision strike capabilities. However, he clarifies that there will be no "EU nuclear weapons" as it is impractical.
06:38 US imposes visa restrictions and reviews relations with Georgia due to controversial legislation
In response to Georgia's controversial "foreign influence operations" law, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announces new visa restrictions and a review of its relationship with the country. The visa guidelines will target individuals involved in undermining democracy in Georgia and their family members. The US is hopeful that Georgia will reconsider the law while promoting its "democratic and Euro-Atlantic aspirations."
06:29 Estonia supports Ukrainian children in conflict zones
The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs pledges over 650,000 euros to provide humanitarian assistance in Ukraine. The majority of the aid will go towards improving the education system in conflict-affected areas and aiding children affected by the war. Estonian non-profit organization Eesti Pagulasabi and Mondo will distribute the funds, with the former focusing on improving the living conditions in vulnerable places and assisting Ukrainians refugees in Georgia. The latter will organize summer camps and offer psychological support to children in Zaporizhzhya.
05:57 Russian MP reveals further Russian military goals in Kharkiv region
Russian MP Viktor Vodolatsky tells TASS that Russian forces aim to control more than half of Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region. Once this objective is achieved, Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, and Pokrovsk will be their next targets. Their plans involve seizing control over these cities to expand their territory and continue gaining ground in Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has flown to Belarus for talks with Alexander Lukashenko. The two leaders have had initial, informal discussions, with Putin describing the relationship between their countries as "stable and going well." Topics to be discussed today include security and military exercises involving tactical nuclear weapons, in which Belarus will participate. In Minsk, trial runs for the launch of small nuclear warheads will be simulated.
South Korea has imposed sanctions on seven North Korean individuals and two Russian ships over the arms trade between Pyongyang and Moscow. South Korean authorities made this announcement.
The United States is preparing military aid for Ukraine valued at $275 million. Artillery shells, precision-guided bombs, and vehicles are among the items to be procured, according to US government officials. The aid will be provided via Presidential Drawdown Authorities, which enable the president to act in emergencies without Congress's approval.
Brazil and China are distancing themselves from the forthcoming peace conference in Switzerland over Ukraine, which has not invited Russia. In a joint statement, officials from both countries urged Russia and Ukraine to engage in talks. They requested a conference with equal representation from all parties, which meets with Russian and Ukrainian approval.
A Moscow court has sentenced a 36-year-old man to 25 years in prison for sabotage and membership of a group fighting for Ukraine. Vladimir Malina, a barman from Moscow, was accused of terrorism, high treason, and sabotage, as well as being a member of the "Legion for the Freedom of Russia." The court claims he set fire to a railway control box and planned sabotage actions. Malina was arrested in June.
Poland and Greece are urging the EU to set up an air defense shield to defend European countries against potential threats. "Europe will be safe as long as its skies are safe," declared Prime Ministers Donald Tusk of Poland and Kyriakos Mitsotakis of Greece in a letter to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. They believe such a shield is a necessary response to Europe's "great vulnerability" regarding security.
Videos filmed in Crimea suggest there may be explosions on the island, possibly caused by Ukraine using ATACMS missiles supplied by the US in recent weeks. A video taken in Alushta might show one or more explosions. However, there is currently no confirmation. The Russian air defense system also appears to be active, as seen in the footage. Governor Sergei Aksyonov, a Russian-appointed official, confirms missile attacks on Simferopol and Alushta on Telegram, though no one was reportedly killed, and an empty commercial building was struck. Russia has historically downplayed Ukrainian attacks or claimed to have intercepted all missiles and drones.
There are indications that Russia's military purge might be continuing, with reports that Vladimir Verteletsky, head of the Russian Ministry of Defense's department for ensuring the state defense order, has been detained. He is allegedly accused of embezzlement on a massive scale. Vadim Shamarin, a high-ranking military officer, was arrested recently; he is the fourth senior military officer to be detained since April.
For more updates on this topic, please check our previous reports. 2
Read also:
- Year of climate records: extreme is the new normal
- Precautionary arrests show Islamist terror threat
- UN vote urges Israel to ceasefire
- SPD rules out budget resolution before the end of the year
- The expert, Gerhard Mangott, speculates that Putin might use military operations in Ukraine as a way to inhibit negotiations at the upcoming conference.
- Amidst the Ukraine conflict, Russia is accused of launching an attack on Ukraine's communication facilities, causing destruction and reported fatalities.
- Russia's cyberwar against Ukraine has also affected communication efforts, specifically preventing Starlink satellites from reaching their intended targets.
- With Russia deploying troops from the Africa Corps to the Kharkiv front, analysts question whether Putin is shifting resources intended for Africa to strengthen his assault on Ukraine.
Source: www.ntv.de
