Ukrainian soldiers may receive an incentive.

Military personnel from Ukraine may receive a reward.

Day after day, videos emerge from the Ukrainian frontline featuring Russian war equipment being damaged or demolished. These clips are commonly recorded by kamikaze drones that capture the damage up close until the moment of their own destruction. This footage serves as significant propaganda material for Ukraine, but it's worth noting that the Russians also inflict damage on their own equipment. Additionally, there may be numerous missed attempts due to successful drone jamming or other unsuccessful targeting reasons. Nonetheless, independent observers continually attest to the Ukrainian forces destroying more enemy equipment than they lose themselves. The government in Kiev has now approved a process for granting additional leave to soldiers for destroyed enemy equipment. Soldiers have repeatedly complained about a need for relief, a concern also amplified by the lack of supply of military personnel.

17:29 Ukraine faced numerous casualties as Russian aircraft struck Kharkiv
As per local authorities, ten individuals have been injured, with some experiencing severe harm, in a Russian airstrike on Kharkiv. A café was struck in the attack, and a gas station was set ablaze, according to officials. Additionally, a bus was damaged, and its driver suffered the amputation of both legs. Three other people are being treated in hospitals. Kharkiv continues to be targeted by daily Russian airstrikes, which serve to terrorize the civilian population.

17:03 Video assumptions suggest vast area bombardment by Russian soldiers
A video that has been widely disseminated on social media although unverifiable showcases the terrifying consequences of Russia's warfare. In an aerial shot, several explosions, presumably discharged by Russian soldiers' rocket launchers, can be observed scattering through an area every second. The numerous blasts illuminate the sky:

16:25 Germany prohibits the transfer of Russian billions to Ukraine
The German government is not confirmed on the US scheme to utilize frozen Russian assets for Ukraine. "Our stance remains: it's about the income from frozen assets, not the assets themselves," said governmental spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit in Berlin. Behind this is the intention of the G7 finance ministers to discuss methods to support Ukraine in the long term at their meeting in Italy this Friday and Saturday. The USA seeks to either confiscate frozen Russian assets altogether or use them as collateral for securities or loans. However, other EU states also have legal issues with this. Following the Russian invasion, assets amounting to approximately 300 billion dollars were frozen, the bulk of which is held in Europe. Confiscating only the revenue from these assets would likely only generate a single-digit annual billion amount, which would struggle to help Ukraine.

15:51 Deployment of F-16 fighter jets approaches: technicians return to Ukraine
The impending deployment of F-16 fighter jets in Ukraine is becoming more imminent. The mission, which has been delayed for months, is projected to have the first aircraft on the front line in June or July. As reported by Ukrainian media, technicians who have completed their training abroad are now returning. They'll impart their expertise to other personnel. Ukraine is scheduled to receive fighter jets from the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway. The Ministry of Defense in The Hague disclosed yesterday that ten Ukrainian soldiers have completed training in the maintenance of F-16 fighters. The Netherlands plans on delivering at least 24 fighter jets to Kiev.

15:19 Ukrainian town presumed to fall again into Russian invasion troops' control
For the second time since the initiation of Russia's war against Ukraine, Russia claims to have seized the settlement of Klishchiivka in the east. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, Russian troops have captured Klishchiivka, situated near Bakhmut, "as a result of offensive operations." The Ukrainian General Staff acknowledged attacks on Klishchiivka in its morning report, but described the situation as "under control." Klishchiivka previously housed approximately 500 inhabitants.

14:45 Ukraine claims Russian troops are committing war crimes by shooting civilians attempting to escape
As per Ukrainian reports, Russian soldiers are committing war crimes in Vovchansk, on the new third front. Oleksii Kharkivskyi, the city's police chief, states in an interview with Kyiv24 that there have been "several" instances of this. According to Ukrainian authorities, Russian forces are shooting people attempting to flee the conflict. It's estimated that roughly 100 civilians are still residing in the city. A picture of a presumed dead civilian on the ground has been shared by the Kyiv Post, among other publications: https://www.kyivpost.com/ukraine/2023/03/09/russian-forces-shoot-civilians-trying-to-flee-ukrainian-town-45871022/

4:19 In Poland, interest in joining the army is high, so conscription isn't a concern
Poland isn't thinking about reinstating mandatory military service. The enthusiasm of people to serve in the military is high, says Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz in the Polish parliament in Warsaw. "Therefore, there's no reason - let me clarify any doubts and queries here - to reintroduce conventional conscription. Volunteering for basic military training is plenty," explains the Defense Minister. According to him, there are roughly 198,000 soldiers in Poland's army. The country is one of Ukraine's key military supporters, which is being attacked by Russia, and also massively rearming itself. In the coming years, the Polish army is expected to grow to 300,000 soldiers. Poland stopped compulsory military service in 2009. Men aged 18-26 still need to meet with a draft board and register to be available for duty if necessary.

12:59 Ukraine exported more grain and oilseeds in April than at any point during the war
According to the British Ministry of Defense, Ukraine exported 6.6 million tons of grain and oilseeds in April, surpassing any other month since the beginning of the Russian aggression in 2022. They also mentioned that the flow of Ukraine's Black Sea seaports has exceeded the level at the time of the grain deal. The Ukrainian sea corridor, providing safe ship passage along its own coastline to the ports of the greater Odessa area since summer 2023, has enabled 1600 ship transits and the export of 45 million tons of cargo.

12:32 Russian forces report capturing a village in Donetsk
Moscow's Ministry of Defense reports that Russian troops have seized the village of Klishchiivka in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk area. This came from Russian state news agencies. Ukrainian officials initially claimed Russian attacks near the village, which they repelled. The situation is currently stable. The village is close to Bachmut, a town that's been severely damaged after months of fighting.

12:05 London: China sends lethal aid to Russians
British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps accuses China of providing Russia with goods that could be lethal in the war against Ukraine or at least preparing to do so. He stated in London: "That's concerning, this lethal aid is currently flowing or will flow from China to Russia." Shapps didn't provide any evidence for his allegations. The Chinese embassy in London has yet to respond to a request for comment. The Chinese embassy in the US remarked in April that the People's Republic had not provided any weapons and was not "involved in the Ukraine crisis."

11:37 Russian government responds cautiously to Baltic Sea border shifts
The Russian presidential office has said little about reports of potential border changes in the Baltic Sea. The Kremlin referred to the Ministry of Defense for more information. The Kremlin claims there's no political motive. There has been an increase in tensions in the Baltic Sea region, according to the presidential office.

11:06 Sweden plans a million-euro aid package for Ukraine
Sweden aims to help Ukraine with military aid totaling 6.5 billion euros by 2026. The Swedish government has decided to divide this amount equally between 2024 and 2026 in a three-year plan to enhance Swedish support and improve Ukraine's long-term prospects. The aid package includes not only delivering equipment but also financial assistance for purchasing military goods. With this planned three-year package, Sweden's aid to Ukraine is expected to exceed 8.6 billion euros in total.

10:38 Moscow denies reports of planned border shift in the Baltic Sea
Reports of Russia shifting its maritime borders in the Baltic Sea are being denied by Moscow. This was mentioned by Interfax, citing someone from the military-diplomatic sphere. State news agencies TASS and RIA also reported the denial. Previously, a Ministry of Defense draft regulation suggested Russia wanted to change maritime borders.

11:12 Could Ukraine's Sea Baby Naval Drones Take down Grad Missiles?

Apparently, Ukraine's domestic intelligence agency, the SBU, is upgrading its Sea Baby naval drones. According to the Kyiv Independent, who got the information from a source within the agency, these drones are now capable of firing multiple Grad missiles. The drones, which were previously used as kamikaze drones that explode on impact or very close to the target, have already targeted and struck several Russian warships. The new weapon system is said to have already been utilized against Russian positions at the Kinburn Spit, a narrow coastal strip near Mykolaiv. "This technological solution has already demonstrated significant results," the source is quoted as saying. "Ukraine's Sea Baby is not just a simple drone, but a multi-functional platform that is constantly being developed." The SBU can reach almost any target in the Black Sea with this upgraded drone.

10:49 Poland to Purchase American Radar System for Air Defense

Poland has signed an agreement to buy a US radar system to monitor its northeastern border. This $960 million deal was announced by Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz. "Poland will be the second country in the world to deploy this system," he said. Included in the contract are four balloons that will be stationed in Poland's eastern and northeastern borders to support the country's air defense and coastal surveillance systems.

10:17 Russia's Aggressive Move towards the Swedish Island of Gotland Surprises the Baltic Sea Countries

Russia has historically not seriously claimed the Swedish Baltic Sea island of Gotland, and so Sweden maintains a limited military presence there. However, this situation is gradually changing, prompting a warning from Stockholm. Moscow is reportedly moving forward with an "aggressive act," as Rainer Munz explains.

09:53 Finland Urges Russia to Comply with International Maritime Law

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen is urging Russia to adhere to United Nations conventions and international maritime law. It was recently announced that Russia intends to expand its borders in the Baltic Sea. The reasons for these plans are unknown, as is whether there have been any talks with neighboring countries concerning this issue. Finland is a member of NATO.

09:25 US Tries to Access More Russian Frozen Funds for Ukraine

This weekend, the finance ministers of the G7 member states will meet in Italy to find ways of supporting Ukraine financially in the long term. The United States is pushing for them to go beyond previous efforts and either seize or use Russian assets that are currently frozen as collateral for securities or loans. However, this is raising legal concerns, particularly in the EU.

08:56 Russia and Belarus Allegedly Encouraging More Refugees to Head to Western Europe

It's reported that Russia and Belarus are stepping up their efforts to send refugees towards the EU, including Germany. According to the German Federal Police, the number of migrants entering Germany along this route has significantly increased in recent months. The German Federal Police's statistics show that there were fewer than 30 arrivals each in January and February 2024, but 412 arrests in March, 670 in April, and 416 by mid-May. The Polish border police have also seen an increase in the number of people entering the country from Belarus in the recent weeks. Security officials are again using the term "hybrid warfare."

08:21 Ukraine's Covert Squad Deploys Death from the Skies at Night

Under the cover of darkness, a hidden squad of Ukrainian soldiers sets up positions near the front line. Equipped with smartphones, Starlink, mines, and drones, they conduct mission after mission at night. "Without a visa," they joke, they penetrate Russian territory and deploy traps from the air.

07:37 First Payment from Frozen Russian Assets Expected in July for Ukraine

Ukraine will receive the first payment from the proceeds of frozen Russian assets in July, the European Commission has confirmed in a press release. According to European Commission Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, it's vitally important for Ukraine to receive the funds promptly. "The European Commission will do everything it can to make the first payment as early as July," he said in the statement.

7:03: "Moscow Times": Russia plans to "expand" its territorial waters in the Baltic Sea

The Moscow Times reports that Russia is considering extending its territorial waters in the Baltic Sea, near the borders with Lithuania and Finland. This information comes from a proposed government decree, allegedly drafted by the Ministry of Defense. The Russian government aims to declare parts of the water area in the east of the Gulf of Finland and near the towns of Baltiysk and Zelenogradsk in the Kaliningrad region as its inland waters. On the border with Finland, Moscow intends to adjust the coordinates in the zone of the islands of Jähi, Sommers, Holland, Rodsher, Maly Tyuters, and Vigrund, as well as near the northern entrance cap of the Narva River. On the Lithuanian border, the Council of Europe intends to check the area of the Curonian Spit, Cape Taran, Cape South of Cape Taran, and the Baltic Spit.

6:35: Russian network responsible for spreading fake celebrity quotes

The Federal Ministry of the Interior accuses a Russian "doppelganger" network, discovered in 2022, of being behind a disinformation campaign involving fake quotes by German celebrities. The new tactics of this network include fabricating quotes and attributing them to celebrities from the entertainment industry. Recent examples include fake quotes from actor Til Schweiger on social media. The Ministry of the Interior notes that the "doppelganger" network is still active and has been employing more than just the original tactic of mimicking websites of established quality media and public institutions.

6:06: Russia objects to the EU's seizure of its assets and their use for Ukraine's military aid

Russia's EU representation in Brussels protested against the EU's decision to use billions in interest income from frozen Moscow assets for financing military aid to Ukraine. The Russians view this move as an unprecedented act of "theft" and a blatant violation of a sovereign state's rights. They also criticize the EU's disregard for its duty to safeguard property. On Tuesday, EU ministers made the necessary decisions to raise up to three billion euros for Ukraine this year using the interest income from Russia's central bank's frozen assets.

5:38: Council of Europe advises Georgia to repeal the controversial "foreign influence" law

The Council of Europe's Venice Commission strongly suggests that Georgia repeal its contentious law on "foreign influence," citing concerns that it infringes upon rights such as freedom of expression, freedom of association, and the right to privacy, making it contrary to the principles of the European Convention on Human Rights.

4:45: Swedish military chief expresses concerns about Russia's ambitions in the Baltic Sea and the possible takeover of Gotland

The chief of the Swedish armed forces, Micael Byden, warns that Russian President Vladimir Putin has his sights set on gaining control of the Baltic Sea and even on Gotland, a Swedish island. Byden fears that Russia could "seal off" the Baltic Sea, potentially causing significant repercussions for all the countries bordering the Baltic Sea. He emphasizes the importance of preventing this from happening.

3:49: Pentagon: Russia has launched a space weapon into orbit

According to the Pentagon, Russia has launched a satellite that is likely a space weapon. The satellite is in a low-Earth orbit and capable of attacking other satellites. It was launched on May 16 and is currently in the same orbit as a US government satellite. According to Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder, the Russian satellite poses a threat to the US satellite.

2:15 EU Council Presidency brings hope for Ukraine and Moldova's swift negotiation start

Ukraine and Moldova anticipate a prompt beginning of EU accession talks. After a ministerial meeting in Brussels, the current Belgian EU Council Presidency revealed intentions to organize a conference of negotiating delegations by the end of June. "We're doing our best to reach an agreement," shares Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib. There's a possibility that negotiations will start within the next 40 days. To leapfrog the accession discussions, the EU nations need to mutually ratify so-called negotiating frameworks. These papers lay out the blueprint for the accession conversations with each prospective country.

00:30 Baerbock backs Pistorius' demand for enlarged Ukraine aid

Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock wholly agrees with Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius' demand for an additional 3.8 billion euros of aid to Ukraine this year. "I align myself with the Minister of Defense, and furthermore with the Interior Minister," proclaimed the Green politician to "Bild" in Kiev. "We need a security budget." Our European peace order, our European continent has not been under more severe scrutiny so closely on our doorstep. It wouldn't be fair to contend, "We were unable to increase the spending on peace at that time, which ultimately led to this Russian aggression war spreading across Europe."

00:00 IfW calls for increased German defense spending

The Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW) demands that the German government boost its defense spending. IfW President Moritz Schularick shared this with the "Süddeutsche Zeitung." "German fiscal policy is a security risk for Europe," said Schularick. To fill in the vast deficiencies in Germany's defense, the Federal Republic must hike its defense spending to around three percent instead of two percent of its GDP in the coming years.

23:18 Baerbock slams Russian nuclear drill

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock harshly reprimands the recently conducted nuclear exercise by Russian forces. The fact that Russia conducted the exercise close to the Ukrainian border showcases its intentions to "employ all means possible, including insecurity," explains Baerbock in a ZDF broadcast. "Russian President is merely trying to demoralize this society that, for two years, has yearned for nothing but peace and freedom," adds Baerbock.

22:10 Zelensky describes Donetsk's situation as critical

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi characterizes the state of affairs on the front in eastern Ukraine, in the Donbas region, as extremely treacherous. In Kramatorsk, Kurakhove, and Pokrovsk, the fighting is worst. In contrast, the Ukrainian armed forces are succeeding in decommissioning the occupying troops in the Kharkiv region. After a meeting with the Ukrainian military leadership, Zelensky comments on the achievements.

21:35 Ukraine: Stability in Kharkiv region restored

As per their claims, Ukrainian troops have stabilized the situation in the Kharkiv region. Nazar Voloshyn, spokesperson for the Khortytsya operational group, commented on a Ukrainian TV that "the present situation in the Kharkiv region remains complex and continually changing." "However, our units and other participants have managed to contain the situation, particularly in the city of Vovchansk." According to Voloshyn, the Russian military is persisting with its offensive maneuvers around Vovchansk.

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