Moscow Prepared to Mobilize? Putin's Shift Suggests a Display of Force to the West

Moscow Prepared to Mobilize? Putin's Shift Suggests a Display of Force to the West

Putin seems open to a truce, military expert Ralph Thiele says. However, this isn't entirely in Ukraine's control, as the Russian signal has the power to split the West.

17:07: Russian interference with Ukrainian long-distance bombsRussian jamming devices deny many of Ukraine's new long-range bombs from reaching their targets, as per three anonymous sources who spoke to Reuters. These bombs can travel up to 160 km (100 miles). The bomb's navigation system, which helps avoid obstacles and known air defense systems, is disrupted by the Russian jammers. Though Boeing, the manufacturer, claimed the system can resist some jamming signals, one insider said it would take several months to fix the issue, as per the report.

16:46: No Taurus delivery for Ukraine - ScholzGerman Chancellor Scholz once again rejected delivering Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, as he wants to avoid further escalating the war into a conflict between Russia and NATO. Germany has contributed 28 billion euros worth of weapons to Ukraine, making it the world's second-largest supporter after the US. However, Scholz doesn't feel confident about controlling the targets with this particular missile system. "It is problematic to deliver a weapon that can travel 500 km and is extremely precise," he said. "This would only make sense from the delivering country's perspective if we define the targets ourselves. That's unacceptable for the biggest European supporter of Ukraine."

16:24: Elon Musk's Starlink interrupted by RussiaShortly before Russia launched an offensive in the Kharkiv region, they disrupted the Starlink satellite service used by Ukraine. The New York Times reported this based on information from the Ukrainian military. Starlink, operated by Elon Musk's company SpaceX, plays a vital role in Ukraine's communications, reconnaissance, and drone strikes. The Ukrainian military detected the interference shortly before Russia crossed northern Ukraine's border. This led to a switch to text messages for communication.

16:02: Sellering steps down as head of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's climate protection foundationEx-Minister President of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Erwin Sellering (SPD) has given up his position as Chairman of the Board at the state's climate foundation, which is heavily questioned due to its links to Nord Stream II. The foundation fended off all attacks and efforts to disband it. Sellering, in a statement, says it's the right time to resign early since no serious attacks would continue. The climate foundation was created by the state in early 2021 to secretly support the completion of the Nord Stream 2 Baltic Sea pipeline, as companies involved faced US sanctions. The Nord Stream 2 consortium provided the foundation with 20 million euros. Following the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the state government under Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig tried to dissolve the foundation, backed by the state parliament. The foundation defended itself.

• [15:02 entry] - Germany is the second-largest supplier of weapons to Ukraine after the USA
• [16:46 entry] - Scholz refers to delivering weapons to Ukraine as "pushed the envelope as far as we can" and his responsibility is to support the country's defense while avoiding war between Russia and NATO.
• [16:02 entry] - Erwin Sellering referred to the state government under Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig's attempts to disband the climate foundation.
• [17:07 entry] - Insider said the bomb's navigation system needs several months to repair following Russian jammers' disruption.
• [16:46 entry] - Scholz said it's not possible for the delivering country to define the targets for a missile like Taurus, especially when your country is already involved in the conflict.
• [16:02 entry] - Germany gave Ukraine two Patriot systems and would deliver another one, ensuring other nations will also help.
• [16:02 entry] - Sellering regards the climate protection foundation as controversial due to its connections to Nord Stream II.
• [16:24 entry] - Starlink provided crucial communication, reconnaissance, and drone strike support to Ukraine.
• [16:24 entry] - Starlink disruption forced Ukraine's military to revert to text messages.
• [16:46 entry] - Scholz stated controlling targets with Taurus, a missile that can reach 500 km, would require the delivering country to determine and define the targets.
• [16:46 entry] - Ukraine is the world's second-largest recipient of weapons support after the USA.

Edit: Changed "can travel 150 km" to "up to 100 miles (approx. 160 kilometers)" and words in square brackets for order, clarity, and context.

• [19:46]

3:42 PM: German support for Ukraine continues as concerns over legally secure steps loom
Democratic industrialized nations struggle to decide how to utilize frozen Russian central bank assets for Ukraine's aid. Germany's Finance Minister, Christian Lindner, considers taking further actions to use the interest income from Russia's frozen bank assets to support Ukraine. However, Lindner emphasizes the need for these actions to be legally secure and free of risk to the economy. European nations are open to examining the US proposal closely. However, negotiations are in their early stages due to unresolved issues. EU has decided to use Russia's frozen assets to finance military aid for Ukraine in the future. US proposes a G7 loan secured by the interest income, which could raise significantly more than the current $3B Ukrainian plan. Lindner calls for clarification on who will provide guarantees and bear risks. An agreement might be reached during the meeting of G7 heads of state and government in Apulia in mid-June.

3:20 PM: Ukraine claims to halt Russia's ground offensive in Kharkiv
Ukraine reports a halt of Russia's ground offensive in the eastern region of Kharkiv. Ukrainian defense forces have successfully stopped the Russian army and are fighting back, according to an army statement. A General Staff representative describes the situation as "difficult" but stable and under control. Army chief Oleksandr Syrskyj explained that Moscow's forces are "bogged down" near the border town of Vovchansk, causing high losses among its attack units. Russia is currently sending reserves from various areas to take the city, but to no avail.

3:02 PM: Germany sends more Leopard tanks and vehicles to Ukraine
Germany delivers Leopard 1 A5 main battle tanks, Marder infantry fighting vehicles, and other equipment to Ukraine. The German government reports that 40 Leopard 1 A5 tanks, 100 Marder vehicles, ammunition, and spare parts were delivered. Additionally, various Dingo transport vehicles, multi-purpose vehicles, and armored transporters were handed over, making the total military aid package around $28 billion.

2:15 PM: Estonia summons Russia's chargé d'affaires over navigation buoys
Estonia summons the Russian Embassy's chargé d'affaires in Tallinn regarding the removal of navigation buoys in the border river Narva. During the conversation, the diplomat received a warning that these steps were "provocative and unacceptable," according to Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. Estonia demands an explanation for the removal of the buoys and their immediate return. On Thursday, Russian border guards removed 24 buoys that helped Estonia to mark the shipping route in the border river Narva.

2:49 PM: Ukrainian army chief: Russian forces stalled near Vovchansk
Ukrainian army chief Oleksandr Syrskyj reports that Russian forces are struggling to make progress in the Kharkiv region of northeastern Ukraine. In street battles near Vovchansk, Russian troops have "got completely bogged down and suffered very high losses among the attack units." Russia is deploying reserve troops to capture the city, but have yet to succeed. Located just five kilometers from the Russian border, Vovchansk is the focus of Russia's ground offensive launched two weeks ago in northeastern Ukraine.

2:17 PM: Baerbock warns Russia against aggressive behavior
Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warns Russia against aggressive acts on its western borders, "Russia is setting fire to the borders of the European Union," Baerbock posts on Platform X. "We stand together with our allies in Estonia, Finland, and Lithuania and do not accept this aggressive behavior." Baerbock stresses the need for solidarity with Baltic states and the Baltic Sea in response to recent events. Reports have emerged of missing navigation buoys on the border river Narva between Estonia and Russia.

*12:52*: Romanian Arrested for Spying for Russia
A person in Romania has been detained on suspicions of spying for Russia. This was disclosed by the public prosecutor's office in Bucharest. The individual had been secretly taking photos and surveilling military facilities and military vehicles from the Romanian army and other NATO nations near the city of Tulcea since 2022, and then transmitting this information to the Russian embassy in Bucharest. A judge has mandated the individual to be held in custody for 30 days initially in the course of the inquiry. The inquiry is being handled by DIICOT, the Romanian public prosecutor's office's specialized unit for organized crime and terrorism, along with the domestic intelligence service SRI and the army's intelligence service. Searches at the suspect's home have uncovered several pieces of evidence, DIICOT reveals.

*12:22*: Putin Said to Be Prepared for Ceasefire at Current Frontline
As per sources close to Vladimir Putin, the Russian President is purportedly ready for a ceasefire that acknowledges the current frontline. "Putin can fight until the end," one of four individuals privy to the conversations in Putin's circle told Reuters news agency. "But Putin is also prepared for a ceasefire - to freeze the conflict." Three of these insiders reported on remarks made by the president to a select group of advisors. According to them, he was aggravated by what they alleged were Western-backed efforts to hinder negotiations. However, Putin has consistently professed his willingness to negotiate, only to modify this in an interview before his reelection: "We are in no way prepared for talks based on some kind of 'fantasy' that emanates from consuming illegal drugs, but we are prepared for negotiations based on the realities that have emerged on the ground."

*11:51*: NATO Country Places Massive Ammunition Order with Rheinmetall Worth Almost 300 Million Euros
Rheinmetall, a German ammunition manufacturer, has received a significant order for artillery shells worth close to €300 million from a NATO member country. According to Rheinmetall, the order involves thousands of artillery shells as well as hundreds of thousands of propellant charge modules. The artillery shells are expected to be delivered between 2024 and 2028. Rheinmetall reports that the order is a result of the depletion of the armed forces' ammunition stores due to the conflict in Ukraine.

*11:20*: Institute for the Study of War: Moscow's Defense Ministry Corruption Allegations Probably Just a Pretext
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) speculates that the wave of dismissals in the Russian Ministry of Defense may be a cover for the Kremlin to hide the true motive behind the firings. They suggest that the Kremlin may be using the accusations of corruption against senior officials as a pretext for getting rid of certain disgraced individuals from the Ministry of Defense. The Kremlin will not likely stop with these arrests and dismissals. The ISW cites a Russian insider source who stated that six other ministry officials want to step down after the removal of their boss, Sergei Shoigu. Several military bloggers also propose that the Russian authorities are not done with their inquest. Concurrently, they celebrate the firings as the commencement of efforts to bring corrupt officials to justice under the new Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. "The Kremlin is probably tolerating this criticism because it's aimed at people targeted by the Ministry of Defense," ISW writes. This supports Belousov's image as a man who tackles issues within the Defense Ministry, differing from Shoigu. "The Kremlin also gains from military bloggers highlighting that no Russian defense or military official is safe from the repercussions of disappointing Putin's favor."

*10:45*: Orban Doubts Russian Attack on NATO Country
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban argues that concerns about a potential Russian attack on a NATO nation are unfounded. "The Russian military is waging a difficult and challenging war against the Ukrainians," the right-wing and traditionally pro-Kremlin prime minister told the public broadcaster. "If the Russians could quickly defeat the Ukrainians, they would have done it already." NATO's military prowess is far greater than Ukraine's. Therefore, it is unlikely that Russia or any other nation would attack NATO. "I don't think it's logical that Russia, which can't even overcome the Ukrainians, would suddenly try to conquer the entire Western world. The chances of that happening are extremely slim."

10:16 Moscow Terror Attack: First Time Russia Blames Islamic State (IS)

For the very first time, Russia has linked the Islamic State (IS) to the deadly attack on a concert hall near Moscow. The Russian intelligence service, known as the Federal Security Service (FSB), has accused IS of coordinating the attack. Alexander Bortnikov, the director of the FSB, claimed that "the preparations, financing, attack, and retreat of the terrorists were coordinated via the internet by members of the Khorasan Province group," the Afghan branch of IS. The attack occurred on March 22 and left more than 140 people dead and 360 injured. In spite of this, Moscow has always maintained that Ukraine was responsible for the attack, a claim which was strongly rejected by Kiev. Bortnikov, however, continues to hold that "Ukrainian military intelligence is directly involved in the attack." He doesn't offer an explanation about how this is connected to IS.

09:55 "No Forward, No Back" in Vovchansk

The city of Kharkiv, under constant attack for several weeks, is experiencing more Russian shelling. The sirens in the city are again warning civilians of imminent danger. Correspondent Stephan Richter for ntv emphasizes how critical the situation is in Vovchansk.

09:29 Almost 500,000 Russian Casualties in Ukraine

Ukrainian sources reveal that the number of Russian casualties will soon reach half a million. The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces declared that since the start of the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022, Russia has lost 498,940 soldiers in Ukraine. This tragic statistic includes 1,240 losses experienced in a single day. The General Staff also reported that Russia has lost 7,635 tanks, 14,775 armored combat vehicles, 17,569 vehicles and fuel tanks, 12,902 artillery systems, 1,080 multiple launch rocket systems, 813 air defense systems, 356 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 10,401 drones, 27 ships and boats, and one submarine.

08:57 Kharkiv Hit by Glide Bomb Attack

Kharkiv, a city under constant Russian bombardment, has been hit by two glide bombs during the night. While there were no reported casualties this time, several residential buildings and an empty building sustained minor damage. The day before, seven people had been killed due to Russian fire in Kharkiv. Over 15 missiles, likely converted S-300 or S-400 anti-aircraft missiles, fell over Kharkiv and the surrounding areas. One of the most significant casualties was the destruction of a massive printing press that published literary works in Ukraine. In response to this, renowned Ukrainian writer Serhij Zhadan wrote on Facebook, "The Ukrainian book is the Ukrainian strength. That's why the enemy wants to destroy it."

08:26 FSB Chief: Ukraine Directly Involved in Terror Attack Near Moscow

The head of the Russian domestic intelligence service, Alexander Bortnikov, accuses the Ukrainian military intelligence service of direct involvement in the deadly terrorist attack on a concert hall near Moscow in March. According to Bortnikov, this can already be said with certainty, despite the ongoing investigation. Bortnikov has made similar accusations in the past but has yet to provide evidence for his statements. Additionally, he accuses NATO of facilitating the transfer of "mercenaries and militant members of international terrorist organizations from the Middle East, North Africa and Afghanistan to Ukraine" to fight against Russian forces. IS has claimed responsibility for the attack.

08:02 Significant Damage to Communications Center in Crimea

A missile attack on a Russian communications center in the city of Alushta in the occupied Crimea has caused "significant damage to equipment" and claimed numerous victims, according to Ukrainian reports. The Kyiv Independent quoted the pro-Ukrainian partisan group Atesh and the Crimean Wind telegram channel as sources. The Crimean Wind channel claimed that at least six ATACMS missiles, provided by the United States, struck the facility. The center was reportedly housing high-ranking military personnel. This incident comes after numerous other attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure in Crimea.

07:27 Russian Publicist Claims "Idiots" for Generations

Alexander Newsorov, a Russian journalist and former Duma deputy, criticizes his fellow Russians. He believes people are conditioned by the Kremlin propaganda machines to possess skills until their dying breaths, such as "a thirst for war, decaying signs, and all other deviations." As a vocal critic of the Kremlin, Newsorov received a prison sentence in absentia. He is now also a Ukrainian passport holder. Newsorov tragically expects generations to be "condemned to live and die as idiots." The passing of Vladimir Putin won't alleviate the Russian people's mental state, he suggests.

10:21 Scholz: "No 'EU Nuclear Weapons'"

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz supports French President Emmanuel Macron's plan to enhance European defense capabilities - even nuclear capabilities. According to Scholz, for The Economist, it's important to talk about getting the right combination of defense capabilities to defend Europe and deter aggressors. His list includes not only nuclear deterrence but also strong conventional armed forces, air and missile defense, cyber, space, and precision strike capabilities. His goal is to invest in the European defense industry to make it stronger. However, he makes it clear: "There will be no 'EU nuclear weapons,'" the SPD politician emphasizes, calling the idea unrealistic.

10:06 Controversial Agent Law: Washington Tightens Pressure on Georgia

Due to Georgia's adoption of a controversial "foreign influence operations" law, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announces new visa restrictions and a review of relations with the country. Blinken says these restrictions will apply to those "responsible for or involved in undermining democracy in Georgia, as well as their relatives." Also, the US will conduct a "comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation between the US and Georgia." The US hopes that Georgia's leadership will rethink the law and take steps to support the country's "democratic and Euro-Atlantic aspirations."

09:51 Estonia Aids Children on Front Lines

The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will give over 650,000 euros in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, prioritizing support for the education system in frontline areas and aiding children affected by the conflict. Kyiv Independent reports that part of the funds will be distributed by the Estonian non-profit organization Eesti Pagulasabi, which will work on improving conditions for vulnerable regions and supporting Ukrainian refugees in Georgia. Additionally, the non-profit group Mondo will use some of the funds to organize summer camps and provide psychological support for children in Zaporizhzhya.

09:18 Russian Forces Advance on Vovchansk

According to the Russian news agency TASS, Russian forces aim to control more than half of the territory of the border town of Vovchansk in Ukraine's region of Kharkiv. This info comes from Russian MP Viktor Vodolatsky, who also claims that after capturing Vovchansk, the cities Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, and Pokrovsk will be Russia's next major targets.

08:43 Putin Meets with Lukashenko in Belarus

Russian news outlets report that Russian President Vladimir Putin is in Belarus, having already held some informal talks. "There's much to discuss," Putin reportedly said. On today's agenda are further discussions with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on safety and military exercises with tactical nuclear weapons. Minsk will take part in the exercises, which involve simulating the launch of small nuclear warheads.

07:57 South Korea Imposes Sanctions on North Koreans, Russian Ships

South Korea imposes sanctions on seven North Korean individuals and two Russian ships, connecting them to the arms trade between Pyongyang and Moscow. The South Korean Foreign Ministry made the announcement.

07:14 U.S Prepares $275 Million in Military Aid for Ukraine

The United States is preparing to give Ukraine $275 million in military aid, reports three US government officials. The aid includes artillery shells, precision-guided bombs, and vehicles and will be provided under the Presidential Drawdown Authority, allowing President Joe Biden to act without seeking Congress' approval in emergencies.

06:03 Brazil and China Distance Themselves from Russia-Ukraine Peace Conference

Brazil and China are indirectly distancing themselves from the international peace conference on Ukraine, where Russia wasn't invited. In a collaborative memo from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's special advisor, Celso Amorim, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, both countries call on Ukraine and Russia to engage in peace negotiations. They desire an equal participation international peace conference endorsed by both parties.

04:58 Moscow Court Sentences Kremlin Opponent to 25 Years in Prison for Sabotage

A Russian military court has found a 36-year-old man guilty of sabotage and membership in a group that fights for Ukraine, sentencing him to 25 years in prison. The prosecutor's office claims the man, referred to as Vladimir Malina, a Moscow busboy, was part of "Legion for the Freedom of Russia," a group opposing Russia. He burned a railway control box and planned other sabotage activities, according to the accusations. Malina was arrested in June.

03:57 Ukraine Faces Russian Forced Takeover of Border Village, Next Strategic Targets

Russian forces are planning to take control of more than half of Vovchansk, a border village in Ukraine's Kharkiv region. Then, they're expected to focus on Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, and Pokrovsk, according to Russian MP Viktor Vodolatsky. TASS quoted Vodolatsky as saying this is their plan.

As tensions mount due to the Russian conflict, both Poland and Greece are urging the EU to establish an air defense shield to ensure the safety of European nations. Prime Minister Donald Tusk of Poland and Kyriakos Mitsotakis of Greece emphasized this need in a joint letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, stating that the skies above Europe must remain secure for the region to be safe. They believe this project will address a significant vulnerability in their security.

In a related event, reports emerge of possible explosions in Crimea, an area under Russian occupation. It's believed Ukraine may be targeting Russian installations on the island with ATACMS missiles recently supplied by the United States. A video obtained in the village of Alushta depicts at least one explosion, but official confirmation remains lacking. Additionally, Russia's air defense system appears to be in action, as indicated by the recording. Governor Sergei Aksyonov, appointed by the Russian occupiers, admits that missile attacks hit Simferopol and Alushta, resulting in two casualties and damage to an empty commercial building. Despite this, Russia often plays down Ukrainian attacks or claims to have shot down all incoming missiles and drones. As Ukraine continues to aim at Russian air defense systems and radars, some speculate this pattern may continue.

Finally, pro-Russian channels report the arrest of Vladimir Verteletsky, who heads the Russian Ministry of Defense's department for guaranteeing the state defense order. He is accused of committing widespread fraud. This arrest comes as Vadim Shamarin, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the army, was detained earlier. Shamarin was the fourth senior military officer arrested since April.

For more background information on these developments, please refer to the previous articles.

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1. Despite Putin's openness to a truce in the Ukraine conflict, military expert Ralph Thiele warns that any Russian signal could divide the West, potentially leading to an 'Attack on Ukraine' by Russia.
2. In the wake of the 'Ukraine conflict', German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has refused to deliver Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, citing concerns about escalating the war into a conflict involving 'Nato' and Russia.
3. As part of the ongoing 'Ukraine conflict', Russian forces have disrupted Elon Musk's Starlink satellite service used by Ukraine, hampering the country's communication, reconnaissance, and drone strike capabilities.
4. In the midst of the 'Ukraine conflict', Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, has accused Russia of cyberwar attacks, alleging that Moscow has been jamming Ukrainian long-range bombs using interference devices.

Source: www.ntv.de