Moscow shares combat instruction leaflet featuring Stalin quotes to educate soldiers.
The Russian Ministry of Defense has released a new military publication known as "Politruk," created for the educational needs of soldiers. According to information obtained from London, this publication will serve as a political training resource for the Russian military. In his introductory article, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Viktor Goremykin aligns "Politruk" with the historical tradition of Soviet military publications. He cites imperatives from disgraced Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin on the value of political education for soldiers and the necessity to detest the adversary. London alleges that the publication abolishes the contemporary Ukrainian state and portrays the current opponent in Ukraine as the very same enemy the Soviet Union fought against, i.e., the Nazis. Furthermore, a map appearing in the magazine is rumored to question the existence of Ukrainian sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Ukraine prepares for the arrival of French military trainers to its training facilities. Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyj has signed the necessary authorizations, allowing the French trainers access to the training centers. French President Emmanuel Macron, at a Paris conference on February 26th, disclosed that Western soldiers could provide assistance to the Kiev administration through instruction within the confines of Ukraine.
Residents and authorities are treading with caution in the vicinity of the Kharkiv Market, which was previously devastated by Russian bombing. The cratered expanse of the market spans 10,000 square meters, and officials, firefighters, and the prosecutor's office are on hand. The initial stage of cleanup work is beginning, accompanied by a palpable sense of dread.
Former combatants from the Wagner mercenary outfit were engaged in a fistfight in Chelyabinsk, a Russian city believed to house a lavish population. The Investigative Committee of Russia has instigated a criminal investigation into the incident that transpired over the weekend. The root cause of the conflict, which involved a spat between gentlemen over a female, led to a physical altercation. The footage shows two factions converging in a street brawl. First, a group of former Wagner fighters are seen wielding clubs to unleash a beating on their competitors. Concurrently, cohorts dressed in black allegedly intervened, firing from handguns (reportedly non-lethal). There were reported casualties.
Russia and Belarus are collaborating on a joint air force exercise taking place from May 27th to May 31st. According to the Belarusian Defense Ministry, these joint activities will encompass flights and air defense training.
Poland is contemplating imposing limitations on the mobility of Russian diplomats within the country. The rationale behind taking such an action is Russia's involvement in hybrid warfare against the European Union and Poland. Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski in Brussels will soon hand over a diplomatic communiqué to the Russian embassy in Warsaw, outlining the planned restrictions. These sanctions will not target the ambassador personally but will instead affect all other diplomatic personnel in the outpost. For the duration of their tenure, these individuals will be proscribed from moving about the landmarked region of their designated workplace. "I sincerely hope that Russia will view this as a highly alarming warning," states Sikorski.
Julian Pawlak, a German military researcher, reflects on the challenges confronting Ukraine due to the intensification of its theatres of engagement with Russia. Pawlak asserts that Russia's plans regarding the Baltic Sea serve to underscore the significance of fortifying NATO borders.
German conglomerate Rheinmetall has obtained a large order for the production and delivery of artillery barrels for the German-designed Panzerhaubitze 2000. The Düsseldorf conglomerate will provide a triple-digit quantity of barrels to a European client from the years 2024 to 2029. The value of the accord hovers in the low three-digit million euro range.
The German government remains opposed to the notion of stationing a NATO defense shield to fend off Russian airstrikes in Western Ukraine. Spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit in Berlin explains, "To establish such a shield would be regarded as a direct threat to this conflict, which we are determined to steer clear of." He adds to this by alluding to statements from Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. The demand for a protective screen has increased, both globally and within Germany.
NATO's Parliamentary Assembly has adopted a declaration during its spring session in Sofia, Bulgaria, urging member states to grant Ukraine authorization to use Western weapons against specified targets in Russia. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg advocates the removal of certain constraints on the utilization of these weapons.
Other than these events, current developments in the field of military affairs remain elusive.
13:36 Sweden Allows Weapon Use - Munz: "Lavrov Claims Russia is Already Being Attacked with Western Weapons"
Sweden permits the use of its weapons against Russia, as reported by Rainer Munz, a journalist for NTV. Mr. Munz noted that Kremlin media is now closely observing the positions of Western countries. Foreign Minister Lavrov suggests that Russia has already been targeted by weapons from the West: (translation may not be perfect, but it conveys the main message of the text).
13:07 Ukrainian Drone Sets New Record
Ukraine's intelligence service claims they've struck a target 1500 kilometers behind enemy lines in Russia's interior, setting a new record for drone utilization in long-range operations, according to a spokesperson. The radar facility "Woronesh M" near the city of Orsk on the border with Kazakhstan was the target, and it can detect rockets or aircraft at great distances. The informant did not provide any information on potential damage to the radar during the attack on Sunday.
12:36 "Eastern Shield": Poland Plans Largest Operation Since 1945 to Fortify Its Eastern Border
Poland is planning to reinforce its eastern border and shield itself from possible attacks with a €2.3 billion plan titled "Eastern Shield." Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz stated in Warsaw that this initiative would be the most extensive operation to strengthen the Polish eastern border and NATO's eastern flank since 1945. The project will entail "fortifications, various types of barriers, and highly sophisticated air defense systems at every parameter and at every height" along the border, which is also an EU external boundary.
12:05 Glide Bombs Hit Kharkiv: Chaos Ensues Inside a Hardware Store
The contentious city of Kharkiv is once more under attack. Russian forces are using glide bombs to strike a hardware store where approximately 200 civilians are present. Surveillance camera footage captured the explosion and the ensuing destruction inside the building.
11:31 Judges Focus on Ukraine's Ammunition Shortage: "Eastern Front Stagnates, Russians Take Another Village"
Sweden supports the use of its weapons to assault Russian territory. In Ukraine, there's hope that "other countries will follow suit." Meanwhile, Zelensky is in Spain, where the discussion continues to focus on the ammunition shortage and the lack of weapons systems:
11:10 Subversives under Scrutiny: EU Approves Framework for Russia Sanctions
The EU's foreign ministers have agreed upon a new legal framework for sanctions against Russia for significant human rights violations. This framework will enable imposing penalties on individuals and organizations responsible for suppressing opposition, according to several diplomats.
10:41 Germany Provides More Funds for Areas under "Russian Terror Occupation"
The German government is making more humanitarian aid available to individuals in the Russian-occupied areas of eastern Ukraine. In total, Germany is investing 60 million euros, concentrating mainly on the eastern part of Ukraine, announced Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock before EU ministerial gatherings in Brussels. "There's nothing there," stated Baerbock, referring to the occupied areas. "Under the Russian terror occupation, people have been suffering for more than two and a half years." The German government is trying to provide aid to the region in conjunction with international partners.
10:13 Lithuania Accuses Hungary of Systematic Obstruction of EU Assistance for Ukraine in Its Battle Against Russian Aggression
Lithuania levels charges against Hungary for purposely halting all EU attempts to aid Ukraine in its conflict with Russian aggression. Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis of Lithuania urges the European Union to devise a solution to bypass this blockade. He adds, "We must view this as a systematic obstruction against any endeavor by the EU to play a meaningful role in foreign affairs." German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock urges Hungary to abandon its hindrance on additional military assistance for Ukraine. She appeals, "Please, Hungary, finally let's allow assistance for Ukraine for peacekeeping in this region," said Baerbock. The foreign ministers of the European Union will discuss further support for Ukraine in Brussels. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba requested additional air defense systems and other weapons in a video message.
09:40 Large Aid Package from Spain: Ukraine to Receive More Leopard Tanks
Spain will reportedly send a dozen rockets for the Patriot air defense system and 19 Leopard tanks to Ukraine, according to a media report. These weapons form part of the €1.13 billion aid package announced last month for the war-torn country. Moreover, gear for drone defense and ammunition will be provided. The new military assistance should be made public during a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is set to meet with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and King Felipe in Madrid. A spokesman for Sanchez declined to comment on the newspaper report. Ukraine lately received more Leopard tanks from Germany - of the 1A5 type.
In Ukraine, a Ukrainian drone strike on a gas station in the Russian area of Orjol resulted in one fatality as reported by Russian authorities. Governor Andrej Klychkov stated on Telegram that a drone dropped onto the premises of a gas station in the city of Liwny in the early hours. Three people sustained injuries in the attack, approximately 160 kilometers behind the Ukrainian-Russian border. Additionally, a government building is said to have been damaged. A second drone attack is stated to have occurred after arrival of rescue services on site, and according to the Governor, the driver of a fire truck was killed. The three injured were also rescue workers. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that a dozen Ukrainian drones were nullified in the middle of the night, including six in the Orjol region.
08:35 Lange opines that supporting Ukraine could encourage Russia to commit more war crimes.
Russian missile attacks on a printing house and a hardware store in Kharkiv are labelled as war crimes by military expert Nico Lange on a platform. In his opinion, limiting support to Ukraine might incite Russia to engage in more crimes instead of deterring it.
07:59 The re-election of Gitanas Nauseda as the head of state in Lithuania is greeted warmly in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed his congratulations and gratitude to Gitanas Nauseda via a message for his re-election in Lithuania. He also showcased the closeness and support from Lithuania to Ukraine in this trying time.
07:19 Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba highlights lack of faith and peace efforts sabotaged by Russia.
Dmytro Kuleba on a platform states that Ukraine has experienced failure in peace negotiations with Russia. Despite 200 rounds of negotiations between 2014 and 2022, Russia has not committed to negotiation in good faith and has rather waged a 'total war' against Ukraine. Kuleba believes cooperation among all countries is vital to propelling efforts towards a peaceful resolution.
06:36 Concentration of Russian troops near the Ukrainian border
President Zelenskyy claims that Russian troops have been amassing near the Ukrainian border, specifically 90 kilometers from Kharkiv. This is suggested to divert Ukrainian troops and increase Russian influence in the border area. Satellite images observed by the Institute for the Study of War indicate that Russian forces are engaging numerous facilities in the western region of Belgorod in the past few weeks.
05:59 Vitali Klitschko advocates for using Western weapons against Russian territory.
Klitschko, the Mayor of Kiev, expresses his dismay at the attack on a building materials store in Kharkiv resulting in heavy casualties. He argues that, as they lack air defense, Ukraine needs access to use Western weapons against Russian targets. He also proposed destroying planes launching attacks on civilians from Russian airfields.
05:16 Air alert in Ukraine's south
Ukrainian military is on alert overnight, monitoring a Russian stealth bomber Su-57 over the Black Sea. They have issued warnings about the launching of cruise missiles.
04:57 Zelenskyy requests the right to launch preventive strikes against Russia.
President Zelenskyy demands the ability to utilize Western weapons against Russian territory following the devastating bombings in Kharkiv. He insists on receiving condemnation from the international community to bring about impactful consequences. Ukraine needs not only more air defense, but the permission to deploy foreign weapons for strikes on Russian grounds.
4:47 PM Zelenskky Travels to Spain
Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskky, is expected to visit Spain today. He'll be welcomed by Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at noon, as per the Spanish government's announcement. A press conference is slated to follow. Initially, Zelenskky had planned to visit Spain on May 17, but canceled it at short notice due to the escalating crisis in the Kharkiv region.
11:18 PM Macron: "Peace Isn't Surrender"
The French President, Emmanuel Macron, has cautioned against surrendering support for Ukraine amid its struggle against Russia. "Today upholding peace is enforcing the law. Peace isn't surrender. Peace isn't abandoning principles," Macron stated during his 3-day state visit to Germany. He furthered by saying, "Peace is granting a nation the right to secure its borders and sovereignty." Macron also confirmed that France and Germany will echo this during their bilateral Defense and Security Council meeting on July 5, when they'll commit to aiding Ukraine "until the last breath" in its resistance.
10:22 PM Medvedev Warns Poland: "You'll Get 'Nuclear Ash'"
Dmitry Medvedev, Russia's former president and vice-chairman of the Russian Security Council, has threatened Poland following statements made by Poland's Foreign Minister, Radoslaw Sikorski, regarding the US' response to potential nuclear attacks on Ukraine. "Should the Americans bomb our targets, that means World War III. Warsaw will not be spared either, and it will surely receive its fair share of 'nuclear ash'. Do you want that?" Medvedev shared on Twitter.
10:00 PM Zelenskky Makes First Appearance on Central Asian Media
Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskky, made his debut interview with Central Asian media outlets, especially journalists from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. The video interview was published by the Kazakh media platform "Orda" on their YouTube channel. When asked about a possible ceasefire with Russia, Zelenskky expressed doubt.
9:40 PM Putin in Uzbekistan for State Visit
Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Uzbekistan on a state visit. This was shared by Russian official broadcasters. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Central Asian nation with a population of 37 million, received Putin at the Tashkent airport. Putin and Mirziyoyev will discuss the future of Russian-Uzbek relations and address regional issues during the two-day visit. According to the Kremlin, a "comprehensive package of bilateral documents" is to be signed following the visit.
9:20 PM Ukrainian General Staff: Unabated Russian Offights, No Progress
The Ukrainian General Staff reported 83 battles with Russian forces on Sunday. They're said to be pouring in "maximum effort" to break through Ukraine's defensive lines. "Ukrainian troops are implementing defensive measures and strive to destroy enemy offensive capabilities," the General Staff shared on social media. They also confirmed that there's no significant progress in the Kharkiv region, yet persistent offensives are ongoing in Vovchansk and the village of Lyptsi.
9:00 PM Ukrainians in Kyiv Protest Against US Weapons Restrictions
There's growing popular discontent in Ukraine over a stipulation that Ukrainian troops aren't allowed to bomb Russian territories with Western weapons. 150 demonstrators gathered in front of the US Embassy in Kyiv, as reported by German correspondent Stephan Richter on Twitter. They're demanding an end to this restriction.
9:00 PM Georgians Gather for "Freedom March," Protest Russian Laws
Thousands of protesters took to the streets of the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, to Mark Georgian Independence Day with a "Freedom March." According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), participants carried flags of Georgia and the EU while chanting against the controversial "foreign influence" law. They also turned on their phone flashlights, yelling "No to the Russian law!" and "No to the Russian regime!" Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili spoke at a recruits' swearing-in ceremony in Tbilisi's Freedom Square about the "looming Russian shadow over Georgia."
All prior events can be found here. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page#Here
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 Russian Ministry of Defense's new military publication, "Politruk," criticized by London, allegedly portrays Ukraine as the same enemy the Soviet Union fought against during World War II and questions Ukrainian sovereignty, potentially escalating the ongoing Ukraine conflict and cyberwar against Ukraine by Russia.
- In response to Russia's involvement in hybrid warfare against the European Union and Poland, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has announced plans to impose limitations on the mobility of Russian diplomats within Poland, aiming to send a strong message to Russia.
- In a sign of closer military ties, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has urged member states to grant Ukraine authorization to use Western weapons against specified targets in Russia, an apparent endorsement of Attack on Ukraine as a legitimate response to Russian aggression.
- Following reports of increased Russian activity near the Ukrainian border, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selensky has requested support from NATO and other allies, emphasizing the need for air defense systems and the right to deploy foreign weapons for strikes on Russian territory to defend Ukrainian sovereignty.
Source: www.ntv.de
