21:29 Peskov clarifies why Putin is relocating Shoigu.

Peskov clarifies the reason behind Putin shifting Shoigu.

Update on Moscow: Shoigu Replaced as Defense Minister, Beloussov Takes Over

Andrei Beloussov, aged 65, is set to take over as the head of Russia's war machine following Vladimir Putin's decision to replace the long-standing defense minister Sergei Shoigu. Peskov, a Kremlin spokesman, has revealed that this move is due to the need for innovations and integrating the defense sector's economy into the country's economy. Shoigu has served as Russia's defense minister since 2012 but will now replace Nikolai Patrushev, who will be given a new task, the Kremlin stated. Rumors about Shoigu's fate had arisen before, when Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov was arrested in connection to corruption investigations. Shoigu and Ivanov had a close relationship. ISW had also hypothesized that Patrushev may be demoted.

Russia: The Shift of Power in Moscow

Sergei Shoigu, a key figure in Russia's defense ministry since 2012, is seemingly set to leave his position as defense minister, as per a recent statement by Putin. Shoigu is now expected to be the Security Council Secretary, leaving his spot as the defense minister. The Kremlin has provided brief information on the developments. Some suspected that Putin may diminish Shoigu's power, and this speculation was supported when Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov, a close associate of Shoigu, was detained as part of a corruption investigation.

Who is Beloussov?

Andrei Beloussov is the man nominated as the new defense minister by Putin. Beloussov has held various positions since 2020, including being the First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian government. He has also acted as Putin's assistant for economic-related issues, Minister of Economic Development, and the Director of the Department of Economy and Finance in the government of Russia. Hence, he is already familiar with handling governmental positions. He is also on the EU's sanction list.

Latest in Russia Politics: Defense Minister Reshuffle

In a surprising move, Putin has replaced Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu with Andrei Beloussov. The upper house of parliament has announced Putin's decision, with Beloussov primed to be the new defense minister. Meanwhile, Shoigu is set to become the Secretary of the Security Council.

Disaster in Belgorod: Death Toll Rises to Eight

A Russian ten-storey residential building collapsed in Belgorod, causing the death of eight people. The structure was reportedly under continuous fire from the Ukrainian side, but allegations have been made that a Totschka-U missile was the reason behind the collapse, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense. At least 20 more people were reported to have been injured in the incident. Ukraine, however, has not yet commented on the situation, according to Russian sources.

Zelenskyi on Monstrous Situation in Vovchansk

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi described the situation in eastern Ukraine around Vovchansk, a city in the Kharkiv region, as "extremely difficult." The city is reportedly under constant fire, with occupiers trying to invade the town or use it as a base for further advancements. The city had initially housed around 19,000 inhabitants, with fewer than 500 currently defying the Russian offensive. Zelenskyi indicates that Russian forces are attempting to stretch the Ukrainian armed forces to their breaking point.

Border Areas in Kharkiv Constantly Under Attack

As per the authorities, the Kharkiv border area is experiencing non-stop Russian attacks. This covers virtually the entire region, shared the Governor of Kharkiv, Oleh Synehubov. Ukrainian sources report that the Russian army has launched a ground offensive in the Kharkiv region, with the conflict reaching a critical point in Ukraine. The region has seen constant shelling and attacks by the occupying forces, necessitating evacuations of residents from border regions.

Mützenich Couldn't Agree More with the No "NATO Intervention"

Rolf Mützenich, the SPD parliamentary group leader, firmly rejected the idea of NATO providing protection against Russian air attacks in Ukraine. According to Mützenich, the aim is not to directly get involved in the conflict – a stance with which many in the group agreed. The proposals were deemed irresponsible and dangerous, especially considering the possible repercussions in Eastern Europe. Mützenich emphasized that under no circumstance would the party sanction a NATO deployment to defend Ukrainian airspace.

Russian troops are making their way towards the city of Vovchansk during their advance in north-eastern Ukraine, as per the report by the Kharkiv region's police chief, Volodymyr Tymoshko. The soldiers are approaching the city from three different angles, with a Russian tank spotted on the access road to Vovchansk. Witnesses from a nearby town observed smoke rising from the city on Sunday afternoon. The city is currently experiencing heavy artillery fire, and volunteers are working to help the remaining 17,000 pre-war residents of Vovchank leave the area. The majority of the residents are elderly.

On a different note, Federal Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius mentioned the Berlin Airlift as an example of international solidarity during the 75th anniversary ceremony for the end of the Berlin Blockade. He emphasized the importance of standing up and defending international law, order, and values globally, but particularly in Ukraine.

A survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of Deutsche Presse-Agentur found that only 36% of Germans believe a Russian attack on a NATO country is likely or somewhat likely to happen by 2030. In contrast, almost half of the respondents, 48%, felt it was unlikely or somewhat unlikely. 15% of the participants were unaware of the potential for a Russian attack on a NATO country within the next eight years.

Yulia Navalnaya, widow of late Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, received the Dresden Peace Prize on his behalf at Staatsschauspiel Dresden. The Dresden Peace Prize is intended to honor Navalny's dedication to freedom, democracy, and peace.

The collapse of a multi-storey tower block in Belgorod, which Russian officials claim was brought about by Ukrainian shelling, has prompted the country's highest investigative body to launch an inquiry into a "terrorist attack." Although there have been no concrete details released about fatalities or injuries, it is known that there are fatalities, casualties, and potentially 20 people still unaccounted for under the debris.

Ukrainian commander-in-chief Olexander Syrskyi has described the situation in Kharkiv as precarious. Despite Russian attempts to conquer the region over the past few days and seize villages, the Ukrainian defense forces are holding their positions and attempting to stave off the attacks.

Moreover, according to George Barros of the Institute for the Study of War, a new Russian military group named Sever is involved in the current offensive against Kharkiv. The group, which numbers around 50,000 troops, has significant combat strength.

Finally, 4,000 people have been relocated from various settlements in the Kharkiv region due to the ongoing Russian offensive, as confirmed by the governor of the region, Oleh Synyehubov. He added that most evacuees were provided with accommodation, with two-thirds of evacuees living with friends and family.

Russian troops have moved closer to the city of Vovchansk in their ongoing assault against north-eastern Ukraine. The Kharkiv region police chief, Volodymyr Tymoshko, said the soldiers are approaching the city from three sides, and a Russian tank has been seen on the access road to Vovchansk. Witnesses saw smoke rising from the city during a Sunday afternoon. The population of Vovchank is around 17,000 pre-war residents, mostly elderly, who are trying to leave the area.

At the anniversary ceremony marking the end of the Berlin Blockade, Federal Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius referred to it as a call for Germany to display international solidarity. SPD politician Pistorius highlighted the vitality of upholding international law, principles, and values not just in Germany but across the world, and specifically in Ukraine.

According to a survey conducted by YouGov for Deutsche Presse-Agentur, a large majority, 48%, of Germans consider a Russian attack on a NATO member an unlikely prospect by 2030. The poll also revealed that 36% believe this scenario is possible or plausible, while just 15% were unsure.

In a tragic incident, a multi-storey building collapsed in Belgorod under unclear circumstances, with Russian authorities blaming Ukrainian shelling for the disaster. However, the country's main investigative body, reportedly launched a criminal investigation into a presumed "terrorist attack." Reports suggest at least three fatalities, several injured, and over 20 people unaccounted for beneath the rubble.

Olexander Syrskyi, commander-in-chief of Ukraine, characterized the situation in the Kharkiv region as perilous, stating that heavy fighting was ongoing in the border regions between Ukraine and Russia. There were some successes for the Russian forces, though the Ukrainian defense forces maintained defensive positions.

An expert from the Institute for the Study of War, George Barros, suggested that a newly formed Russian military group named Sever was responsible for the offensive in the Kharkiv region. This new force, boasting 50,000-100,000 troops, gives Russia an important combat tool.

Over the last two days, close to 4,000 people have been evacuated from settlements in the Kharkiv region due to the upheaval in the region. Oleh Synyehubov, the governor of the region, stated that 70% of evacuees had a place to stay, usually with relatives or friends.

12:59 Russia allegedly captures additional villages, obliterates helicopters

The Russian Ministry of Defense has revealed that their forces have gained control over four more villages in the Kharkiv region. The taken villages include Hatyshche, Krasne, Morokhovets, and Oliyinykove. They had communicated the acquisition of five villages earlier the previous day. A fresh offensive by the Russians in the same area had begun last Friday with these villages previously being under Ukrainian control before being seized. Although entering the area shortly after the initial invasion in February 2022, the Russian army was pushed back by the Ukrainian troops. In the Dnipropetrovsk region of southern Ukraine, Russian troops have eradicated four Ukrainian helicopters and damaged one, as per the Ministry.

12:24 Ukrainian army commander shares opinions

The Ukrainian army commander, Syrskyj, reassured the public in a statement, he indicated that the defense forces were facing intense conflicts. The Russian invaders' attempts to breach their defenses have been countered, with reconnaissance, artillery, and drones all operational. "We are aware of the enemy's plans and are adapting to their actions," he added. Syrskyj provided further context on the Russian advance in the Kharkiv region, stating, "The situation has worsened significantly this week in Kharkiv. It's undoubtedly challenging, but the Ukrainian Defense Forces are making every effort to protect the defense lines and inflict damage on the adversary." Syrskyi also indicated that, despite the contentious battlefield circumstances, a troop rotation is in effect to give tired soldiers a break and refresh the battle units' readiness.

11:53 Belgorod building reportedly collapses, casualties

The Belgorod Oblast's governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, disclosed that a multi-storey building in Belgorod had partially collapsed after Ukrainian shelling. Media outlets report that at least three people have been killed; over twenty individuals may still be trapped under the rubble. According to Gladkov, the entire entrance section, spanning from the 10th to the 2nd floor, had collapsed. The city and its surrounding areas have faced considerable shelling by the Ukrainian military. However, there has been no confirmation from the Ukrainians. In the past, Russian aircraft had mistakenly bombed civilian infrastructures in the area.

11:19 Gazprom's business is affected by the Russian assault on Ukraine

The British Ministry of Defense estimates that the Russian energy company Gazprom will feel the aftermath of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine for several years. The complex relationship with their primary Western customers since the 2022 invasion has left Gazprom with a persistent export dependence on Europe which will likely hurt profits until 2030. Gazprom declared its first net loss since 1999 recently. Gazprom is also expected to pay €25 billion in taxes, or 9% of Russian state income, in 2023. The Russian government is contemplating escalating the tax burden for Gazprom in 2024, a possible factor for reducing investment by approximately 15% in 2024.

10:44 Ukraine allegedly attacks military and energy targets in Russia

Ukraine has claimed responsibility for bombing Russian targets overnight. The targets struck include an oil refinery in Volgograd's Krasnoarmeysk district, the Kaluganaftelectroduct oil depot in Kaluga, and a manufacturing plant in Lipetsk. The military intelligence source claimed to Unian News Agency, "Military targets were also hit." The kamikaze drone strikes on the oil refinery in Volgograd created a series of explosions followed by a fire. Some reports suggest that the damage to the refinery was also confirmed by Andrei Bocharov, the governor of the Volgograd region. The Russians maintain that their air defense was successful, despite the footage suggesting a more substantial fireball.

10:06 "The situation is growing increasingly complex" - More reinforcements needed
Deep State, a channel with deep ties to the Ukrainian military, reveals in a recent analysis that fighting is becoming tougher in the border region near Kharkiv. "The situation is growing increasingly complex. The enemy is gradually sending more troops into our area, infantry is continuously pushing forward, moving into settlements and trying to establish a foothold there and make further progress." More attention must be paid to the area, otherwise the enemy will achieve even more success, resulting in negative consequences, they warn. While the main goal of the Russian forces is to divert attention from other regions, the situation could become "very serious" without additional Ukrainian reinforcements.

09:30 Weichert of ntv: Russia intends to force Ukrainian troops from their positions
The Russian military is launching a massive assault near Kharkiv, with several villages being seized. President Zelenskyi's slogan is to halt the enemy's advance at all costs. The Ukrainian military is sending troops to the area - and according to ntv reporter Jürgen Weichert, this is precisely the motivation behind Russia's offensive:

08:50 Contradicting Russian propaganda, everyday life in Kharkiv continues
While Russian forces are gaining ground near the Ukrainian metropolis of millions, there is no word on any major evacuation measures in the city. "As per Russian propagandists, Kharkiv is in a state of panic and deserted," says Ukrainian security expert Maria Avdeeva in an interview with X. In a shared video, people are seen shopping normally at a busy market. The city has already experienced numerous airstrikes in the past, and the populace is accustomed to Russian aggression. Experts currently deem it unlikely that Kremlin forces will be able to capture Kharkiv. There are suggestions that Russia might be trying to force an exodus from the Ukrainian city.

08:12 ISW: Russia making significant gains in the Kharkiv region
Russian forces are carrying out limited attacks in the northern Kharkiv region of the Russo-Ukrainian border and "continue to make noteworthy strategic advances in areas that are comparatively less well-defended," according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The size of the forces engaged in the limited operations indicates that Moscow is not seeking to launch a major offensive aimed at encircling, isolating or overtaking Kharkiv itself.

07:28 Ukrainian forces attack Russian oil refinery
A Ukrainian drone attack caused a fire at the Volgograd oil refinery in southern Russia, as announced by regional governor Andrey Botsharov on Telegram. "The fire was put out. No casualties resulted," he wrote. Neither the oil producer Lukoil nor the Ukrainian side have released a statement on the event.

06:52 Latvia plans to deliver weapons to Ukraine
The Ukrainian Ambassador to Latvia, Anatoly Kutsevol, states in an interview with Ukrinform that Latvia will soon provide drones and radar defense systems to Ukraine. "I think that in due course we will see more reports of drones and radar defense systems being delivered from Latvia to Ukraine," Kutsevol said. In addition, there will be cooperation in the manufacture of important 155 mm grenades. Further collaborative efforts between the two nations, though, are being kept under wraps due to security concerns.

06:14 Ukrainian brigade claims to have shot down a Russian fighter jet
The 110th Mechanized Brigade of Ukraine's armed forces reports the downing of a Su-25 fighter plane by Russian forces. "The anti-aircraft gunners of the 110th Brigade have once again performed admirably. Today they took down another SU-25," reads a Facebook post. "They still haven't understood that it's pointless to fly into our skies. They'll keep crashing." According to Ukrainian Major Oleksiy Hetman on the We-Ukraine channel, Moscow believes it still has around 190 Su-25 jets in its arsenal. "This is a good aircraft for inflicting damage on our troops," he remarked. The Su-25 is intended for close air support and strikes directly on the frontlines.

05:42 Alleged casualties and damage after Belgorod attack
Apparently, a large-scale Ukrainian assault hit Belgorod and its surrounding area on the night of May 11, causing damage and casualties, according to the governor of the region, Vyacheslav Gladkov. Ukraine generally remains silent about attacks on Belgorod. Gladkov issued an air raid alert for the oblast. Shortly afterward, Russian Telegram channels exhibited photographs of burning cars and rising smoke over Belgorod. According to Gladkov, one female was killed in the attack, and 29 people, including a child, were injured and hospitalized. Several homes, businesses, cars, medical and educational facilities, and infrastructure were also reportedly damaged. Collateral damage was likewise reported in the nearby village of Dubovoye, he added in his Telegram post.

Rescue workers evacuate an elderly woman in the Kharkiv region.

Source

4:29 US Official: Russia Can Easily Invest in Weapons Industry

A nation like Russia can prioritize expanding its weapon industry over economic prosperity to maintain its military actions in Ukraine, with the help of Iran and North Korea, according to Lieutenant General Steven Basham, the deputy commander of US Air Forces in Europe. While speaking at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies event on "Transatlantic Security after 75 Years of NATO," Basham noted that the Western defense industrial base is also advancing: "There's no doubt about it. It's picking up speed. It will continue to surpass Russia's capabilities. The time Russia spends in Ukraine is also the time we have to strengthen our industrial base."

3:02 Zelenskyj: Ukrainian Forces Conduct Counterattacks in Kharkiv Region

Following the Russian offensive in the northeastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv, the Ukrainian military is conducting counterattacks, as per head of state Volodymyr Zelenskyj. In his evening address, Zelenskyj stated that the purpose of the troops right now is to "disrupt Russian attack plans." Zelenskyj urges his troops to "reclaim the initiative" for Ukraine.

1:46 One Civilian Killed in Russian Shelling of Sumy Oblast in Ukraine

According to regional administration reports, Russian forces have shelled ten communities in the northeastern Ukrainian Sumy Oblast throughout the day. Over the past 24 hours, approximately 93 explosions were reported in the Sumy Oblast. In an attack near the northern city of Sumy, a 37-year-old woman was killed. The attack ostensibly targeted local infrastructure, with no details provided on the target or the aftermath.

23:49 Canada to Attend Ukraine Peace Summit

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that Canada will attend the upcoming worldwide peace summit for Ukraine. The event will take place in Switzerland on June 15 and 16, centered on peace in Ukraine as per President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's 10-point peace formula, a plan advocating for the full withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian-occupied territories. "The first Ukraine peace summit will take place in June - and Canada will participate," Trudeau stated on X. "I'm excited to collaborate with other global leaders to push our shared objective of a just and enduring peace for Ukraine."

23:06 Scholz Alerts to Russian Meddling in European and National Elections

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz expresses concerns about possible Russian interference in the forthcoming European and regional elections. In the "RND vor Ort" stage talk hosted by Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, Scholz disclosed there are efforts to influence the European and regional elections: "This is worrying." Scholz urged authorities to investigate and confirm the allegations of financial support to Alternative for Germany (AfD) politicians. "There certainly is a ton of Russian disinformation in election campaigns."

22:00 Scholz Urges Ukrainian Refugees in Germany to Work

Offering a plea to Ukrainian refugees in Germany, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz requested they seek employment opportunity as soon as possible. At the "RND vor Ort" stage talk organized by Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland in Potsdam, Scholz stated: "We expect those who are here from Ukraine, if they are capable of working, to start working now." The SPD leader highlighted Germany's investment in integration and language courses, stressing that they want many of these refugees to start working using the so-called job turbo. "Many are already doing this, but there are still hundreds of thousands more who are in need of jobs," Scholz shared. "I advise everyone to consider this option."

Check out the history of developments here.