Putin calls Russian invasion of NATO territory "nonsense": 23:29
Russians leader Putin disregards fears of Western nations regarding an attack by Russia on NATO territories as "baloney." "Did you seriously consider that Russia wishes to attack NATO? Are you all insane? Are you as foolish as this desk? It's senseless, get it?" stated Putin. Furthermore, he disputes the claim that he threatened with "an atomic bomb-like weapon." "But have I suggested that we could deploy atomic weapons? You were the ones who circulated that falsehood."
22:20 Putin indicates his willingness for investigations into the demise of AFP journalist Soldin
Russian president Vladimir Putin has conveyed his readiness for inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the death of AFP journalist Arman Soldin. "We will do anything we can," explained Putin to journalists of international news agencies during a meeting in St. Petersburg (see entries at 21:25, 20:58 and 20:18). "We're prepared to take these actions. But I'm unsure how this would manifest itself in practice, as he passed away in a combat zone." The Kremlin had previously noted that Russia could not engage in inquiries into the case of Soldin, since he was on Ukrainian-held territory. The video journalist perished on May 9, 2023 at the age of 32 in a rocket strike near the contested Ukrainian city of Bachmut. At the time, he was documenting Ukrainian troops close to the frontier.
21:51 Lavrov seeks additional allies in Africa through military assistance
Russian media report that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has declared during his visit to Burkina Faso that Moscow intends to supply more military equipment and instructors to Burkina Faso to reinforce the defense capabilities of the West African nation. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Lavrov's African excursion marks his ninth. The journey is part of a diplomatic endeavor by the Kremlin to forge new relationships: Russia is striving for a partner in military assistance who does not endorse the war while also remaining silent about it. "At our first interactions after the coup in 2022, we have collaborated closely in all domains, including military and military-technical connections," cites the Russian news agency TASS Lavrov. Russia acquires a partner in military support that doesn't support the conflict but also refrains from condemning it.
21:25 Putin anticipates no major alteration in the US policy towards Russia after the elections
Russian president Vladimir Putin anticipates no significant alteration in the US policy toward Russia following the presidential elections. "For us, the outcome carries no significant significance," he stated at a press gathering (see entries at 20:58 and 20:18) in St. Petersburg. Russia will cooperate with the president chosen by the American people. In the past, Putin had expressed a preference for incumbent Joe Biden's reelection, as he is more predictable. Putin also criticizes the legal proceedings against former President Donald Trump, who is vying against Biden on November 5.
20:58 Putin estimates the number of Ukrainian prisoners in Russian captivity at above 6,000
Russian President Vladimir Putin has approximate 6,365 Ukrainian prisoners of war in Russia, after almost two years of engagement in the neighboring country. This number is considerably larger than that of Russian soldiers and officers in Ukrainian captivity, the Russian president shared during a meeting with correspondents of major international news agencies in St. Petersburg (see entry at 20:18).
The Ukraine has 1,348 Russian prisoners in captivity, whereas Russia holds 6,365 captives from Ukraine. This information is unverifiable. Putin responded to a query regarding Russia's casualties in the war by noting that neither conflict party provides concrete statistics about them. He also maintained that Ukraine experiences a far higher death toll than Russia during the war. The Ukrainian side, though, underscores that more Russian soldiers have perished in the war than their own.
20:18 Putin cautions against the usage of German weaponry against Russian targets
Russian President Vladimir Putin has cautioned against the use of German weaponry by Ukrainian troops against targets on Russian soil. Such activities would be a perilous decision, he stated during a meeting with representatives of major international news agencies in St. Petersburg. The delivery of German tanks to Ukraine in the previous year caused alarm in Russia. "Should they now fire rockets at facilities on Russian soil, it would entirely destroy Russian-German relations," said Putin. The journalistic encounter at the Lachta Center of gas giant Gazprom is part of the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. It signifies the first international forum of its kind since the commencement of Putin's war against Ukraine.
Prior to a meeting with Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, France has declared extra assistance for Ukraine, totaling 650 million euros. President Emmanuel Macron, slated to meet with Zelenskyy at the Elysee Palace on Friday, will sign two agreements, per the Elysee. French development agency AFD will obtain a 400 million euro loan and 50 million euro donation for its work in Ukraine. These funds aim to fund energy and transport projects. A 200 million euro aid fund is being prepared to accompany French companies engaging in Ukraine's infrastructure reconstruction. Zelenskyy is visiting France for the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Allied landing in Normandy.
19:22 The EU explores ways to utilize Russian assets for Ukraine's aid
Finance ministers in the G7 bloc are discussing how to allocate funds from blocked Russian assets to a substantial loan for Ukraine. Following the G7 conference in Apulia, a meeting of EU finance ministers will happen in June, states Eurogroup chair Paschal Donohoe following a virtual conference with EU ministers. Western governments have agreed upon utilizing these assets for Ukraine's aid. The EU intends to cover Ukraine's interest payments, weapon purchases, and part of the country's reconstruction. The US government proposes merging the seized funds and their profits as collateral for a large $50 billion Ukraine loan. However, this is disputed internally within the G7 and the EU.
18:56 Drones crafted by One Hundreds of Volunteers for Ukraine
Amidst a shortage of staff and ammunition, the production of kamikaze drones is increasing. Volunteers in Ukraine are manufacturing the drones by hand to monitor and target Russian military positions.
18:14 Ukraine deploys US weapons against Russian territory
According to a Western government representative, Ukraine has used supplied US weaponry for operations within Russia. This aligns with President Joe Biden's updated guidelines where a US ally can utilize American weapons to strike within Russia, he informs the Associated Press.
18:00 Russian Blogger Sentenced to Over Five Years in Prison for Butscha Broadcast
A Moscow court has sentenced Russian blogger Anna Baschutowa to five and a half years in prison for publishing witness accounts on the streaming platform Twitch about the Russian-attributed massacre in Butscha. The court ruled that Baschutowa spread false information about Russian soldiers mistreating Ukrainians. The defendant termed the sentence "nauseating and repulsive" in the courtroom, said AFP. Her lawyer Andrej Newrew remarked, "This is a hefty sentence. We will appeal." In July 2023, Baschutowa read witness statements from Butscha on Twitch, accusing the Russian military of atrocities. Russian patriots then reamplified the information. The police later raided Baschutowa's home and confiscated the video material, while her Twitch channel was blocked.
17:30 Zelenskyy in conversations with Qatar's emir
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Qatar to talk with Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar's emir. Zelenskyy plans to discuss Qatar's mediation in the return of abducted Ukrainian children. Other topics comprise bilateral relations and the upcoming peace summit in Switzerland, set to attend by Qatar.
17:04 Ukrainian men of military age cannot leave Ukraine after a visit
Ukrainian men who live outside the country but are of military age must prepare to not be able to leave after visiting Ukraine and enlist in the army. Ukrainian citizens classified as having been abroad for more than three months and who aren't exempted from the military registry must report to the military within 30 days, discloses Andrij Demtschenko, Ukrainian Border Guard spokesperson. The legislation applies to all male Ukrainian citizens from 18 to 60 years old. A new law was implemented on June 1st.
16:50 Ukraine evacuates children from the Solotschiw border area
Ukrainian authorities are attempting to remove all children from Solotschiw. Viktor Kovalenko, the head of the military administration of Solotschiw, shared this with "The Kyiv Independent" in an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). Solotschiw, part of the contested region Kharkiv, is just a few kilometers from the Russian-Ukrainian border.
16:02 Germany sets up site for financial assistance
The German government has established a site for financial assistance for people who lost their possessions in the Russian invasion. It will accept donations and allocate them to support projects in Ukraine.
15:58 Zelenskyy signs Ukrainian-Georgian agreement on cultural cooperation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a cultural agreement with Georgia's Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili aiming at boosting Ukrainian-Georgian cultural cooperation.
4:12 Court sentences US-Russian to 3.5 years in prison for mocking Soviet army symbolA court in St. Petersburg has given a 60-year-old man a sentence of 3.5 years in prison for disparaging the memory of the Soviet army in World War II. This individual, who has both Russian and US citizenship, will also spend an additional 1.5 years without access to the internet or any other means of communication, as per the announcement from the court's press service on Telegram. The charges against this person stem from two posts on the Russian social network Odnoklassniki, where he allegedly insulted the St. George's ribbon - a Russian symbol representing the Soviet army's victory over Nazi Germany - in an offensive manner. The person in question has admitted guilt. The court reports that this individual lives in Brooklyn, New York, and works as a security guard at a sports center. He was detained while visiting Russia in December 2023.
3:46 Pistorius aims to make Bundeswehr combat-ready by 2029Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is working towards making the German military, or Bundeswehr, prepared for any potential threats. "We need to be combat-ready by 2029," he said during a parliamentary hearing in the Bundestag. "We must deter to prevent the worst from happening." He highlights the need for financial, material, and human resources to achieve this goal. "In an emergency, we need ready and able young men and women to defend this country," says Pistorius. He believes a 'new form of conscription' is required, but it can't be completely obligation-free. Germany suspended conscription in 2011, and the Defense Minister's proposed re-introduction is expected soon.
3:17 Polish commission launched to investigate Russian influence over past two decadesIn Poland, a new committee has started investigating the possible impact of Russian and Belarusian intelligence services over the past twenty years. This team consists of twelve security experts, as announced by Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The committee, led by the head of military counterintelligence, General Jaroslaw Strozyk, will not include any politicians. Poland is considered an enemy by Russia due to its support for Ukraine and its role as a logistical hub for Western military aid. The country is concerned about potential sabotage by Russian spies.
2:50 One killed, five injured in Donetsk attacksReports from Ukraine indicate Russian attacks in Donetsk, resulting in one fatality and five injuries. Governor of the Donetsk region, Wadym Filaschkin, announced on Telegram about this morning's bombardments and the harm inflicted upon civilians in Torezk and Selydove, near the front line. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy states that Russian forces are focusing their attacks on the Donetsk region, where four areas are currently occupied by the Kremlin but not completely under Moscow's control.
2:22 Pistorius rules out sending German soldiers to UkraineGerman Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has denied the possibility of Germany sending its soldiers to Ukraine to support military efforts. Pistorius stated this during a government hearing in the Bundestag in response to an inquiry from AfD MP Ruediger Lucaschen regarding whether Germany was considering deploying troops in Ukraine along with France and the EU. He answered, "No and No."
1:53 Ukrainian official: Most of the winter may be spent without electricity due to Russian attacksThe Russian strikes on Ukrainian power plants could lead to power outages throughout the winter months. A Ukrainian government official told the Financial Times that Ukrainians may be left without electricity for a significant proportion of the winter. Another official, who wished to stay anonymous, described the recent attacks on energy facilities on Saturday as "devastating." These assaults alone caused the loss of 1.2 gigawatts of electricity generation, while the vital infrastructure used to transport gas from underground storage in western Ukraine was severely damaged. The Financial Times explains that Ukraine's electricity generation capacity has been significantly reduced since the start of the war, falling from around 55 gigawatts to just 20 gigawatts.
1:24 Child dies, eleven injured in Russian-occupied village after Ukrainian shellingA five-year-old girl has reportedly died due to Ukrainian shelling in a Russian-controlled village in southern Ukraine. The head of the Russian-appointed administration for the region of Zaporizhzhia, Yevhen Plakida, announced on Telegram about the Sunday evening shelling of Novososlavivka, where eleven people were injured. No independent confirmation has been received at this time. Novoslavivka is about three kilometers away from the front line, as per maps.
12:20
The Swiss Air Force is conducting war readiness tests wherein they practice starting and landing fighter jets on public roads in Payerne. Their F/A-18 planes had successful landings, according to the Air Force's Deputy Commander, Brigadier Christian Oppliger. The aircraft's landing speed was roughly 260 km/h. The last such exercise by the Swiss Air Force was in 1991. Oppliger explains that the current security situation has changed significantly, necessitating the Air Force's preparedness for various scenarios. It's not only about defending anymore but also attacking enemy ground-air systems. The Air Force aims to deter enemies up to 100 km beyond the borders. This exercise also evaluated how swiftly the Air Force could respond after a possible first strike on foreign military airfields.
In Ukraine, the country is delighted with US Vice President Kamala Harris' plan to attend the peace conference in Switzerland, previously scheduled for June 15-16. It's considered a "significant message." Ukraine initially desired US President Joe Biden's attendance, but Biden and Zelensky will instead meet in France on Thursday for the 80th year commemoration of the Allied landing in Normandy. They're also arranging another meeting at the G7 summit in Italy next week.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz pledges to provide the defense industry with dependable orders to boost production capacity in Germany and Europe. He'll order additional 20 Eurofighters during the ongoing legislative term, in addition to the 38 aircraft currently in the pipeline. Scholz underlines the need for a "defense industrial turnaround." The government plans to advocate for more export opportunities, such as the Eurofighter. Scholz emphasized their dedication to maintaining and enhancing production capacities when mentioning the defense industry.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is pushing for involvement in the peace conference in Switzerland, while Russia strives to keep countries away from attending - successfully. NTV reporter Rainer Munz notes a decrease in global support for Ukraine as Russia prevents countries from joining the conference, saying, "Global support is declining, and Russia is succeeding."
Security measures for Russian President Vladimir Putin are said to have intensified dramatically, according to reports from the "Moscow Times." Two Russian officials who've been present at multiple Putin appearances informed the paper that the security measures have reached unparalleled levels. The "Moscow Times" also pointed to a Kremlin source indicating increased security concerns. Putin's recent bulletproof vest usage at public appearances is mentioned, with potential risks like the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant against him, potential Ukrainian drone attacks or sabotage, and potential Islamic attacks.
Nikopol, Ukraine, is currently under heavy artillery fire from the Russian army. Yesterday and today, the city on the Dnipro received strikes with intense artillery and kamikaze drones, causing minimal injuries and damage to a few residences and power lines. Four drones were downed in the region.
The 71st Fighter Brigade in Russia employs "Storks" to monitor Russian activities behind the front lines, noting a significant decrease in hostile activities. However, Ukrainian drones are infiltrating deeper into Russian territory, prompting the Russian air defense to engage.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will interact with Western journalists for the first time since the invasion of Ukraine during the international economic forum in St. Petersburg. The event didn't occur in 2022 or 2023. The economic forum continues from Wednesday until Saturday.
Ukrainian Army General Staff states a challenging situation on the front lines in the east of the nation. Intense assaults northwest of Donetsk have been reported. Yesterday, there were 37 attacks in the direction of Pokrovsk, the military report says. Russian troops are especially active in the Ocheretyne region. There, they are attempting to advance in different directions. The area lies between Donetsk and Pokrovsk.
7:32 Ukraine endures another night filled with drone attacks
Russian military utilizes drones to attack Ukraine during the night. Ukraine's armed forces reported shooting down 22 of 27 drones. These drones were allegedly shot down in the south, northeast, and central Ukraine. An industrial structure was damaged and a person was injured during an assault in the central Ukrainian region of Poltava, as stated by regional governor Filip Pronin.
6:55 US embassy warns male US citizens with Ukrainian citizenship against visiting Ukraine
The US embassy in Ukraine alerts male US citizens who also hold Ukrainian citizenship not to travel to Ukraine, as they might not be able to leave the country indefinitely. "There is an extremely high risk that your departure will be denied, even if you possess a US passport," indicates the US embassy in Ukraine. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, men aged 18 to 60 with dual citizenship have been forbidden from departing the country.
6:14 Ukraine is recruiting drone operators
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry delivers a project to recruit drone operators for the military. This is reported by the web-based newspaper "Ukrajinska Pravda". Anyone over 18 can apply, it's mentioned. Initially, individuals will participate in an online course, followed by learning how to manage drones, and eventually committing to joining the armed forces.
5:42 NATO Secretary General alleges China
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg rebukes China for its boycott of the Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland. "It's regrettable that China chose not to participate," says the Norwegian in an interview with NDR Info podcast "Streitkräfte und Strategien". The boycott demonstrates what has previously transpired, as China has not been able to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which is a clear violation of international law. The Chinese abstained from condoning the invasion, and prior to this, President Xi Jinping and Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin even signed an accord in which they vowed unlimited partnership, Stoltenberg explains. Since the invasion, it has been learned how China upholds Russia's war economy by supplying it with advanced technology, microelectronics, microchips, and other equipment.
3:39 Biden scheduled to have two critical talks with Zelenskyy in the coming days
US President Biden is expected to participate in two significant discussions with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in the near future, claims National Security Advisor of the United States, Jake Sullivan. Biden is anticipated to be present at the 80th-anniversary commemorations of the Allied landing in France, and it is assumed that Zelenskyy will also attend France. The forthcoming week will see the G7 summit taking place in Italy.
2:42 Rumors of "Filtration Camps" established by Russians in Vovchansk
Russian infiltrators are allegedly setting up so-called "filtration camps" in the disputed town of Vovchansk, according to Ukrainian authorities. This is what Governor of the Kharkiv region, Oleh Syniehubov, told the Kyiv Independent, as broadcast on state television. Filtration camps are utilized by Russia to identify and document Ukrainians residing in the occupied territories. Such camps have previously been reported as sites of torture, sexual violence, and deportations. In the portion of Vovchansk occupied by Russian personnel, only a handful of people remain, Syniehubov mentioned further. These people are being used by the enemies as human shields.
12:04 Corruption Charges: Former Head of Ukraine's Weapons Acquisition to face trial
The former head of Ukraine's weapons procurement will be called to answer to corruption charges in court. He is accused of agreeing to excessively high prices for aircraft parts, asserts the Anti-Corruption Bureau in Kyiv. The case dates back to 2016 and has no association with the current hostilities between Ukraine's army and Russia's assaults. The accused concurred on prices for aircraft parts with a private company that were 7 times over the market value, the bureau elaborated more. His business partner is already on trial.
9:26 Moscow police break up memorial gathering for Navalny
In Moscow, law enforcement authorities brutally crack down on supporters of the previous Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny who assembled for a small memorial service on his birthday. Personnel from a special unit stormed a room where a few dozen people had gathered to watch a live broadcast of a Navalny memorial concert in Berlin. Ovd-Info, a human rights organization, reports that approximately 30 people were arrested, searched, and detained. The media outlet "Sota" published a brief film showing a few masked officers advancing. Navalny would have been 48 today. For further details, see here.
Ukrainians are remembering the children who lost their lives during war today. Since the conflict started in February 2022, over 600 kids have been killed, while more than 1,400 others have been injured, as stated by Denise Brown, a UN representative. This is the confirmed number by the United Nations, but the actual count of children who passed away is probably much higher. President's wife Olena Zelenska called upon allies at a ceremony in Kyiv, asking for more weapons, stressing the significance of saving kids over "the price of air defense."
10:00: Graphic Photos of Ukrainian Soldier Suggest Concentration Camp Conditions
Roman Horilyk, a Ukrainian National Guard soldier, has been a focal point of discussion on social media lately. Several users have shared pictures of Horilyk, revealing his alarmingly poor health. Journalist Illia Ponomarenko shared one of these photos, stating that Horilyk was in this state when he returned to his home country after the latest prisoner swap. He was captured at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant and endured two years of captivity in Russia. Similarities between Horilyk's condition and that of concentration camp inmates have been highlighted by many.
19:11: Satellite Photos Display Destruction of Russian Defense System
The destruction of a Russian S-300/400 air defense system has garnered significant attention. The system, alongside being crucial, is situated on Russian soil. Moscow asserts that it was not targeted, but there are numerous pieces of visual evidence supporting the attack. Videos and images of the successful hits have been circulated, as have satellite images released by Radio Liberty. These photographs depict charred launch ramps and a damaged control center for the S-300/400 system. The system was allegedly repurposed using a multiple rocket launcher from the United States. After Washington allowed Ukraine to strike targets on Russian territory to safeguard the Kharkiv region, such an attack was expected.
19:33: Urgency for Ukraine: Everything Hinges on the Next Weeks
Ukrainian President Zelensky believes his country is facing a pivotal moment. "The next few weeks will determine the rest of the summer and a substantial part of the year," Zelensky says in his evening address. He cites several aspects: the peace summit in Switzerland, global support for Ukraine, EU relations, the front-line situation, and domestic production. Zelensky emphasized the gravity of the situation, as it impacts not only the near future but also the entire year.
19:06: Germany is a Key Target for Russian Disinformation as EU Elections Approach
Russian disinformation campaigns are prevalent among three nations - Germany, France, and Poland - ahead of the EU elections, according to Brussels officials. The disinformation efforts have reportedly intensified in these countries, with Germany being a main target for misinformation about "immigration and security," says EU Vice Commissioner Vera Jourova. The findings were presented at the European Observatory for Online Media (EDMO). Russian campaigns traditionally revolve around the war in Ukraine. The combined number of eligible voters in these countries is almost 145 million, which accounts for roughly 40% of the potential electorate in the EU.
Read also:
- In response to the ongoing Ukraine conflict, NATO has declared its support for Ukraine and has provided military aid to help defend against Russian cyberwar attacks.
- Volodymyr Selensky, the President of Ukraine, has accused Russia of engaging in a cyberwar against Ukraine's critical infrastructure, including the power grid and communications systems.
- Russia has denied any involvement in the cyberattacks against Ukraine, but military officials have warned of the potential for escalation if the conflict continues.
- NATO has also expressed concerns about the use of Russian military operations in the Ukraine conflict, and has urged Russia to withdraw its troops and respect Ukraine's sovereignty.
