Putin cautions against employing German weapons against Russian targets.
The Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, has cautioned against German weapons being used by Ukrainian troops against targets on Russian soil. He made this statement during a gathering with important international media representatives in Saint Petersburg. Last year, the delivery of German tanks to Ukraine caught many by surprise in Russia. "If they now launch missiles to attack facilities on Russian territory, this would completely damage Russian-German relations," warned Putin.
19:59 France Assists Ukraine with €650 Million for Infrastructure
France has decided to support Ukraine further by providing €650 million. This announcement comes before a visit to the Elysee Palace by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. As a result, President Emmanuel Macron will sign two agreements, and the French development agency AFD will receive €400 million in loans and €50 million in donations to boost energy and transportation initiatives in Ukraine. A more substantial support fund to accompany French companies working on Ukraine's infrastructure reconstruction is also being planned.
19:22 The EU Explores Utilizing Frozen Russian Assets for Ukraine's Loan
The EU finance ministers are considering ways to utilize income generated from frozen Russian assets to finance a significant loan for Ukraine. The Eurogroup chairman, Paschal Donohoe,mentioned after a video conference that ministers will reassess the need for further discussions at their next gathering in June, following the G7 summit in Apulia. Western governments agreed that Russian assets should be utilized to assist Ukraine. The EU plans to cover the interest on the loan while allocating most of it towards armament purchases and a portion for Ukraine's reconstruction. The United States government proposed using these funds for a substantial $50 billion loan in favor of Ukraine
18:56 Volunteers Create Drones for Ukraine's Needs
Ukraine not only faces a shortage of individuals but also of ammunition. To address this, drone production is being ramped up. Hundreds of volunteers are producing drones, which will be used for surveilling and attacking Russian military positions.
18:14 Use of US Weapons Against Russian Targets
Ukraine has employed weapons provided by the United States against targets within Russia, according to a Western government official. This development correlates with the new guidelines approved by US President Joe Biden.
18:00 Russian Blogger Sentenced for Testimony on Butscha Atrocities
A Russian court in Moscow sentenced blogger Anna Bashutova to fives and a half years in prison for publishing testimonies about the massacre carried out by the Russian army in the Ukrainian city of Butscha on Twitch. She was found guilty of sharing "false" information. Bashutova called the verdict "repulsive" in the courtroom, according to AFP. “This is a severe punishment. We will appeal,” says Bashutova’s lawyer, Andrey Nevrev. Bashutova read testimonies from Butscha residents on Twitch in July 2023, accusing the Russian military of atrocities. Russian pro-Russia bloggers who endorse Russia's offensive in Ukraine then targeted her. The authorities seized the video material and halted her Twitch channel two months later.
17:30 Zelenskyy Isabels in Qatar for Negotiations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Qatar to engage in discussions with Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar. In a post on his Telegram channel, Zelenskyy highlights the topics of mediation for kidnapped Ukrainian children's return, bilateral economic matters, and the upcoming peace summit in Switzerland, slated for June 15 and 16.
17:04 Ukrainian Men Not Allowed to Leave After Visit
Male Ukrainian citizens aged 18 to 60 who have lived abroad must prepare for not being able to leave Ukraine after a visit and enlist in the military. These individuals will fall outside the category exempted from military service based on their time abroad and must report to the army within 30 days, states the spokesperson for the Ukrainian Border Guard, Andriy Demchenko, to the news agency AFP. The new law implementation began on June 1.
16:50 Ukraine Relocates Children from Solotschyvo Border Region Area
UE,LU,ZE;Ukraine is transferring children from the Solotschyvo border region due to pressing circumstances. This action has emerged after a surge of firefights along the border.
The authorities in Ukraine are making efforts to remove all children from the Solotschyvo district. This was stated by Viktor Kovalenko, the head of the military administration of Solotschyvo, in an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). The region belongs to the disputed area of Kharkiv and is very close to the Russian-Ukrainian border. Keep in mind that the names and locations mentioned in this text could change due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
15:56 Insulting the Memory of WWII Victory: Russian Man Sentenced to 3.5 Years in Prison
A Russian man with dual Russian and American citizenship has been given a prison sentence for defaming the memory of the Soviet army in World War II. The court in St. Petersburg ordered him to serve three and a half years in a correctional institution. He will also be banned from using the internet or any other communication platforms for a year and a half, according to the court. The man reportedly made offensive comments about the orange-black St. George's Ribbon, a symbol of the Soviet army's victory over Nazi Germany, on the Russian social network Odnoklassniki. He admitted to his guilt. The court stated that the defendant lives in Brooklyn, New York, and works as a security guard at a sports center. He was apprehended during a trip to Russia in December 2023.
15:20 Pistorius Wants the Bundeswehr to be Battle-Ready by 2029
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius advocates for the Bundeswehr to become more prepared for potential threats from Russia. At a meeting in the Bundestag, he stated: "We must be battle-ready by 2029." He added that deterring potential conflicts and preventing the worst from happening are crucial. To achieve this, funds, resources, and personnel are necessary. He also supports the idea of a new form of conscription that wouldn't be completely voluntary. In Germany, compulsory military service was terminated in 2011. Subsequent proposals from Pistorius regarding possible reintroduction are expected soon.
14:52 Poland Establishes Commission to Investigate Russian Espionage
A new commission in Poland has begun to investigate the possible impact of Russian and Belarusian intelligence services over the past 20 years. Twelve security experts are part of the commission, as announced by Prime Minister Donald Tusk. General Jaroslaw Strozyk leads the commission, and it does not include any politicians. Russia considers Poland an enemy as Poland is a significant supporter of Ukraine militarily and a logistical hub for Western military aid to Kiev. Like other EU countries, Poland fears potential sabotage plans by Russian intelligence services.
14:21 Donetsk, Ukraine: One Killed and Five Injured After Russian Attacks
Ukrainian sources report one fatality and five injuries due to Russian attacks in the east of Ukraine. Dmytro Filaschkin, the governor of the region, stated on Telegram that "as a result of today's bombing in the Donetsk region," one person was killed and five others were injured. The attacks targeted civilians in the town of Torezk. Another individual was also hurt in an air strike in the city of Selydove near the front line, Filaschkin commented. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russian forces currently focus their attacks on the Donetsk region. The Kremlin declared Donetsk and three other regions in Ukraine annexed in the fall of 2022 but does not fully control them.
13:50 Pistorius Denies Sending German Soldiers to Ukraine
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has denied any plans to deploy German soldiers in Ukraine. He clarified this during a hearing at the German Bundestag. When AfD MP Ruediger Lucassen asked whether it had been considered to send German soldiers to Ukraine within the European Union and France, Pistorius replied: "The answers to their questions are no and no."
13:16 Ukraine Faces Winter Without Power Due to Russian Attacks on Energy Facilities
The Russian attacks on Ukrainian power plants could lead to severe consequences during the winter. A Ukrainian government official told the Financial Times that Ukrainians are likely to spend most of the day without power this winter. A government official (who wished to remain anonymous) said that the recent attacks on energy facilities on Saturday caused "devastating" damage. The attacks on Saturday resulted in the loss of 1.2 gigawatts of power generation, while the infrastructure for transporting gas from underground storage facilities in western Ukraine was severely damaged. The Financial Times also reports that Ukraine's power generation capacity has decreased by more than half as a result of the war, from about 55 gigawatts to 20 gigawatts.
In a Russian-held village in southern Ukraine, over a dozen people were hurt by Ukrainian artillery attacks, as per the government of the Russian-appointed administration. The leader of the Russian-designated administration for Zaporizhzhia region, Yevgeny Balitsky, indicated this through a Telegram post. He added that a five-year-old girl had lost her life due to her injuries. However, there's no legal proof of this statement. The village of Novoslobodskoe faced rocket fire on Tuesday night. As per maps of the front lines, the Ukrainian village lies approximately three kilometers behind the front lines.
12:25 Swiss Jet Fighters Touch Down on Freeway at 260 km/h
Swiss jet fighters landed on a freeway with remarkable speed. The Swiss military verified this occurrence and termed it as a routine exercise. The jets touched down on the A2 motorway near the town of Wohlen. Incredibly, there were no injuries. The Swiss military said that this was part of the regular training.
The Swiss Air Force conducts training exercises mimicking scenarios from the time of war: F/A-18 fighter jet pilots perfected landing on roads in Payerne. The pilots' landings were flawless, claims the Air Force's deputy commander, Brigadier Christian Oppliger. The airplanes had a touchdown speed of about 260 kilometers per hour. It's been 31 years since the Swiss Air Force last had such an exercise. Now, the threat scenario has changed substantially, states Oppliger: "The Air Force needs to be adaptable in any scenario." It's not just about secure defense but also countering enemy ground-air systems. The Air Force plans to fend off enemies up to 100 kilometers beyond national borders. The purpose of the training was to assess the Air Force's readiness for action following a potential first strike on military air bases elsewhere.
12:00 Kiev Welcomes Harris' "Crucial" Agreement to Attend Meeting
Ukraine is content with US Vice President Harris attending the peace conference in Switzerland. The confirmation of Harris' attendance at the meet on the 15th and 16th of June is considered a "pivotal signal," says the head of the Presidential Administration. To begin with, Ukraine had hoped for US President Biden's presence. Biden and his Ukrainian counterpart Zelensky will reunite on Thursday in France, where festivities for the 80th anniversary of the Allied landing in Normandy are playing out. Additionally, another get-together is scheduled at the G7 summit in Italy next week.
11:20 Scholz Urges for More Eurofighters - "Defense Industrial Revamp" Necessary
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz asks the defense industry for "reliable orders" to facilitate the expansion in production capacities in Germany and Europe. "The German government has immense interest in a powerful air and space sector in Germany and Europe," Scholz states at the debut of the International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA) in Berlin. "So we will order 20 additional Eurofighters during this legislative term - in addition to the 38 planes already in order," the Chancellor declares. Scholz talks about the essential "defense industrial revision." He affirms that the government will also push for additional opportunities like selling the Eurofighter abroad. "I'm pushing extensively for the conservation and growth of production resources," Scholz asserts, glimpsing the defense industry.
10:49 Munz on Peace Conference: "Global Tendency Is Plummeting, Russia Is Progressing"
While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky craves participation in the Swiss peace conference, Russia works against letting as many countries participate - with prevailing success. In the early stages of the hostilities, 141 UN member countries condemned Russia's attack, and fewer are nodding to the gathering today. NTV reporter Rainer Munz shares this account.
10:05 Allegedly, Kremlin's Security for Putin Has Been Amplified
According to "Moscow Times," security measures for Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin have supposedly been augmented. Two Russian officials shared their presence at several of Putin's public events and witnessed the heightened security. The newspaper also cites a source close to the Kremlin. Since 2023, Putin is said to have been wearing a bulletproof vest during public appearances, according to one of the officials. The arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against Putin, the threat of Ukrainian drone attacks, and the risk of Islamic attacks have prompted heightened security, claim the officials. The Kremlin had earlier denied the increased security measures. One of the officials also highlights other risks, including the capture warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against Putin, the threat of Ukrainian drone strikes, and the risk of Islamic militant operations.
09:37 Nikopol Bombed with Crude Artillery
The Russian troops are raining intense artillery fire on Nikopol again, as per the Ukrainian administration. Yesterday night and this morning, the city on the Dnipro endured heavy firing and kamikaze drones, says the governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region. No injuries were reported, but five residential structures and a power line were damaged. Four drones were downed in the region, as per the governor.
The air defense units from the 71st Fighter Brigade are using their "Storks" to monitor Russian movements well behind enemy lines. While the hostile activities they're witnessing have diminished, Ukrainian drones are increasingly operating in Russian territory, requiring Russian air defense to respond.
08:26 Putin to Face Questions from Foreign Journalists for the First Time Since the War's Start in Ukraine
For the first time since he began his attack on Ukraine nearly two years ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin will be answering questions from overseas journalists at the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg. The event took place in 2022 and 2023, with the forum kicking off on Wednesday and ending on Saturday.
07:58 Ukraine: Russian Forces Most Active in Donetsk
The Ukrainian military shared troubling news about the situation in the eastern part of the country. The front in the Donetsk region has been under considerable strain due to intense attacks, especially northwest of Donetsk. On Tuesday, there were 37 assaults near the city of Pokrovsk. This area is significant because it's positioned between Donetsk and Pokrovsk. The Russian army is utilizing Otscheretyne as a staging ground, attempting to break through in various directions.
07:32 Ukraine Endures Another Night of Drone Attacks
Russian forces targeted Ukraine with drones again last night. The Ukrainian armed forces reported that they managed to shoot down 22 of the 27 drones. These attacks occurred in the south, northeast, and central regions of Ukraine. In Poltava, an industrial facility sustained damage, and a person was injured. According to Regional Governor Filip Pronin, those incidents happened at an industrial location in the Poltava area.
06:55 US Embassy Advising Against Travel for Dual Citizens
The US Embassy in Ukraine discourages male citizens who also hold Ukrainian citizenship from visiting Ukraine. The embassy asserts that if these individuals try to leave the country with just their US passport, their departure might be delayed indefinitely. The embassy reveals that a rule intended to facilitate travel expired, leaving US-Ukrainians in the same position as other Ukrainian citizens, unable to depart. Since the beginning of Russia's invasion, Ukrainian males aged 18 to 60 have been prohibited from leaving the country.
06:14 Ukraine Enlists Drone Operators
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry is seeking volunteers to serve as drone operators in their military. According to "Ukrajinska Prawda," individuals older than 18 are eligible to apply. This enlistment process involves initially completing an online course, followed by training to operate drones, and finally committing to join the armed forces.
05:42 NATO Secretary General Criticizes China
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg voiced his displeasure about China's absence at the Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland. During an interview on the NDR Info podcast "Streitkräfte und Strategien," Stoltenberg spoke about how the Chinese decision not to participate reflects their inability to denounce Russia's renouncement of Ukrainian sovereignty and their failure to support international law. China had not only failed to censure Putin's invasion, but Xi Jinping and Putin had also signed an agreement promising to maintain a close alliance. Stoltenberg highlighted how Beijing's support had aided the Russian war effort by providing advanced technology, microchips, and other items.
03:39 Biden to Have Two Important Talks with Zelenskyy
US President Joe Biden is scheduled to engage in two crucial conversations with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, as announced by the White House's National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan. Biden is set to meet with Zelenskyy in France and Italy over the course of the next few days. He's traveling to France to mark the 80th anniversary of the Allied landing, and Zelenskyy is also slated to be there. The G7 summit is scheduled for the following week in Italy.
02:42 Allegations of "Filtration Camps" in Vovchansk
Ukrainian authorities allege that Russian invaders set up "filtration camps" in Vovchansk, a disputed city. Governor of the Kharkiv region Oleh Syniehubov reported this information to the Kyiv Independent. These camps are utilized by the Russians to identify and document Ukrainians in the occupied territories. They've been known to endure torture, sexual assault, and deportations in the past. The few remaining people in the occupied section of Vovchansk are reportedly being used as human shields by the enemy.
The ex-leader of Ukraine's weapons acquisition department is set to face charges of corruption in court. The charges relate to him agreeing to over-priced deals for aircraft parts, as announced by the Anti-Corruption Bureau in Kyiv. This case originates from 2016 and is unrelated to the ongoing conflict between the Ukrainian army and Russia's assaults. Consequently, the accused colluded with a private firm to set the cost of aircraft parts at seven times their market value, the bureau elaborated further. His company partner is already on trial.
In Moscow, police have been harshly suppressing the supporters of the late Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, who gathered for a small memorial event on his birthday. Authorities from a special unit raided a venue where several dozen individuals had assembled to watch a Navalny memorial concert in Berlin. Ovd-Info, a human rights organization, reports that approximately 30 individuals were temporarily arrested, searched, and questioned. Navalny would have been 48 today. For further information, please refer here.
More than 600 children have been killed in Ukraine since the war erupted in February 2022, and over 1,400 others injured, according to a UN representative, Denise Brown. This tally is based on confirmed cases by the United Nations, with the actual number of children killed possibly being much higher. "Help us protect our children," said President's wife Olena Zelenska at a remembrance service in Kiev, addressing the allies. Ukraine demands more weapons. Olena emphasized that the children's lives should have more value than "the cost of air defense."
In Ukraine, images of Roman Horilyk, a National Guard soldier, have been circulating widely on social media due to his emaciated state. Illia Ponomarenko, a noteworthy journalist, published these pictures. "This is his condition after returning to Ukraine following the most recent prisoner exchange," Ponomarenko wrote. Captured at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, Horilyk spent over two years in Russian captivity. "The story repeats itself and screams that its lessons must be learned." Many on social media are comparing his appearance to that of concentration camp inmates.
Satellite imagery has disclosed a striking assault on a Russian air defense system. Not only is this attack noteworthy due to the significance of the system, but also because it occurred within Russian territory. Moscow's denial of the incident is met with scepticism. Numerous videos and photos indicate successful strikes, and Radio Liberty has unveiled relevant satellite images. Burned launch pads and a damaged S-300/400 command post are conspicuous. The assault is likely attributed to a HIMARS multiple rocket launcher provided by the US. Recenty, the US permitted Ukraine to attack targets within Russian territory to shield the Kharkiv region.
Ukrainian President Zelensky explained that his country is once more experiencing a critical phase. "Despite it being only the beginning of June, the following weeks will determine the entire summer and, to a great extent, the entire year," stated Zelensky in his evening address. He highlights the Swiss peace summit, "the mobilization of the world for Ukraine, our relationship with the EU, front-line positions, and domestic manufacturing."
Prior to the European elections, there is an onslaught of Russian disinformation in Germany, France, and Poland, as per Brussels. "These three countries have been permanently targeted by Russia in the past," says EU Vice Commissioner Věra Jourová in Brussels. In Germany, information is most frequently manipulated regarding "issues of immigration and security," she states. Jourová discussed an evaluation from the European Observatory for Online Media (EDMO). Russian disinformation campaigns is commonly focused on topics connected to the war in Ukraine. Altogether, Germany, France, and Poland represent approximately 145 million eligible voters, encompassing around 40% of all EU voters.
All earlier updates are available here.[^1]
Read also:
- Vladimir Putin, the Russian leader, expressed concerns about the potential use of German weapons against Russian targets by Ukrainian troops, stating that such attacks would significantly damage Russian-German relations.
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian President, is scheduled to visit Qatar for discussions with Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, on topics including mediation for the return of kidnapped Ukrainian children and the upcoming peace summit in Switzerland.
- The EU finance ministers are considering the possibility of using income generated from frozen Russian assets to finance a significant loan for Ukraine, with a majority of the funds allocated towards armament purchases and reconstruction.
- Ukraine has been employing weapons provided by the United States against targets within Russian territory, as reported by a Western government official, which correlates with the new guidelines approved by US President Joe Biden.
