Putin endorses Russian collaboration with AfD.

The Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, has stated his intentions to work with any individuals or groups willing to cooperate with Russia. This was shared during a gathering of major international news agency reps in St. Petersburg. Putin seems unconcerned about any neo-Nazi presence within a far-right German party, calling it the Alternative for Germany or AfD, stating he sees no indications of neo-Nazism in their actions. He claims there are no formal relations with the AfD, but if anyone advocates for better ties with Russia, Moscow will support them.

At 23:29, Putin terms allegations of a Russian invasion of NATO's territory as "bullshit." Putin strongly disagrees with narratives suggesting a potential attack by Russia on NATO. He also denies making any threats regarding the use of atomic weapons. "I never referenced nuclear weapons," he added.

Putin has also expressed his readiness to look into the circumstances surrounding the death of an AFP journalist, Arman Soldin. Soldin, age 32, passed away during a rocket attack near Bachmut, while covering Ukrainian soldiers. The tragedy took place on May 9, 2023. Previously, Russia had claimed they couldn't conduct their own investigation due to Soldin's death occurring in territory under Ukrainian control. However, Putin said, "We will do everything we can" to help with the inquiry, though the practicalities of this are unclear, given the situation.

African nations are reportedly garnering Russia's attention for potential new alliances, as series visits from Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov have been recorded. Burkina Faso, located in West Africa, is one such nation benefitting from increased Russian support. TASS, a Russian news agency, stated, "Russia and Burkina Faso have worked very closely together in all areas, including the development of military and military-technical relations."

Regarding Putin's expectations in US-Russia relations following the US presidential elections, he does not foresee any drastic shifts in policy. In a discussion with international news agency reps, he said, "The result has no great significance" in Moscow's eyes.

According to Putin, there are more than 6,000 Ukrainian prisoners, a number he considers much higher than that of captured Russian soldiers or officers. Ukraine currently holds 1,348 of Russia's personnel, while Russia is housing 6,365 Ukrainian captives. This data could not be verified independently. Putin also claims significantly more Russians have perished in the war than Ukrainians while the opposite is mentioned in Ukraine.

Finally, Putin has warned that any German weapons utilized against Russian targets might cause severe damage to Russian-German relations. In April 2022, Germany supplied main battle tanks to Ukraine, prompting significant surprise and concern in Russia. He went so far as to declare, "If they now launch rockets to attack facilities on Russian territory, this will completely destroy Russian-German relations."

The press conference took place at the Lachta Center, which is owned by Gazprom, and marks the first international meeting of its type since the start of Putin's assault on Ukraine.

Putin intends to collaborate with any individuals or groups interested in cooperating with Russia, as per his remarks to a group of major news agency representatives in St. Petersburg. He sees no neo-Nazi characteristics in the actions of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. There are no "systematic relations" with the German opposition party, he emphasized. But, if an organization or individual favors a connection with Russia, Moscow will support it.

"Bullshit" was Putin's dismissal of concerns about a potential Russian invasion of NATO territory, in a conversation with journalists from major international news outlets. He also denies having hinted at the possibility of employing nuclear weapons.

In the case of the untimely demise of French Press Agency (AFP) journalist, Arman Soldin, Putin assured willingness to help uncover the circumstances. Soldin met his end on May 9, 2023, when he was caught in a rocket attack near Bachmut, while observing Ukrainian soldiers. Previously, Russia stated they couldn't delve into the incident due to the deceased operating in Ukraine-controlled territory. Yet, Putin expressed, "We will do everything we can."

Russia's Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, has declared his intentions to strengthen Burkina Faso's defensive capabilities. Moscow will send additional military equipment and trainers, highlighting their long-standing partnership. Lavrov stated, "Since our first contacts with Burkina Faso after the military coup in 2022, we've worked closely in all areas, including military and military-technical relations." Russia appears to be looking for supportive nations that do not criticize or partake in the conflict.

In reference to Russian-American relations post-US election, Putin expects no significant changes. "The result carries no extraordinary relevance for us," Putin said in a gathering with leading representatives.

Putin has estimated over 6,000 Ukrainian prisoners since his invasion of their country. As of writing, Ukraine holds 1,348 Russian captives, while Russia has detained 6,365 Ukrainians. These figures couldn't be independently verified. Putin also insists a higher number of Russian casualties have transpired in the war than Ukrainian.

Putin also cautioned against using German weapons to strike Russian targets, declaring this would severely impact Russian-German relations. Germany dispatched Leopard 2A7 main battle tanks to Ukraine in April 2022, arousing surprise and fear in Russia. "If they now initiate rockets to strike within the Russian territory," he stated, "This will annihilate Russian-German relations."

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov with the Foreign Minister of Burkina Faso, Traoré, in the capital Ouagadougou.

The meeting with the press took place at the Lachta Center, belonging to Gazprom, signaling the first international gathering of this form since Putin's incursion into Ukraine.

Prior to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit, France has declared extra assistance for Ukraine amounting to €650 million. President Emmanuel Macron, who will welcome Zelenskyy at the Elysee Palace Friday, will pen two agreements. The French development agency AFD will obtain €400 million in loans and €50 million in donations meant for projects in Ukraine. Energy and transportation projects will predominantly receive these funds. Additionally, a support fund of €200 million is planned to aid French firms contributing to Ukraine's infrastructure reconstruction. Zelenskyy's visit to France is for the 80th anniversary celebrations of the Allied landing in Normandy.

19:22: EU Considers Utilizing Russian Assets for Ukraine

Finance ministers in EU's G7 group are working on a plan to explore the use of frozen Russian assets for a vast loan for Ukraine. Eurogroup leader Paschal Donohoe announced it after a video call between EU ministers. The consensus within Western governments is to utilize this money for Ukraine's aid. The EU intends to take care of the interest payments and the majority of the sum for weapons procurement and a fraction for Ukraine's reconstruction. The US government wants to mobilize these frozen funds, along with the gains, for a large €50 billion loan for Ukraine. However, opinions differ within G7 and EU.

18:56: Hundreds of Volunteers Assembling Drone Aircraft for Ukraine

Ukraine is experiencing a shortage of both people and ammunition. To fill the void, the production of kamikaze drones is being escalated. The drones should keep tabs on and attack Russian military positions.

18:14: Ukraine Utilizes US Weapons Against Russian Territory

A Western government source confirmed that Ukraine has used arms procured from the United States to bomb Russian territory. This aligns with the new guidelines passed by US President Joe Biden that support the use of American-supplied weapons within Russia.

18:00: Blogger Imprisoned over Testimonies About Butscha Attacks

A Moscow court sentenced Russian blogger Anna Baschutowa to five and a half years in prison. This action was a result of Baschutowa's public reading of testimonies from Butscha residents detailing Russian military atrocities on the Twitch streaming platform. The court deemed these allegations as "fake" and found Baschutowa guilty of defaming the Russian army. The defendant addressed the verdict as "disgusting and cowardly" and declared, "We will appeal."

17:30: Zelenskyj Arrives in Qatar for Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj has landed in Qatar for discussions with Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the nation's ruler. He intends to address Qatar's efforts in facilitating the return of captive Ukrainian children. The agenda also includes economic relations between the two countries and upcoming peace talks in Switzerland, wherein Qatar will join.

Ukrainian Military-Age Males Prevented from Leaving Ukraine After Visits, Must Enlist

Ukrainian men with military age residing abroad must prepare to be unable to leave Ukraine following a visit and should enlist in the army, according to Andrij Demtschenko, a Ukrainian border guard representative. Ukrainian citizens who have spent more than three months abroad will not fall under the exemption list for the draft and are expected to report to the military within 30 days. This law applies to male Ukrainian citizens aged 18 to 60.

Ukraine Transports Children from Contested City of Solotschiw

For the first time since the start of the war, Kremlin leader Putin meets representatives of news agencies at the economic forum in St. Petersburg.

The Ukrainian government is trying to move all children away from the region of Solotschiw. Solotschiw head of military administration, Viktor Kovalenko, shared this information with The Kyiv Independent in an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). Solotschiw is part of the disputed Kharkiv region and is only a short distance from the contested Ukrainian and Russian border.

According to Andrij Demtschenko, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian border guard, Ukrainian men between the ages of 18 and 60 living abroad must report for military service after returning. Ukrainian officials have prohibited these citizens from falling under the exclusion list and require them to join the army within 30 days. A new law passed on June 1 enacted this requirement.

In the city of Solotschiw, Ukrainian authorities are currently relocating the children from that area. The head of the military administration of Solotschiw, Viktor Kovalenko, stated this to The Kyiv Independent during an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). Solotschiw is located in the contested Kharkiv region, lying just a few kilometers from the Russian-Ukrainian border.

A Russian court has sentenced a 60-year-old individual, who holds both Russian and American citizenship, to 3.5 years in prison for disparaging the memory of the Soviet Army during World War II. The defendant is also required to abstain from publishing content on the internet or any other communication medium for a period of 18 months as per the court's announcement on Telegram. The charges stem from two posts published on the Russian social network, Odnoklassniki. The accused is alleged to have insulted the orange-black St. George's ribbon, the symbol of the Soviet army's victory over Nazi Germany, in a crass manner. The accused acknowledged his guilt. He is a security guard who resides in Brooklyn, New York, and was detained during a visit to Russia in December 2023.

Pistorius Aims to Make Bundeswehr Combat-Ready by 2029

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius is seeking to bolster the leadership proficiency of the Bundeswehr due to the threat from Russia. "We must be ready for combat by 2029," he stated during a parliamentary hearing in the Bundestag. "We must deter and prevent the worst from happening." Finances, equipment, and manpower are central to this endeavor. "We need physically robust young men and women who can defend this country," Pistorius maintained. Accordingly, he considers a "new form of conscription" necessary, while it cant be free of obligations. Germany had suspended conscription in 2011. Proposals for its potential reintroduction by Pistorius are imminently anticipated.

Commission Investigates Russian and Belarusian Espionage in Poland

A new investigative body has been established in Poland to probe the probable influence of Russian and Belarusian intelligence services over the past two decades. The commission will consist of twelve security experts, as declared by Prime Minister Donald Tusk. It will be led by the head of military counterintelligence, General Jarosław Strożyk. Politicians are barred from joining the committee. Russia views Poland as an enemy because Poland is one of the most key military supporters of Ukraine and a logistical hub for Western military support for Kiev. Similar to other EU nations, Poland also fears sabotage acts perpetrated by Russian intelligence services.

One Dead, Five Injured in Donetsk Attacks in Ukraine

In eastern Ukraine, Russian assaults have resulted in one death and five injuries, as per Ukrainian accounts. As a result of this morning's bombardments in the Donetsk region, one person passed away and five others were injured, disclosed governor Vadym Filyuk, via Telegram. The attacks targeted civilians solely in the city of Horlivka. Another person was injured during a bombing in the city of Selydove close to the front line. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, indicated that the Russian forces are currently focusing their attacks on the Donetsk region. The Kremlin claimed Donetsk and three other Ukrainian areas as annexed in the autumn of 2022, but does not fully control them.

Pistorius Rules Out Deployment of German Soldiers in Ukraine

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius categorically rejects the deployment of German troops in Ukraine. The minister reaffirmed this during a Bundestag government hearing. In response to a query from AfD MP Rüdiger Lucas, who asked if the federal government had contemplated such a deployment within the EU and France and whether it was considering dispatching German soldiers to Ukraine, Pistorius responded: "The replies to their questions are negative and negative."

Ukraine Likely to Have Most of the Day Without Power This Winter

The Russian attacks on Ukrainian power plants could have grave repercussions over the coming months. A Ukrainian government official informed the Financial Times that Ukrainian citizens are likely to spend most of the day without power during winter. A second government official, who requested anonymity, stated that the recent attacks on energy facilities on Saturday had been "devastating." It's reported that 1.2 gigawatts of power generation were lost due to the bombardments from Saturday alone, and the infrastructure for transporting natural gas from underground storage facilities in western Ukraine, critical for delivering fuel to households, was severely damaged. The Financial Times reveals that Ukraine's power generation capacitance has more than halved since the onset of the war: from 55 gigawatts, it is now 20 gigawatts.

Death of a Five-Year-Old Girl in a Russian-Occupied Ukrainian Village

The F/A-18 fighter jet touches down on the runway, which has been cleaned several times for the exercise.

In a Russian-occupied village in southern Ukraine, eleven individuals were injured by Ukrainian artillery fire, according to the occupation administration. The head of the Russian-appointed authority for the Zaporizhzhia region, Yevhen Balitsky, reported the death of a five-year-old girl from her sustained injuries on Telegram. There are no independent verifications available of the incident. The village of Novoslobodsk is said to have sustained artillery fire on Tuesday evening. As per maps of the front line, the Ukrainian village lies roughly 3 kilometers behind the front lines.

The Swiss Air Force is conducting tests on their war readiness, involving fighter jet pilots landing on a motorway in Payerne. The F/A-18 pilots have successfully performed these landings, with a landing speed of around 260 kilometers per hour, according to Brigadier Christian Oppliger, Deputy Commander of the Air Force. The last time the Air Force carried out such a test was in 1991. The threat situation has evolved considerably, requiring the Air Force to stay prepared for any eventuality, Oppliger explains. The goal now includes not just defense but also attacking enemy ground-air systems. To maintain a 100-kilometer buffer zone beyond the borders, the Air Force needs to be fully equipped and operational. Additionally, the goal of the exercise was to measure the Air Force's readiness to act promptly after a potential initial strike on military bases elsewhere.

12:00: Kiev is satisfied with Harris attending the peace conference in Switzerland. His presence is a "significant message," per the head of the Presidential Administration. The Ukrainian President initially wished for Biden to attend. Instead, the two leaders will meet on 15th and 16th of June in France during the Allied landing in Normandy commemoration, while the G7 summit in Italy will host another rendezvous next week.

11:20: Scholz requests consistent orders from the defense industry, promising to support their expansion. In the current legislative period, Germany will order an additional 20 Eurofighters, adding to the already planned 38. Scholz refers to this as a "defense industrial turnaround." Additionally, he advocates for more export opportunities for the Eurofighter. Eager to ensure a robust air and space industry, Scholz expressed, "I am committed to maintaining and expanding production capacities."

10:49: Munz, an ntv-reporter, suspects Ukraine may struggle to attract support for the Swiss peace conference due to Russia's attempts to minimize attendees. While 141 UN countries condemned Russia's aggression initially, fewer are now planning to show up.

10:05: The Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, has heightened his security measures since 2023, reports the "Moscow Times." Sources claim the Russian security services have taken extraordinary steps. Putin has been wearing a bulletproof vest to public events, citing incidents like the Slovak prime minister Robert Fico's assassination and Japan's former prime minister Shinzo Abe's killing as contributing factors. Although the Kremlin denied any changes in security protocols, another official revealed the reasons for the increase in safety: the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant against Putin and the growing likelihood of Ukrainian drone attacks and sabotage.

09:37: Nikopol, a city on the Dnipro, was shelled by the Russian army with heavy artillery and kamikaze drones according to the Ukrainian administration. Thankfully, no injuries occurred but damage was inflicted on five houses and a power line. Four drones were shot down in the region.

08:54: "Storks," the aircraft from the Russian 71st Fighter Brigade, observe increasingly inactive hostile activity while Russian air defense continues to counteract Ukrainian drones. These uncrewed aerial vehicles are penetrating deeper into Russia, making the air defense team respond.

08:26: A highly anticipated event in St. Petersburg, the international economic forum, will host Russian President Vladimir Putin fielding questions from foreign journalists for the first time since the invasion of Ukraine. The event occurred in 2022 and 2023.

In Ukraine, the military is reporting a challenging scenario in the eastern region. There are accounts of extensive assaults in the area northwest of Donetsk. The day prior, there were 37 confrontations toward the city of Pokrovsk, as per the military update. The Russian army is actively operating in the vicinity of Ocheretyne. Here, they are attempting to advance in different directions. This location is situated between Donetsk and Pokrovsk.

At 07:32, Ukraine encounters another night with drone attacks from the Russian army. Ukrainian forces claim they have downed 22 of the 27 drones. These drones were allegedly shot down in the south, northeast, and central Ukraine. In an attack, an industrial facility was damaged and a person was injured in the central Ukrainian region of Poltava, as mentioned by regional governor Filip Pronin.

The US Embassy warns male US citizens with Ukrainian citizenship against traveling to Ukraine, stating they may not be able to leave the country for an uncertain time period. "There is a high chance that your departure will be denied, even if you possess a US passport," declares the US Embassy in Ukraine. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian men aged 18 to 60 have been forbidden from departing the country.

At 06:14, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry is establishing a project to recruit drone operators for the military. "Ukrajinska Pravda" reports this news. Anyone aged 18 or over may apply, it indicates. Candidates are said to initially take an online course, then learn how to handle drones, and finally commit to joining the army.

The NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, criticizes China for their absence at the Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland. "It's regrettable that China has decided not to participate," says the Norwegian in an interview with the NDR Info podcast "Streitkräfte und Strategien". The boycott showcases what has been previously witnessed: "Namely, that China was unable to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which violates international law," Stoltenberg explains. The Chinese not only failed to condemn the invasion, but Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin had agreed to an unlimited partnership beforehand, signing an agreement that promised each other perpetual loyalty. Since the invasion, it has become clear how China is shoring up the Russian war economy through trade, providing them with advanced technology, microelectronics, microchips, and other equipment.

US President Biden is scheduled for "two significant conversations" with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, the White House has revealed. Biden is supposed to participate in celebrations commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Allied landing in France, and Zelenskyy is also expected in France. In the upcoming week, the G7 summit will occur in Italy.

The crash barriers had been removed from the closed section of highway.

In Vovchansk, Russian occupiers are establishing "filtering camps." According to Ukrainian authorities, these camps are used to identify and document Ukrainians in the occupied territories. There have been multiple accounts of torture, sexual violence, and deportations in the past. In the part of Vovchansk capitalized by Russian forces, only a few individuals remain. These people are utilized by the opposition as human shields.

The former head of Ukraine's arms procurement expects to respond to corruption allegations in court. He is accused of concurring to overpriced contracts for aircraft parts, announced the Anti-Corruption Bureau in Kyiv. This case originates from 2016 and is therefore not connected to the current clash between the Ukrainian military and Russia's assaults. The accused had agreed to prices for aircraft parts with a private firm that were seven times higher than the market value, the bureau elaborated further. His business partner is already standing trial.

On Friday, special forces in Moscow harshly handled supporters of the deceased government critic Alexei Navalny who had assembled for a small memorial gathering. Officers from a specialized operating unit raided a room where many people had collected to view a Navalny memorial concert from Berlin. Around 30 individuals were apprehended, investigated, and interrogated, according to the human rights organization OVD-Info. The news outlet "Sota" released a brief video showcasing several masked officers approaching. Navalny would have been 48 years old today.

In Vovchansk, Ukrainian authorities are reporting that Russian invaders are setting up "filtering camps." These camps are used by Russia to trace and document Ukrainian inhabitants in the occupied zones. Multiple accounts of mistreatment, sexual violence, and deportations have been reported in the past. In the section of Vovchansk occupied by Russian soldiers, only a few people are present. These individuals are being employed as human shields by the opposition.

The former head of Ukraine's arms procurement is set to answer to corruption charges in court. He is charged for agreeing to overpriced contracts for aircraft parts, claimed the Anti-Corruption Bureau in Kyiv. This case goes back to 2016 and thus has no connection to the ongoing warfare between the Ukrainian military and Russia's assault. The accused had concurred to prices for aircraft parts with a private business that were seven times higher than the market value, added the bureau. His business partner is already on trial.

Ukrainians recalled the children who have lost their lives since the war commenced. Over 600 kids have been killed since the conflict initiated in February 2022, and over 1,400 others sustained injuries, as declared by a UN representative, Denise Brown. The reported figures merely represent the confirmed instances recorded by the United Nations. The actual tally of children's deaths must be significantly higher. During a remembrance ceremony in Kyiv, the President's wife, Olena Zelenska, appealed to the allies, "Please help us shield our children." Ukraine's demand for more armaments persists, and she asserted, "The lives of children outweigh the 'cost of air defense.'"

10:05 Striking Imagery of Former Ukrainian Soldier Surfaces - Draws Comparisons to Concentration Camp Inmates

Several striking photographs of Roman Horilyk, a soldier from Ukraine's National Guard, have been making the rounds on social media. The acclaimed journalist Illia Ponomarenko has shared these images, which feature Horilyk's extremely emaciated appearance. He notes that he took the photographs when the soldier returned to Ukraine after being exchanged for prisoners. Horilyk was apprehended at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant and had been captive in Russia for more than two years. People on social media have been comparing the man's appearance to that of prisoners from Nazi concentration camps.

19:14 Satellite Images Evidence Substantiates Daring Raid on Russian Land

The recent attack on a Russian S-300/400 air defense system has attracted widespread attention. Although it is a significant system, the primary reason for its impact is that it occurred on Russian territory. Moscow refutes the attack, but various videos and images corroborate the success of the strikes - and now, there are also accompanying satellite images published by Radio Liberty. The photos show severely damaged launch pads and a damaged command center of the S-300/400 system. The attack was orchestrated with a HIMARS multiple rocket launcher provided by the United States.

19:30 "The Imminent Weeks Will Affect the Entire Summer and Even the Year"

Ukrainian President Zelensky has indicated that his nation is, once again, confronting a crucial phase. He remarks, "Although it's only early June, the forthcoming weeks will shape the summer and, in many ways, the entire year." He highlights a multitude of concerns, including the peace summit in Switzerland, worldwide support for Ukraine, commitments to the EU, frontline situations, and domestic production.

19:06 As European Elections Approach, Germany Is Targeted by Russian Disinformation Campaigns

Before the European elections, an influx of Russian disinformation has been reported in Germany, France, and Poland, per reports from Brussels. These three countries have consistently been "targeted" by Russia, says European Vice Commissioner Vera Jourova. In Germany, the focus of these campaigns revolves primarily around "migration and security issues," she notes. Jourova presented an analysis of the European Observatory for Online Media (EDMO). Russian disinformation attempts often involve topics related to the Ukraine conflict. Combined, Germany, France, and Poland represent approximately 145 million eligible voters - nearly 40% of all voters in the EU.