Putin calls Western sanctions "idiotic" or "mindless choices."

Putin: Western sanctions are "completely foolish choices"

Putin disapproves of Western sanctions, calling them detrimental to the global economy. He made this statement during a conversation with representatives of Russian state media in China. In his opinion, these sanctions are non-market-related and pointless. According to Putin, the US will weaken its dollar with these sanctions, endangering its position. He also dismisses the idea of any connection between these sanctions and his decision to invade Ukraine. Instead, he believes that the West aims to gain a competitive edge.

At 13:41, Putin expressed his optimism about the construction of the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, which will transport Russian gas to China. He is convinced that Gazprom and other companies involved will be able to determine the pipeline route. In addition, the possibility of building an oil pipeline "along the same route" is being considered.

At 13:21, Putin clarified his intentions regarding Kharkiv, a city under Russian fire for several weeks. He doesn't plan to seize the city at the moment. He explained that Russia intends to establish a buffer zone around the city to safeguard the Russian region of Belgorod, which is being shelled from Kharkiv. However, some experts surmise that Putin is interested in annexing the Kharkiv region.

Political analyst Thomas Jäger shared his thoughts on Beijing's interactions with Putin. Though China publicly maintains a formal posture, there may be more tense discussions taking place behind the scenes as China recognizes the vulnerability of its dependency on Russia.

At 12:58, Putin expressed his goal of providing more energy to China, saying Russia can supply it with clean and affordable energy. Speaking at the opening of a Russian-Chinese trade fair in Harbin, Putin emphasized the importance of their strategic energy partnership.

Damage to the Russian airbase Belbek was captured in satellite images, with signs of fire and shot-up fighter jets visible. This follows two days of Ukrainian attacks on the occupied Crimea, including five intercepted ATACMS.

Munz, a Russian media correspondent, mentioned cracks in the partnership between Russia and China despite a 30-page agreement. He cited potential conflicts such as China's possible involvement in Swiss peace negotiations or its desire to avoid dependence on Russian commodities.

Ukraine's army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi shared that Russia has expanded its combat zone in the Kharkiv region by nearly 70 kilometers. This move was reportedly designed to discourage Ukraine from deploying reserve brigades. He predicts a more intense fight as Russian forces in Kiev ready themselves for defense in the Sumy region.

A night of Russian attacks saw Ukrainian forces targeting multiple locations, including an oil refinery in Tuapse, Krasnodar. Russia claims that they have intercepted over 100 Ukrainian drones during this period.

Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock advocated for longer-range weapons in response to the deteriorating situation in Kharkiv. The city, located just 40 kilometers from the Russian border, is under attack by Russian troops.

Lastly, Putin and Xi bid each other farewell with a friendly exchange. Following their talks in Beijing, Putin ended his two-day state visit in the Chinese city of Harbin.

Putin voices dissatisfaction with Western sanctions, claims they hurt global economy
Russia and China eyeing expansion of energy partnership, including possible oil pipeline
No plans to take Kharkiv, Putin maintains, despite intense bombardment
Behind-the-scenes tension between Beijing and Moscow suggests cracks in partnership
Russia struggling to maintain stronghold in the face of Ukrainian offensive
Baerbock advocates for long-range weapons to aid Ukraine against Russian attacks
Putin and Xi part ways after harmonious meeting in Beijing

Putin blasts Western sanctions, stating they're detrimental to the economy, and the US will hurt itself with them. He declines any connection to the Ukraine invasion.

13:41: Expansion of Russia-China energy partnership with Power of Siberia 2 pipeline and potential oil pipeline under consideration.

13:21: No current plans to take control of Kharkiv, Putin insists. Shelling along the Belgorod-Kharkiv border causes instability.

12:58: Analyst claims China may be more forceful in conversations with Putin. Russia's reliance on China introduces strain.

12:28: Putin seeks to strengthen energy ties with China, offering increased energy supply.

11:57: Differences between Russian and Chinese authorities still present, despite a signed agreement.

11:34: Ukraine army reports major Russian expansion in Kharkiv, aiming to exhaust Ukraine's reserve brigades.

11:15: Satellite images reveal damage to the Belbek airbase, including destroyed jets.

10:31: Munz notices emergent rifts between China and Russia, highlighting competing interests in Ukraine.

10:02: Putin and Xi exchange final greetings after a day of negotiations in China.

09:26: Ukraine reports four explosions in KharkivUkraine claimed to have shot down all 20 drones launched by Russia overnight. These drones targeted various regions, including Kharkiv, Poltava, Vinnytsia, Odessa and Mykolaiv. In Kharkiv city, a series of explosions occurred during the drone attacks. One of the detonations caused a fire. The regional governor stated that five buildings sustained damages, including an administrative building.

09:02 ntv reporter: "Russians moving closer to the city limits of Kharkiv"The war in Kharkiv presents an increasingly tense situation. While Ukraine is making progress securing its military borders, Russia has been stabilizing its position near Kharkiv city. The Russians are only 30 kilometers away from the city, according to ntv reporter Jürgen Weichert.

08:34: Russia reports casualties in Belgorod regionRussian officials reported that two people, a mother and her four-year-old son, were killed by a Ukrainian drone in the village of Oktyabrsky in the border region of Belgorod. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov confirmed this.

08:06: Russia reports attack on Sevastopol in CrimeaThe Russian Ministry of Defense announced an attack on Sevastopol city in Crimea during the night. The local governor stated that a substation was damaged, resulting in temporary power outages. Sevastopol is the home port of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. The region was annexed by Russia in 2014, defying international law.

07:42: Reports of attack on Black Sea Fleet portVideos circulated online showing what appeared to be a major Ukrainian drone attack on the Black Sea Fleet port of Novorossiysk. RIA, a Russian state news agency, reported missile attacks on the region but did not mention the port specifically.

07:18: Moscow reports over 100 Ukrainian drones interceptedRussian officials reported that they had intercepted more than 100 Ukrainian drones overnight. Fifty-one drones were intercepted in Crimea, 44 more in Krasnodar region, six in Belgorod, and one in Kursk region. The navy also destroyed six naval drones in the Black Sea.

06:58: Several Russian fighter jets destroyed in CrimeaAerial images from Maxar Technologies showed three Russian fighter jets destroyed: two MiG-31s and one Su-27, and another MiG-29 damaged after Ukraine's attacks on the Belbek military airfield in Crimea. A fuel depot was also destroyed, in addition to the aircraft. It's been reported that Ukraine attacked the airbase for two nights consecutively.

06:33: Reports of a new attack on a Russian refineryVideos show what looks like a Ukrainian drone attack on a Russian oil refinery. A plant in Tuapse on the Black Sea is believed to have been struck.Update: Local authorities have confirmed the accidental fire, and it has been successfully contained.

06:14: Putin plans to emphasize trade with ChinaRussian President Vladimir Putin will highlight the importance of trade in the northeastern region of China after signing a strategic partnership agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping later today. Putin's visit to Harbin, Heilongjiang province, aims to strengthen trade and cultural relations between the two countries.

06:00: Russia expels British military attachéThe Russian Foreign Ministry has declared British military attaché Adrian Coghill persona non grata and given him a week to leave the country. This action comes in response to the UK's expulsion of the Russian military attaché on May 8, who Russia believes is a covert intelligence agent.

05:30: "NYT": NATO countries consider sending military trainers to UkraineSome NATO nations are exploring options to send military trainers or contractors to Ukraine to provide troops with training and equipment maintenance. Ukraine has requested such assistance to help train 150,000 soldiers near the front lines. However, concerns over potential risks to trainers could lead to the implementation of alternative solutions like training troops in Germany and Poland, despite the logistical challenges involved. Additionally, several NATO nations, such as the UK, Germany, and France, are contemplating deploying defense contractors to Ukraine while the US is reviewing its ban on US defense contractors operating in Ukraine.

04:42 Japan: It's crucial to stick to international law when handling Russian assets

Japanese Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki weighs in on the idea of using the interest from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. He promises that Japan will take part in the upcoming G7 meeting with this perspective in mind, stressing that the discussions have to be conducted according to international law.

03:11 Kim Jong Un's sister refutes rumors of arms trade with Russia

Kim Yo Jong, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's sister, refutes claims of arms deals with Russia. The state news agency KCNA shared a statement from Kim, indicating that the weapons developed by North Korea were meant for self-defense against South Korea. She dismissed the rumors about a potential arms deal with Russia as an implausible theory fueled by biases and fabrications. The US and South Korea have accused North Korea of sending weapons to Russia, which could then be used against Ukraine. Both Moscow and Pyongyang deny the allegations.

02:04 Air raid alert in Kharkiv cancelled after drone strike incident

The air raid alert in Kharkiv has now been lifted in most areas. Oleh Synyehubov, the regional governor, mentioned that five drones had targeted Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, in previous attacks. Ihor Terekhov, the city's mayor, reported that a certain area had been hit and set on fire. This air raid alert lasted for 16.5 hours, the longest one since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

00:51 US: China's support for Russia stands in the way of Western reconciliation

In response to the recent friendly meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kremlin Leader Vladimir Putin, the US government has condemned China's support for Russia as a barrier to reconciliation with the West. Vedant Patel, a State Department spokesman, stated that China is "dancing at two weddings at once." He argued that improving relations with Europe and other countries is not achievable if China is concurrently "stoking the greatest threat to European security in a long time," referring to Russia's ongoing military operation in Ukraine.

23:34 Zelensky warns of potential gas infrastructure threats to Europe

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warns about the perilous consequences for Europe due to Russian missile attacks on gas infrastructure. He discussed this issue with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in a video message. Zelensky asserted that the consequences of these attacks on gas transportation systems in western Ukraine were a threat that affected more than just Ukraine, but also its European neighbors. According to Zelensky, collective action is required to counteract this issue.

22:06 Lengthy power cuts in Ukraine following energy infrastructure attacks

Yuri Boyko, an advisor to the Ukrainian Prime Minister and a member of the utility Ukrenerho's supervisory board, predicts that the power shortage will persist for months following attacks against power plants and substations. He stated that an improvement might not occur until August or September. On Thursday, planned power outages will be implemented in specific regions to conserve electricity. Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, is also affected by these power cuts. Russia's missile strikes have severely damaged the country's power grid, affirmed Boyko.