Russia accuses NATO of experiencing "military euphoria."
The Kremlin accuses NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg of being in a state of "war frenzy" during discussions on easing restrictions on the use of Western weapons in Russia. "NATO is escalating the situation, the NATO is playing with war rhetoric and falling into a war frenzy," says Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov in Russian media. Peskov's remarks come in response to Stoltenberg's statements about member states considering relaxing restrictions on the use of Western weapons against targets in Russia.
19:54 Spain guarantees Ukraine $1.1 billion in aidSpain and Ukraine sign a bilateral security agreement during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's first official visit to the EU country. The agreement includes a military aid package worth $1.1 billion from Spain this year. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez shared this news at the Moncloa government building. He did not provide details on the military aid, only mentioning that they will continue to provide anti-aircraft missiles, Leopard tanks, and ammunition.
19:16 Russia publishes combat magazine as part of soldier trainingThe Russian Defense Ministry has released a new army magazine to serve as a political education tool for soldiers, according to London reports. The Ministry reports that the magazine "Politruk" is traditionally designed to help trainers of the Russian armed forces. Russian Deputy Defense Minister Viktor Goremykin writes in the leading article that this magazine follows in the footsteps of Soviet military publications. Goremykin quotes dictator Joseph Stalin on the importance of political education for soldiers and the need to hate the enemy. "The magazine emphasizes that the enemy in today's Ukraine is the same as the enemy the Soviet Union fought against - the Nazis," says London. A map published in the magazine is said to undermine the existence of Ukrainian statehood.
18:44 Ukraine prepares for French military trainersThe Ukraine is preparing for a visit from a French military training team at their training centers. Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyj announced that the necessary documents have been signed. The trainers should soon become acquainted with the infrastructure and personnel of the centers. No details were given. French President Emmanuel Macron announced on February 26 at a conference in Paris that Western troops could help the Ukrainian government through training within Ukraine.
18:20 Fear of "Double Tap" at the destroyed Kharkiv marketThe Kharkiv market, which occupies an area of 10,000 square meters, was destroyed by Russian bombing. After the attack, firefighters, police officers, and prosecutors are at the scene. Clean-up work is underway - accompanied by fear of a possible second round of attacks.
17:44 Mass Brawl with Former Wagner Soldiers in Chelyabinsk, RussiaReports say former soldiers of the Wagner mercenary unit participated in a mass brawl in the Russian city of Chelyabinsk in the Ural Mountains. The investigation committee has initiated a criminal procedure, according to the Russian TV channel RTVI. The incident, which occurred over the weekend, allegedly began with a disagreement between men over a woman. Videos show two groups fighting in the streets. Initially, one side, reportedly comprised of former Wagner soldiers, attacks the other side with clubs. Then, black-clad individuals appear, firing shots from non-lethal pistols. There were reportedly several injuries.
17:07 Russia and Belarus conduct joint air force exercisesRussia and Belarus are reportedly conducting a joint air force exercise. The flight and air defense exercises will take place from May 27 to May 31, according to the Belarusian Defense Ministry.
16:36 Poland restricts the freedom of movement of Russian diplomatsPoland plans to limit the mobility of Russian diplomats in the country. The reason is Russia's involvement in hybrid warfare against the EU and Poland, says Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski in Brussels. A diplomatic message will be sent to the Russian embassy in Warsaw announcing this soon. The restrictions will not apply to the ambassador himself, but to all other diplomats employed in the embassy and consulates. They will only be allowed to move within the respective region. "I hope Russia will view this as a very serious warning," says Sikorski.
16:01 Pawlak: "Russia's Baltic Sea plans recall World War II"Ukraine faces a significant challenge with the expansion of the front with Russia, says Julian Pawlak, a scientist at a German defense think tank. Pawlak argues that Russia's plans for the Baltic Sea underline the importance of strengthening NATO's borders.
15:38 New major order: Rheinmetall manufactures gun barrels for European customersThe high demand for defense equipment leads to another major order for Rheinmetall. The Düsseldorf company will supply a large number of gun barrels for the Panzerhaubitze 2000 to a European customer, according to Rheinmetall. The order is valued in the low three-digit million euro range, and Rheinmetall plans to deliver the barrels from 2024 to 2029.
The German government is adamant against the concept of creating a NATO defensive alliance against potential Russian airstrikes on western Ukraine from beyond NATO's boundary. Steffen Seibert, the government's press spokesperson, expressed this view in Berlin, also citing statements from Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. As of late, the call for a protective sheath has grown more insistent internationally and in Germany.
14:21 NATO: Permit Ukraine to deploy Western weaponry along Russian targets
Calling on its member states, NATO requests the authorization for Ukraine to use Western weaponry against Russian military targets. During a spring session in Sofia, the Parliamentary Assembly (PV) of NATO adopts a statement proclaiming "Stand by Ukraine until triumph." Jens Stoltenberg encourages removing limitations on the utilization of provided weapons.
13:36 Sweden permits weapon deployment - Munz: "Lavrov claims Russia is already being assailed"
Sweden has sanctioned the usage of its weaponry against Russia. Reports by Rainer Munz suggest that Russian media are now scrutinizing the standpoints of Western countries. Nonetheless, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov asserts that Russia is already being assaulted with Western arms:
13:07 Ukrainian drone breaks a new distance record - Employee: "Targeted radar 'Voronezh M' in the city of Orsk on the border with Kazakhstan"
Ukraine claims to have attacked a target nearly 1,500 kilometers behind the front lines in the Russian region. An employee from the Ukrainian intelligence agency discloses that a new mark has been set in drone usage. The objective was the early warning radar "Voronezh M" in the city of Orsk on the border with Kazakhstan. This radar can detect rockets or aircraft at considerable distances. However, the employee hasn't divulged details regarding the damage inflicted during the assault on Sunday:
12:36 "Shield East": Poland plans the greatest operation since 1945 to strengthen its eastern boundary
With a €2.3 billion venture, Poland intends to reinforce its eastern boundary and safeguard it against probable assaults. Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz underscores that the "Shield East" endeavor is the most extensive operation undertaking since 1945 to strengthen the Polish eastern boundary and the eastern flank of NATO. Plans encompass "fortifications, varying types of obstacles, as well as highly advanced air defense mechanisms at every parameter and at every height" along the border, which also forms an EU border.
12:05 Kharkiv Under Siege: Videos from inside a hardware story - abrupt turmoil
Showcasing disarray, the contested city of Kharkiv experiences new artillery strikes. Russian forces have discharged glide bombs on a hardware supermarket where close to 200 civilians were. Revealed footage captured by surveillance cameras displays the explosion and ensuing devastation within the structure.
11:31 Judge on Ukraine's ammunition shortage: "The Eastern Front is waning, Russians capture another village"
Sweden endorses the utilization of its weaponry against Russian soil. Ukrainians yearn for "other countries to follow suit." However, Zelensky's presence in Spain adds emphasis to the ammunition deficiency and the lack of necessary weapon systems:
11:10 Spotlight on Hindrances: EU Establishes Framework for Russia Sanctions
EU foreign ministers have devised a new foundation for sanctions against Russia for severe human rights infractions, three and a half months after the passing of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. This framework paves the path for punitive measures against entities and groups responsible for suppression of the opposition, according to several diplomats.
10:41 Germany Provides Extra Millions in Aid for Areas under "Russian" Terror Control
The German government is allocating additional humanitarian assistance to individuals in the Russian-controlled areas of eastern Ukraine. A sum of €60 million, primarily allotted for the eastern sector of Ukraine, will be positioned, announced Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock prior to EU deliberations in Brussels. "Nothing is left," emphasized Baerbock, referring to the occupied regions. "People have been enduring Russian terror control for more than 2.5 years." The German administration is trying to extend aid to the area in collaboration with other international players.
10:13 Lithuania Faults Hungary for Systematic Hindrance of EU Aid for Ukraine
The NATO ally, Lithuania, has condemned Hungary for impeding EU assistance to Ukraine.
Lithuania accuses Hungary of systematically thwarting all EU efforts to assist Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression. Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis argued before a meeting with his EU peers in Brussels that the EU needs to "find a way around this blockade." Hungary has taken this obstructive approach to the extreme, Landsbergis asserted. "We must view this as a systematic attempt to hinder any significant role the EU can play in foreign policy," he said. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also urged Hungary to cease its obstruction of additional EU military aid for Ukraine. Baerbock called on Hungary to "allow assistance once again for peacekeeping purposes." The European Union's foreign ministers are slated to deliberate on additional aid for Ukraine in Brussels. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba requested additional air defense systems and other weapons in a video message.
9:40 Spain to Supply Ukraine with Leopard Tanks and Missiles
Spain is rumored to provide a dozen missiles for the Patriot air defense system and 19 Leopard tanks to Ukraine. These weapons are part of the $1.13 billion aid package announced last month, according to newspaper "El Pais," citing sources. The package also includes equipment for drone defense and ammunition. The new military aid will supposedly be announced during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Madrid to meet with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and King Felipe. Sánchez's spokesperson declined to comment on the news. Ukraine recently received Leopard tanks from Germany - the 1A5 model.
9:09 Ukraine Launches Drone Attack on Russian Territory
A Ukrainian drone attack on a gas station in the Russian region of Orqol resulted in a fatality, as reported by Russian sources. Governor Andrej Klychkov stated on Telegram, "A drone crashed on the grounds of a gas station in the city of Liveny this morning." Three people were injured in the attack around 160 kilometers behind the Ukrainian border. A nearby administrative building was also damaged. A second drone attack occurred after the emergency services had arrived. "Preliminary information suggests that one of the firefighters was killed," Klychkov clarified. The injured were also emergency workers, as per Klychkov. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that Russian forces had neutralized a dozen Ukrainian drones overnight, including six in the Orqol region.
8:35 Lange: We Enable Russia to Commit More War Crimes Instead of Deterring Them
Military expert Nico Lange considers the Russian missile strikes on a printing house and a hardware store in Kharkiv as new war crimes. "If we limit our support for Ukraine, we are encouraging Russia to commit more war crimes rather than deterring it," he remarked on the platform X.
7:59 Lithuania's Election Brings Ukraine Great Joy
The re-election of Gitanas Nauseda as Lithuania's president is warmly welcomed in Kyiv. Zelenskyy extends his warm wishes to Nauseda in a statement: "Dear Gitanas Nauseda, sincere congratulations on your re-election! You've stood by our side through these trying years. I value your sincere support for Ukraine, and I am confident that together, we will guarantee freedom, peace, and security in Ukraine, the Baltic States, and throughout Europe." Small Lithuania has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine.
7:19 Kuleba: Russia Has Sabotaged the Peace Process Despite 200 Negotiations
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has endured numerous fruitless talks with Russia. "The main issue is that Russia, aside from reluctant compliance, never entered the negotiations in good faith," Kuleba stated on the platform X. "Moscow has sabotaged the peace process with 200 negotiations between 2014 and 2022, instigating a 'total war' against Ukraine." Kuleba advocates for a unified international effort to find a path to genuine peace. "That's why the peace summit in Switzerland on June 15th and 16th is crucial. And that's why it's critical for as many countries as possible to participate."
6:36 What is Happening on Russian Territory Near the Ukrainian Border?
Russian forces are allegedly congregating near the border, around 90 kilometers from Kharkiv, according to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. The Russian maneuver seemingly aims to attract Ukrainian troops and prepare for offensive operations to extend Russia's influence in the border area, as noted by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The ISW has discovered satellite images of the area around Graiworon-Borissowka-Proletarski in the western region of Belgorod, indicating that Russian forces have expanded their presence to warehouses and storage facilities in nearby settlements in recent weeks. The precise extent of the possible Russian troop concentration remains unclear, as indicated by the American think tank.
The aftermath of the attack on a home improvement store in Kharkiv with several casualties has left a deep impact. Vitali Klitschko, writing on platform X, says, "These Ukrainians died from Russian bombs because we didn't have enough air defense. How long will the countries with Patriot systems wait?" He also proposes allowing strikes on targets within Russia using Western weapons. "The planes that drop bombs on our citizens take off from Russian airfields. We must destroy these planes there."
5:16 Alert due to airstrike in southern Ukraine
Another air alarm occurs in southern Ukraine at night. The Ukrainian military acknowledges a Russian stealth bomber Su-57 over the Black Sea and warns against the launch of cruise missiles.
4:57 Zelenskyy pleads for preventive strikes against Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urges the right to utilize Western weapons against Russian territory after a deadly bombing in Charkiw. Condolences and condemnations from foreign authorities provoked by this incident are acknowledged by Zelenskyy. "We not only need more air defense but also the authority to employ our foreign weapons on Russian territories." He emphasizes that Russia's military deployment and rocket launch sites are well-known, demanding a political decision to authorize the preemptive destruction of these forces before they assault Ukraine.
1:40 Four fatalities due to Russian shelling in the Donetsk region
Ukrainian prosecutors report four civilian deaths from Russian artillery fire in the Donetsk region. Additionally, casualties were documented in the towns of Siwersk in the north of the region and further south in Krasnohoriwka and Tschassiw Jar. One civilian was killed near the city of Tschuhujiw.
12:47 President Zelenskyy travels to Spain
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to visit Spain. He will be received by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at noon, followed by a press conference. Zelenskyy initially planned his visit for May 17th but postponed it due to the crisis in the Kharkiv region.
9:42 Macron: Supporting Ukraine is not capitulation to war
French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated the need for continued support for Ukraine during his state visit to Germany. "Standing by peace today means upholding the rule of law. Peace is not capitulation. Peace is not solely about principles," Macron said. "Peace means assisting a country in defending its borders and sovereignty." With regard to the upcoming meeting of the bilateral Defense and Security Council, Macron expressed, "Germany and France will also express their support for Ukraine until the end, to assist in exhausting, training, and preparing for all possible scenarios."
8:40 Medvedev threatens Poland over U.S. response to a Russian strike on Ukraine
Russia's former President Dmitry Medvedev has threatened Poland with "radioactive ash" following comments from Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski about the potential U.S. response to a Russian nuclear strike on Ukraine. "If the Americans achieve their objectives, it indicates a world war, and a foreign minister, even from a country like Poland, should realize that," asserted Medvedev, adding, "Warsaw will suffer and will surely receive its share of radioactive ash. Is that what you aspire to?"
21:33 First interview for Zelenskyy with media from Central Asia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has granted his inaugural interview to media from Central Asian nations, particularly journalists from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. The interview was made available via the Kazakh media "Orda" as a video on YouTube. In the interview, Zelenskyy disclosed no chances for a ceasefire with Russia.
3:59 Putin commences state visit to Uzbekistan
Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Uzbekistan for a state visit. This was confirmed by Russian state media. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the president of Uzbekistan since 2016 and home to 37 million inhabitants, welcomed Putin at the Tashkent airport. Putin and Mirziyoyev will discuss Russian-Uzbek relationships and regional issues during their two-day visit. It is planned for a "comprehensive package of bilateral documents" to be signed upon completion of the visit.
Kyiv military officials claim that 83 battles took place yesterday against Russian forces who are striving to breach the Ukrainian defensive lines. The Ukrainian soldiers are responding by taking measures to maintain their positions while also attempting to devastate the Russians' offensive capabilities, according to an update from the General Staff. There is no notable shift in the direction of Kharkiv, but the enemy is still pushing forward in and around the cities of Vovchansk and the village of Lyptsi.
At 9pm in Kyiv, a group of around 150 people gathered in front of the US Embassy. This group is frustrated with the restriction that bars the use of Western weapons against Russian territory. Local news outlet NTV detailed their protests. They called for the repeal of this limitation and showed their dissatisfaction.
Across the border, in the Georgian capital Tbilisi, a "Freedom March" took place on May 26, which was declared Georgian Independence Day. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reports that thousands of people were involved in this protest. They proudly waved Georgian and EU flags, voiced anti-Russian sentiments, and even turned on their cell phone flashlights during the demonstration. Protesters yelled chants such as "No to the Russian law!" and "No to the Russian regime!" Before this, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili told a crowd of new recruits that a shadow from Russia was looming over Georgia.
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- In response to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's statements about easing restrictions on the use of Western weapons against Russian targets, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused NATO of experiencing "military euphoria" and falling into a "war frenzy," suggesting that Russia views NATO's actions as escalating the Ukraine conflict.
- During Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's first official visit to the EU country, Spain and Ukraine signed a bilateral security agreement, including a $1.1 billion military aid package from Spain to Ukraine this year, which includes anti-aircraft missiles, Leopard tanks, and ammunition.
- The Russian Defense Ministry has released a new army magazine to serve as a political education tool for soldiers, following in the footsteps of Soviet military publications and emphasizing that the enemy in today's Ukraine is the same as the enemy the Soviet Union fought against - the Nazis.
- In the context of the Ukraine conflict and NATO's role in it, Steffen Seibert, the German government's press spokesperson, expressed the German government's adamant opposition to the concept of creating a NATO defensive alliance against potential Russian airstrikes on western Ukraine, citing statements from Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
Source: www.ntv.de
