Russia declares seizure of additional villages and annihilation of multiple helicopters.
Russian forces have reportedly gained control over four more villages in the Kharkiv region of northeastern Ukraine, according to the Ministry of Defense in Moscow. The villages captured are Hatyshche, Krasne, Morokhovets, and Oliyinykove. Earlier, the ministry announced the capture of five villages. The offensive in Kharkiv started on Friday, although Russian troops had entered the region shortly after the invasion in February 2022. However, they were pushed back temporarily by Ukrainian troops.
The Ukrainian army chief, Syrskyj, commented on the situation in a statement, saying that the defense forces are fighting intensively against the Russian occupiers. Their attempts to breakthrough defenses have been thwarted, and various units, including reconnaissance, artillery, and drone units, are in action. He mentioned that the situation has worsened in the Kharkiv region and that the Ukrainian Defense Forces are doing their best to maintain the defense lines. The Russian forces have also tried unsuccessfully to restore their lost position in the Klishchiivka area, and there is a rotation of units to allow soldiers to rest and restore their combat capability.
In the Belgorod Oblast, a multi-story residential building in the Russian city of Belgorod collapsed partially after being hit by Ukrainian shelling, resulting in three reported deaths and with potentially 20 people still trapped under the rubble. According to authorities, the city and region experienced heavy shelling by the Ukrainian forces. However, Ukraine has not yet commented on the incident.
The British Ministry of Defense estimates that Russian energy giant Gazprom will feel the consequences of the ongoing war with Ukraine for several years due to deteriorating relations with its Western customers following the invasion in 2022. Gazprom's dependence on the European market could affect its profitability until 2030. The company recently reported its first net loss since 1999, and its tax burden is expected to increase in 2024, which could contribute to a reduction in investments by around 15% in 2024.
Last night, Ukraine claimed to have attacked infrastructure on Russian territory, including a Volgograd oil refinery in the Krasnoarmeysky district, a Kaluganaftelectroduct oil depot in Kaluga, and a plant in Lipetsk. Military targets were also mentioned to have been hit. A source in military intelligence told the Unian news agency that kamikaze drones targeted a Volgograd oil refinery, causing numerous explosions and a fire. Officials from Volgograd region confirmed the damage. The Russian government denied the success of the attack, claiming only a small fire caused by falling debris.
The situation along the border near Kharkiv is becoming increasingly complex, according to DeepState, a channel with ties to the Ukrainian military. The enemy is bringing more forces into the area, with infantry constantly penetrating, grouping in settlements, and trying to gain a foothold there. The source emphasized the need to pay more attention to the region or risk more significant Russian advances. Despite the main objective being to divert attention from other areas, the situation could become "very serious" without the introduction of Ukrainian reserves.
Russia has reportedly destroyed four Ukrainian helicopters and damaged one in the Dnipropetrovsk region in southern Ukraine, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense.
The Ukrainian army chief, Syrskyj, expressed concerns about the intensifying situation in the Kharkiv region, stating that the enemy is continuously bringing more forces into the area and attempting to move closer to the settlements. He urged for more attention and resources to prevent further Russian successes.
Belgorod, a city in Belgorod Oblast bordering Ukraine, experienced a partial collapse of a multi-story residential building after being hit by Ukrainian shelling. At least three people were reported dead, with possibly 20 more people trapped under the rubble. The Governor of Belgorod Oblast, Vyacheslav Gladkov, stated that the city and region were subject to massive shelling by the Ukrainian armed forces, resulting in a direct hit on an apartment building that caused the entrance area to collapse between the tenth and second floors.
10:00 Weichert: "Russia intends to make Ukrainian forces withdraw"
The Russian military is engaged in a large-scale attack near Kharkiv, with reports indicating that some villages have been captured. President Zelensky is determined to prevent the advance at all costs. Ukrainian troops are being deployed in the area, and according to reporter Jürgen Weichert, this is one of Russia's desired outcomes:
08:30 Contradictory images: Russian propaganda claims panic in populated city compared to footage of normal life - watch here
While the Russian army advances near a densely populated Ukrainian city, no details about evacuation measures have been reported. Ukrainian security expert Maria Avdeeva asserts on Channel X that the city is not panicked and bustling, as Russian propaganda suggests. In a video shared by Avdeeva, people can be seen shopping normally at a busy market. Despite numerous airstrikes on the city in the past, it's believed the Kremlin troops won't be able to take Kharkiv. Experts speculate that Moscow may be attempting to trigger a massive flight from the city.
08:00 ISW: Russians make gains in Kharkiv region, but not necessarily targeting the city
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports that Russian forces are conducting limited offensive operations in the northern Kharkiv region and are "continuing to make tactically significant advances in less well-defended areas." Even though some Russians troops have been making progress, it's unlikely that they're focusing on encircling, besieging, or capturing the city of Kharkiv.
07:15 Ukraine strikes oil refinery in southern Russia
A Ukrainian drone attack started a fire at the Volgograd oil refinery in Russia's south, the region's governor, Andrey Botsharov, announced on Telegram. The fire was put out, and no injuries were reported. Neither Lukoil, the oil producer, nor the Ukrainian side has issued a statement on the incident.
06:40 Ukraine may receive crucial weapons from Latvia
Ukrainian Ambassador to Latvia Anatoly Kutsevol hints that Latvia will soon supply Ukraine with drones and radar defense systems. He says, "I think that with time we will receive more media reports about drones and radar defense systems from Latvia being delivered to Ukraine." There will also be partnerships in the production of vital 155 mm artillery shells. Kutsevol adds, "There are other areas in which we cooperate, but for security reasons, we cannot speak about them now."
06:00 110th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Army reports downing of a Russian jet
The 110th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces published a Facebook post stating that its anti-aircraft gunners shot down a Su-25 fighter jet by Russian forces. "The anti-aircraft gunners of the 110th Brigade are once again doing an excellent job. Today they hit another SU-25," the post reads. "The occupants still haven't realized that there's no point in flying into our skies. They will continue to fall," according to Ukrainian Major Oleksiy Hetman on the We-Ukraine channel. Reportedly, Moscow has about 190 Su-25 jets, a potent plane for causing damage to Ukrainian forces. The Su-25 is specifically designed for support missions directly on the front lines.
05:20 Death reported after attack on Belgorod, damage to houses, schools, businesses, and medical facilities confirmed
Governor of the Belgorod region, Vyacheslav Gladkov, stated that a large-scale Ukrainian attack hit the area on the evening of May 11, resulting in damage and casualties. Though Ukraine doesn't usually comment on attacks in this region, Gladkov reported a missile alert in the oblast. Following the assault, Russian Telegram channels shared images of burning cars and smoke rising over Belgorod. One woman was killed in the attack, with 29 individuals, including a child, wounded and sent to hospitals. Additionally, several homes, businesses, cars, and educational and medical facilities were said to have been damaged. Damage was also reported in the nearby village of Dubovoye, according to Gladkov on his Telegram channel.
04:20 Autocratic regime like Russia can prioritize weapon production over economic welfare for continuous military operations in Ukraine
According to Lieutenant General Steven Basham, Deputy Commander of US Air Forces in Europe, an authoritarian government like Russia can prioritize the expansion of its arms industry instead of economic prosperity to sustain its military actions in Ukraine. General Basham also notes that the Western defense industrial base is growing: "It's picking up speed. It will continue to outpace Russia's capabilities. The time Russia spends in Ukraine is also the time we have to improve our industrial base to the level needed."
03:02 Zelenskyj: Ukrainian forces retaliate in Kharkiv region
Ukrainian troops are striking back after enduring a Russian assault in the northeastern region of Kharkiv, as stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyi. The top priority for the soldiers is to spoil Moscow's attack agenda, Zelensky declared during his nightly video address. The Ukrainian army's objective now is to regain the upper hand.
01:46 One civil death reported in Sumy Oblast from Russian attacks
With Russian forces shelling 10 communities in the northeastern Ukrainian province of Sumy Oblast throughout the day, the regional administration reported at least 93 explosions in the area within the past 24 hours. In an attack targeting Sumy's outskirts, a 37-year-old civilian lost her life. The rocket strike was aimed at damaging local infrastructure, the report added, but did not provide further information on the target or its aftermath.
23:49 Canada joins Ukraine peace summit in June
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has committed participation in the impending global peace summit for Ukraine, scheduled to take place in Switzerland on June 15 and 16. The event aims to promote peace in Ukraine, in line with Ukrainian President Zelensky's 10-point peace plan. "The first Ukraine peace summit will happen in June - and Canada will be there," Trudeau wrote on X. "I am eager to collaborate with other global leaders towards achieving our objective of a fair and lasting Ukrainian peace."
23:06 Scholz cautions about Russian interference in European and regional elections
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed concerns over potential Russian meddling in the upcoming European and state elections. At the "RND vor Ort" event hosted by Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, Scholz asserted that outside parties are trying to sway the elections. Scholz referred to media reports about monetary compensation to AfD members as "alarming." He added that these matters must now be investigated and substantiated by the relevant authorities. "There's an abundance of Russian disinformation in election campaigns," Scholz said.
22:00 Scholz urges Ukrainian refugees to seek employment in Germany
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz appealed to Ukrainian refugees in Germany to find employment quickly. While describing the progress of Ukrainian war refugees in the country, the SPD politician stated, "We hope that Ukrainians who are capable of working will now also start working." Scholz emphasized that the authorities have provided resources for integration courses and language training, and they are keen for many refugees to seek jobs. "Many are already working, as we can see, but there are still several hundred thousand more who desperately need work on the labor market," the Chancellor added. "My recommendation would be for all of them to do so as well."
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- In response to the Russian advancement in the Kharkiv region, Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, has expressed his determination to prevent the Russian forces from making further gains.
- The failed attempt by the Russian forces to restore their lost position in the Klishchiivka area has resulted in a rotation of units to allow soldiers to rest and restore their combat capability.
- The situation along the border near Kharkiv has become increasingly complex, according to DeepState, a channel with ties to the Ukrainian military, prompting concerns about potential significant Russian advances.
- Nato countries have been providing military aid to Ukraine, including the potential supply of drones and radar defense systems from Latvia, to support Ukraine's defense against Russian cyberwar and military operations in the Ukraine conflict.
Source: www.ntv.de
