21:15 (USA): Russia readies extensive offensive against Kharkiv.

Russia prepares to launch a significant offensive in Kharkiv, Ukraine.

The extent of the Russian assault on the Kharkiv region in Ukraine is yet to be determined, leading to speculation regarding the Kremlin's motives. Apparently, the US administration believes Russia is getting set for a major attack on Kharkiv, as per the White House.

15:49: Canada backs Germany's initiative to enhance Ukraine's air defenses
The Canadian Defense Minister, Bill Blair, has disclosed plans to invest CAD 76 million (approx. EUR 52 million) in Germany's scheme aimed at improving Ukraine's air defense capabilities. Speaking during a joint press conference with his German counterpart Boris Pistorius in Ottawa, Blair commented, "This investment will aid Ukraine in protecting against the ruthless attacks that have destroyed hospitals, power plants, and residential structures, resulting in the deaths of countless innocent Ukrainians." Pistorius, in turn, revealed that Iris-T anti-air defense systems will be dispatched to Kyiv within the coming weeks, due to the urgent need for such assistance.

15:06: Medvedev hints at retaliation against Paris and London
Former Russian President and current Deputy Chairman of the National Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, has warned London and Paris of severe retaliation if Ukraine deploys British or French cruise missiles against Russian territory. Medvedev, in a post on Telegram, referred to such attacks as stemming "not from fools in velvet robes, but from the British and French." By "velvet robes," he referenced the traditional Ukrainian attire. He mentioned that the response to such actions "possibly" would not be targeted at Kiev and announced, "And not only with conventional explosives, but also with special ammunition."

14:42: Former US general believes Russian offensive might be a distraction
It remains uncertain what ambitions Russia has in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine. LTG Ben Hodges (Ret.), who previously served as the Commander in Chief of the US Army in Europe, opined that the Russian advance could possibly be a diversionary tactic: "It could also be a misleading maneuver to tie down Ukraine's resources in a certain region and then, in reality, attack elsewhere," he stated to Tagesspiegel. However, Hodges believes such agility and agility from the Russian side would be unprecedented. In addition, he posited the possibility of Russia simply wanting to secure some territory. Hodges also considered a third scenario: "Perhaps the Russian troops are simply trying to weaken the Ukrainian forces even further, as long as they believe they're in a dominant position."

13:56: Foreign Office seeks backing for Kharkiv's defense
After the launch of a Russian military operation in the eastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv, the Federal Foreign Office is requesting "the necessary support" for Ukraine's defense. "The people of Kharkiv bravely repel the continuous Russian bombardments," reads the Ministry's statement in English. "Their courage demands our solidarity. In tandem with our partners, we stand with Ukraine and should ensure its defense needs are met."

13:31: Hate rants on state-controlled TV: 'Russians unleash a torrent of abusive language'
Putin is once more threatening the West, according to Russia expert Niko Karasek. He remarked that Russia would depict itself as the "oppressor" of the Western elite and constantly associate itself with the Nazi era. Propaganda television programs would instill this sentiment in the populace.

13:05: America finalizes a EUR 400 million military aid package for Kyiv
The US is assembling a EUR 400 million military aid delivery for Ukraine. This package encompasses artillery, air defense, explosive armor-piercing shells, armored vehicles, and small arms ready-made for direct deployment to the battlefield. Following the lifting of a months-long congressional blockade restricting military aid to Ukraine, the deliveries are now possible.

12:39: Ukraine expects arrival of first F-16 jets in June or July
As quoted by Reuters, a high-ranking Ukrainian military official claimed that the first F-16 fighter jets will be delivered in June or July. The identity of the country providing these US-made fighter aircraft was left unspecified. Five nations - Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium - have agreed to furnish F-16s, with the purpose of enabling Ukraine to break Russia's air dominance.

12:07: Russian occupation of territories in Kharkiv region unconfirmed
Russia begins an offensive in the Kharkiv region. Reports from unspecified Ukrainian military sources claim that the border hamlets of Striletsche, Krasne, Pylne, and Boryssiwka have been conquered by Russian soldiers. The governor of the Kharkiv region, Ihor Synyehubov, refuted these claims on Telegram: "The Ukrainian military are steadfast in their positions: no territory has been forfeited." He considers the city of Kharkiv safe for now.

4:17 Attempted takeover of ex-Russian consulate in Leipzig - Russia makes a formal grievance

After a group of six individuals attempted to take over the previous Russian consulate in Leipzig, Russia has voiced its displeasure. As mentioned in the Russian Foreign Ministry, these people climbed the fence on Thursday and held anti-Russian banners on the balcony. They also said they were going to occupy the Russian-owned building. Two workers from the Russian embassy were present in the building and informed the police, who apprehended the group. Russia intends to lodge a complaint with the German government and demand that the perpetrators be punished, the Foreign Ministry added. The police in Leipzig confirmed the occurrence.

3:42 Umbach: "Russian losses are exceptionally high"

A Russian attack is taking place in Kharkiv, the second largest city in Ukraine. Although they currently hold the upper hand, security expert Frank Umbach believes that Russia is under "time pressure." Additionally, he emphasizes an aspect often overlooked in Western media.

3:13 Minister Schulze opens prothesis facility in Ukraine

German Development Minister Svenja Schulze has launched the country's largest workspace for creating prostheses for war-injured people in Ukraine. The building, in Lviv, western Ukraine, was supported by Germany with €1.8 million and forms part of an orthopedics center where specialists are also trained and linked to a rehabilitation center. "This is a place of hope, a place of strength," Schulze said at the opening ceremony. Numerous people have lost limbs, arms, or even their lives as a result of mines, grenades, or fallen buildings.

2:54 Zelensky validates Russian military offensive operation

Ukrainian President Zelensky confirms a Russian troop assault. The Kyiv Independent reports that the Russian military has begun a new offensive operation targeting Kharkiv's region. Ukraine is coresponding with its troops, brigades, and artillery, Zelensky stated. Ukraine's Ministry of Defense had previously stated that the Russian military had attempted to break through its defensive line in the Kharkiv region.

2:25 Ukrainian soldiers scout targets behind the front line in Bachmut from a hideout

Although Russia holds Bachmut's ruins, Ukraine is still fighting for the city. If the region falls to the Russians, they fear that the enemy might advance inland. Reconnaissance units are constantly on the lookout for opportunities to make pinpricks. However, they remain at risk of being discovered.

2:08 Russian troops advance one kilometer in the Kharkiv oblast

According to a report, Russian troops have advanced one kilometer into the Kharkiv oblast, eastern Ukraine, near Vovchansk. This was revealed by Reuters, quoting a senior Ukrainian military source. The source stated that the Russian military planned to advance up to one hundred kilometers into the oblast to form a buffer zone. However, the Ukrainian armed forces are working to halt Moscow's advance.

1:51 Untitled evacuation from Vovchansk in the Kharkiv oblast

The situation in the north-eastern Ukraine region of Kharkiv, where a possible Russian ground offensive may be underway, remains uncertain. Ukrainian sources claim that a Russian breakthrough has been halted so far. Nevertheless, due to the increased Russian shelling, Ukrainians civilians are being evacuated from the city of Vovchansk and its surrounding areas. Tamaz Gambarashvili, head of the military administration of Vovchansk, spoke about this to the Ukrainian radio station Hromadske during an interview: "The majority are leaving by their own means of transport. At the same time, together with the humanitarian center, we are arranging transportation for those who do not have their own."

1:35 Lange discusses military parade: "Putin isn't as strong as he wants us to think"

Russia typically exhibits numerous armored vehicles and other military equipment at the annual military parade on Victory Day. However, this year there's much less equipment on display. Defense expert Nico Lange discusses the images from Moscow and the misconceptions Western countries need to avoid.

1:05 Kiev adds troops to bolster Kharkiv defense

Ukraine's Ministry of Defense has deployed additional military forces to the border region in the Kharkiv area, north-east Ukraine. Per the ministry, this is meant to support the troops there in countering Russian attacks. Russian troops attempted to break through the border with armored vehicles early in the morning, but were stopped. Yet the fighting persisted "with varying intensity."

12:31 Governor: Russian forces attempt breakthrough in Kharkiv

According to the governor of the Kharkiv region, Oleh Synehubov, Russian forces have made an attempt to cross the border into Ukraine. Synehubov shared this information on Telegram, adding that they have intensified their shelling of the city of Vovchansk, which is near the Russian border. He also mentioned that the Ukrainian troops were able to repel these attacks and maintain their positions. Synehubov described these actions by Russian forces as a provocation.

12:13 Tragedy in Sumy Oblast: One woman killed in Russian shelling

A 64-year-old woman was killed and another person injured in a Russian attack in Sumy Oblast. According to the Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform, the attacks took place in the Shostkynskyi district, where the Russian forces fired artillery for an hour at the civilian infrastructure. The regional public prosecutor's office confirms the unfortunate incident.

11:41 Power shortage in Ukraine due to Russian attacks on infrastructure

Ukraine is facing a significant power shortage following the recent Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure. The Ukrainian state energy supplier Ukrenergo reports that this will lead to further restrictions on energy use for companies and industry. The attacks have also damaged the energy supply system, making imports from Europe unable to completely cover Ukraine's energy deficit. The country has turned to its neighbors for help, requesting energy supplies.

11:23 FDP parliamentary group against amending the debt brake for defense spending

The FDP parliamentary group is against excluding defense spending from the debt brake stipulated in the Basic Law. Christian Dürr, the group's leader, stated in Berlin that the decision to invest in security will depend on political decisions, not the debt brake. He also added that restructuring the budget is necessary in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius had suggested exempting defense spending and parts of crisis preparedness from the debt brake; however, Finance Minister Christian Lindner of the FDP disagreed and proposed reallocating funds instead.

10:51 Kharkiv attacked with S-300 missile

Kharkiv was targeted with an S-300 missile overnight, as reported by Ukrinform, citing the mayor, Ihor Terekhov. The mayor also shared that two people were injured in the attack, a 72-year-old woman and an 11-year-old child. The attack resulted in a fire that destroyed or damaged 26 buildings and over 300 windows.

10:13 Putin proposes Mishustin as Prime Minister again

Russian President Vladimir Putin has put forward Mikhail Mishustin as his choice for Prime Minister during his new term of office. The lower house of parliament confirmed this announcement on Friday.

09:56 95 skirmishes with Russian troops in the past 24 hours

According to the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, there were 95 skirmishes in the past day. They added that Russian forces launched six rocket attacks, 80 airstrikes, and 127 attacks with multiple rocket launchers on the positions of Ukrainian troops and towns.

09:18 ntv correspondent Munz: Putin's nuclear threat is a political bluff

During the military parade held in Moscow to commemorate the victory over Nazi Germany, Russian President Vladimir Putin once again threatened to use nuclear weapons. Rainer Munz, ntv correspondent, analyzes the reasons behind this statement and explains why Ukrainian drones could pose a problem for Russia.

Moscow uses "Nazi-like genocide" accusation against Moldova; could signal advance plans

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova's remarks regarding a supposed "Nazi-like genocide" in Moldova by the government have caught experts' attention. These experts speculate that the intent behind these statements might be to pave the way for a Russian invasion to gain control of the entire country rather than just specific regions, as per the observations from the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The interview with state-run news outlet TASS was conducted on the occasion of "Victory Day" which commemorates the end of World War II. Greatly concerning is that President Vladimir Putin has also started disseminating the idea of Russia being engaged in an "existential geopolitical conflict with a modern Nazi movement."

Moldova has two pro-Russian regions, Gagauzia and Transnistria, where significant Russian-speaking populations reside. These areas might become potential targets for Russian aggression, echoing what happened in Ukraine. The ISW further points out that pro-Kremlin opposition voting bloc "Moldovan Victory" leaders were also spotted at the Moscow victory parade, a move possibly intended to use these actors to destabilize Moldova and potentially sabotage its democratic process and EU accession plans.

Several incidents across the country are contributing to the growing unrest in Moldova.

Fire at Russian oil refinery after reported drone attack

Reports indicate that an oil refinery in Kaluga, part of Russia, has witnessed a fire due to a drone assault. This news is based on information from the Russian state news agency RIA, citing unnamed representatives from emergency services. In the blaze at the Pervyi Zavod refinery, three diesel fuel containers and one heating oil container were destroyed. Governor Vladislav Shapshah had announced that a nearby company fire had been doused, but did not provide details on the company involved.

Russia suffers heavy losses, Kiev announces

The Ukrainian capital attests to the high death toll among Russian forces. The Ministry of Defense confirmed that there were almost 1000 Russian soldiers killed or incapacitated in a single day. The total number of Russian soldiers allegedly "eliminated" since the start of the war on February 2022 is 479,710, comprising 5 more tanks (7434), among other losses. The Ukrainian military has also identified over 14,300 destroyed or missing Russian armored vehicles and approximately 9,800 drones. It's essential to note that these claims cannot be confirmed independently, as Moscow fails to divulge data about their casualties.

Russian troops target Sumy oblast relentlessly

The Sumy oblast's military administration notes that Russian militaries attacked the region over 300 times the day before. Although 60 separate attacks took place, they repeatedly hammered the border communities with mortar, drone, rocket, and artillery fire, while simultaneously dropping explosives from drones on two settlements. No casualties or injuries were reported. The village of Velyka Pysarivka on the Ukrainian-Russian border bore the brunt of these attacks, with a pre-war population of around 4,000 people. Approximately 67 explosions were detected in the region.

Spying Suspect Arrested in Kharkiv

The Ukrainian security service, the SBU, has apprehended a resident of Kharkiv, accused of spying on Ukrainian positions. The 45-year-old man is purportedly sharing information on Ukrainian locations with Russian intelligence. The suspect's arrest was reported by "Kyiv Independent," which states that Russian officers were in touch with the man via his cell phone and that authorities seized his phone when they took him into custody in the Vovchansk district of Kharkiv.

Ukrainian military manages to counter all ten Russian drones last night

Ukrainian military sources have declared that they successfully counteracted and destroyed all the ten drones launched by the Russian military the previous night. Russia also launched two anti-aircraft missiles, resulting in unknown outcomes.

Governor announces fire at a company after Russian drone attack

The governor of Kaluga revealed that a fire recently broke out in one of the companies following a Ukrainian drone attack. The fire has already been extinguished without any casualties, and details about the targeted company are not available.

05:16 Kharkiv Suffers from Russian Airstrike
In a residential part of Kharkiv, houses have been damaged, and a fire has started after a Russian airstrike hit the area. Mayor Ihor Terekhov made the announcement on Telegram. A single person sustained injuries in the attack. Reportedly, there were five explosions heard in the city.

04:25 Pistorius Pushes for West's Unity Against Russian Ambitions
During his visit to Washington, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius highlights the significance of Western unity. "I believe it is only America and Europe together that can fortify the West against Russia's expansionist aspirations and the hunger for control and supremacy of other players," Pistorius shares. Furthermore, he says, "My message today is: As has happened during moments of transatlantic partnership in the past, like the Berlin Airlift, the Marshall Plan, and the reunification of Germany - we should seize this transatlantic opportunity once more."

03:14 Russian Drone Intercepted Near Moscow
Moscow's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, alerts via Telegram that Russian air defense teams have thwarted a drone south of Moscow. No one was hurt and no damage was inflicted from falling debris, according to Sobyanin's news. This information cannot be substantiated independently.

01:20 Zelensky Urges Ukraine's Incorporation into the EU
Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, once more champions Ukraine's admission into the EU. "Our country, our people deserve it. The European Union also requires this move, not just politically," said Zelensky in his daily video message. Since the European Union strengthens itself by not abandoning anyone who professes its values, Kiev anticipates that the actual entry negotiations will begin in June.

23:22 Czech-Initiated Munitions to Arrive in Ukraine in June
Over half a million 155mm shells and 300,000 122mm shells, secured through the Czech-led initiative, are anticipated to be shipped to Ukraine in June, reports Czech President Petr Pavel on ARD. Pavel divulged in February that these shells are stored outside Europe and could be procured and delivered to Ukraine if funding is secured for the initiative. Countries like Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Canada, Poland, France, Denmark, and Slovenia have funded the initiative, potentially leading to the delivery of 1.5 million shells to Kiev. The initial 180,000 pieces of ammunition are set to arrive in June, with "there already being contracts for an additional five to six-digit number of shells", informs Pavel on ARD.

22:01 Kiev Reduces Nighttime Street Lighting
The Kiev city government will reduce evening street lighting to manage power shortages ensuing from Russian assaults on Ukraine's energy systems. Mayor Serhii Popko, the head of the Kiev military administration, made the announcement. On Wednesday, Russia launched a significant attack on oblasts like Poltava, Kirovohrad, Zaporizhia, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kiev, and Vinnytsia, affecting the country's energy infrastructure. At least two hydroelectric power plants were forcibly shut down in the aftermath.

21:32 EU Ambassador to Ukraine: Ukraine May Join EU by 2030
2030 is a realistic timeline for Ukraine's incorporation into the European Union, says Katarina Mathernova, the EU ambassador to Ukraine. Despite this, Mathernova cautions that predicting the precise date Ukraine will become a member of the EU is akin to "looking into a crystal ball for predictions". In November 2022, the European Commission recommended the initiation of accession talks with Kiev while specifying the need for four extra reforms. The European Council then authorized the commencement of accession negotiations with Ukraine in the following month.

20:59 Zelensky Dismisses Head of His Bodyguard After Foiled Assassination Plot
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismisses the head of his bodyguard after a failed assassination plan was thwarted. Zelensky publicly shared a decree on the "dismissal of Serhiy Leonidovich Rud from the position of Head of the State Security Department of Ukraine". This week, two officers were detained for allegedly planning the murder of the Ukrainian president. The Ukrainian security service SBU revealed that it had torn down a "network of agents" managed by the Russian intelligence service FSB who were "getting ready for the assassination of the Ukrainian president".

8:12 PM: Ukrainian billionaire apprehended for supposed contract killing of lawyer

On May 9th, a Kyiv court issued an arrest order for oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky in a murder case. He will remain in custody until July 7th without bail. Kolomoisky, who is one of Ukraine's most infamous business magnates, was apprehended on September 2nd, 2023, on charges of fraud and money laundering associated with his oil and gas holdings. Earlier this week, the Prosecutor General's Office revealed that he is also thought to have orchestrated the murder of a lawyer's head of a law firm in Crimea over two decades ago. Following the lawyer's refusal to cancel a decision made at a shareholders' meeting, allegedly Kolomoisky hired hitmen to eliminate him, as per the investigation.

8:11 PM: Zelensky reinstates commander... and dismisses him after two months

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Dmytro Hereha as commander of the Ukrainian support forces again after dismissing him and promoting Oleksandr Yakovets in March. After Zelensky carried out a shuffle of leadership roles within the Ukrainian military and firing Ukraine's top military commander Valery Salushnyi, Hereha was replaced with Yakovets. However, after only two months in the position, Yakovets was removed. The Support Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces are a significant unit in the Ukrainian military, providing operational support to military troops.

8:10 PM: The Bolo on Kiev's president vanishes from Russian Interior Ministry's website

The Most Wanted notices for Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyi and Petro Poroshenko (the current and former presidents, respectively), disappeared from the Russian Interior Ministry's webpage, according to the Russian media outlet Mediazona. The profiles disappeared following their mishap whereby they were accidentally found by Russian news agency RIA Novosti on Saturday. Mediazona reports that the two Ukrainian presidents were added to the wanted list by a Russian Interior Ministry office in the occupied part of the Ukrainian oblast of Donetsk, likely at the end of February.