USA - Russia readies significant offensive on Kharkiv at 21:15.

Russia readies significant assault on Kharkiv at 21:15 (US time).

The extent of Russia's offensive against the Kharkiv region in Ukraine is unclear. Thus, people are speculating about the motives behind the Kremlin's actions. As per the US authorities, Russia is readying for a significant assault on Kharkiv.

Canada to Invest 76 Million Canadian Dollars in German Air Defense Initiative for Ukraine Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair announced a contribution of 76 million Canadian dollars (equivalent to approximately 52 million euros) to Germany's initiative to fortify Ukraine's air defenses. He made this statement during a joint press conference with the German Defense Minister, Boris Pistorius, in Ottawa. Pistorius mentioned that Iris-T air defense systems would be delivered to Kiev within the next few weeks.
Medvedev Threatens Paris and London with Retaliatory Strikes Former Russian President and present Vice-Chairman of the National Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, has threatened London and Paris with severe counter-attacks if Ukrainian forces were to utilize British or French cruise missiles. In a Telegram post, he referred to these leaders as "idiots in embroidered robes," referring to traditional Ukrainian clothing. Medvedev implied that the reprisals may not be confined to Kiev, stating, "Not only with conventional munitions, but also with special ammunition."
Former US General: Russia's Move in Kharkiv Region Might Be a Misleading Strategy Despite the uncertainty over Russia's motives for their advance in Ukrainian territory, retired US Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, the former commander-in-chief of the US Army in Europe, hypothesizes that it could be a deceptive maneuver. He suggested, "It could also be a deceptive move to occupy Ukraine's resources in a particular direction and then target somewhere else in reality." However, he also thought it was possible that the Russian military is not pursuing a breakthrough, but rather focusing on gaining some distance while maintaining an advantageous position. He further considered the possibility that the Russian forces could be attempting to weaken the Ukrainian military by advancing.
Foreign Office Pleads for Assistance in Protecting Kharkiv The German Federal Foreign Office has appealed for "required support" in protecting Ukraine, referencing the ongoing Russian ground offensive in the Kharkiv region. They lauded the Ukrainian people's resilience in the face of ongoing bombardment, stating, "The people of Kharkiv continue to bravely resist constant Russian shelling." They pledged to support Ukraine alongside their allies.
Hate Speech on State TV: "Unbelievable What Russians Unleash in Terms of Swear Words" Russia expert Niko Karasek attributes Putin's provocations towards the West to a portrayal of Russia as "persecutor of the Western elite" and a constant association with Nazi-era propaganda. He also notes that propagandistic television broadcasts have played a role in promoting this way of thinking in society.
US Preparing 400 Million Dollar Military Aid Package for Kiev The US is preparing to send Ukraine a military aid package worth 400 million dollars. It will consist of artillery, air defense, armor-piercing ammunition, armored vehicles, and small arms that can be used on the battlefront promptly. This delivery is feasible due to Congress's recent removal of the blockade on military aid to Ukraine.
Ukraine Expects First F-16 Jets in June or July According to a high-ranking military official quoted by Reuters, Ukraine is anticipating receiving its first F-16 fighter jets in either June or July. The source did not reveal the country providing the F-16s. Thus far, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium have agreed to supply these aircraft to assist Ukraine in combat.
Governor of Kharkiv Region Denies Loss of Territory Rharkiv Region's Governor, Ihor Synyehubov, refuted claims that Ukrainian military had lost ground to Russian troops. He reaffirms that the Ukrainian military is maintaining its positions and has not surrendered any ground. He does not anticipate any immediate threat to the city of Kharkiv.

NOTE: Ukraijinska Pravda, Deutsche Welle, Tagesspiegel, Reuters, France 24

15:32 Pandemonium at a disused Russian consulate in Leipzig - Moscow decries mistreatment
After a group of individuals scaled the fence and hung anti-Russian banners on the former Russian consulate in Leipzig on Thursday, Russia lodged a formal grievance. The Russian Foreign Ministry reported that half a dozen people had breached the security perimeter, displayed banners denouncing Russia, and stated their intention to occupy the building. Two employees of the Russian embassy were present at the time and alerted authorities, who subsequently arrested the protesters. Moscow is expected to file a complaint with the German authorities and demand punishment for the offenders, the ministry added. The police in Leipzig confirmed the incident.

14:20 Umbach assesses the stress on Russian troops in Kharkiv
As Russian forces continue to surrounding Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, security expert Frank Umbach believes the Russians are working under great time constraints. He also draws attention to an aspect that is often overlooked in Western media coverage.

13:58 Minister Schulze inaugurates Ukraine's most significant prothesis facility
Development Minister Svenja Schulze inaugurated Ukraine's largest prosthetics manufacturing complex for war wounded individuals in Lviv, western Ukraine. The facility was financed by Germany for 1.8 million euros and is attached to an orthopedics center where specialists are trained and a rehabilitation facility. "This is a beacon of hope, a source of strength," said Schulze at the ribbon-cutting event. Regrettably, far too many people have lost limbs, limbs, or even their lives due to mines, grenades, or collapsed structures.

13:22 Zelensky acknowledges Russian offensive in Kharkiv
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has acknowledged an offensive by Russian troops in the Kharkiv area. The Kyiv Independent reported that Russian military forces had commenced a new offensive operation aiming at the Kharkiv region. Zelensky stated that Ukraine's government would meet the forces "with our troops, brigades, and artillery." Earlier, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense had announced that Russian military units were attempting to break through Ukraine's defensive line in the Kharkiv region.

12:54 Ukrainian soldiers in hidden locations scout for areas to ambush Russians
While rumors persist of a Russian ground offensive in the Kharkiv oblast of eastern Ukraine, Ukrainian troops are still fighting for the city of Bachmut. The locals worry that the Russians might use this locality as a springboard to invade further into Ukrainian territory. Sniper teams and reconnaissance units are therefore constantly searching for opportunities to engage the enemy using guerrilla tactics. Despite the risks, these teams remain vigilant.

12:30 Russians claim a kilometer of territory in Kharkiv oblast
A report claims that Russian armed forces have advanced one kilometer into the Kharkiv oblast in Ukraine, near Vovchansk. This information came from a high-ranking Ukrainian military source cited by Reuters. The source stated that Russian troops were trying to advance as far as ten kilometers into the oblast to create a buffer zone. Ukrainian forces were battling to halt Moscow's progress.

11:55 Civilians evacuate Vovchansk and nearby areas owing to escalating Russian artillery fire
The situation surrounding a potential Russian ground assault on the Kharkiv oblast in northeastern Ukraine is still murky. Ukrainian sources maintain that Russian breakthroughs have been halted so far. Given the increased Russian shelling, Ukrainian civilians are being relocated from Vovchansk, a city in the oblast, and its vicinity. In a conversation with the Ukrainian radio station Hromadske, Tamaz Gambarashvili, Vovchansk's military administration head, stated that "The majority are leaving by personal transportation. Nevertheless, alongside the humanitarian center, we are arranging transport for those who have no vehicles."

11:28 Lange analyzes the Russian military parade: "Putin wants us to believe he is more powerful than he is"
During the Victory Day military parade, Russia traditionally exhibits a variety of armored vehicles and other military technology. However, this year's display featured significantly less equipment. Defense analyst Nico Lange discusses what the Moscow parade images reveal and cautions Western countries against believing certain narratives.

10:58 Ukraine deploys additional forces to Kharkiv border region
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense declares that reinforcements have been sent to the frontier zone of Kharkiv in the country's eastern region to help troops deflect Russian attacks. Ukrainian troops had initially repelled a Russian breakthrough, employing armored vehicles. The clashes have persisted at varying intensity.

12:31: Ukrainian governor reveals Russian troops' attempt to break through in Kharkiv

Per the governor of the Kharkiv region in northeastern Ukraine, Oleh Synehubov, Russian troops have made an attempt to breach the Ukrainian border. They escalated their shelling of the city of Vovchansk, which is near the border with Russia, Synehubov shared via Telegram. The attempted advances were successfully repelled, and the Ukrainian military "reliably held their positions and didn't lose an inch," the governor mentioned. Synehubov mentioned that Russia lacks the means to advance on the city of Kharkiv itself. He characterized the Russian troops' actions on the border as a "provocation."

12:13: Fatality and injury in Russian shelling in Sumy Oblast

Sadly, one person lost their life and another was injured in a Russian attack in Sumy Oblast. Ukrinform, a Ukrainian state news agency, reported that a 64-year-old woman was killed, along with a 17-year-old girl who was injured in the Shostkynskyi district. The regional public prosecutor's office reported via Telegram that the two victims are related: the deceased woman is the grandmother of the girl. As per the statement, Russia launched an artillery attack on the Esman community in the Shostkynskyi district from 7:10 am to 8:10 am on May 10.

11:41: Significant power shortage in Ukraine after Russian attacks leads to supply cuts for industry

Following an increase in Russian attacks against Ukraine's infrastructure, the country is now enforcing cuts to its energy supply: Ukrainian companies and industry will experience limitations on power usage due to an "episodic power shortage," Ukrenergo, Ukraine's state energy provider, reported according to a "Kyiv Independent" article. Since the start of the year, five substantial attacks on the country's energy infrastructure have taken place in central and western regions of Ukraine, with the most recent occurring on the night of May 8. Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, Ukrenergo's head, warns that energy imports from Europe cannot fully meet Ukraine's shortfall. Hence, Ukraine has reached out to neighboring nations like Poland for power assistance.

11:23: FDP parliamentary group opposes excluding defense spending from the debt brake

The FDP parliamentary group is against the notion of exempting defense spending from the debt brake found in the Basic Law. Christian Dürr, the group's leader, stated in Berlin, "Investment in our security does not depend on the debt brake, but on political decisions. Consequently, we will have to prioritize in the coming weeks to restructure the budget." Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has advised that defense spending and a part of crisis preparedness should be exempted from the debt brake. However, Finance Minister Christian Lindner of the FDP opposed this, stating, "The better approach would be to reallocate money in our large state budget and revive the economy."

10:51: Kharkiv hit by Russian S-300 missile, leaving a child and elderly woman injured

Around midnight, Russian troops launched an S-300 missile at Kharkiv. This information was provided by the Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform, quoting Mayor Ihor Terekhov. As reported on Telegram by the mayor, an 11-year-old child and a 72-year-old woman were hurt in the attack on the private sector. A fire erupted in three residences, with two of them being fully destroyed and the other partially wrecked. In total, 26 buildings were destroyed, and over 300 windows were shattered in the night-time onslaught on Kharkiv.

10:13: Putin suggests Mikhail Mishustin as Russian Prime Minister

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed previous Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin as the next Russian Prime Minister. This information was shared by the speaker of the lower house of parliament on Friday.

09:56: Ukrainian General Staff reports 95 skirmishes within the past 24 hours

Over the previous day, 95 hostilities occurred on the battlefield. Ukraine's General Staff of the Armed Forces disclosed this on Facebook. Russian military forces carried out six rocket attacks, 80 aerial strikes, and 127 assaults with multiple rocket launchers on Ukrainian military positions and towns and villages, state news agency Ukrinform relayed.

09:18: Rainer Munz of ntv views Putin's renewed threat of nuclear weapons as a "political bluff"

Russian President Vladimir Putin raised the alarm again about his nation's nuclear forces during the military parade on Red Square to commemorate Russia's victory over Nazi Germany. ntv correspondent Rainer Munz analyzed this and explained how Ukrainian drones might pose a potential threat to Russia.

08:36 Moscow Warns of "Nazi-Like Genocide" in Moldova - Potential Move for Expansion?

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova's alleged "Nazi-like genocide" accusations against Moldova's government have caught experts' attention. Analysts at the US think tank "Institute for the Study of War" (ISW) suggest that these statements could be laying the groundwork for a Russian takeover of the entire country. As Zakharova spoke to the Russian state news agency TASS on "Victory Day" commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany, the ISW posits that Russian President Vladimir Putin is trying to create an environment for asserting control over Moldova, not just certain regions.

Moldova's two pro-Russian areas, the autonomous region of Gagauzia and the breakaway republic of Transnistria, have sizable Russian-speaking populations. Moscow's recent remarks could be a precursor to a broader invasion of Moldova, much like its previous moves in Ukraine. The ISW pointed out that pro-Kremlin opposition faction "Moldovan Victory" members participated in Moscow's recent victory parade, a potential sign that the Kremlin may use these actors to destabilize Moldova as a whole and undermine the country's democratic processes and EU membership aspirations.

08:12 Drone Attack Causes Fire at Russian Oil Refinery in Kaluga

A media report suggests that a Russian oil refinery in the Kaluga oblast has caught fire after a Ukrainian drone strike. The Russian state news agency RIA claimed that emergency sources confirmed the attack, which destroyed three containers of diesel fuel and one containing heating oil at the Pervyi Zavod refinery. Governor Vladislav Shapshah of Kaluga had announced that the fire at a business had been quickly extinguished, but he did not specify the company involved.

07:51 Ukraine Claims Killing 980 Russian Soldiers in a Single Day

Official figures from Kiev claim that Russian personnel losses in the war remain high, with 980 soldiers dying or becoming incapable of fighting within a day. As of this writing, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense says 479,710 Russian soldiers have been "eliminated" since the February 2022 invasion. In addition to the 980 soldiers, Russia is said to have lost 5 tanks (7434) and other equipment. Ukraine has tallied more than 14,300 armored vehicles and around 9,800 drones that are no longer in Russian hands or have been destroyed. However, these figures cannot be independently verified. Moscow has yet to disclose its own losses in Ukraine.

07:29 Russian Troops Target Sumy Oblast 302 Times

The military administration of Sumy oblast says Russian forces attacked the region 302 times the previous day in 60 separate barrages. The Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Independent" reported that the Russian military bombarded 11 border communities with mortar, drone, rocket, and artillery fire. There were no reported causalities or injuries. In the town of Velyka Pysarivka, located close to the Ukrainian-Russian border and with a pre-war population of about 4,000, the most significant number of attacks was recorded, with 67 explosions documented in the area.

07:03 Ukrainian Spy Arrested in Kharkiv

The Ukrainian domestic intelligence service SBU has apprehended a Kharkiv man on charges of spying on Ukrainian positions. The "Kyiv Independent" reported that the 45-year-old man allegedly monitored Ukrainian positions and relayed their coordinates to Russian intelligence agents. The Ukrainian authorities detained him at his home in the Vovchansk district of Kharkiv and confiscated his cell phone with presumed communication logs with Russian intelligence officials.

06:34 Ukrainian Military Intercepts and Destroys All Ten Russian Drone Attacks

The Ukrainian military reports that it successfully intercepted and destroyed all ten combat drones launched by the Russian armed forces last night. The Ukrainian air force released this information via Telegram. Additionally, the Russian air force fired two anti-aircraft guided missiles, but the fate of these missiles remained unclear.

06:09 Company Fire Triggered by Russian Drone Attack in Russian Region

Governor Vladislav Shapshah of the Russian region of Kaluga reported a brief fire at an undisclosed company following a Ukrainian drone attack. He confirmed that the fire had been extinguished, adding that there were no casualties.

05:16 Russian Air Strike Damages Homes, Starts Fire in Kharkiv

Homes in a residential area have been damaged and a fire has erupted following a Russian airstrike on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. Kharkiv's Mayor, Ihor Terekhov, reported this via Telegram and one person was reportedly injured in the attack. Witnesses claimed they heard five explosions in the city.

04:25 Pistorius Stands for West's Unity Against Russia's Ambitions

During a visit to Washington, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius highlighted the importance of Western unity in a Telegram post. "I am certain that together, America and Europe can maintain the West's stability and defend it from Russia's expansionist intentions and the power-hungry yearnings of other players," he stated. Pistorius also mentioned previous instances of transatlantic partnership, including the Berlin Airlift, the Marshall Plan, and Germany's reunification, urging the West to seize this opportunity.

03:14 Moscow Intercepts Drone in Southern Airspace

Moscow's Mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, announced on Telegram that Russian air defense units had successfully intercepted a drone south of Moscow. In his message, Sobyanin confirmed there were no casualties or damages caused by falling debris. The news report has not been independently verified.

01:06 Zelensky Supports Ukraine's EU Membership

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky advocates for Ukraine's accession to the European Union in his daily video address. He believes Ukraine and its people deserve this, as well as the bloc since "the EU derives strength from not leaving anyone outside the door who shares European values." Kiev anticipates the beginning of accession negotiations in June.

23:20 Czech-Led Initiative to Supply Ukraine with 1.5 Million Ammunition Pieces

According to Czech President Petr Pavel, the first batch of ammunition purchased as part of the Czech-led initiative is due to arrive in Ukraine in June. The initiative, supported by several EU nations and others, aims to secure and expedite the provision of 1.5 million shells for use in war-torn Ukraine.

22:00 Kiev Reduces Street Lighting Due to Power Shortages

The Kiev city administration has decided to restrict street lighting after Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy system led to severe power cuts. On Wednesday night, power outages plagued various regions in Ukraine, including Poltava, Kirovohrad, Zaporizhia, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kiev, and Vinnytsia. Two hydroelectric power plants were shut down resultantly.

21:29 Ukrainian President Dismisses Bodyguard Leader After Failed Assassination Plot

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the head of his bodyguard after a foiled assassination attempt on him earlier this week. In a decree, Zelensky removed Serhiy Leonidovich Rud from his post at the head of the State Security Department of Ukraine. On Tuesday, Ukrainian intelligence services SBU revealed a "network of agents" controlled by the Russian secret service FSB, planning to assassinate Zelensky.

20:53 Russian Drone Intercepted Near Moscow

Moscow's Mayor Sergei Sobyanin announced Russian air defense units had intercepted a drone south of Moscow using Telgram. No casualties or damages have been reported.

20:03 Ukraine Joining EU by 2030 Could Be Reality: EU Ambassador

Katarina Mathernova, the EU ambassador to Ukraine, believes Ukraine's accession to the EU in 2030 is a realistic goal. However, she cautioned that attempting to predict the exact timing of Ukraine's membership in the EU is similar to "looking into a crystal ball for predictions." EU leaders had recommended opening accession talks with Kyiv in November 2023, but insisted that four additional reforms were needed. They subsequently commenced accession talks with Ukraine in December 2023.

19:15 President Zelensky Dismisses Head of Bodyguard Following Failed Assassination Attempt

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky fired the head of his bodyguard in the wake of a thwarted assassination attempt. The move followed an announcement by Ukraine's domestic intelligence service SBU, who revealed a network of Russian agents had been working to assassinate Zelensky. Two officers had been arrested for their roles in the plot.

7:57 PM: Oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky Held for Suspected Contract Killing of Lawyer in Ukraine

On May 9, a Kiev court issued an arrest order for controversial tycoon Ihor Kolomoisky in a murder case. He'll be held until at least July 7 without bail. Kolomoisky, known as one of Ukraine's wealthiest businessmen, was initially arrested on fraud and money laundering charges related to his oil and gas holdings back in September 2023. Now, the Prosecutor General's Office accuses him of ordering the killing of a Crimean lawyer over 20 years ago. After the attorney refused Kolomoisky's demands to invalidate a decision from a shareholder meeting, the oligarch allegedly hired hitmen to commit the murder, the investigation revealed.

7:18 PM: Zelensky Restores Former Commander of Ukrainian Support Forces After Short-Lived Replacement

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has reinstated Dmytro Hereha as commander of the Ukrainian support forces. After a major shuffle of leadership positions within the Ukrainian military in March, which included the firing of Ukraine's top military commander, Valery Salushnyi, Hereha was initially dismissed and replaced with Oleksandr Yakovets. However, Yakovets was removed from the position after only two months in office. The Ukrainian support forces, which are a crucial part of the Ukrainian military, are in charge of providing operational support to the troops.

7:10 PM: Russian Wanted Notices for Ukraine's Former and Current Presidents Disappear from Interior Ministry Website

The wanted notices for Volodymyr Zelensky and Petro Poroshenko, respectively the current and former presidents of Ukraine, have vanished from the Russian Interior Ministry's website, according to Russian media outlet Mediazona. The profiles were taken down shortly after being inadvertently uncovered by the Russian news agency RIA Novosti on Saturday. Mediazona reports that they were likely placed on Russia's wanted list by a Russian Interior Ministry bureau in the occupied Ukrainian oblast of Donetsk. This probably happened towards the end of February.

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