Drone displays Russian flag over Berlin's Reichstag building at 15:52.

Russian Drone Flies Above Berlin's Reichstag Building Displaying Flag

A male individual flew a drone with a Russian banner affixed to it near the Reichstag construct in Berlin. According to the Bundestag's press unit, this incident transpired on May 9. The drone's flight was recorded and disseminated across social media. The drone allegedly passed over Friedrich-Ebert-Platz, which adjoins the Reichstag edifice, at a height of approximately 20 meters. As a result, the Berlin State Police have filed a complaint alleging an infraction of the Air Traffic Regulations. The Bundestag refrains from commenting on the security conditions relating to drone operations in close proximity to the parliament building. Reportedly, this individual is a fervent supporter of Russia's military incursion into Ukraine. Authorities recorded his personal details when the event unfolded. As per t-online.de, this same male individual previously daubed the "Z" sign employed by Russian troops in Ukraine on the tower of the former state legislature building in Potsdam and marred Ukrainian depictions.

15:24 Zelensky Warns of Expanded Russian Assault in Eastern Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy voiced concern over a severe deficiency in weapons for his nation's air defense capabilities while anticipating an escalation of the Russian onslaught in Eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian air defense currently comprises merely a quarter of what is required for adequately shielding the country, according to Zelenskyy in an interview with the French news agency AFP. The Russian forces have progressed five to ten kilometers in the Kharkiv area, marking their most sizeable territorial gains since late 2022. More Russian advancements are believed to be imminent.

"We must acknowledge that they have penetrated deeper into our territory," the President stated in his initial interview since the begining of the Russian ground offensive in the northeastern region of Kharkiv on May 10. Based on ISW information, Russian soldiers captured at least 278 square kilometers of land during the offensive, representing their most substantial territorial advance to date. In the current predicament, Ukraine is scarce with "approximately 25% of the requisite resources for defending Ukraine," Zelenskyy declared in an interview conducted Friday and released Saturday. Furthermore, the Ukrainian military requires approximately 120 to 130 cutting-edge fighter jets to counterbalance Russia's aerial forces.

15:00 Zelensky Predicts New Ukrainian Counter-Offensive

Volodymyr Zelenskyy disclosed the possibility of a new Ukrainian counter-offensive, albeit with the prerequisite of first securing the front line and thwarting the Russian invasion. The Ukrainian president disclosed this in an interview with AFP. He expressed confidence that the Ukrainian military would eventually thwart the Russians' advancement. "Once the Russians are halted, the subsequent allocation of troops becomes essential for executing the subsequent phases of a counter-offensive," he emphasized. He also noted that many brigades mandate reinforcement due to the urgency of the situation on the front line. Provision of supplies would facilitate a rotation of troops, but no clear timeline for a counter-offensive in 2025 was specified by Zelenskyy.

14:36 Kharkiv Under Russian Attack, Mayor Alerts of Explosions

"Loud noises in the city. Several explosions are taking place. Practice caution," Kharkiv's mayor, Igor Terekhov, cautioned via Telegram. His communication indicated that the Russians were assaulting Kharkiv. Zelenskyy presaged last week that the Russian surge in the Kharkiv region could precipitate further Russian attacks, potentially involving Kharkiv, a regional capital city in Ukraine.

14:06 Poland Increases Border Defenses Against Russia and Belarus

Poland aims to allocate more than two billion euros towards fortifying its eastern border. This initiative, named "Eastern Shield," targets border reinforcing measures against Belarus and the Russian subregion of Kaliningrad. The augmentation of the nearly 400-kilometer-long border represents a deterrent tactic, according to Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and seeks to shield Poland from the conflict.

13:37 Ukraine Reports 22 Skirmishes, Eight Ongoing

The Ukrainian military claims that 22 "military clashes" have occurred along the frontline since last night, with eight of those encounters still ongoing, according to a communiqué from the General Staff. In addition, the Russian intruders utilized 25 kamikaze drones and engaged in an astonishing 547 attacks on Ukrainian army positions.

13:02 Missile Assault Targets Odessa

Russia desiredly fired missiles at the Odessa region, as per the Ukrainian troops stationed in the south of Ukraine. "At around 6 a.m., the Russion occupants fired again at Odessa with a ballistic missile (possibly Iskander-M)," the communication read.

12:53 Russia: Another village in Kharkiv captured

The Russian Ministry of Defense claims to have captured the village of Staryzia in the Kharkiv region. Their forces are continuing their advance in the area, as per the ministry's statement. The Russian invasion forces initiated their offensive in the Kharkiv area about a week ago, forming a third front alongside the ones in the east and south.

12:42 Ukraine fights to repel Russians in Kharkiv region

Ukrainian troops are working to push the Russians back toward the village of Hlyboke in the Kharkiv region, according to the Ukrainian news agency RBC. Hlyboke is positioned approximately 40 kilometers from Kharkiv and 10 kilometers from the Russian border. The Ukrainian General Staff issued a statement saying, "Our defenders are attempting to push the enemy back towards the settlement of Hlyboke."

12:10 Fourth fatality following Russian glide bomb assault on Kharkiv

The death toll from the Russian attack on the city of Kharkiv last Friday has reached four. Governor Oleh Synyehubov confirmed that an injured 33-year-old man had passed away in the hospital. The attack used two glide bombs, causing injuries to 31 people. Currently, two of these individuals are in serious condition, according to Synjehubow. Russians also attacked the village of Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi with a glide bomb, resulting in damage to multi-storey buildings, a hospital, and a kindergarten. One woman sustained injuries during the attack.

11:41 Germany: Russian influence is substantial, claims political scientist Thomas Jäger

President Zelensky plans to utilize weapons provided by the West not only to defend Ukraine but also to attack Russian territory. European, American, and political scientist Thomas Jäger hold differing opinions regarding this matter. In addition, Russia is also exerting influence on Germany, as stated by Jäger.

11:22 Russia: A person killed, another injured from Ukrainian drone strike in Kursk

Alexei Smirnov, the regional governor of Kursk, reported that one person was killed and another injured due to a Ukrainian drone strike. The Russian authorities' information on potential attacks and casualties cannot be independently verified.

11:09 London: Russian air defenses and airspace surveillance in Crimea weakened

The British Ministry of Defense predicts that Russian air defenses in Crimea may have been weakened as a result of the recent Ukrainian attacks. To maintain their presence, Russia may have to distribute its air forces more widely. There's a potential for a greater loss of aircraft if more extensive coverage isn't provided. The Russian Ministry of Defense also lost a Beriev A-50 aircraft in January, February, and March, leading to possible maintenance issues for their fleets.

10:32 Nearly 10,000 people have been rescued in the Kharkiv region

After the launch of the Russian ground offensive in Eastern Ukraine's Kharkiv region, officials reveal that almost 10,000 people have been brought to safety. Oleh Synegubov, the regional governor, reported that around 9,900 people have been saved. Since May 10, Russian troops have advanced approximately 5-10 kilometers along the northern border of the region.

10:14 Seventy-one percent of Russians support their military; only thirty percent would tolerate the loss of "new territories"

A recent Levada Institute survey shows that Russian support for their armed forces remains strong, with three quarters of Russians backing the military. However, this figure drops to 30 percent if the condition is the relinquishment of the conquered territories.

9:51 "Ukrainian drones could inflict significant damage on Russia"

Considering the size, attractiveness, and popularity of Kharkiv and Odessa, Jürgen Weichert, an ntv correspondent, examines the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian troops have live ammunition at their disposal, as well.

9:32 SPD politicians propose NATO airspace protection for Ukrainian safety

For the first time, SPD Bundestag members are advocating for Germany to deploy anti-aircraft missile troops on NATO border territory to protect the airspace above western Ukraine. According to SPD defense expert Joe Weingarten, "I believe it is both necessary and responsible to station German anti-aircraft missile troops on NATO territory along the border with Ukraine in order to safeguard the airspace over western Ukraine - for example with Patriot systems." No additional troops would need to be deployed inside Ukraine. Air defense systems along the border between NATO countries and Ukraine could impact the airspace quite significantly.

SPD budget politician Andreas Schwarz considers air defense to be the weak spot of the Ukrainian military. The country is in need of defense systems and missiles to shield its infrastructure and citizens. As a result, other options must be taken into consideration. "This includes the possibility of securing the protection of Ukraine through its NATO allies as well," he remarked.

Ukraine is asking the US to aid in locating targets in Russia that it can attack with its weapons, as well as removing constraints on the use of American weapons against Russian military installations on Russian soil. This information was provided by US and Department of Defense officials to news organizations Dow Jones and the Wall Street Journal.

Selensky needs more air defense and modern fighter jets against the Russians.

In a discussion with the French news agency AFP, President Zelenskyi claims that while Ukraine and its Western partners share the same values, they frequently disagree on how to end the war. "We're stuck in a paradoxical situation where the West is afraid Russia will lose the battle," says Zelenskyi. "They don't want Ukraine to lose, either." He enticed China and other nations from the Global South to participate in the June peace summit in Switzerland. Russia was not invited, and it also confirmed that it would not have attended.

The Russian military is fortifying the naval base in Novorossiysk, according to the Ukrainian news service RBC, quoting the Telegram channel of the partisan group "Atesh." In a location on the Black Sea, the Russian port city of Novorossiysk is crucial. The reinforcements are supposed to guard the base against Ukrainian drones and strengthen the air defense and radar, as per RBC.

On Friday, Ukrainian drones reportedly attacked Novorossiysk's port. This port is significant to Russia because the majority of its oil and other exports pass through it. Since Ukraine attacked the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol in Crimea in September 2023, Russia has also dispatched several warships there.

With a tally of 1210 soldiers allegedly killed or harmed on Friday, the Ukrainian military declared that Russian losses in the war had reached 491,080 soldiers. Additionally, the Ukrainian military supposedly destroyed 43 armored combat vehicles, two aircraft, and a helicopter. The information is unverifiable.

The Institute for the Study of War claims that Western allies' requirements for Ukraine jeopardize its defense potential by preventing it from targeting Russian military installations on their territory with Western weapons. This renders part of the Russian-Ukrainian border safe for Russian ground attacks and troop mobilizations.

In a night of activity, the Ukrainian air defense allegedly shot down all 13 Iranian-type Shahed drones. Police chief Mykola Oleshchuk reported this discovery in local media. According to sources, the drones were fired from the Russian city of Primorsko-Akhtarsk on the Sea of Azov and the Russian region of Kursk.

After a missile warning, an explosion was recorded early Saturday morning in the Russian border region of Belgorod. Russian Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov advised citizens to seek safety through his Telegram channel. The Russian region's borders are frequently under attack due to the conflict in Ukraine, but the damage caused is mostly disproportionate to the war's effects in Ukraine.

The Russian military is alleged to have increased its shelling of Ukrainian positions in Krynky. The Institute for the Study of War reported this in its recent update. In the Kherson region, Ukraine has set up a bridgehead in Krynky, in the southeast of Ukraine. There haven't been any confirmed modifications to the front line as a result of the probable increased shelling, according to the ISW.

The Russians also escalated their offensive towards Kharkiv but, according to the ISW, the front line around the city has not changed. Russian commanders have previously declared their desire to establish a buffer zone in the Kharkiv region.

6:14 Explosions in St. Petersburg classed as not terror-related

The Russian military has blamed an accidental detonation of old World War II ammunition for the explosions at Budyonny Military Academy in St. Petersburg. The state news outlet Interfax reports that the incident occurred while soldiers were inspecting underground sections of the academy. Governor of St. Petersburg Alexander Beglov has stated that the blast is unrelated to any terrorism.

6:02 Klingbeil still hopes China's participation in Swiss Ukraine peace conference

SPD leader Lars Klingbeil remains optimistic that China will attend the Swiss Ukraine peace conference, as he told the German Press Agency. China's participation, along with India, Brazil, and South Africa, would be crucial for the success of the conference. Although attendance by these countries would be a setback if they didn't show up, Klingbeil maintains that it wouldn't be a total failure because merely discussing ways to achieve peace would still be valuable.

5:43 Zelensky stresses the importance of using Western weapons

Ukrainian President Zelensky emphasizes the significance of using Western weapons against Russia's military. Currently, Russia can fire all its weapons from its territory into Ukraine, while Ukraine cannot harm Russian weapons on Russian territory with Western weapons. Both the UK and the US have suggested that these restrictions could be eased.

5:10 Ukrainian commander-in-chief states 70 kilometers of Russian front near Kharkiv

Russian ground troops continue their offensive, which began a week ago, in the Kharkiv border area. In a Telegram message, Ukrainian army commander Olexander Syrskyi elaborates that this new front is now approximately 70 kilometers wide. This development is forcing Ukraine to deploy more reserves. Despite these efforts, Russia's advance has not succeeded in breaching the Ukrainian defense. To counter Russian air force, missiles, artillery, and tanks, Ukrainian forces rely on drones and more accurate artillery.

3:35 Kiev: Kharkiv offensive may be first Russian wave in current offensive campaign

According to President Zelensky, this Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region could be the first of several waves that may follow. He shared this with the AFP news agency.

3:15 Ukrainian President describes lack of weapons and soldiers as a morale killer

President Zelensky laments the shortage of air defense systems and 120-130 F-16 fighter jets, stating that these would effectively counter Russia's air superiority. The lack of manpower is also affecting the mental status of the troops.

0:17 National energy grid attacked; Zelensky urges energy conservation

Zelensky asks Ukrainian citizens to conserve electricity due to the attacks on the power grid. He spoke about the current difficult situation in Ukraine's energy system in response to Russia's actions and discussed this with his government and military. The system has suffered considerable damage.

0:30 Consulates open for Ukrainian conscripts abroad

Ukrainian consulates are now open to help the increasing number of conscripts who are serving outside Ukraine, thanks to the recent mobilization law. Proof of military registration is required, which can be provided either on paper or electronically.

0:00 Unicredit has assets and bank accounts frozen in Russia

An arbitration court in St. Petersburg has ordered the freezing of bank accounts and assets of Italy's Unicredit in Russia at the request of the Russian company RusChimAllianz. RusChimAllianz, a Gazprom subsidiary that operates an LNG terminal on the Baltic Sea, is seeking 444 million euros from Unicredit. The court has ordered the freezing of assets valued at 463 million euros. Unicredit is still the largest foreign bank operating in Russia and boasts assets ranking it among the top 20 in the country.

9:55 PM: Ukrainian prisoners to be enlisted for military service with a new law

In an effort to boost Ukraine's military strength, the government has enacted legislation permitting prisoners to serve in the armed forces on a temporary basis. President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the law, which grants eligible inmates a temporary suspension of their sentences. Convicts convicted of heinous crimes are barred from participating in military service.

9:36 PM: Starlink devices in Ukrainian military unit fail at beginning of Russian offensive

A report claims that all Starlink devices of a Ukrainian military unit in the region of Kharkiv malfunctioned at the onset of Moscow's attack. As reported by the Washington Post, citing members of the 125th Territorial Defense Brigade, the faults occurred on May 10, coinciding with the entry of Russian troops into the border area. The sources suggest that the disruption of the satellite communication system aided the swift territorial advancement of the Russian forces. The Washington Post attributes the Starlink failure to Russian electronic warfare systems. This marks the first widespread setback of the satellite communication system in Ukraine since the Russian invasion launched in the spring of 2022.

9:06 PM: Explosion at St. Petersburg's Budyonny military academy

Russian media are abuzz with an explosion at the Budyonny military academy in the Russian metropolis of St. Petersburg. Several sources, including the state news agency RIA and the Telegram channel Baza linked to law enforcement agencies, claim that a resident notified of the explosion. Allegedly, seven individuals sustained injuries.

Check out all earlier updates here.