Selenskyj highlights the need to halt Russian offensive.

Russian offensive needs to be halted, says Selenskyj at 21:13.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi has declared the destruction of the most recent Russian assault in the country's east as his top priority, emphasizing that "the accomplishment of this assignment relies on each and every soldier, every non-commissioned officer, and every officer." On Friday, Russian forces launched a wide-ranging offensive across the border towards the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. Zelensky described the situation, stating that Ukrainian troops have been engaged in counterattacks for two days to shield their territory. The military has already dispatched reinforcements in Kharkiv's direction.

Yulia Navalnaya, the well-known Russian opposition figure, is scheduled to receive the inaugural Dresden International Peace Prize posthumously on Sunday. Alexei Navalny, her husband and Kremlin critic, died under mysterious circumstances while in a Siberian prison camp on February 16th. Navalny was an outspoken critic of President Vladimir Putin.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj has reported that the ongoing conflict in the Kharkiv region persists and described the situation in the Donetsk region as "particularly tense." In the Kharkiv region, defensive measures will continue in the area of the villages assaulted by Russian troops.

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his hope that Arab countries, India, South Africa, Brazil, and China would participate in the upcoming Ukraine peace conference slated for mid-June in Switzerland. He stated, "even if the major peace issue isn't discussed there yet, but some of the war-related issues, it would be a massive step."

Chancellor Scholz assured Ukrainian citizens working in Germany that as long as they possess a job and residence permit, their stay in the country would not be endangered. In response to concerns about Ukrainians conscripts returning, Scholz stated at the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland event, "their staying in Germany is not put at risk by that." The German government strives to ensure as many Ukrainians as possible find employment in Germany.

Russia has announced that Russian soldiers have seized control of six villages in eastern Ukraine. The Ministry of Defense reported that these villages are, Borisivka, Ohirtseve, Pletenivka, Pylna, and Striletcha in the Kharkiv area near the border, and the village of Keramik in the Donetsk region. Russian forces had made advances in the Kharkiv region on Friday, resulting in the evacuation of over a thousand people from border areas.

The MV Foundation for Climate and Environmental Protection has been handing out contracts worth millions to a company with ties to the family of Rustam Inoyatov, specifically his son Sharif, to construct Nord Stream 2. "GC SIA LLC," a Russian firm, received the contracts from the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern State Foundation in 2021. Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig founded the "climate foundation" to shield organizations involved in Nord Stream 2 from US sanctions. Now, former Prime Minister Erwin Sellering acts as its chairman. The foundation has yet to comment on the situation. "GC SIA LLC" from Russia did not respond either. The dispute between Russia and the US is largely centered around the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, a symbol of Germany's flawed Russia policy, particularly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The UK delivers largest military aid package to Ukraine, consisting of ammunition, armored vehicles, missiles, and more

The UK Ministry of Defense revealed that the largest military aid package to Ukraine so far has been sent by the UK. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made this announcement during a visit to Warsaw in April. The package includes military assistance worth £500 million (approximately €580 million), 400 armored vehicles, 1,600 attack and anti-aircraft missiles, and over 4 million rounds of ammunition.

Fierce fighting takes place in the Kharkiv region, with Ukrainian forces defending against Russian attacks

Oleh Synyehubov, the governor of the Kharkiv region in eastern Ukraine, reported that intense fighting is happening in the region. He stated that the enemy is making advances towards the region, and Ukrainian forces have successfully repelled nine attacks. The fighting is occurring in five villages near the Russian border.

Five dead in Donetsk due to Ukrainian drone and artillery attacks, Russian authorities claim

Russian authorities report that five people have died in Ukrainian drone and artillery attacks in the border provinces of Belgorod and Kursk and in the Russian-occupied city of Donetsk. Three individuals lost their lives and eight were injured when a rocket struck a restaurant in Donetsk, said Denis Pushilin, the Russian-appointed head of administration of the occupied region.

Poland plans to reinforce its entire eastern border due to increased hybrid war threats

Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that Poland intends to beef up its entire eastern border due to growing hybrid war threats. The country is a NATO and EU member state and shares its eastern border with Belarus, which is allied with Russia. Tusk didn't provide any details about the specific measures or methods of reinforcement. He emphasized that "there will be no borders" when it comes to Poland's security, as he visited the border during a meeting with soldiers and border guards.

Ukrainian troops reportedly counterattack after using new US-supplied armored personnel carriers to stop Russian advance

Ukrainian troops were able to stop the Russian advance near Avdiivka and counterattack with the assistance of newly arrived US military aid, according to Euromaidan Press. The 47th Mechanized Brigade of Ukraine, stationed in the area, was compared to a "fire department" at highly contested parts of the front. The brigade had set up killing zones before retreating, which prevented Russian troops from making progress. Kiev's armed forces then retaliated and forced the Russians back. New Bradley tanks that were recently delivered from the US were also believed to have played a significant role in the area. The 47th Mechanized Brigade is known for using Bradleys.

Russia claims to have captured five villages in the Kharkiv region and reports increased casualties among Ukrainian troops

Moscow's Ministry of Defense reported that Russian forces captured Pletenivka, Ohirtseve, Borysivka, Pylna, and Strilechna, all located on the Ukrainian-Russian border in the Kharkiv region. Russia launched an offensive against Kharkiv in early May. According to Russian claims, a significant number of Ukrainian soldiers were killed, and their equipment destroyed. However, these assertions lack independent confirmation. Military observers argue that the Russian offensive is not a direct attack on Kharkiv, but aims to tie down Ukrainian troops and move artillery near the city for shelling purposes.

London claims Russia faces issues with their bombs, causing harm to their own population

The British Ministry of Defense revealed that a Russian plane inadvertently released bombs on civilian territory in early May, causing damage and forcing evacuations in Belgorod. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov confirmed the incident on Telegram. The explosion damaged 30 houses and 10 vehicles, and five people required hospitalization. London's intelligence report claims that such incidents are not isolated, mentioning that 20 cases of stray ammunition occurred between March and April of this year. "These incidents highlight Russia's inability to accurately target its bombs, which results in catastrophic consequences for the Russian population," the report added.

12:13 Video appears to show a German Gepard anti-tank shooting down an Iranian Shahed drone

German Gepard anti-tank vehicles have been in action in Ukraine since 2022. Initially distributed to Kiev a few months into the major Russian invasion, these cheetahs from the 70s have gained immense popularity with the Ukrainian military for their exceptional capabilities. Among other things, these anti-aircraft tanks play a crucial role in defending against daily drone attacks. The Ukrainian ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeiev, notes on Platform X regarding Iranian drones: "Five to six shots are typically sufficient for a Shahed." Makeiev also shares a video showcasing the successful engagement with the aid of the Cheetah:

11:33 U.S. gearing up: Ukrainian troops receive weapons from the U.S. as the situation worsens

According to the US Department of Defense, Ukrainian forces have received weapons from the United States in response to the deteriorating situation. In an attempt to swiftly deliver more supplies, Washington intends to expedite the process. "A portion of the initial defense assistance package - which we declared as part of the supplemental funding bill on the same day the president signed it - is already on the battlefield and in the possession of the Ukrainian military," said spokesman John Kirby, as reported by Ukrinform. "Heaven and hell" are in motion, and work on the distribution of the remaining supplies from the previous initiative has not yet been completed. The U.S. has also announced a separate tranche of crucial ammunition and weapons valued at $400 million.

11:01 Moscow's intentions near Kharkiv: Three potential objectives identified by political analysts

The Russian military is advancing towards Kharkiv - what is their strategy? Political scientist Thomas Jäger discusses three potential scenarios. Meanwhile, Ukraine experiences a setback as its supporters struggle to respond:

10:33 Russia's relentless offensive: Ukraine claims defensive measures against Russian advance in the Kharkiv border region

An older photo shows the dropping of FAB-250 bombs.

According to the General Staff, the Ukrainian military is engaging in defensive measures against a Russian offensive in the border region close to the megacity of Kharkiv. This morning, the military reported nine clashes on this section of the front. The overall statement implies that the Russian advances have been repelled. This information could not be independently verified. The Ukrainian army has been facing Russian advances on two broad sections of the front since Friday. This offensive had been expected due to the significant Russian troop buildup near the border. However, Ukrainian and Russian military observers, alongside international experts, concluded that the advance was not aimed at Kharkiv.

10:08 Weichert reveals on the offensive near Kharkiv: "Russia is advancing, Ukraine can only react"

The Russian military is attempting to advance in the Kharkiv region and is currently engaged in a massive attack. Journalist Jürgen Weichert details the extent of the territorial gains and how Ukraine is responding. Weichert also reports on his emotional visit to a German-funded prosthesis center in Lviv:

09:41 German parliamentarians support deployment of Western soldiers for air defense in Ukraine

Leading members of the Bundestag from the CDU, FDP, and Greens are considering safeguarding parts of the airspace over Ukraine from NATO territory through air defense installed by Western countries. During discussions with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung newspaper, they endorse a proposal put forth by military expert Nico Lange of the Munich Security Conference, among others. According to Lange's idea, "a secure zone measuring up to 70 kilometers wide" could be established on Ukraine's borders with Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. Spokesman for the CDU/CSU parliamentary group Roderich Kiesewetter, expressing his stance on behalf of the group, comments that such a deployment on NATO's eastern flank would allow Western nations to shoot down "unmanned Russian missiles" above Ukraine. "This would relief the Ukrainian air defense and enable it to focus on protecting the front line."

09:11 "Extremely severe" toll: Ukraine reports a substantial number of Russian troop casualties

Factoring in the current Russian forces' attempts to advance in the eastern portion of the country and their offensive near Kharkiv could also affect the death toll. Over the past day, Kiev has detailed the elimination of 1,320 Russian soldiers, 15 tanks, 40 armored personnel carriers, and 55 artillery systems. Additionally, two rocket launchers, an air defense system, and 64 other military vehicles were destroyed. The information could not be independently verified. Security specialist Frank Umbach informs ntv.de that Russian casualties in the war are "inordinately high" and are projected to escalate to 500,000 soldiers by the year's end - even as per NATO estimates. Moscow also faces challenges with mobilization.

08:34 Artists unveil stunning look inside Putin's extravagant palace in Gelendzhik Researchers have uncovered breathtaking footage of the interiors of Russian President Vladimir Putin's lavish palace in Gelendzhik. The opulent property is said to be fully complete and decorated with pricy furniture, ornate busts, enormous chandeliers and a swimming pool.

07:56 Russian military aims to divert Ukrainian forces with attack near Kharkiv - ISW analysis The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) speculates that the major Russian offensive initiated along the Russian-Ukrainian border in the Kharkiv area is to draw Ukrainian troops and material away from other critical areas in eastern Ukraine. It is also likely that Russia has more forces ready to reinforce their operations in the coming days, ISW states. Whilst not seeking a powerful, comprehensive offensive operation to encircle and seize Kharkiv, the US-based think tank still anticipates this would be a difficult feat for the Russian military due to the logistical obstacles involved and the Russian military's long-term goal of overtaking Luhansk and Donetsk regions.

07:17 EU plans to relinquish interest returns from Russian assets worth billions to assist Ukraine - minister: "A drop in the ocean" The European Union manages approximately 210 billion euros in frozen Russian assets. The EU is aiming to use the accumulating interest profits from these sanctioned assets to aid Ukraine by purchasing weapons. Low single-digit billion sums will emerge from the frozen assets' interest returns, as claimed by the Ukrainian Justice Minister, Denys Maliuska to Politico. Desperate for 'hundreds of billions' to win the war, Ukraine's government pursues full confiscation of these assets.

06:39 US approves $400 million arms package for Ukraine weapons support The United States announces further support "to help Ukraine address its critical security and defense needs." It is the fifty-seventh tranche of equipment from American stocks earmarked for Ukraine since August 2021, deemed worth $400 million. This package includes ammunition for Patriot and NASAMS air defence systems, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, artillery shells, Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, further HIMARS artillery rocket systems and ammunition, and M113 armored personnel carriers.

06:04 Several robotic complexes in service in Ukraine after defense ministry's efforts Nine land-based robotic complexes have been commissioned by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense since the beginning of the year, as reported by the ministry. These robots are performing several tasks on the battlefield, lowering the risks for Ukrainian troops. Duties include shooting with machine guns, detonating mines, and aiding in evacuating injured soldiers. "Numerous domestic manufacturers are currently inclined towards the production of robotic systems to enhance the Ukrainian Armed Forces' capabilities and minimize the casualties of our soldiers," clarifies the military representative, Col. Volodymyr Rochniak.

05:34 Sumy Region: Russian assault claims civilian life and leaves others injured Russian troops attacked nine villages along the Sumy Oblast border on May 10, resulting in the death of one civilian and injuring two others, reports the regional military administration. In the village of Esman, a 64-year-old woman died while her 17-year-old granddaughter was injured in artillery fire. A Vovchansk resident was also injured in artillery shelling on the same day, the administration confirms.

04:45 Upheaval in Vovchansk, town targeted for destruction by Russian forces: official claim The Ukrainian border town of Vovchansk is being destroyed by Russian forces, says an official. "In the past 24 hours, there were probably hundreds of attacks using artillery, mines, and dozens of cluster bombs," states the head of the Vovchansk police patrol. "They're proceeding with the demolition of the city and trying to infiltrate the area."

03:35 Three individuals lose lives in Ukrainian strike on oil depot in Russian-occupied Vovchansk - governor's report According to Luhansk governor Leonid Passetschnik, three people were killed and six injured in Ukraine's assault on an oil depot in the Russian-controlled region of Vovchansk. A significant fire broke out inside the oil storage facility, with suspicions that American-supplied ATACMS missile systems were used in the attack. The Ukrainian government has yet to respond publicly to these allegations.

2:20 AM: Russia: Ukraine allegedly uses drones to attack Belgorod and Kursk regions

Russia states that Ukraine conducted drone assaults on the Russian regions of Belgorod and Kursk on May 10, causing damage to agricultural establishments and machinery, as per Russian officials. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, air defense units employed the Vampire multiple rocket launcher to fire 17 projectiles, 13 drones, and five guided air munitions over Belgorod Oblast.

Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov of Belgorod region disclosed that one of the drones had fallen on a farm, destroying three structures and damaging two pieces of equipment. Kursk region's governor Roman Starovoit reported that 12 localities in the area were targeted by drones on May 10, with one drone causing damage to an infrastructure facility.

00:53 AM: Zelensky: "Resolute retaliation from Ukraine"

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proclaims a strong reaction from Ukraine in the face of the latest Russian offensive. In a video message, he announced, "There is stiff fighting along the entire line," implying that the Ukrainian troops would decisively counter the Russian attempt. "We'll sooner or later eliminate the aggressor in such a manner that all Russian invasion strategies will fail," Zelensky added.

11:53 PM: Fire in a potential oil storage facility near Luhansk, possibly caused by an attack

TASS, a Russian news agency, reports a Ukrainian assault on an oil storage facility in the pro-Russian region of Luhansk. A fire had erupted at the facility, which was located in the village of Rowenky, allegedly due to a Ukrainian incursion.

9:14 PM: US government views Russian offensive "with great worry"

The United States government is monitoring the latest major Russian attack near Kharkiv with apprehension. "We assumed that Russia would initiate an offensive against Kharkiv, and it now appears to have begun," stated John Kirby, Communications Director of the National Security Council. In the months since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russia had been unsuccessfully attempting to seize Kharkiv. "In fact, it was primarily the failure to conquer Kharkiv that led Mr. Putin to withdraw his troops across the border," Kirby further elaborated. The current Russian military actions in this region are thus "extremely intriguing and notably alarming."

9:51 PM: Zelenskyy: "The most beneficial aid are the weapons that arrive in Ukraine"

Zelenskyy asserted that the Ukrainian military needs timely shipments of foreign aid to defend against the new Russian offensive in Ukraine. "The weapons that are actually transported to Ukraine are what truly aids us," he expressed in an evening address. The Russian assault was not unexpected. "We are familiar with the invader's troop strength and their plans," Zelenskyi further clarified. "Our soldiers, artillery, and drones are combating the occupiers."