18:39 Scholz guarantees work-right privileges for Ukrainians.

Scholz guarantees that working Ukrainians can remain.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reassures Ukrainians in Germany that they can stay if they have a job and a residence permit, despite Russia's intentions. The German government is trying to draw as many Ukrainians to work in Germany as possible. Meanwhile, Russia declared they have captured six villages in eastern Ukraine, prompting over a thousand people to evacuate. The MV Climate and Environmental Protection Foundation awarded contracts worth millions to a Russian company with ties to Uzbek former secret service chief Rustam Inoyatov's family, sparking concerns about the purpose of these deals. The UK delivered their largest military support package to Ukraine this year, including four million rounds of ammunition and other offensive weapons. Kharkiv's governor reports ongoing fierce conflict in the region, while Russian authorities claim five deaths from Ukrainian attacks in border areas and Donetsk. Poland plans to strengthen its entire eastern border due to a "hybrid war" stemming from illegal immigration from Belarus. Ukrainian troops used US-supplied armored personnel carriers to counterattack Russian forces near Avdiivka.

Russia announced they have captured six villages in eastern Ukraine. This information came from the Ministry of Defense in Moscow and was relayed through their Telegram service. The areas, which include Borisivka, Ohirtseve, Pletenivka, Pylna, Striletcha, and Keramik, are in the Kharkiv region near the Ukrainian-Russian border. The Russian Ministry of Defense has been reporting these wins since they began their offensive in Ukraine.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has promised assurance to Ukrainians in Germany, specifically those who have jobs and valid residence permits. In response to a question regarding Ukrainians' desire to return to the country for conscription service, Scholz said at an event hosted by Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, their stay in Germany will not be impacted by this decision. The German government is working to encourage as many Ukrainians as possible to work in Germany.

In a completely unrelated news, the UK attempts to step up support for Ukraine by delivering an impressive military bundle. This consists of over 500 million pounds worth of military aid, 400 armoured vehicles, 1,600 attack and anti-aircraft missiles, and more than four million rounds of ammunition. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced these efforts during a previous trip to Warsaw.

Unfortunately, the conflict in Ukraine continues. The governor of the Kharkiv region, Oleh Synyehubov, disclosed that there is fierce fighting going on in the area. He added that their armed forces have successfully thwarted nine attacks from Russian forces. Furthermore, fighting is still reported in five villages near the Russian border that have been contested for control.

Five individuals have met unfortunate fates due to Ukrainian attacks, according to Russian authorities. There were three casualties in Donetsk, as a restaurant was struck by a rocket, revealing eight wounded. The Russian-appointed head of administration for the occupied region, Denis Pushilin, confirmed this information at a press conference.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk of Poland stated their commitment to reinforcing its entire eastern border, as illegal immigration from Belarus is causing a "hybrid war". Poland is an EU and NATO member. Tusk didn't share any specific details about the reinforcement plans or what resources will be used. However, he emphasized that the security of Poland is a critical aspect, with "no borders".

Ukrainian troops managed to regroup and launch a successful counterattack, near the contested town of Avdiivka. The 47th Mechanized Brigade, a Ukrainian force, worked with new US military equipment, namely US-made armored personnel carriers, known as Bradley tanks. This army brigade has been a part of defensive measures along the border and anticipated further Russian advances.

Despite the worrying news, there's some reassuring development in the industry of environment and climate. The MV Climate and Environmental Protection Foundation, based in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, has granted contracts worth millions to a Russian company named "GC SIA LLC", which has a German proprietor and a managing director with close ties to Rustam Inoyatov, son of the former Uzbek secret service chief.

In case you're wondering, Olaf Scholz is Germany's current Chancellor, Manuela Schwesig is its Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak is Britain's Prime Minister, and Donald Tusk is the former Prime Minister of Poland. Belarus is a country that borders Poland and shares a complex relationship with the Russian Federation.

12:34 Moscow reports success in Kharkiv region as Russia captures five villages

The Ministry of Defense in Russia claims to have taken control of five villages near the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. These villages - Pletenivka, Ohirtseve, Borysivka, Pylna and Strilechna - are along the border with Belgorod Oblast. The military operation began on Friday, with Russian forces reportedly eliminating numerous Ukrainian soldiers and destroying their equipment. However, there's no independent confirmation of these claims. Experts suggest that the Russians aim to tie up Ukrainian troops while advancing their artillery closer to Kharkiv, allowing it to fire on the city.

11:58 London: Explosions in Russian territory due to misfired weapons

Earlier this month, a Russian plane accidentally released munitions on civilian areas in Belgorod, causing damages to 30 houses and 10 cars. Five people were injured and hospitalized. The governor of the region, Vyacheslav Gladkov, confirmed the explosion on Telegram but did not mention the cause. According to the British Ministry of Defense, this is not the first incident of errant ammunition. A FAB-250 bomb was dropped in the Belgorod region in mid-February, leading to the evacuation of 150 residents. There were 20 cases of stray ammunition between March and April alone. "Mismanaged" Russian weapons result in significant harm for their own people, says a London-based intelligence report.

11:17 Possible motives behind Russia's offensive near Kharkiv: Three theories

Political scientist Thomas Jäger discusses the potential objectives behind Russia's pursuit of territorial gains in the Kharkiv region. As Ukraine struggles to respond, its allies seem to be failing in their support.

10:52 Continued attacks near Kharkiv: Ukraine says Russia's offensive is repelled

Ukrainian troops continue to resist a Russian offensive in the border area surrounding Kharkiv. Reports indicate that Russia is battling in nine different conflicts in the region this morning. The Ukrainian General Staff says the attacks have been repelled, but these findings can't be verified independently. Ukrainian officials and military analysts had expected an invasion of Kharkiv, given Russia's buildup of troops in the area.

10:20 Weichert on the offensive near Kharkiv: "Russia takes action; Ukraine can only react again"

In a public statement, journalist Jürgen Weichert discusses the Russians' offensive in the Kharkiv region and the Ukrainian forces' efforts to push back on the attacks. He also shares his personal experience visiting a German-funded prosthetic center in Lviv. [Link to video]

9:55 Fighter jets involved in massive offensive near Kharkiv

Russian troops continue to attack the border region near Kharkiv, and fighter jets are part of their strategy. [Link to video]

9:30 Iranian drones downed by German Gepard anti-aircraft tanks in Ukraine

The German Gepard anti-aircraft tanks used in Ukraine since 2022 have been crucial in defending against Iranian drone strikes. Ukraine's ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeiev, notes that a Shahed drone was shot down with just five to six rounds from a Gepard system. A video showing the success of the Cheetahs is shared.

8:50 The United States is supplying weapons to Ukraine amid escalating conflict

The US Department of Defense confirms that American military aid has been provided to the Ukrainian forces. The US is working to deliver weapons and ammunition to the front line more rapidly. John Kirby, the spokesperson, emphasizes that the battlefield has already received some of the first defense aid package and is awaiting the remaining shipment. [Link to article]

8:20 Weapons from the US are reaching Ukrainian troops as anticipation builds (from 6:39)

The initial round of defense aid to Ukraine from the United States is being received by Ukrainian troops amid mounting apprehension. [Link to article]

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

8:00 Russia's offensive near Kharkiv: Three possible consequences

Pol. Sci. Prof. Thomas Jäger highlights the potential outcomes of Russia's increased military activity in the Kharkiv region.

7:32 Ukraine faces an uphill battle: Military observers see Russia's offensive as a threat to the county

Military and political experts analyze the Russian offensive near Kharkiv and discuss the potential implications for Ukraine. [Link to video]

09:41 German lawmakers endorse deployment of foreign troops for air security in UkraineSignificant German parliamentarians from the CDU, FDP, and Greens are mulling over establishing an airspace safety zone over Ukraine using western air defense mechanisms. In conversations divulged to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung, they signify their support for a similar initiative brought forward by military expert Nico Lange from the Munich Security Conference. According to Lange, a "safe area with a 70-kilometer width" could be developed on the Ukrainian borders with Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. Spokesperson for the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, Roderich Kiesewetter, posits that such a deployment on NATO's eastern periphery would enable western countries to shoot down "Russian unmanned missiles" over Ukraine, alleviating Ukrainian air defense and protecting the front line.

09:11 Ukraine records astonishing casualties among Russian soldiersThe ongoing Russian military activity in the eastern parts of Ukraine and the offensive near Kharkiv could be the cause of the reported casualties. According to Kiev, 1320 Russian troops were eliminated, alongside 15 tanks, 40 armored vehicles, and 55 artillery units in the past day. Additionally, two rocket launches, an anti-aircraft system, and 64 other military vehicles were destroyed. The information couldn't be confirmed independently. Security analyst Frank Umbach informs ntv.de that the casualties in the war are "excessively high," and the numbers could escalate to 500,000 soldiers by year-end - as anticipated by NATO as well. Moreover, Russia confronts a predicament with mobilization.

08:34 Spectacular footage of Putin's palace in Gelendzhik: Journalists hit the jackpotAs per journalists, they managed to secure footage of the interior of Vladimir Putin's private residence in Gelendzhik, showcasing lavish furnishings, statues, grand chandeliers, and a swimming pool. The exquisite interiors are reminiscent of the sumptuous lifestyle Putin and his elites enjoy.

07:56 A worrying offensive near Kharkiv: The Institute for the Study of War describes the situationThe Institute for the Study of War (ISW) estimates that Russia is planning a major offensive in the north of the Kharkiv region to lure Ukrainian forces and equipment from other vital frontlines in the east. Russian forces are also apparently readying reinforcements, according to ISW. Nevertheless, a large-scale, comprehensive offensive to encircle and seize Kharkiv isn't likely. Russian forces would need to set aside crucial frontlines and reallocate vast numbers of troops - an improbable scenario.

07:17 Frozen Russian assets would generate meager interest revenue for Ukraine, says the Ukrainian Justice MinisterThe European Union seeks to make use of the interests generated from Russian assets worth approximately €210 billion (€210 billion) to purchase weapons for Ukraine. However, the annual package from the profits of frozen Russian assets - at €3 billion – is a pittance, reckons Ukrainian Justice Minister Denys Maliuska. "The Ukrainian government desires total confiscation and deems it lawful and the only means to resolve the war," Maliuska disclosed to Politico.

06:39 United States pledges $400 million in new armament assistance to UkraineThe United States Department of Defense recently announced additional military aid "to satisfy Ukraine's necessary security and defense requirements". This marks the fifty-seventh consignment of equipment from American stockpiles for Ukraine since August 2021. The package costs $400 million. The statement from the US states the armament aid includes ammunition for Patriot and NASAMS air defense systems, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, artillery projectiles, Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, additional HIMARS artillery shells, M113 armored transport vehicles, and equipment.

06:04 Nine robotic complexes join the Ukrainian military as new additionsSince the start of this year, nine robotic systems have been deployed by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. These devices are responsible for a range of functions on the battlefield, including machine gun fighting, mine clearing, and rescuing injured soldiers. Colonel Volodymyr Rochniak, spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, contends that "domestic manufacturers are currently placing their emphasis on producing robotic complexes to enhance the abilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and safeguard the lives of our soldiers."

5:34 AM Ukraine: Deadly Russian Actions in Sumy Region

Russian aggressors targeted multiple villages along the border of the Sumy Oblast on May 10, taking one civilian's life and injuring two others, as per the regional military administration. A 64-year-old woman was killed and a 17-year-old granddaughter wounded after enduring artillery shelling in the village of Esman. Similarly, a resident of Seredyna-Buda was injured due to the same attacks.

4:45 AM: Destruction of Vovchansk, a Ukrainian Border Town, Intended by Russians

As reported by a Ukrainian official, Russian forces seek to annihilate Vovchansk, a Ukrainian border town. In an interview, the chief of police patrol for Vovchansk stated: "Within 24 hours, there were possibly several hundred hits by artillery, mines, and dozens of cluster bombs." He further added, "They're in the process of destroying the city and trying to enter the area."

3:35 AM: Three Deaths and Six Injured After Ukrainian Missile Attack on Russian-Occupied Depot

Following an explosive attack on a Russian-controlled oil depot in Luhansk, the local Russian governor, Leonid Passetschnik, revealed that three civilians were killed, along with six others who sustained injuries with two of them suffering from smoke inhalation. The incident took place on May 10. Passetschnik also voiced suspicions that the United States supplied the Ukrainian army with the weapon responsible, known as tactical army missile systems (ATACMS), without presenting any concrete evidence. The Ukrainian authorities have yet to make any declarations.

2:20 AM: Drone Attacks on Belgorod and Kursk Oblasts by Ukraine

The Russian authorities claimed that Ukraine conducted drone attacks on the oblasts of Belgorod and Kursk on May 10, resulting in damages to agricultural buildings and equipment. The Russian Ministry of Defense declared that they responded with 17 projectiles from the Vampire multiple rocket launcher, 13 drones, and five guided aerial bombs over Belgorod Oblast. The Belgorod region's Governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, stated that a drone crash-landed on a farm that destroyed three buildings and two pieces of equipment. Similarly, Kursk region's Governor, Roman Starovoit, confirmed that 12 villages in the area were targeted by drones that same day, damaging an infrastructure facility.

12:53 AM: Zelensky Commits to Intense Resistance Toward Russian Aggression

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky calls for a forceful reaction by Ukraine in response to the latest offensive by the Russian military. In a video message, Zelenskyi stated, "There's extreme fighting occurring across the entire front." He further promised, "We'll inescapably vanquish the occupier in a manner that thwarts all Russian offensive tactics."

11:46 PM: A Blaze Erupts in an Oil Storage Facility Near Luhansk Following a Ukrainian Attack

Russian news agency TASS reported a Ukrainian strike on an oil depot in Luhansk. Subsequently, a fire commenced at the Russian-controlled facility. Ukrainian bloggers divulged that the Rowenky village's depot was the target.

10:14 PM: United States Concerned Over Kremlin's Recent Offensive

The US administration expressed concern over the most recent Russian onslaught in the region of Kharkiv, saying, "We have anticipated Russia to launch a frontal attack against Kharkiv and now it appears to have commenced." Following previous attempts to seize this city, highlighted by the inability to capture it, the current aggression actions are "with intriguing and concerning implications," implied John Kirby, National Security Council Communications Director.

10:01 PM: Zelensky Insists on International Aid to Defend Against Russian Attack

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, urges for timely delivery of weapons from foreign nations to bolster Ukrainian defenses during the recent advance of the Russian army. In his evening address, Zelensky disclosed, "What's beneficial are the weapons that are actually supplied to Ukraine, not just those with announced packages." Zelensky went on to confirm that the Russians' offensive wasn't unexpected. He mentioned, "We understand the power of the occupier's troops and see their strategy." His soldiers, artillery, and drones are engaging the oppressors, he completed.