Scholz responds to Macron's proposal: No NATO troops in Ukraine.
Following President Macron's intention to send military trainers to Ukraine, German Chancellor Scholz reiterates his stance against deploying German soldiers to the conflict zone. In a speech at an SPD event in Duisburg, Scholz emphasizes their efforts to avert elevation of tension. Assuring, "No soldiers from our countries or NATO will be in Ukraine."
17:31 In Poltava region, a rescued woman reportedly dies in hospital. As per Ukrainian reports, two civilians fatally wounded by Russian assaults have been identified. One victim, said to be a female survivor of a house attack made of debris in Poltava city, succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. Filip Pronin, the governor of Poltava, shared this on Telegram, describing the moment "The doctors fought for her life until the last minute." A second casualty, a 60-year-old woman from village Dudchany in Kherson region, perished due to Russian mortar shelling.
16:58 Leonid Pasechnik, Moscow-controlled governor of Luhansk region, reports a surge in casualties after Ukrainian rocket attack. The fatalities hiked up to six, alongside 60 injured individuals. He swept aside public engagements and instituted a day of mourning for the loss. This information awaits independent verification, while no commentary has arrived from the Ukrainian side.
16:29 Amidst the detention of a staff member in Russia, Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, a Genevan non-governmental organization asserts its intention to assist him. The organization is actively seeking a legal representative and connecting with Russian officials for clarification. Although Russian media outlet Tass alleges that the accused confessed and pled guilty unaware of registration requirement as a foreign agent, the organization resumes its search for information on the charges and circumstances.
15:57 Ukrainian Air Forces announce interception of nine out of thirteen Russian drones over Poltava, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv territories. District Governor Serhiy Lysak revealed that damages were incurred by drones on commercial and residential areas of Zaporizhzhia metropolis. Meanwhile, Russia claimed that Ukrainian soldiers struck Russian targets with 25 drones with no prevailing casualties.
15:25 Ukrainian Energy Minister President Denys Schmyhal unfolds the ravage on Ukraine's power plants caused by Russian attacks. He commented, "73 percent of large power plants are disabled. Russia has caused us to lose half of our electricity generation capacity – 9.2 gigawatts," referring to the energy destruction experienced since the fall of last winter leaving merely 25 percent intact.
14:48 Authors of "Kyiv Independent" reportedly named two Russian soldiers accused of raping two Ukrainian women in 2022. The tragedies were carried out while Russia occupied the lands of Kiev and Kherson. The report also suggests these soldiers have not faced justice, with one allegedly staying in Horlivka, Donetsk, and the other accused of additional war crimes. An estimated 292 instances of Russian military-induced sexual violence since war commencement exist though authorities believe the actual count to be significantly larger.
13:57 According to the British Defense Intelligence Service's images, Russia installed additional protection devices for the Kerch Bridge, which links the Russian mainland with Crimea. The protective barges minimize the angle for approaching enemy drones. Similar coverage was eroded earlier by storms. The bridge's security is vital for military supply routes to the front.
13:41 Pistorius Affirms: Germany's Military Must Get Ready
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius asserts that the Bundeswehr must be prepared to wage a defensive war if attacked. "It's about being ready for the worst so you're not caught off guard," said the defence minister at a Bundeswehr event in the Faßberg airfield. Experts predict that Russia will need 5-years to develop the necessary capabilities for an attack on a NATO nation. The Kremlin devoted 5.9% of its GDP to the military in 2023 and is now raising it to 7%.
13:15 Ukraine: Heavily Bombarding Southern Province, Repelling Invades
In the South Front, Russian troops relentlessly attack without pause. The Ukrainian military logged 240 surveillance drones above the southern region throughout Friday, using not only artillery and rockets, but also combat drones. Per the Ukrainian army, they have repelled three attacks in the Orichiv and Krynky regions.
12:29 Kuleba Urges: Use Russian Frozen Assets for Ukraine
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba encourages nations to use not just the profits from frozen Russian assets, but the assets themselves to assist Ukraine. "We understand the concerns of our partners regarding the repercussions," says Kuleba, "but we're within the bounds of international law." In the EU, over 200 billion euros of Russian Central Bank assets are currently frozen. If the actual money rather than just the interest could be used is also being discussed among the G7 at their upcoming Italian summit.
11:55 Near Kharkiv: Even Firing at Cows
ntv-reporter Kavita Sharma traveled to Kharkiv and spoke with individuals who perished in the Russian attacks – their loved ones and their homes. At a farm, Russians even shot at cows.
11:34 Scholz: Putin Won't Succeed
Just before the European election, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated his stance on Russia's aggression against Ukraine and promised support for the country. "Putin won't succeed with his imperialistic aspirations," said Scholz in a video message. "He must recognize that he can't win this brutal campaign." Supporting Ukraine signifies "we defend its independence and sovereignty."
10:57 Ukraine: Attacks Russian Airfield in Caucasus
Moscow disclosed that a Ukrainian drone has reached North Ossetia in the Caucasus. North Ossetian leader reports the target was a military airfield. This marks the first time since the conflict began that a Ukrainian drone has reached North Ossetia, which is roughly 700km from the Ukrainian border. From this airfield, Russian combat jets are launched for attacks on Ukraine, such as using glide bombs. The Ukrainian army is increasingly targeting infrastructure on Russian territory to disrupt logistics and supply lines.
10:20 Pokrovsk Border: One Ukrainian Brigade Repels Three Russian Brigades
The Ukrainian army reports that Russian troops persistently attack on the eastern front. A Ukrainian tank brigade is currently repelling three Russian combat brigades in the Pokrovsk region. The Pokrovsk front is the epicentre of the hostilities. The town is west of Ocheretyne, recently seized by Russians. "Here, the enemy is trying to penetrate deep into our territory," reads their report. "With vast reserve forces, the Russians quickly make up for their substantial losses and send in new soldiers."
09:48 Moscow: Ukrainian Drones Attacked Multiple Areas, Including Crimea
Moscow announced that Ukrainian forces used 25 drones to attack Russian targets overnight on Saturday. The Defence Ministry claims that drones were repelled in the Rostov, Bryansk, and Belgorod border regions. The annexed Crimean Peninsula was also a target of the drone attacks.
09:12 Sharma Details: Russians Attempting to Cause Wedge between Ukrainian Positions
Tension remains high in the Donetsk region. Russian soldiers appear to be implementing a scenario previously discussed by experts, as relayed by Kavita Sharma from Ukraine.
08:55 Ukrainian General Staff: 1,210 Injured or Killed among Russians Since Yesterday
The Ukrainian General Staff reports that 1,210 Russian soldiers were killed or injured in the previous 24 hours. Russia's casualties are now estimated at over 517,000 since the invasion started in February 2022. Additionally, Ukrainian forces destroyed 9 tanks, 36 armoured vehicles, a multiple rocket launcher, and 7 air defence systems.
08:31 Ukraine: Possible 15 Million Euro Propaganda Campaign Against Ukrainian Military
Ukraine's Military Intelligence Service (HUR) alleges that Russia is planning a propaganda campaign against the Ukrainian military leadership. A 15-million-euro budget has been earmarked for articles and films that would portray Ukraine's special units and military leaders in a detrimental light. It's believed that Russian troops have been ordered to spread this material in Ukrainian and other Western media. Their objective is to intensify conflict within Ukraine.
Report: Germany Finds Security Situation for UEFA Euros "Tense"; Ukraine Evacuates More Settlements
At 07:48, German security officials consider the security situation before the European Football Championship as "tense". There's concern over potential cyber attacks linked to Russia's war on Ukraine, whose national soccer team will be competing. The protection of stadiums and other event venues against drone attacks remains a significant challenge. Authorities have acknowledged that drones have been spotted at facilities where Ukrainian soldiers trained with German equipment. Furthermore, terrorist attacks on one of the 51 matches or major fan festivals are also expected. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has approved increased police presence at stadiums and fan zones, as a "power play".
At 07:27, unconfirmed reports about explosions in Crimea came through Kyiv Independent and Crimean Wind, a Telegram channel. In the reported incident, explosions were heard in Sevastopol, allegedly at 1:39 local time. The first explosion occurred near a power plant, while the second was reported near the port of Sevastopol. Large-caliber weapon noises were heard before the first explosion, leading to speculations about a possible drone attack. While the Kyiv Independent is yet to verify the news, it's claimed that Ukrainian army is targeting Russian war logistics and supplying infrastructure.
The Ukrainian Air Force has emphasized the merits of the French-manufactured Mirage combat jets that France will send to Ukraine soon. Spokesperson for the Air Force considers the jets to be modern and versatile, suitable for various combat tasks. However, training of F-16 pilots still appears to be a top priority. While Mirage's training is estimated to take another six months, F-16 pilots' training is on track. The safe storage of Western jets amidst continuous Russian air raids is another major challenge. The Mirage was first created in France around the 1970s and was a crucial combat aircraft for the French army for nearly two decades.
In Sumy region, the Ukrainian governor announced the evacuation of eight more settlements in the border area due to all-day Russian attacks. A total of 50 civilians have been killed this year in the Russian strikes, which included artillery, mortars, and kamikaze drones. The city experienced around 50 blasts in the past 24 hours, resulting in three deaths and three injuries.
Ukraine is purchasing another air defense system from the French defense company Thales. The first system was to be delivered in 2023, and after the purchase of the second one, Ukraine will possess two such systems.
According to Bloomberg, Germany is considering whether to send a fourth Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine. This would be the fourth system provided by Germany. The change in rules for Patriots' usage means they could theoretically shoot down Russian aircraft intending to strike targets in the region of Kharkiv outside Russian airspace.
Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelensky, tagged Putin's claims about his "illegitimacy" as baseless. Zelensky reiterated that his legitimacy rests with the Ukrainian people. He highlighted, "The Ukrainian people are the only ones who can recognize President Zelensky's legitimacy. The Ukrainian people have made their choice, and I am grateful for their support. Our people are free. To be honest, we are fighting for this." During his press conference alongside French President Macron, Zelensky added, "The legitimacy of Comrade Putin is only recognized by Comrade Putin himself. Only Putin chooses Putin. The Russians are simply a backdrop, with just one actor on stage."
The German government hopes to offer Ukraine more than just military assistance through an upcoming reconstruction conference later this week. The aim is to present opportunities for civil society, the economy, and regional governments, as stated by a senior German official. Topics for discussion will include reforms and employment. The conference, held Tuesday and Wednesday in Berlin, is scheduled to include German Chancellor Scholz, various German ministers, and a high-ranking Ukrainian delegation. The meeting is described as "not a fundraising event, but a networking one."
At 00:45, the Russian occupied administration alleges that 22 people were killed in a Ukrainian artillery attack on a Russian-controlled village in the southern Kherson region. Vladimir Saldo, the Russian-appointed administrator for the region, shared the news on Telegram, claiming a store full of people was hit. Injuries are reported in 15 other people, with Saldo labeling the incident a "ripe murder of civilians" made possible by Western arms deliveries to Ukraine. However, independent confirmation of the incident is unavailable.
French President Macron is pushing for EU accession negotiations with Ukraine "by the end of the month." Speaking at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Zelensky in Paris, Macron stated, "France supports Ukraine in all areas, including at the European level, where we are trying to achieve a real start of accession negotiations by the end of the month." Zelensky also reiterated the progress, saying, "There are decisions regarding Ukraine's integration into the EU that are almost finalized." However, Hungary, which will be taking over the EU presidency in July, is causing delays.
Zelensky's approval rating in Ukraine has plummeted to a record low, despite his retaining the trust of over half the population. The KIIS Institute survey revealed that the approval of the president had dipped below 60% for the first time. This follows a sharp decline in support throughout the war. Zelensky's term was initially intended to end in May, but under martial law, he remains president. Ukrainian authorities have announced no plans for elections in the foreseeable future due to the 20% of the country under Russian control and millions of Ukrainians who have fled abroad.
The United States will not take part in French President Macron's plan to send military trainers to Ukraine. National Security Council Communications Director John Kirby, present during a visit by US President Biden to France, confirmed the decision. Kirby mentioned that Biden is in agreement with Macron's position, but that he would not send American soldiers to Ukraine. Kirby also stressed that this has been the policy since the start of the conflict, stating, "That's been the case so far, and that will also be the case in the future." Biden is leaving it up to Macron to decide how much information he wishes to disclose and how much clarity he wants to provide in this context.
Read also:
- Despite French President Macron's proposition to send military trainers to Ukraine, German Chancellor Scholz maintains his stance against deploying German soldiers in the conflict zone, aiming to forestall any escalation of tension.
- In a recent development, the Russian assault in Poltava region resulted in a female survivor of a house attack dying in the hospital, while another 60-year-old woman from village Dudchany in Kherson region lost her life due to Russian mortar shelling.
- The pro-Russian governor of Luhansk region, Leonid Pasechnik, reported a surge in fatalities after an Ukrainian rocket attack, resulting in six casualties and 60 injured individuals.
- Amid ongoing tension, Russia faces cyber threats as German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasizes the importance of readying Germany's military for potential defensive war, anticipating a 5-year timeline for Russia to develop necessary capabilities for an attack on NATO nations.
