Scholz' statement: "Putin won't succeed"
Before the European election, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized his support for Ukraine and its fight against Russia's aggressive war. He stated, "Russia won't succeed with their imperialist plans," and urged Putin to realize that he can't win his violent campaign. According to Scholz, a peaceful policy involves aiding Ukraine, defending its independence, and sovereignty.
10:57: Drone strikes on Russian military airfield in the CaucasusNews from Moscow reveals that Ukrainian drones have reached the North Ossetia region, striking a military airfield. This is the first instance of a Ukrainian drone penetrating this distance since the war began. The airfield is used to launch combat jets for attacks on Ukraine. The Ukrainian army has been targeting infrastructure on Russian land to disrupt the war logistics and supply routes.
10:20: Pokrovsk front: Ukrainian tank brigade fights off three Russian combat brigadesThe Ukrainian armed forces report that intense fighting continues on the eastern front. The Pokrovsk front, a key battle area, sees a Ukrainian tank brigade repulsing three Russian combat brigades. The town of Pokrovsk is a major focal point of the conflict, located west of Ocheretyne, recently captured by the Russians. Here, Russian forces are attempting to infiltrate deep into Ukrainian territory.
09:48: Moscow reports Ukrainian drone attacks: 25 drones targeted overnightAccording to the Russian Defense Ministry, the Ukrainian army launched 25 drone attacks against Russian targets overnight on Saturday. These strikes occurred in the border regions of Rostov, Bryansk, and Belgorod, as well as the annexed Crimean Peninsula.
09:12: Sharma: Russians attempting to create a wedge between Ukrainian combat positionsTensions remain high in the Donetsk region as Russian troops try to implement a feared scenario. Kavita Sharma, a reporter from Ukraine, details this situation.
08:55: Ukrainian General Staff: 1,210 Russian casualties in the past 24 hoursThe Ukrainian General Staff reports 1,210 Russian casualties within the past day. Since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russian losses are estimated to have reached over 517,000. On Saturday, Ukrainian forces destroyed nine Russian tanks, 36 armored vehicles, a multiple rocket launcher, and seven air defense systems.
08:31: Ukrainian intelligence claims Russia planning anti-Ukrainian propaganda campaign with 15 million eurosThe Ukrainian military intelligence service HUR claims Russia is planning a propaganda campaign against the Ukrainian military leadership, investing 15 million euros in negative portrayals of Ukrainian special units and military leadership. Russian forces are instructed to spread this material in Ukrainian and Western media, aiming to increase public tensions.
07:48: Ukraine's participation in the EM - Security highly sensitiveGerman security officials foresee a "tense" situation leading up to the European Football Championship, primarily due to Russia's war against Ukraine. The risk of major cyber attacks and drone attacks over stadiums and event venues is a significant concern, especially with Ukraine's national team participating in the event. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has announced increased police presence at stadiums and fan zones to counter potential threats.
07:27: Explosions heard in CrimeaExplosions reportedly occurred during the night in the occupied Crimean Peninsula, specifically in Sevastopol. The Kyiv Independent recounts these messages from the Telegram channel Crimean Wind. At 1:39 local time, residents in Balaklava, a settlement in Sevastopol, reported hearing explosions near a power plant and before the incident, they heard loud noises that could indicate a drone attack. Another explosion was reported near the port of Sevastopol. The Kyiv Independent could not yet confirm these reports. Ukrainian forces aim to disrupt Russian war logistics and supply lines through targeted attacks on infrastructure.
06:54: Praise for Mirage jets, preference for F-16s from the Ukrainian Air ForceThe Ukrainian Air Force praises the French Mirage jets but still prefers acquiring American F-16s.
Ukrainian Air Force Lauds Mirage Jets From France as Modern and Versatile
The Ukrainian Air Force has expressed appreciation for the Mirage combat jets that France is donating, stating they are both modern and multifaceted. According to an Air Force spokesperson, these jets can complete a range of combat tasks.
However, Ukraine places a higher priority on acquiring F-16 fighter jets. Although the training of F-16 pilots is not yet complete, the training on the Mirage jets may take an additional six months. As Russia continues to launch constant air raids, the safe storage of Western jets will be a significant challenge.
The French Mirage was created in the 1970s and was formerly France's primary combat aircraft.
Border Region of Oblast Sumy Undergoes Further Evacuations
Following relentless daily Russian attacks, eight more settlements in the Ukrainian-Russian border region of Oblast Sumy are being evacuated. The governor of the region reported the news on state television. In the preceding 24 hours, more than 50 explosions were documented in Sumy. At the beginning of the week, three individuals lost their lives due to Russian shelling, while three others sustained injuries. This year, civilian deaths in the region have reached 50. Losses occurred due to artillery, mortars, and kamikaze drones.
Ukraine Purchases Second Air Defense System From France's Thales
Thales, a French arms manufacturer, intends to deliver a second air defense system to Ukraine. With the delivery of the first air defense system anticipated in 2023, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense will acquire a second system, per the company announcement. Currently, the lack of defense weapons to protect both the frontline troops and the large Ukrainian cities presents a major problem.
Germany Considers Fourth Patriot Delivery to Ukraine
Reports indicate that Germany is planning to provide Ukraine with a fourth Patriot missile defense system. This comes as the German government has eased restrictions for utilizing Patriots against Russian aircraft within Russian airspace. With this system, Ukraine could potentially shoot down Russian aircraft that use rockets or glide bombs to attack targets in the Kharkiv area from outside Russian airspace.
Zelensky Disputes Putin's Legitimacy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to Russian President Vladimir Putin's comments regarding the supposed "illegitimacy" of his presidency. Zelensky emphasized that he is recognized as the legitimate president in Ukraine, while the Ukrainian people make the ultimate choice. "The Ukrainian people are the only ones who can recognize the legitimacy of President Zelensky," Zelensky declared. "Honestly, Putin is the only one who acknowledges Putin. The Russians are merely a backdrop, with only one protagonist." During a press conference with French President Macron, Zelensky further remarked, "Putin's legitimacy is solely recognized by Putin himself. Putin is the only one who chooses Putin. The Russians are just a backdrop."
Germany's Berlin Conference to Provide Ukraine a Long-Term Outlook on Military Aid
Germany aims to give Ukraine a long-term perspective on military aid through the Ukraine reconstruction conference scheduled for early next week. The focus is on presenting prospects for civil society, the economy, municipalities, and regions. This conference, held on Tuesday and Wednesday in Berlin, will involve Scholz, numerous German ministers, and a highly ranked Ukrainian delegation. The German government representative stated it's "[not] a money-collecting conference, but a networking conference."
Russian Occupation Claims 22 Killed Villagers in Kherson
According to the Russian administration in the occupied region of Kherson, 22 individuals lost their lives due to Ukrainian artillery shelling in the village of Sadowe. Vladimir Saldo, the Russian-appointed administrator for the region, reported this on Telegram, sharing photos without providing a clear view of the damage. Independent confirmation of the incident remains unavailable.
Macron Urges EU to Launch Ukraine Accession Negotiations "By the End of the Month"
French President Emmanuel Macron has called for the commencement of EU accession negotiations with Ukraine "by the end of the month." He voiced his support for Ukraine in all aspects, politically and economically, including the potential initiation of accession negotiations. Zelensky added that decisions concerning Ukraine's EU integration are nearly finalized. However, Hungary's upcoming assumption of the EU Council presidency is delaying this process.
After almost two and a half years of conflict, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's backing in his country has touched a record low—yet, he still holds the faith of over half his citizens. New polls by the KIIS Institute showcase a significant decline in support for the Ukrainian leader for the first time, dipping below 60%. In May 2022, during the very start of the Russian invasion, he enjoyed a staggering 90% backing from the people. The president's popularity has been on the downfall ever since the war broke out. Initially set to step down in May, Zelenskyy has continued his term under martial law, and Ukrainian officials say no elections will take place in the near future. This is due to 20% of the country being under Russian control and millions of Ukrainians having fled overseas.
22:04: USA - no plans to join Macron's initiative
The United States administration has no plans to join French President Emmanuel Macron's idea to dispatch military trainers to Ukraine. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby, during a visit by US President Joe Biden to France, stated that Biden appreciates Macron's position. However, Biden's long maintained stance since the inception of the war in Ukraine was to not send American troops there. Kirby reiterated, "That's been the case so far, and that will also be the case in the future." Biden entrusts Macron with deciding the level of transparency and clarity around the matter. In the past, Biden emphasized his stance on not wanting "a third world war" or "a war with Russia."
Information on previous events is available in this article. https://www.example.com/previous-events
Read also:
- The German Chancellor's support for Ukraine extends to aiding in their defense against Russian cyberwar tactics, as highlighted in Scholz's statement that Russia will not succeed with their campaign.
- Volodymyr Selensky, the President of Ukraine, has disputed Russian President Vladimir Putin's legitimacy, emphasizing that it is the Ukrainian people who choose their leaders and recognize him as the legitimate president.
- The conflict in Ukraine continues to affect military operations, as observed in the intense fighting on the eastern front at the Pokrovsk front, where a Ukrainian tank brigade repels Russian combat brigades.
- Russia has been accused of attempting to create a wedge between Ukrainian combat positions, as reported by Kavita Sharma from Ukraine, with their feared scenario aiming to infiltrate deep into Ukrainian territory.
