Selenskyj is scheduled to address the Bundestag on Tuesday.

Selenskyj is anticipated to address the Bundestag on Tuesday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to visit Berlin on Tuesday, where he's set to deliver a speech in the German parliament. The rebuilding conference for Ukraine, organized by the Foreign Office, will take place in the capital on Tuesday and Wednesday. Speculations have been made that Zelensky would attend the conference, and this is now expected to happen on Tuesday. It's not his first visit to Berlin since the war began, but it will be the first time he addresses the Bundestag personally. For this, the MPs would need to gather for a special session.

In other news, Emmanuel Macron, the French President, has announced that France is donating Mirage-2000 fighter jets to Ukraine. "These fighter jets allow Ukraine to protect its territory and airspace," said Macron in an interview with French TV broadcasters in Caen. He also announced the training of 4,500 Ukrainian soldiers.

One year ago, the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, commemorated the anniversary of the dam collapse in southern Ukraine. "The Russian occupiers blew up the dam and the buildings of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant," he said on social media. Zelensky described the act as one of the largest environmental crimes committed by the Russian invaders since their invasion. Thousands of people suffered from the flood caused by the dam collapse, the head of state said. The water supply of several hundred thousand people was interrupted. "The immediate consequences of this crime were even noticeable in the neighboring countries of our Black Sea region," Zelenskyy added.

In a Russian court, two teenagers and a young man have been sentenced to long prison terms for sabotage. The three had attempted to undermine Russia's defense capabilities and economic security, according to local media, who cited the verdict from the courtroom. A 20-year-old received a 17-year prison sentence as the oldest, while the two minors got five years each in a juvenile detention center. They were accused of having short-circuited a switchboard of the railway. These switchboards are used for regulating train traffic. According to the indictment, the accused had received about 80 euros for the short circuit from unknown Ukrainian contractors. Due to the sabotage, trains in the affected section had to travel more slowly for safety reasons. The incident reportedly happened in March 2023. At the time, the two accused minors were 15 and 16 years old.

During the D-Day commemoration in Normandy, French President Emmanuel Macron urged for the defense of freedom around the world. "In the face of the return of war to our continent, in the face of those who claim to change borders with violence or rewrite history, we should prove ourselves worthy of those who landed here," said Macron at an international commemoration ceremony attended by veterans and numerous heads of state and government. "Your presence here today, Mr. President of Ukraine, says it all," Macron addressed Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "We will not relent," he emphasized. "Without fear, that's why we are here today." And he continued, "We know that freedom must be fought for every morning. For all those who live everywhere in the world, hoping for freedom, equality, and brotherhood, June 6 is a day without end. June 6 is a dawn that always begins anew."

US President Joe Biden confirmed that the weapons supplied by the US to Ukraine could not be used for attacks on Moscow or other targets inside Russia. He confirmed that these weapons could only be used for attacks "across the border" if Russian border areas were attacked.

In Donetsk, one person was killed and four others were injured due to Russian shelling. The Russian military shelled the village of Pivnichne in the Donetsk region. Pivnichne is part of the Bakhmut district and is located only a few kilometers from the front line. Two of the wounded were taken to a hospital for first aid.

Lastly, in Ukraine, an ex-soldier has been sentenced to five years in prison for passing information to Russia.

In Ukraine, a previous military service member was penalized with five years in prison for claiming to give Russian authorities military data. The officer's identity was not disclosed. They conversed with an FSB agent from Russia through the messaging system Signal, as stated by the prosecutor's office in Kharkiv. Then, they gave Russian forces the whereabouts of Ukrainian soldiers and weaponry in the Kharkiv area to the north and Mykolaiv to the south. Russian forces used this information to mount strikes against Ukrainian defenders, the prosecutor's office stated. The individual was detained near the city of Kupyansk. They accepted their guilt in full.

17:14: Severe fighting: Ukrainian authorities order the evacuation of portions of several cities and settlements

Due to the increased combat in eastern Ukrainian's Donetsk region, Ukrainian authorities have commanded the relocation of children and their guardians or caregivers from certain cities and hamlets. Donetsk Governor Wadim Filaschkin named some of them, such as the small town of Lyman, the village of Prohres, and other communities near the frontline, in his widely circulated online statement. "The safety situation in the region goes from bad to worse, and the level of shelling is increasing," Filaschkin declared. This partial evacuation is a "crucial action intended to save the lives of our children." Filaschkin said that 217 people were moved on the previous day, including 61 children.

16:52: Air Force intercept case handled with disciplinary measures

The Inspector General of the Air Force, Ingo Gerhartz, will undergo easy disciplinary procedures for the intercepted discussion about the Taurus missile with Russia. The General Lieutenant must pay a disciplinary expense, and that's the conclusion, according to the German Press Agency in Berlin. In compliance with regulations, further sanctions are therefore out of the question. The Defense Committee was informed concerning this decision lately. A Russian intelligence agency had overheard a Webex call between four high-ranking officers from the Air Force, and among them was Gerhartz. They discussed the deployment scenarios for Germany's Taurus missile if it was sent to Ukraine.

16:21: Orban links support for Rutte's NATO chief candidacy to specific conditions

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban links his potential support for former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte's candidacy for the role of NATO Secretary General to conditions. He stated that Rutte must apologize for some "derogatory comments" he made against Hungary as Prime Minister, according to the government-sponsored platform "Mandiner." On the other hand, the person aiming to be NATO Secretary General should sign an agreement promising that Hungary will not engage in any military actions against Russia in Ukraine, according to Orban. However, nobody is advising, planning, or preparing any military operations by NATO in order to counter Russia in Ukraine. Military actions of individual NATO member nations outside the NATO region are not binding for all members.

15:58 Scholz views D-Day as a warning for more defense action

Shortly before the festivities for the Allied landing in Normandy, Chancellor Olaf Scholz endorsed greater European defense efforts. "It's evident for me: Europe will assume more responsibility in the future," wrote Scholz in a guest column for the French publication "Ouest-France." A robust Europe economically, militarily, and socially is essential for maintaining peace, according to Scholz, in view of Russia. "To work for this Europe, which is the legacy of June 6, 1944," he added, alluding to the so-called D-Day. Germany and its allies understand that "ruthless Russian imperialism" should not take charge. "And it won't triumph, considering we will keep backing Ukraine in its brave defense efforts as long as necessary."

15:46 Biden: Democracy is in more peril now than it has been since the conclusion of WWII

US President Joe Biden cautioned about the threat to democracy at the ceremonial celebration in France for the 80th commemoration of D-Day. "We find ourselves in a period when democracy is more jeopardized globally than it has been since the end of World War II," asserted Biden in Colleville-sur-Mer. He participated in the centennial remembrance event for the US soldiers that perished during the Allied landing. "Right here, we've established that freedom's power surpasses the force of conquest," said Biden, recalling the Normandy Invasion that laid the groundwork for the Western Allies' victory against Nazi Germany. The D-Day incident also demonstrated the value of alliances. "Isolationism was not the solution then, and it's not the answer now," Biden said in light of NATO's importance.

15:17 Stoltenberg: NATO will not dispatch troops to Ukraine

NATO has no plans to deploy troops in Ukrainian territory, as declared by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. "NATO has no intentions to send soldiers to Ukraine," Stoltenberg said during his tour of the Finnish capital Helsinki. In addition, there is no immediate security risk to any NATO member country from Russia's standpoint, according to the defense alliance.

The United States and NATO will not evade the crisis in Ukraine, as stated by US President Joe Biden. In Normandy, during the 80th anniversary of the Allied landing in World War II known as D-Day, Biden mentioned that the Ukraine, currently at war with Russia, is being attacked by a "dictator" who desires power. He emphasized, "We won't capitulate, we can't surrender to the dictator; that's beyond comprehension. If we do, freedom will be suppressed, and all of Europe will be endangered," referring to Colleville-sur-Mer, the location of his speech.

Meanwhile, a French citizen has been detained in Russia for supposedly gathering information about the Russian military's actions. The Institute for Serious Crimes Investigation confirmed the arrest. This individual supposedly visited Russia multiple times throughout the years and interacted with various Russian citizens.

Russia plans to enlarge its military presence in West and Central Africa. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov concluded a four-day trip to the region. "I have guaranteed our Chadian friends that Russia will proceed to keep instilling a positive impact on the stability of the situation in the Sahel-Sahara zone. In doing so, we'll assist the countries within the region further by elevating the tactical dexterity of their national forces and training military personnel and law enforcement officers. This applies not only to Chad but also to other countries in the region," he revealed to the Russian state-run news agency Tass.

Two people lost their lives and 22 were injured in Russian attacks the previous day. These incidents involving civilians took place in areas such as Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, and Dnipro. In Nikopol, for instance, a bus was damaged by a drone, igniting a fire, causing at least four injuries.

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his disapproval of Russian President Vladimir Putin's positive remarks towards the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party during his government statement. "It's already mortifying that you have had tremendous praise from the Russian President today," remarked the Chancellor. Therefore, the AfD members interrupted the session. "You've labored hard for that, and the citizens will rightfully evaluate it." The previous evening, Putin addressed representatives of foreign media, commending the partnership between Russian representatives and the AfD, which some consider right-wing extremist. "We're open to collaborating with anyone who wishes to collaborate with Russia," concluded Putin.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg emphasizes the importance of uninterrupted military assistance to Ukraine, ensuring there are no more disruptions. A few months ago, he explained, gaps and delays in sending military aid to Ukraine occurred, necessitating predictability and dependency on NATO allies for the attacked country.

The Ukraine wants more training slots for Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets from the US and other Western nations. Since they anticipate a higher volume of aircraft to be delivered, Kiev demands a more expansive training program in states like the US, Denmark, and Romania. At present, Ukraine has 30 pilots ready to begin training, but only 12 slots are available in Arizona-based trainings, according to the report. This issue is encountered in other countries as well.

Ukraine is escalating counterattacks in Vovchansk, a location near the Russian-Ukrainian border. The Ukrainian military forces aim to maximize the detriment to Russian forces and hinder gains, while gradual recovery of lost territory. However, Russian military bloggers allege that Ukrainian forces have intensified their counterattacks on Wednesday near and within Vovchansk, citing a statement from Ukrainian Chief of Staff Oleksandr Syrskyi.

Ukrainian Military Intelligence (HUR) claims to have destroyed a Russian ship in the Black Sea, according to their own statements. This information was shared by Kyiv Independent, quoting HUR spokesman Andriy Yusov. The ship in question is believed to be a tugboat located near the Russian-occupied Crimea. Yusov stated, "Another enemy ship was destroyed in the Black Sea last night. The sea raid by Special Forces of the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) was successful and led to 'minus one' enemy ship."

Well-known Ukrainian writer Serhiy Zhadan has enlisted in the Ukrainian army. He shared this news through online media, stating, "I have joined the 13th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine, Chartia. I am in training. I serve the people of Ukraine." Zhadan, aged 49, also posted a photo of himself wearing camouflage clothing and holding an automatic rifle.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz defended the release of weapons to Ukraine for attacking Russian positions, not just within their territory. He mentioned that Ukraine has the legal right to defend against attacks on its land, cities, and citizens. Scholz also clarified that this right applies to attacks conducted by Russia from positions in the Russian border area, adding, "To defend against such attacks, Ukraine can also use the weapons provided by us and our allies - always in accordance with international legal obligations."

Russian President Putin addressed the international press for the first time since the attack on Ukraine, making threats against the West, particularly Germany. Rainer Munz, an ntv correspondent, put Scholz's statements into perspective.

Russia claims to have shot down 13 Ukrainian drones over the annexed Crimean Peninsula during the night. Additionally, six objects were destroyed over the Belgorod region, and an anti-ship missile was shot down over the Rostov region, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. These claims cannot be independently verified.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov with the Foreign Minister of Burkina Faso, Traoré, in the capital Ouagadougou.

According to Ukrainian figures, 515,000 Russian soldiers have been lost in the ongoing war in Ukraine. In the past 24 hours, losses increased by 1,300 soldiers. Besides, 22 tanks and 48 artillery systems were destroyed. Other losses included a missile defense system and 40 armored personnel carriers - all of which cannot be independently verified.

A Ukrainian drone attack reportedly disrupted work at a refinery in southern Russia. Governor of the affected region Rostov, Vasily Golubev, confirmed a fire broke out due to this attack at the Novoshakhtinsk refinery. There were no casualties, but the work was temporarily halted.

KNDS head Ralf Ketzel explained that it was hard to procure spare parts for heavy military equipment. He added, "We also don't know how big the maintenance problem actually is on site. 80 to 90% of the repairs will not be done by us, but at the front."

In response to the damaged tanks in Russia's offensive against Ukraine, Ketzel highlighted the challenges associated with procuring spare parts for heavy military equipment. "This is also a topic we should consider if the government says: We want to become battle-ready," said Ketzel.

Ukrainian defenders successfully shot down 17 out of 18 Shahed drones in the regions of Mykolaiv, Kherson, Saporischschja, and Khmelnytskyi during the night. The Ukrainian General Staff also reported two Iskander missiles targeted at the Dnipro region, but it's unknown whether these were successfully shot down.

12:45 Putin warns of possible placement of long-range missiles in response to Ukraine's use of such weapons on Russian soil

Russian President Vladimir Putin indicates his country's intention to deploy high-tech long-range missiles in proximity to the western world if it allows Ukraine to use similar weapons on Russian territory. He makes this remark during a meeting with foreign journalists in St. Petersburg, mentioning potential Russian missile installations in nations permitting Ukraine's use of American ATACMS, British, and French rocket systems. The locations of these potential missile stations have not been specified.

11:17 KNDS Managing Director: No immediate deliveries of arms to Ukraine

Ralf Ketzel, the Managing Director of German arms manufacturer KNDS, declares the company incapable of providing Ukraine with immediate supplies of arms. Ketzel states, "We've used up the ability to deliver something quickly." Two years ago, they would have needed to make a long-term decision for a multi-year conflict. At the time, they could have been supplying new armaments presently.

09:46 Putin seeks to broaden ties with the Taliban in Afghanistan

Vladimir Putin advocates deepening ties between Russia and the Taliban in Afghanistan during a St. Petersburg-hosted international economic forum where a Taliban delegation is present. This comes after the Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, publicized intentions to remove the Taliban from the EU's list of terrorist organizations, which they have been on since 2003.

08:23 Nawalny's Widow: "Speech will Defeat Propaganda"

Julia Nawalnaja, the widow of slain Russian Kremlin critic Alexei Nawalny, and his foundation have been awarded the Freedom Prize by Deutsche Welle. Nawalnaja, in her acceptance speech, vows to continue her husband's work and criticize Russian propaganda, particularly in the context of EU elections. She emphasizes that "Putin killed my husband Alexei Nawalny but didn't silence his ideas" and warns against disinformation and false experts propagated by Moscow.

07:06 Russia experiences oil refinery fire, reportedly drone attack

A fire erupts in an oil refinery in the Russian city of Novotsyugansk, according to Russian media outlets. Prior to the fire, several explosions were reported, and authorities claimed a drone attack. Rescue services are on site, and Governor of the neighboring Rostov region, Alexander Abramov, confirms it as well. The refinery had previously been attacked by a Ukrainian drone in March.

05:22 US anticipates increased Russian naval exercises in Caribbean

A US government official shares the expectation of increased Russian naval and air force exercises in the Caribbean region during the upcoming summer months. They characterize these military activities as part of routine procedures that do not directly threaten the United States. "This is about Russia showcasing its global power," according to the source. However, the US Navy will monitor the exercises.

20:57 Putin endorses Russian collaboration with Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD)

Vladimir Putin supports meetings between Russian representatives and members of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), a political party often perceived as a right-wing extremist organization. Speaking to international news agency delegates in St. Petersburg, he emphasizes that Russia will collaborate with anyone who desires to do so. Putin also asserts that the AfD does not exhibit neo-Nazi traits and acknowledges the absence of systematic relations between Moscow and the German party.

20:03 Putin brushes off criticism, denies atomic threat

During discussions with international news agency representatives, Putin dismisses claims of Russian plans to invade NATO territory as "bull****" and denies ever considering the use of atomic weapons. "You're all crazy! Are you stupid like this table? Who thought of that? It's nonsense," Putin claims.

20:02 G7 foreign ministers apply pressure on Russia over Ukraine situation

Ahead of the G7 Foreign Ministers meeting in Elmau, Germany, tensions with Russia are high over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Britain, France, Germany, Canada, Italy, Japan, and the United States are set to discuss possible sanctions and other actions to address Russian violations of the Minsk Agreement.

President Vladimir Putin has mentioned his willingness to conduct investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of AFP journalist Arman Soldin. "We'll do everything we can," Putin said during a gathering with journalists from international news agencies in St. Petersburg. "We are prepared to do that, but I'm not sure how it will play out in practice as he passed away in a war zone," he added. As of late, the Kremlin had declared that Russia couldn't probe into Soldin's death as he was in an area controlled by Ukraine. An unarmed journalist, Soldin, passed away on May 9, 2023, at the age of 32, after being struck by a rocket during an assault near the contested Ukrainian city of Bachmut. At the time, he was covering events close to the front in Chassiv Yar, in the east of the country.

21:51 Lavrov forges ties in Africa

According to Russian media, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has announced that Moscow will provide more weaponry and trainers to Burkina Faso to beef up the defense abilities of the West African country. Since the conflict between Russia and Ukraine began, Lavrov has traveled to Africa nine times. The trek is part of a diplomatic outreach by the Kremlin, wherein Russia is attempting to forge brand new bonds. Citing the Russian news agency TASS, Lavrov says Russia and Burkina Faso have been collaborating closely since their initial encounters, which occurred right after a military coup in 2022. By sending additional equipment and trainers, Russia acquires a partner for military support who maintains neutrality regarding the war and also refrains from criticizing it.

21:25 Putin does not expect drastic switch in US policy on Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin believes that US policy towards Russia will stay unaltered, irrespective of who emerges victorious in the upcoming US presidential election. "For us, the result makes no great difference," Putin offers at a media interaction in St. Petersburg (also see entries at 20:58 and 20:18). Russia will maintain a working relationship with the prominent candidate chosen by the American people. Earlier, Putin had expressed preference for a Biden re-election, as he was perceived as more predictable. He also chastised the legal proceedings against former President Trump, who's contesting Biden in the November 8 poll.

20:58 Putin pegs Ukrainian POWs at over 6,000

Vladimir Putin has approximated that there are over 6,000 Ukrainian prisoners of war, having invaded the country for over two years. This figure surpasses that of Russian soldiers and officers in Ukrainian captivity. Putin spoke of Russia's POW numbers at a gathering with prominent international news agencies in St. Petersburg (also see entry at 20:18). [However, it is not possible to independently corroborate this information.] Putin, in response to a question about Russian losses in the war, notes that both sides refrain from issuing definite figures on casualties. Nevertheless, the numbers appear to be on par with respect to loss figures. He also asserts that Ukraine bears far greater losses than Russia during the war. However, the Ukrainian side highlights that there are significantly more Russian than their own soldiers who perished in the war.

20:18 Putin issues warning about German weapons targeting Russian territory

Russian President Vladimir Putin has cautioned against the utilization of German weaponry by the Ukrainian military against targets on Russian soil. Putin made this remark during a meet-and-greet with representatives of major international news agencies in St. Petersburg. He flags that such measures may spell catastrophe for Russian-German relations. The delivery of German tanks to Ukraine during the previous year came as a jolt to Russians. "If they now deploy rockets to target facilities on Russian territory, it will completely demolish Russian-German ties," Putin remarked. This media event marked the first international confrontation since Putin launched his invasion on Ukraine.

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