Soviet-era practice: Teenagers in Kremlin forced to complete minimum military education

Soviet Era Practice: Moscow Forces Youths into Fundamental Military Drills

Kids and teens in Russia have been required to take an additional mandatory subject starting this school year: it's called "Fundamentals of Life Safety," but it includes teaching them military skills like shooting and dressing wounds.

At 7:55 pm, "Realities on the ground": Putin sets conditions for Ukraine negotiations - More than two years since he started his aggressive war against Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated his supposed openness to negotiation, but only on his own terms. He doesn't want to discuss the return of occupied territories that were illegally annexed. "People are once again talking about the need to return to negotiations," Putin said during a trip to neighboring Belarus, as reported by Interfax. "Let's go back to them, but not based on what one side wants, [but] on the basis of today's realities that have developed on the ground." Russia has been at war with Ukraine since February 2022 and holds about 20% of its neighbor's territory. Ukraine insists that the withdrawal of Russian troops is a prerequisite for long-term peace.

At 7:34 pm, Mangott questions Putin's intentions: "Could be a maneuver to derail the Ukraine conference" - Political analyst Gerhard Mangott doubts Putin's sincerity in wanting to negotiate. Mangott thinks Putin not only wants to maintain control over the occupied territories but also wants to sabotage the upcoming Ukraine conference in Switzerland.

At 7:17 pm, Possible agreement on Russian assets: EU Commissioner brings up the idea at the upcoming G7 summit - EU economic affairs commissioner Paolo Gentiloni suggests an agreement could be reached concerning frozen Russian assets during the G7 summit in Apulia next month. The G7 finance ministers' meeting in Stresa, Italy, had a positive outcome, as Gentiloni explains. The EU has been seizing Russian asset interest to aid Ukraine. G7 countries are also considering a $50 billion loan facility financed with future Russian asset interest.

At 6:38 pm, Explosions recorded: Video apparently shows ATACMS strikes in Crimea - More explosions rock Crimea. Ukraine claims a successful attack on a Russian communication facility. Video evidence reveals numerous explosions and air defense responses. Russia confirms two casualties.

At 6:08 pm, Another German IRIS-T system arrives in Ukraine - The German government provides another IRIS-T-SLM air defense system to Ukraine. It's believed that the device has arrived in Ukraine, according to "Der Spiegel." Ukraine now has four long-range IRIS-T systems and one short-range system.

At 5:59 pm, London: Russian African Corps fights in Kharkiv - The British estimate that Russia has transferred troops from its African Corps to the frontlines in Ukraine. These soldiers took part in the counteroffensive in the village of Vovchansk in northern Kharkiv, according to the UK Ministry of Defense report. The African Corps of the Russian Ministry of Defense was founded in December 2023 and has over 2,000 regular troops and officers, plus mercenaries previously employed by the Wagner Group. These troops might have previously served in Syria, Libya, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The Russian Ministry of Defense likely deployed units to the Ukrainian border in preparation for this offensive. "It is highly likely that Russia is reinforcing its war against Ukraine with resources previously assigned to Africa."

At 5:31 pm, Moscow hints at ceasefire: Putin's potential readiness for a truce may divide the West - Military expert Ralph Thiele reports that Putin may be signaling his desire for a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict. Thiele believes that the truce negotiations aren't solely in Ukraine's hands. The Putin signal has the potential to create divisions within the West.

At 5:07 pm, Russians interfere with Ukrainian long-range glide bombs - Russian jammers are disrupting many of Ukraine's relatively new long-range bombs, preventing them from reaching their targets. Three sources informed Reuters about the difficulties. The glide bomb can reach distances of up to 100 miles (approximately 160 kilometers). Although Boeing had claimed the system could fend off some jamming signals, one source said Boeing would require several months to fix the issue.

At 16:46, Scholz confirms his refusal to provide Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. The German Chancellor is concerned about increasing the risk of the war in Ukraine turning into a confrontation between Russia and NATO. Germany has contributed 28 billion euros worth of weapons to Ukraine, making it the second largest contributor after the US. The country has provided two Patriot systems to Ukraine and plans to deliver another one, which Scholz sees as a requirement for other nations to follow suit. "We've gone as far as we can," he said during a speech at the Berlin democracy festival. "As the Federal Chancellor, it's our responsibility to support Ukraine in its defense struggle, but we won't let the war escalate into a war between Russia and NATO," he added. Scholz, gripped with concern, explained that giving a weapon with a range of 500 kilometers, one that is so precise it could only be justified if Germany chose and defined the targets, is difficult if the country doesn't want to be directly involved in the conflict.

Russia targeting Elon Musk's Starlink satellite service was reported at 16:24. Just before launching an offensive in the Kharkiv region, Russian soldiers interfered with the Starlink signal near the conflict zone. This was confirmed by the Ukrainian military. SpaceX's Starlink service has been crucial to Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion as it's used for communication, surveillance, and drone strikes. The Ukrainians were alerted to the disruption in the Starlink signal shortly before Russian forces crossed the northern border. The disruption in communication forced them to rely on text messages, the Ukraine military reported.

Erwin Sellering (SPD) resigned as the Chair of the Board of the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern climate protection foundation on June 8 at 16:02. As the previous Minister President of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, he oversaw the establishment of the foundation at the beginning of 2021, with the purpose of supporting the completion of the Nord Stream II Baltic Sea pipeline. The state-backed foundation was the recipient of 20 million euros from the Nord Stream 2 consortium. Attempts to dissolve the organization were made after Russia attacked Ukraine. However, the foundation managed to secure its existence through legal means. Sellering's departure from the organization was not related to its controversy. He claimed that the attacks were over, and it was a good time for him to step down.

The G7 nations are figuring out ways to use the interest income from Russia's frozen assets to help Ukraine at 15:42. Germany's finance minister, Christian Lindner (FDP), is open to legal steps that would utilize the interest income from the Russian central bank's frozen assets to aid Ukraine. However, he notes that there are no legally detrimental or economically risky consequences to this plan. The Europeans remain receptive to the idea, but negotiations are still in the preliminary stages since there are numerous issues that need resolution. The EU plans to use the interest income from the Russian central bank's assets frozen within the EU to fund military aid for Ukraine. The US has suggested giving Ukraine a large loan that would be guaranteed by the interest income, potentially bringing in more than the planned 3 billion. Lindner stated that the details concerning who would provide what guarantees and bear what risks are unclear. Reaching an agreement could happen at the G7 summit in Apulia in mid-June.

Ukraine states it has successfully halted Moscow's advance in Kharkiv. Ukrainian defense forces have stopped Russian troops and launched counter-attacks, claims the Ukrainian army via online platforms. The situation is described as "difficult but stable and under control" by a representative of the General Staff. Army chief Oleksandr Syrskyj previously confirmed Russian troops' progress in the region had stalled. In Vovchansk, Russian soldiers are stuck in street battles and have incurred significant losses, according to Syrskyj's online statements. Moscow is dispatching "reserves from various areas" to capture the city, but to no avail.

Germany lends more Leopard tanks and other equipment to Ukraine. The government revealed the delivery of 40 Leopard 1 A5 main battle tanks, 100 Marder infantry fighting vehicles with ammunition and spare parts from Bundeswehr and industrial stores, 18 Leopard 2 A6 main battle tanks with ammunition and spare parts, various Dingo transport vehicles, multi-purpose vehicles, and armored transporters. The overall German military aid to Ukraine will total approximately 28 billion euros, as per the latest report.

Estonia summons the Russian embassy's chargé d'affaires due to the removal of buoys marking the fairway in the border river, Narva. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna protested such actions in a meeting with the Russian diplomat, deeming them "provocative and unacceptable." Estonia demands an explanation for the disappearance of the border markers and their prompt return. On Thursday night, Russian border guards removed 24 buoys placed by Estonia in Narva to designate the shipping route. This river marks Estonia and Russia's border, as well as the eastern external boundary of the EU and NATO.

Ukrainian army chief Oleksandr Syrskyj states Russians have struggled near Vovchansk. He indicates that Russian advances in the Kharkiv region of northeastern Ukraine have slowed down considerably. Vovchansk is currently the focal point of Russia's land offensive launched two weeks ago in northeastern Ukraine. The Russian forces have made their greatest territorial gains since 2022.

Baerbock forewarns Russia against acts of aggression on its western border. She states, "Russia is burning the borders of the European Union." Baerbock adds, "We stand side by side with our colleagues in Estonia, Finland, and Lithuania, and will not tolerate such behavior." On Thursday, there were allegations that navigation buoys had vanished from the Narva River separating Estonia and Russia.

A Romanian individual has been detained under suspicion of spying for Russia. The public prosecutor's office in Bucharest disclosed the development. The individual had been monitoring and photographing military installations and military transport of the Romanian army and other NATO nations on the Romanian border near the city of Tulcea since 2022. An investigating judge has ordered this person to be held in custody for an initial period of 30 days. DIICOT, Romania's special unit for organized crime and terrorism, is leading the investigation, along with the SRI, the domestic intelligence service, and the army's intelligence service.

12:16 Putin reportedly prepares for ceasefire with current frontline

Reports from insiders suggest that Russian President Vladimir Putin is considering a ceasefire that recognizes the present frontline. An individual acquainted with Putin's inner circle told Reuters, "Putin can continue fighting for as long as necessary. But Putin is also prepared for a ceasefire - to freeze the war." Three other individuals, who were part of a confidential meeting with Putin, disclosed that the president was disgruntled with Western efforts to thwart negotiations. In the past, Putin has professed his readiness for negotiation but qualified it in an interview just before his re-election, "We're not open to talks based on any 'delusional thinking' inspired by using mind-altering drugs, but we're ready for discussions grounded in the realities on the ground."

11:41 NATO ally purchases 300 million euro worth of ammunition from Rheinmetall

Rheinmetall, an arms manufacturer, has received a substantial order for artillery ammunition valued at around 300 million euros from a NATO member state. Rheinmetall added that the order consists of several tens of thousands of artillery shells and several hundred thousand propellant charge modules. Delivery of the ammunition is due to take place between 2024 and 2028. The company emphasizes that the massive order is necessitated by the need to restock the armed forces' ammunition stocks due to the conflict in Ukraine.

11:09 ISW: Corruption allegations in Moscow's Defense Ministry likely a façade

The wave of purges in Russia's Defense Ministry may not be all about corruption, asserts the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The Kremlin, according to ISW, is "probably employing the charges of corruption against senior officials as a pretext to mask the genuine reasons for the dismissal of certain disgraced individuals from the Ministry of Defense". The Kremlin may not stop with the recent arrests and dismissals of high-ranking officials. An unidentified Russian source shared with ISW that six other ministry officials are considering resigning in the wake of the top boss's dismissal, Sergei Shoigu. Military bloggers also observed that the Russian authorities have not finished with their investigation. They applauded the arrests as the starting point of putting corrupt officials on trial under the new Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. The Kremlin appears to approve of this humiliation of displeasing Putin's allies. "The Kremlin most likely permits this criticism because it's directed against people the Ministry of Defense targeted," notes ISW. This strengthens Belousov's image as a problem solver in the Ministry of Defense, unlike Shoigu. "The Kremlin also benefits from military bloggers emphasizing that no Russian defense or military official is exempt from the consequences of failing Putin's trust."

10:30 Orban reassures: No Russian attack on NATO member state foreseen

Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban considers it improbable that Russia will attack a NATO state. "The Russian military is waging a harsh, challenging conflict against the Ukrainians," Orban told the public broadcaster. "If the Russians were powerful enough to decisively subdue the Ukrainians, they would have done so by now." NATO's military abilities are more potent than Ukraine's. The likelihood of Russia or any other country launching an attack on NATO is slim, stated Orban, "I don't think it's reasonable that Russia, unable to effortlessly quell the Ukrainians, would suddenly consume the entire Western world. The likelihood is minimal."

10:04 Russian intelligence links ISIS to Moscow attack for the first time

Russia has attributed the deadly attack on a Moscow concert hall to the jihadist militia Islamic State (ISIS) for the first time. The Russian state news agency RIA Novosti quoted Alexander Bortnikov, the director of the Russian domestic intelligence service FSB, who said, "In the course of this investigation it was ascertained that the preparations, funding, assault, and retreat of the terrorists were coordinated via the Internet by members of the Khorasan Province group – Afghan wing of ISIS". ISIS has claimed responsibility for the event, but Moscow has repeatedly tried to connect Ukraine to the assault, which Kiev ardently denies. Even now, Bortnikov observed, "The investigation is ongoing, but we can already conclude that Ukrainian military intelligence is directly implicated in the attack." However, he didn't clarify how this affiliation with ISIS is established.

09:52 Situation in Kharkiv remains precarious

Kharkiv has experienced fresh barrages for several weeks, with Russian shelling also triggering the city's sirens. A journalists with ntv, Stephan Richter, commented, "There's no forward or backward movement in Vovchansk." The city finds itself in an extremely precarious condition.

09:30 Over 498,000 Russian casualties reported in Ukraine
Ukraine's General Staff of the Armed Forces released new figures, stating that over 498,000 Russian soldiers have been killed or injured in the ongoing conflict. This count includes 1,240 casualties in the past 24 hours. The report also detailed the destruction of various military equipment and systems, including:- 7,635 tanks- 14,775 armored combat vehicles- 17,569 vehicles and fuel tanks- 12,902 artillery systems- 1,080 multiple launch rocket systems- 813 air defense systems- 356 aircraft- 326 helicopters- 10,401 drones- 27 ships and boats- 1 submarine

08:50 Kharkiv targets hit by glide bombs
Preliminary reports indicate that two glide bombs struck residential areas of Kharkiv, a city in eastern Ukraine that has endured months of Russian air strikes. This recent incident left no fatalities, but several buildings were slightly damaged. A day prior, 7 people were killed due to Russian firing in the same region. Approximately 15 converted S-300 or S-400 anti-aircraft missiles rained over the city and its surroundings. Among the damaged buildings was a large literary printing house. Renowned Ukrainian author Serhij Zhadan shared his thoughts on the attack, stating, "The Ukrainian book is the Ukrainian strength. That's why the enemy wants to destroy it."

08:20 FSB chief blames Ukraine for attack near Moscow
Alexander Bortnikov, the head of the Russian domestic intelligence service (FSB), is said to have accused Ukraine's military intelligence service of being directly involved in the tragic concert hall attack in March. Though the investigation is ongoing, Bortnikov's claim is deemed plausible by some. Bortnikov goes on to allege that NATO has facilitated the transfer of mercenaries and militants from the Middle East, North Africa, and Afghanistan to Ukraine, allowing them to fight against Russian forces. The radical Islamic IS militia has taken responsibility for the attack. The concert hall incident saw the loss of more than 140 lives.

07:57 Significant damage from Ukrainian missile attack in Crimea
Ukrainian reports outline the consequences of a missile strike on a Russian communications center in Alushta, a city in Crimea occupied by Russia. The Kyiv Independent obtained information from both the Atesh partisan group and the Crimean Wind telegram channel that indicate "significant damage to equipment" and unspecified casualties. According to the Crimean Wind channel, the facility was hit by at least six ATACMS missiles supplied by the United States. Higher-ranking military personnel were reportedly present when the facility was bombed.

07:25 Russian publicist on Russians: "Condemned to live and die as idiots"
Alexander Newsorov, a Russian publicist formerly affiliated with the Duma, paints a bleak picture of his countrymen. He likens them to pugs, chimpanzees, and circus animals, suggesting that the skills and beliefs instilled in Russians through propaganda will not simply disappear. "The Russians are condemned to live and die as idiots for at least a few generations," he asserts. Newsorov, who was sentenced in absentia to years in prison and now possesses a Ukrainian passport, expresses doubts that the death of Russian president Vladimir Putin would change the brainwashed beliefs of the Russian people.

07:00 Chancellor Scholz on strengthening European deterrence
Olaf Scholz, German Chancellor, endorses French President Emmanuel Macron's plan for enhancing EU defense capabilities. Scholz underlines the need for various defense methods, such as nuclear deterrence, robust conventional forces, air and missile defense, cyber defense, space capabilities, and precision strikes to defend Europe and deter potential aggressors. To achieve this, Scholz emphasizes the importance of upgrading the European defense industry via investments. However, he explicitly rules out the possibility of forming "EU nuclear weapons," asserting that it's "unrealistic."

06:38 Controversial Georgia law faces US backlash
In response to Georgia's recent adoption of a contentious law concerning "foreign influence operations," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has declared new visa restrictions and initiated a review of the US's relationship with the country. The revised visa regulations would target individuals who undermine democracy in Georgia, as well as their relatives. Additionally, the US will assess bilateral cooperation between the two nations. Blinken hopes that Georgia's leadership will reconsider the legislation and work towards advancing its "democratic and Euro-Atlantic aspirations."

06:29 Estonia aids Ukrainian children in conflict areas
The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is allocating over 650,000 euros to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine, primarily to support the nation's educational system in conflict zones and assist children impacted by the war. Part of this assistance will be distributed through the Estonian non-profit organization Eesti Pagulasabi, which aims to enhance conditions in vulnerable districts and aid Ukrainian refugees residing in Georgia. Moreover, the non-profit organization Mondo will utilize funds for the establishment of summer camps and psychological assistance for children in Zaporizhzhya.

05:57 Russian ambitions revealed by MP
Vovchansk, a border town in the Ukrainian region of Kharkiv, is the primary objective for Russian forces, according to Russian MP Viktor Vodolatsky. After capturing Vovchansk, Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, and Pokrovsk are Russia's next major targets, as per Vodolatsky's statement reported by Russian news agency TASS.

05:29 Putin meets with Lukashenko in BelarusRussian President Vladimir Putin has traveled to Belarus for discussions with his counterpart, Alexander Lukashenko. Topics of conversation include military exercises and the use of tactical nuclear weapons, with Minsk participating in the exercises. The talks are expected to further strengthen Russia-Belarus relations.

04:33 South Korea punishes North Koreans and Russian ships over arms trade
South Korea has implemented sanctions against seven North Korean individuals and two Russian ships, associated with the arms trade between North Korea and Russia. The country's Foreign Ministry made this announcement.

03:39 Biden prepares further military aid for Ukraine worth $275 million
The United States is preparing to supply military assistance to Ukraine worth $275 million. Arsenal shells, precision-guided bombs, and vehicles are among the items projected for procurement as part of this aid package, which will be channeled through the Presidential Drawdown Authority.

02:34 China and Brazil distance themselves from Ukraine peace negotiations
Kyiv Independent reports that Brazil and China are indirectly distancing themselves from an international peace conference regarding Ukraine, to which Russia has not been invited. In a joint statement signed by Brazil's Special Advisor Celso Amorim and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, both nations advocate for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine and call for an equal representation of all parties in any future negotiations.

01:15 Saboteur sentenced to 25 years in prison by Moscow court
A 36-year-old Russian man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison by a military court in Moscow on charges of sabotage and membership in an armed group fighting for Ukraine. Vladimir Malina, a Moscow barman, is accused of committing terrorist acts, high treason, and sabotage, with the latter resulting in the most substantial sentence. He was a member of the "Legion for the Freedom of Russia," a collective of Russians supporting Ukraine. According to the indictment, he torched a railroad control box and planned additional sabotage acts. Malina was detained in June.

23:55 Polish and Greek leaders call for EU air defense shield
The ongoing Russian invasion has prompted Poland and Greece to request an EU-wide air defense shield to protect European soil. "Europe will remain secure as long as its skies are safe," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis proclaimed in a joint letter to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, emphasizing the need for a defensive project to address Europe's heightened security vulnerabilities.

It's 22:26 PM, and there seem to be serious attacks happening in Crimea. In a video filmed on the Crimean coast, near the village of Alushta, suspected explosions were seen. It's believed that Ukraine might be targeting the island with ATACMS missiles provided by the USA recently. But, there's no confirmation yet. The video also shows the Russian air defense system activated. The governor of Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov, appointed by Russian occupiers, has confirmed missile attacks on Simferopol and Alushta. Two people were reportedly killed, and an empty commercial building was hit. However, Russia has been known to downplay such Ukrainian attacks or even claim they've shot down all missiles and drones. Ukraine has lately been focusing on targeting Russian air defense systems and radars. There are speculations that this might be the case this time as well.

Back to 22:00 PM, and reports suggest that another top military official has been arrested. Vladimir Verteletsky, head of the Russian Ministry of Defense's department for ensuring the state defense order, has been detained. He's being accused of committing fraud on a massive scale. A few days ago, Vadim Shamarin, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the army, was arrested as well. Shamarin was the fourth high-ranking military officer to be taken into custody since April. If you want to learn about all the previous events, you can find details here.