The number of fatalities in the Belgorod high-rise collapse has increased to eight.

The number of fatalities in the Belgorod high-rise collapse has increased to eight.

Multiple fatalities have occurred due to the collapse of a ten-story apartment complex in the Russian city of Belgorod, close to the Ukrainian border. Eight bodies have been pulled from the wreckage, as confirmed by the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations. Additionally, over twenty individuals were reported injured. Russia asserts that the building was struck by a missile that originated from Ukraine. The Ministry of Defense in Moscow stated that the residential building had been targeted by debris from a Ukrainian Totschka-U missile, along with several other missiles and two drones. However, Ukraine has yet to provide any official comment on the situation.

In a video message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi described the contentious situation surrounding the city of Vovchansk, located in eastern Ukraine. He explained that as a result of the Russian advance near Kharkiv, the fighting is expanding. According to Zelenskyi, villages that were once in a "gray zone" have become combat zones, with the Russian army attempting to gain a foothold in some of them or use them to continue their advance. This ongoing conflict has placed significant strain on Ukrainian forces. Zelenskyi particularly emphasized the dire circumstances of Vovchansk, a city that originally had a population of nearly 19,000. The current estimate indicates that just under 500 residents remain in the city, which is constantly being bombarded.

Governor Oleh Synehubov shared that the border regions of Kharkiv have been receiving near-constant Russian fire. He explained that the overall border region is facing Russian fire, not just specific zones. Meanwhile, it has been reported that the Russian military unleashed a ground offensive in the Kharkiv region on Friday. In response to the Russian advance, at least 4,000 people have been evacuated from areas adjacent to the border. Ukraine has announced the capture of four additional villages in the Kharkiv region.

Rolf Mützenich, leader of the SPD parliamentary group, expressed vehement opposition to proposals for NATO to protect Ukrainian airspace using their troops. He believes that trying to defend Ukrainian airspace by deploying NATO forces would undermine the principle of not directly participating in the war and would turn Germany into a direct participant. Such moves would trigger a need for authorization from the Bundestag, which the SPD group will not approve.

During the Russian ground offensive in northeastern Ukraine, Russian troops have encroached on the city of Vovchansk. The police chief in Kharkiv, Volodymyr Tymoshko, reported that the soldiers have encircled Vovchansk from three sides. The police chief also mentioned the sighting of a Russian tank along an access road leading to the city. AP news agency members observed smoke billowing from Vovchansk from a nearby town. The city was under intense artillery fire. Relief workers were attempting to evacuate the almost 17,000 pre-war citizens in the city, most of whom were elderly.

Federal Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius views the Allied Berlin Airlift during the Soviet Union's blockade of Berlin as a call for Germany to embody international solidarity. "We cannot stand by while international law, our order, and our values are violated," he stated at a commemoration ceremony commemorating the end of the Berlin Blockade. This sentiment, he stressed, applies "around the globe" and "especially in Ukraine."

While many western security experts consider a Russian attack on a NATO member to be plausible within the foreseeable future, a survey conducted by the YouGov opinion research institute on behalf of Deutsche Presse-Agentur demonstrates that a majority of Germans still view this scenario as highly implausible. 36% of German respondents believe it is likely or somewhat likely that Russia will attack a NATO nation by 2030, while 48% believe it is unlikely or somewhat unlikely. 15% of participants in this representative survey expressed uncertainty regarding the probability of a Russian attack on a NATO country by 2030.

3:38 Navalny receives Peace Prize posthumously in Dresden

The Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny is given the Dresden Peace Prize after his death. His wife Julia Navalnaya was present during the ceremony at the Staatsschauspiel Dresden. The citation for the award highlighted Navalny's dedication to promoting freedom, democracy and peace.

1:56 Partial tower block collapse in Belgorod, Russia investigates Ukraine for terrorism

A multi-story building partially collapses in Belgorod due to reports of Ukrainian shelling, according to Russian officials. Thus, Russia's top investigative agency has started investigating a "terrorist attack." The spokesperson said people were killed and injured, but gave no additional details. Unofficially, there are at least three fatalities, several injuries, and possibly around 20 people trapped under the debris.

1:35 Syrskyi describes Kharkiv situation as "drastically deteriorated"

Following the Russian army's advance into the Kharkiv border region, Ukrainian commander-in-chief Olexander Syrskyi noted the situation to be difficult. "The Kharkiv region situation has drastically worsened over the past week," Syrskyi shared on Telegram. "Combat is still ongoing in the border regions along the state border with the Russian Federation." He then noted, "The situation is challenging, but the Ukrainian Defense Forces are doing their best to maintain defensive lines and front positions." However, he admitted to Russian troops' successes in occupying some territories.

1:07 ISW: New Russian military group threatens Ukraine with up to 100,000 fighters

Based on a CNN report, the Russian attack in the Kharkiv region, which started Friday and reportedly captured several villages, is attributed to the creation of a new Russian military group called "Sever." George Barros from the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War explains that "Sever" is a "significant military group." "Russia presumably planned to deploy between 60,000 and 100,000 soldiers for this group's attack on Kharkiv," Barros said. "They still have significant combat strength."

12:30 Thousands evacuated from Kharkiv region amid Russian offensive

Kharkiv region Governor Oleh Synyehubov stated that over the past two days, 4,000 inhabitants left their homes due to the threat of a new Russian offensive. "We offer accommodation to everyone who requires it. About 70% of the evacuees are housed, mainly with relatives and friends," Synyehubov shared on Telegram.

12:09 Russia confirms capturing of more villages and destruction of Ukrainian helicopters

The Russian Ministry of Defense claims that four more villages in northern Ukraine's Kharkiv region are under their control. Hatyshche, Krasne, Morokhovets and Oliyinykove are mentioned in the press release. On the previous day, Russian troops had reported the capture of five villages. Additionally, the Ministry of Defense stated that Russian troops destroyed four Ukrainian helicopters and damaged one in the Dnipropetrovsk region.

11:34 "We know the enemy's intentions and adapt to their actions"

Ukrainian army chief Syrskyj explained the ongoing hostilities, "Our forces engage in intense fighting. The Russian invaders' efforts to breach our defenses have been thwarted. Our recon, artillery, and drone units are in action. We're aware of the enemy's plans and react flexibly to their every move." Syrskyi remarked on the Kharkiv aggression, "The past week has seen a marked deterioration in the Kharkiv region's situation. The circumstances remain challenging, but the Ukrainian Defense Forces are doing everything possible to hold defensive positions and inflict harm on the enemy." Syrskyi further stated that a troop rotation is underway to provide a rest to soldiers, repair damaged units, and regain the offensive capabilities of the regiments.

11:04 "We monitor the hostile actions and retaliate accordingly"

Responding to the Ukrainian military's counter-reports, Syrskyi commented, "We're monitoring the opponent's actions closely and responding with proportional force." Syrskyi added, "We're also exchanging information about the situation on the frontline with the military units on the ground." He also noted, "Despite the difficulties at our front, troops are rotated to allow soldiers to rest and restore combat readiness."

11:53 - A portion of a large building in Russia was believed to have crumbled after receiving shelling from Ukraine; estimated fatalities are three persons

Governor of Belgorod Oblast, Vyacheslav Gladkov, declared an incident where a multistory residential complex inside the Russian city of Belgorod was damaged due to Ukrainian artillery strikes. Up to twenty individuals could be potentially buried underneath the collapsed entrance area. The region has been commonly targeted by Ukrainian firearms, as it is nearby to Ukraine and shared a border. There wasn't initially a statement from the Ukrainian side. Reports have also surfaced about Russian bombers erroneously striking civilian targets in the region.

11:19 - Gazprom's revenue is expected to be significantly impacted by the hostility between Russia and Ukraine for years

The Russian government-operated energy firm, Gazprom, may suffer long-term financial consequences due to its strained relationship with its primary customers in the West, explained the British Ministry of Defense. Gazprom depends overly on the European market, which could negatively impact their revenue until 2030. The business even recorded a net loss in 2023. Russian authorities intend on increasing the taxes for Gazprom by 9% of the federal budget. This might be the reason why Gazprom plans to reduce its investments by 15% the following year.

10:44 - Ukraine allegedly damaged Russian military targets and oil infrastructure with kamikaze drones

Ukraine claims they destroyed some infrastructure in Russia via the use of kamikaze drones. Specifically, their targets were an oil refinery in Volgograd, the Kaluganafteelectroduct oil depot in Kaluga, and a facility in Lipetsk. An anonymous military intelligence source confirmed the attack via the Unian news agency. The explosions at Volgograd created a fire. Andrey Bocharov, the governor of Volgograd region, also saw signs of the related damage. However, the Russian military reported that their air defense was successful, only resulting in a minor fire. Ukrainian news outlets posted footage that appears to show more drastic fireballs.

10:06 - Escalating hostilities near Kharkiv demand prompt action, according to Deepstate

A recent analysis conducted by Deepstate, who is believed to have ties with the Ukrainian military, suggests that the situation near Kharkiv is morphing into a daunting issue. "The situation is worsening. The enemy is increasingly moving their forces into our area, and groups of infantry are infiltrating, trying to secure settlements and making further advances," said Deepstate. Area defense is needed, "otherwise, the enemy will overtaking more regions, which could generate unfavorable outcomes," they added. Although primary task of the Russian forces is to distract from other areas, the situation could escalate without the presence of Ukrainian reinforcements.

09:30 - ntv Journalist Jürgen Weichert: Russia is attempting to push Ukrainian troops out of their positions near Kharkiv

The Russian army is focusing on gaining ground in the Kharkiv region, where several settlements are claimed to have been seized. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyi's unwavering directive is to effectively hold back Russian expansions. Amidst this context, Ukrainian forces are relocated to the area, and Jürgen Weichert from ntv outlined a potential Russian strategy: luring their enemies to leave specific locations allowing Russian troops to advance further.

08:50 - Russian propaganda claims Kharkiv city is panicked, but videos show bustling market

The Russian military is approaching Kharkiv city, a bustling metropolis, but officials do not seem to be causing significant evacuation measures. Maria Avdeeva, a Ukrainian security expert on X, shared a video that portrays busy activities at a well-frequented market. Even though this region has endured airstrikes previously, the people of Kharkiv have acclimated to the threats of war. Reports suggest that Russian troops might be attempting to prompt an exodus from Kharkiv.

08:12 - Russian forces advance modestly in Kharkiv region, as per the ISW report

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) states that Russian troops are performing limited military operations in the northern Kharkiv region. They're methodically progressing through less fortified locations, qualifying their actions as an "incrementally significant development." Additionally, the organization doesn't believe the Russians' intentions are to fully encircle, isolate, or occupy Kharkiv.

Source: https://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/Wir-millionenbewohnte-Stadt-zu-Panik-treiben-Russen-versuchen-UKrainische-Truppen-zurueckzuziehen-4273365.html

7:28 Ukrainian Drone Strikes Russian Oil Refinery. A Ukrainian drone attack caused a brief fire at the Volgograd oil refinery in Russia, announced Andrey Botsharov, the governor of the region on Telegram. He further said, "The fire was extinguished, and there were no casualties." Neither Lukoil nor the Ukrainian side has released any statement regarding the incident.

6:52 Ukraine to Receive Advanced Weapons from Latvia. Anatoly Kutsevol, the Ukrainian ambassador to Latvia, said in an interview with Ukrinform that Latvia will soon be in a position to provide drones and radar defense systems to Ukraine. He added, "There will be cooperation in the production of vital 155 mm grenades. We have other areas of collaboration, but for security reasons, we cannot reveal it yet."

6:14 Ukrainian Brigade Claims Downing of Russian Fighter Jet. The 110th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces claims that they've shot down another Su-25 fighter jet by Russian troops. In a post on Facebook, they wrote, "The anti-aircraft gunners of the 110th Brigade have done an excellent job again. Today, they hit a SU-25. The occupants haven't realized that it's pointless to fly into our skies. They'll keep falling." According to Ukrainian Major Oleksiy Hetman on the We-Ukraine Channel, Russia has approximately 190 Su-25 jets remaining. "It's a great aircraft for inflicting damage on our troops," Hetman stated. Designed primarily for combat missions directly at the line of contact, the Su-25 plays a crucial role in supporting Russia's military actions in Ukraine.

5:42 Apparent Attacks on Belgorod Cause Casualties. An apparent series of large-scale Ukrainian attacks hit Belgorod and the surrounding region on May 11, causing damage and casualties. The governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, reported a missile attack alert in the region. Soon after, Russian Telegram channels published images of burning vehicles and rising smoke over Belgorod. Gladkov reported one woman was killed in the attack, with 29 others, including a child, injured and hospitalized. Several homes, businesses, cars, and medical and educational facilities were reported to be damaged. Damage was also inflicted in the nearby village of Dubovoye, according to Gladkov's Telegram channel.

4:29 Russia Prioritizes Arms Industry over Economic Well-Being. Speaking at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies event on "Transatlantic Security after 75 Years of NATO," Lieutenant General Steven Basham, the deputy commander of US Air Forces in Europe, said that an autocratic regime like Russia can easily prioritize the development of its arms industry over economic well-being to support its military actions in Ukraine. He added that Iran and North Korea are also assisting Russia in this effort. Basham emphasized that the Western defense industry is catching up quickly: "Let me be clear. The Western defense industrial base is not only growing. It is growing faster than Russia's capabilities. The time Russia spends in Ukraine is time we have to strengthen our industrial base up to the level it needs to be."

2:52 Zelensky Announces Counterattacks in Kharkiv Region. Following the Russian advance in the northeastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv, Ukrainian troops are conducting counterattacks, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. He noted that the main goal for Ukrainian forces at this time is to "disrupt Russian attack plans" and "take back the initiative."

1:46 One Civilian Killed in Russian Attacks on Sumy Oblast. The regional administration reported that Russian forces have fired upon ten communities in the northeastern Ukrainian Sumy Oblast, resulting in 93 explosions in the last 24 hours. In the outskirts of the city of Sumy, a 37-year-old woman died from a rocket attack aimed at local infrastructure. The immediate target and consequences were not disclosed.

1:23 Canada Plans to Attend Global Peace Summit for Ukraine. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has declared that Canada will participate in the upcoming peace summit for Ukraine. The summit, scheduled for June 15 and 16 in Switzerland, is focused on attaining peace in Ukraine according to President Volodymyr Zelensky's 10-step peace plan, which includes the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from occupied Ukrainian territories. "Canada will attend the first peace summit for Ukraine," Trudeau tweeted on X. "I'm looking forward to collaborating with other world leaders to achieve our shared goal of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine."

Scholz issues warning on Russian influence in European and national elections

The Federal Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, has raised concerns about potential Russian meddling in the forthcoming European and state elections. In an interview with the "RND vor Ort" show hosted by the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, Scholz pointed out that there are efforts to interfere with these polls. He found the allegations about money being paid to Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) politicians "troubling," and believes that the related claims must be probed further by the responsible authorities. Scholz voiced his concern about the vast amount of disinformation being spread by Russia during these campaigns.

Scholz encourages Ukrainian refugees to start working as soon as possible

During the same interview, Scholz urged Ukrainian war refugees in Germany to find employment swiftly. The SPD politician said, "We hope that refugees from Ukraine, to the extent that they are able to work, will now also start working." He further added that the German government has already financed integration and language courses for this demographic and that's why they want to encourage many of them to join the workforce using "job turbo." Scholz shared that many refugees have already taken up jobs, but there are still several hundred thousand more who are desperately needed to fill the labor market. His recommendation for all, Ukrainian refugees included, is to seek employment without delay.

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1. The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations accused Ukraine of using a Totschka-U missile, which allegedly struck a residential building in Belgorod, leading to multiple fatalities and injuries.
2. Volodymyr Zelenskyi, the Ukrainian President, expressed concern about the expanding conflict near Kharkiv, stating that villages in a "gray zone" have become combat zones due to Russian advances.
3. In response to the Russian ground offensive in northeastern Ukraine, Ukraine announced the capture of several villages in the Kharkiv region, aiming to counter Russia's military operations.
4. Amidst the ongoing Ukraine conflict, cyberwar concerns have been raised, with Ukraine and NATO acknowledging the potential for cyber attacks as a part of the broader conflict.

Source: www.ntv.de