Ukraine announces multiple casualties due to Russian air attack in Kharkiv.
Local officials say that 10 individuals have sustained injuries, some severely, from a Russian air raid in Kharkiv. A cafe and a gas station were hit amid the assault, with a bus also suffering damage. The bus driver reportedly needed to have both legs amputated. Three other people are receiving treatment in hospitals. Kharkiv has been a frequent target of daily Russian airstrikes, which terrorize the local civilian population.
17:03 A video allegedly displaying a massive bombardment by Russian troops is gaining traction on social media. The video, which cannot be authenticated, showcases an aerial shot showcasing several explosions allegedly triggered by Russian rocket launchers across an area. Numerous blasts illuminate the sky:
16:25 Germany opposes using frozen Russian funds for Ukraine. The German government remains cautious about US plans to utilize these funds for Ukraine. Spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit in Berlin mentioned, "Our position remains: it's about the income from the frozen assets. It's not about the assets themselves." Preparing for a meeting of the seven leading Western industrialized nations (G7) in Italy, the G7 finance ministers are looking into long-term financing options for Ukraine. The U.S. wants to confiscate frozen Russian assets or use them as security for stocks or loans. Nevertheless, other EU states share legal reservations about this plan. Overall, approximately 300 billion dollars' worth of frozen assets are held mainly in Europe. Providing Ukraine with the earnings alone wouldn't generate a large sum, making it an insignificant contribution.
15:51 The deployment of F-16 fighter jets in Ukraine seems imminent. The delayed project might see the first aircraft deployed in June or July. According to Ukrainian media, technicians trained abroad are returning home to share their expertise with other personnel. The Netherlands plans to provide at least 24 fighter jets to Ukraine.
15:19 The village of Klishchiivka, near Bakhmut, has reportedly been captured by the Russian invasion forces for the second time. The Ministry of Defense in Moscow claimed that Russian troops have taken control of Klishchiivka, with Ukraine's General Staff acknowledging the attacks on the village but describing the situation as "under control." Before the conflict, Klishchiivka had a population of around 500 people.
14:45 Ukrainian sources report that Russian troops have committed war crimes by shooting civilians attempting to flee in Vovchansk, a city located on the third front. Vovchansk's police chief, Oleksii Kharkivskyi, stated in an interview with Kyiv24 that there have been "several" incidents. Russian forces are said to be killing civilians who are trying to escape the fighting. Approximately 100 civilians are believed to still be in the town.
14:19 Polish officials claim the public's interest in joining the military is high, rendering conscription unnecessary. Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed in parliament that there are no intentions of reintroducing mandatory military service. "Voluntary basic military service is sufficient," said the Minister. Poland's army currently has around 198,000 soldiers and aims to expand to 300,000 in the coming years. The country is one of the main military supporters of Ukraine and is heavily rearming itself in response to the Russian invasion. Poland discontinued conscription in 2009. However, men of legal age are still required to register at a draft board in case of defense.
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13:59 Higher than ever during the war: Ukraine ships out most grain, oilseeds in April
Britain's data reveals that Ukraine exported more grains and oilseeds in April this year than at any point since the Russian invasion in 2022. The impressive figure stands at 6.6 million tons, showcasing Ukraine's capability to ship through its Black Sea ports. The British Ministry of Defence congratulated Ukraine on these exports. Moreover, the Black Sea ports' throughput has exceeded the levels seen at the time of the grain agreement. Thanks to Ukraine's sea corridor, which ensures safe passage of ships along its coastline to the Greater Odessa area's ports since summer 2023, 1600 ships have transited, transporting 45 million tons of cargo.
13:30 Russian forces capture village in Donetsk
Russia claims to have captured the village of Klishchiivka in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region, as reported by Russian state news agencies. This was a previous Ukrainian military stance that Russian attacks were repelled near this village. The situation is said to be under control. The area is located close to Bachmut, a town that has faced intense fighting and been severely damaged.
13:00 UK claims China supplies lethal aid to Russia
British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps asserts that China is furnishing Russia with items that can be used lethally in the Ukraine war or could be destined for that purpose in the near future. He provided no evidence but expressed worry, given China's early posturing suggesting it might temper Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions. The Chinese embassy in London failed to comment on this. Back in April, the Chinese embassy in the US had proclaimed that the People's Republic hadn't supplied weapons and wasn't "involved in the Ukraine crisis."
12:32 Russian presidential office responds to heightened Baltic Sea tensions
Russia has responded to reports about plans to redraw the Baltic Sea's borders cautiously through the Presidential Administration. Relevant details were requested from the Ministry of Defence. The administration insisted there was no political agenda. It remarked that tensions in the Baltic Sea region have risen.
12:01 Sweden supports Ukraine with millions in military aid
Sweden plans to aid Ukraine with 6.5 billion euros' worth of military support from 2024 to 2026. This funding will be equally divided over these three years, boosting Ukrainian support and enhancing its long-term opportunities. The support involves both supplying weapons and financing customers' purchases of military equipment. This planned aid significantly raises Sweden's military aid for Ukraine, reaching over 8.6 billion euros.
11:33 Moscow refutes allegations of planned border shift in the Baltic Sea
Reports claiming Russia was reworking maritime borders in the Baltic Sea were denied by Moscow. Interfax, a news agency, reported this, citing a military-diplomatic source. Both TASS and RIA also refuted these claims.
11:05 Ukraine's SBU enhances Sea Baby drones with missile launch capabilities
Ukraine's domestic intelligence service, the SBU, is reportedly upgrading its naval drones—known as Sea Baby—to enable them to fire volleys of Grad missiles. Previously, their primary function was self-destruction upon impact or in proximity to the target. This enhanced system has allegedly been employed to attack Russian positions on the Kinburn Spit, a coastal projection near Mykolaiv. "This technological solution is already yielding promising results," a source stated. "Our Sea Baby drone is not just a drone, but a multifunctional platform constantly evolving."
10:47 Polish-US agreement: $960 mln spent on US radar system for air defense
Poland plans to buy a US radar system to monitor its northern and eastern borders. This was announced by Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz. The $960 million deal will result in Poland acquiring four balloons, which will bolster its air defense and coastal surveillance systems.
10:12 Increased tensions around Sweden's Baltic Sea island of Gotland surprise Baltic Sea countries
Finding itself in an uncommon threatening condition, Sweden has taken a preemptive step to warn. Moscow, however, is pushing ahead with an "aggressive act." Journalist Rainer Munz elaborates further. [_1][_2]
10:13 Finland Demands Russia Follow Global Maritime Law
Finland's Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen is urging Russia to adhere to international maritime laws and United Nations conventions. Reports reveal Russia's intention to expand into the Baltic Sea, but the rationale behind this decision remains unclear. It's uncertain if discussions with neighboring Baltic countries have taken place yet. Finland is a part of NATO.
09:55 United States Pushes for Seizure of Russian Funds
At the G7 finance ministers' gathering in Italy this weekend, they'll deliberate ways to financially support Ukraine for the long term. The U.S. is pressuring them to go beyond previous actions. Specifically, they want to seize all frozen Russian assets or use them as collateral for bonds or loans. However, this plan's legality is causing concerns, particularly in the EU.
09:20 Russia and Belarus Allegedly Altering Migration Routes for Western Europe
According to a media outlet, Russia and Belarus are increasing their efforts to send refugees towards Western Europe again. Germany specifically has seen a rise in migration through this route in the recent months, as indicated by the German Federal Police. The report says that the number of migrants arriving in Germany through this route dropped significantly in January and February of 2024 (with under 30 arrivals), but since then, there have been 412 arrests in March, 670 in April, and 416 by mid-May. The Polish border police have also recorded an increase in people crossing from Belarus in recent weeks. The situation is being labeled as "hybrid warfare."
08:40 "Undercover" Ukrainian Squad Delivers Deadly Strikes from Above
Under the guise of dusk, a small Ukrainian squad positions themselves close to the front lines. Armed with cell phones, StarLink, mines, and drones, they conduct mission after mission at night. They humorously call themselves "without a visa" as they infiltrate Russian territory and deploy airborne landmines.
07:57 Ukraine Expected to Receive Proceeds from Frozen Russian Assets in July
The European Commission has announced that the first payment of funds generated from frozen Russian assets will be sent to Ukraine in July. Commission Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis stressed the importance of Ukraine receiving the funds promptly. "The European Commission will do everything in its power to make the initial payment as early as July," he said.
07:21 "Moscow Times": Russia Plans to Extend Territorial Waters in the Baltic Sea
Russia reportedly wants to expand its territorial waters in the Baltic Sea adjacent to the border with Lithuania and Finland. The "Moscow Times" cites a draft government decree, prepared by the Ministry of Defense. The plans involve declaring parts of the water areas, including those near Baltiysk and Zelenogradsk in the Kaliningrad region, as Russia's inland waters. Moscow also intends to adjust coordinates along the Finnish and Lithuanian borders, affecting the islands of Jähi, Sommers, Holland, Rodsher, Maly Tyuters, Vigrund, and near the northern entrance cap of the Narva River.
06:40 Russian Agency Executing Fake Celebrity Quotes on Ukraine
The German Federal Ministry of the Interior has linked the disinformation campaign involving fabricated celebrity quotes about Ukraine to Russia's "doppelganger" network exposed in 2022. The ministry believes the campaign has been evolving, featuring fake celebrity sayings from the entertainment industry. Recently, made-up quotes attributed to actor Til Schweiger were circulated on social media and published as Facebook ads. The ministry recognizes the "Doppelganger" campaign's persistence, noting that it's extended beyond the original technique of mimicking websites of existing quality media and public institutions. The operation was first uncovered in 2022, creating counterfeit websites to mislead several EU countries.
06:06 Russia protests at the EU's appropriation of its assetsThe Russian representative to the EU in Brussels has objected to the plan to use interest income from blocked Russian assets to fund military assistance to Ukraine. They consider the EU's actions an unprecedented theft and a violation of a sovereign nation's rights. The EU is essentially stealing financial reserves that were entrusted to them and disregarding their obligation to protect property. This, according to Russia, makes theft an official tool of EU foreign policy. During a meeting in Brussels, EU ministers approved a move to collect billions from these frozen assets to finance Ukraine's defense. The EU plans to obtain up to three billion euros this year for Ukraine's military support. Simultaneously, Russia is reportedly seizing apartments and houses en masse in the occupied territories of Ukraine.
05:38 Council of Europe encourages Georgia to repeal the 'foreign influence' lawThe Council of Europe has urged Georgia to nullify a law targeting 'foreign influence.' The Venice Commission, a subgroup of the Council of Europe, argues that the law encroaches on rights such as freedom of expression, freedom of association, and privacy, making it incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights.
04:45 Sweden's military chief apprehends Putin's designs on the Baltic SeaThe Commander-in-Chief of the Swedish Armed Forces, Micael Byden, is conveying concerns regarding Russia's aspirations in the Baltic Sea. Byden emphasized that he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin has designs on Gotland island. His objective is to gain dominion over the Baltic Sea, which would have massive implications for Sweden and other countries around the Baltic Sea. Byden urged "We must not allow this to happen," asserting that the region should not become Putin's playground, terrorizing NATO members.
03:49 Pentagon reports that Russia has sent an anti-satellite weapon into spaceThe US Pentagon has revealed that Russia has launched a satellite into orbit that might serve as a space weapon. The satellite, which is circling in a low-Earth orbit, could potentially target other satellites, according to Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder. The Russian satellite is in the same orbit as a US government satellite, according to Ryder, who confirmed that it poses a threat to the latter. The launch took place on May 16, with previous incidents happening in 2019 and 2022.
02:42 FDP calls for the reactivation of reservists instead of mandatory military serviceBrussels, Germany – 02:42 FDP's parliamentary group leader, Christian Dürr, is advocating for the reactivation of reservists in the heated debate about the reintroduction of compulsory military service. Dürr emphasized that the Bundeswehr reserves could mobilize over a million soldiers, like active forces.
01:45 Belgian EU Presidency instills hope in Ukraine for prompt proceeding of negotiationsFollowing a ministerial meeting in Brussels, the current Belgian EU Council Presidency pledges towards scheduling a first summit between the EU and Ukraine and Moldova negotiation teams by the end of June. Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib stated that they are endeavoring "to reach an agreement." Initially, the individual member states must unanimously endorse specific negotiating frameworks, which establish guidelines and principles for the accession talks.
00:39 Baerbock endorses Pistorius's call for augmented financial aid to UkraineFederal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock backs Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius's plea for a 3.8 billion euro increase in Ukraine's financial support for the present year. She concurred with her Defense Ministry colleague and the Interior Minister in an interview with the Berlin tabloid, "Bild," added, "We need a security budget." Baerbock stresses the significance of sustaining a European peace order, as the continent's safety has been threatened on its very borders.
00:01 IfW advises Germany to invest more in defenseThe Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW) recommends the German government to allocate more funds for defense expenses, despite the possible accrual of debt. According to IfW's President Moritz Schularick, the German government's fiscal policy jeopardizes European security when compared to current defense spending levels of 2%. Schularick suggests an uptick to 3% as a path toward enhancing defensive resources.
9:16 Baerbock slams recent Russian nuclear drillsGerman Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock strongly condemns a recent military exercise conducted by Russian nuclear forces. The event, taking place close to Ukraine's borders, is a clear "indication that they're prepared to use everything at their disposal, even if it involves spreading fear", Baerbock told ZDF. "The Russian leader is attempting to exhaust a society that's yearning for peace and freedom since over two years," she continued.
19:55 Zelensky describes Donetsk standoff as toughUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky describes the situation in the Donetsk area as extremely challenging. Areas such as Kramatorsk, Kurakhove, and Pokrovsk have been severely impacted by the ongoing conflict, Zelensky stated in his daily address. However, in contrast, the situation is more supportive for the Ukrainian forces in Kharkiv, where they've been successful in driving out the occupying forces. The progress made by the Ukrainian military troops was shared by Zelensky after meeting with military leaders.
19:13 Stabilization seen in Kharkiv regionNazar Voloshyn, spokesperson for the Khortytsya operational grouping, asserts that Ukrainian troops have managed to steady the situation across the Kharkiv region. In an interview with Ukrainian TV, Voloshyn highlighted that the scenario in Kharkiv still "remains complicated and shifting rapidly," but the Ukrainian troops have risen to the challenge in Vovchansk. He also mentioned that the Russian invasion forces are still pushing to attack near Vovchansk, albeit with less success.
To recap all the recent developments, refer here.
(Note: This response has used informal language and different word choices to paraphrase the original story while keeping its length and formatting intact.)
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- President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine strongly condemns the Russian military's attack on Kharkiv, resulting in multiple casualties and damages to civilian infrastructure.
- As Russia continues its cyberwar against Ukraine, the European Union and NATO are exploring ways to strengthen Ukraine's military capabilities and cyber defense, with the potential deployment of F-16 fighter jets and increased financial support.
- The UK raises concerns over China's alleged supply of lethal aid to Russia, which could contribute to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. China has yet to respond to these accusations.
- The Ukrainian military reports on Russia's alleged war crimes, such as shooting at civilians attempting to flee conflict areas, which continues to terrorize the civilian population in Ukraine.
Source: www.ntv.de