Ukraine faces challenges due to the emergence of a new military unit consisting of tens of thousands of personnel.
As per a CNN report, there's been continuous attacks by Russia in the Kharkiv region since last week, resulting in several villages reportedly being captured. An industry expert from Washington's Institute for the Study of War suggests that a new Russian military group called Sever, a major operation, could be the culprit. He estimates that up to 100,000 troops might have been deployed for this attack on Kharkiv, but it's more likely about 50,000. He agrees that the Russians still possess a significant combat power.
The governor of the Kharkiv region, Oleh Synyehubov, has shared that approximately 4,000 locals have moved to safety due to the raised risk of another Russian advance in the region within the past two days. People receiving shelter are mostly housed with their friends or relatives.
Moscow's Ministry of Defense claims that Russian soldiers have taken charge of four more villages in northeastern Ukraine's Kharkiv region. These villages - Hatyshche, Krasne, Morokhovets, and Oliyinykove - are believed to be under their control. The Russian attack on Kharkiv began on Friday, but they'd earlier been pushed back by the Ukrainian soldiers. In the Dnipropetrovsk region of southern Ukraine, the ministry claims that four Ukrainian helicopters were destroyed and one damaged as well.
The Ukrainian Army's Chief, Syrskyj, issued a statement about the ongoing battles. The defense forces are strongly engaging, and previous attempts by Russian occupiers to force their way through have been thwarted. Recon units, artillery, and drone teams are all active. Syrskyj addressed the escalating tensions in Kharkiv, stating that the scenario had developed challenging conditions, but Ukraine's Defense Forces are doing their best to maintain defenses and take a toll on Russia. In the Chassiv Yar region, the Russians had unsuccessfully attempted to recover a once-lost area in Klishchiivka. Syrskyi emphasized that, though the situation at the front is difficult, a rotation of units is scheduled to allow soldiers to relax and revive the ability to fight effectively.
In Belgorod Oblast, Russia, a high-rise apartment building has partially collapsed due to Ukrainian shelling, as per the governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov. At least three people have been killed, with up to 20 remaining under the rubble. The intense bombardment from the Ukrainian forces targeted the area, resulting in a massive shell hit on a multi-story residential building, resulting in total destruction from the 10th to the 2nd floor. Belgorod Oblast shares a border with Ukraine and has experienced attacks from Ukrainian forces several times before. As of yet, there's been no comment from Ukraine.
Due to Russia's war against Ukraine in 2022, the British Ministry of Defense reports that the energy giant Gazprom, a Russian company, will likely feel the consequences for years. The harsh ties with its principal Western customers, which date back to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, contribute to this situation. Gazprom hasn't managed to disconnect its export dependence on the European market, which places pressure on its earnings until 2030. The report mentions that Gazprom has reported its first net loss since 1999 this year. The British government projects that, in 2023, Gazprom would have paid around 25 billion euros in taxes, constituting 9% of Russia's total state revenue. The Russian administration plans to augment Gazprom's tax burden in 2024, allegedly leading Gazprom to cut down its investments by about 15% next year.
10:44 Ukraine Attacks Targets in Russia, Includes Oil Refinery and Military Bases
Ukrainian officials claim to have carried out an assault on infrastructure within Russian territory last night, causing damage to a Volgograd oil refinery and related facilities in Kaluga and Lipetsk. A military intelligence source told Unian news outlet about the drone kamikaze attacks resulting in explosions and subsequent fires. The same source also mentioned 'military targets' as part of the assault. Although Russia insists their air defense was successful, the ensuing flames resemble a more significant fireball.
10:06 Complexity of the Situation Requires Increased Reserves
Reports suggest difficult clashes are occurring near Kharkiv. According to Deepstate, an outlet with close ties to the Ukrainian military, "the situation is getting more and more complicated." Their analysis indicates that Russian forces are constantly infiltrating, moving armed groups towards settlements, and attempting to gain a foothold. Consequences of inaction could be severe. Ukrainian reserves are necessary to avoid this outcome.
09:30 Russian Goal: Forcing Ukrainian Troops to Relocate
Russian forces are conducting several attacks near Kharkiv, leading to speculation that they aim to compel Ukrainian units to retreat. Jürgen Weichert, a reporter from ntv, suggests this is Moscow's intention. Despite Zelensky's determination to stop the advance at all costs, Ukraine is deploying additional troops.
08:50 Panic in Kharkiv? Video Confirmation Suggests Otherwise
Kharkiv, a city of millions, appears undeterred by claims of panic, empty streets, and potential evacuation measures. Ukrainian security expert Maria Avdeeva on x shared footage of a busy market that appears to refute these statements. She notes that residents are familiar with Russian aggression and have adequately managed these airstrikes. The possibility of capturing Kharkiv is questionable, with speculations running high that Russia wants to create chaos by driving out the population.
08:12 ISW: Russian Forces Make Tactical Progress in Kharkiv Region
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has observed limited offensive Soviet operations in the Kharkiv frontier, making strategic advances. The estimated size of the units participating in these operations indicates Russia is not striving to encircle, surround, or capture the city of Kharkiv while causing localized damage to Ukrainian defenses.
07:28 Volgograd Oil Refinery Bursts into Flames Following Ukrainian Attack
Governor of Russia's Volgograd region, Andrey Botsharov, confirmed a fire at the region's oil refinery via Telegram after a brief interruption, with no reported casualties. The oil producer "Lukoil" and the Ukrainian side have yet to make statements.
06:52 Ukraine Expected to Receive Weapons from Latvia
The Ukrainian ambassador to Latvia, Anatoly Kutsevol, states in an interview with Ukrinform that Latvia will soon be delivering drones and radar defense systems to Ukraine. Cooperation in producing crucial 155 mm grenades is another component of this aid package. Further assistance is anticipated, but security reasons prevent disclosure.
06:14 Ukrainian Brigade Reports Downing Su-25 Fighter Jet
The 110th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces reported on its Facebook account that an anti-aircraft gunner from their unit had successfully taken down a Russian Su-25 fighter jet. The official adds: "The occupants still haven't realized that there's no point in flying into our skies. They will continue to fall." Ukraine claims to have already shot down 137 of Moscow's Su-25 aircraft.
Seems like a massive Ukrainian assault struck Belgorod and its nearby region on the night of May 11. Governor of the area, Vyacheslav Gladkov, confirmed there were damages and injuries from the strike. Usually, Ukraine would stay silent on reported Belgorod attacks. According to Gladkov, a missile alert was issued in the oblast. Russian Telegram channels affirmed the attacks, sharing photos of burning cars and billowing smoke over Belgorod. Gladkov mentioned one woman lost her life during the incident and 29 individuals, including a child, were hospitalized with injuries. An assortment of buildings, businesses, vehicles, and health and educational establishments were said to be damaged. In addition, Vyacheslav said the nearby village of Dubovoye incurred damages as well. He confirmed this news on his Telegram account.
A US lieutenant general noted that an authoritarian regime like Russia could easily prioritize the growth of their arms industry over economic security to sustain their military operations in Ukraine, while receiving support from Iran and North Korea. Lt. Gen. Steven Basham, who is also the deputy commander of US Air Forces in Europe, made this remark during an event on "Transatlantic Security after 75 Years of NATO". He added that the Western defense business was thriving, which would surpass and surpass Russia's capabilities. "The length of time Russia spends in Ukraine is also the time we have to enhance our industrial base to the point where it needs to be," Basham mentioned.
Volodymyr Selenskyi, Ukraine's head of state, detailed how their military is executing counter-offensives after the Russian advance in the north-eastern region of Kharkiv. Selenskyi said in his evening address that his government's troops' primary objective is to disrupt Russia's attack plans. They aim to "reclaim the initiative" for Ukraine.
A report from the regional administration stated Russian troops fired upon ten communities in the north-eastern Ukrainian region of Sumy Oblast today. At least 93 explosions were reported in the previous 24 hours in Sumy Oblast. A female civilian, aged 37, was killed in a rocket bombardment near Sumy's northern edge. The administration's announcement didn't provide any specific targets or consequences.
For the upcoming global peace summit for Ukraine, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada will take part. The summit will occur in Switzerland on June 15 and 16, focusing on peace in Ukraine following President Volodymyr Zelensky's 10-step peace strategy, which calls for Russian troops to leave occupied Ukrainian territories. "The first peace summit for Ukraine will happen in June - and Canada will participate," Trudeau wrote on Twitter. "I'm looking forward to collaborating with other world leaders to advance our common objective of a fair and enduring peace for Ukraine."
Warning about potential Russian influence on impending European and local elections, Chancellor Olaf Scholz urged caution. He spoke at the "RND vor Ort" stage show by Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, expressing concerns over reported payments to AF Deo politicians. These situations must now be confirmed by appropriate authorities, Scholz stated. "There is a lot of Russian disinformation circulating in election campaigns," he said.
Scholz also urged Ukrainian refugees in Germany to seek employment quickly. He spoke at the same event, stating that while many have secured employment, more are needed in the labor market. "I advise everyone to do the same," he concluded. "Those in Ukraine who can work, we hope they will now also work."
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Source: www.ntv.de
