Ukrainian Starlink equipment malfunctioned at the beginning of the Russian invasion's onset.

Ukrainian Starlink equipment malfunctioned at the beginning of the Russian invasion's onset.

Median accounts assert that during the initial phase of the Russian onslaught in Kharkiv, the satellite communication systems of a Ukrainian military unit situated there showed signs of malfunction. The Washington Post reported this based on input by members of the 125th Territorial Defense Brigade. The malfunctions reportedly surfaced on May 10, the same day as Russian soldiers entered the border zone. The source also claimed that these problems gave Russian troops an advantage in capturing land. The Washington Post alleges Russian electronic warfare systems as the cause behind the Starlink disruption. It is now the first comprehensive anomaly of the satellite communication system in Ukraine since the invasion began in spring 2022.

Stay updated on this shortly at ntv.de

20:56: Explosion at St. Petersburg's Military Training Academy
Russian media reported an explosion that occurred at the Russian metropolis of St. Petersburg. The Budyonny Military Academy was the location as per several media sources. The state news agency RIA attributed the information to local authorities, who had received a report of an explosion at the academy. The Telegram channel Baza, connected with law enforcement agencies, claimed that seven individuals were wounded.

20:28: Russia's Military Collaboration with China "Extensive," Says Agent
A Russian and Chinese summit is ongoing, focusing on diplomatic efforts to quell the war in Ukraine while intensifying the partnership between the two superpowers. Dr. Frank Umbach, a political scientist, expressed skepticism and shared his perspective: "In the power struggle, China has the advantage."

20:07: Russians target Odessa with Missiles
Besides the shelling of Kharkiv, the southern seaport city of Odessa on the Black Sea experienced missile strikes at the same time. Governor Oleh Kiper disclosed the Russian military's use of rockets against the city. One casualty and eight injuries were reported.

19:28: Expert: Russia's Target is not Kharkiv
The situation in Ukraine seems unpromising: The country faces a shortage of ammunition and manpower, according to military expert Ralph Theile. The Russians, on the other hand, are demobilizing Ukrainian troops for a "clever tactical move" that diminishes the defensive strength. However, there are indications that the target is not Kharkiv but another region.

18:53: Scholz Reaffirms German Support for Moldova
In light of Russia's assault on Ukraine, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz confirmed Germany's aid to the Republic of Moldova. "Germany will continue to stand by your side," Scholz declared at a press conference along with Moldovan President Maia Sandu in Berlin. Sandu thanked the German government for their commitment to the stability of her nation. She emphasized Germany as "a crucial partner on Moldova's path to peace, democracy, and prosperity."

18:17: CNN Crew Witnesses Vovchansk's Drone Havoc
The Kharkiv region has experienced intense conflict from the outset of the war. The small community of Vovchansk is presently under continual Russian bombardment. Missiles and drones are being used, nearly hitting a Ukrainian police department. A CNN crew captured the hasty retreat.

17:49: Insider: Tuapse Oil Refinery Shut Down after UAV Attack
After a Ukrainian drone attack, two insiders state that the Rosneft-operated Tuapse oil refinery on the Black Sea has been shut down. The refinery ceased production due to a fire that originated from the LPG plant, according to the sources. Despite the incapacitation of the LPG unit, the oil refinery could resume operations soon as it bypassed this section. Tass reports that the fire has now been extinguished. A press release from Rosneft is still pending.

17:19: Zelenskyj Discards Olympic Ceasefire Proposal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj dismissed the notion of a ceasefire during the Paris Summer Olympics. The details of the endeavor were unknown to him, particularly as Russia could take advantage of the opportunity to reinforce its forces and assault Ukraine, Zelenskyj stated to "Ukrainian Pravda" in an interview with reporters. Zelenskyj recollected a previous truce that was ineffective. He also questioned the party responsible for ensuring that Russian soldiers would not advance during the ceasefire. A potential shift in resources could lead to a subsequent attack, forcing him to oppose the proposal. Meanwhile, Putin condemned the West for demanding Russia's observance of an Olympic truce while rejecting the Olympic principle itself by disqualifying Russian athletes.

During a state visit to China, Putin emphasized his reliance on Xi, despite China supplying weapons to support Russia's war in Ukraine. However, Xi also insists on a political solution, questioning his true dedication.

At 16:43, a missile attack on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv resulted in two deaths and 13 injuries. Russian forces launched a precision bomb assault on the city. In response, Governor Oleh Sinehubov shared the news on Telegram.

At 16:07, Putin voiced his disapproval towards a planned peace summit in Switzerland, viewing it as an attempt to exert pressure on Russia. He made these comments during his visit to China in Harbin. The conference planned for June 15 and 16 aims to end the conflict and invite a Chinese representative to lend more weight to the meeting. Interestingly, Putin has repeatedly rejected the idea of attending the summit.

Ukrainian soldiers posted bodycam footage from the embattled city of Vovchansk, documenting intense street fighting. Casualties remain high, with NATO estimating Russia's inability to achieve a significant breakthrough.

At 14:25, the European Union declared the pro-Russian platform Voice of Europe and three Russian media outlets as sanctioned entities. The EU members have announced they will be blocked throughout the region.

13:53 Putin slammed Western sanctions as ill-informed economic distortions. In a conversation with Russian state media representatives, he described these measures as irrelevant and detrimental to the global economy. He denies any link between sanctions and the conflict in Ukraine. He argued that the West's intentions are to gain a competitive advantage.

Putin expressed his interest in a potential new pipeline, Power of Siberia 2, which would transport gas from Russia to China. He also considers constructing an oil pipeline "in the same corridor."

There is no immediate plan to occupy Kharkiv, according to Putin. Following Zelensky's visit to the region, Putin claimed Russia is merely establishing a buffer zone due to ongoing shelling in the Russian region of Belgorod from Kharkiv. Many experts speculate about Russia's true intentions, which could include annexation of the Kharkiv region.

Political scientist Thomas Jäger believes Beijing's attitude towards Putin is clearer behind closed doors. Their growing reliance on each other makes confronting Putin a risky proposition.

At 12:58, Putin offered to increase energy supplies to China during a trade fair in Harbin. Claiming his nation can "continuously and reliably" supply China with affordable energy, he intends to strengthen ties.

11:57 Satellite images reveal damage inflicted on the Russian airbase Belbek in the occupied Crimea. The Ukrainian armed forces have shelled the base for two days and intercepted a total of five ATACMS. Aerial imagery now shows the aftermath of fires that engulfed the facility and damaged fighter jets.

Rainer Munz, a correspondent from ntv, sees cracks appearing in Russia's partnership with China. Some factors contributing to this are possible Chinese participation in Switzerland's peace negotiations and Beijing's unwillingness to become excessively dependent on Russian resources.

Putin and Xi's collaboration has strengthened over time, especially in the energy sector. Russian media reported a 30-page agreement between the two nations. However, the relationship may experience some tension due to various factors.

Finally, during his China visit, Putin highlighted Russia's capability to supply clean and affordable energy, electricity, and heat to China, indicating openness to expanding their energy alliance.

11:34 Ukraine: Russian forces expand combat zone by 70 km

Ukraine's army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi has stated that the Russian army has extended their active battlefield by nearly 70 km in their grounds on the Kharkiv region. They initiated this offensive to prompt Ukraine to convene more reserve brigades. Syrskyi predicts that the combat will intensify as troops in Kiev fortify themselves for protection in the Sumy region.

11:15 Video reveals consequences of large-scale Russian assaults

Ukraine has been reported to have targeted several locations on Russian soil, including a drone strike on an oil refinery in Tuapse on Krasnodar's coast. In total, Russia announced that it had thwarted over a hundred Ukrainian drones throughout the night:

10:31 Baerbock endorses demand for longer-range weapons

Considering the precarious state of Kharkiv, Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is urging for weapons with longer shooting range. Kharkiv's status is "highly perilous," Baerbock exclaimed on the perimeter of a Council of Europe foreign ministers' confabulation. Due to Russia's assaults on the city from within Russian borders, Ukraine's air defenses are unable to engage. Baerbock also underscored the requirement for "weapons that are competent in medium and long-range conflicts." Kharkiv is approximately 40 kms from the Russian border.

10:02 Putin and Xi exchange affectionate farewell

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President and Party Leader Xi Jinping concluded their dialogues in China with a harmonious goodbye. In Beijing last Thursday evening, Putin and Xi first shook hands and soon afterwards embraced each other, as can be witnessed on a clip from China's state broadcaster CCTV. Putin continues his two-day state visit to Harbin's northern Chinese metropolis.

09:26 Ukraine reports explosions in Kharkiv's city limits

Ukraine asserts that they have mitigated all 20 Russian drones aimed at them overnight. The military reported the deterrence in the territories of Kharkiv, Poltava, Vinnytsia, Odessa and Mykolaiv. The mayor of Kharkiv, Ihor Terekhov, writes that four explosions took place during the attack. A fire erupted during one of the besieges. According to the region's governor, five buildings were harmed, including an administrative establishment.

09:02 ntv correspondent: "The Russians are nearing the city confines of Kharkiv"

The situation on Kharkiv's military frontline is intensely stressful. Recently, Ukraine has reestablished the military situation at the city borders, but the "Russians have also attained a remarkably durable defense stance" and are now just 30 kms distant from Kharkiv, reports ntv reporter Jürgen Weichert:

08:34 Russia acknowledges casualties in Belgorod region

As per the officials, two individuals were annihilated in Russia during the nightly Ukrainian drone ambushes. A mother and her four-year-old son were felled by a combat drone in the village of Oktyabrsky in the Belgorod border region, according to Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov.

08:06 Russia documents attack on Sevastopol in Crimea

According to the Moscow Ministry of Defense, the city of Sevastopol in Crimea experienced an assault during the night. According to the local governor, a substation has been crippled. "We expect minor power outages." In acknowledgment of the circumstances, schools and kindergartens remained absent. Sevastopol is the hub port of the Russian Black Sea Fleet.

07:42 Unconfirmed stories about an assault on the Black Sea Fleet base

Videos are circulating on X concerning a supposed Ukrainian drone attack on the Black Sea Fleet base of Novorossiysk. The Russian state information wire RIA claims missile assaults on the area, yet neglects the base.

07:18 Moscow reports over 100 Ukrainian drones confiscated

As per Russia, they confiscated more than 100 Ukrainian drones overnight. 51 drones were seized in the annexed Crimean peninsula, 44 more in Krasnodar's region, six in the Belgorod border region, and one further in the Kursk region, as mentioned by the Russian Ministry of Defense. The navy has also obliterated six naval drones in the Black Sea. Contingent upon the unremitting shelling from Russia, Ukraine has bolstered its attacks on Russian turf, often targeting energy facilities.

06:58 Multiple Russian fighter jets destroyed in Crimea

Satellite images, as seen by the "New York Times," show three fighter jets wholly decimated - two MiG-31s and an Su-27 - and another one - a MiG-29 - slightly damaged in the Ukrainian attacks on the Russian military airfield Belbek in Crimea. A fuel depot was also leveled. For the second day in a row, Ukraine attacked the airbase on Thursday night.

06:33 Possible details emerge about a new Russian refinery strike

Videos are circulating on X about an alleged additional Ukrainian drone attack on a Russian oil refinery. The British town of Tuapse on the Black Sea is claimed to have been implicated.

Update at 7 a.m.: Local authorities have affirmatively stated the blaze. It has been successfully extinguished.

06:14 Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to highlight the significance of trade in the region near the Russian border in northeastern China. This follows the signing of a strategic partnership between Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping later today. Putin concludes a two-day visit to China in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, which has had longstanding trade and cultural ties with Russia.

06:00 Russian Foreign Ministry Demands Departure of British Military Attaché
Adrian Coghill, the military attaché at the British embassy in Moscow, has been identified as persona non grata by the Russian Foreign Ministry. He is ordered to leave the country within a week. This decision is in response to the UK's expulsion of the Russian military attaché, who they believed to be an undercover spy, on May 8th.

05:30 The New York Times: Discussions Underway to Send Military Trainers to Ukraine
Some NATO member countries are contemplating the potential of deploying military trainers or contractors to Ukraine to train troops and repair equipment. Ukraine is asking for assistance in training 150,000 soldiers to defend its borders. However, the US is hesitant due to the risk of attacks on trainers that may prompt activation of NATO's mutual defense agreement. There have been suggestions to continue training soldiers in Germany and Poland, but this approach presents logistical challenges. Several NATO nations, including the UK, Germany, and France, are considering sending defense contractors to Ukraine, while the White House is reconsidering its ban on US defense contractors in Ukraine.

04:42 Japan: Russia's Assets Distribution Needs to Follow International Law
Japanese Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki discusses the ongoing talks on utilizing the interest generated from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. He stresses that international law must be respected, emphasizing, "Japan intends to participate in these discussions from this fundamental perspective."

03:11 Kim Jong Un's Sister Denies Arms Deal with Russia
Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, refutes allegations of an arms deal with Russia. The North Korean state news agency KCNA reports Kim's statement, describing the claims as "a fabrication of deliberate prejudice and fabrication." The US and South Korea claim North Korea is arming Russia in exchange for assistance against Ukraine. Both nations deny the accusations.

02:04 Air Alert in Ukraine's Kharkiv Lifted Following Drone Attacks
An air raid alert in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, has been lifted after drone attacks that lasted more than 16 hours. Regional governor Oleh Synyehubov confirms that at least five drones had struck Kharkiv. City mayor Ihor Terekhov reports a fire in a district. The longest air raid alert, lasting 16.5 hours, has occurred since the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

00:51 US's Concern Over China's Support for Russia
The US government expresses concern over China's support for Russia while stating that Beijing cannot maintain friendly relations with Europe and other countries if it supports "the greatest threat to European security in a long time." According to State Department spokesman Vedant Patel in Washington, China cannot "dance at two weddings at the same time."

23:34 Zelensky Warns of Dangers due to Russian Missile Attacks on Ukraine's Gas Infrastructure
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warns Europe of potential dangers resulting from Russian missile attacks on Ukraine's gas transportation system. He discussed the matter with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in a video message. Zelensky pointed out that the general population and neighboring countries face potential harm if nothing is done to halt the attacks.

22:06 Ukraine Expects Up to 2 Months of Consistent Power Cuts
Following the severe damage to power plants and substations in Ukraine, the government forecasts ongoing power cuts expected to last months. Yuri Boyko, the Prime Minister's advisor and Ukrenerho supervisory board member, predicts an improvement in August or September. Controlled blackouts will also take place in Kiev on Wednesday and Thursday to conserve electricity. Damage to Ukraine's power grid is attributed to Russian missile strikes.

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1. The Starlink equipment malfunction in Ukraine during the Russian invasion was reportedly caused by Russian electronic warfare systems, according to the Washington Post.
2. President Volodymyr Zelenskyj of Ukraine dismissed the proposal for a ceasefire during the Paris Summer Olympics, citing concerns about Russia's potential use of the truce to strengthen its forces and attack Ukraine.
3. Russia targeted Odessa with missiles during the same time as the shelling of Kharkiv, resulting in one casualty and eight injuries in Odessa.
4. The Ukraine conflict has led to increased military operations and cyberwarfare, with reports of Starlink malfunctions, missile attacks, and drone strikes, all of which have been linked to military activity by Russia.

Source: www.ntv.de