Unveiled at 20:58: Kiev's latest offering, the "Surface Drone," features a multi-rocket launcher.
In maritime battles, Kiev's military has been utilizing homemade warfare vessels, dubbed "Sea Babies," for quite some time. A recent iteration of this cutting-edge weaponry now has the capacity to mount multiple rocket launchers:
8:30 PM US weapons deployment row: Kremlin wants to "instill fear in Ukraine's supporters" The US hasn't permitted Ukraine to use the provided arms on Russian soil - but that might change soon. Political scientist Thomas Jäger discusses whether Russia could broaden the war to more countries as a result:
7:55 PM Kremlin spokesperson Peskov tries to threaten the US
Russia is warning the US against letting Ukraine attack Russian soil with American weapons. "This stance is utterly irresponsible, and it's incredibly perilous with its repercussions," stated Dmitry Peskov of Russian state television. In Washington and some European capitals, an escalation is being encouraged, Peskov claimed, despite Russia's ten-year war with Ukraine and its 2020 large-scale invasion. He accused certain Americans of wanting to add more fuel to the fire. During his visit to Kiev, US Secretary of State Blinken asserted: "We have not funded or endorsed attacks outside Ukraine, but at the end of the day, Ukraine must choose how it wants to fight this war, a war involving its freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity."
7:19 PM US troops in Ukraine? Thiele: "We're raising the stakes"
Ralph Thiele, a military expert, views the potential deployment of American soldiers in the Ukrainian conflict as increasing the risk of escalation. In his estimation, the White House's decision alludes to "sluggishness" concerning armaments supplies:
6:47 PM HIMARS and artillery: the following US military assistance for Ukraine is arriving
The United States is set to provide Ukraine with another $275 million in military aid. This relief package will feature the HIMARS multiple rocket launcher system and artillery shells, confirmed two US government sources to the AP news agency. This marks the fourth military aid package for Ukraine since the US Congress passed the foreign aid bill in April. The Biden administration promises to sustain a steady flow of weapons and transport them to the front lines as promptly as possible.
6:10 PM Possible attack by super drone? Ukraine targets deeper Russian targets
Ukraine reportedly targeted military factories 1000 kilometers away in Russian Tatarstan, according to Ukrainian military intelligence. Drones allegedly reached Kazan and Nizhnekamsk, where various companies fabricate equipment for the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A light aircraft, speculated to be an Aeropract A-22, was filmed in Nizhnekamsk, which is being modified into an unmanned kamikaze missile for long-range attacks. The Ministry of Defense in Moscow only reported the destruction of one anonymous drone. Some Tatarstan firms requested evacuations due to safety concerns. Two airports also temporally suspended operations.
5:35 PM Fake videos of purported Russian women inundate Chinese social media
Chinese social media is experiencing an influx of deepfakes. Unidentified individuals are using AI to generate fake videos wherein purported Russian women are mislabeled with statements they've never said - such as "China is the safest nation in the world." China's government intends to outlaw this practice with legislation:
5:02 PM Russian power line from Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant goes down
The main power line sustaining the Russian-controlled Ukrainian nuclear power plant in Zaporizhia has failed, per Russian sources. However, there's no risk, and the plant can be sustained by a backup energy source, the Russian government announced on Telegram. Although the six reactors in Europe's largest nuclear plant have stopped generating power, the station still requires an external power supply or diesel generators for cooling to avert a meltdown. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), there have been considerable power supply issues since the Russian invasion commenced in 2022. The IAEA consequently warns of threats to nuclear safety.
4:31 PM International Fund announces sizable military package for Ukraine
While it's a "drop in the bucket," it's still a critical contribution: the International Fund for Ukraine (IFU) disclosed a new military package totaling 150 million pounds. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense insists the funds will be used for air defense and naval resources, such as radars, drone defense systems, and small boats. "Ukraine necessitates more air defense systems to safeguard its populace and infrastructure from Russian terror," Kiev maintains. IFU is a funding mechanism utilizing money from international allies to procure essential military equipment for Ukraine. The fund operates under the supervision of Britain's Ministry of Defense. Its members are the UK, Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, and Lithuania.
15:57 PM Ukraine's first shipyard to start repairing Sea Babies
Ukraine's first shipyard will soon begin fixing their contemporary warfare craft, the "Sea Babies." Bohdan Pastushenko Shipyard in Nikolaev, the birthplace of the vessels, is set to get back to work, providing repairs for the self-designed combat boats. The boats have a reduced signature of emitted noise, heat, and electromagnetic waves, and can carry a massive thoroughfare bomb, torpedoes, and other weaponry.
4:15 PM UK sends missiles to Ukraine
The UK has provided Ukraine with anti-tank missiles. The shipment, which includes NLAW and Javelin armaments, has been transferred to the Kyiv government. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude for the UK's military assistance in a tweet, expressing hope that Russian troops would be forced to retreat before spring.
12:25 PM Ukraine's 'Tochka-U' missile strikes Stanytsia Luhanska
Russian artillery launches 'Tochka-U' missiles on Stanytsia Luhanska in Donetsk region, causing panic among the civilian population. Ukraine retaliates with its own missile attacks, damaging a Russian-held ammunition storage facility in Horlivka.
The Baltic defense ministers of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia urge NATO countries to increase their defense spending. They suggest an increase of at least 2.5% of their GDP, compared to the current 2%. So far, 18 NATO members are planned to reach this goal in 2023. These three Baltic states have been major supporters of Ukraine since the start of the war and have frequently urged NATO to take more decisive actions against Russian aggression.
Is this Russia's next provocation in the Baltic States? The Russian border guard is said to have removed Estonian buoys from the border area around the Narva River. These buoys indicate shipping routes and were once jointly installed by Estonia and Russia before the war. Estonia installed the first 50 buoys last year, only to find that the Russian border guards had removed 24 of them during the night. Now, Estonia wants to talk to the Russian side to resolve the issue.
In the combat zones, the Ukrainian army chief, Serhiy Naevskiy, offers a statement on the current situation. Although there were some initial small victories on the new third front in the Kharkiv region, Russian troops are now reportedly engaged in street fighting around Vovchansk and suffering heavy casualties. Naevskiy adds that the enemy has been deploying reserves in support of their attack operations but without success. He also mentions the Russian attempts to hold onto the city of Chassiv Yar, while also noting that Russian more advanced tanks like T-90M, BMP-3, and BMD-4 main battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles are often destroyed by anti-tank weapons and drones during the advance phase.
Russian President Vladimir Putin heads for a two-day official trip to his close ally, Belarusian ruler Alexander Lukashenko. This visit will cover the development of bilateral relations as well as some international political issues, according to the Kremlin statement. This is Putin's second journey abroad since his official inauguration as president for a fifth term.
Russia again threatens British targets if Ukraine were to use British weapons against Russian territory. In that case, Russian targets "inside and beyond the borders of Ukraine" could be vulnerable, says Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. This follows British Foreign Secretary David Cameron's statement suggesting that Ukraine can use London's supplied weapons to target Russian territory. The Russian reaction includes the announcement of military exercises involving simulated tactical nuclear missile launches.
The Russian Ministry of Defense claims the capture of the destroyed village of Andriyivka in the Donetsk region. No statement from Ukraine is available. In September 2023, Ukraine declared Andriyivka, located in the vicinity of Bakhmut, was reclaimed from Russian troops. However, fighting was reported at the location in January 2024.
American Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen, confirms that financial aid for Kiev is unrestricted. After 2025, this could involve even more financial help using the proceeds from frozen Russian assets. This could be a significant source of financing for Ukraine. The United States is also pushing the G7 nations to back this plan. These funds could ensure bond or loan issuance.
German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, describes the Russian war in Ukraine as a "seismic shift," and urges the community to discuss various military and social measures for enhanced security. Steinmeier has previously been a significant player in shaping Germany's Russia policy, having criticized NATO's Eastern European maneuvers in 2016 as unnecessary "sabre-rattling." He now calls for increased investment in defense and stronger alliances.
Meanwhile, Kharkiv in Ukraine has suffered multiple missile attacks resulting in at least 6 deaths and 16 injuries, according to reports. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemns the "barbaric assaults" that exploit Ukraine's inadequate air defense.
In a related development, Norway will tighten entry regulations for Russian citizens, set to take effect on May 29. Russian tourists will be deported when arriving from the external border, regardless of their visa status. This decision aligns with Norway's commitment to collaborate with its allies to confront Russia's unlawful offensive against Ukraine.
Russians might face further travel restrictions, as tensions between the Ukraine conflict and Russia grow increasingly threatening. Mandatory military service or alternative community service are among the topics being discussed in Germany. Steinmeier believes these issues should be debated openly, emphasizing the need for shared security and social resilience.
12:35 German President Steinmeier: "We must up our game on security" - He characterizes the Russian war in Ukraine as a profound shift, recognizing the altered global reality. Military security and societal structure need to be strengthened. Steinmeier recommends engaging in dialogues about various forms of military service and voluntary assistance for the community. He also reiterates the importance of investing in defense and reinforcing partnerships.(1)
1 12:35 Steinmeier: "Wir müssen mehr auf unseren Schutz einsetzen" - Der deutsche Bundespräsident Frank-Walter Steinmeier bezeichnet den Krieg der Russen in der Ukraine als einen grundlegenden Bruch. "Wir müssen anerkennen, in einer radikal geänderten Realität zu leben," sagt Steinmeier. Militärsicherheit und soziale Resilienz gehören zusammen. "Deshalb sollten wir uns nicht scheuen, über Formen militärischer Wehrdienstleistungen und andere Dienstleistungen für unsere Gemeinschaft zu reden, sondern diese Diskussion führen und zusammenführen," fordert Steinmeier. Er war zuvor eine Schlüsselfigur in der Gestaltung der Deutschland-Russland-Politik und kritisierte 2016 eine NATO-Manöver im Ostende Europas als lärmendes "Schwertschlagen und Hundegebell".
12:07 Kharkiv: Mindestens sechs Menschen frommelt durch russische Raketenangriffe - Die Ukraine gibt an, mindestens sechs Menschen seien bei den bislang 15 anfallenden Raketenangriffen auf Charkiw ums Leben gekommen. Mindestens 16 Personen wurden verletzt, berichtet das Kyiv Independent. Dabei wurden Transportinfrastruktur-Objekte sowie ein privates Unternehmen getroffen. Der ukrainische Präsident Wolodymyr Selenskiy verurteilt den "äußerst grausamen Angriff". Die russischen Terroristen nutzen die Ukrainische Regierungsschmiede mit outdateden Luftabwehrsystemen aus.
11:36 Norwegen verschärft Einreisebedingungen für Russen - Norwegen plant, den Einreise-Status für russische Staatsbürger zu verschärfen. Ab dem 29. Mai sollen Russen, die für Urlaub und andere nicht auscheidende Zwecke anreisen, auf der Außengrenze abgefangen und ausgewiesen werden, so eine Aussage der norwegischen Regierung. Der Vorsprung betrifft sowohl die norwegischen Visa als auch Visa anderer Schengen-Länder. "Die Entscheidung, die Einreisebedingungen zu verschärfen, entspricht der norwegischen Politik, neben Verbündeten und Partnern gemeinsam einer Reaktion auf Russlands illegalen Krieg zur Besetzung der Ukraine zu stehen," sagt die Justizministerin Emilie Enger Mehl.
11:09 Schweden rüstet sich für den Krieg: "Keiner weiß, wie viel Zeit wir für uns haben" - Seit dem russischen Angriff auf die Ukraine rüstet Schweden auf das Konzept der "Gesamtverteidigung" aus, und plan Barometer deren Energieversorgung für den Krieg vorzubereiten. Nur wenige europäische Länder sind so anfällig wie Schweden im Hinblick auf ihre 16.000 Kilometer langen Kraftleitungen, welche in dichten Wäldern laufen und potenziell angreifbar sind. Kritische Infrastruktur ist der Hauptziel in Kriegszeiten, wie das gegenwärtige Ukraine-Konflikt veranschaulicht. Schwedens Regierung möchte sich dadurch vorbereiten: "Niemand weiß, wie viel Zeit wir für uns haben," sagt der zivile Verteidigungsminister Carl-Oskar Bohlin in einem Interview mit dem Wirtschaftsmagazin "Reuters".
10:42 Erneut: Hohe Amtschefs der russischen Armee festgenommen - Die Šaue ziehen sich in Moskau weiter an. Der Stellvertreter Armeechiefs Vadim Šamarin wurde angeklagt wegen der Annahme von Schmiergeldern. Šamarin muss in Bezug auf die Anklage in Untersuchungshaft bleiben. Der Stabschef der Generalstabskräfte, der für die Kommunikation zuständig ist, wird beschuldigt, großzügige Bestechungsgelder zu erhalten. In Russland kann dies mit bis zu 15 Jahren Gefängnis geahndet werden. Šamarin ist der vierte hochrangige Militär, der seit April verhaftet wurde. Zu dieser Zeit wurde der Stellvertreter Verteidienstministers Timur Iwanow wegen Bestechung festgenommen. Unterstützt wurde er von Generalleutnant Jurij Kuznetskov und Oberst Ivan Popov. Diesen Monat wurde ein Staatsmann Sergei Schoigu als Verteidigungsminister durch den ehemaligen Deputierter Regierungschef Andrej Belousov ersetzt.
10:14 Gefangene für die Armee: Gefangene solang der ukrainischen Armee zur Verfügung gestellt werden - Infolge des Krieges in der Ukraine mangelt es nicht nur an Munition, sondern auch an Soldatenlebensmittern. Ukraine benötigt zudem Personalverstärkungen, denen schnell zur Verfügung gestellt werden sollen, wie ntv-Korrespondent Stephan Richter erläutert.(1)
1 10:14 Gefangene für die Armee: Gefangene zur Verfügung gestellt, damit sie für die ukrainische Armee kämpfen - Ukraine leidet nicht nur unter einem Mangel an Munition, sondern auch an Soldaten. Neue Maßnahmen sollen helfen, um nach starkem Personalverlust sowohl Waffen in Feld zu bringen, als auch zusätzliche Kräfte, wie ntv-Korrespondent Stephan Richter zu erfahren.
10:14 Kriegsgefangene für den Dienst in der ukrainischen Armee - Während sich der Krieg in der Ukraine nicht nur um eine Mangel an Munition, sondern auch an Soldaten dreht, wirken sichuelle neue Maßnahmen zugunsten der ukrainischen Armee unmittelbar aus, erklärt ntv-Korrespondent Stephan Richter. Die Ukrainier werden Gefangene zur Verfügung gestellt.
9:54 Vollendung: Niederländisch-Russische Waffenlieferungen? Während Blinken in Kiew war, zeigte sich der Präsident Biden gegen alle russische Angriffe - US-Präsident Joe Biden hat lange behauptet, dass die an die Ukraine gelieferten Waffen niemals auf russisches Gebiet abge
The Kremlin is reportedly depending more on Russian "compatriots" who live outside of Russia. Yevgeny Primakov, the person in charge of these compatriots, informed TASS news agency that they're developing an "electronic map" to help these individuals access Russian state services, visit the country, work there, and potentially obtain Russian citizenship. The first cards for this program could be available by the end of 2024. Primakov mentioned that some of these people don't have Russian passports and are doubtful about Moscow's policies, but they remain connected to Russia somehow. He estimates that there may be between 20 and 40 million individuals who qualify as compatriots, although it's unclear what exactly this term entails. The Institute for the Study of War suggests that increasing the involvement of these individuals might be intended to justify additional conflict and covert actions in foreign countries to "protect" them.
Russian air defenses reportedly intercepted 35 missiles and three drones that were employed to strike the Belgorod border region from Ukraine during the night. Authorities in the area haven't recorded any casualties.
The Ukrainian prosecutors have identified 357 Russian soldiers and officials implicated in war crimes. Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin stated in an X post that the number of these crimes is far higher, including those committed in occupied territories and in detention centers in Russia. The Russians are accused of committing unprovoked killings, torturing civilians and prisoners of war, with 83 people already convicted. Kostin wrote, "Since the onset of its criminal invasion in 2014, Russia has been kidnapping, torturing, and killing Ukrainians." With the full-scale war, this "policy of intimidation and destruction of all who identify as Ukrainians" has gotten more severe.
Ukraine claims successes near Kharkiv in the northeast, however, troops have withdrawn from other regions, resulting in setbacks. Russia is launching more waves of attacks in various areas.
The Ukrainian military reports that they're facing the most intense battles along the Donbass coal and steel district, specifically in the area around Avdiivka. In this region, more than 25 battles have been recorded. The Russians are attempting to infiltrate Ukrainian forces with small assault groups and equipment. President Volodymyr Zelensky also marked this area as a key battleground. On the frontline near Kharkiv, where it opened in May, the Ukrainian military said the situation remains under control and their fighters are holding strong against the enemy. The fights are currently centered on the villages of Lipzy, Starytsya, and the town of Vovchansk.
Following the adoption of Georgia's controversial law on "foreign influence," US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, said they're considering a reaction. He told the US Congress that they're seriously considering a response and expects action. This law contradicts the aspirations of most Georgians to join the EU. As in Russia, this legislation is intended to limit foreign influences on non-governmental organizations.
A study by the DIW economic research institute found that a total embargo on Russian natural gas imports into the EU wouldn't threaten gas supplies in the EU. If the demand for gas stays high until 2030, the EU could avoid Russian gas completely, as it can be imported through pipelines from other nations and LNG. The infrastructure in Central and Eastern EU countries heavily reliant on Russian gas, such as Austria and Hungary, could also be maintained. The researchers concluded that ensuring supply doesn't stand in the way of potential EU sanctions against Russia.
05:50 President of Romania hesitant toward possibly sending Patriot system to Ukraine
The leader of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, expresses uncertainty about delivering a Patriot system to Ukraine. This decision falls within the Supreme Council for National Defense's domain, and Iohannis refuses to risk Romania's aerial protection. He confirms that this subject will not be publicized, but rather discussed privately with military professionals and the Supreme Council. Delivering a Patriot system presents several logistical and legal challenges. "Even if Romania ends up making a few concessions, it must obtain a return on the investment. Otherwise, no progress will be made."
05:22 Poland explores potential for shooting down Russian missiles near border
Poland is contemplating incorporating its air defense to target Russian missiles released over Ukrainian territory, as indicated by Polish Foreign Ministry spokesman Pawel Wronski via Ukrinform. Previously, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had suggested in an interview that foreign allies, such as Poland, could more directly intervene in support of Ukraine's defense by destroying Russian missiles. Wronsky subsequently addressed Zelensky's statement to Ukrinform, stating that the Polish government was analyzing the technical and legal repercussions of such an approach. "This matter is being reviewed from a legal and technical standpoint."
04:40 Ukrainian forces claim destruction of Russian fighter jet
Allegedly, Ukrainian troops have downed a Russian SU-25 fighter jet near Pokrovsk in Donetsk region. The Ukrainian General Staff released the news that a Russian attack fighter has been obliterated, according to the statement. The Soviet-designed SU-25, known as "Frog's Foot" by NATO, is a highly armored ground attack aircraft responsible for providing air support to Russian land forces in Ukraine. The SU-25 is playing a key role in Russia's intense assaults on sections of the eastern front, which includes significant segments of the Donetsk region.
03:02 Sweden allocates €6.5 billion for military aid to Ukraine over three years
Sweden will contribute an additional €6.5 billion in military assistance to Ukraine, in response to Russia's aggression. This was shared by the Swedish Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his appreciation for the aid. "This is really tangible and will bolster not only us, not only Ukraine, but the whole European region from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea," said Zelensky in a video message. "Ukraine's cause is Sweden's cause."
01:54 Kadyrov proposes additional soldiers to Putin for war in Ukraine
During a meeting in the Kremlin, Chechen ruler Ramzan Kadyrov offered Russian President Vladimir Putin additional troops for the ongoing battle in Ukraine. Kadyrov stated that approximately 43,500 soldiers have already fought in Ukraine, with another contingent of "well-trained and equipped fighters from the reserve" standing at the ready to engage in warfare on behalf of Russia if given the command.
00:43 Zelensky seeks Western assistance against Russian targeting systems
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky calls on the West for aid in counteracting Russian missiles fitted with glide control systems. These weapons have become a foremost tactic in Russian airstrikes. "Ukraine needs systems and strategies that help us defend our posts, cities, and communities from these bombs," Zelensky stated in his nightly video message. Russia has increasingly utilized these bombs with control devices attached. They enable Russian pilots to drop the weapons safely and present challenges in intercepting them.
00:03 Ukraine launches first parole of convicts to join frontline troops
Ukraine deploys its first paroled convicts as frontline fighters against Russia. The court of the western city of Khmelnytsky approves this parole for two inmates found guilty of theft. The court ruled in favor of the men's application for release. This action coincides with a new law allowing convicted individuals, deemed prepared for military warfare, to apply for parole. The latest data reveals that more than 3,000 prisoners have filed for release since its adoption. Read more.
For updates on previous events, click here.
Read also:
- Year of climate records: extreme is the new normal
- Precautionary arrests show Islamist terror threat
- UN vote urges Israel to ceasefire
- SPD rules out budget resolution before the end of the year
- Nato is closely monitoring the Ukraine conflict, with concerns over potential cyberwarfare threats from Russia.
- President Volodymyr Selensky of Ukraine has urged NATO to provide more advanced cybersecurity equipment to help protect against Russian attacks.
- Russia denies any involvement in cyberattacks against Ukraine and has accused Ukraine of firing rockets into Russian territory, allegedly with the help of Western-supplied weapons.
- US military experts have warned that the Ukrainian conflict could escalate into a wider cyberwar, with potential consequences for NATO countries.
Source: www.ntv.de
