USA Prolongs Halt in Imposing Duties on Ukrainian Steel

US delays imposition of taxes on Ukrainian steel products.

The US will prolong the interim postponement of duties on Ukrainian steel for another year. As per US President Joe Biden, the Ukrainian steel sector will continue to face considerable disruption due to the unjustified, unprovoked, unyielding, and merciless war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. Initially, Washington suspended tariffs on Ukrainian steel in May 2022 for a year, and later expanded the suspension in May 2023.

22:44 Moscow labels women's organization "Put Domoi" as "foreign agents"

The Russian authorities have categorized the women's organization "Put Domoi" ("Homeward"), which supports the return of Russian soldiers mobilized in Ukraine, as "foreign agents." The Russian Justice Ministry in Moscow justified this move by stating that the group tried to create a "negative image" of Russia and the Russian army and instigated illegal street demonstrations. In the beginning of the year, women and loved ones of soldiers deployed in Ukraine held uncommon protests on Red Square in Moscow, demanding their relatives to return. In the subsequent weeks, the women held regular gatherings at the Kremlin wall and laid flowers symbolically at the grave of the unknown soldier.

21:52 Russian-American reporter set to remain in Russian custody up to August

The Russian-American reporter Alsu Kurmasheva will stay in Russian detention until least August before an investigation and trial take place. The editor of the US-funded Radio Free Europe and the Tatar-Bashkir service of Radio Liberty was arrested on October 18. She is accused of not registering as a foreign agent while collecting information about the Russian military.

21:23 Zelensky finalizes security pacts with Norway and Iceland

Volodymyr Zelensky concluded a series of talks in Sweden and sealed long-term security agreements with Norway and Iceland. Zelensky signed a ten-year deal with Norway, whereby Oslo will focus on supporting Ukrainian needs in the domains of sea and air defense. Norway may also consider setting up weapons manufacturing in Ukraine under the agreement. Iceland also agreed to a ten-year pact.

20:53 Swiss volunteer injured in Russian shelling of Shostakovo and Vovchansk

Russian forces targeted the village of Shostakovo and the city of Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region and injured three people including a Swiss volunteer, according to the regional prosecutor's office. The Swiss volunteer had arrived in Ukraine to help with the evacuation of people and animals from conflict zones.

20:10: China stays away from Swiss peace conference on Ukraine

China will not participate in a Ukrainian peace conference in Switzerland next month. The justification provided by the Chinese Foreign Ministry was that the conference does not align with China's expectations, which advocate the participation of both Russia and Ukraine. The ministry thus endorses an exclusive report by Reuters.

20:02: Deputy US Treasury Secretary Adeyemo cautions China against backing Russia

Deputy US Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo cautioned China against the aftermath of aiding Russia. China has denied offering military support to Russia in its vast-scale invasion of Ukraine. At the same time, the United States had previously accused China of "clandestinely aiding Russia" and labelled these actions as "destabilizing in the heart of Europe." Adeyemo, who visited Kiev just two days ago, said China must opt between maintaining economic relations with the West and an alliance with Russia. "We must give China a clear option: Chinese companies can either do business in our economies or arm Russia's war machines with dual-use goods. They cannot perform both," said Adeyemo.

18:48 Kiev criticizes "anti-Ukrainian" remarks by Georgian Prime Minister

In a statement, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry condemned the "anti-Ukrainian" remarks of Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobachidze. "The comments of the Georgian prime minister regarding our state (EuroMaidan), the courage and the struggle of the Ukrainian people for freedom and independence are unacceptable and discouraging," said the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry. During the inauguration of a new bridge in Tbilisi on May 30, Kobachidze said, "We will not allow a 'Maidan' in Georgia." Kobachidze mentioned the EuroMaidan Revolution in Ukraine in 2014, where almost a hundred demonstrators were killed by security forces and pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych fled Ukraine. International organizations like the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) have verified that the Ukrainian presidential elections in 2014 and 2019 were "competitive and that fundamental rights were typically respected."

18:00: Rise in mobilized soldiers due to Russian attacks, states Zelenskyy

Due to the catastrophic Russian strikes on Ukrainian power plants, Ukraine has considerably increased electricity tariffs. "The objective is to prevent power outages and maintain the system," explained Energy Minister Herman Haluschtschenko the action. Considerable resources are essential for repairs in damaged power plants, transformer stations, and high-voltage lines. "Unfortunately, it is evident that the shelling of energy facilities by the enemy will continue, and we must utilize all available resources," said the minister.

After the passing of a new mobilization law in Ukraine, the number of conscripted soldiers has increased, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced at a press conference. The Ukrainian parliament updated the mobilization law in mid-April to accelerate the process during the ongoing war against Russia. The new legislation simplifies the process of identifying eligible conscripts and includes harsher penalties for evading the draft. The minimum age for conscription was also lowered from 27 to 25 years in another law signed by President Zelenskyy.

18:02 Russia claims to have seized 28 Ukrainian towns in May

In a gathering of the Moscow-controlled Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) in Kazakhstan's Almaty city, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov declared that 28 Ukrainian towns were captured during the month. He stated, "Due to our proactive measures, the enemy has retreated by 8 to 9 kilometers in significant areas of the Kharkiv region." Since the start of the year, Russia has taken over 880 square kilometers of land. If these assertions are true, the newly acquired area would be similar in size to Berlin. However, this cannot be independently confirmed.

17:36 NATO Secretary-General accuses China of aiding Russia with advanced technology

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has blamed China for supporting Russia's hostilities towards Ukraine. He stated, "China is crucial for Russia's war against Ukraine," following talks with the foreign ministers of the 32 NATO member states. China is exporting huge quantities of equipment that can be utilised both domestically and militarily to Russia. This includes high-end technology and semiconductors. Stoltenberg remarked, "Without these sophisticated high-end products, Russia couldn't have manufactured the missiles, explosives, and aircraft for its assault on Ukraine." Nearly all the microelectronics Russia imported in 2021 came from China.

17:11 Habeck: Ukraine needs to prevent Russia's attacks

Robert Habeck, the German Vice Chancellor and Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, believes that Ukraine must be able to defend itself against Russia. He referred to the decision of the German government to allow the use of German-supplied weapons for targeting military objectives in Russia, "Ukraine doesn't have enough defensive weapons to protect its citizens." This is due, in part, to "the fact that Ukraine's supporters haven't provided or offered enough weapons." He continued, "It's just logical that Ukraine defends itself against Russian attacks. To prohibit this would mean more deaths."

16:45 Polish Intelligence Inquiry: False Alert about Partial Mobilization

Following a false report of a partial mobilization in Poland, the domestic intelligence service is investigating whether the state news agency PAP became a target of a Russian cyberattack. "We have reason to believe that this was a cyberattack directed from the Russian side," stated Digitalization Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski. The attack aimed to disseminate misinformation before the European elections. In the circulated and later retracted untrue report, it was claimed that Prime Minister Donald Tusk had ordered a partial mobilization for July 1, with 200,000 Poles (both former soldiers and civilians) assigned to aid Ukraine.

16:22 Blinken: Stabilization in the Front Lines of Eastern Ukraine

According to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the most recent military aid for Ukraine is producing results. "Thousands upon thousands of artillery shells, thousands of anti-tank mines, and air defense capabilities are already making a difference," said Blinken during a NATO foreign ministers' meeting. Additional assistance will be provided by other NATO partners. Blinken noted that Germany and the Netherlands have agreed to deliver more air defense systems. "The front in the east and northeast of Ukraine is becoming more stable, and Ukraine has managed to push back the Russian fleet," said Blinken.

15:53 Exchange of 75 Prisoners Each by Russia and Ukraine

Russia and Ukraine have respectively exchanged 75 prisoners, as per their own declarations. Both countries handed over 75 prisoners to the other. "75 more of our citizens have returned to Ukraine," penned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on his online platforms. "75 Russian soldiers were brought back from the territory controlled by the Kiev regime," claimed the Russian Defense Ministry.

15:29 Green Faction Leader: Ukraine Has the Right to Self-Defense

Green Faction Leader Britta Haßelmann has emphasized Ukraine's right to self-defense in the context of the Russian armed conflict. She referenced the decision of the German government to allow the deployment of weapons acquired from Germany against Russian military targets: "Ukraine has been repelling a ruthless, internationally unlawful attack by Russia for two years. It has the right to defend itself."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenksy thinks it's only a matter of time before Ukraine attacks Russia with Western weapons. "I believe that using any weapons, regardless of their type, a Western weapon on Russian territory, is inevitable," says Zelenksy at a press conference in Stockholm.

14:35 Steven Seagal Gets an Order from Putin

Shaking hands, grinning into the camera: US actor Steven Seagal receives an order - granted by none other than Russian leader Vladimir Putin. The former action star, who holds Russian citizenship, is Moscow's special envoy for relations with the United States.

14:16 German Army has no Missing IRIS-T Missile

The German defense ministry declares that it is not missing any IRIS-T missiles, contradicting a media report that a German IRIS-T missile is missing. "We don't have any guided missiles missing in our possession," a ministry representative said. "At no point has a weapon been missing from our arsenal." IRIS-T is an air defense system Germany has also given to Ukraine. The "Business Insider" news portal reported that the German Army was missing an IRIS-T missile of this type.

13:56 Russia and Ukraine Exchange Over 150 Prisoners

After a prolonged stalemate, Russia and Ukraine have exchanged prisoners for the first time. Through negotiations, 75 Russian soldiers have been returned, "whose lives were in imminent danger," the Russian Defense Ministry announced. In exchange, 75 prisoners of war were turned over to the Ukrainian armed forces. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the exchange on his Telegram channel. According to his statements, in addition to regular soldiers, members of the National Guard and Border Guard, as well as four civilians, were handed over to Ukraine. The most recent major prisoner exchange took place in February.

13:41 China Refuses to Participate in Ukraine Peace Conference

China declines participation in the Switzerland-organized Ukrainian peace conference. There are significant discrepancies between the conference design and the demands of China and the broader expectations of the international community, making it impossible for China to participate, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning in Beijing. The concerns have been communicated to the relevant parties. Diplomatic circles have heard that China has withdrawn. "Based on the reports of all parties and the announced setup of the meeting, it seems that the three aspects proposed by China are difficult to implement," Mao said. With the three aspects, China refers to acceptance of the conference by both Russia and Ukraine, equal participation of all parties, and "fair discussion of all peace options."

13:21 Scholz Cautions: "We must avert a great war"

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz defended his policy after the decision to allow Ukraine to use German weapons against Russian targets. "We must avert a great war - a war between Russia and NATO," Scholz said at the Catholic Day in Erfurt. "We must also make sure that Ukraine can defend its independence and sovereignty." An escalation cannot be avoided "without caution," Scholz continued. "That can't be done without carefully considering each step and what it means for this escalation risk." It is also necessary to "coordinate thoroughly" with "those we are allied with."

13:07 Russia Extends Kuremasheva's Detention

A Russian court has extended the pre-trial detention for US-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva until early August. Her lawyers' request to set her conditionally free was denied by the district court in Kazan, says the US-based radio station Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) based in Prague. Kurmasheva, who works for the Tatar program of the broadcaster, has been unable to leave Russia for a year. She has been in prison since October. RFE/RL condemns her imprisonment as a retaliatory measure for her journalistic work.

12:43 Medvedev Warns the West: Use of Nuclear Weapons is Not a Bluff

Russia threatens nuclear weapons again in the Ukrainian war following the relaxation of restrictions on the use of Western weapons in Ukraine. Former President Dmitri Medvedev warned the West with a look at tactical nuclear weapons designed for use on the battlefield, not to completely destroy the enemy. The fight could escalate into a full-scale war, warned Putin confidant Medvedev. A leading Russian lawmaker also threatened the West with an asymmetrical war. Medvedev's statements follow a change in Western policy regarding the conditions for the supply of weapons to Ukraine. Until now, it was generally assumed that their use could not target targets in Russia. According to information from US government circles, President Joe Biden has now authorized the use of US weapons against targets in Russia that play a role in the Russian offensive against the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. These could be aircraft, for example, that launch rockets on Kharkiv from Russian territory. The German government is also allowing free rein to defend Kharkiv.

12:18 ntv reporter Sharma on US Weapons: "Provides Legitimate Military Targets in the Russian Hinterland"

The United States allows Ukraine to use American weapons under certain conditions against targets on Russian territory. The shift in policy is stirring up debate among NATO countries. NTV reporter Kavita Sharma talks about the reactions in Ukraine from Charkiv. [22:55]

12:01 Pistorius: No fresh talks on Taurus missiles for Ukraine

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius defends the German government's decision to authorize the use of German weaponry against military targets in Russia as a "strategic adjustment to the evolving circumstances." The SPD politician stated at a meeting with his Moldovan counterpart Anatolie Nosatii in the city of Chisinau that this move is appropriate. Germany has been adapting its strategies since the beginning of Russia's war against Ukraine, according to Pistorius. The debate over providing Ukraine with long-range German missiles of the Taurus type will not be reopened by the government, as confirmed by Pistorius in response to a reporter's inquiry. The discussion would likely focus on missiles with ranges measuring hundreds of kilometers, according to the minister. "The border remains unaltered, even after stated declarations from our partners and ourselves."

11:46 - Strack-Zimmermann still anticipates Taurus deployment

The outgoing chairperson of Germany's parliamentary defense committee, FDP politician Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, maintains hope that the conversation on whether Germany should provide Ukraine with Taurus missiles will be rekindled. While her optimism on this matter is moderate, she said, referring to the ongoing Russian attacks on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. Western support for Ukraine has been noticeably predictable, she added, and "one must not be predictable in these moments."

11:32 Munz: Nuclear threats - "Kremlin is in dilemma"

Since the inception of the war initiated by Putin, the Russian government has made nuclear threats against Europe and NATO. Putin also voices his concerns about the use of Western weapons in response. However, despite these threats, nations continue providing aid to Ukraine, Rainer Munz, an NTV reporter, asserts.

11:19 Zelenskyy: Russian troops mock Ukrainians and "hunt" them

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his concerns in an interview with the British newspaper, "Guardian," that the delay in US President Joe Biden's decision to use Western weapons against Russian targets has encouraged Russian forces to mock Ukrainians and "hunt" them. According to Zelenskyy, the White House's hesitation has cost lives. "I find it utterly illogical that we possess weapons and the murderers, the terrorists who kill us, are on the Russian side. I hold the view that at times, they simply laugh at the situation," Zelenskyy said. "It's as if they're hunting for people. They're aware we can observe them, but we cannot reach them."

11:08 Orban: NATO moving closer to war every week

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban contends that NATO is progressively approaching war every week. Comparing this to a firefighter attempting to extinguish a fire using a flamethrower, he deems it absurd. In his opinion, a NATO intervention in Ukraine could lead to a world war rather than protecting the alliance's member states. Orban has long had good connections with the Russian government and has frequently butted heads with European countries due to their backing of Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated yesterday during a meeting with the alliance's foreign ministers in Prague that it's time for member states to consider reconsider certain limitations on the use of the weapons they have supplied to Ukraine.

10:51 Berlin permits Ukraine to use German weapons against Russian targets

The German government has authorized Ukraine to use weapons provided by Germany against Russian military targets. Government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit verified this in Berlin.

10:46 Insider: Zelenskyy to attend security conference in Singapore over the weekend

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to attend a security conference in Singapore over the weekend. Information from six sources, including Reuters, indicates that support for Ukraine will be a major subject at the Shangri-La Dialogue, the most important annual security conference in Asia. Both US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Chinese counterpart Dong Jun will also take part in the gathering. Ukraine is engaged in a Swiss-hosted international meeting geared toward finding ways to end the war, and Zelenskyy alleges Russia is making efforts to prevent other countries from participating.

10:16 China - Our demands for a peace conference are just

China advocates for a peace conference, insists it has fair and impartial demands, and insists that these demands apply to both Russia and Ukraine. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning remarked that these demands are not directed at any particular party. Reuters reported that China will not be present at the Ukraine peace conference in mid-June, with Ukraine having requested the gathering, but Russia refusing an invitation. "China places importance on Switzerland hosting the inaugural Ukraine peace summit and has been in communication with the Swiss side and all taking part since the start of this year," added Mao. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has previously proposed China facilitate a peace conference.

10:04 Russian Defense Minister Belousov: Ukrainian troops pull back in Kharkiv region

Ukrainian troops have allegedly pulled back from crucial spots in the Kharkiv area of eastern Ukraine, as per Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. Russian troops have taken control of over 28 towns in Ukraine this year, according to state-run news agency Interfax, referring to the minister. They have captured a total of 880 square kilometers of territory.

09:52 Energy Facilities in Kyiv Damaged by Russian Rockets

A series of energy facilities in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, have been damaged during a Russian rocket attack. Energy company DTEK reports that a power plant was destroyed and the power grid in the Holosiyivskyi district has been affected. Several residential properties are still deprived of power. Russian forces used drones and short-range ballistic missiles of the Iskander type, the Ukrainian Air Force claims.

09:28 Oil Depot in Russian Black Sea Port of Kavkaz Hit by Ukrainian Attack

Ukrainian forces targeted an oil depot in the Russian Black Sea port of Kavkaz last night. The Ukrainian General Staff disclosed this information. Witnesses reported explosions and a large fire in the port of Kavkaz, with numerous videos circulating on social media allegedly showing the attack. The General Staff states further that the depot was damaged by multiple Neptune missiles from Ukrainian sources. The extent of the damage remains unclear. The depot is located on the island of Tuzla, near the city of Kerch on the Ukrainian Crimean peninsula that Russia has annexed.

08:54 NATO Secretary-General Stoltenberg Views No Escalation Risk in US Allowing Attacks on Russian Targets in Ukraine

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg sees no escalation risk from the US decision to allow limited attacks on Russian targets in Ukraine. "Russia itself escalates by assaulting another nation," he said at a press conference during the NATO Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Prague. Stoltenberg also increased pressure on Germany and other countries to grant permission for attacks with weapons supplied by them. "Ukraine has the right to self-defense, and this includes the right to target legitimate military objectives in Russia," he confirmed. The need for this action is even more urgent considering the fighting in the Kharkiv region next to the Russian border.

08:41 Ukrainian Air Defenses: Intercepted 4 Russian Shahed Drones and an Iskander Missile

Ukrainian air defense forces intercepted four Shahed attack drones and one Iskander cruise missile overnight. The commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, Mykola Oleschtschuk, made the statement via Telegram. The air defense missiles and mobile artillery units took down the drones in the Kiev, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipropetrovsk regions, as well as an Iskander missile in the Kiev region.

08:09 After Residential Building Strike in Kharkiv: Fourth Victim Emerge from Rubble

The death toll in a nighttime Russian rocket strike on Kharkiv has increased to four, with 25 additional victims hospitalized. Kharkiv region's Governor Oleh Syniehubov shared this news via Telegram, as cited by the state news agency Ukrinform. "Sadly, another body was discovered in the rubble of the destroyed building. There are now four deceased," Syniehubov commented.

07:31 Over 1390 Russian Soldiers Killed or Injured in Kyiv in a Single Day

The Russian army continues to sustain a high number of casualties in Kyiv, per official numbers: on a single day, 1390 Russian soldiers either died or are no longer fit to fight. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry counts a total of 507,650 Russian soldiers that have been "eliminated" since the war commenced in February 2022. Besides, Ukraine's Ministry provides the daily updates on Russian military losses, stating that the enemy has lost 6,058 tanks (7,728) in this period. Nearly 15,000 armored vehicles and about 10,500 drones are no longer in the possession of the Russian army or have been annihilated.

07:14 Two People Injured in Ukrainian Air Attack on Oil Facilities in Krasnodar

Two individuals have been injured in a Ukrainian air raid on oil facilities in Russia's southern region of Krasnodar, according to regional authorities. The Governor of the region, Veniamin Kondratyev, announced via Telegram that the infrastructure of an oil depot in the Temrjuk district was damaged. Debris from destroyed drones caused a fire that has been extinguished. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that their air defense shot down five rockets and 29 drones fired by Ukraine at the Krasnodar region in the early hours. Drone attacks were also reported in the regions of Voronezh, Belgorod, and Tambov.

In the part of Crimea controlled by the Russians, several explosions have been reported overnight based on eyewitness stories. This news was shared by the Telegram channel Crimean Wind, as reported by the Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform. The message says, "There are again explosions in Port Kavkaz, residents of Kerch have heard eight to ten explosions." A fire is thought to be burning in an oil depot at the port. Prior to this, there were already reports of a large fire in the same area. According to the Ukrainian General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, two ferries from Kerch were hit with ATACMS missiles.

At 06:17 UTC, the US military claims that Russia is employing North Korean rockets in Ukraine. As reported by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), "The analysis confirms that Russia has used North Korean-made ballistic missiles in its war against Ukraine. North Korean missile debris has been discovered all across Ukraine."

China's support for Russia is seen as a threat to Europe by the US government. "China's support for Russia not only endangers Ukraine but also European security," said Vedant Patel, a US State Department spokesperson, at a press conference. The US, along with its G7 partners and other EU and NATO countries, expressed their belief that the Chinese leadership's support for Russia "endangers Ukraine and European security." Washington accused the Chinese leadership of backing Russia's war in Ukraine, threatening more sanctions. "If China does not limit its support for Russia's arms industry, the United States is ready for additional measures," Patel added.

At 04:34 UTC, a rocket struck a residential building in Kharkiv, killing three civilians and injuring sixteen more individuals, including two children. A total of five rockets were recorded hitting the city. According to the Ukrainian news outlet Ukrajinska Pravda, 20 residential buildings were damaged.

Nils Schmid, a foreign policy spokesperson for the SPD (Social Democratic Party) in Germany, desires for Ukraine to use Western weapons against military targets in Russia. "It makes sense to remove the restriction on targets on Russian territory," said Schmid to the Funke Media Group's newspapers. He continued, "This must be decided by the NATO allies together."

At 01:46 UTC, Chancellor Olaf Scholz rejects the possibility of German soldiers being deployed in Ukraine or participating in a no-fly zone. "We do not want to engage our soldiers," he stated to a reader's meeting with the "Thuringer Allgemeine." He added, "This also applies to the reckless proposal of a no-fly zone." Scholz stated that it would mean shooting down aircraft from another nation with one's own, thus entering a state of war. "It must be prevented that there is a war between NATO and Russia." This position is echoed by US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron.

At 22:25 UTC, the United States allows Ukraine to use US weapons against Russia – but only in the Kharkiv area, according to an anonymous source. This contradicts previous statements from US President Joe Biden, who had previously denied the usage of US weapons for strikes within Russia. The condition set by the United States – that Ukraine not use its own long-range missiles and other ammunition for offensive actions within Russia – has not been altered, according to US government sources.

At 22:06 UTC, the Liut Brigade, a Ukrainian army police unit, is battling with other forces to defend the city of Vovchansk in the eastern Kharkiv border region. The unit published a video showcasing street combat within the city. According to the brigade, the clip demonstrates how the Tsunami Storm Regiment soldiers prevent Russian soldiers from occupying a building.