Zelensky labels Russian attack on Kharkiv unsuccessful
Ukrainian President Zelensky announced that Russian troops failed in their attack on the Charkiw region. In his evening speech, the president stated that he had spoken with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi about the situation on the front and revealed that Russian forces did not carry out their operation in Charkiw. According to Zelensky, they are currently holding back the Russians and destroying the infiltrating units that are terrorizing the Charkiw region. The Charkiw front has been reinforced and will be further strengthened. The situation is the most difficult in the Donetsk region.
At 21:17, a deadly bombing attack on a village left one man dead and two women injured. According to the Charkiw prosecutor's office, a Russian air attack in the Charkiw region killed a man in the village of Khotimlia. Photos released by investigators on Telegram show a completely destroyed building. Allegedly, a school, residential, and commercial buildings were damaged in the attack.
Intelligence sources in Kiev confirmed a Ukrainian drone attack on a military airfield in the Caucasus. It was a special operation by the intelligence service, as a representative of the military intelligence service HUR stated. Earlier, the regional president of the Russian republic of North Ossetia had reported that the airfield in Mosdok had been the target of a drone attack, and the air defense had shot down three drones over the city. The attack resulted in "minor damage and fires." The Defense Ministry in Moscow only confirmed that a drone attack had been repelled in the region. North Ossetia is located more than 700 kilometers away from the front in Ukraine and lies on the border with Georgia.
Charkiw's governor, Oleh Syniehubov, stated that Russian attacks are subsiding in the Charkiw region, where they launched their ground offensive a month ago. He warned, however, that the Russians are still forming new units and trying to advance deeper into the region. There is fighting in Wowtschansk, Sinkivka, and Andriivka, with constant shelling. The Russians are using the tactic of scorched earth, destroying part of Wowtschansk and other settlements. Since the start of their offensive, the Russian forces have captured several towns on the border with Russia. Ukrainian authorities have evacuated thousands of people from the region.
Intelligence: A former mayor in critical condition after attack
The former mayor of the Ukrainian city of Kupiansk, Hennadii Matsehora, is in critical condition after an attack, according to the Ukrainian military intelligence HUR. They did not claim responsibility for the act. Matsehora was attacked yesterday in the city of Staryi Oskol in the Russian region of Belgorod. The intelligence service accused Matsehora of cooperating with the Russian military when it entered Kupiansk at the end of February 2022. After the Ukrainians liberated the city, he allegedly fled to Russia, according to Ukrainian media.
Biden promises continued support: "Putin will not hold in Ukraine"
Despite disagreement on sending military trainers to Ukraine, the United States and France have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the attacked country. During his state visit to France, US President Biden said the United States would stand by Ukraine and its allies. He reiterated, "Putin will not hold in Ukraine." The situation is about more than just Ukraine, according to Biden; if Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin were to subdue Ukraine, all of Europe would be at risk. We will not let that happen."
Scholz rejects sending German soldiers to the war zone
After French President Macron's announcement that he wanted to send military trainers to Ukraine, German Chancellor Scholz once again ruled out sending German soldiers to the war zone. "We will continue to prevent escalation," Scholz said at an SPD election campaign event in Duisburg. In addition, US President Biden and Scholz himself said, "There will be no soldiers from our countries in Ukraine and not from NATO."
Two civilians killed due to Russian attacks
According to Ukrainian reports, two civilians have been killed due to Russian attacks. A woman who was first rescued from the ruins of a house later died in the hospital, said Filip Pronin, governor of the region Poltawa. "The doctors fought until the last minute for her life," he wrote on Telegram. The house near the city of Poltawa was reportedly hit by a Russian rocket on Friday. In the region of Cherson, a 60-year-old woman was killed when Russian forces fired on the village of Dudchany.
The governor representing Moscow in the half-controlled Ukrainian region of Luhansk announces two more fatalities following a Ukrainian missile strike. The corpses were discovered beneath the wreckage, according to Leonid Passetschnik. The fatalities now stand at six, while sixty people have also been harmed in Luhansk by the assault. Passetschnik has initiated a period of mourning in the area and suspended all public functions. The news cannot be independently corroborated. No statement has been issued yet from the Ukrainian side.
In Swiss news, the NGO Center for Humanitarian Dialogue is seeking assistance for an employee they have detained in Russia. Among their actions are locating legal counsel and reaching out to Russian officials. "While the proceedings are under way, we are still working to gather information regarding the situation that led to his detention and the accusations against him," the Center states. The state-owned Russian news agency Tass quotes Vinatier's attorney, asserting that his client admitted guilt in court and was unaware of the demand to register as a foreign agent. Russian officials also allege that he gathered information on Russia's "military and military-technical activities."
The Ukrainian Air Force confirms interception of nine out of thirteen Russian drones over the central district of Poltava, southeast regions of Saporischschja and Dnipropetrowsk, and the northeastern region of Kharkiv. The governor of Dnipropetrowsk, Serhii Lyssak, asserts that a drone damaged both commercial and residential structures in the night. Russia previously claimed that Ukraine had assaulted Russian targets with 25 drones. There have been no reports of casualties.
Ukraine's power infrastructure has faced significant damage due to recurrent Russian assaults, according to the Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal on Ukrainian television, as reported by "The New Voice of Ukraine." "Russia has crippled 73 percent of our major power plants. In essence, we have lost 9.2 gigawatts of power through rocket and drone attacks, which is nearly half of our capacity from last winter." Twenty hydroelectric power plants are also out of operation.
Two Russian soldiers have been allegedly identified by journalists from the news portal "Kyiv Independent" for their involvement in rapes during the 2022 Russian occupation of Kiev and Kherson regions of Ukraine. Neither soldier has been prosecuted for their crimes. The documentary "He Came Back" highlights cases of sexual violence committed by Russian soldiers shortly after the start of the war, revealing that one soldier is currently residing in the occupied city of Horlivka in the Donetsk region, while the other soldier has been involved in other atrocities, including the murder of a civilian. Since the commencement of the war, there have been 292 instances of sexual violence perpetrated by Russian military documented by Ukrainian law enforcement authorities. This number is likely just the tip of the iceberg.
Aerial images from the British intelligence service show eight boats surrounding the Kerch Bridge on the southern side of the bridge's waters. These vessels were set up by Russia's military to safeguard the bridge and shipping lane, as well as to minimize the angle of approach for Ukrainian drones. Previously existing installations were damaged by storms. The Kerch Bridge connects the Russian mainland to Crimea, serving as an important supply pathway for the front.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius reiterates his assertion that the Bundeswehr must "become war-ready." This entails being armed and prepared for potential defense war scenarios—being prepared for the worst to not be surprised by it. The Bundeswehr requires five years to build up military capabilities for an attack on a NATO country, according to various security assessments. The Kremlin invested 5.9 percent of its gross domestic product in the military in 2023 and plans to raise this percentage to 7 percent.
Russian troops continue to attempt to advance on the southern front with unyielding determination. The Ukrainian army recorded 240 reconnaissance drones over the southern region during Friday. In addition to artillery, rockets, and combat drones, these were utilized. Ukrainian armed forces pushed back three assaults in the Orichiv and Krynky areas, according to their own reports.
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Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba urges supporters to use not only the profits from frozen Russian assets but also the assets themselves. He acknowledges the concerns of partners regarding this step's repercussions, but it falls within the realm of international law. The European Union has assets from Russian central bank worth over 200 billion euros frozen. The topic of whether interest and money itself can be utilized is being discussed at the G7 summit in Italy next week.
11:55 Near Kharkiv: Russians even shoot at cows
Ntv journalist Kavita Sharma visits Kharkiv to meet individuals who lost their loved ones and their homes due to Russian aggression. Sharma encounters a farm where Russians shot the cows.
11:34 Scholz: "Putin will not succeed"
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterates his stance on Russia's attack on Ukraine and the support for the country before the European elections. Scholz emphasizes, "Russia will not succeed in its imperialist agendas." He points out that Putin must understand that he cannot win his brutal campaign. Peace policy involves supporting Ukraine in defending its autonomy and sovereignty.
10:57 Ukrainian drone attacks military airfield in the Caucasus
Reports from Russia suggest a Ukrainian drone reached the Republic of North Ossetia in the Caucasus. The head of the region claimed it was targeting a military airfield. Ukrainian military aims to damage infrastructure on Russian territory to interrupt war logistics and supply routes.
10:20 Front at Pokrovsk: A Ukrainian brigade repels three Russian ones
Ukrainian armed forces resist a relentless Russian assault on the eastern front. They're currently holding off three Russian combat brigades at the frontline in Pokrovsk. The situation is tense in Pokrovsk; the town is situated west of Ocheretyne, recently captured by the Russians. Russian forces keep replacing their troops and attacking ferociously.
10:20 Moscow reports Ukrainian drone attacks
Moscow reports 25 Ukrainian combat drones targeted their border regions of Rostov, Bryansk, and Belgorod overnight. The Russian Defense Ministry adds that Crimean Peninsula was a target.
10:20 Sharma: Russians try to drive "wedge between Ukrainian combat positions"
Ukraine's tense situation in the Donetsk region has Russians attempting to insert themselves between Ukrainian combat positions, as reported by Kavita Sharma.
09:48 Ukrainian General Staff: 1210 Russian losses since yesterday
The Ukrainian General Staff discloses that 1210 Russian soldiers sustained casualties in the previous 24 hours. Their casualties since the beginning of the attack in 2022 reach 517,000. The Ukrainian army also demolished nine tanks, 36 armored vehicles, a multiple rocket launcher, and seven air defense systems on the previous day.
09:12 Hur: Russia plans a 15 million Euro propaganda campaign against Kiev's military leadership
The Ukrainian military intelligence service, Hur, reports that Russia plans a propaganda campaign against Ukraine's military leadership. Allegedly, €15 million is being invested in articles and films portraying Ukrainian special units and military leadership negatively, intended to create divisions within Ukraine. Russia has instructed their forces to distribute this material in Ukrainian and Western media.
07:48 Security Situation in EM - European Championship Affected by Ukraine Crisis
German security authorities consider the security situation ahead of the European Football Championship "tense," acknowledging the threat of destructive cyberattacks during the event due to Russia's war on Ukraine. Specific risks include drone attacks on airports, fan zones, and stadia. Ukrainian spectators are set to participate, which might draw aggressive attention. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser pledges heightened police presence to ensure safety.
07:27 Ukraine in the EM - Potential Challenges [
The potentially challenging security concerns during the upcoming European Football Championship must be addressed. With the participation of Ukraine’s national team, their ongoing clash with Russia presents specific perils. First, Russian aggression is escalating with cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure (including airports and fan zones), and second, Islamic terrorist attacks are possible, with one of the 51 matches or major fan festivals being the prime target.
In recent months, drones have been spotted over facilities where Ukrainian soldiers were trained with German equipment. Local authorities are planning a strong police presence to maintain order. Security authorities have identified the security condition as “tense," underscoring the necessity of proper protection measures.
Contingency plans are in place, ensuring swift responses to any incidents and the efficiency of emergency services. Fan zones will have intensive security measures, including security cameras, identification checks, and increased police presence. Lastly, drones may be a significant security threat, necessitating effective countermeasures. It is vital to safeguard this significant multi-national event and the spectators who attend it.
Yesterday, loud explosions were audible in the city of Sevastopol on the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula, according to the Kyiv Independent and Crimean Wind's Telegram channel. At 1:39 local time, residents of Balaklava, a settlement in Sevastopol, reported hearing blasts. The first explosion allegedly happened near a power station. Crimean Wind suggests that a drone attack might have triggered this explosion, as there were reports of large-caliber weapons being heard earlier. A second explosion was heard near the port of Sevastopol. The Kyiv Independent has yet to verify the information. The Ukrainian military aims to disrupt Russia's logistics and supply lines by targeting infrastructure.
An unprecedented event occurred this morning as the Ukrainian Air Force expressed their admiration for the Mirage combat jets France is set to donate to Ukraine. As stated by an Air Force spokesperson, the Mirage jets possess impressive capabilities and can execute various combat operations. However, F-16 fighter jets remain Ukraine's top priority. Ukraine is currently waiting for the F-16 pilot training to be completed. Estimated training duration for the Mirage jets is about half a year. The safe storage of Western aircraft could pose a challenge due to the ongoing Russian airstrikes. The French Mirage was initially developed and manufactured in France during the 1970s and was the primary combat aircraft in the French military until approximately 20 years ago.
In another update, the region of Sumy is evacuating eight more settlements due to constant Russian attacks. Within the last 24 hours, over 50 explosions occurred in this area. This week, three casualties were reported, as a result of Russian artillery, mortars, and kamikaze drones. The total number of civilians who have perished due to these attacks has reached 50.
There are reports in which the French arms manufacturer Thales is about to sell a second air defense system to Ukraine. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry is expected to acquire this system, though no purchase price was provided. Ukraine's lack of sufficient defense weapons is a major issue as both the frontline troops and the large cities require protection.
Germany might be considering sending another Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine. If so, this would mark the fourth Patriot system that Germany would hand over to Ukraine. This decision comes as German authorities are adjusting rules to allow the use of Patriots against Russian aircraft in Russian airspace. In this way, Ukraine could potentially shoot down aircraft employing rockets or glide bombs attacking targets in the Kharkiv area.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to Russian President Vladimir Putin's remarks on Zelensky's "illegitimacy" by declaring that only the Ukrainian people have the right to recognize their president. He thanked them for their support and emphasized their freedom. During a press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, Zelensky also expressed that Putin's legitimacy is only accepted by Putin himself.
Germany plans to give Ukraine a more extensive outlook on military aid with the Ukraine reconstruction conference next week. This conference aims to create opportunities for civil society, economy, municipalities, and regions. Topics like reforms and job creation will be discussed. Chancellor Olaf Scholz, various German ministers, and a large Ukrainian delegation are expected to participate in the event, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday in Berlin. The gathering is described as "not a money collecting conference, but a networking one."
According to Vladimir Saldo, the Russian occupation administrator, 22 civilians were killed in a village located in the southern region of Kherson as a consequence of Ukrainian shelling. The village store was profusely filled with people, and there were also 15 injuries reported. Saldo referred to it as a "vile murder of civilians" due to Western weapons sent to Ukraine. Independent verification of the situation is not available.
Emmanuel Macron, the French President, recently urged for the inception of EU membership discussions with Ukraine by the end of this month. He voiced this at a shared press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris. Macron stated, "France backs Ukraine in all spheres, including at the European level, where we strive for the actual commencement of membership negotiations by the end of this month." Zelensky himself conceded, "There are virtually achieved decisions regarding Ukraine's integration into the EU." The EU Commission had previously proclaimed that the necessary conditions for the initiation of membership talks with Ukraine had been met. The same also applies to the adjacent nation of Moldova. However, Hungary, the future EU Council presider, is stalling the process.
Ukraine's support for President Zelensky has plummeted to a new nadir-yet he still maintains the faith of over half the populace. Drawn from a survey conducted by the KIIS Institute, these figures indicate a decrease in approval for Zelensky. In May 2022, shortly after the Russian aggression-war's inception, his approval rating soared to 90%. His popularity kept decreasing during the conflict. A planned end to his term in May was postponed because he continued to serve under martial law, and, according to Ukrainian authorities, there will be no elections for the immediate future. They cite points such as 20% of the nation under Russian control and millions of Ukrainians fleeing abroad.
The US administration has no intention of joining Emmanuel Macron's initiative to dispatch military trainers to Ukraine. John Kirby, a National Security Council spokesperson, revealed this during a sojourn in France for Joe Biden's visit. He relayed, "Biden adheres to Macron's perspective." Kirby reiterated that Biden had since the get-go of the Ukraine war pledged not to deploy American military personnel there. He maintained, "That has remained constant, and it'll stay so in the future." Kirby gave the choice to Macron for specifying what information he wishes to disseminate and how much clarity he desires to provide. The US president has made a few noteworthy statements since the outset of the Ukraine conflict, including his aversion to a "third world war" and a "war with Russia."
Please find previous updates [here](https://www.novinite.com/views/656215/France+Supports+Ukraine+in+Pursuit+of+EU+Status+President+Macron+Pledges+to+Start+Membership+Negotiations+with+Ukraine+by+(30).
Read also:
- In response to Russian military operations in the Donetsk region, President Zelensky emphasized the need to reinforce and strengthen the Charkiw front.
- During a ground offensive a month ago in the Charkiw region, Russian attacks have subsided, but they are still forming new units and attempting to advance deeper, according to the region's governor.
- Concerning the situation in Ukraine, US President Biden declared that Putin will not hold in Ukraine and that the fate of Europe is at risk if Russia were to subdue the country.
- In the context of the ongoing conflict, German Chancellor Scholz ruled out sending German soldiers to the war zone and reiterated their commitment to preventing escalation.
