At 23:34, Zelensky urges the West for assistance against Russian gliding bombs.

Zelensky Seeks Assistance from the West to Counter Russian Glide Bombs at 23:34

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pleads with Western allies for assistance in combating attacks involving glide bombs. These weapons are significant in Russia's air raids, and Zelensky believes his nation requires effective systems and strategies for safeguarding their positions, cities and communities from these bombs. Russia is increasingly utilizing air strikes supplemented with guidance systems, which allow Russian pilots to avoid risk and present a challenge to defend against.

In the evening hours, Ukraine frees its first inmates so they can join the military in the war against Russia. A court in the western city of Khmelnytsky authorizes the release of two inmates convicted of theft, allowing them to join the National Guard. This move is part of a new regulation allowing prisoners willing to serve in the war to apply for release. Over 3,000 prisoners have applied since the law came into effect.

Despite various pledges from Germany, Ukraine's allies fail to provide additional Patriot air defense systems. Romania is one such nation, hesitating to deliver a Patriot system unless they receive a replacement. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis informs digi24 that this decision will be made by the National Defense Council, disclosing no timeframe. It would be peculiar if Romania, a neighboring country, hands over a Patriot unit to Kiev, given other NATO countries possessing air defense systems less prone to potential Russian aggression.

Ukraine's Armed Forces General Staff reports 105 Russian attacks along the entire frontline today. Most engagements were in the direction of Kupjansk. Ukrainian defenses are flexibly responding to these invasions and taking measures to erode the offensive potential of Russian forces, the General Staff states.

Volodymyr Zelensky's former assistant has been charged with suspected corruption. Andriy Smyrnov, Zelensky's ex-deputy office manager, is accused by the National Anti-Corruption Investigation Bureau of acquiring UK£640,000 worth of real estate, land, vehicles and parking spaces illicitly. Smyrnov distributed most of his illicitly obtained property to his brother, reserving the right to exploit the entire collection. Conviction could result in a decade in prison.

Republican House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson supports granting Ukraine the authority to attack Russian terrain with US weaponry. "Ukraine should have the freedom to defend itself as it sees fit," Johnson said to Voice of America. Secretary of State Antony Blinken echoed a similar sentiment during a visit to Kiev earlier, "We have not endorsed or facilitated attacks beyond Ukraine. However, Ukraine must decide how to conduct this war to safeguard its land." Though this may be interpreted as a tacit authorization, conflicting opinions on the matter have been stated by other senior US officials, calling for maintaining the ban.

Russia is installing safeguards in the waters in front of the Crimean Bridge to protect it from potential Ukrainian drone strikes. According to satellite images, these barriers were constructed within the past two weeks. An official from Ukrainian military intelligence shared with the Guardian last month that a third assault on the Crimean Bridge was being planned, predicting its impending ruin. This implies an upcoming major incident, considering the bridge has been damaged twice before.

Ralph Thiele, a military expert, opines that the Baltic Sea has been a heavily disputed zone since the Second World War. Assessing Russia's aspirations in the region, Thiele determines the country's motives, considering whether the Baltic Sea nations have legitimate fears.

5:54 Rewards await Ukrainian soldiers
Each day, clips emerge from Ukraine showcasing Russian military equipment being damaged or destroyed. Typically, these are kamikaze drones filming striking targets all the way up to the point of impact. These videos serve as powerful propaganda for Ukraine, although the Russians also destroy tanks and the like in similar ways which aren't shown. It's expected that missed targets may result due to drones being successfully jammed or failing to hit marks for various reasons. However, independent observers regularly acknowledge that Ukrainian fighters cause far more destruction than they suffer losses. The Ukrainian government has now adopted a process for granting additional leave to soldiers for destroyed enemy equipment. This has been a common concern among military ranks who have been demanding a respite, also linked to the shortage of personnel.

5:29 Ukraine reports numerous casualties from Russian airstrike on Kharkiv
Kharkiv has become a frequent target of Russian airstrikes, instilling fear and terror among the civilian population. Citing local authorities, ten people were injured in the latest attack, some seriously. A café and a petrol station sustained significant damage, while a bus was also damaged with the driver reporting both legs being amputated. Three other individuals are currently hospitalized.

5:03 Alleged footage of mass bombardment by Russian forces
A viral video, which cannot be verified, shows a massive combat zone possibly bombed by Russian troops. The video's aerial footage displays multiple rocket explosions illuminating the sky, occurring every second.

4:25 Germany hesitant about transferring Ukrainian aid from frozen Russian assets
The German government is reluctant to assist the US plan of confiscating Russian frozen funds for Ukraine. Government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit stated, "Our position remains: it's about the income from the frozen assets. It's not about the assets themselves." This comes as G7 finance ministers convene in Italy to explore long-term financing options for Ukraine. The US plans to either completely seize frozen assets or use them as collateral for securities or loans. However, other EU countries hold similar legal concerns. Over 300 billion dollars of Russian assets worldwide have been frozen following Russia's attack. Withdrawing only the resulting income could supply Ukraine with a single-digit annual billion figure, deemed insignificant for the country.

4:01 Deployment of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine inches closer
The deployment of F-16 fighter jets in Ukraine is becoming increasingly imminent. Though the project has faced delays for months, arrival could take place as early as June or July. As trained technicians return home from abroad, they'll subsequently pass on their expertise to other staff members. Ukraine is receiving the fighter jets from the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway. The Netherlands intends to provide a minimum of 24 jets for Kiev.

3:36 Ukraine: Village likely falls into Russian forces' hands for the second time
Russia claims to have captured the village of Klishchiivka, east of Ukraine. The Ministry of Defense in Moscow confirms it's taken control of Klishchiivka near Bakhmut "as a result of offensive operations." In their morning update, the Ukrainian General Staff admits an attack but claims the situation is stable. Klishchiivka had around 500 inhabitants prior to the conflict.

3:03 Ukrainian town reportedly taken by Russian invasion forces
Once again, Russia has claimed to have captured the village of Klishchiivka in eastern Ukraine. Per the Ministry of Defense in Moscow, Russian forces regained control of Klishchiivka after offensive operations. According to the Ukrainian General Staff's morning update, attacks on Klishchiivka were confirmed, but the situation is referred to as "under control." Klishchiivka once had around 500 residents before the conflict.

2:33 Ukrainian police report Russian forces shooting civilians
In Vovchansk, a city along the new front, Ukrainian officials claim Russian forces are committing war crimes. Oleksii Kharkivskyi, Krivyj Rih's police chief, reported "several" cases of civilians being shot. Remaining residents in the city number about 100.

14:19 Poland's Defense Minister claims high interest in army service, dismisses conscription plan - voluntary basic training is enoughIn a statement made to parliament in Warsaw, Poland's Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz noted that there's no need for reintroducing compulsory military service. The country's citizens are highly interested in serving in the military, he said. "Therefore, there's no reason to reinstitute conscription. The voluntary basic military training is sufficient." Poland has approximately 198,000 soldiers in its military force. The country plays a vital role in supporting Ukraine amidst Russia's attack, and it's also heavily arming itself. The Polish army is projected to grow to 300,000 soldiers in the impending years. Compulsory military service ceased in 2009, but men of legal age still must register with the draft board and could be called upon in case of defense.

13:59 Ukraine sets new records with grain exports amid warThe British Ministry of Defence announced that Ukraine shipped more grain and oilseeds in April than in any month since the onset of the Russian invasion in 2022. The export of 6.6 million tons illustrates Ukraine's ability to export via its Black Sea shipping corridors. The throughput of its Black Sea ports is also higher than it was at the time of the grain agreement. Since summer 2023, the Ukrainian sea corridor ensures safe passage of ships along the coastline, allowing export of 45 million tons of cargo for 1,600 ship transits.

13:32 Russian forces capture a village in DonetskMoscow's Ministry of Defense has reported that Russian troops have taken control of the village of Klishchiivka in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region. Russian state-run news outlets have relayed this information. The Ukrainian military previously disclosed that there were Russian attacks close to the village, but they were repelled effectively. The situation is now stable. The village is close to the ruined town of Bachmut.

13:05 UK's Defense Secretary accuses China of lethal aid to RussiaBritish Defense Secretary Grant Shapps alleges that China is supplying Russia with items that could be used in a lethal manner during the war against Ukraine or is at least preparing to deliver such items. Shapps urges vigilance. "This should concern us." Despite this, he did not provide any supporting evidence. The Chinese embassy in London hasn't responded to a query for comment yet. In April, the Chinese embassy in the US stated that the People's Republic wasn't supplying any weapons and hadn't been involved in the Ukraine crisis.

12:37 Kremlin downplays reports of border shifts in the Baltic Sea regionThe Russian presidential office has expressed a nonchalant response to claims of plans to adjust boundaries in the Baltic Sea. The Kremlin refers to the Ministry of Defense for further details. The presidential office asserts that there's no political context. They acknowledge that tensions in the Baltic Sea region are escalating.

12:06 Sweden intends to give Ukraine several million euros in military aidSweden plans to deliver a military aid package worth about 6.5 billion euros to Ukraine until 2026. This arrangement entails equal distribution of funds across the 3-year period. The aim is to bolster Swedish support for Ukraine and improve its long-term prospects. The support consists of both supplies and financial backing for the procurement of military equipment. The total Swedish military support for Ukraine, including this plan, is projected to surpass 8.6 billion euros.

11:36 Russia refutes reports of proposed border shifts in the Baltic SeaRussia is refuting claims of planning to modify its borders in the Baltic Sea. The information was provided by an individual from the military-diplomatic sphere, who spoke to the Interfax news agency. State news agencies TASS and RIA have also relayed this denial. Earlier, a Ministry of Defense draft law indicated that Russia aimed to change maritime borders.

11:12 It's said Ukraine has upgraded their Sea Baby drones
The Ukrainian intelligence service SBU is apparently enhancing their Sea Baby naval drones. As mentioned by the Kyiv Independent, citing a source from the agency, the drones are now capable of launching volleys of Grad missiles. The naval drones utilized by the SBU have previously hit numerous Russian warships, but have only been used as suicide drones that explode upon impact or in the close vicinity of the target. According to the report, the new weapon system has already been used against Russian positions on the Kinburn Spit, a narrow coastal stretch near Mykolaiv. "This technological solution is already producing significant outcomes," the source is quoted as saying. "Our Sea Baby isn't just a drone, but a multipurpose platform that is constantly being developed." The SBU can reach a target almost anywhere in the Black Sea, he added.

10:49 Poland acquires US radar system for air defense
Poland is purchasing a US radar system to monitor its northeastern border. A corresponding agreement worth 960 million dollars has been signed, according to Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz. "Poland will be the second country in the world to deploy this system." In the contract, Poland will receive four balloons that will be anchored on Poland's eastern and northeastern borders to support Polish air defense and coastal surveillance systems.

10:17 Moscow's "aggressive act" catches Baltic Sea countries by surprise Russia has never seriously contested the Swedish Baltic Sea island of Gotland, which is why Sweden has a limited military presence there. Now, the threat situation is shifting, and Stockholm is issuing a warning. Moscow, on the other hand, is moving forward with an "aggressive act," as Rainer Munz reports.

09:53 Finland demands Russia respect international maritime law
Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen calls for Russia to adhere to United Nations conventions and international maritime law. It was previously announced that Russia is planning to expand its borders in the Baltic Sea. The reasons for the plans are unclear. Whether there have been any talks with other Baltic Sea nations is also uncertain. Finland is an NATO member.

09:25 US pushes for more access to frozen Russian funds
During their meeting in Italy on Friday and Saturday, the finance ministers of the seven leading Western industrialized nations (G7) will search for ways to fund Ukraine in the long term. The United States is pushing them to go further than before. They want to seize frozen Russian assets completely or at least use them as collateral for securities or loans. However, this is meeting with legal concerns, especially in the EU.

08:56 Russia and Belarus allegedly direct more migrants to Western Europe again
Apparently, Russia and Belarus are once again stepping up their efforts to guide refugees toward the EU - including Germany. According to the German Federal Police, the number of migrants arriving in Germany via this route has increased drastically in recent months, state the "Süddeutsche Zeitung" and the broadcasters WDR and NDR. The report states that according to statistics from the Federal Police, migration via this route plummeted in January and February 2024 with under 30 arrivals each month, making it barely detectable. However, there were 412 arrests in March, 670 in April, and 416 by mid-May. The Polish border police have also noted a rise in the number of individuals entering the country from Belarus in recent weeks. Security circles are talking about "hybrid warfare" once more.

08:21 Hidden Ukrainian squad secretly wreaks death from above
Under the cover of dusk, a small group of Ukrainian soldiers sets up near the front line. Equipped with smartphones, Starlink, mines, and drones, they execute mission after mission at night. "Without a visa," they quip, they infiltrate Russian territory and distribute booby traps from the air.

07:37 Ukraine to receive proceeds from frozen Russian assets in July Ukraine will receive the first payment from the proceeds of frozen Russian assets in July. This was announced by the European Commission in a press release. According to Commission Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, it's essential for Ukraine to receive the money speedily. "The European Commission will make every attempt to make the first payment as early as July," he said, per the press release.

7:03 Moscow Times Reports: Russia Eyes Expanding Territorial Waters in Baltic Sea

Apparently, Russia aims to increase its territorial waters in the Baltic Sea along the state border with Lithuania and Finland. As reported by the Moscow Times, this intention is detailed in a draft government decree that's apparently drawn up by the Ministry of Defense. Per the document, Moscow intends to deem specific water areas in the east of the Gulf of Finland and by the towns of Baltiysk and Zelenogradsk in the Kaliningrad region as inland waters. The Russian government also plans to adjust the coordinates on the border with Finland, including the islands of Jähi, Sommers, Holland, Rodsher, and Maly Tyuters, and near the northern entrance cap of the Narva River. In the case of the Lithuanian border, the Curonian Spit, Cape Taran, Cape South of Cape Taran, and the Baltic Spit are under review.

6:35 Russian Disinformation Network Behind Fake Celebrity Quotes

The Federal Ministry of the Interior links a disinformation campaign with fake celebrity quotes to the Russian "doppelganger" network discovered in 2022. The spokesperson for the ministry reveals that the campaign now uses a new tactic by putting fake quotes in the mouths of celebrities from the entertainment industry. For instance, a recent incident had quotations with fictitious statements about Ukraine being attributed to actor Til Schweiger. These quotations were not only shared on social media but also played out as Facebook ads. The ministry has been made aware that the "Doppelganger" campaign is still active and has been employing some other tactics than the original one of imitating websites of existing quality media and public institutions for some time.

6:06 Russia Accuses EU of Switching to "Theft" as Instrument of Foreign Policy

Russia's representation to the EU in Brussels criticizes the EU for using interest income from blocked Moscow assets for Ukraine in the future. The representative claims it to be an unprecedented move akin to theft from a sovereign state. The EU is displaying to the entire international community that it considers itself authorised to plunder financial reserves entrusted to it and disregard the duty to protect property, it said. The EU ministers decided on Tuesday to use billions in interest income from frozen assets of the Russian central bank to fund military aid for Ukraine in the future. This year, up to three billion euros are expected to be raised for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia is reportedly nationalizing apartments and houses on a large scale in the illegally occupied territories of Ukraine.

5:38 Council of Europe: Georgia Urged to Repeal Controversial Law on "Foreign Influence"

The Council of Europe's Venice Commission urges Georgia to withdraw a controversial law on "foreign influence". The Commission claims the law infringes upon rights like freedom of expression, freedom of association, and the right to privacy. Therefore, it's incompatible with the principles of the European Convention on Human Rights.

4:45 Swedish Armed Forces Chief Fears Russia's Aspirations for Baltic Sea

Micael Byden, the commander-in-chief of the Swedish armed forces, warns about Russia's power ambitions in the Baltic Sea. "I'm certain that Putin even has both eyes on Gotland. Putin's objective is to gain control of the Baltic Sea," Byden told the newspapers of the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "If Russia takes control and blocks off the Baltic Sea, it will have a major impact on our lives - in Sweden and all other countries bordering the Baltic Sea. We must not let that happen," emphasized Byden. "The Baltic Sea should not become Putin's playground to scare NATO members".

4:13 Pentagon: Russia Launches Anti-Satellite Weapon into Space

According to the US, Russia has launched a satellite that probably serves as an anti-satellite weapon. The Pentagon spokesperson, Pat Ryder, states that the satellite could presumably collide with other satellites and is now in a low-Earth orbit. The launch happened on May 16, and the Russian satellite is located in the same orbit as a US government satellite, Ryder added. When asked whether the Russian satellite poses a threat to the US satellite, Ryder replied, "Well, yes, it's a space defense weapon in the same orbit as a US government satellite." There have been similar Russian launches in 2019 and 2022.

3:49 FDP Suggests Approaching Reservists Rather Than Reviving Compulsory Military Service

FDP Parliamentary Group Leader Christian Dürr calls on Defense Minister Boris Pistorius to consult with reservists instead of reintroducing mandatory military service. "The Bundeswehr reserves need a clear sign that they are essential. Together with active forces, we could boast a potential of over one million soldiers," Dürr said to the Funke newspapers.

01:45 EU Council Presidency offers hope for prompt start to negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova

Ukraine and Moldova have reason to be optimistic about the commencement of EU accession talks. Following a meeting in Brussels, the current Belgian EU Council Presidency indicated their intentions to schedule an initial conference of negotiating delegations by the end of June. "We're doing our best to reach an agreement," says Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib. It's possible that the negotiations could kick off within the next 40 days. Before the accession talks can begin, the EU member states still need to unanimously approve what are known as negotiating frameworks. These outline instructions and principles for the accession discussions with each candidate country.

00:39 Baerbock voices support for Pistorius' request for additional Ukraine aid

Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock fully supports Defense Minister Boris Pistorius' call for a 3.8 billion euro increase in aid to Ukraine this year. "I'm completely in sync with the Defense Minister. And not only with him, but also with the Interior Minister," Baerbock said in an interview with the newspaper "Bild" during her visit to Kiev. "We need a security budget." She emphasized that "our European peace order, our European continent has never been challenged so directly on our doorstep." It would be unreasonable to claim, "We weren't prepared at the time to spend billions more on peace. And that's what led to this Russian war of aggression spreading across Europe."

00:01 Economist urges Germany to boost defense spending

The Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW) is urging the German government to increase defense spending. IfW President Moritz Schularick told the "Süddeutsche Zeitung" that "German budgetary policy is a security risk for Europe." To bridge gaps in Germany's military capabilities, the Federal Republic will need to allocate around three percent of its economic output for defense, instead of the current two percent, in the foreseeable future.

23:16 Baerbock condemns Russian nuclear exercise

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock condemned the recent Russian nuclear drills. The fact that the exercises were taking place near the Ukrainian border signified Russia's attempts to "pull out all the stops, including those of insecurity," said Baerbock on ZDF television. "Russian President Putin is simply trying to wear down this society, which for two years has been striving for peace and freedom."

22:11 Selensky describes Donetsk as facing severe challenges

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi depicted the situation on the front in eastern Ukraine in the Donetsk region as extremely challenging. He mentioned the Kramatorsk, Kurakhove, and Pokrovsk areas as witnessing the fiercest battles, according to his evening video message. The Ukrainian forces, however, have achieved success in the Kharkiv region, as evidenced by tangible results, following a meeting with the military leadership.

21:38 Situation in Kharkiv region has been stabilized, says Ukrainian representative

According to their own declarations, Ukrainian troops have successfully stabilized the situation in the Kharkiv region. Spokesperson for the Khortytsya operational grouping, Nazar Voloshyn, reported on Ukrainian television that "the operational environment in the Kharkiv region remains complex and is changing dynamically," but that "our units and other units involved have managed to stabilize the situation, especially in the city of Vovchansk." Voloshyn added that the Russian armed forces are still attempting to break through near Vovchansk.

All previously reported developments can be reviewed here.

Interestingly, the Belgian Presidency is pushing for a faster start to EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, raising hopes for progress. Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is on board with Boris Pistorius' call for more aid to Ukraine this year, reinforcing their commitment. Economists in Germany advocate for enhanced defense spending. Annalena Baerbock decries the Russian nuclear exercise, and Volodymyr Zelenskyi provides a dire assessment of the military battle in Donetsk while Ukrainian forces are claimed to have stabilized the situation in the Kharkiv region.