The arms and ammunition in the $61 billion military aid package should enable #Ukraine to slow the Russian army’s bloody advances and block its strikes on troops and civilians. And it will buy Ukraine time — for long-term planning about how to take back the fifth of the country now under Russian control.

#US aid deemed crucial for Ukraine to avoid defeat against #Russia, path to victory uncertain
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/u-s-aid-deemed-crucial-for-ukraine-to-avoid-defeat-against-russia-path-to-victory-uncertain

U.S. aid deemed crucial for Ukraine to avoid defeat against Russia, path to victory uncertain

Hope for future breakthroughs for Ukraine still hangs on more timely deliveries of Western aid, lawmakers acknowledge.

PBS NewsHour

The Polish parliament is due to consider new regulations next week that would require all #Ukrainians to show a valid #passport to be able to access benefits in #Poland. Previously, Ukrainian #refugees had been able to do so by showing any other documents proving their identity. #Ukraine

#Poland and #Lithuania pledge to help Kyiv repatriate Ukrainians subject to #MilitaryDraft
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/25/poland-and-lithuania-pledge-to-help-kyiv-repatriate-ukrainians-subject-to-military-draft

Poland and Lithuania pledge to help Kyiv repatriate Ukrainians subject to military draft

Strong rhetoric is boost for Ukraine reinforcement drive but it is not clear by which mechanism émigrés could be sent back

The Guardian

Russian President #VladimirPutin said Thursday he plans to visit #China in May, in what could become the first foreign trip for the Russian leader after he extended his rule by six more years in an election that offered voters little real choice.

#Putin’s inauguration is scheduled for May 7, Russian lawmakers said earlier this week. #Ukraine

Putin announces plans to visit China in May
https://apnews.com/article/putin-visit-china-ukraine-war-97c6790d093ecfe1234044841b462a78

Putin announces plans to visit China in May

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he plans to visit China in May, in what could become the first foreign trip for the Russian leader after he extended his rule by six more years in an election that offered voters little real choice. Putin’s inauguration is scheduled for May 7. Last month, the 71-year-old Russian leader secured his fifth term in office in a vote with no real opposition, extending his 24-year rule. Russia’s growing economic and diplomatic isolation because of its war against Ukraine has made it increasingly reliant on China, its former rival for leadership of the Communist bloc during the Cold War.

AP News

“Fuelling #Russia’s defence industrial base not only threatens Ukrainian security, it threatens #EuropeanSecurity. #Beijing cannot achieve better relations with Europe while supporting the greatest threat to European security since the end of the cold war.” Blinken said. #Ukraine

#US threatens new #China sanctions over supplies to Russian arms industry
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/26/antony-blinken-beijing-visiit-china-us-relations-foreign-minister-wang-yi

US has seen evidence of attempts by China to influence election, says Blinken

Secretary of state met Xi Jinping in Beijing and warned of sanctions over China’s support for Russian arms industry

The Guardian

...and I was just watching the Fallout series last night ☢️
-----
Following #Britain’s withdrawal from the #EuropeanUnion, #France is the only member of the bloc to possess its own nuclear weapons.

#Russia’s invasion of #Ukraine and the possible return of the isolationist #DonaldTrump as US president has given new life to calls for greater #EuropeanDefence autonomy. #EU

#Macron ready to 'open debate' on nuclear European defence
https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20240427-macron-ready-to-open-debate-on-nuclear-european-defence

Macron ready to 'open debate' on nuclear European defence

French President Emmanuel Macron is ready to “open the debate” about the role of nuclear weapons in a common European defence, he said in an interview published Saturday

FRANCE 24

The commander-in-chief of #Ukraine's armed forces said Sunday #Kyiv's position on the frontline had deteriorated and that #Russia had made a number of recent battlefield gains.

Ukraine's top general says troops fall back as fighting worsens on eastern front
https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20240428-ukraine-top-general-says-troops-fall-back-figthing-worsens-eastern-front-russia

Ukraine's top general says troops fall back as figthing worsens on eastern front

The commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces said Sunday Kyiv's position on the frontline had deteriorated and that Russia had made a number of recent battlefield gains.

FRANCE 24

The #Kremlin-owned gas company #Gazprom has plunged to its first annual loss in more than 20 years, after gas sales more than halved following Vladimir #Putin’s invasion of #Ukraine.

Gazprom slumps to first annual loss in 22 years as trade with #Europe hit
https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/may/02/gazprom-first-annual-loss-in-20-years-trade-europe-gas-sales-russia-ukraine

Gazprom slumps to first annual loss in 22 years as trade with Europe hit

£5.5bn loss in 2023 comes after gas sales more than halved following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

The Guardian

#Berlin recalled Alexander Graf Lambsdorff on Monday, three days after accusing #Moscow of #cyberattacks on the governing #SocialDemocraticParty (SDP) and the country’s defence, aerospace, and IT companies. The envoy’s return was ordered just a day before the inauguration of Russian President Vladimir #Putin. #Ukraine

#Germany recalls ambassador to #Russia citing cyberattacks
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/5/6/germany-recalls-russia-envoy-over-cyberattack

Germany recalls ambassador to Russia citing cyberattacks

Berlin’s recall of envoy extends diplomatic tension on eve of Putin’s inauguration.

Al Jazeera

#Ukraine leverages #drone technology to deploy medieval #caltrops, transforming ancient defensive tactics into modern warfare strategies.

Ukraine mixes ancient weapon with drone tech to take out Russian forces [VIDEO]
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/news/ukraine-mixes-ancient-weapon-with-drone-tech-to-take-out-russian-forces/vi-BB1lZqJS?ocid=emmx-mmx-feeds&PC=EMMX01

MSN

Since President Vladimir #Putin invaded #Ukraine, #Russia has dispatched hundreds of thousands of men to battlefields that have become charnel houses.

Now, the #MothersAndWives of #servicemen whose fates are unknown have emerged as some of the most vocal critics of the Russian war effort.

Angry Families of Missing Russian Soldiers Want Answers From Putin
https://www.wsj.com/world/russia/angry-families-of-missing-russian-soldiers-want-answers-from-putin-3c460762?mod=RSSMSN

MSN link:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/angry-families-of-missing-russian-soldiers-want-answers-from-putin/ar-BB1m0kYW?ocid=emmx-mmx-feeds&PC=EMMX01

Tusk said #EU countries should take joint action to increase spending on defence by at least 100 billion euros ($107 billion). A joint #AirDefence "must become a European project that will be a financial effort to build a dome over #Europe," he said. "We have many more initiatives and meetings than real actions to defend the European sky. #DonaldTusk #Ukraine

Europe must increase defence capabilities to be safe, says #Poland's Tusk
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/europe-must-increase-defence-capabilities-to-be-safe-says-polands-tusk/ar-BB1lYf6U

MSN

#EU senior diplomats meeting on Wednesday agreed a compromise on using the estimated €4.4bn #WindfallProfits to aid #Ukraine, smoothing over a dispute about #Taxation and #ManagementCosts in #Belgium, the country where most of the frozen assets are held.

The EU deal opens the door to a broader discussion in the #G7 about using #Russia’s frozen billions of assets,

EU reaches deal on using profits from Russia’s frozen assets for Ukraine
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/08/eu-reaches-deal-on-using-profits-from-russias-frozen-assets-for-ukraine

EU reaches deal on using profits from Russia’s frozen assets for Ukraine

10% of the windfall profits will fund non-lethal aid to assuage EU member states that do not wish to fund arms

The Guardian

For the past year Shyshak’s brigade, the 241st, has scoured the heavens for Russian flying objects. Its task is to shoot them down before they can reach the capital. A machine-gun post has been set up on the 12th floor of a residential apartment block on the edge of the city. Nearby is a thermal power plant. This spring, #Russia has relentlessly targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Judges with machine guns: the part-time #DroneHunters defending #Kyiv | #Ukraine
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/09/judges-with-machine-guns-the-part-time-drone-hunters-defending-kyiv

Judges with machine guns: the part-time drone hunters defending Kyiv

The ‘Mriya’ unit made up of members of the legal profession patrols the capital region’s skies with antique weapons

The Guardian

I never thought I'd hashtag Ukraine & the South China Sea in the same post 😬
----
#Russia is the top supplier of weapons to #Vietnam and also plays a crucial role in the exploitation of Vietnam's gas reserves in the #SouthChinaSea, in waters that #China claims as its own.

The #EU, an important trading partner for Vietnam, has imposed wide-ranging sanctions on #Moscow over its war in #Ukraine.

Vietnam irks EU by delaying meeting ahead of possible #Putin visit
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/vietnam-irks-eu-by-delaying-meeting-ahead-of-possible-putin-visit/ar-BB1m5uWd

MSN

"Gazprom is engaged in a (real estate) fire sale. They had their worst year in decades, and their production has fallen precipitously, down to what it was in the 1970s," said Tom O'Donnell, an energy and geopolitical analyst based in Berlin. #Russia #Ukraine

#Putin's Crown Jewel Forced Into #FireSale Amid Record Losses
https://www.newsweek.com/russia-gazprom-selling-property-putin-1898699

Putin's Crown Jewel Forced Into Fire Sale Amid Record Losses

The state gas giant Gazprom is selling property after posting losses that followed sanctions imposed because of Russia's war.

Newsweek

#Pentagon officials working with #ElonMusk’s #SpaceX have blunted the Russian military’s unauthorized use of #Starlink internet terminals on the battlefield in its war with #Ukraine, according to the Defense Department’s space policy chief.

Pentagon Teams Up With SpaceX to Block Russia From Using Starlink
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-05-09/russia-starlink-access-blocked-by-pentagon-spacex-ukraine

Bloomberg - Are you a robot?

#MOSCOW, May 12 (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir #Putin tapped a civilian economist as his surprise new defence minister on Sunday in an attempt to gird #Russia for economic war by trying to better utilise the defence budget and harness greater innovation to win in #Ukraine.

Putin taps civilian economist to run defense, replacing #Shoigu in surprise move
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-proposes-sacking-defence-minister-shoigu-parliament-says-2024-05-12/

#JoeBiden has signed into law a bipartisan bill that bans the import of enriched #uranium from #Russia, in the latest effort by Washington to apply further pressure on Vladimir #Putin over his invasion of #Ukraine.

Biden signs bipartisan bill banning imports of Russian uranium
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/may/13/biden-russian-uranium-imports-ban

Biden signs bipartisan bill banning imports of Russian uranium

Ban, to begin in about 90 days, is White House’s latest effort to apply pressure on Vladimir Putin over his invasion of Ukraine

The Guardian

Billions of dollars had been spent by the #US on rebuilding #Georgia after the fall of the #SovietUnion and hundreds of millions more were planned for the country’s economy and military.

“All that has to be under review if we are now regarded as an adversary and not a partner,” O’Brien told reporters at a press conference in #Tbilisi. #Russia #Ukraine

#US warns #Georgia not to side with #Moscow against the west
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/14/us-warns-georgia-not-to-side-with-moscow-against-the-west

US warns Georgia not to side with Moscow against the west

Official suggests US funding could be pulled as new ‘Kremlin-inspired’ law provokes mass protests

The Guardian

#Putin and #Xi have met over 40 times; the Chinese president last travelled to #Moscow in March 2023, while Putin went to Beijing in October for a summit of #China’s #BeltAndRoad initiative.

Putin meets with Xi as his two day visit to China gets underway
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/may/16/vladimir-putin-beijing-visit-china-live-updates-war-ukraine-latest-today-xi-jinping?page=with%3Ablock-66457bd18f086b5d4c8bf537#block-66457bd18f086b5d4c8bf537

Putin arrives in Beijing for China state visit as Ukraine war intensifies – live

The Russian president will meet with Xi Jinping as part of a trip Chinese state media has described a visit from an ‘old friend’

the Guardian

A #PutinLoyalist, #Belousov is a veteran #economist and former counterpart to #DingXuexiang, a close ally of #XiJinping and a member of #China’s #politburo standing committee. #Ukraine

Among the vast number of officials in the Russian delegation is Putin’s new defence minister, Andrei Belousov.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/may/16/vladimir-putin-beijing-visit-china-live-updates-war-ukraine-latest-today-xi-jinping?page=with:block-664579748f086b5d4c8bf532#block-664579748f086b5d4c8bf532

Putin says relationship between Russia and China ‘one of main stabilising factors in international arena’ – live

Russian president thanks Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping for what he said was China’s role in trying to solve the Ukraine crisis

the Guardian

#China’s major #banks are throttling payments out of concern over #USSanctions, Maslov said, and #Russia has proposed to solve the issue via a decentralised payment system that the west would be unable to track. “Both sides will look for sanctions-proof mechanisms going forward,” said Maslov. #Ukraine

#Putin says 90% of payments between China and Russia are made in their national currencies
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/may/16/vladimir-putin-beijing-visit-china-live-updates-war-ukraine-latest-today-xi-jinping?page=with:block-664596a78f08350201112063#block-664596a78f08350201112063

Putin says relationship between Russia and China ‘one of main stabilising factors in international arena’ – live

Russian president thanks Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping for what he said was China’s role in trying to solve the Ukraine crisis

the Guardian

#Putin and #Xi share a broad worldview, which sees #TheWest as decadent and in decline just as #China challenges #US supremacy in everything from #QuantumComputing and #SyntheticBiology to #espionage and hard #MilitaryPower.

China, once the junior partner of Moscow in the global Communist hierarchy, remains by far the most powerful of #Russia’s friends in the world. #Ukraine

Putin arrives in China on mission to deepen partnership with Xi
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/16/vladimir-putin-xi-jinping-china-visit

Putin arrives in China on mission to deepen partnership with Xi

During the Russian leader’s two-day visit, the war in Ukraine, energy and trade will be on the agenda

The Guardian

"#China is not only the more powerful partner, but also the one that has many more options than #Russia and the war has exacerbated that. Russia is now locking itself into #vassalage to China,” - Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center in Berlin

#Ukraine

The Lopsided Reality of the China-Russia Relationship
https://www.wsj.com/world/russia/russia-china-unequal-relationship-35732f24?mod=RSSMSN

MSN link: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/the-lopsided-reality-of-the-china-russia-relationship/ar-BB1mpfvt?ocid=emmx-mmx-feeds&PC=EMMX01

The new law offers #parole to #convicts who sign a contract to join the army, a move that some officials have said could generate a maximum of 20,000 soldiers for the Ukrainian war effort.

Those convicted of the most serious crimes, such as the premeditated murder of two or more people, rape and crimes against national security, would still not be allowed to enlist.

#Ukraine allows some convicts to join armed forces in #ManpowerPush
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/zelenskiy-signs-law-allowing-some-convicts-serve-ukraines-army-2024-05-17/

The head of the #OfficeOfThePresident has always wielded enormous influence in #Ukraine. Wartime conditions, including #MartialLaw, have concentrated extraordinary authority in the presidential administration, making #Yermak perhaps the most powerful #ChiefOfStaff in the country’s history — virtually indistinguishable from his boss.

#Zelensky’s chief aide flexes power, irks critics — and makes no apologies
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/05/18/andriy-yermak-power-chief-ukraine/

Zelensky’s chief aide flexes power, irks critics — and makes no apologies

Andriy Yermak, a former lawyer and film producer who runs Volodymyr Zelensky’s wartime presidential office, is arguably the most powerful chief of staff in Ukraine’s history.

The Washington Post

As fierce street battles between Russian and Ukrainian forces continue in the northern part of the town, a band of local police and volunteers have been journeying in daily to evacuate the last, terrified residents out of a place which was once home to 18,000 people.

‘Why the hell didn’t you leave earlier?’: the battle to evacuate residents as #Russia advances in #Kharkiv | #Ukraine
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/18/nothing-to-go-back-to-residents-of-vovchansk-relive-the-nightmare-of-a-hasty-evacuation

‘Why the hell didn’t you leave earlier?’: the battle to evacuate residents as Russia advances in Kharkiv

Rescue operations become ever more dangerous in the town at the centre of Russia’s recent offensive in the Kharkiv region

The Guardian

#Kallas is one of many European politicians trying to spell out the many negative consequences to #Europe of a #UkrainianDefeat, and rebut those who claim such a reverse could be contained.

She was speaking the day after the former Estonian president #Toomas Ilves predicted that if #Ukraine fell to #Russia as many as 30 million Ukrainians would seek to flee

#Putin seeking to weaponise threat of mass migration, warns Estonian PM | #Estonia
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/17/putin-is-seeking-to-weaponise-threat-of-ukraine-mass-migration-says-estonian-pm

Putin seeking to weaponise threat of mass migration, warns Estonian PM

‘Adversaries know migration is our vulnerability,’ says Kaja Kallas, spelling out negative consequences to Europe of Ukrainian defeat

The Guardian

#Chile has defended, defends, and will continue to defend the idea that #Antarctica is a continent of #science and #peace. We will firmly oppose any #CommercialExploitation of #minerals and #hydrocarbons," wrote President Boric on the X platform. #Russia #Ukraine

Chile vows to protect Antarctica amid massive oil discovery claims
https://dailywrap.uk/chile-vows-to-protect-antarctica-amid-massive-oil-discovery-claims,7028823861028481a

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/112443685947680324

Chile vows to protect Antarctica amid massive oil discovery claims

The Infobae portal reported that Chile's president, Gabriel Boric, stated that his country will firmly oppose any attem…

Daily Wrap

Ms #Kallas said the current world order is under threat from #Russia’s full-scale war in #Ukraine that is now in its 27th month and, more broadly, Chinese “#GreyZone” tactics (in the #SouthChinaSea) – referring to harassment and aggression that skirt near the threshold of war. Tensions are also rising in the #MiddleEast.

Dangerous to view the world’s conflicts as distant and unrelated: Estonia PM Kallas
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/dangerous-to-view-the-world-s-conflicts-as-distant-and-unrelated-estonia-pm-kallas

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/112461704229709052

Dangerous to view the world’s conflicts as distant and unrelated: Estonia PM Kallas

Stakes are high for small states like Estonia and S'pore, which must speak up to protect principles, she said. Read more at straitstimes.com.

The Straits Times

The #US and the #UK argue that instead of handing relatively small sums such as €500m from the #interest annually, it would be better if a #loan or #bond worth about €30bn could be handed to #Ukraine with the interest paid from the profits generated from the larger frozen assets.

The #G7 states could back the bond with a #StateGuarantee as a way of reassuring #PrivateInvestors

G7 leaders to discuss €30bn loan for Ukraine using #RussianAssets
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/20/g7-leaders-to-discuss-30bn-loan-for-ukraine-using-russian-assets

G7 leaders to discuss €30bn loan for Ukraine using Russian assets

Finance ministers will debate legality of using €270bn in frozen state assets as collateral for loan

The Guardian

Last January, #ViktorZhora, who was a senior figure in #Ukraine’s #cybersecurity agency, said the country had suffered a threefold growth in #CyberAttacks in the past year, with #RussianHacking at times deployed in combination with #MissileStrikes. #Russia

Ukraine’s leading mobile operator #Kyivstar has allocated $90m (£70.9m) to deal with a suspected Russian cyber-attack on its service.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/may/20/russia-ukraine-war-live-russian-attack-kharkiv-lakeside-resort?page=with:block-664b4dc88f0863a6cdf6d321#block-664b4dc88f0863a6cdf6d321

Russia-Ukraine war live: Russia to make further bid to carve out ‘buffer zone’ in coming weeks, warns US defence secretary

Lloyd Austin, speaking at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, praises troops’ courage in ‘hard and dangerous fight’

the Guardian

#Ukraine’s President Volodymyr #Zelenskyy has said he is pushing partners to get more directly involved in the war by helping to intercept #RussianMissiles and allowing his country to use Western weapons against military equipment amassing near the border.

Zelenskyy pushes allies for direct involvement in Ukraine’s war with #Russia
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/5/21/zelenskyy-pushes-allies-for-direct-involvement-in-ukraines-war-with-russia

Zelenskyy pushes allies for direct involvement in Ukraine’s war with Russia

Ukraine’s leader seeks help intercepting Russian missiles, says battlefield situation ‘most difficult’ since invasion.

Al Jazeera

While American officials have long detailed the costs of #Moscow's invasion for its armed forces and its economy, in the last two months they've started to acknowledge #Russia is recovering faster than the #US expected. #Ukraine

‘They've grown back': How Russia surprised the West and rebuilt its force
https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/05/21/theyve-grown-back-how-russia-surprised-the-west-and-rebuilt-its-force/

‘They’ve grown back’: How Russia surprised the West and rebuilt its force

If the Kremlin keeps rebuilding its military faster than expected, it could present a longer-term and perhaps costlier problem for NATO.

Defense News

Any #RussianCitizens whose purpose is #tourism and other non-essential travel will be turned back at the border. Exceptions may be granted in cases such as visits to close family residing in #Norway, the ministry said in a statement. #Russia #Ukraine

Norway to block entry for most Russian tourists, Moscow says it will respond
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/norway-to-block-entry-for-most-russian-tourists-moscow-says-it-will-respond/ar-BB1mUH65?ocid=emmx-mmx-feeds&PC=EMMX01

MSN

I'm a bit worried that Belousov seems to know what he's doing. Was hoping the Russian army would remain hopelessly corrupt & woefully incompetent.
---
Rogov noted that the removal of Achmedov from his position fulfills the new Russian Defense Minister #AndreiBelousov’s statement about the “need to take care of military personnel.” #Russia

Russian army general arrested for deadly orders in #Ukraine
https://essanews.com/russian-army-general-arrested-for-deadly-orders-in-ukraine,7030917192156801a

Russian army general arrested for deadly orders in Ukraine

Commander of the 20th Army of the Armed Forces of Russia, Sukhrab Achmedov, was removed from his position and arrested,…

essanews.com

#EuropeanUnion foreign policy chief #JosepBorrell on Friday called the removal of Estonian buoys by Russian border guards on a river separating the Baltic country from #Russia “unacceptable,” and demanded an explanation from Moscow and the immediate return of the orange floats. #Estonia #Ukraine

European Union criticizes Russia for removing Estonian buoys, demand an explanation from Moscow
https://apnews.com/article/estonia-russia-buoys-border-10b99970ed538ce1684bf88c6384a1ec

European Union criticizes Russia for removing Estonian buoys, demand an explanation from Moscow

The EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell says the removal of 25 Estonian buoys by Russian border guards on a river separating the Baltic country from Russia was “unacceptable.” Early Thursday, Estonian border guards noticed that their Russian counterpart had removed the floating devices that Estonia had installed on the Narva River to prevent boats from accidentally crossing the border. Borrell on Friday demanded an explanation and said that the incident “is part of a broader pattern of provocative behaviour and hybrid actions by Russia, including on its maritime and land borders in the Baltic Sea region.” Estonia also dubbed Moscow's action unacceptable but said its response “remains calm and clear-eyed.”

AP News

Clever. The possibility of Trump being the next president is driving this.
----
Under the discussed structure, Western nations would lend to a newly created financing entity, which would, in turn, disburse the money as #grants to #Kyiv, according to people familiar with the matter. The #profits on the frozen #RussianAssets would then go toward paying back Western nations for the loan to the financing entity.

#US and #Europe Near Deal on Novel Funding Plan for #Ukraine
https://www.wsj.com/world/u-s-and-europe-near-deal-on-novel-funding-plan-for-ukraine-6085bbc1?mod=RSSMSN

Many #US.-made #SatelliteGuided ammunitions in #Ukraine have failed to withstand Russian #JammingTechnology, prompting Kyiv to stop using certain types of Western-provided armaments after effectiveness rates plummeted, according to senior Ukrainian military officials and confidential internal Ukrainian assessments obtained by The Washington Post. #Russia

Russian jamming leaves some high-tech U.S. weapons ineffective in Ukraine
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/05/24/russia-jamming-us-weapons-ukraine/

Russian jamming leaves some high-tech U.S. weapons ineffective in Ukraine

Confidential Ukrainian assessments obtained by The Washington Post show how accuracy rates of some Western weapons fell after Russian jamming disrupted guidance systems.

The Washington Post

Earlier, Minister Kuleba had requested the South Korean government to provide #PatriotMissiles. Upon hearing the news, the Korean government reiterated its existing position of not supporting lethal weapons and expressed its intention to reject the request.

#Ukraine Faces Rejection Over Patriot Missiles from #SouthKorea
https://www.kangnamtimes.com/business/article/82452/

Ukraine Faces Rejection Over Patriot Missiles from South Korea

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has again shown interest in South Korean weapons, mentioning 105mm artillery shells as desired support ...

Gangnam Times

#Estonia installed the #buoys following the treaty on the #StateBorder and the agreement on the placement of buoys concluded between the border services in 2022. The first 50 buoys were installed on May 13, and #Russia removed about half of them. #NarvaRiver #Ukraine

#Putin’s Estonia provocation rings alarm bells in the #Baltics
https://www.politico.eu/article/russia-putin-border-provocation-estonia-rings-new-alarm-bells-baltics/

Putin’s Estonia provocation rings alarm bells in the Baltics

EU demands Russia explain its unilateral demarcation of the Narva River on the Estonian-Russian border.

POLITICO

#Zelenskiy appealed in particular to the US president, #JoeBiden, and the Chinese leader, #XiJinping, to attend the summit, which is due to start on 15 June. “Please, show your leadership in advancing the peace – the real peace and not just a pause between the strikes,” said Zelenskiy in English. #China #US

Zelenskiy calls on world leaders to attend #Ukraine ‘peace summit’ after deadly #Kharkiv strike
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/26/ukraine-zelenskiy-calls-on-world-leaders-to-attend-peace-summit-deadly-kharkiv-strike

Zelenskiy calls on world leaders to attend Ukraine ‘peace summit’ after deadly Kharkiv strike

Ukraine president urges Joe Biden and Xi Jinping to ‘show your leadership’ and send message to Moscow

The Guardian

Under new defence minister #AndreiBelousov, #FSB is tackling corruption aggressively with serious implications for #Ukraine

"Shoigu and Gerasimov provided a buffer, but now #Putin decided he had to do something. Shoigu kept the FSB largely away from the ministry throughout his tenure, there were very few arrests." Capt John Foreman, the UK’s former defence attache

‘Putin’s patience snapped’: Insiders marvel at #Russia’s military purge
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/27/putin-patience-snapped-insiders-marvel-at-russia-military-purge

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/112496358833611496

‘Putin’s patience snapped’: Insiders marvel at Russia’s military purge

Under new defence minister Andrei Belousov, FSB is tackling corruption aggressively with serious implications for Ukraine

The Guardian

Ukrainian President Volodymyr #Zelensky has urged #WesternLeaders to pressure #Russia into #peace using "all means" necessary.

Speaking in #Spain, Mr Zelensky said there needed to be "tangible coercion of Russia" , which was seeking to "destroy #Ukraine and move on".

Force Russia to make peace, Zelensky urges West
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c722e7j2x5no?xtor=AL-72-%5Bpartner%5D-%5Bmicrosoft%5D-%5Bheadline%5D-%5Bnews%5D-%5Bbizdev%5D-%5Bisapi%5D

Ukraine war: Force Russia to make peace, Zelensky urges West

Mr Zelenksy said there needed to be "tangible coercion of Russia" into peace by Kyiv's allies.

Makes sense, the bandwidth needed to integrate both jet fighters & train their Ukrainian pilots just isn't there. #JAS39Gripen
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#Sweden is pausing plans to send #Gripen fighter jets to #Ukraine in order to allow for the introduction of #F16 fighter jets
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/may/28/russia-ukraine-war-live-poland-troops-ukraine-putin-zelenskiy?page=with:block-6655ad258f082cc3ef066b00#block-6655ad258f082cc3ef066b00
Russia-Ukraine war live: Belgium pledges 30 F-16 fighter jets with near €1bn in military aid

Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskiy signs security pact with Belgium’s De Croo during visit to Brussels

the Guardian

Security services say spate of fires and infrastructure attacks could be part of systemic attempt by Russia to destabilise continent.

“I think this has been a way that #Russia and also
the #SovietUnion has worked throughout recent history, really; in the 75 years of #NATO I think we’ve seen it often." #KajsaOllongren, Dutch defence minister

#Europe on high alert after suspected Moscow-linked arson and sabotage| #Ukraine
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/30/europe-on-high-alert-after-suspected-moscow-linked-arson-and-sabotage

Europe on high alert after suspected Moscow-linked arson and sabotage

Security services say spate of fires and infrastructure attacks could be part of attempt by Russia to destabilise continent

The Guardian

#JoeBiden has allowed #Ukraine to use some US-made weapons over one part of the Russian border, to allow #Kyiv’s forces to defend against an offensive aimed at the city of #Kharkiv, relaxing an important constraint on Ukraine’s able to defend itself.

Limits on the use of #US #LongRangeWeapons such as the army tactical missile system (#ATACMS) will remain, however.

#Biden changes stance to allow Ukraine to fire US-supplied weapons into #Russia
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/30/biden-ukraine-weapons-strike-russia

Biden changes stance to allow Ukraine to fire US-supplied weapons into Russia

US official says policy change relates to ‘counter-fire purposes’ and prohibits long-range attacks inside of Russia

The Guardian

Malaysian semiconductor maker #Jatronics SDN BHD is among nearly 300 entities that #Washington slapped with #USSanctions last month over their alleged links to #Russia’s military suppliers.

Jatronics, based in #KualaLumpur, is accused of shipping electronic parts and components to #Russia that #Moscow needs to sustain the conflict. #Ukraine

#Malaysia’s #ChipIndustry falls in crosshairs of #US sanctions on Russia
https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2024/6/3/malaysias-chip-industry-falls-in-the-crosshairs-of-us-sanctions-on-russia

Malaysia’s chip industry falls in crosshairs of US sanctions on Russia

Kuala Lumpur-based Jatronics has been accused of supplying parts needed to sustain Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

Al Jazeera
#Poland will spend over 3 billion zlotys ($760 million) to bolster #cybersecurity, its digitalisation minister has said, after state news agency PAP was hit by what authorities describe as a probable #RussianCyberattack. #Russia #Ukraine
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/jun/03/russia-ukraine-war-live-georgias-speaker-signs-foreign-agents-bill-into-law?page=with:block-665da3ac8f08c6c67d9af84b#block-665da3ac8f08c6c67d9af84b
Russia-Ukraine war live: China hits back over Zelenskiy’s peace summit claims

The Ukrainian president had accused country of trying to deter leaders from taking part in planned gathering

the Guardian

Here’s a bit of detail from the #FinancialTimes’ report that the #PowerOfSiberia2 gas pipeline project has run into trouble.

Spokespeople for both #Beijing and #Moscow issued statements in relation to reports that the project is deadlocked.

#Russia #Ukraine
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/jun/03/russia-ukraine-war-live-georgias-speaker-signs-foreign-agents-bill-into-law?page=with:block-665d91cd8f083cece8a091c0#block-665d91cd8f083cece8a091c0

Russia-Ukraine war live: China hits back over Zelenskiy’s peace summit claims

The Ukrainian president had accused country of trying to deter leaders from taking part in planned gathering

the Guardian

This is the comparison that China doesn't want to happen - to be equated with Russia.
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In a short interview before leaving #Manila on June 3, the wartime Ukrainian President says "unity" for #Ukraine and its survival sends a clear message to "other countries not to try, even to think to occupy other independent countries" #Ukraine #Philippines #ZelenskiyInManila

Ukraine's Zelenskyy sees 'similar things' between #Kiev's struggles with Russia, Manila's from #China
https://m.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=81&v=mHUtX7zxL18

Ukraine's Zelenskyy sees 'similar things' between Kiev's struggles with Russia, Manila's from China

YouTube

Before his #Manila visit, #Zelenskyy was in #Singapore over the weekend to attend the #ShangriLaDialogue, Asia’s premier security conference, where he accused #Russia and #China of trying to undermine the peace summit. China has confirmed it will not attend the summit in #Switzerland #ZelenskiyInManila

IN PHOTOS: #Ukraine's Zelenskyy visits Manila
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/ukraine-volodymyr-zelenskyy-meets-marcos-jr-manila-june-2024/

IN PHOTOS: Ukraine’s Zelenskyy visits Manila

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's meeting Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to catch the attention of Russia and China

RAPPLER

Asked Monday if the president was sending the wrong message globally by forgoing the #PeaceSummit to attend a glitzy California fundraiser, #WhiteHouse national security spokesman #JohnKirby said “there hasn’t been any single leader around the world who has supported #Ukraine more and more stridently than #JoeBiden.”

#KamalaHarris will represent the US at a Swiss ‘peace summit’ for Ukraine
https://apnews.com/article/harris-biden-zelenskyy-ukraine-peace-china-4f3bc131992446dd6b5b01acaf6aa78c

Kamala Harris will represent the US at a Swiss 'peace summit' for Ukraine

Vice President Kamala Harris will represent the U.S. at this month’s Swiss-organized global peace summit on the war in Ukraine promoted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The White House announced that Harris would attend the meeting in Lucerne on June 15. President Joe Biden is scheduled to be at a campaign fundraiser in Los Angeles hosted by actors George Clooney and Julia Roberts. The vice president's communications director, Kirsten Allen, says Harris will underscore the administration's commitment to supporting Ukraine’s effort to secure a" just and lasting peace, based on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity" and the principles of the U.N. charter.

AP News

In the run-up to the elections for the #EuropeanParliament, which will be held on 6-9 June, however, #Ukraine, and the implications of a #RussianThreat, has become a go-to issue for centrists as they seek to fend off the populist challenge from left and right. #russi

Ukraine is a dividing line in European election that centrists hope to exploit
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/05/ukraine-is-a-dividing-line-in-european-election-that-centrists-hope-to-exploit

Ukraine is a dividing line in European election that centrists hope to exploit

With populists on the left and right winning support across Europe, moderates have found a single issue of their own to campaign on

The Guardian

French president #EmmanuelMacron is to host US president #JoeBiden, British #KingCharles and Canadian prime minister #JustinTrudeau on the shores of #Normandy, representing the three main countries involved in the landings on 6 June 1944, reports Agence France-Press. #Ukraine #Russia

https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/jun/05/russia-ukraine-war-joe-biden-volodymyr-zelenskiy-meet-talks?page=with:block-666047238f08e941a05395a6#block-666047238f08e941a05395a6

Russia-Ukraine war live: Joe Biden and Volodymyr Zelenskiy to meet for talks in Normandy

US president and Ukrainian president to sit down after they arrive for anniversary of D-day landings in France, White House confirms

the Guardian

#Zelenskiy's visit to #Manila is paying dividends👍 #Philippines
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#Thailand has accepted an invitation to participate in the upcoming #PeaceSummit, which will be held in #Switzerland from June 15-16, according to Thai PBS.

A source said that Thailand will be represented at the summit by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs #RussJalichandra. #ASEAN #Ukraine #Russia

Thailand to participate in peace summit
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/thailand-to-participate-in-peace-summit-country-s-representative-announced/ar-BB1nFwJ3?ocid=emmx-mmx-feeds&PC=EMMX01

MSN

Until recently, military analysts saw #Hanwha as a relic, its products insufficient for 21st century warfare.

The #UkraineWar fought almost entirely on the ground, has proved them wrong. In the 2 years since #Russia's invasion, Hanwha's annual export revenue from weaponry grew elevenfold to US$1.1 billion; it now makes up 26 per cent of the company's total arms sales.

Faster, cheaper and reliable: how the #Ukraine war fuelled demand for South Korean weapons
https://www.msn.com/en-xl/news/other/faster-cheaper-and-reliable-how-ukraine-war-fuelled-demand-for-south-korean-weapons/ar-BB1nIFkM

MSN

This is #France flexing it's military muscles to show that the #EU too has fighter jets (& training capacity) to offer
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The type’s merits are well-known. “The dash-five is a rather old aircraft, but it is also specialized,” French air force Col. #AnneLabadie told Combat Aircraft. “It is an aircraft exclusively dedicated to #AirDefense, and its pilots are specialized in this.” #UkraineWar

#Ukraine Will Get Ex-French #Mirage2000-5 Fighters | David Axe
https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/06/06/ukraine-will-get-ex-french-mirage-2000-5-fighters/?sh=3231bb19b332

Ukraine Will Get Ex-French Mirage 2000-5 Fighters

‘It is an aircraft exclusively dedicated to air defense,’ a French commander said.

Forbes

The #WhiteHouse sees him as something of a wild card, and #Macron has called for policy options in #Ukraine that make the #Biden administration nervous.

But in spite of their substantive and cultural differences — and across a yawning, 35-year age gap — the two men have come to trust each other in striking ways.

Inside the ill-fitting, occasionally chaotic, decidedly solid Biden-Macron relationship
https://www.politico.com/news/2024/06/07/biden-macron-relationship-00162079?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS_Syndication&utm_source=press.coop

#Ukraine’s President Volodymyr #Zelensky on Friday is set to address the #FrenchParliament. His speech comes a day after world leaders marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in World War II, and after French President #EmmanuelMacron announced his country would provide Ukraine with an unspecified number of #Mirage2000 fighter jets.

Zelensky to address French parliament after Macron promises transfer of warplanes to Ukraine
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/zelensky-to-address-french-parliament-after-macron-promises-transfer-of-warplanes-to-ukraine/ar-BB1nMUUz?ocid=emmx-mmx-feeds&PC=EMMX01

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/112572818408593002

MSN

In a sign that enthusiasm to help #Ukraine may be faltering, the #NationalAssembly, which gave #Zelenskyy several standing ovations, seemed far less full that when the Ukrainian leader first addressed them in March 2022. #France

Zelenskyy hopes to see #Mirage2000 jets in Ukraine soon after #Macron promise
https://www.rappler.com/world/europe/zelenskyy-hopes-mirage-2000-jets-ukraine-soon-after-macron-promise/

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Zelenskyy hopes to see Mirage 2000 jets in Ukraine soon after Macron promise

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has long expressed his frustration at how long Western allies are taking to make key decisions on military support for Ukraine and actually send help in its war against Russia's invasion

RAPPLER