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SCALP Missile Strike Reportedly Wounds Top Russian General

Gennadiy Anashkin, in photo wearing rank of Major General

Col. Gen. Gennadiy Anashkin, who commands all Russian forces on southern front in Ukraine, was reported to have been wounded in a long-range missile attack. staff says in meeting in Luhansk.

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/33100

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U.S. officials tell the NewsHour that the administration is debating whether to lift a restriction on the use of American weapons to target Russian weapons in Russia

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U.S. officials tell the NewsHour that the administration is debating whether to lift a restriction on the use of American weapons to target Russian weapons in Russia

The Russia Buk medium-range anti-aircraft missile system is designed for point defense, attempting to neutralize a variety of aerial threats, including strategic and tactical aircraft, cruise missiles, and helicopters. Estimates cost latest version of this air defense system, Buk-M1-2, is approximately $100 mil, it challenging to determine the version of Buk missile system was captured by video & subsequently targeted. The SSO’s Sais. Kyiv Post previously covered preliminary reports Special Ops on the destruction of Russian Buks.

Earlier, Ukraine’s SSO discovered a Buk-M1 complex in Sumy sector. Using attack drones, they ignited a fire on Buk launcher, prompting Russian service members attempt to extinguish & salvage equipment. Report indicated that strike destroyed launcher, which was carrying six missiles, they also damaged Buk-M1 system’s fire control unit.
Moreover, report in early May detailed targeting of two more Buk anti-aircraft missile complexes by attack drones in the Sumy region.

Military officer who spoke to Kyiv Post that action were part of a strategic effort to clear border region of Sumy of Russian threats to Ukrainian aviation. Considering approach of transfer latest Western-made aircraft. Ukrainian Air Force can be assumed this is a targeted action to clear the airspace on battlefield,” he told Kyiv Post.

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/33088

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Ukrainian forces halted Russian troops in the Kharkiv sector and are conducting counterattacks, Ihor Prokhorenko, a representative of the Main Operational Directorate of Ukraine's General Staff, said at a briefing in Kyiv on May 24.

"At the moment, (Russian forces) have been halted, the situation is under control, we are carrying out counterattacks," Prokhorenko said.

Russia launched a new offensive on May 10 in northern Kharkiv Oblast. Moscow's forces had managed to advance as far as 10 kilometers (6 miles) into the region but had been halted by the first line of defense, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 16.

Prokhorenko described the situation on the battlefield as "difficult," saying Ukrainian soldiers continue to hold the line in the country's east and south. Kharkiv and Donetsk oblasts are the areas of the most intense fighting, he said.

https://kyivindependent.com/general-staf...ps-halted/

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Russia is conducting offensive ops to try size more land to create a buffer zone," colonel said, adding that "the situation is under control."

Russian troops are advancing in the east of Kharkiv Oblast, planning to bypass the town of Kupiansk, but have not yet succeeded, Prokhorenko said.

"Fierce fighting is ongoing almost along the entire front line. Defense forces are inflicting heavy losses on the invader, our artillery, unmanned systems and aviation are actively working," he added.

Russian troops are "completely bogged down" in street battles for the town of Vovchansk in Kharkiv Oblast and deploying their reserves from different sectors, Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi said on May 23.

Russia's offensive in Kharkiv Oblast in mid-May could be the first of several waves, and Russian forces may target the regional capital, Kharkiv, President Volodymyr Zelensky said

https://kyivindependent.com/general-staf...ps-halted/

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Ukraine refused to accept some outdated Leopard 1A5 battle tanks from Denmark and Germany due to numerous defects, Danish broadcaster DR reported on May 24. The defense ministers of Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands promised to send Kyiv at least 100 refurbished Leopard 1A5s from industrial stocks.

The documents said the first tanks were scheduled to be delivered in July 2023. However, the shipment was reportedly delayed because the German defense company KMW faced difficulties in preparing them.

Only 20 tanks had been delivered as of September last year, DR wrote. After receiving and inspecting them, Ukraine found that 18 of the 20 tanks received had minor defects or malfunctions, and two had “more serious defects,” the documents said. Some tanks were reportedly delivered with guns that could not fire.

https://kyivindependent.com/media-ukrain...o-defects/

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Polish FM says US will strike Russian troops in Ukraine if Russia uses nuclear weapons.

Published on May 25. U.S. has told Russia that if it uses nuclear weapons, there will be an American response using conventional weapons on Russian forces in Ukraine. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly made nuclear threats against Ukraine & the West since beginning of full-scale invasion in February 2022. Threats have failed to materialize, & Russia continues to wage its all-out war without its nuclear arsenal.

"U.S. Americans have told Russians that if you explode a nuke, even if it doesn't kill anybody, we will hit all your targets (positions) in Ukraine with conventional weapons, we'll destroy all of them," Sikorski told the Guardian.

Sikorski added that both China and India have warned Russia not to use nuclear weapons.

"And it's no child's play b'cos if that taboo (of using nuclear weapons) were also to be breached, like the taboo of not changing borders by force, China knows that Japan & (South) Korea would go nuclear, presumably they don't want that."

Sikorski also said he supports ending the restrictions on Ukraine's use of Western weapons to hit targets in Russia, this echoing similar comments made recently by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and leading U.S. lawmakers.

https://kyivindependent.com/polish-fm-sa...r-weapons/

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Polish FM says US will strike Russian troops in Ukraine if Russia uses nuclear weapons.

U.S. Americans have told Russians that if you explode a nuke, even if it doesn't kill anybody, we will hit all your targets (positions) in Ukraine with conventional weapons, we'll destroy all of them," Sikorski told the Guardian.

Sikorski said both China/India have warned Russia not to use nuclear weapons. it's no child's play b'cos if taboo (of using nuclear weapons) also to be breached, the taboo of changing borders by force in not ok, China knows Japan/South Korea may go nuclear, presumably they don't want that to happen."

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What next for Putin?.

https://youtu.be/6e_8saeGHQc?si=XE3VI8JISWXrtor5

Satellite imagery confirms a Russian strategic early warning radar site in the southwestern end of the country was substantially damaged in a reported Ukrainian drone attack earlier this week. This looks to be a first-of-its-kind attack on a site linked to Russia's general strategic defense. As such, it points to a new and worrisome dimension to the conflict, especially when it comes to the potential use of nuclear weapons.

A satellite image taken on May 23 that The War Zone obtained from Planet Labs of the Armavir Radar Station in Russia's southwestern Krasnodar Krai shows significant debris around one of the site's two Voronezh-DM radar buildings. These are ultra-high-frequency (UHF) over-the-horizon (OTH) radars that are part of Russia's nuclear ballistic missile early warning system.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/strike-russia...43708.html

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There is a reason why Soviet Union, nor any nuclear power, never launched a first strike (nuclear attack) since World War 2, despite all of the Cold War.

- How different today?..If Putin launch codes, or ability to order a first strike, himself, he would know the response is not going to be 'more sanctions'.

Oni could fathom Russia using a nuclear weapon in Ukraine, or against any enemy country, is FSB had foolproof plan to blame on ISIS terror cell, or rogue Chechen element, or claim Ukrainians did it in a false-flag conspiracy to frame Russians. - require a convincing story on how element got nuclear weapon & eliminating everyone involved in planning execution case, Russia would need absolute plausible deniability, 

if there was really a way to use a nuclear weapon against enemy without equal repercussions, Russia & China (or US) would have figured it out a long time ago & did it already.

NATO may take out Moscow & a few other cities in Russia. But Russia also can't take on all city's all over the planet from USA, CANADA, FRANCE, UK. ALL OF EUROPE and as far away as , AUSTRALIA and so on and so on...

United Kingdom 225 warheads (submarine delivery systems new and up to date systems.

France 300 warheads (submarine delivery systems new and up to date systems )

United States 7,315 warheads (Mixed delivery systems new and up to date systems )

Russia 8,000 warheads (Mixed delivery systems old mostly from soviet union times NOT up to date systems) RUSSIA (at Disadvatage), they know Putin's, he regime knows its & is why they will not use nukes they will hint & shout about nukes be a good threat.

Giving in to Putin’s nuclear blackmail will spark an unprecedented nuclear arms race and make a future nuclear war far more likely!!

A warning radar site & associated debris are clearly visible. Photo©2024 PLANET LABS INC. 
What can be seen in the satellite image aligns with pictures taken from ground level emerged on social media earlier today, which show severe damage to both structures housing the Voronezh-DMs at Armavir. 

There is also clear evidence of multiple hits on radar buildings. Its worth noting that radar arrays are generally very sensitive & fragile systems, & even relatively limited damage can result in a "mission kill," rendering them inoperable for an extended period of time.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/strike-russia...43708.html

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Giving in to Putin’s nuclear blackmail will spark an unprecedented nuclear arms race and make a future nuclear war far more likely!!

A warning radar site & associated debris are clearly visible. Photo©2024 PLANET LABS INC. 
What can be seen in the satellite image aligns with pictures taken from ground level emerged on social media earlier today, which show severe damage to both structures housing the Voronezh-DMs at Armavir. 

There is also clear evidence of multiple hits on radar buildings. Its worth noting that radar arrays are generally very sensitive & fragile systems, & even relatively limited damage can result in a "mission kill," rendering them inoperable for an extended period of time.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/strike-russia...43708.html

They strike, we strike, you hit me, we hit you too. Putin Russian is trying to tell Ukraine folks (to Ukrainian). 

Photo©2024 PLANET LABS INC. 
What can be seen in satellite image and
pictures taken from ground level emerged on social media earlier, show severe damage to both structures housing the Voronezh-DMs at Armavir. 

Mad Putin is sending another 50,000 (poor soldiers) to the frontline & another new frontline north of Kyiv soon.

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SCALP Missile Strike Reportedly Wounds Top Russian General

Gennadiy Anashkin, in photo wearing rank of Major General

Col. Gen. Gennadiy Anashkin, who commands all Russian forces on southern front in Ukraine, was reported to have been wounded in a long-range missile attack. staff says in meeting in Luhansk.

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/33100

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What's a SCALP Missile....people is asking?. Here is a EG:...

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What next for Putin?.

https://youtu.be/6e_8saeGHQc?si=XE3VI8JISWXrtor5

A long-range strike by French SCALP cruise missiles on Monday struck and devastated an office building used by Russian army leadership in the eastern Ukrainian city of Luhansk. According to unconfirmed reports, the top commander of all Kremlin forces on the Russo-Ukrainian War’s southern front was wounded in the attack.

The missile strike hit an administrative and academic building complex operated by the Kremlin’s occupation government in Yuvileine, just outside of Luhansk City.


At least two SCALP missiles struck an office building, according to most reports, as Russian army leadership was holding a meeting inside.

The pro-Ukraine Telegram channel Dosye Shpiona, an information platform often publishing information similar to Ukrainian military intelligence, reported 13 Russian service members were killed in the strike, and another 26 were wounded.

Wounded was Col. Gen. Gennadiy Anashkin, recently appointed commander of Russia’s southern military district, he's effectively Putin's top officer of all. The Kremlin forces deployed to Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Donetsk & Luhansk regions, this report citing “two independent sources.”

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/33100

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Force Russia to make peace, Zelensky urges West
Ukrainian President Zelensky has urged Western leaders to pressure Russia into peace using "all means" necessary. He was speaking in Spain, Mr Zelensky said there's needed to be "tangible coercion of Russia" , which was seeking to "destroy Ukraine and move on". He has long said he will not negotiate with Russia directly until Moscow's forces leave all Ukrainian territory, including Crimea.

His call, comes as Russia makes gains against Ukraine, with Kyiv suffering from a shortage of Western-supplied weapons. Russia was dropping some 3,200 guided aerial bombs each mth.
"How do you fight that?" he asked reporters in Madrid who he met PM Pedro Sánchez. Ukrainian leader rejected the inviting Russia to a planned peace summit in Switzerland next mth summit is expected to include representatives of more than 90 countries. Delegates will try to chart a course for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine based on 10 demands set forth by Kyiv calling for return of all invaded territory, reparation payments for war-related damages & creation a special tribunal to prosecute Russian war crimes.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says Russian Putin is ready for talks but only "to achieve the objectives he being achieved via special military ops", in Madrid, Mr Zelensky urged Western leaders to lift bans on donated weapons being used to strike internationally recognised Russian territory. Most Western countries, including the US, have insisted Kyiv focuses its attacks on Russian forces occupying Ukrainian territory.

"We need to work together and put pressure not only on Russia, but also on their partners to give us the opportunity to defend ourselves against Russia," leader said. One of the conditions for receiving billions of pounds worth of aid from Western allies, is for Kyiv to outline its own vision for how this war should end.

It’s why Zelensky previously “10-point peace plan”includes complete withdrawal Russian forces, guarantees against future aggression. This's what Kyiv always called for, the tone changed as the summit in Switzerland, it is generating urgency for President Zelensky who wants to galvanise international momentum behind his terms.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c722e7j2x5no

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Defense minister: Ukraine may receive first F-16s 'very soon' but half of military aid arriving late.

The first batch of F-16 fighter jets will be delivered to Ukraine “hopefully very, very soon,” but around half of the military aid from Western partners is arriving late, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said in an interview with Reuters published on May 28.

Several NATO countries – Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Norway – have pledged to deliver dozens of U.S.-made F-16 fighters from their stocks. Danish F-16s are expected to arrive as early as this summer, whereas Dutch fighter jets should begin arriving in the autumn.

“We need as much as we may get," Umerov said when asked about the number of aircraft Ukraine expects to receive, adding that the country is focused mainly on training pilots and personnel now.

Ukraine also continues to increase its own production of weapons and drones, as well as its electronic warfare capabilities, according to the minister.

Russia has 500,000 troops in Ukraine and near its borders and is preparing to involve another 200,000-300,000, aiming to "open a new front in the north to start using all their manpower, firing power," Umerov said.

"We are withstanding, but of course we need more weapons, we need more firing power, we need long-range missiles, not to allow them to enter our state," he added.

https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-to-r...very-soon/

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In recent months, Russia has maintained the initiative on the battlefield, taking advantage of delays in defense aid to Ukraine from Western allies and Kyiv's troop shortages.

Moscow launched a new offensive on May 10 in northern Kharkiv Oblast. Moscow's forces had reportedly managed to advance as far as 10 kilometers (6 miles) into the region but had been halted by the first line of defense.

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In recent months, Russia has maintained the initiative on the battlefield, taking advantage of delays in defense aid to Ukraine from Western allies and Kyiv's troop shortages.

Moscow launched a new offensive on May 10 in northern Kharkiv Oblast. Moscow's forces had reportedly managed to advance as far as 10 kilometers (6 miles) into the region but had been halted by the first line of defense.

Russia move hundred and thousend of soldiers and tanks to try  control  Chasov Yar in Video news...

https://youtu.be/xeZ_00FDC0s?si=tcN45jqLeqx1Muon

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SCALP Missile Strike Reportedly Wounds Top Russian General

Gennadiy Anashkin, in photo wearing rank of Major General

Col. Gen. Gennadiy Anashkin, who commands all Russian forces on southern front in Ukraine, was reported to have been wounded in a long-range missile attack. staff says in meeting in Luhansk.

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/33100

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Can the good old American F-16 be able to beat the Russian Su-35 fighter jets in Ukraine?.

American F-16 fighter, inaugurated in January 1974 in California, celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. Will this multirole combat aircraft be able to face the Russian fighter jets?
It was on January 20, 1974 that the F-16 jet fighter took to the sky for the first time from Edwards Air Force Base in California. More than 4,600 F-16s had left factories over the past five decades.

This multirole combat aircraft developed by General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin ) is still able to compete with the Su-34 or Su -27 notably engaged in Ukraine by Moscow or the most advanced Russian fighters, the Su-35 .

In a few months, Kiev will receive a handful of used F-16s from Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway. Ukrainian pilots are currently being trained in the US & other countries. The first jets could arrive in July 2024.  Hope!.

https://airlive.net/military/2024/05/28/...n-ukraine/

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Ukraine’s Armed Forces (AFU) launched from
Ukraine Hammers Russian Air Base with Missiles Carrying Cluster Munitions. The probable ATACMS strike started widespread fires on and around the airfield but, so far, there are few reports on the extent of any damage.

launched a mass long-range missile strike on Monday evening that saturated a Russian military base deep behind the front lines with cluster munitions initiating a blaze, that could be seen and heard dozens of kilometers away, along with hundreds of smaller fires.

The target reportedly consisted of buildings and an adjacent airfield on the territory of the former Ukrainian air force navigation academy in the eastern city Luhansk. The site had been occupied by Moscow’s troops who used as HQ & logistics base first invasion of Ukraine in 2014.

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/33422

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Ukraine’s Armed Forces (AFU) launched from
Ukraine Hammers Russian Air Base with Missiles Carrying Cluster Munitions. The probable ATACMS strike started widespread fires on and around the airfield but, so far, there are few reports on the extent of any damage.

launched a mass long-range missile strike on Monday evening that saturated a Russian military base deep behind the front lines with cluster munitions initiating a blaze, that could be seen and heard dozens of kilometers away, along with hundreds of smaller fires.

The target reportedly consisted of buildings and an adjacent airfield on the territory of the former Ukrainian air force navigation academy in the eastern city Luhansk. The site had been occupied by Moscow’s troops who used as HQ & logistics base first invasion of Ukraine in 2014.

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/33422

Dozens of video still photographs posted to social media – in violation of Russian law which bans such action – showed flames reaching dozens of meters into night sky from vicinity of the airfield around 7 p.m. local time, also images taken from ground showed hundreds of square meters of landing strip saturated with fires.

No early reports of damage or casualties. Both the Russian state-controlled official information agency TASS. Independent Ukrainian news says dozens of explosions, then consumed by multiple fires. Ukrainian news agency UNIAN said strikes set off “a massive blaze.”

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Dozens of video still photographs posted to social media – in violation of Russian law which bans such action – showed flames reaching dozens of meters into night sky from vicinity of the airfield around 7 p.m. local time, also images taken from ground showed hundreds of square meters of landing strip saturated with fires.

No early reports of damage or casualties. Both the Russian state-controlled official information agency TASS. Independent Ukrainian news says dozens of explosions, then consumed by multiple fires. Ukrainian news agency UNIAN said strikes set off “a massive blaze.”

Official in pro-Russian Luhansk occupation said Kyiv forces had used cluster munitions for attack. Local Telegram networks in first minutes of the strike said Ukrainians launched attack from the vicinity of city Kramatorsk, some 135-140 k/m of the airfield, open sources said, Ukraine only fields two major weapons systems capable of delivering cluster munitions at this range, the  US-made ATACMS missile & Soviet-era Tochka-U missile. Both Russian & Ukrainian social media identified strike weapon as being ATACMS.

Following a 4-mth total halt to US arms deliveries due to Congressional infighting, Ukraine received renewed transfers of ATACMS missiles, late April. Ended US embargo on Kyiv energetically launching ATACMS against formerly out-of-range Russian targets in occupied Crimea region including Russian air force bases and aircraft, Russian navy warshap high-tech Russian anti-missile systems as well as used ATACMS to hit a Luhansk oil refinery twice.

https://sgtalk.net/newreply.php?tid=65645&replyto=906252

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In recent months, Russia has maintained the initiative on the battlefield, taking advantage of delays in defense aid to Ukraine from Western allies and Kyiv's troop shortages.

Moscow launched a new offensive on May 10 in northern Kharkiv Oblast. Moscow's forces had reportedly managed to advance as far as 10 kilometers (6 miles) into the region but had been halted by the first line of defense.

Ukraine got green light for F-16 strikes on Russian territory.  Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen announced that Ukraine could utilize Danish-supplied F-16s to hit military targets within Russian territory, ensuring this action aligns with the rules of war. Speaking on May 30 in Brussels, Rasmussen emphasized that as long as these strikes were directed at military installations, they remained within the bounds of international law.

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Despite concerns from Washington and Berlin, Rasmussen clarified that this initiative isn’t a “blank check” for Ukraine to conduct indiscriminate attacks; it’s intended to diminish Russia’s offensive capabilities. On the other hand, Russian Ambassador to Denmark, Vladimir Barbin, cautioned that Ukraine’s use of Danish weapons on Russian territory might trigger an uncontrolled escalation of the conflict. 

Nevertheless, Denmark and several other nations back lifting these restrictions, insisting that Ukraine must be able to defend itself against assaults.

https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2024/05/30...territory/

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Ukraine got green light for F-16 strikes on Russian territory.  Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen announced that Ukraine could utilize Danish-supplied F-16s to hit military targets within Russian territory, ensuring this action aligns with the rules of war. Speaking on May 30 in Brussels, Rasmussen emphasized that as long as these strikes were directed at military installations, they remained within the bounds of international law.

Currently, 11 Western countries, including France, UK, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Finland, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Canada, have agreed to permit Ukraine to target military installations within Russian territory using their arms.

✓German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has now ✓endorsed Ukraine’s weuse of Western weapons to target Russian territory, as confirmed by a source speaking to Politico.

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Currently, 11 Western countries, including France, UK, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Finland, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Canada, have agreed to permit Ukraine to target military installations within Russian territory using their arms.

✓German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has now ✓endorsed Ukraine’s weuse of Western weapons to target Russian territory, as confirmed by a source speaking to Politico.

https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2024/05/30...territory/

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Ukraine got green light for F-16 strikes on Russian territory. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen announced that Ukraine could utilize Danish-supplied F-16s to hit military targets within Russian territory, ensuring this action aligns with the rules of war. Speaking on May 30 in Brussels, Rasmussen emphasized that as long as these strikes were directed at military installations, they remained within the bounds of international law.

This decision is part of a larger Western debate about lifting restrictions on the use of Western weapons on Russian soil. Despite concerns from Washington and Berlin, Rasmussen clarified that this initiative isn’t a “blank check” for Ukraine to conduct indiscriminate attacks; it’s intended to diminish Russia’s offensive capabilities.

On the other hand, Russian Ambassador to Denmark, Vladimir Barbin, cautioned that Ukraine’s use of Danish weapons on Russian territory might trigger an uncontrolled escalation of the conflict. Nevertheless, Denmark and several other nations back lifting these restrictions, insisting that Ukraine must be able to defend itself against assaults.

Currently, eleven Western countries, including France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Finland, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Canada, have agreed to permit Ukraine to target military installations within Russian territory using their arms.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has now endorsed Ukraine’s use of Western weapons to target Russian territory, as confirmed by a source speaking to Politico.

https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2024/05/30...territory/

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Biden allows Ukraine to hit some targets in Russia with US weapons. Updated 31 May 2024

US President Joe Biden has given Ukraine permission to use American-supplied weapons to strike targets in Russia, but only near the Kharkiv region, US officials say.

One told BBC News his team had been directed to ensure Ukraine was able to use US weapons for "counter-fire purposes" to "hit back at Russian forces hitting them or preparing to hit them".

Russian forces have made gains in the Kharkiv region in recent weeks after a surprise offensive in the area, close to the border with Russia.

On Friday, Ukrainian officials said three people had been killed and 16 injured in Russian shelling of a residential building in a suburb of Kharkiv city.

US official also told BBC: "Our policy with respect to prohibiting the use of Army Tactical Missile System [ATACMS] or long-range strikes inside of Russia has not changed.”

When asked by CBS, the BBC's US partner, whether the new policy included attacking Russian aircraft, an official said: "We’ve never told them [Ukraine] they can’t shoot down a Russian airplane over Russian soil that’s coming to attack them.”

The White House and state dept had no immediate comment. UK earlier signalled that it was open to an easing of restrictions on how Ukraine could use weapons supplied by the West.

Despite concerns that such a development could further escalate the conflict, several European leaders also recently called for restrictions on the use of such weapons to be relaxed.

But Washington, which provides the bulk of Ukraine's weaponry, had resisted easing these restrictions over fears of escalation. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken hinted at the shift during a visit to Moldova on Wednesday. "At every step along the way, we've adapted and adjusted as necessary," he said.

"And so that's exactly what we'll do going forward."

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy770l9llnzo

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Moscow warns West after Ukraine told it can hit Russia with Western weapons. Russia has accused Nato & US of "provoking a new level of tension" after US & Germany became the latest allies to let Ukraine's military to use Western-supplied weapons to strike targets inside Russia.

A Berlin spokesman said Germany was convinced Ukraine had the right to defend itself from Russia, especially from cross-border attacks on its second largest city Kharkiv.

US officials said American-supplied weapons could be used to counter Russian fire near the Kharkiv region, where Russian forces were "hitting them or preparing to hit them". Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said the decision would help protect civilians living in villages close to the Russian border.

Biden allows Ukraine to hit some targets in Russia with US weapons. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Nato countries, especially US and several European countries, had "entered a new round of escalating tension and they are doing this deliberately", in remarks quoted by the Tass news agency.

"They are in every possible way provoking Ukraine to continue this senseless war." (That mean Putin want Ukraine to surender to him.).

Russian forces have made some gains in Kharkiv region in recent weeks after a surprise offensive in the area, close to the border with Russia. So U&K France had already signalled they were open to easing restrictions on Ukraine striking military sites on Russian territory, b4 US President Joe Biden said on Thursday night that American-supplied weapons could be used.

However US official told BBC: "Our policy with respect to prohibiting the use of Army Tactical Missile System [ATACMS] or long-range strikes inside of Russia has not changed.” German govt spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said on Friday that Berlin was "jointly convinced" that Ukraine had the right to defend itself from Russian attack.

"They can use weapons supplied for this purpose in accordance with international legal obligations; including those supplied by U.S.," he said.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ceqq2zn3zw6o

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75 Ukrainian prisoners brought back from Russian captivity. President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 31, 2024. (President Volodymyr.

This includes service personnel of the Armed Forces and the National Guard, border guards, and four civilians.

The former captives were exchanged for 75 Russian soldiers, RIA Novosti claimed, citing the country's Defense Ministry.

https://kyivindependent.com/75-ukrainian...captivity/

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Biden allows Ukraine to hit some targets in Russia with US weapons. Updated 31 May 2024

US President Joe Biden has given Ukraine permission to use American-supplied weapons to strike targets in Russia, but only near the Kharkiv region, US officials say.

One told BBC News his team had been directed to ensure Ukraine was able to use US weapons for "counter-fire purposes" to "hit back at Russian forces hitting them or preparing to hit them".

Russian forces have made gains in the Kharkiv region in recent weeks after a surprise offensive in the area, close to the border with Russia.

On Friday, Ukrainian officials said three people had been killed and 16 injured in Russian shelling of a residential building in a suburb of Kharkiv city.

US official also told BBC: "Our policy with respect to prohibiting the use of Army Tactical Missile System [ATACMS] or long-range strikes inside of Russia has not changed.”

When asked by CBS, the BBC's US partner, whether the new policy included attacking Russian aircraft, an official said: "We’ve never told them [Ukraine] they can’t shoot down a Russian airplane over Russian soil that’s coming to attack them.”

The White House and state dept had no immediate comment. UK earlier signalled that it was open to an easing of restrictions on how Ukraine could use weapons supplied by the West.

Despite concerns that such a development could further escalate the conflict, several European leaders also recently called for restrictions on the use of such weapons to be relaxed.

But Washington, which provides the bulk of Ukraine's weaponry, had resisted easing these restrictions over fears of escalation. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken hinted at the shift during a visit to Moldova on Wednesday. "At every step along the way, we've adapted and adjusted as necessary," he said.

"And so that's exactly what we'll do going forward."

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy770l9llnzo

Russia launches large-scale missile attack on Ukraine, damaging energy infrastructure.

NEWS FEED, UKRAINE, RUSSIA, WAR, RUSSIAN ATTACKS, MISSILE ATTACK, DRONE ATTACK
Russia launches large-scale missile attack on Ukraine, damaging energy infrastructure

A firefighter puttnig out a fire after a large-scale Russian aerial attack against Ukraine on June 1, 2024. As Russia launched large-scale drone & missile attack on Ukraine overnight on June 1, damaging energy infrastructure in various regions across country.

At least 20 people, including children, were injured in the attacks. In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, at least four people were injured in the strikes, including a 7-year-old girl, following a strike on the city of Nikopol, Governor reported attack damaged a house & 2 other buildings & a transport bus.

In Lviv, Russian forces hit energy infrastructure facilities, injuring 4 people, State Emergency Service said, attack, regional governor Maksym Kozytskyi reported Russian missiles heading toward the town of Stryi.

Six cruise missiles hit three critical infrastructure facilities in Lviv Oblast, Kozytskyi said later in the morning. In Kharkiv Oblast, a Russian missile attack aimed at the town of Balakliia in the Izium district, hitting two houses where 12 people were present at the time, said Governor.

Twelve people were injured following the attack, and one woman suffered from shock, Olena Shapoval, the spokesperson of the Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration, told the Kyiv Independent.
Victims included 8 children aged 2 - 17, all whom were hospitalized, regional officials said those injured on that day, Russia, and other countries were celebrating World Children's Day.

https://kyivindependent.com/russia-launc...-reported/

[Tee tiong huat]

Shangri-La Dialogue 2024. It’s about supporting the very end of war: Ukraine’s Zelensky seeks Asia’s backing for its peace plan.

SINGAPORE – Diplomacy does work, but it requires the will and backing of the global community, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Shangri-La Dialogue on June 2.
He said this as he sought international support for an upcoming peace summit to be held in Switzerland on June 15 and 16. 

The summit is intended to show that there is a common understanding within the majority of nations on next steps towards peace in Ukraine, and to convey this to Russia. That the civilised world has not allowed Ukraine to be seized by an aggressor shows that the international community puts stock in the rules-based order and respect for human life, said Mr Zelensky.

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/i...peace-plan