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☆ Putin replaces longtime defense minister in surprise move; Russia claims gains as fighting rages in northeast Ukraine
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-13 | by ( Holly Ellyatt | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Sputnik/Gavriil Grigorov/Kremlin via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. Russian President Vladimir Putin has moved his longtime ally Sergei Shoigu from the defense ministry to Russia's powerful Security Council amid a government reshuffle. Russian economist Andrei Belousov will be Russia's new defense minister, while Shoigu will replace Nikolai Patrushev, another long-standing Putin ally, as the secretary of the powerful Security Council. Shoigu had headed the defense ministry since 2012, going in to the role with no military experience, and oversaw Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In other news, Russia's Defense Ministry on Sunday claimed more advances in the Kharkiv area of Ukraine after Russian forces launched a new offensive in the northeastern region.

Persons: Vladimir Putin, Sergei Shoigu, Staff Valery Gerasimov, Staff Sergei Rudskoi, Andrei Belousov, Shoigu, Nikolai Patrushev, Putin, Yevgeny Prigozhin, Prigozhin, Belousov Organizations: Staff, Armed Forces, Sputnik, Security Council, Wagner Group, Kremlin, Russia's Defense Ministry, Sunday Locations: Ukraine, Rostov, Don, Russia, Kremlin, Russian, Kharkiv

☆ Putin’s New War Weapon: An Economist Managing the Military
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-13 | by ( Anton Troianovski | Anatoly Kurmanaev | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

To President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, appointing a new defense minister provides a new building block toward fighting a long war. That was evident in Moscow on Monday when Andrei R. Belousov, the economist who was Mr. Putin’s surprise pick to lead Russia’s sprawling defense ministry, made his first public appearance in his new role and spoke about bureaucracy rather than the battlefield. It reflects an acknowledgment that the military production that is supplying Russia’s war, and heating its economy, must be carefully managed to sustain a war of attrition with Ukraine. At the same time, Russia is playing the long game on the battlefield. In northeastern Ukraine, Russian forces mounting a new offensive are pushing forward slowly rather than attempting major breakthroughs to big cities, as they did at the beginning of the war — with disastrous results.

Persons: Vladimir V, Putin, Andrei R, Putin’s Locations: Russia, Moscow, Ukraine, Russian

☆ A Ukrainian recon commander in Kharkiv said its first line of defense was missing, in a 'betrayal' that allowed Russian troops to just walk in
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-13 | by ( Matthew Loh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

"There was no first line of defense," Denys Yaroslavskyi told the BBC, which reported from Vovchansk on Sunday. Jonathan Beale, a defense correspondent at the outlet, wrote that Yaroslavskyi showed him drone footage of Russian troops walking past Ukraine's northeastern border without resistance. Lying on Kharkiv's northeastern border, Vovchansk is one of Ukraine's closest cities to the Russian region of Belgorod. Related storiesDays earlier, Ukrainian military observers reported that between 30,000 to 35,000 Russian troops had gathered for the push. The Kremlin has since 2022 been accusing Ukraine of shelling Belgorod, though this also comes amid repeated reports of Russian troops misfiring or dropping bombs by mistake on civilians there.

Persons: —, Denys Yaroslavskyi, Jonathan Beale, Yaroslavskyi, Oleksandr Syrskyi, Syrskyi, Vladimir Putin, Vovchansk Organizations: Service, BBC, Business, Reconnaissance Unit, Armed Forces, Ukraine's General Staff, Russian Federation, Kyiv, Russian, NATO Locations: Ukrainian, Kharkiv, Russia, Vovchansk, Ukraine's, Russian, Belgorod, Moscow, Ukraine, The Washington, Kyiv

☆ Facing an Endless Barrage, Ukraine’s Air Defenses Are Withering
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-13 | by ( Josh Holder | Constant Méheut | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +13 min

Facing an Endless Barrage, Ukraine’s Air Defenses Are WitheringThis is what a year of Russian missile strikes on Ukraine looks like. Ukrainian air defenses used to intercept most missiles, but in recent months, more and more have made it through. Ukraine has made increasingly desperate pleas for more air defenses from its Western allies. But it could be months before enough weapons arrive to significantly bolster Ukrainian air defenses. Ukrainian air defenses downed the first seven — but had no choice but to let the next four pass, he said.

Persons: Jan, Volodymyr Zelensky, “, ”, Tom Karako, Maj, Ilya Yevlash, Konrad Muzyka, Odesa, Yevlash, Justin Bronk, Mr, Bronk, Barber Organizations: Russian, New York Times, Ukrainian Air Force, Patriot, United, Kremlin, PBS, Missile Defense, Center for Strategic, International Studies, Ukrainian Air, Patriots, Rochan Consulting, Kyiv Kharkiv Dnipro Odesa, Kyiv Kharkiv Dnipro Odesa Kyiv, Kyiv Kharkiv Dnipro Kyiv, Royal United Services Institute Locations: Russian, Ukraine, Russia, United States, Kyiv, Ukrainian, Washington, Poland, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, Odesa, Dnipropetrovsk, Texas, London

☆ Russia is exploiting Ukraine's lack of manpower to thin out the front line and seek a breakthrough, military expert says
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-13 | by ( Thibault Spirlet | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Read previewRussian forces are taking advantage of Ukraine's manpower shortage to thin out the front line and improve their chances of making breakthroughs, a war analyst said. According to the Times, in recent days Russian troops have poured across Ukraine's northeastern border and have taken at least nine villages and settlements. Ukraine's parliament also passed a bill earlier this month that would allow the country's military to recruit prisoners to fight . Whether these will be enough to replenish Ukrainian forces and prevent Russian breakthroughs remains unclear. AdvertisementFor now, Russian forces appear to be trying to encircle the city of Vovchansk in northern Kharkiv from the west and the east, according to an assessment published on Sunday by the ISW.

Persons: —, Franz, Stefan Gady, Michael Kofman, Kofman, Mark Herlting Organizations: Service, Center for New American Security, New York Times, Business, Times, Carnegie Endowment, International, Pentagon, Artillery, CNN, Associated Press Locations: Ukraine, Donbas, Ukrainian, Kharkiv, Russia, Ukraine's, Vovchansk

☆ Russia is surging across the frontlines, and Ukraine seems unable to stop it
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-13 | by ( Nick Paton Walsh | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

First, and most acutely troubling, is the northern border near Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second city. Russian forces have crossed the border in multiple locations and claim to have seized nine villages. The town of Lyptsi is at risk, say some military bloggers, and from there Russian forces could hit Kharkiv with artillery. Netailove and Krasnohorivka slightly further south show Russian forces making further gains to the west of Avdiivka, and threatening another key hub – Pokrovsk. An evacuee arrives by bus at an evacuation point in Ukraine's Kharkiv region, on May 12.

Persons: ” “, ”, Vladimir Putin, Volodymyr Zelensky, Chasiv Yar, evacuee, Roman Pilpey, Putin, Sergei Shoigu, Andrey Belousov Organizations: CNN, Getty, Biden, National Security Council, Washington Locations: Ukrainian, Russian, Ukraine, Russia, Moscow, Kharkiv, Ukraine’s, Vovchansk, Lyptsi, Kyiv, Chasiv, Kramatorsk, Avdiivka, Donetsk, Verbove, Ukraine's Kharkiv, AFP, –, Europe

☆ Blinken Arrives in Ukraine Amid Russian Military Gains
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-13 | by ( Michael Crowley | More About Michael Crowley | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Mr. Biden and Mr. Blinken had warned for months that Congress’s delay in approving critically needed U.S. arms would leave Ukraine’s military vulnerable along an eastern battlefront that has been stalemated for months. The U.S. official declined to draw a direct connection between the delayed aid and Russia’s gains near the city of Kharkiv. Mr. Blinken plans to meet with Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, and other top officials. Mr. Blinken is the first senior Biden official to visit Ukraine since the passage of the congressional aid package. The White House national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, met with Mr. Zelensky in Kyiv in late March, before the aid passed.

Persons: Biden, Blinken, Volodymyr Zelensky, Blinken’s, Jake Sullivan, Zelensky, Sullivan Organizations: U.S, Biden, White House, The Financial Locations: Kharkiv, Ukraine, Russia, Kyiv, “

☆ Russia's increasingly turning to fast ATVs and motorbikes to find Ukrainian targets, but they're very vulnerable
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-13 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewRussian forces are increasingly relying on light and fast vehicles like ATVs and motorbikes to move troops to the front lines, conduct reconnaissance of Ukrainian positions, and execute assaults. Ukraine's forces were operating quad bikes as early as April 2022, just weeks after Russia launched its full-scale invasion, to ambush Russian forces. AdvertisementWhile Russia's lighter vehicles are more vulnerable to Ukrainian attacks than its heavy armor, Moscow has still lost scores of tanks and armored vehicles on the battlefield, including to Kyiv's exploding FPV drones. AdvertisementRussia hasn't completely turned its back on its armored vehicles, though. Last week, for instance, Moscow launched a new assault in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region and tried using armored vehicles to break through defensive lines.

Persons: —, Chasiv Yar, ROMAN PILIPEY, Rob Lee, WX4nTcfqEO, — Rob Lee, Diego Herrera Carcedo, Pavlo Fedosenko, Ukraine's, Russia hasn't, Volodymyr Zelenskyy Organizations: Service, Business, Russia, Getty, Foreign Policy Research Institute, 177th Naval Infantry Regiment Locations: Russia, Russian, Chasiv, Donetsk, AFP, Ukrainian, Moscow, Kreminna, Donetsk Oblast, Anadolu, Ukraine's, Kharkiv

☆ Russia keeps accidentally dropping bombs on its own people as it struggles to hit intended targets, UK intel says
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-11 | by ( Nathan Rennolds | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

In early May, reports circulated that Russia had accidentally bombed its own territory in Belgorod. UK intelligence said such instances highlight Russia's struggles to employ munitions on intended targets. AdvertisementThere have been numerous reports over the last year of incidents of Russian aircraft accidentally dropping bombs and missiles on Russian civilian areas around border regions with Ukraine. Belgorod, a region of Russia close to the besieged northeastern Ukrainian territory of Kharkiv, has borne the brunt of the apparent errors. It noted that increasing reports of such incidents likely pointed to fatigued troops and poor training.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, Russian, Telegram, Astra, Russian FAB, Russian Defense Ministry, Getty, British Ministry of Defence, MoD Locations: Russia, Belgorod, It's, Ukraine, Kharkiv, Russian, Anadolu

☆ US F-16s could play a vital role in isolating Crimea and humiliating Putin, says defense analyst
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-11 | by ( Cameron Manley | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

US F-16s will have a big impact in helping Ukraine reclaim Crimea, an analyst told BI. AdvertisementThe delivery of US-made F-16s could play a crucial role in Ukraine's attempts to take back occupied Crimea, a defense expert told Business Insider. In the latest blow on Monday, Ukraine used an exploding naval drone to destroy a Russian military speedboat in Crimea. Explosion causes fire at the Kerch bridge in the Kerch Strait, Crimea on October 08, 2022. There are signs that these attacks are forcing Russia to rethink its use of the peninsula and the Kerch bridge.

Persons: —, Ukraine's, Frederik Mertens, Mertens, Putin, Vera Katkova, Molfar Organizations: Service, Hague, Strategic Studies, Kharkiv, US, The New York Times, Army Tactical Missile Systems, Sea, Russian Defense Ministry Press Service, AP, Fleet, Anadolu Agency, Getty Locations: Ukraine, Crimea, Denmark, Norway, Belgium, France, Romania, Kerch, Ukraine's, Russian, Russia, The, Sevastopol

☆ Ukraine war: With a surprise cross-border attack, Russia ruthlessly exposes Ukraine’s weaknesses
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-11 | by ( Analysis Tim Lister | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

The town of Vovchansk in the northern Kharkiv region, liberated from Russian occupation more than 18 months ago, awoke Friday to intense shelling and aerial bombardment. As of Saturday, it appeared the Russians still held a handful of Ukrainian border villages, with intense aerial bombardment continuing in the Vovchansk area. Barros says that it is instead to compel Ukrainian forces to pivot from Donetsk to Kharkiv region. Gunners fire at Russian positions in the Kharkiv region on April 21. In Krasnohorivka, for example, Ukrainian units were able for months to use apartment buildings and a brick factory as defensive positions.

Persons: Volodymyr Zelensky, Vadym Skibitsky, George Barros, Sever, “, ” Barros, Anatolii Stepanov, Barros, exacerbates, Vyacheslav Madiyevskyy, Zelensky, Chasiv, Chasiv Yar, Skibitsky, Stanislav, ”, that’s Organizations: CNN, Ukraine, Russian, Ukrainian Defense Intelligence, Institute for, ” Gunners, Getty, Manpower, Reuters, Gunners, Kharkiv, United States, Zelensky Locations: Vovchansk, Kharkiv, Russia, Donetsk, Ukraine, North, Washington, “ Russia, Ukrainian, AFP, Sumy, Donetsk oblast, Belgorod, Russian, Chasiv Yar, Chasiv, ”, Kreminna, Kharkiv oblast

☆ Russia takes five villages in Ukraine's Kharkiv region, defense ministry says
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-11 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Ukrainian volunteers assit residents of settlements in the north of the Kharkiv region during their evacuation on May 10, 2024, amid the Russian invassion in Ukraine. Russia said on Saturday that its forces had taken five border villages in Ukraine's Kharkiv region, where Russia launched an offensive on Friday, exploiting its increasing advantage on the battlefields of eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian officials said on Friday that Russia had launched a new cross-border offensive against the Kharkiv region, which is centered around Kharkiv City, Ukraine's second-largest. On Saturday, Russia kept up its attacks in the Kharkiv region and was trying to advance further, Kharkiv Governor Oleh Syniehubov said. Russian forces first attacked Kharkiv region in Feb. 2022, but were routed from most of the province by a lightning Ukrainian counter-offensive in September of that year.

Persons: Oleh Syniehubov, Vladimir Putin Organizations: Defence Ministry Locations: Kharkiv, Ukraine, Russia, Ukraine's Kharkiv, Pletenivka, Russian, Keramik, Donetsk, Moscow, Ukrainian, Avdiivka, Kharkiv City, Ukraine's, Russia's, Belgorod

☆ ‘They Are Erasing Streets’: Russian Attacks Bring War Nearer Kharkiv
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-11 | by ( Jeffrey Gettleman | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

After all-night air raid alarms, a weary Kharkiv woke up Saturday morning to a heavy gray sky and the disconcerting news that the Russian Army continued to press its advance on nearby Ukrainian territory. All night, dull explosions from battlefields 40 miles away echoed across Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city. Thousands of people are fleeing the border areas and arriving at shelters in Kharkiv. Until Friday, she had spent her entire 55 years in Vovchansk, a small town near the Russian border. She was born there, married there, worked in a factory there and raised two children there.

Organizations: Russian Army Locations: Kharkiv, Ukraine’s, Ukraine, Tetiana, Vovchansk, Russian

☆ US announces $400 million military aid package for Ukraine
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-10 | by ( Haley Britzky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —The US announced on Friday a new $400 million military aid package to Ukraine. The announcement marks the second Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) package since President Joe Biden signed a long-delayed national security supplemental securing $60 billion in funding for Ukraine. Last month, just moments after Biden signed the legislation, the US announced a $1 billion PDA package to Ukraine. The $6 billion package — the largest the US has announced — is under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). Ukraine met them there with our troops, brigades and artillery.”“But our military and military command were aware of this and anticipated their forces to meet the enemy with fire,” he said.

Persons: Biden, Antony Blinken, Joe Biden, Lloyd Austin, Austin, Volodymyr Zelensky, Russia “, ”, “, Jennifer Hansler Organizations: CNN, Patriot, High Mobility Artillery, Bradley Fighting Vehicles, Ukraine, US, Defense, Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, USAI, Pentagon, Russian, Russia Locations: Ukraine, United States, Russia, Ukrainian, Kharkiv

Ukraine rushed reinforcements to its northern border on Friday after Russian forces attempted to break through Ukrainian lines along several sections, applying new pressure on forces already stretched thin along a 600-mile front. The Russian assaults began at around 5 a.m. Friday with massive shelling and aerial bombardments of Ukrainian positions followed by armored columns trying to punch through at several points along the border, according to a statement from Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense. “As of now, these attacks have been repelled, and battles of varying intensity are ongoing,” the ministry said. “To strengthen the defense in this sector of the front, reserve units have been deployed.”The breadth and intent of the Russian border incursions remained unclear. Military analysts have said Russia may be trying to force Ukraine to expend valuable resources in defending the region just as Russian assaults in eastern Ukraine are intensifying.

Persons: “ Organizations: Russian, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, Military Locations: Ukraine, Russian, Russia

☆ 'Fierce' Russian attacks test Ukraine's defenses near its 2nd largest city
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-10 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Russia has launched a major attack in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region. Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces have responded to the attack, but "a fierce battle is underway." There are fears it could be part of a renewed drive for the city of Kharkiv that Russia failed to seize in the war's early months. AdvertisementRescuers work at a house in Kharkiv on May 10, 2024 after a Russian missile attack. The analysts said Moscow lacks enough troops in the area, and did not try to attack the city from multiple directions.

Persons: Zelenskyy, —, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Dara Massicot, Andrii, Andrii Kovalenko, Kovalenko Organizations: Service, Images, Slovakian, Carnegie Endowment, International, AP, Institute for, National Security and Defense Locations: Russia, Ukraine's, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Ukraine, Ukrainian, Vovchansk, Moscow, Russian

CNN —Russian forces have made two cross border assaults inside northern Ukraine, according to information from Ukrainian sources and officials – in what President Volodymyr Zelensky is calling a ‘new wave of counteroffensive actions” by Russia. In the first development, Russian soldiers penetrated at least one kilometre towards the town of Vovchansk, a Ukrainian military source told CNN. The source said the Russian ground assault towards Krasne was carried out by four Russian battalions - about 2000 men. “But our military and military command were aware of this and anticipated their forces to meet the enemy with fire. Syniehubov insisted the latest Russian ground assaults did not put the city, which lies just 30 kms south from the Russian border, under heightened risk.

Persons: Volodymyr Zelensky, “, DeepStateMap, ”, ” Zelensky, Oleh Syniehubov, Syniehubov Organizations: CNN, Russian, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry, CNN Russian, Staff, “, National Locations: Ukraine, Russia, Vovchansk, Ukrainian, Krasne, Russian, Moscow, “ Russia, Kharkiv

☆ US hopes to maintain some forces in Niger as talks on withdrawal continue, officials say
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-10 | by ( Haley Britzky | Katie Bo Lillis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Officials said a US delegation will travel to Niger over the weekend to discuss how it will be carried out. “Niger is pretty profound in the decision of the government there … to have us depart or at least go to very low numbers,” Maier said. Since the coup in July, airspace has been closed over Niger to foreign militaries who have all had to submit individual requests for airspace to conduct military flights, one US official told CNN. A US military official explained that the withdrawal will come in phases over a period of months. The footprint will continue to shrink in phases as equipment and personnel not deemed necessary are moved out of country.

Persons: “ We’ll, ” Chris Maier, ” Maier, Michael Langley, ”, — Organizations: CNN, Pentagon, US Africa Command, Russian Federation Locations: Niger, West African, “ Niger, Africa, Russia, United States, Chad, Russian, China, Israel

☆ Russia’s Victory Day parade masks simmering tensions inside Putin’s government and beyond
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Nathan Hodge | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —Russian President Vladimir Putin presided over a pared-back Victory Day parade Thursday, showcasing his country’s unity and resolve to continue the war on Ukraine. But since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the massive military parade has been somewhat downsized. “The fate of the motherland, its future depends on each of us … We celebrate Victory Day in the context of the special military operation. All of Russia is with you!”But this year’s Victory Day is also happening against the background of a bribery scandal roiling Russia’s Ministry of Defense. Under Putin, Victory Day has assumed greater importance in national life.

Persons: Vladimir Putin, Putin, Putin —, “, ”, Timur Ivanov, Mikhail Klimentyev, Alexander Nemenov, Ivanov, Sergei Shoigu, Shoigu’s protégé, —, Alexey Navalny, Stanislav Krasilnikov, Maria Pevchikh, that’s Organizations: CNN, Nazi, “, Ministry of Defense, Defence, Sputnik, Getty, Financial, Corruption Foundation, AP, ACF, Prestige, — Locations: Ukraine, Russia, Nazi Germany, Russian, It’s, AFP, Mariupol, Putin’s Russia, Sochi, Moscow

☆ Russia sees window of opportunity to expand attacks as Ukraine awaits further US aid, officials say
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Jim Sciutto | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Ukrainian authorities say Russia fired more than 50 missiles and 20 drones, targeting energy infrastructure around the country. But months of inaction has resulted in real costs for Ukrainian forces on the battlefield in both territory and casualties, these officials say. Russian forces are expected to attempt to make further progress and consolidate earlier gains, before this window of opportunity closes. Western and Ukrainian officials view the near-term threat of stepped-up attacks as tied to Russian plans for a larger offensive early this summer. US and Ukrainian officials remain concerned about a further partial mobilization by Russia to send more manpower to the frontlines, as Ukraine is struggling with its own manpower shortage.

Persons: ”, Oleksiy Goncharenko, Mike Johnson, ” Goncharenko, Chasiv Organizations: CNN, ” CNN Locations: Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, Avdiivka, Pokrovsk, Chasiv Yar, Bakhmut

☆ Russia pounds Ukraine with biggest airstrikes in weeks
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( Olga Voitovych | Martin Goillandeau | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Russia carried out a “massive” missile attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure overnight into Wednesday, according to local authorities, in the biggest aerial onslaught by Russian forces for weeks. Russia used 76 air attack weapons in the assault, including 55 missiles and 21 drones launched from Russia and Russian controlled areas, according to Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk. Rescuers assess the ruins of a building, damaged by a Russian missile attack in Kyiv region, Ukraine on May 8, 2024. Handout/Ukrainian Emergency Service/APMoscow has stepped up efforts to paralyze Ukraine’s energy system in the past month, as Kyiv’s troops struggle to hold positions on key frontlines particularly in the east. The latest Russian attack hit three thermal power plants run by Ukraine’s biggest power company, DTEK.

Persons: Mykola Oleshchuk, Herman Halushchenko, ” Halushchenko, Maksym Kozytskyi, Volodymyr Zelensky, ” Organizations: CNN, Ukrainian Air Force, country’s Energy, Emergency, AP, Ukraine’s, Nazism Locations: Russia, Russian, Ukraine’s Poltava, Kirovohrad, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv, Ivano, Frankivsk, Vinnytsia, Kyiv, Kyiv region, Ukraine, Handout, AP Moscow, Avdiivka, Ukraine’s, Chervonohrad, Stryi

☆ Prisoners in Ukraine to be granted parole for military service
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( Radina Gigova | Olga Voitovych | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Some Ukrainian prisoners will be able to apply for early parole and join the army under a new law aimed at boosting Kyiv’s manpower in its fight against the Russian invasion. The new law requires that convicts join the military of their own free will. Those who leave the military before their contract is up face additional prison terms of between five and 10 years. Shuliak said those released on parole to serve would have the status of “military personnel,” and therefore be subject to the same restrictions governing their behaviour. Contracts can be terminated in some circumstances, such as ill health or if the former prisoner commits a new crime.

Persons: Volodymyr Zelensky, Kostiantyn, ”, Olena Shuliak, Shuliak Organizations: CNN, Russian, Verkhovna Rada, Organization of State Power, Self, Government, Regional, Urban, National Guard Locations: Russian, Ukraine, Russia

☆ A Russian helicopter fought an unusual Ukrainian drone armed with heat-seeking missiles, war watchers say
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-07 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Ukraine used exploding drone boats to attack Russian naval assets on Monday. AdvertisementUkraine appears to be arming its naval drones with heat-seeking missiles to defend against air attacks, an unusual innovation for Kyiv's growing arsenal of explosive unmanned systems. Equipping the Ukrainian drones with this kind of air-combat munition could help them defend against aerial attacks, war watchers suspect. In the Black Sea, Russian forces spotted a Ukrainian USV armed with a twin rail launcher for R-73 all-aspect IR homing air-to-air missiles. Monday's naval drone attack marked the latest strike on a Russian naval asset.

Persons: —, 🐈🇺 Organizations: Service, br Locations: Ukraine, Russian, Crimean, Moscow, Ukrainian, Crimea, Kherson

☆ In Europe, Xi looks to counter claims it’s aiding Russia in Ukraine
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-07 | by ( Simone Mccarthy | Xiaofei Xu | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

“China is neither the creator of the crisis, nor a party to it or a participant. The trip will also see Xi visit Serbia and Hungary, with the leader’s visit to Belgrade coinciding with the 25th anniversary of NATO’s bombing of the Chinese embassy in the city that killed three. Beijing has defended its trade with Russia as part of normal bilateral ties; it also says it does not provide weapons to parties in conflict. It has not been accused of sending lethal weapons to Russia, but rather goods with military use. Beijing supports efforts recognized by both Russia and Ukraine, with “equal and just discussions of all possible peace plans at the conference,” he said.

Persons: Xi Jinping, ” Xi, Emmanuel Macron, Ursula von der, “, ramped, Macron, Xi “, he’s, ”, ” Macron, presser, Xi, Vladimir Putin, von der Leyen, Putin Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, French, European, NATO, Biden, Kyiv Locations: Hong Kong, Ukraine, China, Europe, Moscow, “ China, Paris, Washington, Beijing, Russian, Serbia, Hungary, Belgrade, Serbian, Balkans, Russia, France, “, Israel, Switzerland

☆ Putin orders tactical nuclear weapons drills in response to Western ‘threats’
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-06 | by ( Anna Chernova | Christian Edwards | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —President Vladimir Putin has ordered Russian forces to rehearse deploying tactical nuclear weapons, as part of military drills to respond to what he called “threats” by the West. Since invading Ukraine in 2022, Putin has repeatedly made veiled threats to use tactical nuclear weapons against the West, but Monday marked the first time Russia has publicly announced drills. “During the exercises, a set of measures will be carried out to practice the issues of preparation and use of non-strategic nuclear weapons,” Russia’s defense ministry said. Non-strategic, or “tactical,” nuclear weapons can be used in battlefield situations, carrying less power than strategic nuclear weapons, which have the potential to level entire cities. Putin said Russia would not be the first to test nuclear weapons, but would do so in the event of a US test.

Persons: Vladimir Putin, Putin, Dmitry Peskov, Emmanuel Macron, I’m, ” Macron, Ludovic Marin, David Cameron, ” Cameron, Macron, “, Joe Biden, ” Organizations: CNN, Russia, Economist, Getty, United, Ukraine, Kyiv, State Department, US, military’s, Staff, Southern Military District Locations: Russian, Ukraine, Russia, Western, Europe, AFP, United Kingdom, United States, Moscow, Hiroshima, Nagasaki

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