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(Bloomberg) -- Ukrainian forces have withdrawn from a strategic position south of the Dnipro River that they held for months, upending military aims to press ahead with a counteroffensive toward the Crimean peninsula.Kyiv's troops retreated from the village of Krynky on the left bank of the Dipro in the southern Kherson region, the DeepState map service, which is maintained in cooperation with Ukraine's Defense Ministry, said in statement on Telegram Thursday. Military engagements continued on nearby islands, it said.©2024 Bloomberg L.P.By Aliaksandr Kudrytski and Kateryna ChursinaReported by Author; Author [Extracted from the article]

Belarus has expanded its visa-free regime for visitors from 35 European countries, allowing them to enter the country via land border crossings for short-term stays of up to 30 days. This move comes as Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko attempts to improve relations with western neighbors amid growing tensions. The country is facing pressure from EU and NATO neighbors, who accuse Belarus of causing a migration crisis, and is also at odds with Ukraine after allowing Russia to use its territory for part of the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. [Extracted from the article]

Oil deliveries by Lukoil PJSC to Hungary have been halted due to tougher sanctions imposed by Ukraine. The sanctions effectively prevent Lukoil from using Ukraine as a transit country for its product. Hungary and Russia are working on a solution to resume oil deliveries. Hungary has been strengthening its energy ties with Russia, despite the conflict in Ukraine, and has signed deals to increase natural gas deliveries. [Extracted from the article]

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that he is not afraid of a potential second Donald Trump presidency, despite the impact of the US election on Kyiv's efforts in the ongoing war. Zelenskiy expressed his willingness to work with Trump if he were to become president again, emphasizing that the outcome of the November contest is up to American voters. He also highlighted the importance of bipartisan support in Washington for maintaining strong US-Ukraine relations. Zelenskiy mentioned that Ukraine is considering a cabinet reshuffle and discussed the military situation in the country, including the recent retreat from a strategic position in the eastern Donetsk region. He also expressed openness to having a Russian representative participate in a future summit. [Extracted from the article]

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is considering a cabinet overhaul due to the challenges faced by the war-torn nation, including issues with the energy system and slow deliveries to the front line. While Zelenskiy did not provide specific details, there is speculation that Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal may be replaced. Zelenskiy acknowledged the difficulty of regaining the initiative on the battlefield and stated that the US election turbulence had weakened Ukraine's position. He also expressed openness to having a Russian representative participate in a future summit. [Extracted from the article]

Ukrainian forces have retreated from a section of the town of Chasiv Yar in the Donetsk region, signaling a setback in their efforts to hold off Russia's advance. The retreat was ordered after positions were destroyed and deemed too dangerous to defend. Chasiv Yar is strategically located on a hill, providing higher ground for artillery attacks. Russian forces are also advancing near Toretsk, seeking to gain control over a main road used by Ukrainian troops for supplies. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has expressed frustration with the slow delivery of Western equipment to the battlefield. [Extracted from the article]

A Russian glide bomb struck a postal sorting hub in Kharkiv, Ukraine, killing at least one civilian and injuring ten others. The bomb targeted a terminal of Nova Poshta, Ukraine's major private parcel delivery service. The attack highlights the danger posed by glide bombs, which have flight control surfaces that increase their range. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called for allies to provide weapons capable of hitting Russian aviation targets. Additionally, a Ukrainian drone attack was reported against a Russian industrial facility, but no significant damage was reported. [Extracted from the article]

Russia has targeted energy facilities in Ukraine overnight, causing blackouts and damage to infrastructure. This is part of ongoing attacks by President Vladimir Putin's forces to disrupt Ukraine's power system. The Ukrainian Energy Ministry reported that the central Dnipropetrovsk and Vinnytsia regions, as well as the area surrounding Kyiv and part of the eastern Donetsk region, were attacked, but did not specify the exact infrastructure that was hit. The assault has led to power rationing, and the country's largest non-state power producer, DTEK, reported serious damage to a thermal power plant. Both Russia and Ukraine have claimed downing each other's drones, with the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) allegedly organizing the overnight drone attack against Russian facilities. [Extracted from the article]

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, has stated that Ukraine may invite Russia to the next meeting with international partners to discuss a formula for future peace talks. The Kremlin has previously shown no interest in engaging with Ukraine's plan. The recent summit in Switzerland, which aimed to build broader global support, fell short of its goal. Ukraine's blueprint for peace involves bringing Russia to the negotiating table, but winning over countries from the Global South, such as China, India, and Brazil, has proven difficult. The second summit aims to end the war and settle the crises it has created. [Extracted from the article]

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, has stated that Ukraine may invite Russia to the next meeting with international partners to discuss a formula for future peace talks. The Kremlin has previously shown no interest in engaging with Ukraine's plan. The recent summit in Switzerland, attended by over 100 nations and organizations, fell short of its goal to build broader global support. Yermak believes that the second summit will be more representative and hopes to reach decisions to end the war and resolve the accompanying crises. [Extracted from the article]

Russia has launched a missile and drone attack on Ukraine, the second such assault this month. Ukrainian air defenses successfully downed five out of six missiles and all 24 explosive-laden drones. Despite Russia's claims of capturing villages in the east, Ukrainian military commander Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that Russian forces have not made significant progress along the front line. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy emphasized the need for more air defense and secured commitments for military hardware from allies. The attack resulted in injuries and damage to residential buildings in Ukraine. [Extracted from the article]

Ukraine successfully intercepted five out of six missiles and all 24 explosive-laden drones launched by Russia. The attack caused damage to residential buildings and injured several people. In response, Ukraine's President visited Germany, where they received support in the form of strike drones and guided missiles. Meanwhile, Russia conducted drills with tactical nuclear weapons and showcased their Iskander-M missile launchers. The situation remains tense between the two countries. [Extracted from the article]

Russia has launched a major missile and drone attack on Ukraine's critical infrastructure, with two-thirds of the missiles being shot down by air defense. The attack consisted of 53 missiles and 47 explosive-laden drones, targeting various energy facilities across Ukraine. While most of the drones were destroyed, 18 missiles were able to evade air defense. The attack caused damage to hydroelectric power plants and thermal electric power plants, as well as injuring 19 people. This is the sixth attack on power facilities in the past two and a half months. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has called for additional air defense systems and the acceleration of F-16 fighter jet deliveries. [Extracted from the article]

Russia has launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine's critical infrastructure, with the air defense system successfully intercepting two-thirds of the missiles. The attack involved 53 missiles and 47 explosive-laden drones, targeting various energy facilities across Ukraine. While most of the drones were destroyed, 18 missiles managed to evade Ukraine's air defense. This is the sixth major attack on Ukraine's power facilities in the past two and a half months. The attack caused significant damage to equipment at two thermal electric power plants, and a fire broke out at a critical infrastructure site. Russia has been escalating its attacks on Ukraine's power network, and there is growing support from Western allies to allow strikes on targets inside Russia. [Extracted from the article]

Russia has launched a major missile and drone attack on Ukraine's critical infrastructure, with two-thirds of the missiles being shot down by air defense. The attack consisted of 53 missiles and 47 explosive-laden drones, with 18 missiles successfully evading Ukraine's air defense. The targets included energy facilities in various regions of Ukraine, causing critical damage to equipment. This is the sixth attack on power facilities in the past two and a half months. The Russian defense ministry claims that the attacks were in response to Ukraine's efforts to damage Russian energy and transportation facilities. At least 19 people were injured in the attacks. [Extracted from the article]

Russia has launched a major missile and drone attack on Ukraine's critical infrastructure, with two-thirds of the missiles being shot down by air defense. The attack consisted of 53 missiles and 47 explosive-laden drones, targeting various energy facilities across Ukraine. While most of the drones were destroyed, 18 missiles were able to evade air defense. The attack caused damage to hydroelectric power plants and thermal electric power plants, as well as injuring 19 people. This is the sixth attack on power facilities in the past two and a half months. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has called for additional air defense systems and the acceleration of F-16 fighter jet deliveries. [Extracted from the article]

Russia has launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine's critical infrastructure, with the air defense system successfully intercepting two-thirds of the missiles. The attack involved 53 missiles and 47 explosive-laden drones, targeting various energy facilities across Ukraine. While most of the drones were destroyed, 18 missiles managed to evade Ukraine's air defense. This is the sixth major attack on Ukraine's power facilities in the past two and a half months. The attack caused significant damage to equipment at two thermal electric power plants, and a fire broke out at a critical infrastructure site. Russia has been escalating its attacks on Ukraine's power network, and there is growing support from Western allies to allow strikes on targets inside Russia. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- Russia and Ukraine conducted the first exchange of prisoners in almost four months, swapping 75 people from each side.The United Arab Emirates acted as mediator in the process, the Russian Defense Ministry said Friday on Telegram. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said four civilians were among those returned to his country.The last swap, also with UAE mediation, was conducted on Feb. 8, about two weeks after Russia said a military plane had been shot down near Belgorod while transporting prisoners for an exchange with Ukraine.©2024 Bloomberg L.P.By Aliaksandr KudrytskiReported by Author [Extracted from the article]

Russia launched a missile and drone attack on military targets in Ukraine, with Ukraine successfully downing seven out of 11 cruise missiles and destroying all 32 explosive-laden drones. There was speculation that the attack was aimed at a major military air base, but no official reports of damage have been made. This is the third large-scale missile assault against Ukraine this month. Sweden has announced a $1.3 billion military aid package for Ukraine, including surveillance aircraft to enhance the capabilities of fighter jets. The US is considering adjusting its policy on strikes by the Ukrainian military inside Russia. [Extracted from the article]

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has requested that allies begin delivering regular shipments of artillery ammunition from the Czech-led initiative in June to help defend against Russia's attacks. Shmyhal discussed this initiative, which aims to deliver 1.5 million shells within a year, during a meeting with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala. The initiative has already raised over 1.6 billion euros ($1.7 billion). Shmyhal is currently in Prague for talks with leaders from Poland, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Denmark, the Netherlands, and a representative from the US administration. [Extracted from the article]

Ukraine is preparing for a potential visit from French military instructors as they seek assistance from NATO allies in training their troops to combat the Russian invasion. The Ukrainian army chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, announced that he has signed documents allowing the first French instructors to visit training centers in Ukraine. France has not yet publicly confirmed the timing of this visit. Other NATO members, such as Lithuania and the Czech Republic, have also expressed their willingness to provide training support to Ukraine. The New York Times recently reported that NATO countries are moving closer to sending instructors to Ukraine. [Extracted from the article]

Spain has pledged €1 billion ($1.1 billion) in military aid to Ukraine during President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's visit to Madrid. The aid includes weapons and munitions, including missiles for air-defense batteries. Ukraine needs the aid to protect itself from Russian jets dropping thousands of glide bombs each month. Spain's military aid package will be the largest provided by Madrid to another country and will also include battle tanks and other weapons. President Zelenskiy has called on allies to pressure Russia to seek peace. Spain aims to deliver the first batch of aid by the end of June. [Extracted from the article]

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will be signing a security agreement and discussing military support for Ukraine's war effort during his visit to Spain. He will be meeting with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to discuss weapons supplies and training for Ukrainian soldiers. Spain is set to provide military aid to Ukraine worth over €1.1 billion, including Patriot missiles, Leopard battle tanks, and other weapons. The aim is to deliver the first batch of weapons by the end of June. [Extracted from the article]

According to the Ukrainian military, Russia's offensive north of Kharkiv has been halted, and Ukraine plans to retake territory in the northeast. Russia's attempt to create a buffer zone within Ukraine has failed, and they are now accumulating troops along the border in the neighboring Sumy region. The recent offensive near Kharkiv has resulted in street fighting near the border, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has discussed the military situation in the region during a meeting in Kharkiv. [Extracted from the article]

The Ukrainian army is planning counterattacks to push back Russian forces that have seized territory in the northeast Kharkiv region. Despite the incursion opening a new front and stretching Kyiv's resources, Russia failed to achieve its objective of creating a buffer zone within Ukraine. The Russian military is now accumulating troops along the border in the neighboring Sumy region, but defenses have been boosted to prevent further incursions. The fighting in the eastern region of Donetsk has intensified as Russian forces aim to capture the strategically positioned settlement of Chasiv Yar. [Extracted from the article]

According to the Ukrainian military, Russia's offensive north of Kharkiv has been halted, and Ukraine plans to retake territory in the northeast. Russia's attempt to create a buffer zone within Ukraine has failed, and they are now accumulating troops along the border in the neighboring Sumy region. The recent offensive near Kharkiv has resulted in street fighting near the border, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has discussed the military situation in the region during a meeting in Kharkiv. [Extracted from the article]

Ukraine's top military officer has stated that the Russian incursion in the northeast has been largely halted, despite a missile attack on the city of Kharkiv that resulted in the deaths of at least seven people. The Russian advance has come to a standstill in the town of Vovchansk and Lyptsi, according to Oleksandr Syrskyi. Ukrainian troops have made progress in resisting the offensive, although Russian forces have intensified their attacks in eastern Ukraine. The city of Kharkiv has been heavily bombarded by Russian forces, causing significant damage and casualties. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has called on the US to allow Ukraine to target Russian territory with Western weapons to prevent further offensives. [Extracted from the article]

Russian forces launched a series of missile strikes on the city of Kharkiv and the nearby town of Lyubotyn, resulting in the deaths of at least six civilians and injuring 16 others. The attack also caused damage to local infrastructure and a printing facility, leading to a large fire. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that Russian forces are exploiting Ukraine's limited air defense capabilities and the proximity of missile launchers to the border. This attack marks a new front in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. [Extracted from the article]

Ukraine's anti-graft authority has accused a former deputy head of Volodymyr Zelenskiy's office of illicit enrichment. The official, Andriy Smyrnov, allegedly acquired assets worth more than 10 times his income and savings and hid them under his brother's name. Smyrnov, who worked for Zelenskiy's Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, was dismissed in March without a reason being given. This comes as pressure mounts on President Zelenskiy to demonstrate progress in the fight against corruption. [Extracted from the article]

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock to discuss the possibility of Germany providing additional air-defense systems to Ukraine. They specifically talked about Germany's initiative to find additional air defenses, including the US-made Patriot system. This meeting marks the seventh visit by the German foreign-policy chief to Ukraine since Russia's invasion over two years ago. Zelenskiy has been seeking more assistance from international partners to address Ukraine's vulnerability to aerial strikes and missile barrages. [Extracted from the article]

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has met with key commanders in Kharkiv as his military works to prevent Russian troops from occupying new territory in the region. Russian forces have been crossing the border and taking control of villages, causing Ukraine to reinforce the area around Kharkiv. Zelenskiy stated that the situation in the Kharkiv region is generally under control, but the direction remains difficult and they are strengthening their units. Russian units are preventing locals from evacuating and have reportedly executed a civilian in the town of Vovchansk. The Ukrainian General Staff has stated that decisive actions by Kyiv's units have forced Russian troops to reduce their activity in the area. [Extracted from the article]

Ukraine's military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, has stated that his forces have managed to stabilize the situation following Russia's incursion into the country's northeast. While the military situation was described as being "on the edge" in the region surrounding Kharkiv, Budanov reassured the public that the situation is not catastrophic. Russian forces have been slowed after days of advances, and Ukrainian forces are preparing a counteroffensive to repulse the advance north of Kharkiv. The primary focus of combat remains in eastern Ukraine, where Moscow's forces are close to retaking strategically important areas in the Donetsk region. [Extracted from the article]

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has stated that Russia has launched a new offensive near the city of Kharkiv. The assault has been repelled so far, but Zelenskiy warns that Russia may bring in more reserves to support the offensive. This attack comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a plan to create a buffer zone along the border to protect Russian regions. Ukrainian and Western officials believe that the bombardment of Kharkiv is an attempt to force the evacuation of civilians. [Extracted from the article]

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has stated that Russia has launched a new offensive near the city of Kharkiv. The assault has been repelled so far, but Zelenskiy warns that Russia may send more reserves to support the offensive. This attack comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a plan to create a buffer zone to protect Russian border regions from Ukrainian attacks. The Russian Defense Ministry has not commented on the offensive, and while there have been casualties, the assault does not pose an immediate threat to Kharkiv. [Extracted from the article]

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has stated that Russia has launched a new offensive near the city of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city. The assault has been repelled so far, but Zelenskiy warns that Russia may send more reserves to support the offensive. This comes after weeks of increased bombardment of Kharkiv, which officials believe is an attempt to force the evacuation of civilians. Ukrainian forces successfully repelled an attack near the town of Vovchansk, and while the assault does not pose an immediate threat to Kharkiv, local authorities have begun evacuating residents from the area. [Extracted from the article]

Ukrainian lawmakers have voted to remove the country's powerful infrastructure minister, Oleksandr Kubrakov, as President Volodymyr Zelenskiy seeks to regain control over key areas of government. The move to dismiss Kubrakov was initiated by members of Zelenskiy's party, and while the president has not publicly criticized him, there has been a cooling in their relationship. Kubrakov's removal comes as Russia continues to launch missile and drone strikes on Ukraine's power system, raising concerns about the effectiveness of efforts to protect vital infrastructure. Additionally, Agriculture Minister Mykola Solskyi was also dismissed due to a graft probe. [Extracted from the article]

Ukraine's parliament has voted to dismiss two cabinet ministers, the infrastructure minister and the agriculture minister, as President Volodymyr Zelenskiy restructures his government to address the challenges faced by the economy due to the ongoing war. The infrastructure minister, Oleksandr Kubrakov, was removed due to shortcomings in regional policy, while the agriculture minister, Mykola Solskyi, was targeted in a corruption investigation related to a state-owned land grab. Both ministers were dismissed with a majority vote from lawmakers. Kubrakov, a young technocrat, had been promoted to deputy prime minister with expanded responsibilities in military logistics and reconstruction. [Extracted from the article]

Ukraine's parliament has voted to dismiss Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov. Kubrakov, who is part of a group of young technocrats appointed by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, was promoted to deputy prime minister in response to Russia's invasion in 2022. His responsibilities included military logistics and the reconstruction of housing and infrastructure destroyed during the conflict. The motion to dismiss Kubrakov was approved by 272 lawmakers. [Extracted from the article]

Ukrainian authorities have announced that they have thwarted a plot to assassinate President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and other high-ranking officials. Two colonels from Ukraine's Department of State Security have been detained on suspicion of high treason and one of them is also accused of organizing an act of terrorism. The officers were involved in a plan to assassinate Zelenskiy, the head of Ukraine's Security Service, and Ukraine's military intelligence chief. This is not the first time that Zelenskiy and his officials have been targeted, with previous plots having been foiled. [Extracted from the article]

The article raises concerns of the European Union (EU) allies of the U.S. about a fallout from a Russian victory in its war against Ukraine as aid to the latter stalls due to political disputes. It considers the potential impact of a failure on members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the public skepticism about the cost of supporting Ukraine. It suggest a possible exodus of refugees into the EU and the likelihood of some countries to strengthen ties with Russia or China.

Two Ukrainian servicemen who were on leave in Germany were fatally stabbed, and a 57-year-old Russian citizen has been arrested on murder charges. The incident occurred in Bavaria, and the police are investigating the motive behind the attack. The victims, aged 36 and 23, were found wounded at a shopping mall in Murnau, and one died at the scene while the other died at a hospital. Germany has been a significant supporter of Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, providing military aid and treating wounded Ukrainians. [Extracted from the article]

Fighting has intensified along the front line in eastern Ukraine, with Russia taking advantage of its superior forces and capabilities, according to Ukraine's army commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Russia has been attacking across the entire front line, achieving tactical successes in some areas while Ukraine has made local gains in others. The situation is described as dynamic, with positions changing hands frequently. The assessment aligns with recent warnings from US and UK officials about Russia's aggression and Ukraine's need for military support. [Extracted from the article]

Russian forces are advancing in eastern Ukraine, targeting railways and pressing against defensive lines in the Donetsk region, according to US and UK officials. The Ukrainian forces, awaiting US weaponry, have seen Russia make grinding progress along the front. However, the US has confirmed a $6 billion commitment to provide Ukraine with weapons, and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed confidence in Ukraine's ability to repel Russia's advances with additional support. Russia has also escalated missile and drone attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure and targeted military objects and logistics. [Extracted from the article]

Russian forces are advancing in eastern Ukraine, with some areas seeing an acceleration of their advance, according to US and UK officials. The Russian troops are moving against defensive lines west of the Russian-occupied city of Bakhmut and are also advancing west of Avdiivka. US officials have stated that ammunition and long-range missiles capable of attacking deep behind Russian lines are on their way to Ukraine, potentially shifting the momentum of the war. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy believes that the fresh assistance will be enough to halt the Russian advance and turn the tide. [Extracted from the article]

Russian forces are advancing in eastern Ukraine, with some areas seeing an acceleration of their advance, while Ukrainian forces await US weaponry, according to US and UK officials. Russian troops are moving against defensive lines west of the Russian-occupied city of Bakhmut and are accelerating their advance west of Avdiivka. US officials have stated that ammunition and long-range missiles capable of attacking deep behind Russian lines are on their way to Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy believes that this fresh assistance will be enough to halt the Russian advance and turn the tide. However, in the meantime, Russian ground forces have built on their advance since seizing Avdiivka two months ago. Russia has also escalated missile and drone attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure and increased the bombardment of Kharkiv. Ukrainian authorities have had to evacuate two civilian hospitals due to an unexpected foray by the spy agency of Belarus's leader, Alexander Lukashenko. Ukraine's Security Service has called this statement part of a disinformation campaign aimed at aiding Russian military goals. [Extracted from the article]

Ukraine claims to have shot down a Russian strategic bomber for the first time since Russia's invasion, after the plane launched a missile strike that killed at least seven people. The downed plane, a Tu-22M3, was a Soviet-era design and was destroyed some 300 kilometers inside Russia. This incident highlights a new vulnerability for Russia's military, as the supersonic Tu-22 can launch strikes from deep within Russia, making it difficult for Ukraine's air defenses to reach. In response to the ongoing conflict, the US aid for Ukraine is moving forward in Congress after months of delay. [Extracted from the article]