DIRECT. War in Ukraine: China to send special envoy to kyiv and Moscow

The Ukrainian armed forces began actions before the counter-offensive, according to a senior American military official quoted by CNN. This “shaping” is a standard tactic developed before major joint operations. It consists of attacking targets such as arms depots, command centers, armored vehicles and artillery systems to prepare the battlefield for the advance of the force. Such operations may also be carried out to confuse the enemy.

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine confirmed that the Ukrainian Armed Forces advanced 2 kilometers in the Bakhmut direction and did not lose a single position. Conversely, in the morning Moscow denied the Ukrainian advances and considers that the situation is “under control”.

The extension of the agreement on the export of Ukrainian grain is close to being concluded, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said. According to people close to the case, this extension to be at least two months. Previously, the Russians had said they wanted to end this agreement from May 18.

In a letter, the head of the Wagner forces, Evgueni Prigojine invited the Russian Minister of Defense Sergueï Choïgou to come to Bakhmout to take stock of the situation. In recent days, Wagner’s chief had accused the Russian army of incompetence and demanded arms.

Japan will provide $1 billion in aid for Ukrainian refugees. According to CNN, Japanese Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki announced on May 11 that his country would provide the sum to help countries neighboring Ukraine that have taken in refugees.

In total, aerial alarms over kyiv since the start of the war lasted 851 hours and 38 minutes.

According to the Ansa press agency, President Zelensky could go to Italy tomorrow. He is expected to meet Pope Francis and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

For now, the Vatican has not officially confirmed the visit. President Zelensky is also due to travel to Germany at the invitation of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Moscow denied reports that Ukraine broke through at various locations including the front lines in Bakhmout. For Moscow, the situation is “under control”.

In April 2023, inflation in Ukraine slowed to 17.9% from 21.3% in March. The country has benefited from a substantial food supply but also larger fuel reserves than expected, according to the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU).

Russia has just fined Google, according to the Wall Street Journal, for failing to remove content discrediting the armed forces. According to the court, Google “refused to remove material that it describes as promoting same-sex relations and discrediting the country’s armed forces”.

US Abrams tanks needed to train Ukrainian forces have arrived in Germany and are on their way to Grafenwoehr Army Base where training will begin in the coming weeks, according to the Associated Press. For 10 weeks, around 250 Ukrainian soldiers will be trained in the maintenance and use of the tanks. These tanks are expected to arrive in Ukraine in early fall.

Political or similar statements are “prohibited” during the competition, also explained the organizer of Eurovision.

The competition is being held this year in Liverpool (north of England), the United Kingdom having offered to host Eurovision in place of Ukraine, winner last year, and which as such would have had to organize the event but who had to give it up because of the Russian invasion.

The final, which will be held on Saturday and will see 26 countries compete, provides a strong tribute to Ukraine, with the presence of eleven Ukrainian artists on stage, including Kalush Orchestra, last year’s winner, said the EBU.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will not be able to speak via video message on Saturday during the Eurovision Song Contest final, the singing competition organizer said Thursday. “Mr. Zelensky’s request to address the Eurovision Song Contest audience, although made with laudable intentions, regrettably cannot be granted as it would break the rules of the event,” the European said. Broadcasting Union (EBU) which organizes the contest.

The US ambassador in Pretoria on Thursday accused South Africa of providing military support to Russia. According to him, the United States is convinced that “weapons and ammunition were loaded” on board a Russian freighter, moored near Cape Town in early December, “before it left for Russia”. Questioned in Parliament , President Cyril Ramaphosa said matters regarding that ship, the Lady R, were “under review” and added that “when the time comes, we will be able to have a talk”. His spokesman Vincent Magwenya said that “no evidence has been provided to date to support the allegations of weapons sent by South Africa to Russia”, assuring that the case would be subject to investigation. ‘investigation. In the evening, the presidency issued a statement reiterating this lack of evidence and regretting that “the remarks of the ambassador undermine the spirit of cooperation and partnership between the two countries”.

Welcome to this new direct dedicated to the war in Ukraine.