Russia-Ukraine: Putin claims Russia is not blocking Ukrainian grain shipments

On the 100th day of Russia-Ukraine war, block-by-block battle raged in two key eastern Ukrainian cities, steadily reducing them to ruins. Serhiy Haidai, governor of Luhansk, said violent combat continued in Sievierodonetsk, where roughly 13,000 remaining civilians sought refuge in basements to avoid Russian airstrikes. He later stated that Ukrainian forces recaptured 20% of the city ground that Russian troops had taken.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin made a "historic and fundamental error" by invading Ukraine and was now "isolated."

"I think, and I told him, that he made a historic and fundamental error for his people, for himself and for history. I think he has isolated himself. Isolating oneself is one thing, but being able to get out of it is a difficult path," Macron stated in an interview with French regional media.

In an interview with the Russian television channel "Russia-1," President Vladimir Putin declared that Russia is not impeding Ukrainian grain shipments, calling such charges "bluff." Notably, leaders around the world have issued warnings as Russia's months-long blockade of Ukrainian ports raises the danger of a worldwide food catastrophe and hunger in some parts of the world.

Putin stated, "This is a bluff. And I will explain why. The world produces about 800 million tons of wheat per year. We are told that Ukraine is ready to export 20 million tons. It's only 2.5%,"

Prices for important agricultural items produced in the region have risen two weeks after Russia invaded Ukraine. Wheat, a pantry staple, is the most problematic. Supplies from Russia and Ukraine, which account for over 30% of world wheat commerce, are now jeopardised. Earlier this week, global wheat prices reached an all-time high.

As Ukraine observed the 100th day of Russia's conflict, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a statement renewing his appeal for an end to hostilities. According to him, the conflict has already killed thousands of people and displaced millions more, and it has "resulted in unacceptable violations of human rights and is inflaming a three-dimensional global crisis – food, energy and finance – that is pummeling the most vulnerable people, countries and economies."

He added, "I renew my call for an immediate halt to violence, for unfettered humanitarian access to all those in need, for safe evacuation of civilians trapped in areas of fighting and for urgent protection of civilians and respect for human rights in accordance with international norms."

According to Amin Awad, the United Nations Crisis Coordinator for Ukraine, 14 million Ukrainians have been forced to evacuate their homes, the bulk of whom are women and children. Awad talked about displaced Ukrainians in a statement issued on the 100th day of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, citing the "size and pace of [their] relocation unseen witnessed in history."

Ukraine has achieved "what seemed impossible" by resisting Russia's invasion, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. On June 3, he stated that Russia controlled roughly 20% of Ukrainian land. Meanwhile, a regional governor reported that Ukrainian forces have retaken 20% of the city of Severodonetsk from Russian troops, implying that about half of the city is now under Ukrainian control.

According to Ukrainian officials, Ukrainian soldiers have reclaimed roughly 20% of the terrain lost in Sievierodonetsk during Russia's incursion. According to Serhiy Haidai, the leader of Luhansk's eastern region, Russian forces had been attacking and gaining on Ukrainian lines for hours, only to be forced back by uninjured defenders.

"Whereas before the situation was difficult, the percentage (held by Russia) was somewhere around 70%, now we have already pushed them back by approximately 20%," Haidai declared on national television on June 3.

Senegalese President and African Union Chairman Macky Sall stated in a tweet after meeting Vladimir Putin in the coastal Russian city of Sochi that Putin appeared inclined to release grain exports that had been stopped for months at Ukraine's Black Sea ports.

"President #Putin expressed to us his readiness to facilitate Ukrainian what exports. Russia is ready to ensure the export of its wheat and fertilisers. I call on all partners to lift sanctions targeting wheat and fertilisers," Sall wrote on Twitter. However, he did not mention whether Putin's offer was subject to any conditions.

On the 100th day of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, UN relief agencies have released numbers demonstrating the extent of the damage. According to World Food Programme data, 1.7 billion people worldwide are experiencing greater poverty as a result of the grain blockade and rising food costs, while the number of people facing "acute hunger" is expected to rise by 47 million.

According to Amin Awad, the UN's crisis coordinator for Ukraine, at least 15.7 million people in the country require immediate humanitarian assistance and safety. Nearly 14 million people (almost one-third of Ukraine's population) have been forced to evacuate, and nearly five million children's education has been halted.

Further, UN Human Rights reports 9,197 civilian casualties - 4,183 killed and 5,014 injured - however these only include those who can be validated after a rigorous verification process. Moreover, according to the World Health Organization, there have been 269 attacks on healthcare facilities, with at least 76 people killed.

Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with the Chairman of the African Union and President of Senegal, Macky Sall, in the Sochi. Putin said that Russia has always stood by Africa and supported it in its struggle against colonialism. He also highlighted the increasing role of Africa in today's international arena.

Sall on the other hand was quick to highlight the issues confronting Africa because of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War. He pointed out that countries which are far from the main conflict zone were still experiencing its consequences. He added that Sanctions against Russia further escalated the crisis of food security in Africa.

(Image: Kremlin)

According to Ukraine’s state-owned road construction agency Ukravtodor, Russian troops have destroyed 24,000 km of roads since the inception of the war. The agency also claimed that in addition to the roads, Russians also destroyed 300 bridges in Ukraine since February 24.

Belarus' president Alexander Lukashenko in a telephonic conversation with UN chief Antonio Guterres expressed readiness to supply Ukrainian grain to the Baltic ports through the Belarusian territory. Lukashenko also guaranteed Belarusian railways' support for any related cause.

Lukashenko in return also indicated that ports of countries including Germany, Poland & other Baltic countries must remain open for the Belarusian goods as well. UN Chief Guterres in return asked for some time to bring leaders across the discussed countries on the same page.

Ukraine is “not interested” in attacking the Russian territory and would only use the foreign-supplied weapons to drive out the forces invading the country, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Newsmax in an interview. His remarks follow the United States announcing that it would send “more advanced” weapons and ammunition to Ukraine to help the country fight the Russian military army. However, US’ military assistance to Ukraine triggered criticism from Russia which said that Washington was “adding fuel to fire”.

Additionally, Zelenskyy’s adviser, Mykhailo Podolyak also echoed similar remarks and said on Twitter, “Ukraine is waging a defensive war and does not plan to use the MLRS to attack facilities in Russia. Our partners know where their weapons are used.”

According to Kyiv Independent, the Security Service of Ukraine reported that the suspects had been “publicly justifying”  Russia’s war, supporting and glorifying Russian troops on social media, and encouraging Ukrainians to cooperate with Russia.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that the Russia-Ukraine war is a 'great concern' for India's population. While attending  GLOBSEC 2022 Forum and speaking on the topic "Taking Friendship to the Next Level: Allies in the Indo-Pacific Region", EAM Jaishankar said, "Russia's war in Ukraine is a major concern for India's population for 2 reasons; everyone is interconnected, India is a very digital society & has much awareness, it is impacting people's daily lives through the rising prices of petrol, wheat, and more".

Russian state media outlets have been ordered to not discuss the fact that Friday, June 3 marks the 100 days since Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the “special” military operation in Ukraine, according to a report by Latvia-based outlet, Medusa which cited a source in Russian presidential administration among others. As Russia failed to achieve most of its goals in Ukraine since February 24, when the conflict started, Kremlin is concerned that highlighting how long Putin’s war has lasted will show the country in an unpleasant light.

The media outlet’s unnamed source was quoted as saying, “Focusing on dates related to the war can make Russians think about the goals and success of the invasion."

“When talking about a round date, questions always arise: what has been achieved by this date?" they added. 

European Union President Ursula von der Leyen in her latest tweet marking the 100th day of the Russian war expressed solidarity with Ukraine. 

"100 days ago Russia unleashed its unjustifiable war on Ukraine. The bravery of Ukrainians commands our respect and our admiration. The EU stands with Ukraine. Today in Paris, I will discuss with Emmanuel Macron the EU’s current & future support to the country," she wrote. 

Head of the Luhansk military region, Sergei Haidai on Friday shared images of the devastation in the region as the Russian war gained momentum in the eastern part of the embattled country. 

Ukraine Armed Forces in their latest war briefing updated that the defenders have "liquidated" at least 30,950 Russian soldiers since the war began on February 24. In addition, they destroyed 1,367 tanks, 3,366 armoured vessels, and 675 artillery systems. 

In their latest war update, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Friday informed that at least 90% of the regional territory of Luhansk is under Russian control. The intelligence briefing predicted that the invading troops may capture the whole region in the coming two weeks. 

The new U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink, on Thursday said that her primary mission in Kyiv is to "is to help Ukraine prevail against Russian aggression" and to ensure military aid from the US reaches Kyiv. “There is no place on the planet I would rather be,” she said. “President Biden has said that we’re going to be here, helping Ukraine, for as long as it takes. And that’s what we’ll do," she told reporters, as quoted by the Associated Press. 

According to a report by UNIAN, Minsk is rotating the Belarusian Special Armed Forces in areas bordering Ukraine. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his late-night address admitted that “there are many cities where the Russian attack is powerful.” He added that the fighting was brutal in the eastern Donbas but there has been “some progress” in the city of Sievierodonetsk, where Russian forces have been tightening their grip. Citing military intelligence information, he said it was too early to give specifics. He further informed that the Russian troops were regrouping away from Donbass. "The longer the war goes on, the more vile, shameful, and cynical things Russia is forever inscribing in its history,” he added.  

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his late-night address admitted that “there are many cities where the Russian attack is powerful.” He added that the fighting was brutal in the eastern Donbas but there has been “some progress” in the city of Sievierodonetsk, where Russian forces have been tightening their grip. Citing military intelligence information, he said it was too early to give specifics. He further informed that the Russian troops were regrouping away from Donbass. "The longer the war goes on, the more vile, shameful, and cynical things Russia is forever inscribing in its history,” he added.  

According to a Washington Post report, citing two anonymous Chinese and Russian officials, Moscow had urged Beijing to provide economic support since the beginning of the war on February 24. However, China hesitated initially fearing running afoul of western sanctions. Thus, the leaders in Beijing set limits on the help they can extend to Moscow. 

In his usual late-night briefing, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday said that at least 50 embassies have resumed operation in Kyiv. “Every new embassy that returns to our capital is a testament to our faith in our victory,” Zelensky said, adding that the news is of significance not just "practically" but "symbolically" too. 

US Undersecretary of State Uzra Zeya on Thursday expedited calls for strengthening accountability and justice for war crimes committed by Russian troops. Speaking at the United Nations, Zeya said, the US and its allies are vowing to hold Russia accountable for crimes and are ready to support a broad range of international investigations into atrocities in Ukraine.

Tightening its monetary policy for the first time since war, Ukraine increased its key rate of interest to 25% to prevent double-digit inflation. As economic experts predicted a massive shrink in the Ukrainian economy as 40% of businesses shut down amid war, the move was deemed necessary by Kyiv, The Guardian reported. As per the National Bank of Ukraine, inflation is currently at 17% in May, up from 16.4% in April. 

According to a report by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), at least 7.1 million Ukrainian people were internally displaced by the escalated Russian war. The assessment report also noted that at least 64% of the people who fled their homes lost their jobs. 

The Kremlin continued to pursue inconsistent occupational measures in southern Ukraine, indicating both widespread Ukrainian resistance and likely Kremlin indecision on how to integrate occupied territory, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said. 

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) on Thursday reported that the Russian forces have made "incremental progress" in east Ukraine, however, they are struggling to establish a "permanent societal control" in the occupied regions. 

In retaliation to Moscow's war in Ukraine, the Baltic nations on Friday announced that they will reduce dependence on Russian electricity imports. The decision also stemmed from the issues of payment. The Baltic countries are unwilling to comply with Russia's demand to pay in rubles. 

In a meeting with US President Joe Biden, the General Secretary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Jens Stoltenberg said that the Russian war has now become a "war of attrition" and the West must brace for a "long haul." However, he also expressed confidence that Moscow will cease its invasion at the negotiating table, NEXTA reported. 

Head of the Lysychansk military administration, Alexander Zaika, on Thursday described the situation in the region as "very difficult" as residents faced complete blackout and a lack of water and gas supplies. Zaika added that the Russian shelling destroyed at least 60% of the region's infrastructure. 

According to a Washington Post report, citing the director of Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, Yevhen Kramrenko, Russian troops killed 9 employees of the erstwhile powerplant and stole equipment worth $135 million. Additionally, before exiting the plant on March 31, the invading forces also kidnapped 5 workers at the plant. 

According to the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, at least 5.3 million Ukrainians have sought refuge in European Union countries to evade the brutal Russian war. The mass exodus emerged from the embattled country between May 25031, when almost 260,000 Ukrainians left the country. On the other hand, about 2.3 million have returned to the country as the war has now reached 100 days. 

After much bickering with Hungary, the European Union has given final approval to fresh sanctions on Russian energy and the country's largest bank, Sberbank, as retaliation for Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine on February 24. EU leaders agreed on Thursday, June 2, to a partial embargo on crude oil imports that will take effect by the end of 2022, despite being accustomed to an ample supply of Russian energy.

Meanwhile, Hungary and two other landlocked Central European countries received exemptions for pipeline imports on which they rely. The sanctions, according to Slovakia's sole oil refiner, Slovnaft, a unit of Hungary's MOL, will block oil product exports to its important markets of the Czech Republic, Austria, and Poland after eight months, as well as make it impossible to serve the home market.

Three more Russian state media sources were also barred from participating in the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) system as part of the sixth wave of sanctions, as was Russia's largest bank, Sberbank. The Russia-Ukraine war has strained relations between Moscow and the West to new lows, with recent EU sanctions slashing 90% of Russian oil shipments to the 27-nation bloc of 450 million people.

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On Thursday, Ukraine Armed Forces Southern Command informed that the invading Russian troops have successfully countered "systematic counterattacks" in Ukraine, leading to a growing rampage in the region. 

Ukrainian Health Ministry Thursday informed that more than 48,000 children have been born in the embattled country since February 24. 

Amid the ongoing ruthless war in Eastern Europe, the Ukrainian President appealed on Thursday that weapons assistance to Kyiv must be ramped up as the ongoing war would determine the future of freedom in the European continent. Addressing the Bratislava Forum, in the Slovakian capital, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, "We are grateful for the assistance we have already received, but weapons supplies should be stepped up. Because it is on the battlefield in Ukraine that it is being decided whether freedom in Europe is going to be preserved for everyone without exemption," Anadolu Agency reported. 

Zelenskyy also emphasised Ukraine's desire to join the European Union (EU), saying that one of the reasons for the Ukrainian people's "unification" during the war was the prospect of EU membership. "We should strengthen Ukraine's unity by providing Ukraine a candidate status to the European Union and later the full-fledged membership,” he added. The Ukrainian President also hailed the EU's sixth sanctions package on Russia and urged to implement it as soon as possible. In addition, he also encouraged the 27-member bloc to pursue a seventh package.

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Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United Nations have devised a road map to assure the functioning of a safe corridor for agricultural products exported from Ukrainian ports, Anadolu Agency reported on June 2 citing diplomatic sources. According to the report, Turkey has been in communication with Ukraine's government for some time in order to establish a framework to secure the safe transit of grain from Ukraine to global markets.

A roadmap has been established as an outcome of Turkish side negotiations with representatives from Russia, Ukraine, and the UN, which will assure the functionality of the "grain corridor" under the auspices of the international body. The report further added that envoys from Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United Nations will meet in Istanbul in the near future to discuss grain exports from Ukrainian ports.

As per Anadolu, the grain export centre to be constructed in Istanbul would govern the contact between Russia and Ukraine, which will be handled by Turkey in collaboration with the UN. With the opening of the coordination centre in Istanbul, Ukrainian ports will be able to export 20 million tonnes of grain to the international markets.

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White House has announced the latest round of sanctions targetting Russian government officials. US Treasury and State departments said that it has sanctioned the uxury assets of several prominent Russian elites – including several yachts and aircraft belonging to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s associates. 

Ukrainian firefighters work at a bombed apartment building in Kyiv, Ukraine, Tuesday, March 15, 2022. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

Anti-tank barricades block a street placed in preparation for a possible Russian offensive in Odesa, Ukraine, March 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris, File)

Residents prepare tea in a basement being used as a bomb shelter in Irpin, on the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, Sunday, March 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

Bodies are placed into a mass grave on the outskirts of Mariupol, Ukraine, Wednesday, March 9, 2022. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

Ukrainians crowd under a destroyed bridge as they try to flee by crossing the Irpin River on the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, March 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

A Russian armored personnel carrier burns amid damaged and abandoned light utility vehicles after fighting in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. (AP Photo/Marienko Andrew)

People take cover on the floor of a hospital during shelling by Russian forces in Mariupol, Ukraine, Friday, March 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

A man recovers items from a shop that caught fire from a Russian attack in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Friday, March 25, 2022. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says it’s in the European Union’s strategic interest but also “our moral duty” to make it possible for Ukraine to join the 30-nation bloc. Von der Leyen made her remarks on Thursday at an international security conference in Slovakia’s capital. She spoke after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s gave a video address at the annual gathering.

Zelenskyy has asked for more weapons for Ukraine’s armed forces to be able to prevail over the invading Russian military, called for more EU sanctions against Russia, and repeated his country’s request to become “a full-fledge member of the united Europe.” Von der Leyen says Ukraine must meet all necessary standards and conditions to be able to join but she has called on the EU to help Ukraine achieve its goal.

She said: “Supporting Ukraine on its path to the European Union, it is not a burden, it is our historic responsibility.”

Source: Associated Press

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says if Russia prevails in its war in Ukraine “then the dark times will come for everyone” in Europe. Addressing the parliament in Luxembourg via a video link on Thursday, Zelenskyy said: “If we win this war, all Europeans will be able to continue enjoying their freedom.”

“But if this one person who wants to destroy any freedom in Ukraine and Europe prevails, then dark times will come for everyone on the continent,” he added, referring to the Russian president, Vladimir Putin.

Son-in-law of former Russian President Boris Yeltsin has quit his role as the adviser to President Vladimir Putin, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow. “In terms of staff, this has been formalized," Peskov said, adding that it was decided "not to publish the document” on the Kremlin's website. Peskov did not divulge the details of why Yumashev quit his position. 

 Ireland has recognized the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine as 'genocide.' Irish Senator Mark Daly announced that the Irish Senate had adopted the resolution on June 1 that officially recognizes the atrocities committed by Russia in Ukraine as genocide. Lawmakers in Ireland are urging the leaders worldwide to strengthen sanctions against Russia and oppose its war as well as ban the imports of Russian oil, gas, and coal, which are “funding the Russian war machine." 

Slovakia is sending eight Zuzana 2 self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine as the two countries signed a contract, Slovak Defense Minister Yaroslav Nagy informed on Twitter. 

At least 800 civilians, including children, are sheltering inside the Azot chemical factory in the key eastern Ukrainian city of Sievierodonetsk, which has come under heavy shelling by the Russian troops. Serhiy Haidai, the governor of Luhansk region told American broadcaster CNN that civilians had sought shelter in the Soviet-era bomb shelters as Russia's forces make attempts to capture entire region. "There are locals there, who were asked to leave the city. But they refused. There are also children there, but not many of them," governor of Luhansk region told the outlet, adding that there's fear of accident as factory houses stocks of dangerous chemicals. 

Speaking at a security conference in Slovakia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked for more weapons and sanctions targeting Russia. Russia had fired 15 cruise missiles in the past day and used a total of 2,478 missiles invading Ukraine on Feb. 24, “most of them targeted civil infrastructure," Ukraine's leader informed in a video address. 

“As of today, the occupiers control almost 20% of our territory, almost 125,000 square kilometers (48,262 square miles),” he said.

As the United States, Britain, and Germany pledged medium-range rocket systems to Ukraine, Russia warned the West against creating “absolutely undesirable and rather unpleasant scenarios” amidst the ongoing war. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow that there will be elevated risks and consequences if Western-supplied weapons were fired into Russia. 

“This pumping of Ukraine with weapons ... will bring more suffering to Ukraine, which is merely a tool in the hands of those countries that supply it with weapons,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted by Russia's state affiliated news agencies as saying. 

UK is sending sophisticated medium-range rocket systems to Ukraine, joining the United States and Germany to help the war embattled nation to shoot down Russian aircraft and knock out artillery. Western arms have been critical to Ukraine’s success in stymieing Russia’s much larger and better-equipped military during a war now in its 99th day. But as Russian forces closed in on a key city in recent days, the Ukrainian government said its fighters needed better rocket launchers to prevail.

Source: Associated Press

Image: Associated Press

Russia is now occupying 20% of Ukraine, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said in a recorded message. In a video addressing Luxembourg’s parliament, Zelensky said that Russian forces have captured several of the Ukrainian territories, roughly 3,620 Ukrainian settlements, since Feb. 24. As many as 1,017 settlements have been liberated, and 2,603 are still occupied, he told Luxembourg’s parliament. 

Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine is constantly “under rocket fire,”  and at least seven people have been killed and 10 more others have been wounded in the last 24 hours, head of the Donetsk military administration Pavlo Kyrylenko said in an official update during a press briefing. Cities of Bakhmut and Slovyansk have been under the heavy Russian bombardment, Kyrylenko informed. Russia's amred forces have been “moving along Lyman-Izyum direction to capture Sloviansk and Kramatorsk territories,” and have been attempting to advance from Bakhmut to Lysychansk. The entire region has been under heavy enemy fire," he said.

Russian president, Vladimir Putin, and Senegalese president Macky Sall are set to meet on June 3, Friday and discuss the discuss “freeing up stocks of cereals and fertilisers," the head of the African Union, Senegalese president Macky Sall’s office said in a statement. The meeting will take place in the southwestern Russian city of Sochi, and is being arranged on the suggestion of Russia's President by Putin. Sall will also travel with the president of the African Union Commission.

Putin, Sall's meeting aims to hold discussions about “freeing up stocks of cereals and fertilisers, the blockage of which particularly affects African countries”, as well as the Ukraine conflict, Sall’s office said.

Ukraine's military has ramped up the counter offensives in the eastern city of Severodonetsk which is now majorly being controlled by the Russian troops. According to the regional Ukrainian military official, there's last strongholds in the eastern region of Luhansk where Ukraine's army is still putting up a strong resistance. Head of the Luhansk Military Administration, Serhiy Hayday, said on Teelgram that despite Russia's claims that they have captured the entire city of Severodonetsk, the Ukrainians were still fighting with 10,000 strong Russian troops. 

"They don’t control the whole city, fighting is going on,” Hayday said.

Russian soldier walks in territory under the government of the Donetsk People's Republic, eastern Ukraine. Credit: Associated Press

At least 7 people have dies and 26 others have been critically injured in the past 24 hours, Ukrainian officials said. “We are being shelled from all sides,” Vitalii Kim, head of Mykolaiv regional military administration reportedly said. At least six areas were targeted by mortars and artillery heavily and Russians used Mi-24 helicopters to launch air assaults in South Buh. 

Ukrainian military track burns at an air defence base in the aftermath of an apparent Russian strike. Credit: Associated Press

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said that at least 243 children have been killed so far in the war and 200,000 children have been relocated to Russia "forcefully." These include children from the orphanages, as well as those taken alongwith their parents. Many were also separated from the family, the Ukrainian leader said in a recorded message on the  International Children’s Day. 

"243 children have been killed, 446 have been wounded and 139 are missing," claimed the Ukrainian leader. 200,000 children have been forcefully taken to Russia, he stressed.  “Ukraine cannot be conquered, that our people will not surrender and our children will not become the property of the occupiers," said Zelenskyy. 

Dutch government has announced the major hike in the defense spending since the  Cold War era  military spending since the end of the Cold War, due to the "threats in the world and the war in Ukraine." Netherlands' Defence minister Kajsa Ollongren emphasized that the peace and security "cannot be taken for granted" as he boost the defense funds by five billion euros (£4.27bn) per year. The country will purchase the military hardware such as six new F-35 fighter jets and a doubling of its MQ-9 Reaper drones from four to eight, according to the reports. 

The Russian military on Thursday warned that mercenaries of foreign nations fighting in Ukraine are criminally liable, according to a report by Sputnik.

Lithuania's Minister of National Defence reports on a new agreement with Turkey to supply Ukraine with a Bayraktar drone. 

Saudi Arabia has said that it is ready to ramp up oil production if Russia decides to limit its own production due to sanctions imposed by the Western nations, according to a report by Financial Times. This came after the kingdom previously repeatedly rejected demands from the West to increase its production of oil. 

The head of the African Union, Senegalese President Macky Sall, will speak with President Vladimir Putin in the southwestern Russian city of Sochi on Friday, June 3, according to his office. Sall will travel to Russia with the president of the African Union Commission. The aim of the meeting is "freeing up stocks of cereals and fertilisers, the blockage of which particularly affects African countries".

Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov has publicly thanked US President Joe Biden for sending HIMARS rocket systems. In a Twitter post, Reznikov said, "I was pleased to see in the 11th package of military aid to Ukraine the six letters for which the whole country has been waiting: HIMARS".

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and US believed that the conflict would end only at the negotiating table but added the war-ravaged country must have the strength to defend themselves at peace talks. The "speculation statement" came when US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg were holding a joint press conference in Washington DC on Wednesday. According to the joint statement, the present situation on the battleground will decide the future of the next generations.

Responding to how NATO has been working to stop the ongoing brutal war, the NATO chief affirmed that the "wars are unpredictable" and added there are no ways to solve them unless countries sit together at the negotiating table. "I will just say that wars are unpredictable. We were able to predict the invasion, but how this war will evolve is very hard to predict. What we do know is that almost all wars end at some stage at the negotiating table. And this has also been clearly stated by President Zelenskyy that at some stage this will end at the negotiating table," he said.

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As clashes continue to escalate in Ukraine's Severodonetsk, UK said in its latest intelligence update that Russian forces are making "steady gains" in the city. British Defence Ministry said, "Russia has taken control of most of Sieverodonetsk. The main road into the Sieverodonetsk pocket likely remains under Ukrainian control but Russia continues to make steady local gains, enabled by a heavy concentration of artillery."

Ukraine's ambassador to Germany, Melnyk Andrij spoke about a turning point for Ukraine. He reacted to the news of the delivery of a modern air defence system, by saying: "Finally we can say from the bottom of our hearts to Chancellor Olaf Scholz, 'Thank you!'".

Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska has said that conceding territory to Russia will not end the conflict. In an interview with ABC News previewed on Thursday, she said, "Ukrainians can’t take normally all those statements that we are sometimes hearing from leaders of countries — in some cases the leaders of big and influential countries. You can’t just concede parts of your territory, it’s like conceding a freedom". 

“Even if we would concede our territories the aggressor would not stop at that, he would continue pressing, he would continue … launching more and more attacks against our territory,” Zelenska added. 
 

United States National Security Adviser Paul Nakasone has said Washington has “conducted a series of operations across the full spectrum; offensive, defensive, [and] information operations” in response to Russia’s war, stated Sky News.

The US think tank, Institute for the Study of War has said that Russian forces try to advance on Lysychansk to avoid crossing the Siversky Donets River. According to the institute, Russian forces have also made “incremental advances” north of Sloviansk and Avdiivka, Donetsk Oblast, with “limited success".

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, on Wednesday, stated that the North Atlantic Alliance does not foresee any Russian retaliation to the United States' decision to supply advanced weapons to Ukraine, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. According to the NATO chief, the US and NATO have been providing help to Ukraine as per enshrined in the UN treaty. He said the Biden administration has been supporting the war-torn country according to the UN treaty that promotes the right to self-defence.

 "No, I don't foresee that because what NATO allies and NATO is doing is to provide support to Ukraine to uphold the right for self-defence, and this is a right which is enshrined in the UN treaty," Stoltenberg told CNN.

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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday said that Washington is looking at "many more months" of Russia Ukraine conflict. During a press briefing, the top US diplomat said, "With regard to timelines...We can’t predict how this is going to play out, when this is going to play out.  As best we can assess right now, we are still looking at many months of conflict."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed the country's football team's 3-1 victory over Scotland as "Joy to our military, to our whole country". In an online post, he called the game "Two hours of happiness we are addicted to". Volodymyr also said, "We are all at war, each on our front, for exactly this. For our blue-yellow flag, for our coat of arms on the heart, for "not yet dead Ukraine...which shall not be silenced."

The Ukrainian national football team defeated the Scottish team in Glasgow with a score of 3:1 in the match for the right to get to the World Cup. On June 5, the Ukrainians will play against the #Welsh team for the last ticket to the World Cup in Qatar.

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church on Wednesday said two monks and a nun have been killed in the shelling of a historic monastery in eastern Ukraine. Additionally, the church said that three monks who were injured were also wounded by Monday's shelling, which heavily damaged the Sviatohirsk monastery in the Donetsk region. It didn't give further details, stated a report by The Federal citing agency reports.

UK has decided to send M270 launchers to Ukraine, said British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace on Wednesday, stated CNN. Additionally, Britain will also train Ukrainian troops to use the rocket systems. According to UK Foreign Ministry, M270 launchers can hit targets up to 80 kilometers away, giving “a significant boost in capability for the Ukrainian forces". The decision is “closely coordinated” with the United States provision of HIMARS to Ukraine, said UK.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated on June 1 that the food crisis by the Russia-Ukraine war could see some easing, adding that any breakthrough was not imminent and could still be some time off. It is to mention that the war has effectively bottlenecked grain and fertilizer's supplies from Ukraine. While Mosow is a major global source of fertilizer, both Russia and Ukraine account for a third of global wheat supplies.

The UN Chief called for "quick and decisive action to ensure a steady flow of food and energy," including "lifting export restrictions, allocating surpluses and reserves to vulnerable populations and addressing food price increases to calm market volatility."

"I think there is progress, but we are not there yet. These are complex things and the fact that everything is interlinked, makes the negotiation particularly complex," he said during a news conference in Stockholm with Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson.

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Ireland Senate has passed a resolution declaring Russia’smilitary aggression in Ukraine an act of genocide, Chair of the Irish Senate Mark Daly has said in a tweet.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also dismissed Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov’s comment that providing HIMARS is “pouring fuel on the fire,” saying “the best way to avoid escalation is for Russia to stop the aggression and war that it started.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that his country's army is losing up to 100 soldiers every day. In an interview with the US Newsmax television channel that 500 service members are getting injured each day too. He said, "The situation is very difficult; we’re losing 60-100 soldiers per day as killed in action and something around 500 people as wounded in action. So we are holding our defensive perimeters."

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Twitter, "As directed by POTUS, I am authorizing $700 million in additional U.S. arms, equipment, and supplies for Ukraine to reinforce its defenses against Russia’s senseless war of choice. We stand #UnitedwithUkraine."

Serhiy Hayday, the commander of the regional military administration in Luhansk stated that street combat continues in the eastern city of Severodonetsk, although Russian forces currently control almost 80% of the city. According to Hayday, the remaining sections of the Luhansk region under Ukrainian control are being shelled, although local volunteers have delivered humanitarian supplies to many communities and evacuated civilians.

Hayday said, "On some streets, our defenders are successful. Six Russian soldiers have been captured."

Further, according to the Ukrainian official, the neighbouring city of Lysychansk is under Ukrainian hands. "This is a militarily advantageous position. The location of the city on a hill gives many opportunities. The city's defense is strong."

On June 2, US President Joe Biden will meet NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg at the White House to discuss the next steps in the Ukraine conflict. Biden will attend a meeting with Stoltenberg and national security advisor Jake Sullivan, according to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, to discuss NATO's next meeting in Spain.

According to Ukrainian officials, Russian cruise missiles have struck a railway in western Ukraine. The strikes occurred near the Beskyd tunnel in the Carpathian mountains, not far from the Slovakian border. This is the second time Russian cruise missiles have attacked the route. According to Maksym Kozytskyi, the chief of the Lviv region military administration, two individuals were injured. 

CEO of state-owned Ukrainian Railways, Oleksandr Kamyshin, stated, "We are checking out the level of infrastructure damage. There are no victims among the railway workers. Three passenger trains are delayed. They are in safe places, and passengers are safe."