Moscow: "We are only interested in the Donbass". But raids in the Kiev area, in Lviv and Kharkiv. US wants to send planes to Ukraine
Thirty-first day of war in Ukraine, with the first signs of a Russian change of strategy.
The Russian government has announced that it intends to focus only on the "liberation" of the Donbass. We therefore focus on the great battle of Mariupol, Moscow intends to declare the special military operation successfully concluded on 9 May, the day in which Russia celebrates Victory Day, the capitulation of the Nazis in the Second World War.
And in the morning the Russian troops began to retreat, moving away from Kiev. However, new raids took place today in the outskirts of the capital, and several bombings hit Lviv, a city a few kilometers from the Polish border. Bombing also on Kharkiv where the Holocaust memorial was damaged, while an attempted landing in Odessa was rejected by the Ukrainians.
Confirmations of mass graves in Mariupol, one of the most affected cities. Another also battered by Russian raids is Chernihiv, "completely destroyed" and with "over 200 civilians killed", said the mayor of the city near the border with Belarus, isolated for days due to the destruction of a road bridge over the river Desna, crucial for links with Kiev.
Biden from Warsaw says he does not trust Moscow's change of strategy: "I'm not sure", he says, and then attacks Putin with harsh words and evokes a regime change that infuriates the Kremlin: "Insults that reduce the possibility of negotiations" .
During the night, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky returned to speak to the nation, with a new video in which he claims that Russia has so far lost over 16,000 troops in Ukraine. "Among the fallen are the commander of one of the occupation armies and the second in command of the Black Sea fleet."
According to the UN, more than 1,100 civilians have been killed since the beginning of the conflict, while Andriy Yermak, Zelensky's cabinet chief says he is "disappointed" by the result of the NATO and EU summits. “We expected more courage, stronger decisions. Instead, NATO seems more concerned not to provoke Russia and to avoid an escalation of the conflict. While we need very concrete things and we are forced to remind you of them repeatedly ”.
The decision follows the extramarital affair case that ended up in the crosshairs of the secret services. Colette Kress receives an interim position. The stock market is shaking.
The Secretary of War is targeted by the Democrats for the conflict in Iran without Congressional approval. The motion is rejected.
***
Nuclear reactor hit in Kharkiv
The nuclear research reactor of the Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology was hit by a Russian cannon, according to the Kyiv Independent. The authorities, continues the Ukrainian daily on Twitter, have not been able to verify the damage to the structure.
***
US wants to send planes to Kiev
The Ukrainian government said the US "has no objection" to the supply of military aircraft to Ukraine from Poland. This was said by a minister at the AFP.
The Pentagon has rejected this possibility in recent weeks, calling it a "high risk" Polish offer. But in a written statement to the AFP, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said today that senior officials in Washington "have no objection to the transfer of planes. As far as we can conclude, the ball is now in the Polish field. We will analyze the situation further. question with Polish colleagues ".
***
Di Maio: "Italy by no means marginal"
The possibility evoked by Ukraine that Italy is among the countries guaranteeing its security "shows that we have not been marginal at all in this phase". Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio told In Onda on La7.
Biden leaves Warsaw
US President Joe Biden's plane departed from the Warsaw military airport.
***
A Belarusian battalion joins the Ukrainians
A Belarusian battalion has joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine, according to the Kyiv Independent. The Ukrainian newspaper on Twitter publishes a video showing the soldiers of the unit, named after Kastus Kalinouski, a Belarusian writer and revolutionary of the 19th century, taking an oath in Belarusian language of allegiance to Kiev with a Belarusian flag but the insignia Ukrainians on the uniform.
Kyiv Independent comments that the Belarusian language "is endangered by the dictator Alexander Lukashenko, who favors Russian and discriminates against those who speak Belarusian, who have already become a minority".
***
New raids on Lviv
New Russian raids on Lviv, in western Ukraine, near the Polish border, after those that in the afternoon had caused at least 5 injuries. This was reported by the regional military administration on Telegram, quoted by Ukrinform, reporting "three other powerful explosions" and specifying that "the air warnings remain".
***
Moscow: "Biden does not decide who governs Russia"
"It's not something that Biden decides. It's just a choice of the citizens of the Russian Federation." This was stated - according to CNN - by the spokesman of the Kremlin, Dmitry Peskov, commenting on the words of Joe Biden, according to which Vladimir Putin cannot remain in power.
***
Biden: "Putin dictator, he cannot stay in power"
"This man cannot stay in power." This was stated by US President Joe Biden in Warsaw, Poland, referring to Vladimir Putin called a "dictator trying to rebuild an empire".
***
UN: "1,104 civilians killed"
The death toll of civilians since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February has risen to at least 1,104, including 96 children. This was reported in its bulletin by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (Ohchr), according to which the injured are 1,754, including 124 children.
***
Biden: "Putin will bring decades of war"
Vladimir Putin has "the audacity" to say that "he is right" but "there is no justification for the invasion of Ukraine". Joe Biden states this, stressing that Russia's actions threaten to bring "decades of war".
***
Biden: "Let's get ready for a long battle for freedom"
"Let's get ready for a long battle for freedom". US President Joe Biden said this in Warsaw.
***
Civilians killed in the Kiev region
At least three civilians were killed and six others injured, victims of shelling by the Russian armed forces in the Kiev region, according to the Ukrainian general prosecutor's office quoted by the Ukrinform agency, which also claims that an Orthodox church built was destroyed in wood in the nineteenth century.
The shots hit the villages of Tarasivka, Trebukhiv and Shevchenkove, in the district of Brovary, and the town of Bucha, the Ukrainian prosecutor said. The destroyed church was the wooden one dedicated to the Ascension, built in the mid 19th century in Lukianivka.
***
In one month, 59 places of worship were affected
In one month of war the Russian armed forces hit 59 various religious places of worship in Ukraine, according to a tally by the Ukrainian authority that deals with ecclesiastical affairs, quoted by Al Jazeera. The greatest damage was reported by the Orthodox Church, the majority in the country and which operates autonomously under the Moscow Patriarchate. But a Catholic church, five Protestant churches, three mosques and a synagogue also suffered damage or destruction.
***
Raid in Lviv, at least 5 injured
The toll from the two Russian raids on Lviv this afternoon is at least 5 injured. This was announced by the regional governor.
***
4,500 homes destroyed in Kiev
About 4,500 Ukrainian homes have been destroyed since the beginning of the Russian invasion, as well as a hundred businesses, nearly 400 educational facilities and 150 health institutions. This was stated in a press conference by the Minister for Territorial Development of Kiev, Oleksiy Chernyshov, quoted by Ukrinform.
"Biden's new insults to Putin further narrow the window of opportunity to mend relations between Russia and the United States". This was stated by the Kremlin, quoted by TASS, after the American president today defined the Russian one "a butcher".
"It is strange to hear accusations against Putin from Biden, who called for bombing Yugoslavia and killing people," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, quoted by TASS.
***
Chernihiv completely destroyed
Over half of the inhabitants fled Chernihiv, which is completely destroyed, and over 200 civilians have been killed since the invasion began. This was stated by the mayor of the city in the north of Ukraine, near the border with Belarus, isolated for days due to the destruction of a road bridge over the Desna river, crucial for connections with Kiev.
"It is easier to count whole houses than destroyed ones," said mayor Vladyslav Atroshenko, quoted by Ukraine Pravda, at a press conference, adding that evacuations are impossible. In the city, he added, there is no electricity and running water shortages.
***
Japanese Premier: "There is a real risk that Moscow will use nuclear weapons"
The likelihood of Russia using nuclear weapons "is becoming more real." This was stated by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during a visit to Hiroshima with the US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel, quoted by Reuters. "The horrors of nuclear weapons must never be repeated," he added. "We live in unprecedented times when Russia threatens the use of nuclear weapons, something that was once unthinkable, even unspeakable," Emanuel said for his part. Who stressed: "The history of Hiroshima teaches us that it is unreasonable for any nation to make such a threat."
***
Change of strategy? Biden: "I'm not sure"
"I'm not sure" that Russia has changed its strategy in Ukraine. This was stated by US President Joe Biden after yesterday the Moscow Defense Ministry announced that the priority objective is "control of the Donbass".
***
Holocaust memorial in Kharkiv damaged
"The Russian invaders shot and damaged the Drobitsky Yar Holocaust memorial on the outskirts of Kharkiv. The Nazis are back. Exactly 80 years later." The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense writes on Twitter.
Meanwhile, explosions have been heard near Lviv, in western Ukraine, where a column of smoke can also be seen in the distance. CNN reports it showing some images of the smoke in the distance.
***
Zelensky's head of cabinet: "Disappointed by NATO and the EU"
"We are very disappointed with the result of the NATO and EU leaders": said Andriy Yermak, head of cabinet of Ukrainian President Zelensky, speaking on video at the Atlantic Council in Washington, one of the main US think tanks. Yermak - reports the Washington Post - therefore criticized the line carried out by the United States and Europe, defining it as "acquiescence". "We expected more courage, stronger decisions. Instead, NATO seems more concerned not to provoke Russia and to avoid an escalation of the conflict. While we need very concrete things and we are forced to remind you of them repeatedly".
***
Biden: "Putin butcher"
Vladimir Putin is a "butcher". This was stated by Joe Biden during a meeting with Ukrainian refugees in Warsaw, Poland.
***
70,000 refugees arrived in Italy
There are 70,784 people who have arrived in Italy so far: 36,428 women, 6,479 men and 27,877 minors. Compared to yesterday, the increase is 1,630 entries in the national territory, the main destinations are Milan, Rome, Naples and Bologna. The Interior Ministry makes it known in a tweet.
***
The appeal: "Evacuate 44 seriously injured from Chernihiv, 3 are children"
"There are 44 seriously injured people in Chernihiv, including three children, civilians, soldiers, who may not survive if they are not taken to Kiev." This was announced during a press conference by the mayor of Chernihiv Vladislav Atroshenko, quoted by Ukrinform.
***
Biden: "In Poland, article 5 is a sacred obligation for us"
"We consider Article 5 a sacred obligation". This was stated by President Joe Biden in Warsaw, Poland, referring to the article of the NATO treaty according to which an armed attack against one or more members of the Alliance will be considered as a direct attack against all parties.
***
Biden promises Kiev "more aid and sanctions"
Joe Biden pledged "further efforts to help Ukraine defend its territory" and to make Russian President Vladimir Putin "answer for Russia's brutal aggression, including new sanctions". This was announced by the White House after the meeting of the American president with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and that of Defense Oleksii Rezniko.
***
The mayor of Kiev cancels the curfew for Sunday
Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko canceled the extended curfew starting on Saturday: "It will be possible to move around the capital and the region on Sunday afternoon," he said quoted by CNN. In a statement on Telegram, Klitschko said that the curfew - scheduled from Saturday at 8 pm until 7 am on Monday will not be introduced. "" The curfew schedule will remain normal - from 8 pm on Saturday to 7 am on Sunday. "
***
Media: "Russian landing attempt in Odessa rejected"
Russian troops tried to reach Odessa from the sea and land a sabotage and reconnaissance group which was pushed back. Ukrinform reports it citing Vladislav Nazarov, an officer of the South Operational Command. "The enemy continues to patrol the coast and the Black Sea. But the air defense systems are doing their job. The enemy's attempt to dock speedboats in the Odessa region was unsuccessful, they were pushed back," Nazarov said. .
***
Media: "Mayor of Slavutych released"
The mayor of Slavutych, kidnapped by the Russian occupiers who took control of the northern Ukrainian town, was released. Ukrainska Pravda writes it. The mayor, Yuri Fomichev, was seen by residents near the local hospital, also occupied, where some wounded are hospitalized. One of them was seriously injured in an anti-Russian demonstration when the Moscow military fired into the air and threw light grenades.
***
Russians control Slavutych: "Mayor kidnapped"
Russian forces have taken control of Slavutych, a town in northern Ukraine a few kilometers from Chernobyl. The Independent reports it. Troops kidnapped the mayor, Yuri Fomichev, and occupied the local hospital, Kyiv region governor Oleksandr Pavlyuk said.
***
Pope Francis: "This shameful war will soon end"
"We hope and pray that this shameful war for all of us, for all humanity, ends as soon as possible: it is unacceptable; every day adds more deaths and destruction". These are the words of this morning in audience with Pope Francis
***
New curfew in Kiev
A new curfew will be imposed on Kiev from 8 pm this evening to 7 am Monday morning. This was announced by the mayor of the Ukrainian capital Vitali Klitschko. "The military command has decided to tighten the curfew," wrote the mayor of Kiev on Telegram.
***
Biden will see two Ukrainian ministers in Warsaw
During his visit to Warsaw today, US President Joe Biden will also meet two Ukrainian ministers, the White House announced.
***
Emir of Qatar: "Solidarity with the victims of an unjust war"
Speaking at the opening of the Doha Forum, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, said that his country is with millions of refugees in the "unjust" war against Ukraine. Tamim added that Qatar also opposes any hostility against national sovereignties. "We stand in solidarity with the millions of innocent people and refugees who are victims of this unjust war and geopolitical calculations," he said.
***
Zelensky: "Moscow fuels nuclear arms race"
Russia is fueling the nuclear arms race: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said at the Doha Forum. By "boasting" in its nuclear weapons, Russia is fueling a dangerous arms race, Zelensky said. "They are boasting that they can destroy not only a particular country but the entire planet with nuclear weapons," commented the Ukrainian leader in a video message.
***
Great Britain: "Indiscriminate use of bombing by the Russians"
"Russia continues to besiege major Ukrainian cities, including Kharkiv, Chernihiv and Mariupol. Russian forces are proving reluctant to engage in large-scale urban infantry operations, preferring to rely on the indiscriminate use of aerial bombardment and artillery to demoralize the defending forces ". The British Ministry of Defense writes in a tweet, quoted by the Guardian, in its latest intelligence update. "Russia is likely to continue to use firepower on urban areas, trying to limit its already considerable losses, at the cost of further civilian casualties."
***
1,500 anti-aircraft missiles arrived in Ukraine from Germany
A supply of 1,500 Strela anti-aircraft missiles and 100 MG3 machine guns arrived in Ukraine from Germany. This was reported by the international media including the BBC and The Kyiv Independent. On Wednesday, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock recalled that further supplies of Strela missiles were destined for Ukraine after delivery delays.
***
Anti-aircraft sirens in many Ukrainian cities
The anti-aircraft sirens went off again this morning in several cities in Ukraine. This was reported by local media cited by the BBC. The alarm sounded in the capital Kiev and in the cities of Cherkasy and Kropyvnytsky in the center of the country, in Zaporizhia and Dnipro in the southeast, in Zhytomyr in the east and in Kharkiv and Sumy in the northeast.
***
UN: "Growing information" on mass graves in Mariupol
The UN has received a "growing" number of information confirming the existence of mass graves in the besieged Ukrainian city of Mariupol, and has obtained "satellite information" on one of these mass graves. This was stated by Matilda Bogner, head of the United Nations monitoring mission in Ukraine, as reported by CNN.
***
Kiev, Russian military group wanted to kill Zelensky
The Russian military group Wagner wanted to kill Zelensky and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. This is reported by CNN. “They wanted to assassinate the leadership of Ukraine: our president and prime minister. That was the goal and a couple of them were sent to Ukraine without any success, ”Lubkivskyi said, according to whom the plot was confirmed by the Ukrainian secret services and special forces in charge of protecting Zelensky. "All these documents and the necessary evidence will be presented to the International Court," he said.
***
Human trafficking alarm, Interpol in Moldova Interpol sent its team to Moldova in response to the high risk of human trafficking. This is what is feared following the massive wave of refugees arriving in the country from Ukraine. This was reported by the BBC citing a statement from the global police organization. Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, approximately 380,000 Ukrainians have fled to neighboring Moldova, which has a population of 2.6 million and is one of the poorest countries in Europe.
