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Ukraine army attacks Russian forces in southern Zaporizhzhia region

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According to Russian officials and military bloggers, Ukraine’s military has launched attacks on occupying Russian forces in the strategically important southern Zaporizhzhia region.

Ukrainian troops, supported by tanks, artillery, and drones, are reportedly attempting to advance south of the town of Orikhiv for the second consecutive night. The counter-offensive is believed to be focused on regaining access to the Sea of Azov, which would weaken Russia’s combat capability and eliminate a land bridge to Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014.

Ukraine has been planning this counter-offensive for months and has been training troops while seeking advanced military equipment from Western allies.

The government has not revealed many details about its plans, but Ukrainian forces are reportedly testing Russian positions along the front line to identify weaknesses.

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Ukraine war: Russia says ammonia pipeline blast may end grain deal

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Russia has accused Ukraine of sabotaging a key ammonia pipeline and blamed them for a recent blast that damaged the Togliatti-Odesa pipeline. Moscow claims that the incident may have a negative impact on efforts to renew a grain export deal between the two countries. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has denied these allegations and suggested that the explosion was likely caused by Russian shelling.

The pipeline, spanning 2,500 kilometers from Togliatti in Russia to three Black Sea ports in southern and western Ukraine, used to export 2.5 million tonnes of ammonia annually before operations were halted due to the Russian invasion in 2022. As part of the negotiations for the grain export deal last year, Ukraine and Russia agreed to ensure the safe passage of ammonia through the pipeline. The current agreement is set to expire on July 17.

The Kremlin expressed concerns about the pipeline blast, stating that it would negatively affect discussions on renewing the grain export deal. Russian officials mentioned uncertainty about the extent of the damage and the actions Ukraine would take. The Russian foreign ministry estimated that it would take one to three months to repair the damaged section, but the Industry and Trade minister stated that Moscow has no access to the affected area.

Ukraine strongly denied any involvement in the blast and instead accused Russia of conducting the attack. President Zelensky emphasized that the explosion occurred in a “grey zone” between territories controlled by Ukraine and Russia. He drew a distinction between this incident and the blast at the Khakovka dam, labeling the latter as terrorism orchestrated by Russia.

Reports have also emerged suggesting a Ukrainian counteroffensive in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia. However, Ukrainian officials, including the secretary of the national security council, denied these claims and stated that any offensive action would be publicly known. US officials have indicated that while a Ukrainian counteroffensive may be in its initial stages, the main thrust of the operation has not yet begun.

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Evacuations ongoing as floodwaters in Kherson reach their peak today

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Following the breach of a dam in the Russian-occupied town of Nova Kakhovka, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed concern over the dire situation caused by the flooding. Hundreds of thousands of people are without access to drinking water, and tens of thousands remain stranded due to the floodwaters.

Evacuations are currently underway in the surrounding areas, as Kherson braces for the peak of rising water levels today. James Waterhouse, our correspondent in Kherson, reports that numerous homes have been submerged up to their rooftops. Distressed individuals in Kherson have sought refuge on rooftops and in trees, awaiting rescue.

Fortunately, the floods in Nova Kakhovka are subsiding according to local authorities. However, there are concerns regarding the impact on the vital agriculture industry in southern Ukraine, as the declining levels of the Kakhovka reservoir could have devastating consequences for irrigation.

The environmental damage caused by pollution and flooding is also a major worry, with Ukraine labeling it as one of Europe’s worst environmental disasters in decades. Nevertheless, there is currently no immediate threat to the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant upriver, as it relies on the reservoir for reactor cooling.

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‘Brave Goose’ book helps children understand Ukraine war

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Nadia Sadoviak, a Ukrainian music teacher residing in Newbury, Berkshire, has created an illustrated book of poems aimed at helping children understand and cope with the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war. Sadoviak explained that the book provides a means for children in her homeland to navigate a situation that they can hardly comprehend.

The book features a character named “Brave Goose” portrayed in various roles such as a medic and a volunteer. Sadoviak expressed her constant concern for helping children and her continuous efforts to establish connections and foster positivity. While acknowledging the impossibility of finding positivity in the dire situation in Ukraine, she has received positive feedback regarding the book’s usefulness in aiding children in coping with their difficult circumstances.

Copies of the book have been produced in the UK, and Sadoviak intends to distribute it to as many Ukrainian children living in Berkshire as possible. She will officially launch the book at Newbury Library on June 14.

The library holds significance for this event as it has recently been granted Library of Sanctuary status for its commendable efforts in welcoming and supporting refugees and individuals seeking sanctuary, making it an appropriate venue for Sadoviak’s book launch.

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Ukraine says Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is at risk

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According to Ukraine, Russia has been accused of detonating the dam. The reasoning behind this accusation is that Russia may have feared Ukraine’s potential use of the dam to facilitate troop movements in their recent counter-offensive.

The destruction of the dam is expected to have several consequences. One significant impact is on a crucial water channel that carries water from the Dnipro River to Crimea, which is currently under Russian occupation. The channel originates from Nova Khakovka and is likely to be affected by the dam’s destruction. Additionally, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, located approximately 160km upstream on the banks of the Dnipro, is also at risk.

Andryi Yermak, the head of President Zelensky’s office, stated that Russia would bear responsibility for depriving the people of Crimea of drinking water. Yermak further emphasized that Russia’s actions pose a threat to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (ZNPP).

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Russia declares successful prevention of large-scale Ukrainian offensive in Ukraine war

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The Russian defense ministry claims to have successfully thwarted a major Ukrainian offensive in the Donetsk region. According to Russia, they have killed 250 Ukrainian troops and destroyed armored vehicles.

However, these claims have not been verified, and Ukraine’s military has accused Russia of spreading disinformation. While a Ukrainian counter-offensive has been anticipated, Ukraine has stated that it will not provide advance notice of its commencement. Reports of increased military activity suggest that the expected Ukrainian offensive might be underway.

Russia alleges that Ukraine launched a large-scale offensive using mechanized and tank battalions but failed to achieve its objectives. The authenticity of the video showing military vehicles under fire remains unverified. Ukraine has been preparing for a counter-offensive for months, seeking training and military equipment from Western allies. The start of the offensive will not be publicly announced to maintain secrecy.

However, it will take time for Ukraine to achieve its goal of regaining territory taken by Russia years ago. Ukraine’s ground forces commander has reported progress in their advance, while anti-government fighters claim to have captured Russian soldiers near the Ukrainian border. Russia has blamed Ukraine for recent attacks in its border areas, but Kyiv denies direct involvement. Drone attacks have been reported in Russia’s Belgorod region and the Kaluga region, near Moscow.

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Ukraine war: Girl, 2, killed and 22 injured in Dnipro after Russian strike

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A tragic incident occurred in Dnipro, Ukraine, where a two-year-old girl was killed and 22 people were injured in an alleged Russian air strike. The governor of the region, Serhiy Lysak, confirmed that among the injured were five children, three of whom were in serious condition. President Volodymyr Zelensky blamed Russia for the attack, although the Kremlin had not yet commented on the events.

Explosions were also reported in the capital city of Kyiv, where air defense systems were deployed. The entire country had been under air raid alerts. Fires broke out in a northern district of Dnipro following the alleged strike, and 17 of the injured were taken to the hospital. Reports of explosions were received from various parts of the country, including Kyiv, Sumy, Berdyansk, Melitopol, and Kropyvnitsky.

In Russia, officials claimed that two more people were killed in fresh attacks in the border region of Belgorod and blamed Ukraine for the incidents. However, Ukraine maintained that the deaths were a result of Russia’s attempt to target anti-government fighters. There have been recent incidents in the region, including a cross-border incursion, which Russia claimed resulted in the deaths of 70 attackers. Kyiv denied direct involvement and stated that Russian paramilitaries were responsible.

Regarding a potential counter-offensive against occupying Russian soldiers, a close aide of President Zelensky, Dr. Ihor Zhovkva, stated that Ukraine was not yet ready due to a lack of weaponry and ammunition. This statement appeared contradictory to President Zelensky’s previous comment indicating Ukraine’s readiness to initiate the maneuver. The inconsistent comments from Ukrainian officials may have been an intentional tactic to confuse Moscow.

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Three people were killed in a recent missile attack on Kyiv during the Ukraine war

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In a recent nighttime missile attack on Kyiv, three individuals, including an 11-year-old girl, lost their lives, according to regional police. The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has resulted in frequent missile and drone strikes targeting the Ukrainian capital.

The latest attack occurred in the Desnyanskyi and Dniprovskyi districts, leaving 11 others injured. The victims also included a 33-year-old woman and the girl’s 34-year-old mother. Initial reports suggested two children had died, but the information was later updated.

This marks the fourth attack this week, following a series of 17 strikes on Kyiv throughout May, mostly during nighttime. Photos shared by military authorities revealed rescue teams tending to the wounded and damaged buildings. In the occupied Luhansk region, Russian-backed officials claimed five deaths and 19 injuries from Ukrainian shelling at a poultry farm.

Additionally, the governor of the Russian region of Belgorod, bordering Ukraine, stated that two individuals were injured in an attack on Shebekino, which he attributed to Ukrainian troops.

Russia has been employing kamikaze drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles in recent weeks to target Ukraine, with Kyiv being a primary focus. Analysts believe that Moscow aims to weaken Ukraine’s air defenses ahead of an anticipated counter-offensive planned by the Ukrainian government.

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EU accused of ‘staggering neglect’ due to failure in resettling Afghans  

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According to a renowned refugee charity, many people who require permanent protection are still trapped in “prison-like” camps on Greek islands.

It has come to light that only 271 Afghans, or 0.1% of the 270,000 people classified as needing permanent protection, were placed in the EU in 2022.

The International Rescue Committee, a prominent charity, charged that EU officials had shown “staggering neglect” to Afghan migrants, many of whom were still stranded in “prison-like” conditions on Greek islands.

The International Rescue Committee argues in a damning assessment that EU member states have “consistently” broken their lawful resettlement pledges, leaving many Afghans who do cross EU borders “vulnerable” once more.

It alleges that just half of the refugees Italy agreed to accept have really arrived, despite a plan to resettle up to 1,000 Afghans per month being formed in Germany in 2021.

“This report highlights staggering neglect of Afghans by the member states of the European Union, which puts them at risk at every step of their journeys in search of protection,” International Rescue Committee director David Miliband said. While the well-intended intentions of some states to relocate Afghans to safer countries have encountered several setbacks and challenges, other nations have failed to make any commitments at all or to ensure proper protection and inclusion for the tiny part of Afghan refugees who manage to reach Europe.

According to him, the EU member states’ warm welcoming of the more than 8 million refugees from Ukraine has shown their ability to deliver.

There is just no justification for treating Afghans and other refugees forcibly displaced from their homes in a different manner, Miliband continued.

The IRC report focuses on the absence of safe refugee passageways but does not seem to take into account broader efforts made in nations like Germany to assist Afghans.

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Ukraine war: mothers on the way to rescue their children from Russia 

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Sasha Kraynyuk, 15, quickly recognised the child wearing a Russian military uniform after carefully studying the photo that Ukrainian investigators gave him.

The Z-mark of Russia’s war, coloured in the red, white, and blue of the Russian flag, is inscribed on the right sleeve of the teenager seated at a school desk.

However, the boy’s name is Artem, and he is Ukrainian.

13 kids, including Sasha and Artem, were abducted from their own school in Kupyansk, northeastern Ukraine, last September by armed Russian soldiers wearing balaclavas. “Quickly!” yelled as they were herded onto a bus, after which they vanished for weeks without being seen.

The children, all of whom have specific needs for schooling, were only ultimately permitted to contact home from a location considerably farther within Russian-occupied territory.

Their relatives had to travel arduous distances of thousands of kilometres into the nation that had declared war on them to retrieve them. So far, only eight of the kids have been brought back from Perevalsk, and Artem was one of the last to be picked up by his mother this spring.

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