Simferopol. The Ukrainian army has apparently returned to attack the occupants of the Crimean peninsula in the Black Sea. Residents report explosions in several places. The news in summary.
According to Russian sources, at least two people were killed following Ukrainian attacks on the Crimean peninsula, in the Black Sea, which was annexed by Moscow. Overnight, the area around the city of Simferopol was attacked with rockets, Crimean Governor Sergei Aksyonov said on Telegram.
On social media, residents reported sounds of explosions, including in regions close to the cities of Alushta and Yalta, in Crimea. The popular Telegram channel “Shot” spoke of a “massive attack” that Russian air defense had to repel. Initially there was no official reaction from Kiev.
Ukraine has been defending itself against a full-scale war of Russian aggression since February 2022. The Ukrainian army has repeatedly targeted Russian military bases in Crimea, which was annexed in 2014. Kiev has also launched successful attacks against the Russian Sea Fleet Negro parked there.
After attack on Kharkiv: Zelensky calls for more anti-aircraft defense
Meanwhile, Russia once again bombed the city of Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine, killing at least seven people and injuring more than 20. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj once again insisted on more anti-aircraft systems for his country. “This is only happening because Ukraine continues to have limitations in its defense,” he said in his evening video speech, referring to Kharkiv.
Due to the critical situation in and around Kharkiv, he also traveled to the eastern Ukrainian city on the border with Russia. The president wrote on social media that he does not give in to the enemy,” he wrote.
US government announces more military aid
The US is providing more military aid to Ukraine. A new package worth 275 million dollars (about 253 million euros) includes, among other things, ammunition for the Himars multiple rocket launchers, as well as artillery ammunition with calibers 155 and 105 millimeters, the State Department said. North American.
This is the fifth installment approved by US President Joe Biden since the US Congress released new funds worth around $61 billion (€56.2 billion) for Kiev at the end of April. Aid from previous packages had already reached the front, he said. The new support will be delivered “as quickly as possible” so that the Ukrainian military can defend its country and protect the people of Ukraine, he said.
Berlin delivers another anti-aircraft system
Germany delivered another Iris-T fire unit to Ukraine. The anti-aircraft system arrived in Ukraine, as announced by the Federal Ministry of Defense on Platform X. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) explained that it was a combined unit of the IRIS-T SLM and IRIS-T SLS – “ a highly modern and proven medium and short range air defense system directly from the production of German industry.” Russia has been increasing its airstrikes against Ukraine for months, killing people and destroying important infrastructure, Pistorius said.
Germany has already delivered several air defense systems to Kiev, including the IRIS-T and Patriot types.
Putin emphasizes supposed willingness to negotiate
More than two years after the start of his war of aggression against Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has once again emphasized his supposed willingness to negotiate – but not for the return of occupied and annexed territories, in violation of international law. .
“There is talk again about the need to return to negotiations,” Putin said during a visit to his neighboring country, Belarus, according to the Interfax agency. Then he added: “Let’s get back to them. But not based on what one side wants, but (…) based on the current realities that have developed on the ground.”
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During his visit to Belarus, Putin also stated that Zelensky was no longer the legitimate president of Ukraine. He literally said: “Of course we are aware that the legitimacy of the current head of state has expired.”
© dpa-infocom, dpa:240524-99-145335/10 (dpa)