Russia Claims Attack on Ukraine’s Southern Command Headquarters in Odesa
Russian Defense Ministry Claims Strike on Ukrainian Army
Russia’s defense ministry announced on Wednesday that it had targeted and struck the command headquarters of the Ukrainian army’s southern grouping in Odesa. The ministry stated that it conducted the strike using operational-tactical aviation, missile forces, and artillery. The attack was reportedly carried out by the forces of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. The Ukrainian Southern Command confirmed that the attack had taken place but provided no further details on the damage caused. The account from the Russian defense ministry is yet to be independently verified. (source)
Russia Displays Western Military Hardware Seized in Ukraine
Crowds of visitors in Moscow are flocking to see a new exhibition showing Western military hardware that has been captured by Russian forces in Ukraine. The exhibition, which opened on Wednesday, presents various examples of seized military equipment from 12 countries including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Sweden, and Germany. The display demonstrates the capabilities of captured armored fighting vehicles, tanks, and personnel carriers. Visitors can also see firearms, documents, maps, gear, and drones. The exhibition is open to the public for a month. (source)
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Under Bribery Investigation
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov is under investigation for accepting a large bribe while in office, according to the UK’s Ministry of Defense. The investigation is expected to impact other high-ranking officials within the Russian government. First Deputy Defense Minister Ruslan Tsalikov, who is described as a patron of Ivanov, has also been questioned by Russian authorities in relation to the case. The investigation is ongoing, and the UK’s defense ministry highlighted corruption as an ongoing issue within the Russian defense sector. (source)
Protests Turn Violent in Georgia
Police in Tbilisi, Georgia, employed tear gas, stun grenades, and water cannons to disperse protesters as demonstrations against the “foreign agent” bill turned violent. The bill, which requires NGOs, campaign groups, and media platforms receiving at least 20% of their funding from abroad to register as “foreign agents,” has been met with opposition. Critics claim the legislation hampers media freedom and undermines the country’s European aspirations. The bill’s opponents see it as a step toward closer ties with Russia. The U.S. State Department has compared the bill to legislation seen in Russia. (source)
Russia Accused of Interfering with GPS Signals
Estonia has accused Russia of violating international regulations by interfering with GPS signals, affecting civil aviation in the region. Finnish airline Finnair suspended flights to Tartu in eastern Estonia due to GPS interference. Two flights en route to Tartu had to be diverted back to Helsinki. There is ongoing concern that GPS interference could pose a threat to civil aviation. Estonia plans to address the issue with NATO allies and EU member states. Russia’s foreign ministry has not yet responded to the accusations. (source)
Russia Claims to Have Shot Down U.S.-Supplied Missiles
Russia’s defense ministry stated that it has shot down six U.S.-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) missiles. Alongside the ATACMS missiles, Russian air defense also shot down several Ukrainian drones and French-made “Hammer” guided bombs. The defense ministry offered no evidence to support its claim. The U.S. discreetly supplied ATACMS missiles to Ukraine in the past few weeks, enabling Ukrainian forces to strike Russian military targets within a 300km (190 miles) range. The ATACMS missiles were used for the first time in mid-April when a Russian airfield in Crimea was targeted. (source)
Investigation Launched into Odesa Missile Attack
The Prosecutor General’s Office in Ukraine has announced an investigation into the Russian strike that targeted a crowded seafront park in Odesa. The attack killed five people and injured 32 more, with the majority still in hospital receiving treatment. The Ukrainian Prosecutor General Andrii Kostin condemned the attack and accused Russia of disregarding international humanitarian law. Kostin stated that the use of cluster munitions in the attack indicated a deliberate intent to cause civilian casualties. The investigation is ongoing, and Ukraine intends to hold those responsible accountable. Russia denies targeting civilians in its military operations. (source)
Missile Strike on Odesa Likely Utilized Cluster Warhead
The Russian missile strike that hit a crowded seaside area in Odesa is believed to have involved an Iskander-M ballistic missile armed with a cluster munitions warhead. The regional military administration spokesman stated that early information pointed toward a cluster munitions warhead being used in the attack. The use of such weapons is indiscriminate and poses a significant threat to civilians. Russia has been criticized for its ongoing targeting of civilian areas throughout the conflict with Ukraine. (source)
Fatal Missile Strike Results in Day of Mourning in Odesa
The Ukrainian city of Odesa has declared a day of mourning following a Russian missile strike that killed five people and left 32 injured. The attack targeted a popular seaside park and killed civilians and wounded others. The mayor of Odesa described the attack as deplorable and denounced Russia as a terrorist country. The Russian defense community denies deliberately targeting civilians in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. (source)
