In the now customary video night speech, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he expects Russia to step up its attacks on Ukraine as Ukraine awaits the EU’s decision to grant it candidate country status. “Obviously, this week we should expect Russia to intensify its hostile activities, to give an example. And not only against Ukraine, but also against other European countries. We are preparing. We are ready.” Meanwhile, the New York Times reveals how in its “special operation” in Ukraine, Russia used at least 210 ammunition of types widely banned under various international treaties. “Almost all cluster munitions, including their sub-ammunition, pose a serious risk to civilians for decades even after the war is over,” the NYT points out after analyzing over 1,000 photos of its reporters and other sources. As for the situation on the ground, according to the command of the Ukrainian armed forces, as reported by the Kyiv Independent, the Russian armed forces are preparing to launch an offensive against the city of Sloviansk in Donetsk. Kiev troops today repulsed a Russian offensive near Berestove, also in Donetsk.
War Ukraine – Russia, beyond the live: what you need to know today
00.35 Ukraine: Australia sends the first 4 armored vehicles
Australia has supplied Ukraine with the first four M113AS4 armored vehicles. According to Ukrinform, they left the Raaf base in Amberley in Australia and, according to the Camberra Ministry of Defense, were loaded onto a Ukrainian Antonov AN-124 aircraft. The Australian Government’s military assistance package consists of support worth more than AU $ 285 million, including weapons, ammunition, unmanned aerial systems and a range of personal equipment.
00.30 Tennis: Russian player changes nationality to play Wimbledon
Change your nationality, from Russian to Georgian, in order to get around the ban on playing at Wimbledon. According to an article in The Times newspaper, this is Natela Dzalamidze, a 29-year-old doubles player ranked No. 44 in the world, who will compete in the women’s doubles with the Serbian Aleksandra Krunic in the London tournament that will start on June 27th. Wimbledon organizers announced in April that Russian and Belarusian tennis players would be barred from competing this year following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A spokesperson for the All England Club told the Times that there is scope for action on their part in the event of a change of nationality as with the Dzalamidze who met the admission requirements. “The nationality of the players, defined as the flag under which they play in professional events, is an agreed process that is governed by the tours and the ITF,” said the spokesperson. The Wimbledon ban excluded a number of top players, including Daniil Medvedev, the men’s world number one and reigning US Open champion, as well as two-time major winner Victoria Azarenka.