Latest Russia-Ukraine updates: Two killed in Belgorod shelling
News from June 2: Belgorod, located close to Ukrainian border, has come under intensified attacks in the past few weeks.
The live blog is now closed, thank you for joining us. Here are the updates for June 2:
The live blog is now closed, thank you for joining us. Here are the updates for June 2:
- Governor of Russia’s Belgorod region says two people killed and two injured when Ukrainian forces shelled a road in Maslova Pristan.
- China’s Ukraine envoy appealed to governments to “stop sending weapons to the battlefield”.
- Ukraine lifts air raid alerts on Friday morning after shooting down more than 36 missiles and drones fired by Russia overnight.
- A village in Russia’s western Bryansk region was shelled by Ukraine, setting a house on fire, but no one was injured, regional governor says.
- The United States says it will stop providing Russia some notifications required under the New START arms control treaty.
Wagner chief says 99 percent of troops have pulled out of Bakhmut
The head of the Russian mercenary force Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, has said that nearly all of his fighters have pulled out of the captured eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut.
Prigozhin said 99 percent of the units had left the city.
“All positions have been handed over to the [Russian] Ministry of Defence in the appropriate order.” Everything has been clarified, said Prigozhin, who had announced the withdrawal for early June.
Poland’s Duda submits amendment to law probing ‘Russian influence’
Polish President Andrzej Duda has backtracked on a new law creating a body to probe “Russian influence” after critics, including the European Union and the United States, voiced concern.
Just days after signing the law, Duda submitted an amendment to prevent the committee from imposing harsh penalties on individuals it investigates, saying “this eliminates much of the controversy around” the legislation.
Poland, a neighbour and staunch ally of Ukraine, set up the committee to investigate citizens who may have succumbed to Russian influence.
Those found guilty could find themselves banned for 10 years from public positions relating to public finances and classified information, according to the legislation which Duda signed into law on Monday.
Four people detained in connection with closed shelter deaths
Ukrainian police have detained four people in an investigation into the deaths of three civilians locked out on the street during a Russian attack.
Three of the people detained may be charged with official negligence, the interior ministry said in a statement on Telegram.
A nine-year-old girl, her mother and another woman were killed by falling debris after rushing to a Kyiv shelter on Thursday and finding it was shut.
“There can be no excuses for this level of negligence in the city,” Zelenskyy said in an evening video address, adding he had told the strategic industries minister and the interior minister to conduct a “full audit of bomb shelters”.
Two people killed in Kharkiv Oblast: Report
Russian forces have bombed Kharkiv Oblast, killing two people and injuring four, according to The Kyiv Independent.
“Russian forces launched two guided bombs at the village of Kivsharivka, killing two people and injuring four others, Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported on June 2,” it said.
⚡️Russian forces bomb Kharkiv Oblast, killing 2, injuring 4.
Russian forces launched two guided bombs at the village of Kivsharivka, killing two people and injuring four others, Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported on June 2.
— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) June 2, 2023
Blinken says no ceasefire until Ukraine gains upper hand in war
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said the US won’t support peace talks in the war in Ukraine until Kyiv holds the upper hand, possibly after a Ukrainian counteroffensive that appears to be taking shape.
Blinken said heeding calls from Russia and others, including China, for a ceasefire and negotiations to end the war now would result in a “Potemkin peace” that wouldn’t secure Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity or enhance European security.
“Potemkin Village” was a tactic Russia’s 18th-century government minister Grigory Potemkin used to build brightly painted village fronts to create an illusion of prosperity for Russia’s empress.
Kyiv repels renewed missile attack, military officials say
Kyiv has come under renewed attack, but Ukraine’s air defences have intercepted all 15 cruise missiles and 18 drones launched by Russian forces, Kyiv military authorities say.
General Serhiy Popko, head of the Kyiv military administration, said separately that about 30 hostile objects had been destroyed.
At least three people killed in Donetsk: Russian-installed official
A Russian-installed official in Donetsk says at least three people have been killed and four wounded, including a three-year-old girl, due to Ukrainian shelling of the city of Makeevka.
On Telegram, Denis Pushilin said, “The AFU [armed forces of Ukraine] continue to inflict deliberate strikes on the peaceful quarters of the settlements of the Republic.
“More than 270 munitions from MLRS [multiple launch rocket system] and artillery with a calibre of 152 and 155mm have already been fired across the territory of the Republic by the enemy. Destruction of residential and social facilities was recorded.”
Zelenskyy orders audit of bomb shelters
Zelenskyy ordered an audit of bomb shelters in Kyiv and across the country a day after three people died after being unable to access a shelter.
According to the Ukrainian leader’s Telegram channel, he instructed Minister for Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamyshin to complete an audit of all defence structures in Kyiv, air defence systems and the front lines.
A report was also requested on the countries that help Russia.
Zelenskyy ordered the audits during a high-level government security meeting.
US to stick to nuclear warhead limits if Russia does
The US says it is ready to maintain nuclear warhead limits and negotiate new treaties with Moscow and Beijing.
“We’re prepared to stick to the central limits as long as Russia does,” national security adviser Jake Sullivan said, referring to the warhead limits in the New START treaty.
He added Washington would abide by the nuclear weapons limits set by the treaty until its 2026 expiration.
Chechen forces begin offensive in eastern Ukraine
Russia’s Ministry of Defence has announced that the Akhmat group of Chechen special forces are waging an offensive near the town of Mariinka in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region.
On Thursday, Akhmat commander Apti Alaudinov said his forces were being moved to “another area” in preparation for a counteroffensive but did not say where.
Along with the Wagner mercenary group, led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, troops from Russia’s Chechen Republic have been one of the main forces fighting for Moscow in Ukraine.
However, the two groups have openly argued, and on Thursday, one of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov’s close allies cast Prigozhin as a blogger who constantly yells about problems.
At least nine people injured in Berdyansk: Russian official
A Russian-installed official in Zaporizhia says Ukrainian forces shelled the Russian-controlled port city of Berdyansk and at least nine people were injured.
“There are victims during the shelling of Berdyansk. Report about nine wounded, they are hospitalized. Information about the dead is being specified,” Vladimir Rogov said on Telegram.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s governor for the Zaporizhia region said earlier on Friday that at least two people died and four were wounded due to a Russian attack in a village.
Zaporizhia is one of four Ukrainian regions that Russia claims to have annexed.
We understand it is ‘impossible’ to join NATO now: Zelenskyy
Zelenskyy says he knows it will be “impossible” for Ukraine to join NATO while in the middle of a war.
In a joint briefing in Kyiv with Estonian President Alar Karis, he said joining the alliance was still the best security guarantee.
“But we are adequate people and understand that we will not pull any NATO country into a war,” Zelenskyy said.
“And that’s why we understand that we won’t be a member of NATO while this war is ongoing. Not because we don’t want to. Because it’s impossible.”
The Ukrainian leader has pressed to join the military alliance, but members are divided over when that should happen.
Western governments are wary of any move that could escalate tensions with Russia.
Putin says ‘ill-wishers’ are trying to destabilise Russia
Putin says “ill-wishers” are increasing efforts to destabilise Russia and urges members of his cabinet not to allow this “under any circumstances”.
Putin said Russia’s Security Council would discuss ensuring security between the country’s 190 ethnic groups.
“Today, we will also be addressing these issues in terms of ensuring Russia’s security, in this case domestic political security,” he said.
Putin has repeatedly called on Russia to unite in the face of “existential threats” from the West but has occasionally faced backlash from ethnic groups who feel targeted by Moscow’s mobilisation drive.
Britain backs Ukraine’s NATO aims but says impossible to join bloc during war
British Defence Minister Ben Wallace says Ukraine’s path to NATO is “open” but political realities may slow the process.
Wallace added that it is impossible to add members in the middle of a war.
“The best thing we can do to help Ukraine is now to help them defeat Russia,” Wallace said in an interview.
“After that is to make sure they’re ready and capable and resilient.”
Ukraine’s membership in NATO is on the agenda for the group’s July summit in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Zelenskyy has said Kyiv wants “a clear decision” on its accession at the summit.
Swiss government rejects proposal to transfer arms to Kyiv
The Swiss parliament has rejected an exemption for the transfer of arms to Ukraine after most MPs voted against a proposal drafted by the security policy committee.
The proposal would have allowed other states to supply Swiss-made weapons to Ukraine.
But the laws of neutral Switzerland prohibit support for countries involved in acts of war.
Germany has repeatedly pressed for permission to supply Swiss-made ammunition to Ukraine.
Those favouring an exception to the rule argued that Switzerland should provide more support to Ukraine and contribute to European security.
Europe is aware of the risks if Ukraine joins NATO: Kremlin
The Kremlin spokesperson says many European countries are aware of the problems that could arise if Ukraine joins NATO but the United States “calls the tunes” for the alliance.
Dmitry Peskov was asked about Ukraine’s push to join the military alliance, which he said underscored Kyiv’s unwillingness to resolve problems at the negotiating table.
He added that Ukrainian membership in NATO would cause problems for many years and that Moscow would protect its security and interests.
Ukrainian forces begin training on Abrams tanks: US
US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley says training for Ukrainian forces on Abrams tanks has begun.
The training got under way as the US and its allies began to work out agreements to also train Ukrainians on F-16 fighter jets.
“Everyone recognizes Ukraine needs a modernized air force,” Milley said.
“It’s going to take a considerable amount of time.”
The US training schedule for the tanks is timed to get the troops up to speed before 31 of the 70-tonne Abrams tanks are scheduled to arrive in a few months.
The tanks will make up part of a force of about 300 tanks pledged by Western allies, including Challenger tanks from the UK, Leopard 2 tanks from Spain and Germany, and light tanks from France.
Pro-Kyiv forces fighting in Belgorod
The Freedom of Russia Legion, a pro-Ukrainian force, says it is fighting Russian troops on the outskirts of a village in Russia’s Belgorod region just over the border with Ukraine.
“We have active fighting on the outskirts of the village of Novaya Tavolzhanka (in Belgorod region). Unfortunately, there are wounded legionnaires, but freedom is won through blood,” the Freedom of Russia Legion said in a statement.
The group describes itself as Russians fighting against Putin’s government to create a Russia that would be part of the “free world”.
Along with the Russian Volunteer Corps, a far-right Russian nationalist group, it said it is not working under the orders of Ukraine.
The Belgorod region has been the target of intensified attacks recently, including a cross-border incursion on May 22 to 23.
G7 countries must maintain Russian sanctions: Japan
G7 and like-minded countries must be united and maintain sanctions on Russia, Japan’s foreign minister, Yoshimasa Hayashi, says.
“Judging from the situation and especially what Russia is saying and doing, I think it’s important that the G7 and like-minded countries still remain united and continue severe sanctions against Russia,” Hayashi told a press conference.
Hayashi hopes sanctions will encourage Russia to “end its aggression as soon as possible so that we can reach the phase that we can use the dialogue and peace talks”.
Last month, G7 countries met in Hiroshima and renewed their commitment to Russian sanctions.
US seeking ‘just and lasting peace’ in Ukraine
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the United States is working with Ukraine and other allies to build consensus around the core elements of a “just and lasting peace”.
He said Washington would also encourage initiatives by other countries to end the conflict if they upheld the United Nations Charter and Ukraine’s sovereignty.
“We will support efforts – whether by Brazil, China or any other nation – if they help find a way to a just and lasting peace,” Blinken added.
Washington will continue to support Ukraine militarily as a prerequisite for meaningful diplomacy and so Kyiv is capable of deterring and defending against any future aggression, the top US diplomat said.
“Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine has been a strategic failure,” Blinken said.
‘Stop sending weapons to the battlefield,’ China says
China’s Ukraine envoy has appealed to governments to “stop sending weapons to the battlefield” and hold peace talks.
Li’s appeal comes as Washington and its European allies are ramping up supplies of missiles, tanks and other weapons to Ukrainian forces ahead of an expected counteroffensive. It followed his 12-day European tour in May
“China believes that if we really want to put an end to war, to save lives and realise peace, it is important for us to stop sending weapons to the battlefield, or else the tensions will only spiral up,” Li told reporters.
Ukraine hits hospital camp in Zaporizhia: Russian-installed official
A Russian-installed official says Ukrainian forces hit a “hospital camp” in the occupied part of Ukraine’s Zaporizhia region. He did not provide details.
“Information about casualties and damage is being clarified,” Vladimir Rogov said on Telegram.
Zaporizhia is one of four regions in Ukraine that Russia claims to have annexed.
China is considering sending another Ukraine delegation
China is considering sending another delegation to Europe for talks on resolving the Ukraine crisis, its special Ukraine envoy, Li Hui, says.
Li told a news conference that his European trip last month may not lead to any immediate outcome.
“We felt that there is a big gap between both sides’ positions,” he said of Russia and Ukraine.
In May, Li completed a 12-day tour of Kyiv, Warsaw, Paris, Berlin, Brussels and Moscow in a bid to find common ground for an eventual settlement in the Ukraine war.
Two people killed in Belgorod, governor says
The governor of Russia’s Belgorod region says two people were killed and two others injured when Ukrainian forces shelled a road in Maslova Pristan.
“The Armed Forces of Ukraine fired at a section of the road in the village of Maslova Pristan, Shebekinsky district. Shell fragments hit cars passing by. Two women were travelling in one of them; they died on the spot from their injuries. There are two victims in the second car,” said Vyacheslav Gladkov.
Due to its proximity to the Ukrainian border, Belgorod has previously reported incidents happening but has come under intensified attacks in the past few weeks.
Russia has sown crops in annexed regions: Ukrainian official
Ukraine’s deputy prime minister says Russia sowed winter crops for this year’s harvest in the four regions it claims to have annexed.
Viktoria Abramchenko said Russia had provided state support worth 3 billion roubles ($37.1m) to farmers in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhia regions.
Abramchenko said grain, beans and rapeseed had been harvested on 1.3 million hectares (3.2 million acres).
In 2023, Russia’s crop area will exceed 85 million hectares (210 million acres), the agriculture ministry has said.
Last September, Russian President Vladimir Putin moved to annex the regions following what Ukraine and the West said were sham referendums.