War in Ukraine, day 1561: what to remember from the situation this Wednesday, June 3

An agreement with kyiv on the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced on Wednesday June 3 a“accord historique”with kyiv over the rights of the Hungarian minority living in Ukraine, a bone of contention for years between the two countries.

“We have reached a comprehensive agreement with Ukraine on expanding the linguistic, educational, cultural and political rights of the Hungarian minority.”Living in Ukraine, Peter Magyar said in a Facebook post.

Moscow “panics” over Ukrainian drone strikes

Russia“Panic”Faced with recent Ukrainian drone attacks, including those which affected Saint Petersburg, said the head of diplomacy of the European Union Kaja Kallas.

“This clearly shows the panic on the Russian side, and why they are escalating terrorist attacks, they don’t know what to do about these things.”she said during an interview in Brussels.

Commander of Russian ghost fleet tanker in custody

The commander of the Tagor, an oil tanker of the Russian ghost fleet boarded in the Atlantic Ocean by the French navy, was placed in police custody, announced the Brest prosecutor Stéphane Kellenberger. This custody “Reste en cours, confiée par nos soins à la gendarmerie maritime”said the magistrate in a press release.

The captain, a Russian national, faces one year in prison and a €150,000 fine for failure to flag and refusal to comply at sea, as well as confiscation of the ship. The shipowner, « en cours d’identification »faces similar penalties, said the magistrate.

NATO chief arrived in kyiv for a surprise visit

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte arrived in kyiv for a surprise visit, the Ukrainian railway company announced, after several massive Russian air attacks which notably targeted the capital.

“This visit is extremely important, just like the previous ones, because it is a gesture of solidarity and support from the (North Atlantic) Alliance towards our country. Rail diplomacy – traditionally right on time”indicated the Ukrainian rail company Ukrzaliznytsia on social networks.

Drones hit St. Petersburg where economic forum opens

Ukrainian drones hit energy and military sites in Saint Petersburg, on the opening day of the traditional economic forum bringing together many Russian leaders, Russian and Ukrainian officials said.

The city’s Russian governor, Alexander Beglov, said that « plusieurs » infrastructure had been damaged but there were no deaths in this attack, intended according to Ukrainian officials to disrupt this three-day forum in which Russian President Vladimir Putin is due to participate.

Seven killed in strike on bus near Donetsk

A Ukrainian drone strike on a bus linking Moscow to Simferopol, in Crimea annexed by Russia, left seven dead and 11 injured, authorities in the Ukrainian region of Donetsk under the control of Moscow, where the attack took place, said on Wednesday June 3.

“In Yenakiyevo, a drone hit a Moscow-Simferopol bus; according to preliminary information, seven civilians were killed. Eleven other people suffered injuries of varying severity, and all are receiving necessary treatment.”Denis Pushilin, head of the local administration established by Russia, wrote on Telegram.

Tuesday’s Russian attack left 23 dead in Ukraine

The toll continues to rise. The massive Russian drone and missile attack carried out overnight from Monday to Tuesday against Ukraine left at least 23 dead, including 16 in the city of Dnipro, kyiv announced, reiterating its urgent call for American help to receive more anti-aircraft defense systems.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had warned in recent days of an imminent massive strike by Russia, after it had asked foreigners living in kyiv, including members of diplomatic staff, to leave the capital.