SECURITY: Ukraine Hits Russian Bomber Fleet Ahead Of 2nd Ceasefire Talks 1/2

Jun-02 08:20

On June 2, Ukraine launched a coordinated drone attack, destroying more than 40 warplanes from Russia’s long-range bomber fleet in five regions across Russia. US and Ukrainian officials said Washington was not forewarned of the attack.  

  • In a statement on X, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, “Russia suffered significant losses — entirely justified and deserved.”
  • Prominent Ukraine war analyst, Mick Ryan, notes on Substack that, “Ukraine has slowly but surely evolved what might now be one of the most effective long-range strike systems in the world.”
  • Zelenskyy said the attack was authorised 18 months ago, revealed that all Ukrainian combatants had been successfully withdrawn from Russia, and warned that Kyiv, “will continue this work.”
  • Zelenskyy added, “We continue to propose a full and unconditional ceasefire, along with all rational and dignified steps that could lead to a lasting and reliable peace… The Russians, however, have not shared their “memorandum” with anyone — we don't have it, the Turkish side doesn't have it, and the American side doesn't have the Russian document either.”
  • A former Ukrainian officer who runs analytical group Frontelligence Insight said that while the damage would probably not directly influence Russia’s position on the battlefield, “It does reduce Russia’s strategic capabilities [which] mean the ability to project power globally, the ability to deliver nuclear strikes and overall military posture in Eurasia,” per FT.

Figure 1: June 2 Ukraine Drone Attack on Russia

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Source: New York Times

Historical bullets

USDCAD TECHS: Hits Bear Trigger, New Cycle Low

May-02 20:00
  • RES 4: 1.4415 High Apr 1
  • RES 3: 1.4296 High Apr 7
  • RES 2: 1.4087 50-day EMA
  • RES 1: 1.3906/3935 High Apr 17 / 20-day EMA 
  • PRICE: 1.3793 @ 17:00 BST May 2
  • SUP 1: 1.3760 Low Apr 21 and the bear trigger
  • SUP 2: 1.3744 76.4% retracement of Sep 25 ‘24 - Feb 3 bull run
  • SUP 3: 1.3696 Low Oct 10 2024
  • SUP 4: 1.3643 Low Oct 9 ‘24 

The trend set-up in USDCAD deteriorated further Friday, with prices slipping through the bear trigger to narrow the gap with next support. The fresh cycle low reinforces the bear cycle and signals scope for a continuation near-term. Potential is seen for a move towards 1.3744, a Fibonacci retracement. Moving average studies are in a bear mode position, highlighting a dominant downtrend. First resistance to watch is 1.3943, the 20-day EMA.  

AUDUSD TECHS: Consolidation Phase

May-02 19:30
  • RES 4: 0.6550 61.8% retracement of the Sep 30 ‘24 - Apr 9 bear leg  
  • RES 3: 0.6528 High Nov 29 ‘24
  • RES 2: 0.6471 High Dec 9 ‘24
  • RES 1: 0.6470 High May 2
  • PRICE: 0.6445 @ 16:59 BST May 2
  • SUP 1: 0.6344/6316 Low Apr 24 / 50-day EMA  
  • SUP 2: 0.6181 Low Apr 11  
  • SUP 3: 0.6116 Low Apr 10 
  • SUP 4: 0.5915 Low Apr 9 and key support  

AUDUSD remains inside a consolidation phase, having traded either side of the 0.6400 level for 10 consecutive sessions. The underlying trend remains bullish and the pair is trading close to recent highs. Price has recently breached a key resistance at 0.6409, the Dec 9 ‘24 high. This breach reinforces bullish conditions and signals scope for a continuation higher near-term. Sights are on 0.6471 next, the Dec 9 2024 high. Initial key support to monitor is 0.6316, the 50-day EMA. A clear break of this EMA would be a concern for bulls.

US TSYS: Rates Retreat, Sentiment Improved Though Trade Risk Remains

May-02 19:24
  • Treasuries look to finish near late Friday session lows after trading firmer on the open, higher than expected Nonfarm payrolls at 177k (sa, cons 138k) of which private contributed 167k (sa, cons 125k) triggered the early reversal.
  • However, two-month revisions of -58k offset the 39k beat for nonfarm payrolls, with a similar story for private (a 42k surprise vs -48k two-month revision).
  • Stocks are back near four week highs - pre-"Liberation Day" levels as hopes of some trade deal being made improved sentiment.
  • The Wall Street Journal reports that "Beijing is considering ways to address the Trump administration’s gripes over China’s role in the fentanyl trade... potentially offering an off-ramp from hostilities to allow for trade talks to start." The Journal notes that "discussions remain fluid" and China "would like to see some softening of stance from President Trump".
  • Currently, the Jun'25 10Y contract trades -20 at 111-07.5 vs 111-02 low -- initial technical support (50-dma) followed by 110-16.5/109-08 (Low Apr 22 / 11 and the bear trigger). Curves bear flattened, 2s10s -3.480 at 48.002, 5s30s -4.911 at 86.807.