00:20 A quarter of US citizens think Washington's aid is too little
Approximately one quarter of Americans believe that the United States is not providing sufficient military aid to Ukraine. This percentage has risen since November last year, according to a survey by Pew Research Center. Specifically, 24 percent of respondents believe that the United States is not providing enough aid, compared to 18 percent in November 2023, when the survey was last conducted. However, more Americans (31 percent) believe that the U.S. is providing too much aid, and 25 percent believe that they are providing the right amount.
22:53: Lithuania reports airspace violation by Russian aircraft
Lithuania reports a violation of its airspace by a Russian aircraft. The unspecified aircraft of the Russian airline Pobeda allegedly entered the airspace of the Baltic EU and NATO member unlawfully in the evening of June 30th and stayed there for approximately one minute. The Foreign Ministry in Vilnius has summoned the Russian representative and demanded that all necessary measures be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. The airspace violation occurred over the Baltic Sea, as the aircraft was on its way from Moscow to the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad bordering Lithuania. The EU has closed its airspace as a reaction to Russia's aggression in Ukraine for Russian aircraft.
22:12: Survey in member states: High trust in NATO, low trust in Zelensky
Next week, NATO celebrates its 75th anniversary. In the member states, the transatlantic defense alliance is generally viewed favorably, according to a survey by Pew Research. On average in 13 countries, 63 percent of the population holds a positive opinion, while 33 percent hold a negative one. Germany is slightly above the average with 64 percent positive sentiment. The evaluation in Poland stands out: 91 percent hold a positive image of the alliance there. Trust in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is, on average, at 40 percent and has decreased in member states over the past year. Poland also stands out, where the head of state has lost 22 percentage points - from 70 to 48 percent. In Germany, trust has decreased by 7 percentage points to 54 percent.
21:27: Zelensky rejects Orban's peace proposal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected a peace proposal from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban for peace negotiations. During his first visit to Kiev since the start of the war, Orban suggested a quick ceasefire that could accelerate peace negotiations with Moscow. "The president listened, but in response, he clarified the position of Ukraine and rejected the proposal," said a spokesperson for the Presidential Administration. Previously, Kiev had already rejected ceasefires, citing the risk that Russian forces could reorganize during this time.
21:02 Ukraine: Moscow recruits minorsRussia is actively recruiting minors under 17 years old for the war in Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian National Resistance Center. The recruitment contracts are reportedly signed with the minors, taking effect upon their reaching adulthood. "They hope to recruit tens of thousands of teenagers with propaganda," the Ukrainian agency states. "We warn that any enemy on our territory will be eliminated." On occupied Ukrainian territory, Russia is also reportedly employing minors, for instance to manufacture drones.
20:29 Zelenskyy: Ukraine's energy supply should be EuropeanDue to damage to its energy infrastructure, Ukraine has been rationing electricity for its population for some time. In a statement, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the government is protecting the energy facilities as much as possible. However, the rebuilding of destroyed power plants is taking time, making the country increasingly dependent on electricity imports. "We are doing everything we can to increase imports, and this should be a European solution," Zelenskyy writes. The Ukrainian government is already working on a corresponding agreement.
19:54 Video: Russia presents homemade anti-drone buggyThe Russian military has already brought an anti-drone innovation to the frontline in the form of the Schildkrotenpanzer. Now, a buggy is planned that should recognize and shoot down Ukrainian drones. The vehicle is equipped with various technology for this purpose.
19:33 Putin meets Erdogan, then XiRussian President Vladimir Putin will meet his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the central Asian republic of Kazakhstan, the Kremlin announced. Putin will meet Erdogan the evening before the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in the Kazakh capital Astana. On Thursday, Putin will meet China's Party and State Chairman Xi Jinping at the summit of the organization, which was founded for security reasons. According to the Kremlin, Putin also plans to hold talks with the presidents of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Belarus. The expected announcement of Belarus' full membership in the organization is also anticipated. Putin stated during his attack on Ukraine that, in the face of tensions with the West, he aims to establish a new world order – without US hegemony.
18:50 Ukrainian court sentences Luhansk separatist leaderA Ukrainian special court sentenced the separatist leader of the Russian-occupied Luhansk region in eastern Ukraine in absentia to twelve years in prison for "collaboration" with Moscow. Leonid Pasetschnik is also subject to a thirteen-year ban on holding public office, the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) reported. The court also ordered the seizure of his entire property. On February 21, 2022, Pasetschnik and the separatist leader of Donetsk, Denis Puschilin, signed a support pact with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Two days later, they asked Putin for military aid, and three days later, Moscow began its invasion of Ukraine. Puschilin was found guilty of the same charges last year and sentenced to fifteen years in prison in absentia.
18:18 US-Medium: NATO sets up new command center in Wiesbaden due to Trump (1)The NATO will permanently station a representative in Kiev, according to the "Wall Street Journal," citing multiple sources. The NATO is therefore also setting up a new command center in Wiesbaden. The transatlantic defense alliance is thus preparing for a possible further US Presidency of Donald Trump, the Medium reports. Nearly 700 personnel from the US, as well as further personnel from the alliance, are expected to be active in the center for "Security Assistance and Training." So far, the US military has organized this cooperation. The new headquarters under the NATO umbrella is intended to prevent Trump from withdrawing or abolishing support if he wins the election again. The steps will be announced at the NATO summit, the "Wall Street Journal" reports.
17:23 USA announces further military aid for Ukraine (2)US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced further military aid for Ukraine in the amount of $2.3 billion. Details on the planned delivery of weapons and ammunition will follow, Austin said. Included in this should be ammunition for Patriot air defense systems. Eight additional Patriots from Israeli stock with the US as intermediary are reportedly in talks. Also, Foreign Minister Anthony Blinken announced that the United States would announce new developments before the NATO summit in Washington from July 9 to 11.
16:38 Former Polish Defense Minister: US limit for attacks on Russia should be expanded (3)Since the end of May, the agreement between Kiev and Washington has been in effect that Ukrainian defenders may attack targets on Russian territory up to 100 kilometers away with US weapons. This stabilized the military situation in the east of Ukraine. However, the Ukrainian armed forces are pressing for permission for certain, further distant targets. Polish former Defense Minister Janusz Onyszkiewicz believes that the restriction should be generally extended to 300 kilometers. The failed Russian offensive on Kharkiv is proof of the effectiveness of attacks on Russian territory, he said. "This is an unlimited success for the Ukrainian army."
15:59 Germany and Poland agree on closer military cooperation (4)In a joint action plan between Germany and Poland, the two countries agree on military cooperation beyond NATO. The two countries' armies will cooperate more closely, and they will coordinate the acquisition and maintenance of military equipment such as the Leopard tank. In the document, the two countries refer to Russia as "the most immediate threat to Euro-Atlantic security." The Russian aggression against Ukraine reminded EU countries "in the most brutal way possible" of how important peacekeeping in Europe is and "that Europe must be able to defend itself." Bundeskanzler Scholz said in Warsaw that Germany and Poland are among the largest supporters of Ukraine; politically, militarily, and in the acceptance of refugees. Both also play a leading role in the Eastern European region and in the protection of the NATO eastern flank.
(1) US-Medium: NATO sets up new command center in Wiesbaden due to Trump (2) 17:23 USA announces further military aid for Ukraine (3) Former Polish Defense Minister: US limit for attacks on Russia should be expanded (4) Germany and Poland agree on closer military cooperation
15:32 Nürnberger weapons manufacturer Iris-T maker Itech from Diehl reports significant growthThe Nuremberg conglomerate Diehl has grown significantly due to its Iris-T air defense system, according to the Finance Director. In 2023, the company's turnover increased by 10.8% to 3.88 billion Euro. The defense sector alone grew by 41% to 1.14 billion Euro. Area Manager Helmut Rauch expects another sales increase in the defense sector of up to 40% for the current year. The goal is to reach a turnover of two billion Euro by 2026. The annual profit increased by 109% in 2023 compared to the previous year, reaching 174 million Euro.
14:41 Ukraine: Combat aircraft destroy Russian ammunition depot on the CrimeaThe Ukrainian military, according to their own statements, conducted a "devastating strike" against a Russian ammunition depot on the occupied Crimean Peninsula on Monday. Air Force Commander Mykola Oleschtschuk reports that Ukrainian aircraft, which the Russian propaganda claims no longer exist, have once again successfully carried out combat missions. Oleschtschuk is likely referring to a statement from the Russian Defense Ministry, which reports that five Ukrainian military jets were destroyed on a military airfield in the Poltava region.
13:58 Russia leaves ISS - and builds its own space stationRussia plans to begin building its own space station in 2027. The first module of the facility is to be launched into space that year, according to the Russian space agency Roskosmos. By 2030, the core of the station is expected to be complete. This consists of four modules: one for research and energy supply, as well as a transfer, a base, and a universal connection module. The International Space Station (ISS) is now more than 25 years old. Its operation has been extended several times. Russia announced its withdrawal from the joint project after the beginning of its military campaign against Ukraine in 2024. It was then reported from Moscow that Russia would remain on board until 2028.
13:28 Orban urges Zelensky to declare a ceasefireHungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, during a visit to Kiev in the presence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expresses his appreciation for Zelenskyy's peace initiatives. He asked Zelenskyy to declare a ceasefire in the war with Russia. This could accelerate peace talks. Zelenskyy responds to Orbán, stating that his country needs a "just peace".
12:55 Russia shows off Iskander missile attack on airbaseRussia releases drone footage of an attack on a Ukrainian airbase using Iskander missiles. Five Su-27 aircraft are reportedly destroyed. The Ukraine confirms the attack. The attack with Iskander missiles could be related to the delivery of western F16 jets.
12:18 Germany and Poland consider Russia the "immediate threat" to peace in Europe
Germany and Poland agree on a joint action plan to work closely together in defense and arms policy. Russia is currently the "immediate threat" and greatest danger to peace in Europe, according to the 40-page paper approved at the government consultations in Warsaw. This paper aims to deepen and shape bilateral cooperation in the coming years. For example, the military strength of the western defense alliance at the NATO eastern flank should be reinforced. In addition, cooperation at the government level should be deepened to provide military aid to Ukraine. This includes repair and maintenance of Leopard-2 tanks.
11:36 Attacks on energy infrastructure hinder the Ukrainian economy
The destruction of Ukraine's energy infrastructure by Russian attacks leaves deeper economic consequences. The Vienna Institute for International Economic Research (WIIW) therefore lowers its growth forecast for the country compared to the spring forecast by 0.5 percentage points to 2.7 percent for 2024. At the same time, the institute raises its expectations for the Russian economy, despite Western sanctions. The war economy-oriented country is expected to grow at a rate of 3.2 percent, similar to 2023. However, the acute labor shortage and high interest rates will limit the growth of the Russian economy to around 2.5 percent in the coming years, according to the WIIW.
10:50 Residents of Belgorod appeal to Putin for help
Residents of the western Russian border region of Belgorod are repeatedly exposed to Ukrainian artillery fire. There is a shortage of medicines and food. Compensation for damages is scarce. Now, several people from the region are appealing to Russian President Putin in a video message.
10:01 Patriotic Russian poems turn out to be Nazi works
The poems of Gennadi Rakitin have been celebrated for great success in Russia. Since the previous summer, he has published his odes to Putin and the attack on Ukraine on the social network VKontakte. Many Russians followed him, including several parliamentarians and other high-ranking politicians. Now it turns out: Rakitin is a fabrication. Pictures of him were generated by Artificial Intelligence. His poems are translations from German - they come from the Nazi era. An anonymous group of peace activists admits to having transferred and slightly adapted the poems. So the name Hitler was replaced by Putin, as reported by the "Guardian". One of the poems was originally called "Führer" and was written by the National Socialist author Eberhard Möller. It was processed on VKontakte with a picture of Putin.
09:22 Moscow reports destruction of Ukrainian Su-27 fighter jetsRussia, according to its own reports, destroyed five Ukrainian Su-27 fighter jets and damaged two others during a rocket attack on the Myrhorod airbase in central Ukraine's Poltava region, as reported by the Defense Ministry in Moscow. The air defense also shot down eleven drones that attacked Russian territory and the Crimean Peninsula, according to the state news agency RIA, quoting the ministry. The Ukrainian Crimea was annexed by Russia in 2014, but it is not internationally recognized.
08:58 Netherlands to deliver F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine soonThe Netherlands have announced the imminent delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. The necessary approvals have been granted, according to a letter from Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren to the parliament. The new government will be sworn in today after months of coalition negotiations. Ollongren refuses to reveal the number of planes in the first delivery or their arrival time in Ukraine due to security reasons. The Netherlands are one of the driving forces behind an international coalition aiming to supply Ukraine with F-16 aircraft to strengthen its air defense against Russia. The Netherlands have already delivered F-16 aircraft to a training facility in Romania, where Ukrainian pilots and ground personnel learn to operate and maintain the planes in combat.
08:31 Orban in Kiev for first visit since Russian attack - talks with Zelensky plannedThe Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has arrived in Ukraine for his first visit since the beginning of the Russian aggression nearly two years ago. Orban will hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kiev, according to his spokesman Bertalan Havasi, as reported by the Hungarian news agency MTI. On Monday, Hungary assumed the EU Council Presidency until the end of the year. Orban is known for his Russia-friendly stance.
08:03 Ukrainian Defense Minister in the USA - more aid?US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will discuss further military assistance for the beleaguered Ukraine during a meeting with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov in Washington. The meeting will cover bilateral defense cooperation, regional security issues, and possibilities to strengthen the defense partnership between the US and Ukraine, according to the US Defense Department. Ukrainian President Zelensky asked his allies for more weapons over the weekend after seven people were killed in a Russian air raid on the region of Zaporizhzhia.
07:30 Video shows city in ruins - Russians bomb Chasiv YarThe war in Ukraine continues unabated. The small town of Chasiv Yar in the east of the country, located at the front line, is under constant shelling, as reported by the last residents. They witness the war and seek shelter from bombs - they have nowhere else to go.
07:05 Ukraine has so far sent over 3000 inmates to the warThe Ukraine is not only lacking in air defense and ammunition but also in soldiers. To address the shortage, the parliament decided in May to release prisoners and assign them to military units - on a voluntary basis. According to Ukrainian Vice Justice Minister Olena Wysozka, over 3000 inmates have been released on parole and assigned to military units. Approximately 27,000 convicted criminals are estimated to be considered for the new program. Wysozka stated that it is a significant motivation for many potential recruits to "return home as a hero instead of staying in prison," as she told AP.
06:20 Zelenskyy expects delivery of F-16 fighter jets in JulyThe Ukrainian president Zelenskyy expects a strengthening of Ukraine's air defense in his country against Russian air raids in July. The promised F-16 fighter jets in sufficient quantity and quality, Patriot missile systems, and rockets with greater range would have a decisive impact on the course of the war, he said in a video message on Monday evening. Ukraine could still receive more protection of its airspace from aggressor Russia in this month. Several countries have promised F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine and have also trained Ukrainian pilots on the aircraft. "This month could bring more strength to Ukraine, especially in protecting our airspace and ensuring real security for our country," Zelenskyy said.
05:17 General Staff: Over 30 Russian planes shot down since beginning of the yearFor the first time, the Ukrainian General Staff has released a map showing the locations where Russian planes have been shot down since the beginning of the year. According to this, over 30 planes have been shot down, many of which are still from Soviet times. "Our brave soldiers have hit more than 30 Russian planes," it says in a statement. Thirteen of these were the Su-34, also known as "bomber-interdictors." Nine Su-25 combat jets were destroyed in total.
03:21 IW chief calls for 300 billion Euros for the BundeswehrThe head of the Institute of the German Economy (IW), Michael Hüther, is calling for significantly more money for the Bundeswehr. "The special fund for the Bundeswehr is 100 billion Euros. That's not enough," Hüther told the "Rheinische Post." "We need an increase to 250 to 300 billion Euros. Only then will we achieve a combat-ready equipment of our army," he continued. The increase in the special fund would be financially feasible, Hüther told the newspaper. "After all, the peace dividend since 1990 amounted to around 600 billion Euros." This money was not invested in infrastructure, digitalization, or education. "We have used these funds in part to pay down debt. We have consumed them in large part," Hüther said.
02:08 International Mine Clearance Operation in the Black Sea initiatedTo improve maritime safety, particularly for Ukrainian grain exports, an international mine clearance operation has been initiated in the Black Sea. The operation involves Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria, as reported by Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the matter. The three countries signed an agreement for joint mine clearance at the beginning of January. The Bulgarian government reportedly stated that the activities of the three participating countries in the Black Sea will not target other countries.
00:54 Report: Orban to meet Zelenskyy in KievHungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is scheduled to travel to Kiev on the coming Tuesday to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to the Financial Times, citing sources close to the matter. This will be Orban's first visit to Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict.
23:12 Ukraine: Russians paying a heavy priceThe situation at the front remains tense but under control, according to the Ukrainian General Staff's evening report on Telegram, as reported by Ukrainian news agency RBK. There were a total of 161 combat engagements today. The enemy is primarily attacking in the direction of Pokrovsk. "The Russians are paying a heavy price for their attempt to advance in the direction of Pokrovsk," the General Staff added. They reportedly lost 109 soldiers there on Monday. 181 people were taken prisoner. Additionally, a tank and several other vehicles were destroyed. The information cannot be verified independently.
22:22 Ukraine hopes for better power supply in AugustThe condition of Ukraine's power grid is expected to improve in August, according to Ukrenergo CEO Volodymyr Kydrytsky, as reported by Ukrainska Pravda. The load on Ukraine's energy infrastructure will be alleviated after the completion of repairs on some nuclear power plants, leading to increased capacity. Since the spring, Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, resulting in frequent power outages. The current power outages are being exacerbated by attacks, heat, and limited power imports, according to Kydrytsky.
21:41 Russia calls for lifting sanctions against North KoreaRussia is pushing for the easing of international sanctions against its new ally North Korea. "We believe it's simply unfair and demoralizing to impose endless sanctions on the country," Russian UN Ambassador Vasily Nebenzia said in New York. He suggested that the sanctions should be reconsidered. "It can't go on forever." Nebenzia declined to comment on whether North Korea should be allowed to test nuclear weapons.
20:02 Explosions on the Crimean PeninsulaAccording to reports from the occupation authorities, there have been explosions on the Crimean Peninsula. Mikhail Razvozhaev, the pro-Russian governor of Sevastopol, wrote on Telegram that the air defense system had shot down four objects. Debris reportedly fell near the coast, and damage assessments are ongoing. According to Ukrainian online media Ukrainska Pravda, smoke was seen in the area of a power plant on the Crimean Peninsula.
19:38 USA withdrawing NATO support even after right-wing election results in Europe?US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is optimistic that NATO support in Europe will continue independently of the election results of right-wing parties. The alliance has been working in recent years to ensure that we have the right defense "where it is needed, where it is important," Blinken said during a podium discussion in Washington. "I don't believe anything will change about that, regardless of the current politics in Europe." Biden did not comment directly on the French election result. The French Rassemblement national of Marine Le Pen has been criticized for its connections to Russia for a long time. RN leader Jordan Bardella recently emphasized that he would not "absorb Russia as a vassal state like Ukraine."
18:37 Russians reportedly capture ATACMS guidance systemRussian military forces have reportedly captured an intact guidance system of a US ATACMS missile. The state-owned Russian news agency RIA shows a weapons expert named Anatoly Tsyganok, who allegedly examines the guidance system of an ATACMS missile that was shot down by Russian forces in the photos. The US had begun supplying Ukraine with such missiles several months ago, which can reach targets up to 300 kilometers away. The US government has not allowed Ukraine to target targets in Russian territory so far.
You can read about previous developments here.
- The increase in the belief among Americans that the U.S. is not providing enough military aid to Ukraine has been noted, with 24% believing so, compared to 18% in November 2023.
- The airspace violation by a Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea, allegedly from Russian airline Pobeda, led to Lithuania summoning the Russian representative to demand preventive measures.
- In member states, trust in NATO remains high, with an average of 63% holding a positive opinion, while trust in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has decreased, averaging 40% with significant drops in Poland and Germany.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's peace proposal for peace negotiations, citing the risk of Russian forces reorganizing during the ceasefire period.
- Russia is actively recruiting minors under 17 years old for the war in Ukraine, reportedly planning to recruit tens of thousands of teenagers for propaganda purposes, while also employing minors on occupied Ukrainian territory for manufacturing drones.
