01:04 Military service for women: Ampel politicians in favor
In the debate about a combat-ready Bundeswehr, women could also be called up for military service. The chairman of the Defense Committee in the Bundestag, Marcus Faber, openly responds to the corresponding demand from General Inspector Carsten Breuer. He had called for amending the Basic Law before reinstating the conscripted military service and thereby including women. "When it comes to the equal treatment of men and women, I am on the same page as the Inspector," says the FDP politician to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "All measures we take here, such as the mandatory completion of questionnaires, should apply to all genders. In the 21st century, we should no longer tolerate gender discrimination in military service." Faber emphasizes, however, "The Defense Minister has recently spoken of a selective military service and not of a conscripted military service. The reinstatement of conscripted military service is therefore not currently a political issue for men or women."
00:03: A flying bomb kills a 40-year-old man in CharkiwA guided air bomb fired by the Russian army hits the village of Losiwka in the Charkiw oblast and kills a 40-year-old man. According to a police report, helpers rushed to the scene to rescue the injured. Among the rubble of the house, they found only his body. His identity is currently being determined, it is reported.
21:42: A spy drone is said to have attacked a Russian factoryDrones operated by the Ukrainian military intelligence are said to have attacked a gunpowder factory in the Russian city of Kotowsk in the Tambow region, according to "Kyiv Independent," citing a source from the military intelligence. The installation was allegedly attacked with a drone. The extent of the damage is still unknown. Russian Telegram channels reportedly spread a video that allegedly shows rising smoke on the site. The governor of the region Tambow is said to have claimed, according to the report, that Russian air defense shot down two drones. No injuries or damages were reported.
21:22 Report: Documents provide insight into Russia's information warInternal documents from the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) offer deep insights into Moscow's influence campaigns against the West. The documents were leaked to "Der Spiegel" and investigative platform "The Insider." Experts consider the contents plausible. According to a strategy paper by an experienced SVR department head, who drafted it in the spring of 2022, the primary goal is to generate "fear" in Europe. The subconsciousness of the target audience must be overwhelmed with "cognitive attacks" of "panic and horror." Germany is named as one of the targets of this information war in further documents. Russia must focus on driving a wedge between Ukraine and its supporters - to split western societies, the document states. "The most grateful topic at the moment is that of Ukrainian refugees, who are actively using European social systems," writes the intelligence service strategist further. "The increasing demands of Ukrainian migrants and the resulting irritations of local populations" are, in his assessment, "an highly effective theme for network warfare in the EU."
21:03 Kiev sets production of drones in motionThe supreme military command of Ukraine has decided at its latest meeting to focus on the future production and deployment of drones. Factors considered in the decision ranged from the popularity of certain drones among troops to the use of long-range drones, President Zelenskyy said in his evening video address. The Ukrainian military has already established a new weapon category for the use of drones alongside tanks, infantry, or artillery. A large part of this unmanned aviation will be produced in Ukraine itself. Long-range drones are currently the only way for Kiev to strike targets deep in Russian territory.
20:45 Odessa reports one death after attackFollowing the detonation of a ballistic missile in the southern port city of Odessa, Ukrainian sources report one death. At least seven other people were injured in the Russian attack on the region, Governor Oleh Kiper announced on Telegram. Buildings and the port infrastructure were damaged. "Civil port infrastructure has been attacked," Kiper said.
20:25 Apple removes VPN apps in RussiaApple has removed 25 VPN apps from the Russian App Store at the behest of the state communications regulator Roskomnadzor. Interfax reported this. After Putin's decree on Ukraine in 2022, the demand for VPN services in Russia skyrocketed as authorities began restricting access to some Western media. Some VPN services had already been blocked by the communications regulator, while others remained available.
20:00 Ukraine: Woman killed in Russian attackAccording to Ukrainian reports, a 55-year-old woman was killed in Russian attacks on the region of Donetsk. Eight other people were injured, including four children, Governor Vadym Filashkin announced. In the city of Nowofedoriwka, several buildings were damaged by the attack.
19:32 Orban to Travel to Moscow Tomorrow According to Reports
Hungary's Prime Minister Orban is reportedly planning to travel to Moscow tomorrow and meet with President Putin, according to the US foreign broadcasting network, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, citing a Hungarian government source. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjárto will accompany the prime minister, it is further reported. Hungary currently holds the EU Council Presidency. On Tuesday, Orban traveled to Ukraine to urge President Zelenskyy for a ceasefire. The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, clarified that the EU will not negotiate with Russia without Ukraine. "The EU Council Presidency has no mandate to negotiate on behalf of the EU with Russia," Michel wrote on Twitter. "The European Council is clear: Russia is the aggressor, Ukraine the victim. There can be no talks about Ukraine without Ukraine." Orban's name is not mentioned in Michel's tweet.
18:55 Putin Takes Trump's Statements on the Ukraine War Seriously
Kremlin chief Putin reacted to Donald Trump's announcement that he would end the war in Ukraine quickly if re-elected as US President. "Mr. Trump says as a presidential candidate that he is ready and willing to end the war in Ukraine," Putin said in Kazakhstan. "We take that quite seriously." Putin usually refers to the conflict in Ukraine as a "military special operation." Putin added that he "doesn't trust" which specific proposals Trump would make to resolve the Ukraine conflict. "That's the crucial question," Putin continued. "But I have no doubt that he will speak honestly and we will support that."
18:25 Medvedev: One Thousand New Soldiers Recruited Daily
Despite heavy losses in Ukraine, the Russian armed forces reportedly have no personnel shortages. This year, the Russian army has been strengthened by 190,000 conscripts and contract soldiers, according to Dmitri Medvedev, Vice-Chairman of the National Security Council. Medvedev made the statement at a meeting in the Defense Ministry. "The average daily recruitment rate remains stable and amounts to about one thousand people," Medvedev was quoted as saying by the state news agency TASS. Contract soldiers, mostly reservists, supplement regular conscriptions.
18:04 Kuleba Outlines Two Solutions to Stop Russian Advance
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba outlined two solutions to halt the advance of Russian troops on the battlefield. On the one hand, Russian bombers must be destroyed, and on the other hand, Ukrainian troops must be adequately supplied with artillery shells, Kuleba told the Lithuanian broadcaster LRT. The trend of Russia's gradual occupation of Ukrainian territory can be reversed, but this is "very difficult" and requires "many decisions," according to Kuleba. The main reason for Russian success, he believes, is the "endless number of guided bombs dropped on our ground troops." The Russian air force is a "real pain point."
17:42 Duma Prohibits Deputies Vacation AbroadRussian Deputies and Senators are no longer allowed to travel freely abroad without permission. Deputies, who sometimes have access to sensitive information or even state secrets, risk losing their mandate if they go on vacation abroad without approval. The State Duma passed such a law recently. Previously, there had been significant criticism in Russia regarding deputies' trips abroad, which were published on social media during their luxury tours, while many of their compatriots were in military service at the front in Ukraine, getting injured or killed.
17:17 After TV Debate: Putin Still Prefers Biden as US PresidentRussian President Putin, according to his own statement, still prefers Biden over Trump in the White House. Biden's weak performance in the TV debate against Trump did not change Putin's preference, he told Russian state television. In response to a reporter's question, Putin said, "Nothing has changed." Putin had already declared several times that he preferred Biden over Trump. He watched the entire TV duel but did not finish it. "I have seen some parts," Putin said. "But I have enough to do."
16:51 NATO to Significantly Expand Weapons ProductionThe NATO countries plan to commit to significantly expanding weapons production at their upcoming summit in Washington next week. According to a NATO representative, future national defense industry plans will be submitted. In addition, there will be more joint procurement projects and initiatives for purchasing "war-winning" munition. To this category belong, for example, missiles for air defense systems, precision-guided projectiles, and 155-millimeter artillery ammunition. A specific investment amount is not mentioned in the agreement of the NATO countries. According to the official, however, dozens, if not hundreds of billions of euros might be necessary to achieve these goals.
16:30 Ukraine: Patriot Intercepts All Kiev-Targeted Ballistic MissilesAccording to Ukrainian reports, all ballistic missiles fired at targets in Kiev have been intercepted since the United States provided Patriot air defense systems to the country last year. Ukrainian Air Force Major General Serhii Yaremenko said in an interview with Ukrinform, "Since the beginning of May 2023, no single ballistic missile has reached its target in the capital city of our country. More than 20 ballistic missiles were fired at Kiev, and all were successfully intercepted."
16:00 IAEA Chief: Drone Attacks at Nuclear Power Plant "Must Cease"The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports drone attacks near the Russian-controlled nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia, citing the plant's administration. "It is extremely alarming that these drone attacks continue, as they pose a clear danger to the people in Enerhodar and to the safety of the nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia. They must stop immediately," IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi said.
15:35: Zelenskyy: Brigades are waiting for approved western weapons
According to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, western military aid is coming too slowly to the country. This complicates the situation at the front, he says in an interview with Bloomberg. ""We have 14 brigades that don't have the necessary weapons, which have already been approved and discussed,"" so Zelenskyy. However, he expresses gratitude for the support of western partners.
15:13 London: Russia targeting Ukrainian resources
According to the British Defense Ministry, Russia may target Ukrainian resource deliveries such as gold, uranium, and coal to "undermine" the Ukrainian economy. In its latest intelligence report, the Defense Ministry explains that Ukrainian government sources have "for a long time pointed to Russian theft of Ukrainian resources from the territories occupied by Russia." Iron ore, coal, titanium, uranium, manganese, gold, and lithium deposits are "likely to be coveted by Russia, but also potential targets, as Russia tries to destroy the Ukrainian economy."
14:48 Putin and Xi deepen anti-western alliance
At the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin confirmed their alliance as a counterbalance to the western world. Xi calls on participants at the conclusion of the meeting in Astana to "resist external interference." Xi urges member states to "support each other, care for each other's concerns (...) and take the future and the fate of our countries, as well as peace and development in the region, into our own hands." It is of "great significance" that the SCO "stands on the right side of history." The SCO includes ten countries, representing approximately half of the world population. Among the permanent members are the host country Kazakhstan, India, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and now also Belarus.
14:24 Putin speaks of negotiation readiness
Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin emphasizes Russia's alleged readiness for peace negotiations in his war of aggression against Ukraine. At the summit of the security-focused Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana, Putin says that Russia has always been for a political-diplomatic solution to the conflict. Moscow, which has been waging a destructive war of aggression against Ukraine for more than two years, has recently made proposals for an end to hostilities, Putin says. Moscow insists that Ukraine renounces all annexed territories, which Kiev rejects.
14:04 Kremlin: Modi to travel to Russia for talks with Putin
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to travel to Russia next week for talks with President Vladimir Putin. According to the Russian Presidential Administration, Modi and Putin will discuss the prospects for further development of bilateral relations and international and regional issues at their meetings on Monday and Tuesday. India has been trying to remain neutral in Russia's military conflict with Ukraine. Modi has repeatedly urged both sides to engage in dialogue, but has also criticized Russia's actions. Instead, India has increased its purchase of Russian oil, which helps the Russian government mitigate the effects of Western sanctions.
13:32 Russia attacks Ukrainian National Guard base
Russian troops are reported to have attacked a base of the Ukrainian National Guard in Vyschhorod in the Kiev region. RIA Novosti reports, citing the coordinator of the pro-Russian underground, Sergei Lebedev, that there have been two attacks on the military base in the General Kulchitsky Street, resulting in explosions. The Ukrainian National Guard is a paramilitary organization that, unlike the Army, Air Force, and Navy, does not report to the Defense Ministry but to the Interior Ministry. RIA Novosti reports that there have been two attacks on the military base in the General Kulchitsky Street, resulting in explosions.
13:07 Russian court: Frenchman to remain in pre-trial detention
A Russian court has ruled that a Frenchman must remain in pre-trial detention until August. The court in Moscow has rejected the habeas corpus petition of the 47-year-old political expert Laurent Vinatier. He is accused of collecting information about "military and military-technical activities" of Russia. This offense is punishable by up to five years in prison. Vinatier was arrested in Switzerland in mid-June at the large international Ukraine peace conference. He works for the HD Centre, a Geneva-based non-governmental organization. The organization announced on June 7 that it would also contact Russian authorities for clarification of the charges against its employee.
12:30 Lithuania reports 160 illegal border crossings from Belarus
Lithuania has recorded more attempted illegal border crossings from Belarus this week. Border Guard Chief Guntis Pujats says on television that there have been 160 such attempts since Monday. This year, a total of 2,770 migrants have been prevented from illegally crossing the green EU border from Belarus.
Lithuania shares a border of about 172 kilometers with Belarus, one of Russia's closest allies. Lithuania, Poland, and Latvia accuse Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko of orchestrating the organized transport of migrants to the EU external border to put pressure on the EU.
12:00 Baerbock: Russia remains greatest threat to Europe for the foreseeable future
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock calls for further support for Ukraine from NATO. "Russia will remain the greatest threat to our security and freedom in Europe for the foreseeable future", Baerbock says in a Bundestag debate ahead of the upcoming NATO summit next week in Washington. The West must act to defend freedom and democracy. "We didn't choose this", Baerbock says. "We didn't want this." Germany has a special responsibility and has regained lost trust due to its Russia policy. "We can't afford to lose sight of this in budget negotiations", the Minister warns, looking at the current dispute in the traffic light coalition over the budget for 2025.
11:23 Kiev: Alleged Russian spy "couple" apprehended
The Ukrainian Security Service SBU has detained two alleged members of the Russian Federal Security Service FSB. The SBU reports this. A 23-year-old man from Odessa and his 18-year-old "wife" are accused of spying on military infrastructure in the Ukrainian regions of Odessa and Dnipro for the Russian security service. According to the SBU, the two allegedly acted as a "freshly married couple" and took pictures of "necessary" objects while strolling through the area. Together with additional information, the two alleged FSB agents are said to have passed on the photos to the Russian security service. The Ukrainian Security Service claims to have caught the "couple" in the act.
10:50 Ukraine: 21 of 22 Russian drones shot down
Ukraine reports that it has largely repelled a Russian drone attack at night. The air defense shot down 21 of 22 attack drones, the Air Force reports. They were destroyed over six regions in northern and central Ukraine. According to the Air Force, they were Schahed drones from Iranian production.
10:33 SCO Summit in Kazakhstan: Putin and Xi want to demonstrate alliance strength
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese State Council Chairman Xi Jinping are participating in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. The regional security alliance was founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Later, India, Pakistan, and Iran joined. In addition to Putin and Xi, the hosts, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the presidents of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus, and Iranian First Vice President Mohammed Mokhber are present. For Iran, the acting President Ebrahim Raisi was supposed to participate. The authoritarian ruled Belarus has been an official SCO member since this summit. Among the observer states and dialogue partners are Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. For Putin, the summit offers another opportunity to illustrate the failure of Western efforts to isolate his country due to the war against Ukraine.
10:02 Ukraine announces numbers of Russian losses
The Ukrainian General Staff has announced new loss figures for the Russian troops in Ukraine. According to this, Russia has lost approximately 547,470 soldiers in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. In just 24 hours, the losses amounted to 1,200. Since the beginning of the large-scale attack, Russia, according to Ukraine, has lost 8,132 tanks, 15,600 artillery systems, and 360 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 11,694 drones, 28 ships, and a submarine. Western estimates mention lower loss figures - these being minimum values.
09:30 Report: Ukrainian forces withdraw from Tschassiw Jar
The Ukrainian Army has withdrawn from a part of the strategically important Ukrainian city of Tschassiw Jar, according to their own reports. "It was no longer possible to hold the Canal Quarter, as the enemy had penetrated," says a Ukrainian military spokesperson. The defensive positions were destroyed, and the lives of their own soldiers were endangered. The military command decided on a retreat to better fortified positions. However, even there, the enemy continued their combat operations. Tschassiw Jar is located in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk, about 20 kilometers west of Bachmut, which was taken by Russian troops a year ago and leveled to the ground after months of intense fighting.
09:07 Governor: 391 Russian attacks on Saporischschja within 24 hours
The Russians attacked the region of Saporischschja 391 times within the last 24 hours, according to the governor of the southeastern Ukrainian region, Iwan Fjodorow, in a morning report on Telegram. In this context, a man was killed in Vasylivka and a woman in Polohiv, and a man in the city of Saporischschja was injured. Fjodorow reports two air raids on Nowoandriiwka, 177 drone attacks on Tscherwonodniprowka, Gulyaypole, Levadne, Robotyno, Mala Tokmachka, Malynivka, Novoandriivka, Uspenivka, and Novopavlivka. Twelve MLRS attacks hit Robotyne and Nowoandriiwka. Moreover, the Russians fired 200 artillery shells at the areas of Gulyaypol, Mala Tokmachka, Novoandriivka, Robotyne, Levadne, Malynivka, and Plavni.
08:33 Russia: Strike on Ukrainian stronghold destroys combat jet
Russian forces are reported to have attacked the Ukrainian military base at Dolgintsevo in the Dnipropetrovsk region with the Iskander surface-to-air missile system. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, a Mig-29 fighter jet, air defense equipment, and aircraft maintenance vehicles of the Ukrainian Air Force were destroyed. On Telegram, the Russian Defense Ministry posted a video that allegedly shows the destruction. This video spreads on social media.
07:47 Video: "Vampire" of Ukraine forces Russians to pay "Price in Blood"
Dozens of Russians are reportedly killed every day by what is called the "Vampire," a multiple rocket launcher from Czech production. The Ukrainians use it to defend the frontline - "We will not give up our land for free," they say. They have enough ammunition for the monster, but they lack soldiers.
07:22 Crypto as a loophole: Russian Central Bank encourages domestic companies to use cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners to bypass sanctions
The Russian Central Bank encourages domestic companies to use cryptocurrencies for international transactions as an alternative payment method in light of western sanctions. Central Bank Chair Elvira Nabiullina acknowledged at a conference in St. Petersburg that such payments are a major challenge for the Russian economy. However, new financial technologies also offer new opportunities. "Therefore, we have softened our stance on the use of cryptocurrencies in international transactions and now allow the use of digital assets in such transactions."
06:52 At least five dead and 47 injured in Russian attack on Dnipro
According to Ukrainian authorities, at least five civilians were killed and 47 others injured in a Russian rocket and drone attack on the eastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Wednesday. The force of the explosions shattered the windows of a shopping mall. Debris fell onto the street, as photos showed, provided by local government representatives. Mayor Borys Filatov stated that the windows of two schools and three kindergartens were destroyed. Debris also hit the intensive care unit of a children's hospital. A fire broke out in another hospital. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted a video of a rocket attack on Dnipro on social media.
06:18 France sends 41 power generators to Ukraine
France is sending 41 power generators to Kharkiv and Chernihiv. The French Foreign Ministry announced this in a statement. Russian attacks severely damaged the energy infrastructure there. Ukraine began "load shedding" in May. In this process, the power grid is deliberately disconnected. International partners (see entry 21:41) are providing financial, technical, and material assistance to help Ukraine repair its energy facilities and ensure power supply to the population.
05:44 Kiev's General Staff: Russians increase intensity at Pokrovsk
According to the Kiev General Staff, the Russian military is trying to "increase the intensity" at Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. Consequently, defense lines are being strengthened, and more ammunition is being sent to this front sector. According to the 47th mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces, Russian troops are attempting to breach the Ukrainian defenders' lines. Reconnaissance drones showed "massive cemeteries" of destroyed armored vehicles. Therefore, the Russian side is trying to dominate the combat situation with strong infantry forces.
04:47 Report: Zelenskyy considers dismissing his prime minister
According to the Ukrainian newspaper "Ukrainska Pravda," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is considering dismissing Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal. Insiders told the paper that Zelenskyy is frustrated with Schmyhal. It is said to be more of an emotional matter. Zelenskyy is reportedly always looking for creative solutions and proposals that Schmyhal does not provide. According to the sources, Schmyhal could be replaced by Julia Svirydzenka, the first deputy prime minister and minister of economy.
03:59 Kyiv denies Russian victories in Chassiv Yar
The Ukraine refutes Russian reports that Russian forces have brought a district of the important Ukrainian city Chassiv Yar under their control. "We see no let-up in artillery attacks. The enemy is using artillery and multiple rocket launchers," says the spokesperson for the 24th Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which is defending the city, to the state broadcaster Suspilne. The situation is "extremely difficult," there are fights for the canal. "The situation remains tense. But the 24th Brigade is holding its positions." The Russian Defense Ministry had previously announced that its forces had brought a district of the city under their control. Chassiv Yar is approximately 20 kilometers west of Bachmut, which was taken by Russian troops a year ago and reduced to ruins after months of intense fighting. Both sides consider Chassiv Yar a strategic location.
02:45 Casualties from air raids: Zelenskyy appeals to allies
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues to call for more air defense systems for the protection of his country. He refers to the latest Russian missile attack on the major city of Dnipro, which resulted in the deaths of five people and over 50 injuries. Damaged were also residential buildings and a hospital. Currently, there are four Patriot air defense systems in operation in Ukraine, two of which were provided by Germany. Zelenskyy has recently estimated the additional needs of his country to be at least six more Patriot systems.
01:43 Bundeswehr: Many applicants for NATO brigade in Lithuania
For the planned permanent Bundeswehr brigade in Lithuania, there apparently are enough soldiers. "We had to fill about 120 positions for the establishment staff of the Lithuanian brigade. Of these, 115 were filled within a week. And we had 900 applications," says the Inspector General of the Bundeswehr, Carsten Breuer, to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "I meet soldiers and soldiers during troop visits who say: Yes, we want to participate. There is certainly a great willingness to establish the brigade in Lithuania, because many see a sense in it. Many soldiers and soldiers have already collected positive experiences in Lithuania: the gratitude of the people and the heartfelt welcome. They say, I can imagine a stationing there with my family."
00:45 Inspector General demands billions for Bundeswehr
The Inspector General of the Bundeswehr, Carsten Breuer, is supporting Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in the budget dispute over the Bundeswehr. In order to meet the security policy challenges, the defense budget must continue to grow, Breuer told the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "The parliament has given us a significant amount of money with the special fund and thus, if you will, the order, to make the Bundeswehr battle-ready." He stands shoulder to shoulder with SPD politician Pistorius, who has demanded an additional 6.7 billion Euros for the coming year. Pistorius had demanded an additional 6.7 billion Euros for the coming year.
23:45 A court in Moscow sentences three brothers to 17 years in prison in Russia for treason
According to a court announcement in Russia, three brothers were sentenced by a court in Moscow to lengthy prison terms because they wanted to join a pro-Ukrainian unit. The three men, aged between 19 and 24, were reportedly sentenced in Moscow for treason, membership in a terrorist organization, and illegal border crossing. The eldest of the three brothers, the 24-year-old Joann Aschtscheulow, was sentenced to 17 years and six months in prison, while his brothers Timofej and Alexej must serve 17 years. According to the prosecution, the brothers attempted to cross the border to Ukraine on foot in July 2023 to join the "Freedom Legion of Russia." They were reportedly arrested one and a half kilometers before the border.
22:41 Due to sanctions: Russia allows companies to use cryptocurrencies for international payments
The Russian Central Bank encourages domestic companies to use alternative payment methods like cryptocurrencies for business transactions with foreign partners in the face of Western sanctions. Cryptocurrencies are now allowed for international transactions, Central Bank Chair Elvira Nabiullina said in St. Petersburg. VTB Bank's CEO Andrey Kostin called for these new payment methods to be classified as state secrets. "I can easily imagine that right now in the US embassy, there's an undersecretary jotting down all our public statements," Kostin said. Whatever Russia does, the reaction from Western countries will be "very quick," warned Kostin.
22:16 Erdogan offers "basis" for peace, Moscow denies intermediary role
First, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared after a meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Kazakhstan that Turkey could help lay the groundwork for an end to the conflict. However, the Russian government spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Turkey would not take on a mediator role, according to Russian news agencies. Peskov was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying, "No, that's not possible." No statement from the Turkish government is available.
21:41 Ukraine imports more electricity in June than in the entire year 2023, rations strictly
Ukraine imported over 858,000 Megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity in June 2024, which is 91% more than the amount imported in May and more than the total amount imported in 2023. According to statistics from July 3rd. The largest electricity imports to Ukraine came from Hungary (42%). Slovakia and Romania each provided 17%, Poland 16%, and Moldavia 8%. Russia intensified its attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure in the spring and brought the power grid to the brink of collapse. Since mid-May, electricity has been strictly rationed. The largest private energy company in Ukraine, DTEK, produces 90% less electricity.
00:09: The debate about a combat-ready Bundeswehr in Germany includes discussion on potentially including women in military service, following calls from General Inspector Carsten Breuer.
20:22: Russia is accused of launching an information war against the West, with documents from the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) revealing plans to generate fear and panic in Europe.
21:42: Military intelligence in Ukraine is reportedly using spy drones to attack a gunpowder factory in Russia's Kotowsk city, causing alleged damage.
21:03: In response to Russian attacks, Ukraine has decided to focus on the future production and deployment of drones to counterattack deep in Russian territory.
18:55: Putin stated that he takes former US President Trump's comments about ending the war in Ukraine seriously, but emphasizes the need for specific proposals to resolve the conflict.
