01:29 Russian court sentences 19-year-old to twelve years
A Russian court has sentenced a 19-year-old man to twelve years in prison for "high treason," after he was accused of donating money to the Ukrainian army. "The Rostov Regional Court found the man guilty and sentenced him to a twelve-year term in a penal colony," says a comment from the Russian domestic intelligence service FSB, taken up by the state Kremlin media. The teenager is alleged to have sent money to help the Ukrainian army buy food and drones. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, thousands of Russians have been arrested and many of them imprisoned. According to Amnesty International, at least 21,000 people were the target of repressions against war opponents in 2023.
00:20 One quarter of US citizens find US aid to Ukraine insufficientApproximately 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 the Pew Research Center. Twenty-four percent of the 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 United States is providing too much aid, and 25 percent believe that it is providing the right amount.
22:53 Lithuania reports airspace violation by Russian aircraftLithuania 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 representative of the Russian embassy was summoned and the Russian authorities were asked to take all necessary measures 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.
22:12 Survey in member states: High trust in NATO, low trust in ZelenskyNext 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, 33 percent a negative. Germany is slightly above the average with 64 percent positive views. The evaluation in Poland stands out: 91 percent have a positive image of the alliance there. Trust in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is, on average, at 40 percent and has decreased in the member states in the past year. Poland stands out again, where the head of state has lost 22 percentage points - from 70 to 48 percent. Trust in Germany has decreased by 7 percentage points to 54 percent.
21:27 Selenkyi rejects Orban's peace proposal
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Selenkyi declined Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban's peace initiative for negotiations. During his first visit to Kiev since the war began, Orban proposed a swift ceasefire that could "accelerate peace talks with Moscow," he said. "The President listened, but in response clarified Ukraine's stance and rejected the proposal," a spokesperson for the Presidential Administration stated. Previously, Kiev had rejected ceasefires, citing the possibility that Russian forces could regroup during this time.
21:02 Ukraine: Moscow recruiting minors
Russia is actively recruiting minors for the war in Ukraine, according to Ukraine. The recruitment contracts are reportedly being signed with 17-year-olds, taking effect upon reaching adulthood. "They hope to recruit thousands of teenagers with propaganda," says the Ukrainian agency "National Resistance Center": "We warn that any enemy on our territory will be eliminated." On occupied Ukrainian territory, Russia is also employing minors, for instance, to manufacture drones.
20:29 Selenskyj: Ukraine's energy supply should be European
Due to damage to its energy infrastructure, Ukraine has been rationing electricity for its population for some time. In a statement, President Volodymyr Selenskyj announced that the government is protecting energy facilities as much as possible. However, the rebuilding of destroyed power plants is taking time, making the country increasingly dependent on imports. "We are doing everything we can to increase imports, and this should be a European solution," Selenskyj writes. The Ukrainian government is already working on a corresponding agreement.
19:54 Video: Russia presents homemade anti-drone buggy
With the Schildkrotenpanzer, Russian forces have already brought an anti-drone innovation to the front lines. Now, a buggy is planned to follow, which should recognize and shoot down Ukrainian drones. The vehicle is equipped with various technology for this purpose.
19:33 Putin meets Erdogan, then Xi
Russian 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 leader Xi Jinping at the SCO summit for security issues. 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 is also anticipated. Putin declared 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 Convicts Separatist Leader of LuhanskA Ukrainian special court convicts the separatist leader of Luhansk, in the Russia-occupied region in Eastern Ukraine, in absentia to twelve years in prison for "collaboration" with Moscow. Leonid Pasetschnik is also sentenced with a thirteen-year ban on holding public office, according to the Ukrainian Security Service SBU. The court also ordered the seizure of his entire assets. 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 requested military aid from Putin, and three days later, Russia began its invasion of Ukraine. The separatist leader of Donetsk, Puschilin, was found guilty of the same crimes last year. He was sentenced to fifteen years in prison in absentia.
18:18 US Media: NATO Sets Up New Command Center in WiesbadenThe NATO is reportedly planning to permanently station a representative in Kiev, according to the "Wall Street Journal," citing multiple sources. The NATO is also setting up a new command center in Wiesbaden. The transatlantic defense alliance is preparing itself for a possible new US presidency from Donald Trump, the medium reports. Nearly 700 personnel from the US, as well as other alliance personnel, will be active in the center for "Security Assistance and Training." Until now, the US military has organized this cooperation. The new headquarters under the NATO umbrella is intended to prevent Trump from withdrawing or canceling support if he wins the presidency again. The steps will be announced at the NATO summit, the "Wall Street Journal" reports.
17:23 US Cancels More Military Aid for UkraineUS Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced additional 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 intermediaries are reportedly in talks. Also, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the United States would announce new developments before the NATO summit in Washington from July 9-11.
16:38 Former Polish Defense Minister: US Limit for Attacks on Russia Should Be ExpandedSince late May, the agreement between Kiev and Washington has allowed Ukrainian defenders to attack targets up to 100 kilometers from the border using US weapons. This stabilized the military situation in the northeast of Ukraine. However, the Ukrainian armed forces are pressing for permission to target certain, more distant targets. Poland's former defense minister Janusz Onyszkiewicz believes that the restriction should be expanded to 300 kilometers. The failed Russian offensive on Kharkiv is evidence of the effectiveness of attacks on Russian territory. "This is an unlimited success for the Ukrainian army."
15:59 Germany and Poland agree on closer military cooperationIn a joint action plan between Germany and Poland, the two countries agree on military cooperation beyond NATO, specifically between their armies and in the procurement and maintenance of military equipment such as the Leopard Tank. In the document, the two countries label Russia as "the most immediate threat to Euro-Atlantic security". The Russian offensive war against Ukraine served as a reminder to EU countries of the importance of peacekeeping in Europe and Europe's ability to defend itself. German Chancellor Scholz states in Warsaw that Germany and Poland are among the largest supporters of Ukraine; politically, militarily, and in the acceptance of refugees. Additionally, both played a leading role in the Baltic Sea region and the protection of the NATO eastern flank.
15:32 Nuremberg weapons manufacturer Iris-T reports significant growthThe Nuremberg mixed concern Diehl has grown significantly in its defense sector with the air defense system Iris-T. In 2023, the company turnover increased by 10.8 percent to 3.88 billion Euro, according to the Financial Director. The defense sector alone grew by 41 percent to 1.14 billion Euro. Area Manager Helmut Rauch expects a further sales increase in the defense sector of up to 40 percent for the current year. By 2026, the turnover should reach the threshold of two billion Euro. The annual surplus increased significantly in 2023 compared to the previous year by 109 percent to 174 million Euro.
14:41 Ukraine: Fighter jets destroy Russian munitions depot on the CrimeaThe Ukrainian military claims to have carried out a "devastating blow" against a Russian munitions depot on the occupied Crimean Peninsula on Monday. Air Force Commander Mykola Oleschtschuk reports that Ukrainian military jets, which Russian propaganda claims no longer exist, have once again successfully carried out combat missions. Oleschtschuk apparently refers to a statement from the Russian Defense Ministry, according to which 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 expected to be launched into space that year, according to the Russian space agency Roskosmos. By 2030, the core of the station should be complete. It 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 operating times have been extended several times. Russia announced its withdrawal from the joint project after the beginning of its offensive war against Ukraine due to tensions with the West. It was previously announced that Russia would stay on board until 2028.
13:28 Orban urges Zelenskyy to pursue arms truce
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán calls on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during a visit in Kiev in the presence of the Ukrainian president, that he values his peace initiatives. Orbán asked Zelenskyy to pursue an arms truce in the war with Russia, which could accelerate peace talks. Zelenskyy responds that Ukraine needs a "fair peace."
12:55 Russia shows Iskander attack on airbase
Russia releases drone footage of an attack on a Ukrainian airbase. Five Su-27 aircraft are reportedly destroyed. Ukraine confirms the attack. The attack with Iskander missiles could be related to the delivery of western F16 jets.
12:18 Germany and Poland label Russia "immediate threat" to European peace
Germany and Poland agree on a joint action plan to work more closely together in defense and arms policy. Russia is currently the "immediate and greatest threat" to peace in Europe, according to a 40-page document adopted during government consultations in Warsaw. This document aims to deepen bilateral cooperation in the coming years and strengthen the military power of the western defense alliance at NATO's eastern flank. In addition, cooperation at the government level is to be deepened to help Ukraine with military aid. This includes repair and maintenance of Leopard 2 tanks.
11:36 Attacks on energy infrastructure hinder Ukrainian economy
The destruction of Ukraine's energy infrastructure by Russian attacks leaves deep economic consequences. The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (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 is expected to grow by 3.2 percent similarly to 2023. However, the acute labor shortage and high interest rates are expected to 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 subjected to Ukrainian shelling. 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 Revealed as Nazi Works
Gennadi Rakitin's poems have celebrated great successes in Russia. Since last summer, he has published his odes to Putin and the annexation of Ukraine on the social network VKontakte. Many Russians followed him, including several parliamentary deputies and other high-ranking politicians. Now it has come to light: Rakitin is a fabrication. Pictures of him were generated by Artificial Intelligence. His poems are translations from German - they originate from the Nazi era. An anonymous group of war opponents confesses to having transferred and slightly adapted them. Thus, the name Hitler was replaced with Putin, as reported by the "Guardian". One of the poems was originally called "Führer" and was written by the Nazi author Eberhard Möller. It was modified on VKontakte with a picture of Putin.
09:22 Moscow reports destruction of Ukrainian fighter jets
Russia reports, according to its own statements, the destruction of five Ukrainian SU-27 fighter jets at the Myrhorod airfield in central Ukraine, in the region of Poltava, through a rocket attack. Two additional jets were damaged, according to the Defense Ministry in Moscow. The air defense also shot down eleven drones, with which Ukraine allegedly attacked Russian territory and the Crimean Peninsula, reports the state news agency RIA, citing the ministry. The Ukrainian Crimea was annexed by Russia in 2014, but it is not internationally recognized.
09:22 Netherlands to soon deliver F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine
The Netherlands announce 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 parliament. Today, the new government is to be sworn in at the parliament, which has been in coalition negotiations for months. Ollongren refuses to name the number of aircraft in the first delivery and their arrival time in Ukraine due to security reasons. The Netherlands were one of the driving forces behind an international coalition that wants to supply the Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets to strengthen its air defense against Russia. The Netherlands have already delivered F-16 fighter jets to a training facility in Romania, where Ukrainian pilots and ground personnel learn to operate and maintain the aircraft in combat.
08:58 Orban arrives in Kiev - also planned talks with Zelensky
The Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban arrives in Ukraine for his first visit since the beginning of the Russian aggression war almost 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 took over the EU Council Presidency on a rotating basis until the end of the year. Orban is known for his Russia-friendly policy.
08:03 Ukrainian Defense Minister in the USA - more help?
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will discuss further military support for the conflict-stricken Ukraine during a meeting with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerow in Washington. The conversation will cover bilateral cooperation in defense, regional security concerns, and possibilities to strengthen the defense partnership between the USA and Ukraine, according to the US Defense Department. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called on allies of his country over the weekend to provide more weapons following a Russian air raid in the region of Zaporizhzhia that killed seven people.
07:30 Video shows city in ruins - Russians bomb Chasiv Yar
The war in Ukraine continues unabated. The small town of Chasiv Yar in the east of the country, located at the front lines, is under constant shelling, as the last residents report. They witness the war and seek shelter from bombs, but they don't want to leave.
07:05 Ukraine has sent 3,000 prisoners to the war
Ukraine is not only lacking air defense and ammunition but also soldiers. To address the shortage, Parliament decided in May to enlist prisoners into the military - on a voluntary basis. According to Ukrainian Vice Justice Minister Olena Wysozka, over 3,000 prisoners have been released on parole and assigned to military units since then. The Ministry estimates that approximately 27,000 convicted criminals are eligible for the new program. Wysozka stated that it is a significant motivation for 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 July
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expects a strengthening of Ukraine's air defense against Russian air raids in July. Promised F-16 fighter jets in sufficient quantities and quality, Patriot missile systems, and rockets with greater range could significantly impact the course of the war, he said in a video message on Monday evening. Ukraine could receive more protection of its airspace from aggressor Russia in this month. Several countries have pledged F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine and have also trained Ukrainian pilots on the aircraft. "This month could bring more strength to Ukraine, particularly in the protection of our airspace and ensuring the real security of our country," Zelenskyy said.
05:17 General Staff: More than 30 Russian planes shot down since the beginning of the year
For 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 the data, over 30 planes have been downed, many of which are from the Soviet era. "Our brave soldiers have hit more than 30 Russian planes," the statement reads. Thirteen of these were the Su-34, referred to as "front bombers." A total of nine Su-25 combat jets were destroyed.
03:21 IW-Chef calls for 300 Billion Euro for the BundeswehrThe CEO of the German Institute for Economic Research (IW), Michael Hüther, is demanding significantly more money for the Bundeswehr. "The special fund for the Bundeswehr is 100 Billion Euro. That's not enough," Hüther told the "Rheinische Post". "We need an increase to 250 to 300 Billion Euro. Only then will we achieve a combat-ready equipment for our army," he continued. The increase in the special fund would also be financially feasible, Hüther told the newspaper. "After all, the peace dividend since 1990 amounted to around 600 Billion Euro." This money was not invested in infrastructure, digitalization or education. "We have used these funds in part to reduce debt. We have consumed them most of all. That catches up with us now," Hüther said.
02:08 International mine-clearing operation in the Black Sea startedTo improve the security of shipping, especially for Ukrainian grain exports, an international mine-clearing operation has started in the Black Sea. Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria are involved in the initiative, according to Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the matter. The three countries signed an agreement on joint mine-clearing in the Black Sea at the beginning of January. The Bulgarian government stressed in the report that the activities of the three participating countries in the Black Sea would not be directed against other countries.
00:54 Report: Orban to meet Zelenskyy in KievThe Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban will travel to Kiev on Tuesday to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to a report in the Financial Times, citing sources close to the matter. It would be Orban's first visit to Ukraine since the start of the war.
23:12 Ukraine: Russians pay a high priceThe situation at the front remains tense but under control, according to the Ukrainian General Staff's evening report on Telegram, as reported by the Ukrainian news agency RBK. A total of 161 combat engagements took place today. The enemy attacked mainly in the direction of Pokrovsk. "The Russians are paying a high price for their attempt to advance towards Pokrovsk," the General Staff added. They lost 109 soldiers there on Monday. 181 people were taken prisoner. In addition, a tank and a series of other vehicles were destroyed. The information cannot be independently verified.
22:22 Ukraine hopes for better power supply in AugustThe condition of the Ukrainian power grid is expected to improve significantly in August, according to Wolodymyr Kydrytsky, CEO of the state power grid operator Ukrenergo, as reported by Ukrainska Pravda. The load on the Ukrainian energy infrastructure will be alleviated after the completion of repairs on some nuclear power plants, resulting in more available capacity. Since the spring, Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing frequent power outages. The current power outages are exacerbated by attacks, heat, and limited power imports, according to Ukrenergo's CEO.
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 think it's simply unfair and demotivating to impose endless sanctions on the country," says Russia's UN Ambassador Vasily Nebenzia in New York. It needs to be considered how the sanctions can be changed. "It can't go on forever." Regarding the question of whether North Korea should be allowed to test atomic weapons, Nebenzia remains silent despite repeated inquiries.
20:02 Explosions on the CrimeaThere have been explosions reported on the Crimea Peninsula, according to the occupying power. The governor of Sevastopol, appointed by Moscow, Mikhail Razvozhayev, writes on Telegram that the air defense has shot down four objects. Debris are said to have fallen near the coast, damage assessments are currently being carried out. According to Ukrainian online media Ukrayinska Pravda, smoke was seen in the area of a power plant on the Crimea.
20:02 USA to continue NATO support even after right-wing election results in EuropeUS Secretary of State Antony Blinken is optimistic that NATO support in Europe will continue regardless of the results of right-wing parties' elections. The alliance has been working in recent years to ensure that we have the right defense where it is needed and important, Blinken said at 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 election result in France. The French Rassemblement National of Marine Le Pen has been criticized for its ties to Russia for a long time. RN leader Jordan Bardella recently emphasized that he would not "absorb Russia as a vassal state like Ukraine."
19:38 Russians allegedly capture ATACMS missile guidance systemRussian forces have reportedly captured an intact missile guidance system of a US ATACMS missile. The state Russian news agency RIA shows a weapons expert, whose name is not mentioned, examining the alleged guidance system of a missile that Russian forces reportedly shot down. The USA has been supplying Ukraine with such missiles for some time, which can reach targets up to 300 kilometers away. The US government has so far prohibited Ukraine from targeting objectives in Russian territory.
18:37 Russians allegedly capture ATACMS missile guidance systemRussian forces have reportedly captured an intact missile guidance system of a US ATACMS missile. The state Russian news agency RIA shows a weapons expert, whose name is not mentioned, examining the alleged guidance system of a missile that Russian forces reportedly shot down. The USA had begun supplying Ukraine with such missiles some months ago, which can reach targets up to 300 kilometers away. The US government has so far prohibited Ukraine from targeting objectives in Russian territory.
You can read about earlier developments here.
- In light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a significant portion of US citizens believe that the United States is not providing sufficient military aid, with one quarter believing this to be the case.
- The recent violation of Lithuanian airspace by a Russian aircraft has raised concerns, with the Russian embassy being summoned to address the issue and prevent future incidents.
- The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Selensky, has rejected a peace proposal from Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, citing concerns about Russian forces regrouping during a ceasefire.
- Due to damage to its energy infrastructure, Ukraine is increasingly dependent on imports, with President Selenskyj advocating for a European solution to this problem.
- Russia is reportedly recruiting minors for the war in Ukraine, with the Ukrainian National Resistance Center warning of the potential use of these teenagers as pawns in the conflict.
