01:58 Russia: Town north of Bachmut taken - Ukraine denies it
The Russian Defense Ministry stated that the Russian armed forces have taken control of the town of Rosdoliwka in eastern Ukraine. However, the Ukrainian military declared that heavy fighting were taking place in the areas surrounding the settlement. Rosdoliwka is located in the Donezk region, the epicenter of Russia's advance in eastern Ukraine. It is situated north of Bachmut and Soledar, two towns that were taken under Russian control last year.
00:58 U.S. Army awards Lockheed Martin $4.5 billion contractThe U.S. Army has awarded Lockheed Martin a multi-year contract worth $4.5 billion for the Patriot air defense system. The Pentagon announced this. The contract includes 870 PAC-3 MSE missiles and the related hardware. Lockheed produces the latest version of the missile defense system, which equips the Patriot, known as PAC-3 MSE. The Patriot system is part of a series of advanced air defense systems that the West provides to Ukraine.
23:58 More Olympic starting places for Russians - Judokas rejectedThe International Olympic Committee (IOC) has invited more Russian and Belarusian athletes to the Summer Games in Paris. According to the IOC's announcement, 50 athletes and athletes from these two countries have been invited to compete under a neutral flag. However, not all of these invitations have been accepted, some have already withdrawn. Some Judokas were rejected because of their affiliation with military sports clubs. Out of the twelve quota places for Russian Judokas, only two will be allocated to each gender - whether the four accept the invitation remains open.
22:59 Ten Ukrainians returned from Russian captivityTen Ukrainian civilians have returned from Russian captivity, according to reports from Kyiv. Among the released prisoners was Nariman Dscheljal, the leader of the Crimean Tatars, wrote Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday in social media. He thanks the Vatican for its role in the release of the civilians. Dscheljal was arrested in 2021, before the large-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, on the annexed Crimean Peninsula and later sentenced to 17 years in prison.
22:30 Lithuania's Foreign Minister: Kallas nomination acknowledges stance on RussiaLithuania has welcomed the nomination of Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas as the new EU Foreign Policy Chief. Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis speaks of acknowledging the views of the Baltic States and other countries at NATO's eastern flank, which have taken a firm stance against Russia and supported Ukraine until its victory. "She has never hidden her position, she has clearly and openly expressed her views on issues that are important to us," Landsbergis told the BNS agency in Vilnius about Kallas. Kallas was appointed as the EU representative for external and security policy at the EU summit in Brussels on Thursday. The 47-year-old liberal has been in power since 2021 as the first woman in Estonia's history to head the government - and is known as a supporter of a resolute Western stance towards Moscow. (Also see entries at 15:36 and 13:38 hours.)
22:00 Baerbock: Support for Ukraine is the best protection for peaceful sleeping
According to Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock's belief, the ongoing support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian invasion troops is also linked to peace and security in Germany. "If Ukraine can no longer defend our peace, our freedom, because we no longer support it, then the question is how far Putin's troops will advance then," Baerbock said in a talk with RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND), NDR, and "Hannoverscher Allgemeine Zeitung". "That's why support for Ukraine is the best protection for our own peace and our own security." Baerbock referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Of course, one can discuss whether the billions in aid for Ukraine should be used differently, Baerbock said. But in this case, she had to say: "I don't know how long we can continue to sleep peacefully here in Brandenburg, right on the border with Poland." There are "light tests" along the entire EU border and the NATO outer border. "Every reasonable person in the world, in Europe, and in Ukraine" wishes nothing more ardently than peace in Ukraine. That depends on Putin. "For that, Putin must withdraw his troops and finally put an end to this murder." Instead, his response is "always more violence and terror."
21:20 Putin gifts Kim a luxury car with parts from South Korea
During his state visit to North Korea, Russian leader Vladimir Putin presented North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un with an Aurus limousine and drove him laughing through a park in Pyongyang eight days ago. Photos of the joyride in a fake idyll in Pyongyang have circulated around the world. This is the second Aurus limousine Putin has given Kim. However, Russian luxury cars were reportedly made by a company that imported South Korean components worth millions of dollars, according to Reuters, citing customs data. Aurus imported South Korean parts worth at least 34 million dollars between 2018 and 2023. A representative of the South Korean industrial association Kyungki Industrial Co. confirmed that the company supplied parts to Aurus and would continue to do so. The company is "not concerned about possible sanctions," the representative added. Kim considers South Korea to be the "main enemy" of his country.
20:45 Ukraine: Dead and injured after rocket hit on apartment building
The impact of a Russian rocket on a residential building in the Ukrainian industrial city of Dnipro resulted in at least one death and nine injuries. Among the injured were a 27-year-old and a 30-year-old woman, as well as a 29-year-old man, according to the military governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region, Serhij Lyssak, on his Telegram channel. Two of the injured were in critical condition. Two people were also missing. Images show a severely damaged stairwell of a nine-story building in a densely populated residential area. The upper four floors were completely destroyed.
Dnipro has been hit by Russian missile attacks since the beginning of the war. During one of the most devastating attacks on civilian objects during the conflict, over 45 people were killed and approximately 80 were injured when a missile struck a residential building in the city in early 2023. In the face of the latest missile attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy once again called for the strengthening of air defense. Only the determination of the world can put a stop to Russian terror, he wrote on social media.
20:24 Zelenskyy awards posthum Courage Medal to nurse Iryna Tsybukh
The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posthum awards the Nurse Iryna Tsybukh the Order of Courage of the III Class. According to the Presidential Administration of Ukraine's website, Tsybukh was born in Lviv, Ukraine, in June 1998. She was a public figure in Ukraine, a journalist, and the head of the regional broadcasting department of the National Public Television and Radio Company of Ukraine. During Russia's attacks on Ukraine, she joined the volunteer medical battalion Hospitaliers as a nurse. She was killed during a rotation towards Kharkiv on May 29th.
With the same decree, journalist Andriy Topchiy was posthum awarded the Courage Order III Class. He too was a nurse in an infantry battalion. Topchiy died on April 20th near Robotyno in the Zaporizhia region.
19:54 Putin calls for production of previously banned missiles
Russian President Vladimir Putin called for the production of short- and medium-range missiles, which were banned under the INF-Disarmament Treaty with the US up until 2019. "It looks like we need to start producing these attack systems," Putin said, referring to missiles with a range between 500 and 5500 kilometers. After the production of the missiles, Moscow must "make decisions based on the actual situation about where we will station them for our security," Putin added. Putin justified his statement by saying that the US had begun using such missiles in exercises in Denmark. Russia must "respond," he said. Under the INF-Treaty, the production of missiles with a range between 500 and 5500 kilometers was prohibited for the treaty parties, the US and the Soviet Union. The US withdrew from the INF-Treaty in 2019, justifying it by saying that Russia was not fulfilling its obligations. Moscow declared at the time that it would continue to refrain from producing new missiles as long as the US did not deploy them near Russian territory.
19:14 "Just Peace": Zelenskyy announces "comprehensive plan" to end the war
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that he is working on a "comprehensive plan" to end the war against his country. It is "very important" for Kiev to present such a plan, "which will be supported by the majority of the world", Zelenskyy said during a visit by Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar in Kiev. This is "the diplomatic way", Kiev is working, he added. "We don't want to prolong this war and we must come to a just peace as soon as possible", Zelenskyy also noted. At the same time, he emphasized the development of Ukrainian military production. Russia understands "only strength and respects only the strong". "There are two things in parallel: being strong on the battlefield and developing a clear and detailed plan that will be completed this year", said the Ukrainian prime minister. Ukraine has repeatedly stated that Russia must withdraw its troops from Ukrainian territory before possible peace talks, including from the 2014 annexed Crimean Peninsula.
18:51 Putin announces strong growth for Russia's economy
Russia's economy is growing significantly, according to President Vladimir Putin's statements to the Interfax news agency during a meeting with university graduates. "We will see what the first half of the year brings, but something around five percent growth for the country's GDP (Gross Domestic Product)", Putin is quoted as saying. In the previous year, the GDP grew by 3.6 percent. In fact, Western sanctions have not been able to slow down the Russian economy. According to the statistics agency Rosstat, the GDP growth in the first quarter was 5.4 percent. Foreign experts attribute this mainly to the significantly increased state expenditures for defense and military. Soldiers' salaries and compensation for injured or killed soldiers provide many Russian families with more money. Due to the labor shortage, wages are rising. However, economic experts cannot sustain this trend.
18:25 Ukraine: Russian units refuse to attack in the area of Charkiw
Russian units refuse to engage in combat in the Charkiw area due to the loss of their commanders, reported the Ukrainian news agency "Ukrinform", citing the spokesperson for the Ukrainian military unit "Chortyzja", Nasar Voloschyn, on Espreso.TV, a private television station in Ukraine. There have been six battles in the area of Charkiw, in which the Ukrainian forces killed approximately 120 Russians. There is information about numerous cases where Russian forces refused to engage in combat, Voloschyn said, naming as an example the assault unit of the 153rd Tank Regiment of the 47th Tank Division of the Russian armed forces.
17:49 US Drones over Black Sea: Russia warns NATO of "confrontation"
Russia has warned NATO countries of a "direct confrontation" due to increased US drone flights over the Black Sea, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. "These flights increase the likelihood of encounters between Russian air and space forces, raising the risk of a direct confrontation between the alliance and Russia," the ministry stated. The increased number of US drone flights, Moscow adds, shows the growing involvement of the United States and NATO countries in the conflict in Ukraine.
Washington uses these flights to spy on Russian targets for precision weapons provided by its Western partners to Ukraine, the Russian Defense Ministry explained. Defense Minister Andrey Bolusov has ordered the General Staff to prepare proposals for operational responses to provocations.
The regular US drone flights over the Black Sea, according to Washington, take place in neutral airspace and in accordance with international law.
17:22 Belarus reinforces troops on Ukrainian border
Belarus has reinforced its troops along its northern border with Ukraine, according to the Defense Ministry. Multiple rocket launchers have been deployed at an unspecified section of the 1,084-kilometer-long border. Authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko maintains close ties with Russia and allowed Moscow to use his country as a staging ground for its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
17:05 Russians destroy crucial western Ukrainian power plant completely
A crucial power plant for heating in western Ukraine has been completely destroyed by Russian attacks, according to the governor of the Ivano-Frankivsk region, Switlana Onyshchuk, in a local radio broadcast. "It's clear that the Burshtyn power plant cannot be rebuilt," she said. The plant, located about 130 kilometers from the Polish border, has suffered more than a dozen Russian attacks. The residents of the region will be supplied with heating from transported heat exchangers with central heating. Since mid-March, the Russian military has deliberately targeted heating and water power plants with drones and rockets. According to official reports, over 9,000 megawatts of power plant capacity have been destroyed. The Burshtyn power plant alone had a capacity of 2,400 megawatts.
16:23 Russian space communication center on Crimea destroyed
The Ukrainian military, according to the Defense Ministry in Kiev, has destroyed the Russian space communication center on the annexed Crimean peninsula. This is a valuable military component in the satellite communication and navigation system of the Russian troops, the ministry explained. On Monday, there were reports of explosions near the village of Vityino on the Crimean peninsula, where the center is located. These reports cannot be independently verified. Russia annexed the Crimea in 2014, an action not recognized internationally.
16:04 Injured civilians in Russian bombing raids in Donetsk region
At least four civilians have been killed and three more injured in the settlement of New York (New York) in eastern Ukraine due to Russian bombardments, according to the Donezk region prosecutor's office. The attackers reportedly used a 250-kilogramme glide bomb that damaged several residential buildings. Russian forces had intensified their attacks near the city of Torezk in the previous days and reportedly gained small territorial gains. Additionally, at least three people were killed and almost 20 were injured through Russian shelling in Kurachowe and around Torezk the day before. Over 30 residential buildings were damaged.
15:36 Kremlin accuses new EU leadership of Russophobia
The Kremlin sees poor prospects for the relationship between Moscow and Brussels following the decision of EU heads of state and government to appoint a new European Union leadership. The designated new EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, for instance, has not distinguished herself through diplomatic skill, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov, as reported by Russian news agencies. The Estonian prime minister is "well known to us for her unacceptable and sometimes even extreme anti-Russian statements," Peskov said. Moscow frequently accuses the West of Russophobia, or anti-Russian sentiment or hatred. Similar remarks were made regarding EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who was nominated for a second term by the heads of state and government of the 27 EU countries with a large majority. "The prospects of the relationship between Moscow and Brussels are poor," Peskov said. Normalization of relations is not to be expected.
15:13 Ukraine reports downing of another Russian Su-25
Another Russian Su-25 fighter jet is said to have been shot down in the contested Donetsk region, according to a post by the Ukrainian National Guard on Telegram. The jet was hit by a "well-aimed shot" from a portable air defense system during its combat mission. A video published by the National Guard shows grainy footage of the shoot-down, accompanied by triumphant cheers from Ukrainian troops. The exact location and time of the incident are not specified in the post.
14:35 Russia claims to have taken control of Rosdoliwka in eastern Ukraine
The Russian military reportedly took control of the eastern Ukrainian village of Rosdoliwka, according to the Russian Defense Ministry in Moscow. The Southern Military District reportedly drove out Ukrainian troops from Rosdoliwka and took over more advantageous positions. The village is located in the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine, where Russian forces have reportedly taken control of several villages in recent weeks. The Ukrainian side has not commented on the situation. It is impossible to independently verify such reports on the fighting.
14:09 Kiev: Annual Military Statements Worth 60 Billion Dollars
The Ukraine can count on annual military aid of 60 billion dollars according to its own statements after the conclusion of 20 security agreements. These agreements are valid for the next four years, explained Minister President Denys Schmyhal. In its defense against Russia, Ukraine has recently signed a series of security accords - among others, one on Thursday with the European Union.
13:38 "Poor for Relations": Kremlin Dissatisfied with EU-Leadership Nominations
The Kreml criticizes the EU summit decision to fill EU leadership positions. With Ursula von der Leyen as Commission President and Kaja Kallas as Foreign Affairs Chief, the prospects for Moscow-Brussels relations are "poor," said Kreml spokesman Dmitri Peskov. It is hardly surprising that the Kallas nomination does not sit well with the Kreml: The Estonian has been advocating a hard line against Russian President Vladimir Putin in the EU and is one of the biggest supporters of Ukraine.
13:06 Poland to Quickly Sign Security Accords with Ukraine
German Chancellor von der Leyen, who is standing for a second term, is not in favor of "normalizing relations between the European Union and Russia," added he. Kallas is known for her "russophobic" remarks. Polish Minister President Donald Tusk believes that his country is very likely to sign a bilateral security accord with Ukraine in the coming days. This agreement is almost certainly to be signed before the NATO summit, Tusk said. The document is almost complete, only a few details and formulations need to be clarified. The NATO summit begins on July 9 in Washington. The EU had already signed a security accord with Ukraine at the EU summit on Thursday. Bilateral accords were also signed between Ukraine and EU states Lithuania and Estonia. Several other EU states have already signed such an accord with Ukraine.
12:34 Expert Mölling: Trump Gains Influence Before the Election
After the TV debate in the US, security expert Christian Mölling is sure: The influence of Donald Trump on international politics is already growing. The Research Director of the German Council on Foreign Relations finds it plausible that Trump may adjust his line on Ukraine here and there because he has already received a briefing from the security agencies "on what's really going on." So there will probably be no selling out of Ukraine, as such a move would also have negative consequences for US interests, Mölling said in the "Stern" podcast "The Situation." Even if presidents make the important decisions, there is always a machine that implements them. More on US politics and its influence on the Ukraine policy can be found here: link
12:12 Belarus Announces Reinforcement of Border with UkraineBelarus will strengthen its border with Ukraine following an incident with a Ukrainian surveillance drone. The border guard and the Defense Ministry have announced this. The border guard also reported that a quadcopter was shot down on a Wednesday, allegedly flying illegally from Ukraine into Belarus to collect information about the infrastructure at the Belarusian border. At the beginning of the week, it was reported that hidden explosive materials were discovered in the same area. Additionally, it is known that a pro-Ukrainian Russian militia unit is stationed in a Ukrainian area near the border.
11:40 Surveillance: Thousands of Russians Reportedly Ratting Out Their Fellow CitizensThe surveillance apparatus has deep roots in Russia – and it seems to be blooming anew. According to independent Russian-language media, at least 3,500 reports were filed against Russian citizens between February 2022 and May 2024. This is just a minimum estimate, as the portal Meduza writes. "The war and the subsequent repressive policies of Russian authorities against their own population led ... to an increase in denunciations that were not only related to anti-war declarations, but also to LGBTQ+ content, 'Russophobia', drugs, and other topics." As an example, the portal cites the case of Usman Baratov, a resident of Moscow, who last year, when egg prices were particularly high, posted a picture of a hen with the caption "No eggs for you! Bring the hens back from the front." Within a month, calls appeared on social media to revoke Baratov's Russian citizenship. A criminal case has now been opened against him for "incitement to hatred and enmity." He has been in pre-trial detention for five months, and he faces up to six years in prison.
11:03 "Provocations": Moscow Threatens Action Against Alleged US DronesRussia is threatening action against alleged US reconnaissance drones over the Black Sea. Defense Minister Andrei Belousov has ordered the military general staff to prepare proposals for responding quickly to "provocations," according to his office. Russia has reportedly detected increased activity of US drones in the region. They are believed to be conducting military reconnaissance and gathering target information, which Ukraine could use to attack Russian facilities with weapons supplied from the West, the ministry said. This shows the growing involvement of the USA and NATO countries in the conflict in Ukraine. Such drone flights increase the likelihood of incidents in the airspace with Russian aircraft, raising the risk of a direct confrontation between NATO and Russia. For such incidents, the NATO would be responsible, the ministry emphasized.
10:34 Trump vs. Putin's Plan: Scene from TV Debate Remains Hidden in RussiaThe US presidential election is also being followed in Russia, along with the TV debate between the candidates Joe Biden and Donald Trump. ntv correspondent Rainer Munz reports on what Russian media cover and which details are left out. The Kremlin, meanwhile, issues further threats.
09:58 Window fall after KGB interrogation? Former Belarus ambassador dead at 48
According to reports from independent Belarusian media, the former Belarusian ambassador to Germany, Denis Sidorenko, has died at the age of 48 in his hometown of Minsk. The Belarusian Foreign Ministry only confirmed his death hours later, stating that the "beloved colleague, extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador of Belarus in Germany (2016-2024)" had passed away. No cause of death was given. Multiple independent Belarusian media outlets, operating in exile abroad, report that Sidorenko, a father of a family, committed suicide by jumping out of a window of a high-rise building in Minsk on June 24th. No official confirmation of the suicide has been provided. Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko had recalled Sidorenko, who had advocated for good relations with the EU, from Germany. According to an emigre former Belarusian diplomat, Sidorenko had become a problem for the power apparatus in Minsk.
09:30 Ukraine releases numbers on Russian losses
The Ukrainian General Staff has released new figures on Russian troop losses in Ukraine. According to these figures, Russia has lost approximately 540,500 soldiers in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. In a single day, the number of losses reportedly reached 1,170. The report from Kiev also states that 24 tanks, 60 artillery systems, and an aircraft were destroyed. Since the beginning of the large-scale attack, Ukraine claims that Russia has lost 8,066 tanks, 14,423 artillery systems, and 360 aircraft. Western estimates put the loss figures much lower, although they admit these are only minimum values.
09:05 Numerous drones over Russia again
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Russia intercepted 25 Ukrainian drones during the night. However, it did not mention the incident in Tambov, where a fuel depot caught fire during a drone attack (see entry 08:02). The Russian Telegram channel Two Majors reports 32 Ukrainian drones intercepted in the border region.
08:33 ISW: Russians attempting to advance on Torezk gradually
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) considers a quick tactical victory for the Russians at Torezk unlikely at present. The Russian military may, however, be planning to carry out continuous offensive operations in this area to achieve incremental tactical gains, according to the US think tank. "The limited forces available for this operation suggest that the Russians prefer to make gradual progress through sustained attacks," the latest ISW report states. Additionally, a brigade of the so-called Donetsk People's Republic and a regiment of Russian territorial troops were fighting in the region. These forces were less combat-effective than conventional troops or earlier Russian elite units. "Even if the Russian forces manage to capture Torezk, advancing beyond the settlement would be difficult, if not even more so, due to the open terrain and the large water bodies to the north and northwest," the think tank added.
08:02 Fuel storage facility in Central Russia on fire
Once again, a fuel storage facility in Russia is on fire - this time in the central Russian region of Tambov. Regional governor Maxim Yegorov writes on Telegram that the cause was a Ukrainian drone attack. No casualties have been reported, the fire department is on the scene. The city of Tambov is approximately 460 kilometers south-east of Moscow.
07:39 Zelenskyy coming to NATO summit in Warsaw, Poland
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to attend the NATO summit in Washington in July, according to Polish government statements. "President Zelenskyy and I have arranged a meeting in Warsaw before the NATO summit," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk writes on Twitter. "The EU has understood what Poland has known since the start of the war: The defense of Ukraine is the defense of Europe." Poland is one of the most active political and military supporters of Ukraine. It also plays an important role as a hub for Western military aid to Kiev. In addition, Poland has taken in nearly a million refugees from its neighboring country.
07:07 "Extremist": Duma preparing bill against "child-free ideology"
Despite the unclear family situations of leading Russian politicians: Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin has declared 2024 as the "Year of the Family," calling the Russian family the "backbone" of Russia. Now, it seems that this family ideal is to be propagated even more strongly. According to the Institute for the Study of War, Russian Deputy Justice Minister Vsevolod Vukolov has announced that Duma deputies are preparing a bill to ban the so-called "child-free ideology." This ideology is considered "extremist" as it holds the "extremist" view that women "do not have to bear children" and "can renounce them." An draft for a presidential decree is also being prepared, which will add the term "traditional values" to the official "normative dictionary" of the Russian language. The demographic situation in Russia is overall tense. According to the Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation, between January and April of the previous year, 3.1 percent fewer children were born than in the previous yearly period - a record low. The massive losses in the war are contributing to further deterioration of the demographic situation.
06:42 Governor: Administrative building in Bryansk damaged by Ukrainian drone
In the Russian city of Bryansk, it appears that an administrative building has been damaged following a drone attack. This is reported by the governor of the region, Alexander Bogomas, on Telegram. "The city of Bryansk was attacked by Ukrainian terrorists using drones. There are no casualties." The drone was reportedly repelled, and the administrative building was damaged upon its crash.
06:07 Kertsch Bridge apparently affected: Ukrainian intelligence service speaks of cyber attacks on Crimean servers
The military intelligence service of Ukraine (HUR) is carrying out a cyber attack on multiple institutions on the Crimean peninsula, which is under Russian control. This is reported by "Kyiv Independent" and refers to a source within the service. The targets of the attacks on Thursday are reportedly the largest Russian internet providers on the peninsula, the servers of propaganda media, and the traffic registration and control system on the Crimean Bridge. "Within an hour, the traffic jam increased sixfold, and in the morning, about 300 cars were in the queue," according to the source from the HUR. The Ukrainian intelligence service is reported to have conducted several cyber attacks on the Crimea in the past few months.
05:01 Heavy fighting around Pokrovsk in the east
At various frontlines in the east of Ukraine, Russian and Ukrainian forces are engaging in heavy fighting on Thursday. The Ukrainian General Staff in Kiev reports in its daily situation report that the enemy is trying to breach our defensive lines. Of the over 100 reported armed clashes of the day, more than half are said to be in the area around Pokrovsk in the Donezk region. The frontline has remained unchanged everywhere. Ukrainian military personnel also report heavy fighting around the settlement of Mirnoje west of the city of Zaporizhzhia. A Russian brigade is said to have lost over 95 percent of its soldiers in massed storming attacks there, according to a statement from the Ukrainian agency Unian.
04:20 Trump: Could end war in Ukraine before taking office
The former US President Donald Trump holds Joe Biden responsible for the Russian military campaign in Ukraine and calls on Europe to give more money to Kiev. If the US had a "real president" who respected Putin, this would never have happened in Ukraine, Trump says during the presidential debate in Atlanta. Biden allegedly encouraged Putin, according to Trump. He repeated his promise to end the war again. This would still be possible before his inauguration in January, the 78-year-old continued. However, he left open how he would achieve this.
03:18 French right-wing populist Bardella calls for continued support for Ukraine
During a TV debate three days before the first round of the French parliamentary elections, the French right-wing populist Jordan Bardella, who aspires to be the prime minister of his National Rally (RN) party in case of an absolute majority, expresses his support for continued support for Ukraine. "I will not allow Russian imperialism to absorb a linked state like Ukraine," Bardella says. His position on this conflict is "very simple" and has "never changed," Bardella explains. "It's about supporting Ukraine and preventing an escalation" with the nuclear power Russia. Regarding a possible deployment of French troops to Ukraine, Bardella says: "If I am prime minister tomorrow, no French soldiers will be sent to Ukraine." He is also against sending medium-range missiles to Ukraine that could hit Russian territory.
01:30 Farmers' President under Fire for Ukraine Statement
The President of the Farmers' Association is facing sharp criticism for his comments on Ukraine's EU membership. Green security politician Sebastian Schäfer accused Joachim Rukwied in a letter of becoming "Putin's propaganda helper" with his one-sided statements. The letter was obtained by "Der Spiegel." Rukwied had warned in an "FAZ" interview that the Ukraine's accession was a "threat to the survival of European agriculture," as large agricultural businesses in Ukraine could produce much cheaper than farmers in the EU. Instead, import restrictions against Ukrainian agricultural products were "urgently necessary." Schäfer accuses Rukwied of fueling the anti-Ukraine sentiment with his "martial language" and suggesting that Russia's invasion only posed a threat to EU farmers. Furthermore, the accession talks were still at the very beginning and represented "an opportunity and a reason for fundamental, future-oriented reforms in the Common Agricultural Policy."
23:34 Ukrainian Railways Granted License for Freight Traffic by Poland
The Ukrainian state railway company Ukrzaliznytsia has received a license from the Polish railway regulatory authority, allowing it to enter the European railway freight market, the company announced. The Ukrainian airspace has been closed since February 2022 due to the Russian invasion, making rail transport a crucial role in transporting goods and passengers in and out of the country. Ukrzaliznytsia transported over two million passengers to Europe in the previous year and reported a record cargo volume of 14 million tons in November 2023.
22:17 Ukraine Increases Weapons Production by a Quarter in the First Quarter
The weapons production in Ukraine increased by an average of 25.4% in the period from January to March 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, according to data from the Ukrainian State Statistics Service. In January 2024, Ukraine produced 26.6% more weapons and ammunition than in January of the previous year. In February, production rose by 29%, and in March, it decreased; Ukraine produced 18.8% more weapons than in 2023.
21:32 Czech Republic Sends First 50,000 Grenades to Kiev - Financed by Germany
The Czech Republic has delivered the first 50,000 grenades to Ukraine as part of a Prague-led initiative, according to the Czech Press Agency (CTK). Czech Defense Minister Jana Černohová stated that Prague had identified 500,000 155-mm grenades and 300,000 122-mm grenades outside Europe that could be bought and sent to Ukraine once the necessary funds for the initiative were provided. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced Tuesday that Ukraine had received the first delivery of artillery grenades "some time ago." Prague worked with Germany on the delivery, CTK reported. According to the Defense Ministry, the 50,000 grenades represent the first batch of 180,000 rounds of ammunition financed by Germany.
20:53 Russia attacks Charkiw for the first time with FAB-500 bomb - four injuredRussian troops have attacked the city of Charkiw for the first time since the beginning of the war with a FAB-500 bomb equipped with a glide mechanism, according to Oleksandr Filchakov, head of the regional prosecutor's office. At least four people were injured, two others suffered a shock, reports the governor of the Charkiw region, Oleh Syniehubov. Russian troops dropped the bomb over the village of Maysky in the Russian oblast Belgorod on the Kyivskyi-District of Kharkiv, says Filchakov. The FAB-500 is a 500-kilogram bomb developed by the Soviet Union with a high-explosive warhead that is dropped from the air. These inexpensive and widely used bombs are equipped with glide kits that improve their accuracy and allow for a launch from greater distances, beyond the range of Ukrainian air defense systems.
20:21 Patriot systems to be delivered from Israel to Ukraine via the USAAccording to the "Financial Times," the USA, Israel, and Ukraine are in negotiations to deliver up to eight Patriot air defense systems to Kiev, in order to significantly improve Ukraine's ability to repel Russian air raids. The agreement is not yet finalized, but it is likely to mean that the Patriot systems will first be delivered from Israel to the USA and then to Ukraine. The fundamental outlines of the deal, which would represent a significant shift in Israel's relations with Moscow, were discussed between ministers and high-ranking officials of the three countries, according to five people familiar with the negotiations.
You can read about all previous developments here.
- According to reports, the Ukrainian military is engaging in heavy fighting in the areas surrounding Rosdoliwka, a town that was recently taken under Russian control in the Donezk region.
- The escalating 'Ukraine conflict' has seen political leaders and military organizations from around the world expressing their support for Ukraine against Russia's aggression, with some, like Estonia's Kaja Kallas, being nominated as EU Foreign Policy Chief because of their strong stance against Russia.
- The threat of cyberwarfare has emerged as a significant concern in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, with experts warning that Russia could launch cyber attacks against critical infrastructure in Ukraine and potentially target Western countries that support Ukrainian forces.
- The U.S. Army awarded a $4.5 billion contract to Lockheed Martin for the Patriot air defense system, a move seen as part of the West's effort to provide advanced military capabilities to Ukraine to help defend against Russian attacks.
- Russia's advance in eastern Ukraine has seen military operations intensify, with Nato members stepping up their support for Ukraine, including the provision of advanced air defense systems, and the Ukrainian military continuing to resist Russian forces, despite the heavy losses they have sustained.
