Attack in Odessa, Ukraine results in reported injuries

10:24: Attack in Odessa, Ukraine results in injuries

In this morning's attack on Odessa, the mayor reported two people sustaining injuries, as per the Ukrinform Ukrainian state news agency. Russian troops are alleged to have pummeled civilian infrastructure with rockets.

The EU has enacted its 14th sanctions package against Russia, imposing sanctions on an additional 116 persons and institutions, as stated. Stricter measures have been introduced to ward off attempts to skirt existing sanctions, and investments in Russian liquefied gas projects have been blocked.

The EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, aims to disallow any EU member state from vetoing the utilization of frozen Russian financial assets for Ukraine's support. Borrell plans to present this proposal at the EU foreign ministers' meeting in Luxembourg.

Accusations of Ukraine's involvement in a terrorist attack in Dagestan have emerged without any proof, as reported by NTV correspondent Rainer Munz. The Kremlin is suspected of diverting attention from the prevalence of Islamic terrorism in Russia with these accusations, according to Munz.

Media outlets have reported a fire in Odessa this morning, with one stating a strong explosion, while another reports an attack on civilian infrastructure.

The first Bundesrat President, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s Governor Manuela Schwesig, is visiting Ukraine, having arrived in Kiev by train for political talks. Schwesig sees her visit as a show of solidarity with all 16 federal states supporting Ukraine. "Ukraine must win this war, and it should not be possible for Russia to succeed with this aggression."

The capture of the village of Nowooleksandriwka in the Donetsk region by Ukrainian forces is ongoing, with Russian forces not having full control over the village as per Ukrainian sources. The Ukrainian army reports heavy fighting at the scene.

A Russian military blogger claims that commanders of various units in the so-called Donetsk People's Republic are maltreating their wounded soldiers. It is said that one brigade is holding its wounded in the city of Donetsk instead of treating them.

A third Estonian volunteer, Martin Jaager, a 42-year-old professional soldier, has died in a fight in the Luhansk region, as reported by Kyiv Independent, citing Estonian newspaper "Postimees." Jaager had previously served in an elite unit in Estonia before joining the Ukrainian army over a year ago.

The EU foreign ministers and ministers are meeting in Luxembourg today to discuss the Russian aggression against Ukraine. A debate with Ukrainian Chief Diplomat Dmytro Kuleba, who will be connected via video, is planned. Pressure on Hungary to give up its blockade of military aid worth 6.5 billion Euros may increase during the meeting.

Following a rocket attack on the Crimean Black Sea peninsula's Sevastopol port, Moscow has accused the US, alleging that the US supplied these weapons to Ukraine and the attack was launched from Ukrainian territory. Four people, including two children, were reportedly killed, and 151 more were injured, according to the Defense Ministry.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has condemned attacks on the Ukrainian city of Enerhodar, near the Saporischschja nuclear power plant. Drone attacks on the power plant and its surroundings are becoming increasingly frequent, the IAEA stated, and this is completely unacceptable. In the past week, drone attacks hit two power substations, temporarily disrupting power supply to residents. The incidents had no impact on the operation of the Saporischschja nuclear power plant.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is scheduled to discuss further supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday. Macron previously announced his intention to forge a coalition for the deployment of Western military training in Ukraine.

01:43 Orban Advocates Instant Arms Truce in Ukraine ConflictViktor Orban, Hungarian Prime Minister, urges an initiative for an immediate ceasefire in the Ukraine dispute prior to Hungary's EU leadership. Orban conveys to Funke Mediengruppe newspapers that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is totally unacceptable and defies the core principles of international relationships. However, he stresses the need to end the frontline violence as soon as possible. Orban highlights that ending the Ukraine war is a crucial focus of Hungary's EU tenure, kicking off on July 1.

00:53 Ukraine Targets Crimea Again with Rocket AttacksDuring the night, Ukraine launches rocket attacks on targets in the Crimean peninsula, according to Ukrinform news agency. Explosions occurred in the port city of Evpatoria, triggering an alert. The aftermath of the attacks is uncertain. Media outlets publish videos and images of fires, but neither the Ukrainian nor Russian authorities have verified possible hits to military installations.

23:49 Zelenskyj Presses for Deep Russian Territory Bombing PermissionWith ongoing shelling of Kharkiv, Ukrainian President Zelenskyj petitions for more powerful weapons and permission to attack deep into Russian territory from the West. He proclaims in his daily video address, "The Russian air force must be destroyed wherever it is, and with all sufficient means." Kiev collaborates with its western allies on a decisive measure.

22:49 Prien on Social Benefits for Ukrainian Refugees: "Government Falters"Following demands by CSU state group leader Alexander Dobrindt for social benefits for Ukrainian refugees, Schleswig-Holstein's Education Minister Karin Prien points to their motivation for fleeing. "Ukrainians are fleeing Putin's terror and Putin's conflict," writes Prien on the platform X. "Naturally, they receive our protection and our hospitality," she adds. The majority of arriving Ukrainian refugees aim to secure employment quickly and prepare for their homeland's reconstruction. Prien suggests User should facilitate refugee labor market participation. She also criticizes the federal government for inadequacy in this aspect.

22:17 EU Commission Warns of Russian Influence on 2025 Bundestag ElectionDeep in the run-up to the Bundestag election next year, EU Commission Vice President Vera Jourova issues a warning of potential manipulations by Russia. "We dwell in a new era of hostile influence," the EU Commissioner for Transparency and Values and the Protection of Democracy states in conversation with Süddeutsche Zeitung. "I dread that Voice of Europe will serve as a roadmap for further operations - also in the run-up to the Bundestag election in the approaching year," she continues. This media outlet based in Prague is suspected of disseminating pro-Russian propaganda in the EU and providing money to European politicians.

Ukrainian Power Provider Announces Nationwide BlackoutsWith Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the national power supplier discloses further blackouts in the coming days. Ukrenergo provides the announcement on Telegram. The actions are necessary due to escalating energy consumption and a weakened power network allegedly caused by "massive Russian attacks." Ukraine has been imposing rotating blackouts since May due to damaged energy infrastructure. According to Ukrenergo, the most significant power cuts are expected between 19 and 23 hours on Monday.

Check out the latest developments here.