Russian President Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping attend SCO summit in Astana, Kazakhstan
10:33 SCO meeting in Kazakhstan: Putin and Xi want to demonstrate alliance strength
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) regional security alliance was established in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Later, India, Pakistan, and Iran joined. Besides Putin and Xi, the attendees include the host's president, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the presidents of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus. For Iran, the acting president Mohammed Mokhber was supposed to participate. Belarus, which is authoritively ruled, officially became an SCO member at this summit. Among the observer states and dialogue partners are Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. For Putin, this summit provides another opportunity to illustrate the failure of Western efforts to isolate his country due to the attack on Ukraine.
10:02 Ukraine releases numbers on Russian losses
The Ukrainian General Staff has published new figures on Russian troop losses in Ukraine. According to these data, Russia has lost approximately 547,470 soldiers in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. In one day alone, the losses amounted to 1,200. Since the beginning of the large-scale attack, Russia is said to have lost 8,132 tanks, 15,600 artillery systems, and 360 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 11,694 drones, 28 ships, and one submarine. Western estimates give lower loss figures, but they are only minimum values.
09:30 Report: Ukrainian forces withdraw from Chassiw Jar
Ukrainian troops have withdrawn from a part of the crucial front city of Chassiw Jar in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk, according to statements from a military spokesperson. SkyNews reports, citing comments from Kiev's military spokesperson Nasar Woloschyn, who said it was "impractical to hold the Canal Quarter" after the enemy had penetrated it. The Russian Defense Ministry reportedly took control of the "Novi" district, which lies west of the Siverskiyi-Donets-Donbas Canal.
09:07 Governor: 391 Russian attacks on Zaporizhzhia within 24 hours
The Russians attacked the Zaporizhzhia region 391 times within the last 24 hours, according to the governor of the southeastern Ukrainian region, Iwan Fyodorov, in a morning report on Telegram. In this report, a man was killed in Vasylivka, and a woman was killed in Polohiv. A man was injured in Saporizhzhia. There were 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 Novoandriiwka. Additionally, 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 military base destroys combat jet
The Russian military is reportedly using the Iskander surface-to-air missile system to attack a Ukrainian Air Force base in the Dnipropetrovsk region, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. The attack allegedly destroyed a MiG-29 fighter jet, air defense systems, and aviation technical vehicles of the Ukrainian Air Force. The Russian Defense Ministry posted a video on Telegram that is said to show the destruction. The video has been spreading on social media.
07:47 "Vampir" of Ukraine forces Russians to pay "Price in Blood"
Dozens of Russians are reportedly falling victim every day to what is being called the "Vampir," a multiple rocket launcher of Czech production. The Ukrainian forces are using it to defend the frontline. "We will not give up our land for free," they say. They have enough ammunition for the beast, but they lack soldiers.
07:22 Crypto as a loophole: Russian Central Bank encourages businesses to use cryptocurrencies to bypass sanctions
The Russian Central Bank is urging domestic businesses to use alternative payment methods like cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners in the wake of Western sanctions. Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina acknowledged at a conference in St. Petersburg that such payments pose a major challenge for the Russian economy. However, she also noted that new financial technologies offer new opportunities. "That's why 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, 47 injured in Russian attack on Dnipro
At least five civilians were killed and 47 others were injured in a Russian rocket and drone attack on the eastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Wednesday, according to Ukrainian authorities. The force of the explosions shattered windows of a shopping mall. Debris fell onto the street, as photos from local officials showed. Mayor Borys Filatov said that the attacks also destroyed the windows of two schools and three kindergartens. Debris reportedly 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 have severely damaged the energy infrastructure in those areas. Ukraine began "load shedding" in May, deliberately shutting down parts of the power grid. 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 General Staff: Russians increasing offensive at Pokrovsk According to the General Staff in Kiev, the Russian military is attempting to "increase the offensive" at Pokrovsk in the Donezk region. Consequently, defensive lines are being reinforced and more ammunition is being brought to this frontline section. According to the 47th mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces, Russian troops are trying to breach the Ukrainian defense 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 considering dismissing his Prime Minister Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is considering dismissing Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal, according to the newspaper "Ukrainska Pravda". Insiders told the paper that Zelenskyy is fed up with his Prime Minister. It is said to be more of an emotional matter. Zelenskyy is constantly looking for creative solutions and proposals, which Schmyhal is not providing. According to the sources, Schmyhal could be replaced by Julia Swyrydenko, the first deputy prime minister and economic minister.
03:59 Kiev denies Russian successes in Chasiv Yar The Ukraine is refuting Russian reports that Russian troops have taken control of a district of the important Ukrainian city of Chasiv Yar. "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 television channel Suspilne. The situation is "extremely difficult," there are battles for the canal. "The situation remains tense. But the 24th brigade is holding its positions." The Russian Defense Ministry had previously announced that its troops had taken control of a district of the city. Chasiv Yar is about 20 kilometers west of Bachmut, which was captured by Russian troops a year ago and reduced to rubble after months of intense fighting. Both sides consider Chasiv Yar a strategic location.
02:45 Casualties after air raids: Zelenskyy appeals to allies Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is continuing to call for more air defense systems for the protection of his country. He refers to the latest Russian rocket attack on the city of Dnipro, which killed five people and injured over 50 others. Damages were also caused to 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 further 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 seem to be enough soldiers. "We had to fill about 120 service positions for the staff of the Lithuania brigade. Of these, 115 were allocated within a week. And we had 900 applications," says General Inspector of the Bundeswehr, Carsten Breuer, to Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "I often 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 warm reception. They say, I can also imagine a deployment there with my family."
00:45 General Inspector Calls for Billions for Bundeswehr
The General Inspector of the Bundeswehr, Carsten Breuer, supports Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in the dispute over the Bundeswehr budget. In order to meet the security policy challenges, the defense budget must continue to grow, Breuer told Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "The parliament has given us a significant amount of money with the special fund and thus, if you want, the order to make the Bundeswehr battle-ready." Breuer stands shoulder to shoulder with SPD politician Pistorius, who demanded an additional 6.7 billion euros for the coming year.
23:45 Court in Moscow Convicts Three Brothers to Long Prison Terms for High Treason
In Russia, a court in Moscow sentenced three brothers to long prison terms because they wanted to join a pro-Ukrainian unit. The three men, aged between 19 and 24, were sentenced to long prison terms for high treason, participation in a terrorist organization, and illegal border crossing in a court statement. The eldest of the three brothers, the 24-year-old Joann Aschtscheulow, was sentenced to 17 years and six months in prison, his brothers Timofej and Alexej must serve 17 years in prison. According to the prosecution, the brothers tried to cross the border to Ukraine on foot in July 2023 to join the "Legion Freedom of Russia". They were arrested about 1.5 kilometers from the border.
22:41 Due to Sanctions: Russia Allows Corporations to Use Cryptocurrencies for International Payments
The Russian Central Bank encourages Russian companies to use alternative payment methods such as cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners in the face of Western sanctions. For international transactions, cryptocurrencies are now allowed, says Central Bank Governor Elwira Nabiullina in St. Petersburg. The head of the second largest Russian bank VTB, Andrey Kostin, calls for these new payment methods to be classified as state secrets. "I can easily imagine that exactly at this moment, in the US embassy, there is an undersecretary who writes down every one of our public statements." Whatever Russia does, the reaction of the Western countries will be "very quick," warns Kostin.
22:16 Erdoğan proposes "foundation" for ending war, Moscow denies mediator role
Firstly, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared after a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kazakhstan that Turkey could help establish the foundation for ending the war. However, according to Russian government spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, as reported by Russian news agencies, Turkey will not take on a mediator role. Peskov is quoted as saying: "No, that's not possible." No statement from the Ankara government is available.
21:41 Ukraine imports more electricity in June than in entire year 2023, rationed 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 the entire year 2023. According to statistics from July 3rd. The largest electricity imports to Ukraine in June came from Hungary (42%). Slovakia and Romania each provided 17%, Poland 16%, and Moldova 8%.
Russia intensified attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure in the spring and brought the energy grid of the country 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.
You can read about previous developments here.
- The ongoing Ukraine conflict has led to significant military operations, with Russia reportedly losing over 547,000 soldiers since its attack on Ukraine in February 2022.
- Amidst the conflict, President Volodymyr Selensky of Ukraine is pleading for more air defense systems to protect his country from Russian attacks, such as the one that resulted in the death of five civilians in Dnipro.
- The attack on Ukraine has also had political implications, with Russian President Vladimir Putin using the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Astana as an opportunity to illustrate the failure of Western efforts to isolate his country.
- The SCO summit, which was also attended by China's Xi Jinping, saw Belarus officially become a member of the organization, strengthening its security alliance.
- In response to Western sanctions, the Russian Central Bank is encouraging domestic businesses to use cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners, viewing it as a loophole to bypass sanctions.
