10:50 Ukraine: 21 of 22 Russian drones shot down
Ukraine repels Russian drone attacks, shoots down 21 of 22: Ukrainian Air Force [1]
According to its own statements, Ukraine has repelled a Russian drone attack for the most part. The Air Force reports that 21 out of 22 attack drones were shot down. They were destroyed over six regions in northern and central Ukraine. These were Schahed drones of Iranian production.
10:33 SCO Meeting in Kazakhstan: Putin and Xi to demonstrate alliance strength [2]
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, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the presidents of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus are attending. For the Iranians, the acting president Mohammed Mokhber was supposed to participate. The authoritarian Belarus has officially become a new 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 attack on Ukraine.
10:02 Ukraine publishes numbers on Russian losses [3]
The Ukrainian General Staff has published new figures on Russian troop losses in Ukraine. According to this, Russia has lost approximately 547,470 soldiers in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. Alone within 24 hours, the losses amounted to 1,200. According to Ukraine, Russia has lost 8,132 tanks, 15,600 artillery systems, and 360 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 11,694 drones, 28 ships, and a submarine since the beginning of the large-scale attack. Western estimates give lower loss figures - these are only minimum values.
9:30 Report: Ukrainian forces withdraw from part of Chassiw Jar [4]
The Ukrainian army has withdrawn from a part of the strategically important Ukrainian city of Chassiw Jar, according to its own statements. "It was no longer possible to hold the Canal Quarter, as the enemy had penetrated," says a Ukrainian military spokesman. The defensive positions were destroyed, and the lives of their own soldiers were endangered. The military command decided on a withdrawal to better fortified positions. However, even there, the enemy continued its combat actions. Chassiw 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 reduced to rubble after months of intense fighting.
09:07 Governor: 391 Russian attacks on Zaporizhia within 24 hoursWithin the last 24 hours, the Russians have attacked the region of Zaporizhia 391 times. This is reported by the governor of the south-eastern region of Ukraine, Ivan Fyodorov, in a morning report on Telegram. According to him, a man in Vasylivka and a woman in Polohiv were killed, and a man in the city of Zaporizhia was wounded. Fyodorov reports of two air raids on Nowoandriivka, 177 drone attacks on Chervonodniprowka, Gulyaypole, Levadne, Robotyno, Mala Tokmachka, Malynivka, Novoandriivka, Uspenivka and Novopavlivka. Twelve MLRS attacks hit Robotyne and Nowoandriivka. In addition, the Russians fired 200 artillery shells at the territories of Gulyaypole, Mala Tokmachka, Novoandriivka, Robotyne, Levadne, Malynivka and Plavni.
08:33 Russia: Strike on Ukrainian military base destroys jetRussian forces are reported to have attacked the aircraft parking lot of the Ukrainian military base Dolgintsevo in the Dnipropetrovsk region with the Iskander ground-to-air missile system. This is reported by the Russian Defense Ministry. According to their report, a Mig-29 fighter jet, air defense equipment, and aviation technical vehicles of the Ukrainian Air Force were destroyed. The Russian Defense Ministry posted a video on Telegram that is said to show the destruction. This video is spreading in social media networks.
07:47 Video: "Vampire" of Ukraine forces Russians to pay "Price in Blood"Dozens of Russians are reportedly victims every day of what is called the "Vampire," a multiple rocket launcher from Czech production. With it, the Ukrainians defend the front - "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 businesses to use crypto to bypass sanctionsThe Russian Central Bank encourages Russian businesses in the face of Western sanctions to fall back on alternative payment methods such as cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners. Central Bank Chair Elvira Nabiullina acknowledged at a conference in St. Petersburg that such payments are one of the central challenges for the Russian economy. However, new financial technologies also offer new opportunities. "Therefore, we have softened our stance towards the use of cryptocurrencies in international transactions and now allow the use of digital assets in such transactions."
06:52 At least five civilians killed 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 windows of a shopping mall. Debris fell onto the street, as photos showed, provided by local government representatives. Mayor Borys Filatow 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 had severely damaged the local energy infrastructure. 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 increasing intensity at Pokrovsk
According to the General Staff in Kiev, the Russian military is trying to "increase the intensity" at Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. Correspondingly, defense lines are being strengthened, and more ammunition is being brought to this frontline 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 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 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 is not providing. According to the sources, Schmyhal could be replaced by Julia Swyrydenko, the first deputy prime minister and economy minister.
03:59 Kyiv denies Russian victories in Chassiv Yar
The Ukraine refutes Russian reports stating that Russian forces have brought a district of the crucial 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 defending the city, speaking 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 rubble 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. Damages were also reported 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 country's additional requirements at least at six more Patriot systems.
01:43 Bundeswehr: Many applicants for NATO brigade in Lithuania
For the planned permanent Bundeswehr brigade in Lithuania, there appear to be 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). "During troop visits, I often meet soldiers and soldiers who say: Yes, we want to participate. There is certainly a great willingness to establish the brigade in Lithuania. Many soldiers and soldiers have already collected positive experiences in Lithuania: the gratitude of the people and the cordial reception. They say, I can also imagine a stationing there with my family."
00:45 Inspector General calls for billions for Bundeswehr
The Inspector General of the Bundeswehr, Carsten Breuer, supports 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 mandate to make the Bundeswehr combat-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 statement 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, participation 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 6 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 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 domestic corporations to use alternative payment methods such as cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners due to Western sanctions. For international transactions, such cryptocurrencies are now permitted, according to Central Bank Chair Elvira Nabiullina in St. Petersburg. The head of the second-largest Russian bank, VTB, Andrey Kostin, urges that these new payment methods be classified as state secrets. "I can easily imagine that right now in the US embassy there is an undersecretary writing down all our public statements," Kostin said. Whatever Russia does, the reaction of 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, after a meeting with Putin in Kazakhstan, declared that Turkey could help create the foundation for an end to the conflict. However, the Russian government spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated, according to Russian news agencies, that Turkey would not take on a mediator role. Russian news agencies quote Peskov 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 3. The largest electricity imports to Ukraine came from Hungary (42%). Slovakia and Romania each provided 17%, Poland 16%, and Moldova 8%. Russia increased 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.
- The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Selensky, condemned the recent drone attacks on Ukraine as a new form of 'cyberwarfare' by Russia.
- The Kremlin denied any involvement in the NATO cyberattacks on several European nations, including Ukraine, despite accusations from Western leaders.
- In response to the escalating Ukraine conflict, NATO announced plans to boost its military presence in Eastern Europe, with a focus on enhancing cybersecurity capabilities.
- The Ukrainian government accused Russia of carrying out a massive data breach in the Ukrainian military, leading to the leak of sensitive military operations information.
- In the face of increasing Russian aggression, Volodymyr Selensky urged NATO members to step up their support, including providing advanced cybersecurity tools to protect against Russian attacks.
