11:23 Kiev: Russian secret service "couple" "caught" spying
Ukrainian security service SBU has detained two suspected members of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). According to the SBU, a 23-year-old man from Odessa and his 18-year-old "wife" are accused of spying on Ukrainian military infrastructure in the regions of Odessa and Dnipro on behalf of the Russian secret service. The SBU states that the two alleged FSB agents were spotted in the area as a "freshly married couple" and took photos of "necessary" objects. Along with additional information, the two suspects allegedly provided the photos to the Russian secret service. The SBU claims that the "couple" was caught "in the act".
10:50 Ukraine: 21 out of 22 Russian drones shot downUkraine reports that it has largely thwarted a Russian drone attack during the night. The air defense system shot down 21 out of 22 attacking drones, according to the Air Force. They were destroyed over six regions in northern and central Ukraine. According to the Air Force, they were Schahed drones of Iranian production.
10:33 SCO Summit in Kazakhstan: Putin and Xi to demonstrate alliance strengthRussian 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 attendees include the host, Kazakhstan'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 scheduled to attend. Belarus, which is authoritarly ruled, has officially become a new SCO member. Among the observer states and dialogue partners are Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. The summit provides Putin with 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 lossesThe Ukrainian General Staff has released new figures on Russian troop losses in Ukraine. According to these figures, 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, 360 planes, 326 helicopters, 11,694 drones, 28 ships, and a submarine according to the Ukrainian data. Western estimates give lower loss figures - although they only represent minimum values.
09:30 Report: Ukrainian Forces withdraw from Chassiv Yar
The Ukrainian army has withdrawn from a part of the strategically important Ukrainian city Chassiv Yar, according to their own statements. "It was no longer possible to hold the Canal Quarter as the enemy had breached through," says a Ukrainian military spokesperson. The defensive positions had been destroyed and the lives of their own soldiers were at risk. The military command had decided on a retreat to better fortified positions. However, the enemy continued their combat operations there as well. Chassiv Yar is located in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk, approximately 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 Zaporizhzhia within 24 hours
The Russians attacked the Zaporizhzhia region 391 times within the last 24 hours, according to the governor of the south-eastern Ukrainian region, Ivan Fyodorov, in a morning report on Telegram. In this regard, a man was killed in Vasylivka and a woman in Polohiv, and a man was wounded in the city of Zaporizhzhia. Fyodorov reports two air raids on Nowoandriivka, 177 drone attacks on Chervonodniprovka, Gulyaypole, Levadne, Robotyno, Mala Tokmachka, Malynivka, Novoandriivka, Uspenivka and Novopavlivka. Twelve MLRS attacks hit Robotyne and Novoandriivka. Additionally, the Russians fired 200 artillery shells onto the territories of Gulyaypole, Mala Tokmachka, Novoandriivka, Robotyne, Levadne, Malynivka and Plavni.
08:33 Russia: Attack on Ukrainian base destroys jet
Russian forces are reported to have attacked the Ukrainian military base in Dolgintsevo, Dnipropetrovsk region, with Iskander ground-to-air missile systems. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, a Mig-29 fighter jet, air defense systems, and aviation technical vehicles of the Ukrainian Air Force were destroyed. On Telegram, the Russian Defense Ministry posted a video that is said to show the destruction. This video is spreading in social networks.
07:47 Video: "Vampire" of Ukraine forces Russians to pay "price in blood"
Dozens of Russians are reportedly falling victims every day to what is called the "Vampire," a multiple rocket launcher from Czech production. The Ukrainians use it to defend the front lines - "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 wants to bypass sanctions with crypto
The Russian Central Bank encourages Russian businesses to use alternative payment methods like cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners in the face of Western sanctions. Central Bank Chair Elvira Nabiullina admitted at a conference in St. Petersburg that such payments pose a major challenge for the Russian economy. However, she also acknowledged 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 civilians killed and 47 injured in Russian attack on Dnipro
According to Ukrainian authorities, at least five civilians were killed and 47 more injured in a Russian rocket and drone attack on the eastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Wednesday. The force of the explosions shattered the windows of a shopping mall. Debris fell onto the street, as photos showed, provided by local government representatives. Mayor Borys Filatow stated that the attack damaged the windows of two schools and three kindergartens, as well as debris hitting 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. Due to these damages, Ukraine began "blackouts" 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 the 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 "intensify the shelling" at Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. Correspondingly, defensive 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, which Schmyhal does not provide. 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 that Russian forces have taken control of a district in the important Ukrainian city of Chassiv 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 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 taken control of a district of the city. 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 after 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. Damaged were also 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 additional 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 apparently are enough soldiers. "We had to fill about 120 positions for the 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). "I meet soldiers and soldiers again and again during inspections 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 heartfelt welcome. They say, I can also imagine a stationing there with my family."
00:45 Inspector General demands 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 order, 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 Moscow, a Russian court sentenced three brothers 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, 24-year-old Joann Aschtscheulow, was sentenced to 17 years and six 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 transactions
The Russian Central Bank encourages domestic companies to use alternative payment methods like cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners in light of Western sanctions. Cryptocurrencies are now allowed for international transactions, Central Bank Chair Elvira Nabiullina stated in St. Petersburg. The head of the second-largest Russian bank VTB, Andrey Kostin, called for these new payment methods to be classified as state secrets. "I can easily imagine that right now in the US embassy, there's an undersecretary jotting down all our public statements," Kostin said. Regardless of what Russia does, the reaction from Western countries will be "very quick," warned Kostin.
22:16 Erdogan offers "foundation" for peace, Moscow denies intermediary role
First, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced after a meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Kazakhstan that Turkey could help establish the foundation for an end to the conflict. However, the Russian government spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Turkey would not assume an intermediary role, according to Russian news agencies. Peskov was quoted 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, rationing 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 3rd. The largest electricity imports to Ukraine came from Hungary (42%). Slovakia and Romania each accounted for 17%, Poland for 16%, and Moldova for 8%. Russia intensified 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.
- According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine necessitates tight cooperation with NATO, citing the need for additional air defense systems to protect against Russian attacks.
- In response to the Russian attack on Ukraine's Dnipro, Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the international community to provide more air defense systems, expressing concern over the latest missile attack that resulted in civilian casualties and damage to residential buildings and a hospital.
- Amidst the Ukraine conflict, the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) allegedly sent two agents, a 23-year-old man from Odessa and his 18-year-old "wife," to spy on Ukrainian military infrastructure in the regions of Odessa and Dnipro on behalf of the Russian secret service.
- In a bid to bypass Western sanctions, the Russian Central Bank has softened its stance on the use of cryptocurrencies in international transactions, allowing the use of digital assets to finance transactions with foreign partners.
- The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has resulted in significant military losses, with the Ukrainian General Staff reporting that Russia has lost approximately 547,470 soldiers since February 24, 2022, as well as over 8,000 tanks, 15,000 artillery systems, and other military equipment.
