Russia mulls altering its nuclear strategy in response to the West's position.

11:35 Due to the West's position, Russia may alter its nuclear approach.

The Russian government could soon alter its nuclear policies, according to their own statements. This potential shift may be due to recent Western actions, as suggested by Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov in a report from Russian news agency Tass. The details of this possible change have not been made clear.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky believes his country requires at least seven Patriot air defense systems to safeguard against Russian assaults. Zelensky expressed this opinion at the reconstruction conference in Berlin, expressing gratitude to Germany in particular for supplying three of these systems. Zelensky warned that Russia is targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, as half of the nation's electricity capacity has been decimated by Russian attacks. Scholz had urged increased air defense support for Ukraine during the conference's inaugural address. He intends to advocate for this initiative at the G7 summit of world economic heavyweights, which begins on Thursday. The World Bank has estimated that Ukraine will need $500 billion in reconstruction aid over the next ten years. Scholz also encouraged private firms to contribute to Ukraine's reconstruction through investment. Despite the conflict, German financial dealings with Ukraine have persisted, and business volume has increased compared to pre-war levels. "This demonstrates the economy's potential in Ukraine to me," the Chancellor remarked.

At the Berlin conference, Ukrainians from Isjum share their feelings about the need for reconstruction. NTV reporter Kavita Sharma spoke with a homeowner and a power plant manager who hoped for assistance.

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock underlined the European significance of Ukraine. "We want to demonstrate here at the reconstruction conference that we are not only resisting the brutal Russian attacks together, but also paving the way for Ukraine to join the European Union," she stated upon arrival at the global Ukrainian rebuilding conference. Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks to eradicate the essence of Ukraine by his aggressive war, Baerbock asserted. "That's why we stand together and cohesive - not just regarding defense and economic restoration, but primarily on Ukraine's path to the European Union," she added. The Ukrainian population urgently requires aid to address their attack on the country's essential resources, such as electricity, water, and heating, Baerbock claimed. It's crucial that the conference attracts not only politicians but also mayors, businesses, and organizations to support Ukraine's survival in a united Europe.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier welcomed Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky at Schloss Bellevue ahead of the reconstruction conference for Ukraine. Steinmeier will also join the conference and follow Zelensky's speech in the German parliament. The conversation between the two presidents was undisclosed. Steinmeier and Zelensky initially had a tense relationship after the war in Ukraine began, as Steinmeier had been invited to Kiev by Zelensky for a visit. Steinmeier and his Polish and Baltic counterparts planned to make the journey together. Steinmeier later visited Kiev separately. Since then, their connection has improved.

Zelensky then visited Berlin for the international reconstruction conference for Ukraine. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier greeted Zelensky at Schloss Bellevue before the event. Steinmeier will also be present for Zelensky's speech in the German parliament. The discussion between the two presidents was undisclosed. Steinmeier and Zelensky's relationship was initially tense after the Ukraine war began, as Steinmeier received a Kiev invitation from Zelensky for a visit. He initially planned to visit Kiev with Polish and Baltic leaders. Steinmeier arrived later in Kiev alone. Since then, the connection between the two presidents has improved.

The Ukraine reconstruction conference in Berlin is causing major disruptions in public transportation. The railway has stopped operations between Friedrichstraße and Tiergarten, affecting several lines, according to the S-Bahn. Regional trains are also not allowed to operate and are being diverted. The two-day reconstruction conference, organized by the German government, aims to provide a long-term development perspective for Ukraine. The conference was opened by Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the City Cube congress center on the exhibition grounds in the Berlin district of Charlottenburg.

Bottom of the hour: Russia and Belarus start second phase of nuclear drill

Russia and Belarus are initiating the second phase of their tactical nuclear training. The drill in Russia is being conducted to ensure that both countries' armed forces and equipment are prepared to protect their sovereignty and territorial integrity. It also includes joint training of units from both sides to be ready for non-strategic nuclear weapon deployment. Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the nuclear drill in response to threats from France, Britain, and the US in relation to the Ukraine war. Western allies have recently allowed Ukraine to use the weapons they supplied against military targets in Russia.

NTV's Kavita Sharma examines the hopes of Ukrainians and Ukrainians at the Berlin reconstruction conference where approximately 2000 participants from 60 countries are anticipated.

09:05 the chairman of the European Affairs Committee in the German parliament, Anton Hofreiter, demands better air defense for Ukraine. "A fundamental requirement for rebuilding in Ukraine is a comprehensive air defense. The Ukrainian energy infrastructure, which was severely damaged by Russian air strikes, can only be protected if there is a reliable defense against these strikes," Hofreiter stated to the Rheinische Post. "Urgent European initiatives in the field of air defense are required. It is vital that Russian air strikes can be effectively defended." Hofreiter also urged for additional comprehensive arms deliveries. "I assume that the Federal Chancellor will provide concrete, swift German support. And he will publicly support the president's requests," he declared.

08:27 former CDU General Secretary Mario Czaja claims eastern voices in the CDU leadership are not as represented, with opinions differing from those widely held by many Eastern Germans regarding Russia and weapons deliveries to Ukraine. Czaja, a Berlin Bundestag MP, emphasized the unique experiences Eastern Germans have had in dealing with Russia. "I believe that Eastern Germans bring different experiences in dealing with Russia that Western Germans have not collected," he stated in an interview with the Tagesspiegel. He expressed concern over the likelihood of the German government escalating the war by supplying more advanced attack weapons. "I cannot imagine German attack weapons reaching Moscow's outskirts and striking civilians there," he said. He called for Russia's President Vladimir Putin to return to negotiating, while taking caution to prevent the war from expanding with more and more civilian casualties.

08:08 former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo calls for more European support for Ukraine, specifically through substantial investments from the private sector. He compared it to the reconstruction of Germany following World War II. "Today, as the war in Ukraine enters its third year, America and Europe must return to this proven approach. They must work to rebuild and reinforce Ukraine with massive foreign direct investments," wrote Pompeo in a guest piece for the Tagesspiegel. Ukraine needs to maintain its domestic infrastructure and economy after the war. However, Pompeo warned that if this doesn't occur, Putin would achieve his aim of demolishing Ukraine - even if he fails to capture Kiev.

At 7:51 am, the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported 520,850 losses incurred by the Russian side since the beginning of their invasion. This information comes from their latest update on Facebook. The update also mentions that there have been 1,100 more casualties in the past few days.

The General Staff's report details Russian losses since February 24, 2022, which include:- 7,902 tanks- 15,176 armored combat vehicles- 18,676 vehicles and fuel tanks- 13,690 artillery systems- 1,099 multiple rocket launchers- 842 air defense systems- 359 aircraft- 326 helicopters- 11,023 drones- 28 ships and boats- 1 submarine

At 7:36 am, a study by the Kyiv School of Economics concluded that the damage inflicted on Ukraine's energy infrastructure by Russian airstrikes amounts to $56.2 billion (or €52 billion). These damages include the financial losses suffered by energy companies due to lost profits. The study suggests that around $50.5 billion is necessary to restore the destroyed and damaged infrastructure. As of May, the direct losses due to energy infrastructure damage have reached $16.1 billion. The study points out that power plants, power lines, and facilities in the oil and gas sector were the most affected. The loss of revenue for these companies is estimated to be approximately $40 billion.

At 7:18 am, the Union Faction Vice-Chairman Johann Wadephul requests that Germany provide Ukraine with long-range weapons, specifically Taurus cruise missiles, in response to President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Berlin. "I hope that President Zelensky will not have to make a desperate plea in the German Bundestag again, only to return empty-handed," Wadephul told the Rheinische Post. "It is important to supply Ukraine with the appropriate long-range weapons, especially the Taurus," said the CDU politician. Zelensky's trip for a two-day reconstruction conference began on Monday evening. Wadephul criticizes Germany for not completely supporting Ukraine in this crucial phase of the war, which he believes could be "fatal" for the future of European security.

At 6:52 am, a Russian SU-34 bomber has crashed in the Caucasus region during a training flight. The defense ministry claimed that all crew members have been killed. The incident could be due to a technical malfunction, according to Russian news agencies. The exact number of crew members involved remains unknown.

At 6:37 am, Jürgen Hardt, a CDU foreign policy expert, called the international Ukraine rebuilding conference a "political and economic symbol of solidarity." Hardt stated that the conference raises hope for Ukraine, as it demonstrates the willingness of the free world to transform the country into a modern and free state. He believes a prosperous Ukraine will be a benefit for Germany. The conference, which kicked off in the morning in Berlin, is expected to be attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and will open with a speech from Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

At 6:10 am, Representative Robert H. Schillerstein (D-NJ) expressed concern about Russia's blockade of Ukrainian ports. "The devastation in Ukraine's Black Sea ports is harrowing and inhumane. The blockade of Ukrainian ports is further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis by blocking the export of essential commodities like grain. World leaders must act quickly to end both the conflict and the blockade." Darrell Issa (R-CA), another member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, echoes this sentiment, stating, "Time is running out for millions of Ukrainians. The Russian blockade of Ukrainian ports must end for these people to receive the food, medicine, and other goods they urgently need."

At 5:43 am, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry claims that Russian troops have attempted to sever crucial railway lines in the Donbas region. This measure is intended to weaken Ukraine's defenses and limit its ability to transport weapons.

05:13: Dowling Talks About Kaliningrad Blockade

During an interview on "Fox & Friends Weekend," the career diplomat Matthew Dowling discussed the possible consequences of the alleged blockade of the Kaliningrad enclave in Russia by NATO. Dowling stated that such a blockade could have "fairly significant consequences" for the stability of European security. He also mentioned that a quarantine in Kaliningrad could potentially escalate tensions between NATO and Russia.

Development Minister Svenja Schulze anticipates the Ukraine recovery summit in Berlin to transmit a robust message of collaboration. "Over the following two days, people from numerous locations worldwide will join together in Berlin who not simply cling to a brighter future for Ukraine but in addition actively operate on it," the minster informed the German News Company prior to the assembly. Russia has illegally attacked Ukraine and merits "our unwavering support." She additional: "Ukraine is defending our security and freedom." Additionally, reconstruction should be started even amidst battle afflictions. Schulze expressed: "Ukraine possesses no decision. It cannot wait until the war is over. The citizens require a roof over their heads, electrical power, water, and medical facilities right now." The nation also necessitates civilian assistance to survive the war. "They require physicians, electricians, and artisans as much as tanks," Schulze mentioned. Approximately 2,000 attendees from politics, business, and international institutions are assumed to participate in the restoration meeting till Wednesday. It's not a donor meeting where loans are accumulated for the restoration, yet relatively about interconnecting the relevant executors.

12:24 United States removes embargo against Azov Regiment

The U.S. administration presumably has lifted a ten-year teaching and weapon blockade on the Ukrainian Azov Brigade. "Following a thorough review, the 12th Schedule Unit from the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the Azov Brigade, has surpassed the Leahy Shotgun commentary from the U.S. State Department," the "Washington Blogpost" cites an announcement from the U.S. State Department. A contemporary evaluation presumably hasn't found any proof of human rights violations by the unit. The Leahy Regulation prohibits the provision of armed forces support to outlandish resources that have dedicated these offenses. The Azov Brigade has extreme-right and ultranationalistic roots. It currently constitutes a division of the Ukrainian National Guard. Founded in 2014 as a battalion that battled versus the pro-Russian separatists who had declared self-reliance in the eastern Ukraine, it is nowwards section of the Ukrainian National Guard.

10:34 Russian destroyer "Admiral Levchenko" catches fire in the Barents Sea

In the Barents Ocean, the Russian destroyer "Admiral Levchenko" has ignited. This was shared by a spokesperson for the Ukrainian Dragoon. The advice couldn't be independently affirmed still. The ship, which possesses several 100 crews regulators aboard, is "fighting to subsist," writes Dmytro Pletenchuk on Facebook. An overheated motor is said to employ brought on the fire. The "Admiral Levchenko" was commissioned into service in 1988 in the Soviet Navy. Its plants were constructed at the Ukrainian city of Mykolajiw and may exclusively be cared for there. "This draws upon if the Russian administration is submitted through sanctions by Ukraine," writes Pletenchuk.

08:37 Rheinmetall and Ukraine initiate tank repair haven

The German weapons developer Rheinmetall and Ukraine are injecting their stem tank fix shop and production site. In keeping with the Ukrainian Ministry of Strategic Industries, the keys to the facility for the repair and preservation of the infantry battling automobile Marder have been entrusted. The earliest conjoint maintenance support will allow regular repair and preservation of Anốn gear directly in Ukraine, in license to the Ukrainian Defence Ministry at Kiev. This should sensibly rise the efficiency of the militaries. In the conjoint production plant, Ukrainian experts will be functional, indeed Rheinmetall reps will feature technical support.

23:46 Zelensky renders Berlin

Ukrainian Chief executive Zelensky has arrived in Berlin. He explained this in the evening on X. At the German capital, he's involving the Ukraine repair convention. "Chancellor Scholz and I will converse priestly further protective help, the growing of the Ukrainian air guard mechanism, and common arms plantation," states Zelensky. On Tuesday early daytime, he'll give a speech to the German parliament.

21:15 Russia dismisses ORF reporter

The Russian Foreign Office has modified the credentials of an Armenian journalist and is applicable to expel her from the locale. In line with the ministry, this can be an outcome to the revocation of the by no means-ending accreditation of a Russian jounalist for the state organization Tass in Austria. The Tass reporteress was forbidden accreditation on April 30 and had to leave Vienna on June 7, the ministry in Moscow further stated. The Austrian partage has not then documented its discriminatory resolution.

20:44 Poland establishes a defensive zone alongside the Belarusian border

Poland possess chose to create a defensive zone at its edge within Belarus. The management of Head of state Donald Tusk aided the Interior Ministry in a conglomoration in Bialystok in the eastern part of the nation to institute a related regulation. The aim is to make it more boundless to expostulate unlawful migration into the Polish-Belarusian limit and to simplify working conditions for boundary guards, the ally, and the police. The defensive zone will showcase a depth of two hundred meters, nevertheless in certain sites it'll too be up to two thousand meters. Poland maintains a 400-kilometer-long border with Belarus. Poland and the E.U. commit Belarusian authority Alexander Lukashenko of coordinating the smuggling of migrants from crisis areas to the E.U.'s external borderline to pester the West. [

21:14 DIHK: Crucial Assurances for German Businesses in Ukraine

The German Industry and Commerce Chamber (DIHK) advocates the expansion of certain protective measures to facilitate the rebuilding of Ukraine. According to DIHK Managing Director Martin Wansleben, it is heartening to witness the upkeep of vital German foreign economic encouragement instruments for Ukraine by the federal government, in spite of the war. He emphasizes the need for augmenting the purview of German investment insurance. Wansleben suggests establishing a framework at the imminent reconstruction summit in Berlin to counterbalance high-risk and expense assessments with mutual reinsurance mechanisms, hence facilitating finance. He asserts the significance of offering German companies a crystal-clear understanding of the available options for investments, export guarantees, and other insurance solutions in Ukraine. The German economy remains committed, with over 40 investments receiving German investment insurance in 2022 and 2023, attests the DIHK.

20:41 Ukraine: 32 Men Flee Using Truck to Hungary's Green Border

Thirty-two Ukrainian men are claimed to have fled across the green border to Hungary in a truck by Ukrainian authorities. The Ukrainian border guard spokesperson Andrij Demtschenko shares the information with the news portal Ukrajinska Prawda, specifying, "Neighboring countries have reported the discovery of a vehicle and the arrest of 32 Ukrainian citizens." Exiting for men aged 18-60 in military service is only permissible in uncommon cases. Consequently, many attempt to cross the green border to neighboring EU countries or Moldova. Persistently, the bodies of escaping men are found in the Tysa (Theiss) river and in the Carpathians.

20:09 Germany and the EU Raise Funding for Ukraine Reconstruction Plan

Germany and the EU are said to be increasing their funding for a GIZ project intended to aid Ukraine at the Berlin Reconstruction Conference by a total of 75 million euros. The German government plans to raise its investment from the existing €27 million to €39 million, and the EU Commission intends to expand its support from €38 million to €54 million, clarifies a spokesperson for the Foreign Office in Berlin. This undertaking is part of the stabilization platform of the Foreign Office. It is aimed at furnishing tangible support to fortify government and civil society actors in the regions most impacted by the conflict.

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