12:00 Baerbock: Russia remains the biggest threat to Europe
Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock calls for further support for Ukraine from NATO. "Russia will remain the biggest threat to our security and freedom in Europe for the foreseeable future", Baerbock says in a Bundestag debate on the upcoming NATO summit coming up next week in Washington. The West must therefore act to defend freedom and democracy. "We didn't choose this", Baerbock says. "We didn't want this." Germany has a special responsibility and has regained lost trust due to its Russia policy. "We can't afford to squander that in budget negotiations", the Minister warns, looking at the current dispute in the traffic light coalition over the budget for 2025.
11:23 Kiev: Russian spy "couple" arrested
The Ukrainian Security Service SBU has arrested two alleged 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 suspected of spying on military infrastructure in the Ukrainian regions of Odessa and Dnipro on behalf of the Russian secret service. According to the SBU, the two were spotted "spying around" near "necessary" objects and took photos. In addition to these photos, the two alleged FSB agents reportedly provided the Russian secret service with additional information. The Ukrainian Security Service claims to have caught the "couple" in the act.
10:50 Ukraine: 21 of 22 Russian drones shot down
Ukraine reports that it has largely repelled a Russian drone attack at night. The air defense system shot down 21 of 22 attack drones, the Air Force reports. 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 Meeting in Kazakhstan: Putin and Xi want to demonstrate alliance strength
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.
Besides Putin and Xi, the participants include the host, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the presidents of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus. For Iran, the acting President Mohammed Mokhber was supposed to participate. The authoritarian-ruled 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 war against Ukraine.
10:02 Ukraine announces numbers of Russian losses
The Ukrainian General Staff has announced new casualty figures for the Russian troops in Ukraine. According to this, Russia has lost approximately 547,470 soldiers in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. In just 24 hours, the number of losses amounted to 1,200. Since the beginning of the large-scale attack, Russia has allegedly lost 8,132 tanks, 15,600 artillery systems, and 360 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 11,694 drones, 28 ships, and a submarine, according to Ukraine. Western estimates mention lower casualty numbers - these being minimum values.
09:30 Report: Ukrainian forces withdraw from Tschassiw Jar
The Ukrainian army has reportedly withdrawn from a part of the strategically important Ukrainian city of Tschassiw Jar. "It was no longer possible to hold the Canal Quarter, as the enemy had penetrated," says a Ukrainian military spokesperson. The defensive positions were destroyed and the lives of their own soldiers were endangered. The military command decided on a retreat to better fortified positions. However, the enemy continued their combat actions there as well. Tschassiw 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 Saporischschja within 24 hours
Within the last 24 hours, the Russians allegedly attacked the region of Saporischschja 391 times. This is reported by the governor of the southeastern Ukrainian region, Iwan Fjodorow, in a morning report on Telegram. According to this report, a man was killed in Vasylivka and a woman in Polohiv, and a man was wounded in the city of Saporischschja. Fjodorow reports on 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 Nowoandriiwka. Furthermore, the Russians allegedly fired 200 artillery shells on the areas of Gulyaypol, Mala Tokmachka, Novoandriivka, Robotyne, Levadne, Malynivka, and Plavni.
08:33 Russia: Strike on Ukrainian stronghold destroys combat jet
Russian forces are reported to have attacked the Ukrainian military base at Dolgintsevo in the Dnipropetrowsk region with the Iskander surface-to-air missile system. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, a Mig-29 combat jet, air defense equipment, and aircraft engineering 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 the so-called "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 monster, but they lack soldiers.
07:22 Crypto as a loophole: Russian Central Bank encourages domestic companies to use cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners to bypass sanctions
The Russian Central Bank is encouraging domestic companies, in light of western sanctions, to resort to alternative payment methods such as cryptocurrencies for international transactions. Central Bank Chair Elvira Nabiullina acknowledged at a conference in St. Petersburg that such payments pose a major challenge for the Russian economy. However, new financial technologies also offer new opportunities. "Therefore, 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 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 the windows of a shopping mall. Debris fell onto the street, as photos showed, provided by local government representatives. Mayor Borys Filatov said 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 energy infrastructure there. Ukraine began "load shedding" in May. In this process, the power grid is deliberately shut off. 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 intensify attacks on Pokrovsk
According to the Kiev General Staff, the Russian military is attempting to "intensify the shelling" of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. Correspondingly, defense lines are being strengthened, and more ammunition is being sent to this frontline sector. According to the 47th mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces, Russian troops are attempting 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
According to the Ukrainian newspaper "Ukrainska Pravda," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is considering dismissing Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal. 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 does not provide. According to the sources, Schmyhal could be replaced by Julia Svirydzenka, the first deputy prime minister and economy minister.
03:59 Kyiv denies Russian victories in Chassiv Yar
The Ukraine refutes Russian reports claiming that Russian forces have brought a district of the important 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 further requirements at least at six additional Patriot systems.
01:43 Bundeswehr: Many applicants for NATO brigade in Lithuania
Apparently, there are enough soldiers for the planned permanent Bundeswehr brigade in Lithuania. "We had to fill about 120 positions for the staff of the Lithuanian brigade. We managed to fill 115 of these within a week. And we had 900 applications," says General Inspector of the Bundeswehr, Carsten Breuer, to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "During troop visits, I often encounter 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 warm reception. They say, I can also imagine a stationing there with my family."
00:45 General Inspector demands billions for Bundeswehr
The General Inspector of the Bundeswehr, Carsten Breuer, is supporting 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, issued the order to make the Bundeswehr combat-ready." Breuer is standing 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 sentenced three brothers to 17 years in prison in Russia for treason
According to a court announcement in Moscow, three brothers in Russia were sentenced to lengthy prison terms by a court 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 companies to use cryptocurrencies for international payments
The Russian Central Bank encourages domestic 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 permitted, according to Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina in St. Petersburg. The head of the second-largest Russian bank, VTB, Andrei Kostin, calls for these new payment methods to 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 war end, Moscow denies intermediary role
First, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced after a meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Kazakhstan that Turkey could help lay the groundwork for an end to the war. However, the Russian government spokesman Dmitri 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 imported more electricity in June than in the entire year 2023, strictly rationed
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 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.
- Annalena Baerbock, the German Federal Foreign Minister, emphasizes that Russia will remain a major threat to European security and freedom, and calls for further support from NATO to defend Ukraine and uphold democratic values.
- In an attempt to gain an intelligence advantage, two alleged Russian spies were arrested by the Ukrainian Security Service SBU in Odessa and Dnipro, suspected of spying on military infrastructure on behalf of the FSB.
- As part of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Kazakhstan, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese State Council Chairman Xi Jinping are present to demonstrate the strength of their alliance, while Ukraine fears additional military operations and cyberwar attacks from Russia.
- In response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, continues to appeal for more air defense systems from international allies, following a Russian missile attack that resulted in civilian casualties in the major city of Dnipro.
- Germany is considering supporting NATO's permanent brigade in Lithuania with soldiers, as General Inspector of the Bundeswehr Carsten Breuer has reported a high number of willing volunteers among German soldiers, demonstrating solidarity and resolve to defend Ukraine and deter further Russian aggression.
