12:30 Latvia reports 160 illegal border crossings from Belarus
Lettland has once again detected more attempted irregular crossings at its border with Belarus this week. Border Guard Chief Guntis Pujats stated on television that there have been 160 such attempts since Monday. A total of 2,770 migrants have been prevented from illegally crossing the EU green border from Belarus this year.
Lettland shares a border of approximately 172 kilometers with Belarus, one of Russia's closest allies. Lettland, Poland, and Lithuania accuse Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko of bringing migrants to the EU external border in organized fashion to put pressure on the EU.
12:00 Baerbock: Russia remains the greatest threat to EuropeGerman Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock calls for further support for Ukraine from NATO. "Russia will remain the greatest threat to our security and freedom in Europe for the foreseeable future," Baerbock said in a Bundestag debate on the upcoming NATO summit coming week in Washington. The West must act to defend freedom and democracy. "We didn't choose this," Baerbock said. "We didn't want this." Germany, with its Russia policy, has regained lost trust in the meantime. "We can't afford to squander that in the budget negotiations," the minister warned, looking at the current dispute in the traffic light coalition over the budget for 2025.
11:23 Kiev: Russian intelligence "couple" arrested for spyingThe Ukrainian security service SBU has arrested two alleged Russian intelligence agents. The SBU announced this. 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 for the Russian intelligence service FSB. According to the SBU, the two were spotted "spying" in the area and took pictures of "necessary" objects. In addition to these photos, the two alleged FSB agents are said to have provided the Russian intelligence service with further information. According to the Ukrainian security service, the "couple" was caught "in the act."
10:50 Ukraine: 21 of 22 Russian drones shot downUkraine claims to have repelled a Russian drone attack for the most part. The air defense shot down 21 of 22 attack drones, the Air Force reported. 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 strengthRussian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese State Council Chairman Xi Jinping are participating in the SCO summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. The regional security alliance was founded by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan in 2001. Later, India, Pakistan, and Iran joined.
Next to Putin and Xi, the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Presidents of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus were present at the meeting. For Iran, the acting President Mohammed Mochber was supposed to attend. The authoritarian ruled Belarus has officially become a new member of the SCO since this meeting. 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 and isolate his country due to the aggression against Ukraine.
10:02 Ukraine publishes numbers on Russian lossesThe Ukrainian General Staff has published new loss figures for the Russian troops in Ukraine. Accordingly, Russia has lost approximately 547,470 soldiers in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. Alone within 24 hours, the losses amounted to 1,200. Since the beginning of the large-scale attack, Russia has 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 loss figures - but they are only minimum values.
09:30 Report: Ukrainian forces withdraw from Tschassiw JarThe Ukrainian army has withdrawn from a part of the strategically important Ukrainian city of Tschassiw Jar, according to their own statements. "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 activities 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 Zaporizhzhia within 24 hoursThe 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. He reports that a man was killed in Vasylivka and a woman in Polohiv, and a man was injured in the city of Zaporizhzhia. Fyodorov reports on two air raids on Nowoandriiwka, 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 on the territories of Gulyaypole, Mala Tokmachka, Novoandriivka, Robotyne, Levadne, Malynivka, and Plavni.
08:33 Russia: Strike on Ukrainian bastion destroys combat jet
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Russian forces reportedly attacked a Ukrainian airforce bastion's aircraft parking lot at Dolgintsevo in the Dnipropetrovsk region with the Iskander ground-to-air missile system. The ministry claimed that 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 allegedly shows the destruction. This video has been spreading on social media networks.
07:47 "Vampir" of Ukraine forces Russians to pay "Price in Blood"
Dozens of Russians are reportedly victims every day of what is called the "Vampir," a multiple rocket launcher of Czech production. The Ukrainians use 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 aims to bypass sanctions
The Russian Central Bank encourages domestic companies to resort to alternative payment methods like cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners in light of Western sanctions. Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina acknowledged at a conference in St. Petersburg that such payments pose a significant challenge for the Russian economy. However, she also admitted that new financial technologies 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 were 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 released by local officials showed. Mayor Borys Filatov stated that the windows of two schools and three kindergartens were also destroyed, 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 Charkiw and Tschernihiw. The French Foreign Ministry announced this via X. Russian attacks had severely damaged the energy infrastructure in those areas. Ukraine initiated "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 firepower at Pokrovsk According to the Kiev General Staff, the Russian military is trying to "increase the firepower" at Pokrovsk in the Donezk region. Correspondingly, 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 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 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 his prime minister. 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 economic minister.
03:59 Kiev denies Russian successes in Chassiv Yar The Ukraine is rejecting Russian reports that Russian forces have taken control of a district of 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 of the 24th brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces, which is defending the city, to the state television 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 troops 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 destroyed after months of heavy fighting. Both sides consider Chassiv 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 resulted in the deaths of five people and over 50 injuries. 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 additional 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 Litauen-Brigade's staff. 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). "During troop visits, I often meet soldiers and soldiers who say: Yes, we want to join in. 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 there: the gratitude of the people and the heartfelt welcome. They say, I can also imagine a deployment there with my family."
00:45 General Inspector Urges 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, issued the order to make the Bundeswehr combat-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 17 Years in Prison for 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 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, while his brothers Timofej and Alexej must serve 17 years in prison. According to the prosecution, the brothers attempted to cross the border to Ukraine on foot in July 2023 to join the "Legion Freedom 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 companies to use alternative payment methods like cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners in the face of Western sanctions. Cryptocurrencies are now allowed for international transactions, says Central Bank Governor Elwira Nabiullina in St. Petersburg. The head of the second-largest Russian bank VTB, Andrey Kostin, calls for the 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 is writing down all our public statements." Whatever Russia does, the reaction of Western countries will be "very quick," warns Kostin.
22:16 Erdogan offers "foundation" for peace talks, Moscow denies mediator role
Firstly, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared after a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kazakhstan that Turkey could help establish the foundation for an end to the conflict. However, as stated by Russian government spokesperson Dmitri Peskov, Turkey will not assume a mediator role, according to Russian news agencies. Peskow is reported to have replied, "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, 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 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 Moldavia 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 rationed strictly. The largest private energy company in Ukraine, DTEK, produces 90% less electricity.
You can read about previous developments here.
- Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock reiterated that Russia remains the greatest threat to Europe's security and freedom, calling for continued support from NATO for Ukraine in the face of the ongoing conflict.
- The Ukrainian security service SBU announced the arrest of two alleged Russian intelligence agents in Odessa and Dnipro, suspected of spying on military infrastructure for the Russian intelligence service FSB.
- Since February 24, 2022, Ukraine has claimed that Russia has suffered significant losses, including approximately 547,470 soldiers, 8,132 tanks, 15,600 artillery systems, and 360 aircraft among others, as a result of military operations in Ukraine.
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, continues to appeal to international allies for more air defense systems to protect against Russian rocket attacks, citing recent attacks in cities like Dnipro which resulted in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure.
- Cyberwarfare has emerged as a significant aspect in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, with reports of Russian cyber attacks on Ukrainian critical infrastructure like the energy grid, causing widespread damage and forcing strict rationing of electricity.
