13:07 Russian court: Arrested Frenchman remains in custody
A Russian court has decided that a French citizen must remain in pre-trial detention until August. The court in Moscow has rejected the detention appeal of 47-year-old political expert Laurent Vinatier. He is accused of collecting information about "military and military-technical activities" of Russia. This criminal offense can be punished with up to five years in prison. Vinatier was arrested in Switzerland in mid-June at the large international Ukraine peace conference in Geneva. He was working for the HD Centre, a Geneva-based non-governmental organization. The organization announced on June 7 that it would also contact Russian authorities for clarification of the charges against its employee.
12:30 Lettland reports 160 illegal border crossings from BelarusLettland has recorded more attempted irregular border crossings at its border with Belarus this week. Border Guard Chief Guntis Pujats reports on television that there have been 160 such attempts since Monday. This year, a total of 2,770 migrants have been prevented from illegally crossing the green EU border from Belarus.
Lettland borders Russia for approximately 172 kilometers in the east. Lettland, Poland, and Lithuania accuse Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko of organizing the transfer of migrants to the EU external border in order to put pressure on the EU.
12:00 Berlin: 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 says 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 says. "We didn't want this." Germany has a special responsibility and has regained lost trust in its Russia policy. "We can't afford to lose that in the budget negotiations," the minister warns, 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 reports this. A 23-year-old man from Odessa and his 18-year-old "wife" are accused of spying for the Russian intelligence service FSB in the Ukrainian regions of Odessa and Dnipro. According to the SBU, the two allegedly married couple were spotted "freshly married" walking through the area and taking pictures of "necessary" objects. In addition to the photos, the two alleged FSB agents are said to have provided the Russian intelligence service with additional information. The Ukrainian security service claims to have caught the "couple" in the act.
10:50 Ukraine: 21 out of 22 Russian drones shot down
The Ukraine military reports that they have repelled a Russian drone attack for the most part, according to their own statements. The air defense forces have shot down 21 out of 22 attacking drones, the Ukrainian Air Force reports. They were destroyed over six regions in northern and central Ukraine. These were reportedly Schahed drones of Iranian production.
10:33 SCO Meeting in Kazakhstan: Putin and Xi 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.
In addition to Putin and Xi, the attendees include the host country'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 to attend. Belarus, which is authoritarly ruled, has officially joined the SCO as a new member since this summit. Among the observer states and dialogue partners are Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. For Putin, this 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
The 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 just 24 hours, the losses amounted to 1,200. Since the beginning of the large-scale attack, Ukraine claims that Russia has lost 8,132 tanks, 15,600 artillery systems, 360 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 11,694 drones, 28 ships, and a submarine. Western estimates provide lower loss figures - although they are only minimum values.
09:30 Report: Ukrainian forces withdraw from part of Chassiw Jar
The Ukrainian army has reportedly withdrawn from a part of the strategically important Ukrainian city of Chassiw 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 at risk. The military command decided on a withdrawal to better fortified positions. However, the enemy continues its combat actions there as well. 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 destroyed 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 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 over 200 artillery shells onto 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 statement, a Mig-29 fighter jet, air defense systems, 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 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 resort to alternative payment methods such as cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners. Central Bank Chair Elvira Nabiullina admitted at a conference in St. Petersburg that such payments are one of the central challenges for the Russian economy. However, the 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 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 officials. 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. In another hospital, a fire broke out. 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. In response, 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 the population's power supply.
05:44 Kiev's General Staff: Russians increasing pressure at Pokrovsk
According to the General Staff in Kiev, the Russian military is attempting to "increase the pressure" on 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 that 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 Kiev denies Russian victories in Chassiv Yar
The Ukraine refutes Russian reports 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, 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 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 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. 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 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 about 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 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, 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, 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 announcement in Russia, three brothers were sentenced to lengthy prison terms by a court in Moscow 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 brother, 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 Russia allows corporations to use cryptocurrencies for international transactions
The Russian Central Bank encourages Russian corporations to use alternative payment methods like cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners due to Western sanctions. For international transactions, these cryptocurrencies are now permitted, according to Central Bank Chair Elvira Nabiullina in St. Petersburg. VTB Bank's CEO, Andrey Kostin, urges the Russian government to classify these new payment methods as state secrets. "I can easily imagine that right now, in the US embassy, there is an undersecretary recording all of our public statements," Kostin said. Whatever Russia does, the reaction from 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 President Vladimir Putin in Kazakhstan, declared that Turkey could help establish the foundation for ending the war. However, according to Russian government spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Turkey will not take on a mediator role, as reported by 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, 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 entire year 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.
- Regarding the French political expert Laurent Vinatier's detention in Russia, Volodymyr Zelenskyy's government in Ukraine has expressed concern and called for transparency in the charges against him.
- Amidst the ongoing Ukraine conflict, Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has reiterated Germany's stance, considering Russia to be the greatest threat to Europe's security and freedom.
- The Russian military's actions, such as the attack on Ukraine's Dnipro city, have resulted in international condemnation and calls for further military support from NATO, including the deployment of additional Patriot air defense systems.
- In light of the sanctions imposed on Russia, the Russian Central Bank has encouraged businesses to use cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners, viewing it as a loophole to bypass the economic restrictions.
- In the wake of the cyberattacks targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the Ukrainian government has accused Russia of engaging in cyberwarfare, further exacerbating the tensions between the two nations.
