13:40: Gas pipeline in Belgorod possibly struck by Ukrainian drones
Russia acknowledges drone strikes on its territory, causing damage to several structures and a gas pipeline, with reports of injured individuals and at least one fatality. Ukraine has yet to comment on the alleged attacks.
13:18 EU prolongs protection for Ukrainian refugeesThe European Union prolongs the simplified protection scheme for war refugees from Ukraine for another year, with the extension being adopted by the 27 EU ministers in Luxembourg. The EU interior ministers had previously agreed on this extension in mid-June. The EU deems the conditions for the return of people due to the ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure as unmet. German Interior Minister, Nancy Faeser, welcomed the extension but requested a "more equitable distribution" of refugees within the EU. Germany has accepted nearly 1.2 million people, a "massive undertaking".
13:02 China advocates lifting of recent EU sanctionsChina strongly condemns the EU's latest round of sanctions against Russia, which also affect Chinese businesses. These sanctions are considered to be "unilateral and without legal basis," according to a spokesperson from the Foreign Ministry. "We urgently request the European side to lift the sanctions, and we will implement necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies." The West accuses China of supporting Russia in its conflict with Ukraine, a claim that China denies. In response to a new package of measures against Russia, Brussels added 61 more companies to its sanctions list on Monday, including 19 Chinese companies, two major actors in the Chinese satellite industry, are subject to trade restrictions due to allegations of conducting business worth millions with the Russian mercenary group Wagner and selling them satellites.
12:58 International Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Shoigu and GerasimovThe International Criminal Court issues arrest warrants for the former Russian Defense Minister, Sergei Shoigu, and General Staff Chief, Valeri Gerasimov, on charges of attacking civilian targets in Ukraine.
More to come
12:50 Zelenskyy meets Schwesig in KievMecklenburg-Vorpommern's Minister-President, Manuela Schwesig, meets with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kiev on the second day of her visit to Ukraine. The conversation lasts roughly an hour. Schwesig travels to Ukraine as a representative of the Federal President, to display solidarity with Kiev from all 16 federal states. "Ukraine must win this war," she stated during her train journey to the Ukrainian capital, a contrast to her party companion, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who emphasizes that Russia should not win the war and Ukraine should not lose it. Schwesig is criticized in Ukraine for her involvement with the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Following the Russian attack almost two years ago, Schwesig distanced herself from her role in the project and labeled it a mistake.
12:28 European Court of Human Rights Finds Russia Guilty of Human Rights Violations in CrimeaThe European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg finds Russia guilty of human rights violations in Crimea following its annexation of the Crimean Peninsula. The judges reached this decision in response to a complaint from Ukraine. Russia does not acknowledge the rulings of the court.
11:52 Kiev's 'grenade shortage' alleviated - also with foreign ammunitionUkrainian soldiers fought against the Russian army for a prolonged period without sufficient ammunition. With the $61 billion aid package, the ammunition stockpile has improved. Vasil, a Ukrainian commander, reports that the 'grenade shortage' has been resolved.
11:25 One hundred Ukrainians arrested while attempting to flee to other countriesUkrainian security forces apprehend 100 men who were attempting to illegally leave the country in the Odessa region in southern Ukraine. The State Investigation Bureau reported that a group of 47 men was stopped in four minibuses on their way to the border last Friday. Another 53 men were stopped at a meeting place. They were attempting to avoid checkpoints and cross the border on foot. The Odessa region borders the Republic of Moldova, with the Danube River forming the border with Romania. All men aged 25 and above, who can be conscripted for the war, have been transferred to the local military conscription office. The human traffickers allegedly demanded between 4600 and over 17,000 Euro from each man.
11:07 Ukraine seeking closer ties: Lührmann sees "historic day" for the EUThe commencement of EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova is referred to as a "historic day" for the EU by European State Secretary, Anna Lührmann. "This is a good day because we are acknowledging that both countries have made extraordinary reform efforts despite the challenging circumstances," Lührmann said on the sidelines of an EU ministers' meeting before the official start of the accession negotiations in Luxembourg. "Both countries have made significant progress in the areas of the rule of law, anti-corruption, and press freedom." However, it may take years before Ukraine and Moldova fulfill all the conditions for EU membership. As a prerequisite for Ukraine, for instance, there needs to be peace with Russia. No accession guarantee exists.
10:38 Retaliation against EU: Moscow's measures "may affect us as well"Frozen EU funds from Russia are to be used for Ukraine's armament. The Kremlin considers these sanctions to be "illegal" and "contrary to international law," according to NTV correspondent, Rainer Munz. Russia now intends to retaliate against the EU and cultivate relationships with other nations even more.
23:09 From Putin's Circle: Swiss Court Convicts Four BankersFour bankers are found guilty by a Swiss Appellate Court concerning the handling of funds associated with Vladimir Putin's circle. The Zurich Supreme Court deems it evident that the employees of the dissolved Swiss subsidiary of the Russian Gazprombank inadequately confirmed whether the money on accounts marked as belonging to Russian musician Sergey Roldugin actually belonged to him. The court imposes fines on the four bankers. In 2014, two accounts were opened at the Zurich Gazprombank with Roldugin listed as the beneficial owner. According to reports, the Russian cellist and conductor is Putin's daughter's godfather, as stated in the indictment. Shortly following Russia's attack on Ukraine, he was added to the Swiss sanctions list. In Moscow, Roldugin is known as "Putin's Briefcase."
07:26 A Somali Soldier Speaks: "Everywhere were Drones, Artillery, Rockets. I just ran"To compensate for the massive loss of soldiers in the war, the Kremlin compels migrants and foreign students to the frontline. The young Somali named Adil recounts his experience in a conversation with ntv. For approximately 1900 Euros a month, he enlists in the military, including the prospect of Russian citizenship and the promise that he will not have to fight at the front. However, Adil is sent directly to Ukraine and is now detained in a Ukrainian prison. "I didn't come to kill. I lost my weapon. I didn't know how to hold it. Everywhere there were drones, artillery, rockets. I just ran", Adil recounts in an interview with ntv. "I thought 2000 dollars were the average wage for normal work. I thought a big dream had begun for me."
21:44 Trump's Advisors Suggest Strategy to End the War in UkraineTwo key advisors of former US President Donald Trump are proposing a strategy to conclude the war in Ukraine. According to Reuters news agency, if approved, this strategy would allow Ukraine to receive additional US weapons only during peace negotiations. The US would simultaneously caution Moscow that any refusal to negotiate would result in increased US support for Ukraine, as stated by retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, one of Trump's national security advisors. The presented strategy is the most in-depth plan from Trump's associates, who claim that he could bring an end to the war in Ukraine in the shortest time. The proposal, if accepted, would mark a significant shift in Washington's position on this war and could encounter opposition from European allies and from Trump's own Republican Party.
05:49 Russia Announces Destruction of 30 Ukrainian DronesAccording to its own statements, Russia shoots down 30 Ukrainian drones in the border area between the two countries. The Russian air defense reportedly intercepts and destroys 29 drones in the Belgorod border region and one drone in the adjacent Woronesh region, according to the Russian Defense Ministry via Telegram. In the Belgorod region, an older woman reportedly dies, according to local authorities.
04:18 Ukrainian Security Forces Detain Suspected SpyUkrainian security forces reportedly arrest a border guard soldier who is suspected of spying for the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). According to the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU), the man collected information about weapons and ammunition depots and Ukrainian troops in the border region with Belarus. The suspect was allegedly recruited by an FSB officer stationed in the occupied Luhansk region, with whom he communicated anonymously through online messengers. If found guilty of high treason, the man faces a life sentence, according to the SBU.
03:46 ISW: Russia Aims for Tactical and Operational Advantage Before US Aid ArrivesThe US think tank Institute for the Study of War anticipates that US weapon deliveries won't cause significant gains immediately at the front. "The ISW presumes that the Russian military is striving to achieve tactical and operational significant advances before US military aid reaches Ukrainian forces in large quantities and that it will take some time before the weapons provided by the West become tactically and operationally effective," it writes. It also refers to an interview with the military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov with the "Philadelphia Inquirer." According to Budanow, weapons deliveries from the US and Europe, including artillery ammunition, will arrive faster in Ukraine than before. However, the Ukrainian forces urgently need a substantial amount of weapons, and it is "a question of scale." Budanov also stated that there will not be "an Armageddon" at the front, but the situation there will remain challenging at least until mid-July.
01:12 Kyiv: Intelligence Service Vows to Continue "Drone Attacks" on Russian Oil Refinery ComplexUkrainian special forces reportedly have targeted more than 30 Russian oil refineries, terminals, and depots, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky, as reported by Ukrainian media during a military briefing. Zelensky particularly praises the "Center for Special Operations" A of the Ukrainian Security Service and emphasizes the long-range capabilities of the drones, which can now cover distances of up to 1,500 kilometers. The latest drone attacks have targeted facilities in Tatarstan and Bashkortostan, and an end to the attacks is not expected: "The Ukrainian security service (SBU) will continue to carry out 'drone attacks' against the Russian oil refinery complex and reduce the economic potential of the aggressor, which provides the means for waging war against Ukraine," quotes "Kyiv Independent" a source.
07:50 Denmark concludes training of Ukrainian F-16 pilots this year
Denmark is wrapping up its military training program for Ukrainian F-16 pilots this year as it moves towards the F-35 aircraft. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced this at a press conference, stating that "we'll transition to the F-35, so we need to focus our resources there, and thus won't be able to continue training Ukrainian pilots past 2024." The English-led coalition of F-16 pilots must now seek alternatives to continue their activities, according to Poulsen. Additional training programs are available in Romania and the United States.
07:39 Drone assault on Belgorod city leaves damages
In a series of drone attacks on the Russian city of Belgorod and nearby settlements, several buildings, vehicles, and a gas pipeline were damaged, and four individuals were injured. The "Kyiv independent" reports this, citing statements from Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov, who describes the drone attacks as "massive." An administrative building in the city of Shebekino is said to have been completely destroyed. Kiev has remained silent on the matter.
07:16 EU puts 61 companies on sanctions list
As part of new sanctions against Russia, the European Union has added 61 companies to the sanctions list, including 19 Chinese companies. The formally approved 14th sanctions package includes trading limitations for two major players within the Chinese satellite sector. These companies are accused of conducting business worth millions with the Russian mercenary group Wagner and selling satellites to them.
06:43 ECHR rules on Kiev's lawsuit against Moscow regarding Crimea annexation
Today, the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg is deciding on Ukraine's lawsuit against Russia regarding the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula. Kiev alleges numerous violations of the European Convention on Human Rights on the Crimean Peninsula between February 2014 and August 2015, including "illegal arrests," "suppression of non-Russian media," and "compensation-free expropriations."
05:43 Orban opposes Kiev's EU membership
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is critical of the EU accession talks with Ukraine, which will take place in Luxembourg on this Tuesday. Orban told Funke Media Group newspapers, "Hungary does not support this accession process, but we do not block it." Orban sees the talks as a "purely political process" and believes that the consequences of taking on a country at war with unclear borders need to be examined before considering EU membership. Hungary takes over the EU Council Presidency on July 1.
04:38 EU starts accession talks with Ukraine
The EU starts talks for Ukraine's EU membership today. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's foreign policy advisor Ihor Zhovka stated in an interview in Kiev, "The path to full membership, which Ukraine deserves, is irreversible." In Luxemberg, the ceremony is more symbolic than focusing on the intricacies of negotiations, which will begin once the EU has evaluated the numerous reforms Ukraine must implement to meet EU standards.
03:36 US: Russian interception of Atacms missile kills civilians on Crimea
The US claims that Ukraine did not target civilians during its attack on Crimea over the weekend. Russia allegedly intercepted an Atacms missile that was meant to incapacitate a launchpad. Debris from the missile is reported to have struck a beach, resulting in the deaths of at least four people, including two children, according to Russian reports. Moscow has charged the US with responsibility for the attack. The US government responded by stating that Ukraine operates independently regarding attack targets and military deployments.
02:35 US planning to supply Ukraine with additional ammunition
Sources within the US government indicate that the US will provide Ukraine with additional ammunition worth $150 million. This decision is expected to be made public today. The upcoming delivery is expected to include ammunition for Himars multiple rocket launchers, which the US has previously supplied and are capable of launching Atacms missiles. Moscow has responded to Ukrainian Atacms attacks on Crimea by stating that the US is now directly involved in the conflict.
01:35 Moscow deems EU sanctions ineffective
Russia dismisses the new EU sanctions in the 14th sanctions package against Russia as ineffective. The Russian Foreign Ministry in Moscow sees the EU harming itself. Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Gruschko in Moscow asserts, "The West does not care about the consequences to its own economy or the well-being of people within the EU." Russia anticipates an economic growth of over 3% this year, more than ten times that of Germany. "The purpose of sanctions was to strangle the Russian economy and tear apart society. The EU has achieved the opposite," Gruschko says.
23:28 Unemployed Ukrainians may face expulsion: Schwesig disagrees with Dobrindt
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's Minister President Manuela Schwesig criticizes CSU regional group leader Alexander Dobrindt's proposal to send war refugees back to specific areas of Ukraine if they cannot find work in Germany. "There are no safe areas as Russia attacks the entire Ukraine," says the SPD politician in the ZDF "heute journal update." Schwesig labels Dobrindt's stance as "very populist" and accuses him of pandering to certain voices within the population, particularly to the detriment of many refugees, including women with children.
10:29PM Ukrainian General Staff: Over 128 Skirmishes with Russian TroopsPer Ukrainian updates, there have been more than 128 skirmishes with Russian troops since sunrise. Facebook posts from the Ukrainian General Staff indicate that Russian forces are primarily targeting the Pokrovsk area. Reports suggest that a third of Russian attacks today have been launched in this region. Ukrainian defense forces are said to have successfully fended off the assaults and maintained the front line.
9:57PM "Brazen Infraction": Hungary Slams EU's Decision on Russian Assets for UkraineIn response to the decision by other EU countries to use funds from frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine, Hungary expresses outrage. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjárto shared these thoughts on Facebook, labeling the move a "shameless breach of common European rules." The government is currently investigating its legal options to protect its rights. In a week, Hungary will assume the presidency of the EU, with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán maintaining positive relations with the Russian government.
9:38PM Ukrainian Navy: 120 Russian Drones Eliminated in Krasnodar Oblast AttackAccording to reports from the Ukrainian Navy, 120 drones were destroyed in an attack on the Russian region of Krasnodar on June 21st. Ukrainian Navy and Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) are reported to have carried out the assault on the 726th Training Center of the Russian Air Defense in Yeysk, targeting drone training objects. As per the report, drone pilots are trained there. Ukraine's news agency Ukrinform shared these details.
