14:04 Kremlin: Modi travels to Putin for talks
Indian Minister-President Narendra Modi is set to travel to Russia at the beginning of next week for talks with President Vladimir Putin. According to the Russian Presidential Administration, Putin and Modi will discuss the prospects for further development of bilateral relations and international and regional issues at their meetings on Monday and Tuesday. India has tried to remain neutral in Russia's military conflict with Ukraine. Modi has repeatedly urged both sides to be open for dialogue, but has criticized Russia's actions. Instead, economically interconnected India has significantly increased its purchase of Russian oil, which helps the Russian government mitigate the effects of western sanctions.
13:32 Russia attacks Ukrainian National Guard outpostRussian troops are reportedly attacking a Ukrainian National Guard outpost in Vyschgorod in the Kiev region. According to RIA Novosti, citing the coordinator of the pro-Russian underground, Sergei Lebedev, there have been two attacks on the military base on General Kulchitsky Street, resulting in explosions. The Ukrainian National Guard is a paramilitary organization that, unlike the army, air force, and navy, does not report to the Defense Ministry but to the Interior Ministry. RIA Novosti reports that there have been two attacks on the military base on General Kulchitsky Street, resulting in explosions.
13:07 Russian court: Frenchman to remain in pre-trial detentionA Russian court has ruled that a French national must remain in pre-trial detention until August. The court in Moscow has rejected the habeas corpus application of the 47-year-old political expert Laurent Vinatier. He is accused of collecting information about "military and military-technical activities" of Russia. This offense can be punished with up to five years in prison. Vinatier was arrested in Switzerland at the end of June at the large international Ukraine peace conference. He works 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 Latvia reports 160 illegal border crossings from BelarusLatvia has recorded more attempted illegal border crossings from Belarus this week. Border Guard Chief Guntis Pujats said on television that there have been 160 such attempts since Monday. In total, 2,770 migrants have been prevented from illegally crossing the green EU border from Belarus this year.
Latvia shares a border with Belarus for approximately 172 kilometers, making it one of Russia's closest allies. Latvia, Poland, and Lithuania accuse Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko of orchestrating the organized transport of migrants to the EU external border to put pressure on the EU.
12:00 Baerbock: Russia remains greatest threat to Europe for the foreseeable future
German 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 ahead of the upcoming NATO summit next week in Washington. The West must stand up for freedom and democracy, she adds. "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 lose sight of this in budget negotiations", the Minister warns, looking at the current dispute in the traffic light coalition over the budget for 2025.
11:23 Kiev: Alleged Russian spy "couple" apprehended
The Ukrainian Security Service SBU has detained two suspected Russian intelligence officers. According to the SBU, a 23-year-old man from Odessa and his 18-year-old "wife" were spying on military infrastructure in the Ukrainian regions of Odessa and Dnipro on behalf of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). The two allegedly posed as a newlywed couple and took pictures of "necessary" objects while strolling through the area. Along with additional information, the two suspected FSB agents reportedly handed over the photos to the Russian intelligence service. 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 thwarted a Russian drone attack in the night. The air defense system shot down 21 of 22 attacking 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 Summit 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 gathering is attended by the host, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the presidents of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus, and Iran's acting president Mohammed Mokhber. For Iran, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the mayor of Tehran, is representing the country. Belarus, which is ruled authoritatively, has officially become a new SCO member. Among the observer states and dialogue partners are Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. The summit offers Putin another opportunity to illustrate the failure of Western efforts to isolate Russia due to its military campaign against Ukraine.
10:02 Ukraine reveals numbers on Russian losses
The Ukrainian General Staff has released new casualty figures for the Russian troops in Ukraine. According to their data, Russia has lost approximately 547,470 soldiers in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. In the last 24 hours, the losses amounted to 1,200. Russia, according to Ukraine, has lost 8,132 tanks, 15,600 artillery systems, and 360 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 11,694 drones, 28 ships, and one submarine. Western estimations suggest lower loss numbers, which are, however, only minimum values.
09:30 Report: Ukrainian forces withdraw from Tschassiw Jar
The Ukrainian Army has withdrawn from a part of the strategically important Ukrainian city of Tschassiw Jar, according to their own reports. "It was no longer possible to hold the Canal Quarter, after the enemy had infiltrated," 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 to engage in combat there. Tschassiw Jar is located in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donezk, 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
The Russians attacked the Saporischschja region 391 times within the last 24 hours, according to the governor of the southeastern Ukrainian region, Iwan Fjodorow, in a morning report on Telegram. In this context, a man was killed in Vasylivka, and a woman was killed in Polohiv. A man was injured in the city of Saporischschja. Fjodorow reports 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 fired 200 artillery shells at the areas of Gulyaypol, Mala Tokmachka, Novoandriivka, Robotyne, Levadne, Malynivka, and Plavni.
08:33 Russia: Strike on Ukrainian stronghold destroys combat jet
Russian forces used the Iskander surface-to-air missile system to attack a Ukrainian Air Force base in the Dolgintsevo region of Dnipropetrowsk, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. The attack reportedly destroyed a MiG-29 fighter jet, air defense equipment, and aircraft maintenance vehicles of the Ukrainian Air Force. The Russian Defense Ministry posted a video of the destruction on Telegram. The video spreads rapidly on social media.
07:47 Video: "Vampire" of Ukraine forces Russians to pay "Price in Blood"
Dozens of Russians are reportedly killed every day by what is called the "Vampire," a multiple rocket launcher from Czech production. The Ukrainians use it to defend their front lines - "We will not give up our land for free," they say. They have enough ammunition for the weapon, but they lack soldiers.
07:22 Crypto as a loophole: Russian Central Bank encourages domestic companies to use cryptocurrencies for international transactions to bypass Western sanctions
The Russian Central Bank encourages domestic companies to use cryptocurrencies for international transactions as an alternative payment method in response to Western sanctions. Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina acknowledged at a conference in St. Petersburg that such payments are 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 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 showed from local government representatives. Mayor Borys Filatov stated 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 down. 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 Military Headquarters: Russians increase intensity at Pokrovsk
According to the Military Headquarters in Kiev, the Russian military is trying to "increase the intensity" at Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. Consequently, 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 more of an emotional matter. Zelenskyy is constantly 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 stating that Russian forces have brought a district of the crucial Ukrainian city Chassiv Yar under their control. "We see no let-up in artillery attacks. The enemy uses 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 holds its positions." The Russian Defense Ministry had previously announced that its forces had taken 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 additional needs of his country to be at least six more 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). "I meet soldiers and soldiers during troop visits 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 there: the gratitude of the people and the heartfelt welcome. They say, I can imagine a stationing there with my family."
00:45 General Inspector demands billions for Bundeswehr
The General Inspector of the Bundeswehr, Carsten Breuer, supports Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in the budget dispute over the Bundeswehr. 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 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 sentenced three brothers to 17 years in prison in Russia for treason
According to a court announcement in Moscow, a Russian court sentenced three brothers to lengthy prison terms because they wanted to join a pro-Ukrainian unit. The three men, aged between 19 and 24, were reportedly sentenced in Moscow for treason, involvement in a terrorist organization, and illegal border crossing. The eldest of the three brothers, the 24-year-old Joann Aschtscheulow, received a sentence of 17 years and six months, 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 "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 companies to use alternative payment methods like cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners due to Western sanctions. For international transactions, such cryptocurrencies are now permitted, according to Central Bank Chair Elvira Nabiullina in St. Petersburg. VTB Bank's CEO, Andrey Kostin, urges the 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 jotting down all 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 war end, 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, the Russian government spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Turkey would not assume a mediator role, according to Russian news agencies. Peskov was quoted 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, rations strictly
Ukraine imported over 858,000 Megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity in June 2024, which is 91% more than the May import volume and more than the total import volume 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 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.
You can read about earlier developments here.
- During the talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Minister-President Narendra Modi is expected to discuss the ongoing Ukraine conflict and its impact on international politics.
- Despite attempts to remain neutral, India has significantly increased its purchase of Russian oil, which could help Russia mitigate the effects of western sanctions amid the Ukraine conflict.
- Annalena Baerbock, the German Foreign Minister, has identified Russia as the greatest threat to Europe, calling for further support for Ukraine from NATO in light of the Ukraine conflict.
- Reports suggest that Ukrainian Security Services (SBU) have detained two suspected Russian intelligence officers spying on military infrastructure in Ukrainian regions of Odessa and Dnipro.
- Russia is reportedly using cyberwar tactics to attack Ukraine, with frequent attacks on critical infrastructure and military targets, such as the alleged attack on Ukraine's power grid and the hijacking of satellite communications.
