14:24 Putin speaks of willingness to negotiate
Putin, the chief of the Kremlin, emphasized Russia's alleged readiness for peace talks regarding its offensive war against Ukraine to several leaders at the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization for Collaboration (SCO). Putin stated that Russia has always advocated for a political-diplomatic resolution to the conflict. Moscow, which has been conducting a destructive offensive war against Ukraine for over two years, recently made proposals for ending the hostilities, Putin said in Astana. Moscow insists that Ukraine renounces control over occupied territories, which Kiev refuses.
14:04 Kreml: Modi to travel to Russia for talks with PutinIndia's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to travel to Russia at the beginning of next week for talks with President Vladimir Putin. According to the Russian Presidential Executive Office, Putin and Modi will discuss the prospects for further development of bilateral relations and international and regional issues during their consultations on Monday and Tuesday. India has tried to remain neutral in Russia's war against Ukraine. Modi has repeatedly urged both sides to engage in dialogue but has also criticized Russia's actions. Instead, economically interconnected India has significantly increased its purchases of Russian oil, which helps mitigate the effects of Western sanctions for Moscow.
13:32 Russia attacks Ukrainian National Guard baseRussian troops are reportedly attacking a Ukrainian National Guard base in Vyschgorod in the Kiev region. This was reported by the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, citing the coordinator of the pro-Russian underground, Sergei Lebedev. 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. According to RIA Novosti, 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. 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 in mid-June at the large international Ukraine peace conference in Geneva. He works for the Humanitarian Dialogue Centre (HD Centre), a Geneva-based non-governmental organization. The organization announced on June 7 that it would also contact Russian authorities for clarification on 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 reported on television that there had 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.
Latvia borders Eastern Europe for approximately 172 kilometers with Belarus, a close ally of Russia. Lettland, Poland, and Lithuania accuse Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko of orchestrating the bringing of migrants to the EU external border in an organized manner to put specific pressure on the EU.
12:00 Baerbock: Russia remains the greatest threat to Europe
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 states in a Bundestag debate prior to the upcoming NATO summit in Washington coming week. The West must counteract to defend freedom and democracy. "We didn't choose this," Baerbock says. "We didn't want this." Germany holds a special responsibility and has regained lost trust in the wake of its Russia policy. "We can't afford to squander that in the budget negotiations," the minister warns, looking at the current coalition dispute over the 2025 budget.
11:23 Kiev: Russian intelligence "couple" apprehended in spying operation
The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) has apprehended two alleged Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) members. 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 intelligence. The two, according to SBU reports, were spotted in the area taking pictures of "necessary" objects as a "freshly married couple." Along with additional information, the two alleged FSB agents are said to have provided the photos to the Russian intelligence. The Ukrainian Security Service claims to have caught the "couple" in the act.
10:50 Ukraine: 21 out of 22 Russian drones shot down
Ukraine claims to have largely thwarted a Russian drone attack at night. The Air Force reports that 21 out of 22 attack drones were shot down. They were destroyed over six regions in northern and central Ukraine. According to the Air Force, these were Shahed drones of Iranian origin.
10:33 SCO Summit in Kazakhstan: Putin and Xi aim to show 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 established 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 presidents of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus, as well as Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The Iranian President's chief of staff, Mohammed Mochber, was expected to attend. Belarus, which is governed authoritatively, 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, this summit provides another opportunity to illustrate the failure of Western efforts to isolate his country due to Russia's military action against Ukraine.
10:02 Ukraine publishes figures on Russian losses
The Ukrainian General Staff has released new figures on Russian troop losses in Ukraine. According to these numbers, Russia has allegedly lost approximately 547,470 soldiers in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. In just one day, the losses amounted to 1,200. Since the beginning of the large-scale attack, Russia is said to have lost 8,132 tanks, 15,600 artillery systems, and 360 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 11,694 drones, 28 ships, and one submarine. Western estimates suggest lower loss figures - although these are only minimum values.
09:30 Report: Ukrainian forces withdraw from Chassiw Jar
The Ukrainian military 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 endangered. The military command decided on a withdrawal to better fortified positions. However, the enemy continued their 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 leveled to the ground 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 southeastern 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 Nowoandriivka, 177 drone attacks on Chervonodniprowka, Gulyaypole, Levadne, Robotyno, Mala Tokmachka, Malynivka, Novoandriivka, Uspenivka and Novopavlivka. Twelve MLRS attacks hit Robotyne and Nowoandriivka. Additionally, the Russians fired 200 artillery shells at the territories of Gulyaypole, Mala Tokmachka, Novoandriivka, Robotyne, Levadne, Malynivka and Plavni.
08:33 Russia: Strike on Ukrainian base destroys jetRussian forces are reported to have attacked the aircraft parking lot of the Ukrainian Air Force 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. The Ukrainians use it to defend the front - "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 encourages businesses to use crypto to bypass sanctionsThe Russian Central Bank is encouraging domestic companies, in the face of Western sanctions, to use alternative payment methods such as cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners. Central Bank Chair Elvira Nabiullina acknowledged 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. 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. Since May, Ukraine has been implementing "blackouts." 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 power supply to the population.
05:44 Kiev's General Staff: Russians increasing intensity at Pokrovsk
According to the General Staff in Kiev, the Russian military is trying to "increase the intensity" at Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. Correspondingly, defensive lines are being reinforced, 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 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 considers 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 allegedly 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 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 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 additional requirement 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 appear to be enough soldiers. "We had to fill about 120 staff positions for the Litauen-Brigade's headquarters. We managed to fill 115 of these within a week. And we had 900 applications," says the Inspector General 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 Litauen. Many soldiers and soldiers have already collected positive experiences there: the gratitude of the people and the warm welcome. They say, I can imagine a stationing there with my family."
00:45 Inspector General demands billions for Bundeswehr
The Inspector General of the Bundeswehr, Carsten Breuer, is backing 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, 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
A court in Russia 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, participation in a terrorist organization, and illegal border crossing. The eldest of the three brothers, 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 "Legion of Free Russia." They were reportedly apprehended one and a half kilometers before the border.
22:41 Russia allows corporations to use cryptocurrencies for international transactions
The Russian Central Bank encourages domestic corporations to use alternative payment methods like cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners due to Western sanctions. For international transactions, such cryptocurrencies are now permitted, Central Bank head Elvira Nabiullina announced in St. Petersburg. The head of Russia's second-largest bank, VTB, Andrei Kostin, called for these new payment methods to be classified as state secrets. "I can easily imagine that right now, in the US embassy, there's 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 "foundation" for peace, Moscow denies intermediary role
First, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced after a meeting with Vladimir Putin in Kazakhstan that Turkey could help establish the foundation for ending the war. However, the Russian government spokesman Dmitri Peskov stated that Turkey would not take on 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 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 total amount imported in 2023. According to statistics from July 3rd. The largest electricity imports to Ukraine came from Hungary (42%). Slovakia and Romania each contributed 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 rationed strictly. The largest private energy company in Ukraine, DTEK, produces 90% less electricity.
You can read about earlier developments here.
- Despite Putin's calls for peace talks and a political resolution to the Ukraine conflict, Moscow continues to insist that Ukraine renounces control over occupied territories, a demand that Kiev has consistently refused.
- According to reports, Russian troops launched an attack on a Ukrainian National Guard base in Vyschgorod in the Kiev region, causing explosions at the military facility.
- Laurent Vinatier, a French national, was arrested in Switzerland and is currently being held in pre-trial detention in Russia on charges of collecting information about Russia's military and military-technical activities.
- In response to Russia's offensive war against Ukraine, Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called for further support for Ukraine from NATO, stating that Russia remains the greatest threat to Europe's security and freedom.
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the president of Ukraine, has appealed to his allies for additional air defense systems to protect his country from Russian missile attacks, which have resulted in civilians being killed and injured in recent attacks.
