14:48 Putin and Xi deepen anti-Western alliance
At the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin reaffirmed their alliance as a counterbalance to the Western world. Xi urged the attendees at the closing meeting in Astana to "resist interference from outside" and called on member states to "support each other, care for each other's concerns (...) and take the future and fate of our countries, as well as peace and development in the region, into our own hands." It is of "decisive importance" that the SCO "stays on the right side of history." The SCO comprises ten countries representing approximately half of the world population. Among the permanent members are the current host Kazakhstan, India, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and now also Belarus.
14:24 Putin speaks of negotiation readinessRussian President Vladimir Putin emphasized Russia's supposed readiness for peace talks regarding its conflict with Ukraine during a meeting with several heads of state at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. Putin stated at the SCO summit in Astana that Russia had long advocated for a political and diplomatic resolution to the conflict. Russia, which has been waging a destructive war against Ukraine for more than two years, recently made proposals for an end to hostilities, Putin added. Moscow insists that Ukraine renounce all annexed territories, a demand that Kiev has rejected.
14:04 Kremlin: Modi to travel to Russia for talks with PutinIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to travel to Russia 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 meetings 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 and criticized Russia's actions but has also increased Russian oil purchases, helping Moscow mitigate the effects of Western sanctions.
13:32 Russia attacks Ukrainian National Guard baseRussian troops are reported to have attacked a base of the Ukrainian National Guard in Vyshgorod, a suburb of Kiev. This information was provided by the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, citing Sergei Lebedev, the coordinator of the pro-Russian underground. The Ukrainian National Guard is a paramilitary organization that, unlike the army, air force, and navy, falls under the jurisdiction of the Interior Ministry rather than the Defense Ministry. According to RIA Novosti, there were two attacks on the military base in the General Kulchitsky Street, resulting in explosions.
13:07 Russian Court: Detained Frenchman to Remain in Pretrial Detention
A Russian court has decided that a French national must remain in pretrial detention until August. The court in Moscow has rejected the habeas corpus petition 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. He was working for the HD Centre, a Geneva-based NGO. The NGO announced on June 7 that they would also contact the Russian authorities for clarification of the charges against their employee.
12:30 Latvia Reports 160 Illegal Crossings from Belarus
Latvia has recorded more attempted irregular crossings of 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 EU green border from Belarus.
Latvia shares a border of approximately 172 kilometers with Belarus, one of Russia's closest allies. Latvia, Poland, and Lithuania accuse Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko of orchestrating the organized transfer of migrants to the EU external border to put pressure on the EU.
12:00 Baerbock: Russia Remains 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 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 ongoing dispute in the traffic light coalition over the budget for 2025.
11:23 Kiev: Russian Intelligence "Pair" Arrested for Spying
The Ukrainian Security Service SBU has detained two alleged members of the Russian Federal Security Service FSB. The SBU reports this. A 23-year-old man from Odessa and his 18-year-old "wife" are accused of spying for the Russian security services in the Ukrainian regions of Odessa and Dnipro. According to the SBU, the two allegedly married couple were spotted "strolling" in the area and took pictures of "necessary" objects. In addition to the photos, the two alleged FSB agents provided the Russian security services with additional information. The Ukrainian security services claim to have caught the "couple" in the act.
10:50 Ukraine: 21 out of 22 Russian drones shot down
The Ukraine military claims to have repelled a Russian drone attack for the most part during the night. The air defense managed to shoot down 21 out of 22 attacking drones, according to the Air Force. They were destroyed over six regions in northern and central Ukraine. These were reportedly Shahed 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 established in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Later, India, Pakistan, and Iran joined. In addition to Putin and Xi, the hosts, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the presidents of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus are present. The Iranian vice president was supposed 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. The summit offers Putin 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 the report, 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, Russia is said to have lost 8,132 tanks, 15,600 artillery systems, and 360 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 11,694 drones, 28 ships, and a submarine. Western estimates give 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," said 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 continued their combat operations 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 flattened 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 Nowoandriivka, 177 drone attacks on Chervonodniprovka, Gulyaypole, Levadne, Robotyno, Mala Tokmachka, Malynivka, Novoandriivka, Uspenivka and Novopavlivka. Twelve MLRS attacks hit Robotyne and Nowoandriivka. 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 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. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, 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 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 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 acknowledged at a conference in St. Petersburg that such payments are one of the central challenges for the Russian economy. However, 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 others 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 local energy infrastructure. As a result, Ukraine began "blackouts" 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 power supply to the population.
05:44 Kiev's General Staff: Russians increasing pressure at Pokrovsk
According to the General Staff in Kiev, the Russian military is trying to "intensify the pressure" on Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. Correspondingly, defensive 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
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 is not providing. 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 Ukrainian authorities refute Russian reports that Russian forces have taken control of a district in 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 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 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 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 killed five people and injured over 50 others. Damaged in the attack were 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 further needs at least at 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 900 applications," says General Inspector 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 set up the brigade in Lithuania. 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 General Inspector demands billions for Bundeswehr
The General Inspector 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 substantial amount of money with the special fund and thus, if you will, issued 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 sentenced three brothers to 17 years in prison in Russia for high 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 high treason, participation in a terrorist organization, and illegal border crossing. 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. 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 arrested about 1.5 kilometers from the border.
22:41 Russia allows corporations to use cryptocurrencies for international transactions
The Russian Central Bank encourages domestic 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. The head of Russia's second-largest bank, VTB, Andrey Kostin, called for these new payment methods to be classified as state secrets. "I can easily imagine that right now, in this moment, there is an undersecretary in the US embassy 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 declared after a meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Kazakhstan that Turkey could help establish the foundation for ending the war. However, the Russian government spokesman Dmitry 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 imported more electricity in June than in the 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 2023. According to statistics from July 3rd. 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, produced 90% less electricity.
- At the SCO summit, Putin emphasized Russia's readiness for peace talks regarding the Ukraine conflict, reiterating its stance on a political and diplomatic resolution.
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet with Putin next week, discussions likely to cover bilateral relations and international issues, with India trying to remain neutral in Russia's war against Ukraine.
- Russian troops reportedly attacked a Ukrainian National Guard base in Vyshgorod, with explosions reported at the General Kulchitsky Street base, highlighted by Russian news agency RIA Novosti.
- Volodymyr Selensky, the Ukrainian President, called for further support from NATO against the alleged threat posed by Russia, urging the alliance to defend freedom and democracy in Europe.
- Russia is accused of waging a cyberwar against Ukraine, with political expert Laurent Vinatier detained in Moscow for allegedly collecting information about Russian military activities, a charge his NGO, HD Centre, has disputed.
