14:59 Heusgen on war economy: "Russia won't be able to stand it"
The chief of the Munich Security Conference, Christoph Heusgen, sees economic problems in Russia as a potential chance for peace in Ukraine. The shift to a war economy by Russian President Putin is mid-term "economically devastating," Heusgen tells the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland in response to a question about whether he sees another way besides military strength to achieve peace. "Putin will face significant economic difficulties in the long run." The former security advisor to Chancellor Angela Merkel is convinced: "Russia won't be able to cope with it." Heusgen calls on countries such as China, India, or Turkey, which continue to do business with Russia, to apply more pressure. "This will prolong the war," he criticizes.
14:39 Russia: Village in Donetsk region takenThe Russian army, according to its own statements, has taken control of another village in the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine. The village of Tschigari is now under Russian control, the Defense Ministry in Moscow reports. On Saturday, Russian forces, according to Moscow's statements, had already captured the village of Sokil, about 30 kilometers northwest of the city of Donetsk.
14:22 NATO summit in Washington could disappoint Selenskyy againThe 32 NATO countries will again confirm at their summit in Washington on Wednesday and Thursday that Ukraine one day will become a member of the Alliance and will offer the country further military aid. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyy will not receive what he desires most: an invitation to join. It is unclear whether the NATO will have obtained the seven air defense systems that Ukraine is demanding to defend against persistent Russian attacks. The NATO plans to approve new billions in aid for Kiev. Who will provide it and for how long is unclear. The one thing all NATO members agree on: A confrontation with Selenskyy like at the last summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, a year ago, should not be repeated in Washington.
14:00 Mine-clearing vehicles from Hamburg in use in UkraineA mine-clearing vehicle from Hamburg has arrived in Ukraine and is already in operation in the Charkiw region. The Hamburg Interior Senate reports this. Senator Andy Grote of the SPD had handed over the first of four mine-clearing vehicles to the Ukrainian ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeiev, in mid-May. Three more are to follow by August.
13:32 Insider: Russian munitions depot hit by drone attackA Russian munitions depot was hit by drone attacks, according to reports from Ukrainian security circles in the Voronezh region northeast of Ukraine. A member of the security circles says that the 9000 square meter large depot was attacked by drones. There is a "high probability" that there will be further explosions in military-industrial plants, the informant adds.
13:03 Russia plans to use balloons to counter Ukrainian drone attacksRussia is planning to build a network of balloons to counter Ukrainian long-range drone attacks. This is reported by "The Telegraph". The so-called "Barrier" defense system is based on models from the First and Second World Wars. According to the "Telegraph" report, a Russian air and space company has already begun testing such military balloons.
12:22 Russia: A Civilian Dead after Ukrainian Attack on HorlivkaAccording to the mayor of Horlivka, Ivan Prichodko, on Telegram, a civilian is reportedly dead following a Ukrainian attack on Horlivka in the Russian-controlled region of Donetsk. The Russian news agency RIA Novosti reports of "heavy attacks from Ukraine" on the region.
11:44 Sharma: Le Pen's Appearance Causes Stir in UkraineThe situation at the frontline in Ukraine worsens, with anticipated weapon deliveries from the West reportedly delayed. Additionally, concerns over a right-wing shift in France have increased. An interview by Le Pen has garnered significant attention, as reported by NTV reporter Kavita Sharma.
11:14 Ukraine: Five Dead after Russian Attack on SelydoveThe Russians allegedly launched two guided bombs onto the city of Selydove in the Donetsk region. This was announced by the Ukrainian governor of Donetsk, Wadym Filaschkin, on Telegram. Five people were reportedly killed, and eight were injured in the attack. The bombs reportedly landed in an industrial area. "Nobody can feel safe in the Donetsk region," Filaschkin wrote.
10:51 Governor: Air Alarm in the Saporischschja RegionAccording to the Ukrainian governor of Saporischschja, Ivan Fedorow, the Russians are attacking the southern Ukrainian region with ballistic missiles. He announced this on Telegram and issued an air alarm in Saporischschja as a result.
10:35 Governor: Explosions after Russian Attack on ChernihivFollowing a Russian attack on the Ukrainian city of Chernihiv, multiple explosions occurred in the city center. This was reported by the governor of the Chernihiv region, Oleksandr Prokudin, on social media. Additionally, the "Lito" café reportedly caught fire and was reduced to its foundations. The authorities released a video that is said to depict the consequences of the Russian attack.
10:14 ISW Sees No Real Willingness for Negotiations from PutinAccording to US experts, Russian President Vladimir Putin, following his meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, does not appear to have a genuine desire for negotiations in his ongoing war against Ukraine. The analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in Washington report that Putin demanded "demilitarization" and the surrender of significant territories that Russia does not currently occupy. Putin also rejected a firebreak in the conflict for two consecutive days. The Ukraine and Russia accuse each other of using the ceasefire to rearm and re-equip their troops.
09:27 Ukrainian Intelligence Reports Successful Destruction of Russian Military InstallationsAccording to their own reports, Ukrainian intelligence, in collaboration with the Ukrainian Air Force, have set two Russian military installations in Donetsk ablaze. This was announced by the Ukrainian intelligence service (SBU) on social media. The area is under Russian control. In Debaltseve, a logistics center where armor and ammunition were stored was set on fire. In the village of Novoluhanske, the Russian radio transmitter station R-330Zh "Zhitel" was reportedly set ablaze.
09:09 Ukrainian Air Force: 13 Russian drones intercepted
The Ukrainian Air Force claims to have destroyed all 13 drones shot down by Russia towards targets in Ukraine overnight. In a Telegram short message, they also report that Russia fired two Iskander-Rakets. The Air Force does not provide information on whether the rakets were intercepted.
08:44 After Ukrainian drone attack: Explosion in Russian Voronezh
An explosion broke out in a warehouse with "explosive items" in the Russian region of Voronezh following a Ukrainian drone attack. The Russian governor of the region, Oleksandr Gusev, reported this in social media. According to Gusev, all drones were shot down. Debris from the falling drones reportedly caused the fire in the warehouse. Gusev mentions an evacuation, but no injuries or deaths.
08:05 Russia: Two Patriot air defense systems destroyed in Odessa
Two launchers for Patriot ground-air missile systems were destroyed in the Ukrainian region of Odessa, according to Russian news agencies, citing the Defense Ministry. Iskander-Rakets were used in the attack. The Patriot systems were near the Juschnes harbor.
07:38 Governor: Russia fires rockets at Pavlohrad
In the night, the Russians fired rockets at the city of Pavlohrad in the Dnipropetrowsk region. The governor of Dnipropetrowsk, Serhii Lysak, reported this in social media. There were no fatalities or injuries. Additionally, the Russians reportedly shelled Nikopol with heavy artillery and kamikaze drones. Three women were allegedly injured. In the city, several private houses, a university, a kindergarten, a car, and a gas pipeline were damaged, according to Lysak.
07:09 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 550,990 soldiers in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. In the past 24 hours, the number of losses is reported to be 1,150. The report from Kiev states that, in addition, two more tanks, 16 armed vehicles, 40 artillery systems, and an air defense system were destroyed. Since the beginning of the large-scale attack, Ukraine claims that Russia has lost 8,155 tanks, 15,524 artillery systems, 360 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 11,862 drones, 28 ships, and a submarine. Western estimates mention lower loss figures - these are only minimum values.
06:42 Ukraine: Navy trains on the Dnipro River
The Navy is conducting a tactical exercise of its river flotilla on the Dnipro River. The Ukrainian Navy posted images of the flotilla exercise on its Facebook channel. According to the Navy, combat actions and mine countermeasures were practiced.
06:07 "DeepState": Russia captures territories in the Donezk region
Russian military forces are reportedly advancing in the Donezk region. This is according to the Ukraine-affiliated channel "DeepState" on Telegram and X. The following areas are said to be affected: Pishchany, Yevgenivka, Severnoy, in the vicinity of Lozuvatsky, Makiivka, Novoselivka First, Chasovoy Yar, Kalynyvka. Furthermore, it is mentioned in the report that Ukrainian defense forces are pushing back the Russians in Hlyboky in the Charkiw region.
05:32 Drone attacks in Eastern Ukraine
Russian military forces have again attacked the Eastern Ukraine at night with so-called Kamikaze drones. The air defense in Charkiw and Sumy report drone intrusions in several waves. No information is available yet on the effects of the attacks.
04:14 Gas pipeline on the Crimea is on fire
Following an accident at a gas pipeline, there is a fire on the Crimea. The administration of the Crimea, installed by Russia, reports on Telegram that employees of the Emergency Situations Ministry are controlling the extent of the fire. The fire reportedly broke out near the village of Vinogradnoye and has spread to the nearby forest. The gas supply to the resort of Aluschta and over a dozen settlements has been disrupted. "There is no danger to the populated area," the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry reports. No injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire is unknown.
01:09 Russia reports shooting down Ukrainian drones
Russian air defense units have shot down seven Ukrainian drones in the southern regions of Belgorod and Kursk near the Ukrainian border. Seven drones were intercepted over the Belgorod region, which is reportedly subjected to almost daily Ukrainian attacks, the Russian Defense Ministry reports. Seven more drones were shot down in the Kursk region, according to Alexei Smirnov, Governor of the region further north and west. Ukrainian forces reportedly shelled approximately ten villages during the day, Smirnov says.
23:39 Kiev reports 123 engagements in the Donetsk region
Heavy fighting continues in the east of Ukraine. "The situation was most intense today in the area of Pokrovsk, in addition, the enemy was active in the direction of Lyman and Kurachowe," the Ukrainian General Staff reports in its evening situation report. All three mentioned cities are located in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk. A total of 123 engagements took place during the day. Forty-one of these reportedly occurred in the Pokrovsk area. There were nineteen engagements in the direction of Lyman and seventeen in the direction of Kurachowe. While the Ukrainian forces report that twenty-nine engagements in Pokrovsk have been repelled, twelve battles are still ongoing. The defenders are doing everything they can to stabilize the situation and prevent the enemy from advancing deep into Ukrainian territory, the military leadership in Kiev reports.
22:18 Russians are said to have lost thousands at Chassiv Yar
Russian troops suffered heavy losses in the battle for Chassiv Yar - according to a Ukrainian military spokesperson, over 5000 men were reportedly wounded or killed. The tenacious Ukrainian forces had withdrawn from a part of the town. The village has been a focal point of fighting for months.
21:49 Russia: Air strike hits decoys in Ukraine
In a reported air raid on the previous Wednesday, Russia claimed to have destroyed a Mig-29 jet and two Patriot missile batteries - but, as Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mikola Oeschtschuk stated, the Russians had fallen for a decoy. They had only destroyed mockups, he said. The attack targeted a military airfield in the Dnipropetrovsk oblast and a supposed Patriot battery in the Odessa oblast.
21:11 Chinese soldiers arrive for joint maneuvers in Belarus
Chinese soldiers have arrived for a joint anti-terror exercise in Belarus (formerly known as White Russia). The maneuvers will be held from the 8th to the 19th of July, according to the Belarusian Defense Ministry's Telegram channel. "The joint training will help exchange experiences, improve cooperation between Belarusian and Chinese units, and lay the foundation for further development of Belarusian-Chinese relations in the field of joint military training." No details about the planned exercises have been released yet.
20:28 Zelenskyy: Russia will never dominate the Black Sea again
President Zelenskyy announced a new naval strategy in his daily video address. This strategy is expected to be presented to the Security and Defense Council of Ukraine shortly. The war has changed the power balance in the Black Sea, he said. The Russian fleet will never dominate the region again.
19:41 Drone alert - Romania scrambles F16s
The Romanian government has scrambled two F16 fighter jets after Russian drones approached Ukrainian territory - near the border. They were not required to engage. No damages from drone wreckage have been reported, according to the Romanian Defense Ministry in Bucharest.
- Heusgen calls on countries like China, India, and Turkey, which continue to do business with Russia, to apply more pressure, as this could potentially prolong the Ukraine conflict.
- NATO countries will confirm at their summit in Washington that Ukraine will one day become a member of the Alliance and offer additional military aid, although Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyy will not receive an invitation to join.
- An Insider reports that a Russian munitions depot was hit by drone attacks in the Voronezh region, leading to a high probability of further explosions in military-industrial plants.
- In response to Ukrainian drone attacks, Russia is planning to build a network of balloons to counter long-range drone attacks, using a defense system modeled after models from the First and Second World Wars.
- After a Ukrainian attack on Horlivka, a civilian is reportedly dead in the Russian-controlled region of Donetsk, according to Horlivka mayor Ivan Prichodko's statement on Telegram.
