15:13 London: Russia targets Ukrainian raw materials
According to the British Defense Ministry, Russia may target Ukrainian raw material supplies such as gold, uranium, and coal to "undermine" the Ukrainian economy. The Defense Ministry explained in its latest intelligence report that Ukrainian sources have been pointing to Russian theft of Ukrainian resources from the territories occupied by Russia for a long time. Iron ore, coal, titanium, uranium, mangan, gold, and lithium deposits are "likely to be coveted by Russia, but also potential targets, as Russia tries to destroy the Ukrainian economy".
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 called on the attendees at the conclusion of the meeting in Astana to "resist external interference". Xi urged the member states to "support each other, care for each other's concerns (...) and take the future and destiny of our countries, as well as peace and development in the region, into our own hands". It is of "great significance" that the SCO "stands 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 readiness for peace talks
Vladimir Putin, the head of the Kremlin, emphasized Russia's alleged readiness for peace talks in its war against Ukraine to several leaders. At the summit of the security-focused Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana, Putin stated that Russia had always been in favor of a political-diplomatic resolution to the conflict. Moscow, which has been waging a destructive war against Ukraine for more than two years, recently made proposals for an end to hostilities, Putin said. Moscow insists that Ukraine renounces all annexed territories, which Kiev rejects.
14:04 Kremlin: Modi to travel to Russia for talks with Putin
Indian 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 Presidium, 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 dialogue and criticized Russia's actions, but has also significantly increased Russian oil purchases, which helps the Russian government mitigate the effects of western sanctions.
13:32 Russia attacks position of Ukrainian National Guard
Russian troops are reportedly attacking a position of the Ukrainian National Guard 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 belong 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: Detained Frenchman to remain in pre-trial detention
A Russian court has decided that a French state citizen must remain in pre-trial detention until August. The court in Moscow has rejected the habeas corpus petition 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. The political expert was arrested in Switzerland at the end of June at the large international Ukraine peace conference. He works for the HD Centre in Geneva, a non-governmental organization based in Geneva. The organization announced on June 7 that it would also contact the Russian authorities for clarification of the charges against its employee.
12:30 Latvia reports 160 illegal border crossings from Belarus
Latvia has recorded more attempted illegal border crossings to 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 green EU border from Belarus.
Latvia borders Belarus for approximately 172 kilometers in the east, making it one of Russia's closest allies. Latvia, Poland and Lithuania accuse Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko of orchestrating the organized transportation of migrants to the EU external border to put pressure on the EU.
12:00 Baerbock: Russia remains greatest threat to Europe
Federal 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 next 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 current dispute in the traffic light coalition over the budget for 2025.
11:23 Kiev: Russian Secret Service "Pair" Arrested in Spionage Case
The Ukrainian Security Service SBU has detained two alleged members of the Russian Federal Security Service FSB. 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 secret service. The two, allegedly a "freshly married couple," were reportedly spotted in the area taking pictures of "necessary" objects. Along with additional information, the two alleged FSB agents are said to have passed the photos on to the Russian secret service. The SBU claims the "couple" was caught "in the act."
10:50 Ukraine: 21 of 22 Russian Drones Shot Down
Ukraine claims to have repelled a Russian drone attack for the most part. The air defense system reportedly shot down 21 of 22 attacking drones, according to the Air Force. 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 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 founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Later, India, Pakistan, and Iran joined. Besides Putin and Xi, the attendees include the host, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the presidents of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus, and Iran's acting president Mohammad Mokhber. For Iran, the vice president was to attend. Belarus, which is authoritarly ruled, has officially joined the SCO as a new member. Among the observer states and dialogue partners are Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. The summit provides Putin with another opportunity to illustrate the failure of Western efforts to isolate Russia due to its military campaign against Ukraine.
10:02 Ukraine Releases Numbers on Russian Losses
The Ukrainian General Staff has released new figures on losses among Russian troops in Ukraine. According to these figures, Russia has lost approximately 547,470 soldiers in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. In one day alone, 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, 360 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 11,694 drones, 28 ships, and a submarine. Western estimates put the losses at lower numbers - although they only represent minimum values.
09:30 Report: Ukrainian Forces withdraw from Tschassiw JarThe Ukrainian army has withdrawn from a part of the strategically important Ukrainian city Tschassiw Jar, according to their own statements. "It was no longer possible to hold the Canal Quarter, after the enemy had infiltrated," says a Ukrainian military spokesperson. The defensive positions had been destroyed and the lives of their own soldiers were at risk. The military command had decided on a retreat to better fortified positions. However, the enemy continued their combat actions there as well. 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 hoursThe Russians attacked the region Saporischschja 391 times within the last 24 hours, according to the governor of the south-eastern Ukrainian region, Iwan Fjodorow, in a morning report on Telegram. A man was killed in Vasylivka and a woman in Polohiv, and a man was wounded 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. Additionally, the Russians fired 200 artillery shells at the areas of Gulyaypol, Mala Tokmachka, Novoandriivka, Robotyne, Levadne, Malynivka and Plavni.
08:33 Russia: Attack on Ukrainian base destroys jetRussian forces are said to have attacked the Ukrainian military base Dolgintsevo in the Dnipropetrowsk region with a surface-to-air missile system Iskander. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, a Mig-29 fighter jet, air defense equipment and aircraft technical vehicles of the Ukrainian Air Force were destroyed. On Telegram, the Russian Defense Ministry posted a video 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 killed every day by 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 monster, but they lack soldiers.
07:22 Crypto as loophole: Russian Central Bank wants to bypass sanctions with cryptoThe Russian Central Bank encourages Russian businesses to use alternative payment methods like cryptocurrencies for deals with foreign partners in the context of Western sanctions. Central Bank Chair Elvira Nabiullina admitted 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 more 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, provided by local government representatives. 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. In May, Ukraine began "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 pressure at Pokrovsk
According to the General Staff in Kiev, the Russian military is trying to "increase 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 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 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 more of an emotional issue. Zelenskyy is 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 economic minister.
03:59 Kyiv denies Russian victories in Chassiv Yar
The Ukraine refutes Russian reports that Russian forces have brought a district of the important 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, which is defending the city, 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 after 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 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 needs of his country to be at least six additional 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 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). "During troop visits, I often meet soldiers and soldiers 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 in Lithuania: the gratitude of the people and the heartfelt welcome. They say, I can also 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. 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 thus, if you will, issued the order 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 treason
According to a court announcement in Moscow, three brothers in Russia were sentenced to lengthy prison terms by a court 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 brother, 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 "Freedom Legion of Russia." They were reportedly arrested about 1.5 kilometers from the border.
22:41 Due to sanctions: 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 in light of 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 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 an end to the conflict. However, the Russian government spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated, according to Russian news agencies, that Turkey would not assume an intermediary role. Russian news agencies quote Peskov with the response: "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 3. The largest electricity imports to Ukraine came from Hungary (42%). Slovakia and Romania each accounted for 17%, Poland for 16%, and Moldova for 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, produces 90% less electricity.
- The British Defense Ministry believes that Russia may target Ukrainian resources such as gold, uranium, and coal to "undermine" the Ukrainian economy, as these deposits are "likely to be coveted by Russia, but also potential targets".
- During their meeting at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed their alliance, calling on members to "support each other, care for each other's concerns" to protect their countries' futures and peace in the region.
- According to the British Defense Ministry, one of Russia's goals in targeting Ukrainian raw material supplies is to "destroy the Ukrainian economy", as part of its broader conflict with Ukraine.
- In a meeting with several leaders, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated Moscow's alleged readiness for peace talks in its war against Ukraine, acknowledging Russia's long-term pursuit of a political-diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
- The British Defense Ministry warns that any attack on Ukrainian raw material supplies could be part of a wider strategy in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, potentially involving military operations, cyberwar, and internal political challenges. Additionally, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and leaders of neighboring countries remain concerned about Russia's intentions, and many governments are actively supporting Ukraine's defense and economic recovery.
