15:35: Selenskyj: Brigades are waiting for authorized Western weapons
According to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, western military aid is coming too slowly to the country. This complicates the situation at the front, he told Bloomberg in an interview. "We have 14 brigades that do not have the necessary weapons, which have been approved and discussed," Zelenskyy said. However, he expressed gratitude for the support of western partners.
15:13 London: Russia targeting Ukrainian resourcesAccording to the British Defense Ministry, Russia may target Ukrainian resource exports such as gold, uranium, and coal to "undermine" the Ukrainian economy. In its latest intelligence report, the Defense Ministry states that Ukrainian government sources have long pointed to Russian theft of Ukrainian resources from the territories occupied by Russia. Iron ore, coal, titanium, uranium, manganese, gold, and lithium deposits are "likely to be coveted by Russia, but also potential targets, as Russia seeks to destroy the Ukrainian economy," the report says.
14:48 Putin and Xi deepen anti-western allianceAt 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 participants at the summit's conclusion in Astana to "resist external interference." Xi urged members to "support each other, care for each other's concerns (...) and take the future and destiny of our countries and the peace and development in the region into our own hands." It is of "decisive importance" that the SCO "stands on the right side of history," Xi said. The SCO includes ten countries that represent approximately half of the world population. Among its permanent members are the host country Kazakhstan, India, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and now also Belarus.
14:24 Putin speaks of readiness for peace talksRussian President Vladimir Putin emphasized Russia's alleged readiness for peace talks in his war against Ukraine during a meeting with several heads of state at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit for security issues. Putin told the leaders that Russia has always been in favor of a political-diplomatic solution to the conflict. Russia, which has been waging a destructive war against Ukraine for more than two years, has recently made proposals for an end to hostilities, Putin said in Astana. Russia insists that Ukraine renounces all annexed territories, a demand that Kiev rejects.
14:04 Kremlin: Modi to travel to Russia for talks with Putin
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to travel to Russia at the beginning of the next week for talks with President Vladimir Putin. According to the Russian Presidential Administration, Modi and Putin will discuss the prospects for further development of bilateral relations and international and regional issues at their meetings on Monday and Tuesday. India has been trying to remain neutral in Russia's military conflict with Ukraine. Modi has repeatedly urged both sides to engage in dialogue, but has also criticized Russia's actions. Instead, India has significantly increased its purchases of Russian oil, which helps the Russian government mitigate the effects of Western sanctions.
13:32 Russia attacks Ukrainian National Guard base
Russian troops are reportedly attacking a base of the Ukrainian National Guard in Vyschhorod in the Kiev region. RIA Novosti reports, citing the coordinator of the pro-Russian underground, Sergei Lebedev, that 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 come under the Defense Ministry but rather 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 detention
A 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 petition of the 47-year-old political expert Laurent Vinatier. He is accused of collecting information on "military and military-technical activities" of Russia. This offense is punishable by 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 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 Belarus
Latvia has recorded more attempted illegal crossings of its border with Belarus this week. Border Guard Chief Guntis Pujats says 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's 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 transportation 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, she notes, has a special responsibility and has regained lost trust as a result of its Russia policy. "We can't afford to squander that 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. The SBU announced this. A 23-year-old man from Odessa and his 18-year-old "wife" are accused of spying on military infrastructure in the Ukrainian regions of Odessa and Dnipro for the Russian intelligence service, the FSB. According to the SBU, the two allegedly spied as a "freshly married couple" and took pictures of "necessary" objects. Along with additional information, the two alleged FSB agents are said to have passed the photos on 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 at 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 Councilor and Prime Minister Li Keqiang are participating in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. The regional security organization was founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Later, India, Pakistan, and Iran joined. Putin and Xi are joined at the summit by the host, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the presidents of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. For Iran, the acting president, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, was to attend. Belarus, which is ruled authoritarly, 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 war against Ukraine.
10:02 Ukraine reveals numbers of Russian losses
The Ukrainian General Staff has released new casualty figures for the Russian troops in Ukraine. According to the data, Russia has allegedly lost around 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 has reportedly 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 - these being minimum values.
09:30 Report: Ukrainian forces withdraw from Tschassiw Jar
The Ukrainian military has reportedly withdrawn from a part of the strategically important Ukrainian city of Tschassiw Jar. "It was no longer possible to hold the Canal Quarter as the enemy had breached through," 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 operations even there. Tschassiw Jar is located in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donezk, approximately 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 have reportedly attacked the Saporischschja region 391 times within the last 24 hours. This is according to a morning report by the governor of the southeastern Ukrainian region, Iwan Fjodorow, on Telegram. In this report, he mentions that one man was killed in Vasylivka and a woman in Polohiv, while a man in Saporischschja was injured. 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 on the areas of Gulyaypol, Mala Tokmachka, Novoandriivka, Robotyne, Levadne, Malynivka, and Plavni.
08:33 Russia: Strike on Ukrainian base destroys combat jet
Russian forces are reported to have attacked the Ukrainian military base in Dolgintsevo, Dnipropetrowsk region, with the Iskander surface-to-air missile system. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, a MiG-29 fighter jet, air defense systems, and other aircraft support vehicles of the Ukrainian Air Force were destroyed. The Russian Defense Ministry posted a video on Telegram, allegedly showing the destruction. This video has been widely shared on social media.
07:47 Video: "Vampire" of Ukraine forces Russian "Price in Blood"
Dozens of Russians are reportedly falling victims every day to what is known as the "Vampire," a multiple rocket launcher from Czech production. The Ukrainians use it to defend their frontlines - "We will not give up our land for free," they say. However, they have enough ammunition for the beast, but they lack soldiers.
07:22 Crypto as a loophole: Russian Central Bank encourages domestic companies to use cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners to bypass sanctions
The Russian Central Bank is encouraging domestic companies, in light of western sanctions, to use alternative payment methods such as cryptocurrencies for international transactions. Central Bank Chair 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 fatalities and 47 injuries after 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 government representatives. Mayor Borys Filatov stated that the windows of two schools and three kindergartens were destroyed, as well as fragments hitting the intensive care unit of a children's hospital. In another hospital, a fire broke out. 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. Ukraine began "load shedding" in May. In this process, the power grid is deliberately shut off. International partners (see entry 21:41) are providing financial, technical, and material assistance to help Ukraine repair its energy facilities and ensure electricity 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 attempting to "increase the intensity" at Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. Correspondingly, defensive lines are being reinforced, and more ammunition is being brought to this front 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
According to the Ukrainian newspaper "Ukrainska Pravda," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is considering dismissing Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. Insiders told the paper that Zelenskyy is frustrated with his prime minister. It is said to be more of an emotional matter. Zelenskyy is reportedly always looking for creative solutions and proposals that Shmyhal does not provide. According to the sources, Shmyhal could be replaced by Julia Svirydzenko, the first deputy prime minister and minister of economy.
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 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 large city of Dnipro, which killed five people and injured over 50 more. Damaged were also 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 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. 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). "I meet soldiers and soldiers during troop visits who say: Yes, we want to participate. There is certainly a great willingness to set up the brigade in Lithuania, because many see a sense in it. Many soldiers, 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, 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 thus, if you want, 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 sentences three brothers to 17 years in prison in Russia for treason
According to a court statement in Moscow, three brothers in Russia have been 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 of the three brothers, the 24-year-old Joann Aschtscheulow, was sentenced to 17 years and 6 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 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 Chairman Elvira Nabiullina in St. Petersburg. The CEO of the second-largest Russian bank, VTB, Andrey Kostin, calls for these new payment methods to be classified as state secrets. "I can easily imagine that right now in the US embassy there is an undersecretary writing down every one of 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, according to Russian government spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Turkey will not take on a mediator role as stated by the Russian government spokesman. Russian news agencies quote Peskov with the response: "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 imported 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 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 fears that Russia may target Ukraine's resource exports, such as gold, uranium, and coal, to undermine its economy.
- Volodymyr Selenskyy expressed gratitude for western support but highlighted that 14 Ukrainian brigades lack necessary weapons.
- Russia is reportedly attacking a base of the Ukrainian National Guard in Vyschhorod, leading to explosions.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke of readiness for peace talks during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, but insists that Ukraine renounces annexed territories.
- There are reports of a French national, Laurent Vinatier, being charged with collecting information on "military and military-technical activities" of Russia, in a potential cyberwar incident.
