15:57: Ukrainian air defense fails to shoot down all drones
The Ukrainian air force claims they intercepted nine out of thirteen Russian drones in the Poltava, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv regions. The governor of Dnipropetrovsk, Serhii Lyssak, mentions that one of these drones damaged commercial and residential buildings at night. Previously, Russia reported that the Ukrainian army attacked Russian targets with 25 drones, but no casualties were reported.
15:25: Ukraine's thermal power plants in a dire situationThe Russian army has caused significant disruption to Ukraine's energy supply by repeatedly attacking its infrastructure. According to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, 73% of the large thermal power plants are now offline. Shmyhal stated, "Russia has destroyed half of our electricity generation capacity. We have lost 9.2 gigawatts of power through rocket and drone attacks, which is half of our capacity." Additionally, twenty hydroelectric power plants are also out of service.
14:48: Two Russian soldiers accused of rape in UkraineJournals from the news portal "Kyiv Independent" claim they have identified two Russian soldiers who raped two women in Ukraine during the Russian occupation of the Kyiv and Kherson regions. These crimes occurred in 2022. The documentary "He Came Back" discusses sexual violence by Russian soldiers during the war's initial stages, but neither of these soldiers has been prosecuted thus far. One is said to be living in the occupied city of Horlivka in the Donetsk region. The other is reportedly involved in other war crimes, including killing a civilian. As "Kyiv Independent" notes, there have been 292 instances of sexual violence by Russian military personnel since the war's onset.
13:57: Russia strengthens Crimean Bridge securityThe British defense intelligence service has identified eight barges installed on the Kertch Bridge, which lie in the water on the southern edge of the bridge. These barges were set up by the Russian military to defend the bridge and the shipping lane, and they are intended to reduce the approach angle for Ukrainian drones. Previous installations were damaged by storms. The Kertch Bridge serves as a crucial supply route for the front.
13:41: Pistorius insists on preparing the Bundeswehr for warDefense Minister Boris Pistorius reiterates his statement that the Bundeswehr must "become war-ready," emphasizing the need to defend against potential attacks. "It's about being prepared for the worst, so we're not caught off guard," said the defense minister at the Bundeswehr Day in the Faßberg Air Base. Various security experts estimate it would take Russia five years to develop military capabilities for attacking a NATO country. Russia currently invests around 5.9 percent of its GDP in the military, and they plan to increase it to 7 percent.
13:15: Severe attacks on the southern front of UkraineRussian troops continue their efforts to advance on the southern front relentlessly. Ukrainian forces reported 240 reconnaissance drones over the region on Fridays. In addition to this, they used artillery, rockets, and combat drones. The Ukrainian army reports success in repelling three attacks in the areas of Orichiv and Krynky.
12:29: Kuleba urges governments to use Russian assets for UkraineUkrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba urges Ukraine's supporters to use both the profits from frozen Russian assets and the assets themselves for Ukraine. "We understand our partners' concerns about the consequences of this step, but we are in a legal position," says Kuleba. EU countries have frozen assets of the Russian central bank worth more than €200 billion. At the upcoming G7 summit in Italy next week, the question of whether the money itself could also be used is being discussed.
11:55: Kharkiv residents describe living through Russian attacksNTV reporter Kavita Sharma travels to Kharkiv, where the people describe losing everything due to Russian attacks—their families, their homes. On one farm, the Russians even shot at cows.
11:34: Scholz: "Putin will not win"Shortly before the European elections, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz restated his stance on the Russian war in Ukraine and his support for the country. "Putin will not succeed with his imperialist plans," says Scholz in a video message. "He must realize that he cannot win his brutal campaign," Scholz emphasizes the importance of supporting Ukraine in defending its independence and sovereignty.
According to sources in Moscow, a Ukrainian drone has reached the North Ossetia region in the Caucasus. The head of the region declared that the target was a military airfield. Reports indicate that this is the first time a Ukrainian drone has ventured into North Ossetia, which lies over 700 kilometers away from the Ukrainian border. This airfield serves as a launching pad for combat aircraft conducting bombing raids on Ukraine, such as with glide bombs. The Ukrainian military has been increasingly striking infrastructure on Russian soil to disrupt logistics and supply lines.
10:20 Pokrowsk: A Ukrainian brigade confronts three Russian ones
The Ukrainian army claims that Russia continues its relentless assaults on the eastern front. A Ukrainian tank brigade in Pokrowsk is currently holding off three Russian combat brigades. This strategic location is crucial, situated west of Otscheretyne, which was recently captured by the Russians. "The enemy is attempting to penetrate deeper into our territory," the report explains. "With immense reserves of forces, the Russians are rapidly recovering from their significant losses and sending more soldiers into the fray. Fighting is incessant."
09:48 Moscow reports Ukrainian drone assaults
Moscow claims that Ukraine targeted Russian targets throughout the night from Saturday to Sunday. A total of 25 combat drones were repelled by the Ministry of Defense in the bordering areas of Rostov, Brjansk, and Belgorod. The annexed Crimean Peninsula was also a target for the drone operations.
09:12 Sharma: Russians attempt to drive a wedge between Ukrainian combat positions
The Donetsk region remains tense, as Russian troops appear to be implementing a scenario that experts have often warned about, according to Kavita Sharma from Ukraine.
08:55 Ukrainian General Staff: 1,210 Russian casualties since yesterday
The Ukrainian General Staff announced that 1,210 Russian soldiers were either killed or wounded in the preceding 24 hours. As per their statements, Russia's casualty count now exceeds 517,000 since the commencement of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. Furthermore, Ukrainian forces allegedly destroyed nine Russian tanks, 36 armored vehicles, a multiple rocket launcher, and seven air defense systems.
08:31 Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR): Russians design 15 million euro propaganda campaign against Kiev's military leadership
The Ukrainian military intelligence service HUR suspects that Russia is planning a gigantic propaganda campaign targeting Ukraine's military leadership. The planned investment of 15 million euros would be used to finance articles and films projecting the Ukrainian special units and military authorities in a negative light. Russian forces have allegedly been instructed to disseminate this material in various Ukrainian and international media outlets. The objective is to exacerbate tensions in Ukraine.
07:48 Ukrainian participation in the European Championship: "Security situation tense"
German security officials contemplated the security situation prior to the imminent European Football Championship and deemed it "tense." They particularly expressed concerns regarding potential catastrophic cyber-attacks considering Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine, whose national team is participating in the championship. Protecting stadiums and other venues from aerial drone assaults is identified as a significant challenge. In the past, drones have been spotted flying over Bundeswehr facilities where Ukrainian soldiers were being trained with German weaponry. The prospect of Islamist attacks on any of the 51 games or significant fan festivals was also highlighted. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser outlined stringent police presence at stadiums and spectator zones, referring to it as a "power play."
Ukrainian Media: Explosions Heard in Crimea during the Night
Explosions reportedly occurred in Sevastopol on the occupied Crimean Peninsula in the middle of the night, according to the Kyiv Independent, relying on information from the Telegram channel Crimean Wind. Residents of Balaklava, a neighborhood in Sevastopol, claimed to have heard explosions at approximately 1:39 am local time. The initial blast supposedly took place near a power plant. Crimean Wind speculates that this was possibly a drone attack due to the previously heard sounds of large-caliber weapons. A second explosion was said to have occurred near Sevastopol's port. The newspaper has not yet been able to substantiate these reports. Ukrainian forces strive to disrupt Russian combat logistics and supplies by targeting infrastructure.
Ukrainian Air Force Praise Mirage Jets But Prioritize F-16
The Ukrainian Air Force has commended the Mirage fighter jets that France intends to give to Ukraine, characterizing them as unique and adaptable. They can execute a range of combat missions, according to a Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson, but the F-16 fighter jets are still the top priority. Ukrainian pilots' training on F-16s is ongoing, with an estimated timeframe of half a year remaining. Securely storing Western combat aircraft will be difficult due to the incessant Russian air raids. The French Mirage jet, developed in France during the 1970s, was once the primary combat aircraft employed by the French military.
Eight more communities near the Ukrainian-Russian border in Sumy are being temporarily relocated due to relentless Russian assaults. The regional governor revealed this on state television following yesterday's 50 bombing incidents in the area. This comes after three casualties and three injuries caused by last week's Russian shelling, bringing the death toll of civilians in the region this year to 50. They were all killed by Russian artillery, mortar fire, and kamikaze drones.
Ukraine Acquires Second Anti-Aircraft System from France
The French arms company Thales is selling a second anti-aircraft defense system to Ukraine. After delivering the first one in 2023, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence intends to buy another one. However, the price hasn't been disclosed. Air defense is a top priority for Ukraine since it can currently protect troops on the frontline or the larger cities in the country from enemy attacks.
Germany Mulling Fourth Patriot Installation in Ukraine
According to a report from the Bloomberg news agency, Germany is contemplating sending a fourth Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine. Berlin has already sent three Patriot systems to Ukraine. This fourth installation will occur while Germany is easing restrictions on using Patriots against Russian aircraft in Russian airspace. With Patriots, Ukraine could potentially shoot down Russian planes attacking targets in the Kharkiv region from outside Russian airspace.
03:50 "Russians are just a backdrop": Zelenskyy challenges Putin's legitimacy
In response to Putin's allegations of Zelenskyy's alleged "illegitimacy" as president, Zelenskyy countered that only Putin views himself as the legitimate Russian president. "The legitimacy of my presidency is upheld by the Ukrainian people. They make that choice, and I'm thankful for their support. Our people are free. I'd even say you're just a backdrop with only Putin on stage," share Zelenskyy while attending a press briefing with French President Macron.
02:05 Berlin Conference to Offer Ukraine Non-Military Assistance
The aim of the upcoming Ukraine Reconstruction Conference organized by Germany is to provide Ukraine with a future beyond military aid. A German government official explained, stating that this conference focuses on providing opportunities for the country's civil society, economy, municipalities, and regions. Topics would include reforms and employment. This conference, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday in Berlin, would see the involvement of high-level delegates from Germany and Ukraine.
00:45 Russian Occupation Claims Killed Villagers from Artillery Strike
The self-governing administration of the Russian-occupied town of Sadowe in the southern region of Kherson alleges that Ukrainian artillery struck a store full of villagers in the village, causing 22 casualties and 15 injuries. The attack was called an "inhumane murder of civilians," which was enabled by foreign arms deliveries to Ukraine, according to the Russian-appointed administrator Vladimir Saldo. Despite the horrifying claims, there is no independent confirmation of these events.
23:45 Macron Endorses Ukraine's EU Membership "Before June"
French President Macron supported Ukraine's EU membership and even advocated for the EU accession negotiations to begin "by the end of the month." He added that "France is committed to Ukraine in various domains, including on the European level, where we are endeavouring to attain a considerable start of accession talks this month." Zelenskyy shared that the EU Commission sees the conditions for Ukraine's EU accession met. However, Hungary, who's set to take over the EU Council Presidency on 1st July, is slacking on the process.
22:54 Zelenskyy's Support at Record Low in Polls
The support for President Zelenskyy in Ukraine has hit a new low after more than two years of war, but he still commands the trust of more than half the population. In May 2022, after the initiation of the Russian attack war, his approval rating stood at 90%, whereas, in the month of May, it dropped below 60% for the first time. Throughout the war, his approval for Zelenskyy has steadily dwindled. His tenure was slated to conclude in May, but under Martial law, he continued as president. The Ukrainian authorities have also declared there won't be any elections since 20% of Ukraine is under Russian control, and millions of Ukrainians have fled.
22:04 US Refuses To Join Macron's Training Mission in Ukraine
The US administration has no intentions of participating in French President Emmanuel Macron's plan to deploy military trainers to Ukraine. John Kirby, the communication director at the National Security Council, remarked during a visit by American President Joe Biden to France that Biden appreciates Macron's stance. Nevertheless, Biden has been firm since the beginning of the Ukraine war in not sending American soldiers there. "This plan has always been in effect, and it will remain the same moving forward," Kirby highlighted. Kirby also left it up to Macron on whether he wishes to disclose further details about the situation and how transparent he wants to be. Since the onset of the Ukraine war, Biden has been explicit in his stance, mentioning "we're not aiming for World War III or a conflict with Russia."
Read also:
- The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, has urged NATO to strengthen its military presence in response to the ongoing attack on Ukraine by Russia.
- The Ukrainian government has accused Russia of launching a cyberwar against Ukraine, targeting critical infrastructure and government systems.
- In response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, NATO has agreed to supply Ukraine with military equipment and training to enhance its defense capabilities.
- Russia denies involvement in the attack on Ukraine and accuses NATO of provoking the conflict.
