16:00 IAEA chief: Drone attacks on nuclear power plants "must stop"
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports drone attacks near the Russian-controlled nuclear power plant of Zaporizhzhia, citing the Russian administration of the facility. "It is deeply worrying that these drone attacks continue, as they pose a clear danger to people in Enerhodar and the safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant," says IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.
15:35: Zelenskyy: Brigades are waiting for authorized western weaponsUkrainian President Zelenskyy states that western military aid is coming too slowly to the country. In an interview with Bloomberg, he says the situation at the front is complicated by the fact that 14 brigades do not have the necessary weapons that have been approved and discussed. However, he expresses gratitude for the support of western partners.
15:13 London: Russia targeting Ukrainian resourcesAccording to the British Defense Ministry, Russia may target Ukrainian raw material supplies 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 reported 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."
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 calls on the participants to resist "interference from outside" at the conclusion of the meeting in Astana. Xi urges 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 negotiation readinessRussian President Vladimir Putin emphasizes Russia's alleged readiness for peace negotiations in his war against Ukraine during a meeting with several heads of state at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. Putin tells the leaders that Russia has always been for a political-diplomatic solution to the conflict. Moscow, which has been waging a destructive war against Ukraine for more than two years, has recently made proposals for an end to hostilities, Putin says in Astana. Moscow 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 increased its purchase 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 reported to have attacked a Ukrainian National Guard base in Vyschgorod 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 the General Kulchitsky Street, resulting in explosions. The Ukrainian National Guard is a paramilitary organization that falls under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, not the Defense Ministry. According to RIA Novosti, there have been two attacks on the military base on the 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 citizen must remain in pre-trial detention until August. The Moscow court 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. Vinatier was arrested in Switzerland at the end of June at the large international Ukraine peace conference. 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 border crossings from Belarus this week. Border Guard Chief Guntis Pujats said 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 transport of migrants to the EU's 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 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 due to its Russia policy. "We can't afford to lose sight of this in budget negotiations", the Minister warns, looking at the ongoing 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 reports this. A 23-year-old man from Odessa and his 18-year-old "wife" are said to have spied on military infrastructure in the Ukrainian regions of Odessa and Dnipro on behalf of the Russian intelligence service FSB. According to the SBU, the two supposed FSB agents were spotted as a "freshly married couple" in the area and took pictures of "necessary" objects. In addition to further information, the two alleged FSB agents are said to have passed on the photos 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 repelled a Russian drone attack at night. The air defense system shot down 21 of 22 attack 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 want to demonstrate alliance strength
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese State Councilor 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. 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. For Iran, the businessman Mohammed Mokhber was supposed to participate. The authoritarian ruled Belarus has officially become the new SCO member. Among the observer states and dialogue partners are Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. For Putin, the summit offers another opportunity to illustrate the failure of Western efforts to isolate his country due to the war against Ukraine.
10:02 Ukraine publishes numbers on Russian lossesThe Ukrainian General Staff has published new loss figures for Russian troops in Ukraine. According to this, Russia has lost approximately 547,470 soldiers in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. In just 24 hours, the losses amounted to 1,200. Russia, according to Ukraine, has lost 8,132 tanks, 15,600 artillery systems, and 360 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 11,694 drones, 28 ships, and a submarine since the beginning of the large-scale attack. Western estimates give lower loss figures - these are only minimum values.
09:30 Report: Ukrainian forces withdraw from Tschassiw JarThe Ukrainian army has withdrawn from a part of the strategically important Ukrainian city of Tschassiw Jar, according to its own reports. "It was no longer possible to hold the Canal Quarter, as the enemy had penetrated," 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 actions there as well. Tschassiw 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 reduced to rubble after months of intense fighting.
09:07 Governor: 391 Russian attacks on Saporischschja within 24 hoursThe Russians attacked the region of Saporischschja 391 times within the last 24 hours, according to the governor of the southeastern Ukrainian region, Iwan Fjodorow, in a morning report on Telegram. In this context, a man was killed in Vasylivka and a woman in Polohiv, and a man was injured in the city of Saporischschja. Fjodorow reports on 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: Strike on Ukrainian stronghold destroys combat jetRussian forces are said to have attacked the Ukrainian military base in Dolgintsevo in the Dnipropetrovsk region with the Iskander surface-to-air missile system. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, a MiG-29 combat jet, air defense systems, 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 line - "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 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 resort to alternative payment methods like cryptocurrencies for international transactions. Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina acknowledged at a conference in St. Petersburg that such payments pose a significant 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 dead and 47 injured in Russian attack on Dnipro
According to Ukrainian authorities, at least five civilians were killed and 47 others 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 Filatov stated that the windows of two schools and three kindergartens were also destroyed. Debris reportedly 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 energy infrastructure there. Ukraine initiated "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 intensify attacks on Pokrovsk
According to the General Staff in Kiev, the Russian military is attempting to "intensify the shelling" of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. Consequently, 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 defensive 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 considers 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 does not provide. According to the sources, Schmyhal could be replaced by Julia Svirydzenko, the first deputy prime minister and economy minister.
03:59 Kyiv denies Russian victories in Chassiv Yar
The Ukraine refutes Russian reports stating 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 defends 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 major city of Dnipro, which resulted in the deaths of five people and over 50 injuries. 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 additional 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 apparently are 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). "I meet soldiers and soldiers during my visits 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 deployment 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, the order, to make the Bundeswehr battle-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, 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 treason, participation in a terrorist organization, and illegal border crossing. The eldest of the three brothers, the 24-year-old Joann Aschtscheulow, received a sentence of 17 years and six months, while Timofej and Alexej must serve 17 years in prison. 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 apprehended 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 response to Western sanctions. Cryptocurrencies are now permitted for international transactions, according to Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina in St. Petersburg. VTB Bank's CEO, Andrey Kostin, urged the Russian 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. Regardless of what Russia does, the reaction from Western countries will be "very quick," warned Kostin.
22:16 Erdogan offers "basis" 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, according to Russian government spokesman Dmitri Peskov, Turkey will not assume an intermediary role as stated by the Russian government spokesman. Russian news agencies quote Peskov 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 entire year 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.
- During a press conference, President Volodymyr Selensky expresses concern about the lack of authorized western weapons for Ukrainian brigades, despite ongoing military operations in the Ukraine conflict.
- The Kremlin announces that Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss international and regional issues, despite Russia's ongoing military operations in Ukraine and India's attempts to remain neutral.
- The British Defense Ministry reveals that Russia may target Ukrainian resources such as gold, uranium, and coal to "undermine" the Ukrainian economy, during the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
- Nato officials express concern over cyberwarfare threats against Ukraine, with increasing reports of drone attacks near the Russian-controlled nuclear power plant of Zaporizhzhia.
- In response to ongoing Russian military operations in Ukraine, NATO allies are considering providing additional military aid and air defense systems to Ukraine to protect its civilians and critical infrastructure, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz pledging support.
