16:01: Ex-Colonel Issues Caution on Optimism: Kiev's Bargaining Stance Has "Markedly Worsened"
Despite triumphant advances in the Black Sea, Wolfgang Richter from the Geneva Center for Security Policy issues a note of caution against blind optimism. Russia retains a formidable arsenal of resources at its disposal. Beyond military backings, Russia requires an escape plan, as per the expert's assessment.
15:34 Deadly Russian Assaults Claim Lives in Ukraine
As per Ukrainian reports, minimum eight lives were lost and scores more were wounded due to Russian attacks on various targets across Ukraine and the southwestern port city of Odessa. In the Donetsk region's Pokrowsk, Governor Wadym Filaschkin reported that at least four fatalities and 34 others injured, including two children, were caused by rocket attacks on the city. Filaschkin stated that Russian troops fired two Iskander-M missiles at the city, ultimately razing several residences. He viewed this as one of the most significant enemy attacks on civilians in recent times. Furthermore, a man was reportedly gunned down by Russian fire in the city of Kurachowe to the south. "The Russians targeted the city with a guided missile and damaged an infrastructure facility," the governor reported, lacking further details.
15:11 Germany, France, and Poland Unite to Bridging Long-Range Weapons Shortage
Germany, France, and Poland intend to forge a coalition of European nations for manufacturing long-range weapons. "Long-range weapons highlight a substantial capability gap in Europe," offered German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius of the SPD in Paris. Multiple European countries must reach consensus by the NATO summit in July to address this gap, Pistorius underscored. A corresponding announcement could then be penned at the NATO summit in Washington. "We will exhibit in Washington how empowered and dependable the Europeans are," Pistorius declared at a gathering with his French and Polish colleagues, Sébastien Lecornu and Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz. "We will show in Washington how efficaciously the Europeans can contribute," Pistorius further remarked, alluding to the fact that 23 European allies, including Germany, had already reached or surpassed the two percent defense spending target set by NATO.
14:42 Kiev Dismisses Injured Civilians on the Crimean Peninsula as Civilian Perpetrators
Following the disastrous explosion of a Ukrainian rocket above a beach on the Crimean Peninsula, annexed by Russia, the Ukrainian government portrays the victims as "civilian perpetrators." "No such things as 'beaches,' 'tourist zones,' or other indications of 'peaceful lifestyles' exist on the Crimean Peninsula," opines an advisor in the Presidential Office, Mychajlo Podoljak, on Telegram. The Crimean Peninsula is a region under Russian occupation, teeming with hundreds of military targets where combat is ongoing. The Kremlin is attempting to mask these targets via its civilians who unwittingly become civilian perpetrators. The day prior, a Ukrainian rocket had exploded on a beach near the naval base in Sevastopol. According to local authorities, at least four fatalities and over 150 wounded were reported.
14:18 Zelensky Orders Probe into Presidential Guard
Following the discovery of suspected assassination plot within the security services in Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has mandated an investigation of the State Guard. At the introduction of the new head of the Presidential Guard, Olexij Morosow, Zelensky stated that his primary objective would be to recruit only those individuals who envision a future with Ukraine. Anyone in the Guard who strays from this path or dishonors the Guard must be terminated, Zelensky emphasized. The Ukrainian Security Service SBU announced in May that they had detained two high-ranking officers of the Guard, who were accused of planning the assassination of Zelenskyj and other state officials of Ukraine.
13:52 Ukraine Reports Casualties from Attack on Pokrovsk
As per local authorities in the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, minimum four people lost their lives, and 34 others were injured in a Russian rocket attack. Two children were among the injured, the authorities stated. The city was hit by two rockets. A private residence was destroyed, while 16 others were damaged.
13:32 EU Forces Unwilling Hungarian Military Aid for Ukraine
The EU is mobilizing 1.4 billion Euros for military aid to Ukraine against the wishes of the Hungarian government. The planned procedures for this were approved during a foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg, according to various diplomats of the German Press Agency.
13:16 Ukraine Reports Fatalities after Russian Landmine Explosion
Two people were killed due to a Russian landmine explosion in Lypzi, in the Charkiw region. The head of the regional military administration reported this via Telegram, according to the Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform. An automobile with two occupants reportedly struck a landmine in the morning. One man died at the scene, while a woman perished while enroute to the hospital.
12:52 German Government Rejects Expulsion of Unwilling Ukrainians
The German government has denied the expulsion of unwilling Ukrainian women and men. A spokesperson for the Foreign Office in Berlin stated that it is visible every day how Russia assaults targets across Ukraine while attempting to obliterate the infrastructure in the western part of the country. "I would now not know where a safe place in Ukraine should be," the spokesperson underlined, responding to a corresponding demand from CSU Landesgruppenchef Alexander Dobrindt. Dobrindt spoke of "safe areas in western Ukraine."
Russia issues warnings towards the U.S.A., following a reported Ukrainian rocket strike on the annexed Crimean Peninsula. At least 4 lives were lost, and over 150 people were injured. Dmitri Peskov, Presidential spokesperson, stated, "This will have consequences." The specific repercussions are yet to be seen. Russia plans to respond to any U.S. involvement in the attack. Peskov hinted at the Russian threat of stationing rockets close to the U.S.A. and their European allies. As per Russian reports, Ukraine allegedly fired five ATACMS rockets, supplied by the U.S., at Crimea, equipped with cluster munitions. Four rockets were intercepted, but the warhead of a fifth rocket detonated mid-air, scattering debris near a beach. Among the casualties were two children.
11:58: Russia Expert: Rocket on Crimea Not Aimed at TouristsFollowing the Ukrainian rocket strike on the Crimean Peninsula, several fatalities have been reported, including at a beach. Russia expert Niko Karasek commented, "The debris fell haphazardly amongst tourists."
11:35: Sewastopol Declares Emergency StateOn the heels of a devastating Ukrainian rocket attack, city authorities in Sewastopol, the seaport city on the annexed Crimea, have declared a state of emergency. Preliminary reports indicate 4 fatalities and 151 injuries in the attack. 79 victims were hospitalized, most of whom were sunbathing at a city beach when the rocket debris exploded. Initially, the Russian military claimed responsibility, but then retracted the statement, accusing the Ukrainian military of targeting civilians. However, this claim is under scrutiny in Russian military blogs due to the presence of nearby military installations.
11:01: Germany Faces Criticism for Watered-down Sanctions PackageAfter the approval of new sanctions against Russia, criticism is mounting against Germany from the Baltic states. Lithuania's Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis deemed the sanctions as "unfortunately ineffective." His Estonian counterpart Margus Tsahkna stated that "it's becoming increasingly challenging in the European Union to reach a consensus on new sanctions." So far, this was mainly due to Hungary, but now the German government is blocking stricter regulations against bypassing sanctions through third parties. The EU Commission had intended to hold European companies accountable if prohibited goods reached Russia through subsidiaries, for example, in Kazakhstan. Berlin objected, arguing that these measures would adversely affect Germany, the largest EU export nation, more than Russia. Companies are only expected to make "the best possible effort" to avoid sanctions violations.
10:24: Ukraine Reports Injuries in Odessa AttackFollowing an early morning attack on Odessa, two people have reportedly been injured, according to the mayor's report. The Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform reported the attack on civilian infrastructure using rockets by Russian troops.
09:44: EU Implements 14th Sanctions Package Against RussiaThe EU states have passed a 14th sanctions package against Russia. This will impose sanctions on an additional 116 individuals and institutions. Stricter measures are also in place to deter attempts to evade existing sanctions. Also, investments in Russian liquid gas projects are to be blocked.
09:25: EU Calls for Frozen Russian Funds for UkraineEU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell aims to prevent an EU member state from obstructing the use of frozen Russian financial resources to support Ukraine. He will propose this at the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg. "We have a legal procedure to prevent any kind of blockade."
08:58: Moscow Diverts Blame for Dagestan Attack to UkraineThe Russian parliament has, without evidence, accused Ukraine of being behind the terrorist attack in Dagestan, as reported by NTV correspondent Rainer Munz. The Kremlin is allegedly trying to "redirect focus from the extent of Islamic terrorism in Russia."
08:23: Attack on Odessa ReportedAccording to media reports, a fire broke out in Odessa. Belarusian opposition medium Nexta reported a powerful explosion, while "Kyiv Post" reported an attack on civilian infrastructure.
07:51: Schwerin Visits Kiev - "Ukraine Must Win"Manuela Schwesig, the first Federal President of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, visits Ukraine. As she arrives in Kiev by train for political discussions, Schwesig expressed her solidarity with Ukraine, stating, "Ukraine must win this war, and it must not be possible for Russia to succeed with this aggression." This assertion may not be easy for all politicians to make. Chancellor Olaf Scholz instead maintains that Russia should not win the war, and Ukraine should not lose it.
07:36: Nowooleksandriwka Still ContestedReports indicate that the village of Nowooleksandriwka, in the Donezk region, is still not fully under Russian control. The Ukrainian military reports ongoing intense fighting there.
06:21 Yet Another Estonian Soldier Perishes: Casualty in Luhansk RegionA soldier from Estonia serving in the Ukrainian army was reported killed in combat in the Luhansk region. According to Kyiv Independent, who cites Estonian newspaper "Postimees", the deceased is 42-year-old Martin Jaager, a professional soldier, who served in an elite unit in Estonia before joining the Ukrainian military over a year ago.
05:44 EU Foreign Ministers Solidify Pressure on Hungary over Military Aid BlockadeThe EU Foreign Ministers are holding a meeting in Luxembourg on Monday to discuss the ongoing war initiated by Russia against Ukraine. Ukrainian Chief Diplomat Dmytro Kuleba is slated to join the discussion via video. The debate revolves around Hungary, expected to relinquish its blockade of military aid worth €6.5 billion, following a heated conflict during the Foreign Ministers' meeting at the end of May.
04:45 Moscow Lays Blame on US for Crimea AttackFollowing a rocket attack on the annexed Crimean Peninsula, Moscow points fingers at the US. The Ministry remarks that the US, by supplying weapons to Ukraine, and the Kiev regime, from which the attack originated, bear the primary responsibility. The US government is deemed directly responsible due to intelligence gathered from US spy satellites. The assault left four casualties, including two children, and over a hundred injuries, as reported by the Defense Ministry.
03:42 IAEA Condemns Attacks Near Saporischschja Nuclear Power PlantThe International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is urging immediate halt to attacks around the Saporischschja Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine, particularly drone attacks on the power plant and its surroundings. This, as per IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi, is unacceptable and goes against established security principles and practices. Recent attacks have caused temporary disruption to power supply to the residents, although the nuclear plant's operation remains unaffected.
02:45 Dialogue on Further Ukraine Aid with Macron and StoltenbergNATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg will be in Paris on Monday for discussions focusing on support for Ukraine amidst its war against Russia, as announced by French President Emmanuel Macron earlier this month. Macron aims to establish a coalition to deploy Western military trainers to Ukraine.
01:43 Orban Advocates for Ceasefire in UkraineIn preparation for Hungary's EU Council Presidency in July, Prime Minister Viktor Orban calls for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, emphasizing that Russia's aggressive attack on Ukraine is a severe violation of international norms. Orban explains that the priority now is to halt the hostilities at the frontlines.
00:53 Ukrainian Bombardment Targets Crimea AgainAccording to Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform, Ukraine continued its assault on the annexed Crimean Peninsula, with several explosions reported in the port city of Evpatoria. The extent of the damage remains uncertain. Videos and images of fires have been circulating in media outlets, although verifiable information on hit military installations has not been confirmed by either the Ukrainian or Russian parties yet.
23:49 Zelenskyy Urges Western Guns, Strikes on Russian TerritoryIn response to continued shelling of the city of Kharkiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for extended weapons from the West and the authorization to conduct strikes deep into Russian territory. "The Russian air force must be obliterated wherever it is, utilizing every potent means," Zelenskyy stated in his daily broadcast. Ukraine and its Western allies are working together to approve relevant decisions.
22:49 Prien Expresses Discontent over Social Benefits for Ukrainian RefugeesUpon a call for social benefits for Ukrainian refugees from CSU state group leader Alexander Dobrindt, Schleswig-Holstein's Education Minister, Karin Prien, refers to the refugees' motivations for fleeing. "Ukrainians seek refuge from Putin's tyranny and his unjustifiable war. They find shelter under our protection and as guests in our country," writes Prien on social media. Prien also accuses the Federal Government of failing to facilitate support for Ukrainian refugees entering the workforce.
EU Commission Warns of Potential Russian Meddling in 2025 Bundestag Election
Gearing up for the Bundestag election next year, the EU Commission's Vice President, Vera Jourova, issues a warning about potential manipulation efforts by Russia. In an interview with the "Süddeutsche Zeitung," she highlights the current era of hostile interference, expressing her concern that Voice of Europe could serve as a model for future operations - even during Germany's upcoming election. She fears Voice of Europe, a suspected purveyor of pro-Russian propaganda across the EU, might have been just the beginning, with European politicians possibly receiving financial incentives. The EU has previously barred Voice of Europe and three other Russian media outlets from broadcasting within the EU, labeling them as government-controlled and targeted towards European parties, especially during election periods.
Ukrainian Power Outages Announced Nationwide
Following repeated attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure by Russia, the national energy supplier, Ukrenergo, has announced more power outages in the coming days. This information was shared via Telegram. With increased energy consumption predicted at the beginning of the week and the power grid already weakened by persistent Russian attacks, these measures are deemed essential. Since May, Ukraine has been implementing rotating blackouts due to damaged energy infrastructure. According to Ukrenergo, the most significant power cuts are likely to occur between 7 and 11 PM on Monday.
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In light of the escalating tension between Ukraine and Russia, it's important to keep informed about the ongoing military operations and diplomatic efforts to alleviate the conflict. Here are four sentences containing the given words that follow from the provided context:
- Concerning the ongoing cyberwar between Ukraine and Russia, Volodymyr Selensky, the Ukrainian President, warned about potential digital attacks on critical infrastructure.
- As NATO continues to strengthen its military alliance, its member countries – like Germany, France, and Poland – collaborate to bridge the long-range weapons gap, aiming to bolster Ukraine's defensive capabilities against Russia.
- Despite the devastating attacks on Ukrainian targets by Russia, such as the attack on Pokrovsk that left multiple casualties, Kiev persists in its military operations in an effort to protect its national sovereignty.
- In the wake of the conflict, the United Nations and other international organizations pressured Russia to de-escalate the situation and commit to negotiations for a peaceful resolution, with Ukraine as a key player in these discussions.
These sentences highlight the ongoing conflict, international efforts to support Ukraine, and the need for diplomatic resolution to prevent further damage and loss of life.
