16:23 Russian space communication center in Crimea destroyed
Ukrainian military destroyed the Russian space communications center on the annexed Crimean peninsula, according to the Defense Ministry in Kiev. This was a valuable military component in the satellite communications and navigation system of the Russian troops, the ministry explained. On Monday, there were reports of explosions near the village of Vitino on the Crimea, where the center is located, in local Social Media chats. These reports cannot be independently verified. Russia annexed the Crimea in 2014, it is not internationally recognized.
16:04 Dead and injured in Russian bombing in Donetsk region
At least four civilians were killed and three more were injured in Russian bombardments in the settlement of New York (Nyuzhnyy) in the east of Ukraine. The Prosecutor's Office of the Donesk region reports. The attackers used among other things a glide bomb with a mass of 250 kg, which damaged several houses. Russian troops had intensified their attacks in the area near the city of Toretsk and had made small territorial gains. The administration also reports that at least three people were killed and almost 20 were injured through Russian shelling in Kurakhovo and around Toretsk the previous day. More than 30 residential buildings were damaged.
15:36 Kremlin accuses new EU leadership of Russophobia
The Kremlin sees poor prospects for the relationship between Moscow and Brussels following the decision of the EU heads of state and government to appoint a new EU leadership. The designated new EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has not distinguished herself diplomatically so far, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, as reported by Russian news agencies. The Estonian prime minister is "well known to us for her unacceptable and sometimes even extreme Russophobic statements," Peskov said. Moscow accuses the West of Russophobia, or hatred of Russians, time and again. Similarly, he spoke about EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, whom the heads of state and government of the 27 EU countries nominated for a second term with a large majority. "The prospects of the relationship between Moscow and Brussels are not good," Peskow said. Normalization of relations is not to be expected.
15:13 Ukraine reports shooting down another Russian Su-25
Another Russian Su-25 fighter jet is said to have been shot down in the contested Donetsk region. This was reported by the Ukrainian National Guard in a post on Telegram. According to the report, the plane was hit by a "well-aimed shot" from a portable air defense system during its combat mission. A video published by the National Guard shows grainy footage of the shootdown, accompanied by triumphant cheers from the Ukrainian troops. However, there is no precise information about when and where the incident occurred.
14:35 Russia has taken control of Rosdoliwka in Eastern Ukraine
According to the Russian Defense Ministry in Moscow, the Russian military has taken control of the eastern Ukrainian town of Rosdoliwka. The military group South has driven out Ukrainian troops from Rosdoliwka and taken up more advantageous positions. The town is located in the Donezk region in eastern Ukraine, where Russian troops have reportedly taken control of several villages in recent weeks. The Ukrainian side has made no statement on the matter. The accuracy of these reports on the military situation cannot be independently verified.
14:09 Kiev: Annual military aid commitments worth 60 billion Dollars
Ukraine can count on annual military aid commitments worth 60 billion Dollars, according to its own statements. These commitments are valid for the next four years, explained Minister President Denys Schmyhal. In its defense against Russia, Ukraine has recently signed a series of security agreements - among others, one on Thursday with the European Union.
13:38 "Poor for relations": Kremlin dissatisfied with EU appointments for top posts
The Kremlin criticizes the EU summit decision to fill EU top posts with Ursula von der Leyen as Commission President and Kaja Kallas as Foreign Policy Chief. "The prospects for relations between Moscow and Brussels are poor," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov. It is hardly surprising that the decision for Kallas does not sit well with the Kremlin: Kallas has been fighting for a hard line against Russian President Vladimir Putin in the EU and is one of the biggest supporters of Ukraine.
13:06 Poland to soon sign security agreements with Ukraine
According to German Chancellor von der Leyen, who is standing for a second term, she is not in favor of a "normalization of relations between the European Union and Russia." Tusk added. Kallas is known for her "russophobic" statements. Polish Minister President Donald Tusk believes that his country is very likely to sign a bilateral security agreement with Ukraine in the coming days. According to Tusk, this agreement is almost complete, only a few details and formulations need to be clarified. The NATO summit begins on July 9 in Washington. The European Union signed a security agreement with Ukraine at the EU summit on Thursday. Bilateral agreements were also signed between Ukraine and EU countries Lithuania and Estonia. Several other EU countries have already signed such an agreement with Ukraine.
12:34 Expert Moelling: Trump gains influence before the election
According to security expert Christian Moelling, the influence of Donald Trump on international politics is already growing. The Forschungsdirektor of the German Society for Foreign Policy considers it "plausible" that Trump adjusted his stance on Ukraine here and there, as he had received a briefing from the security agencies "about what's really going on." Therefore, there will probably be no sell-out of Ukraine, as such a move would also have negative consequences for US interests, Moelling stated in the "Stern" podcast "Die Lage." Although presidents make the important decisions, there is always a machine that needs to implement them. More on US politics and its influence on the Ukraine policy can be found here:
12:12 Belarus strengthens border with Ukraine
Belarus intends to further strengthen its border with Ukraine following an incident involving a Ukrainian surveillance drone. The border guard and the defense ministry made the announcement. The border guard also reported that a quadcopter, which had allegedly flown illegally from Ukraine into Belarus to collect information about the infrastructure at the Belarusian border, had been shot down on a Wednesday. At the beginning of the week, it was reported that hidden materials for making bombs had been discovered in the same area. Moreover, it was known that a unit of pro-Ukrainian Russian fighters was stationed in a Ukrainian area near the border.
11:40 Spycraft in bloom: Thousands of Russians reportedly denounce their fellow citizens
The spy game has a long tradition in Russia – and it seems to be in full bloom. According to independent Russian-language media, at least 3,500 denunciations were filed against Russian citizens between February 2022 and May 2024. And this is just a minimum estimate, as the portal Meduza writes. "The war and the subsequent repressive policies of the Russian authorities against their own population led ... to an increase in denunciations, which were not only related to anti-war declarations, but also to LGBTQ+ content, 'Russophobia,' drugs, and other topics." As an example, the portal cites the case of Usman Baratov, who lives in Moscow. He had posted a picture of a hen with the caption "No eggs for you! Bring the roosters back from the front" last year when egg prices were particularly high. Within a month, calls for Baratov to have his Russian citizenship revoked appeared in social media. A criminal investigation was launched against him for "incitement to hatred and enmity" in March, and he has been in pre-trial detention since then. He faces up to six years in prison.
11:03 "Provocations": Moscow Threatens Action Against Alleged US Drone Activities
Russia threatens action against alleged US reconnaissance drones over the Black Sea. Defense Minister Andrey Belousov has ordered the military general staff to prepare proposals to quickly respond to "provocations," according to his department. Russia has detected increased activity of US drones in the region. They are conducting military reconnaissance and collecting target information, which Ukraine uses to attack Russian facilities with weapons supplied from the West, the ministry said. This shows the growing involvement of the US and NATO countries in the conflict in Ukraine. Such drone flights increase the likelihood of incidents in the airspace with Russian aircraft, raising the risk of a direct confrontation between NATO and Russia. For such incidents, NATO would be responsible, the defense ministry emphasized.
10:34 Trump vs. Putin's Plan: Scene from TV Debate Hidden in Russia
The US presidential election is also being followed in Russia, as well as the TV debate between the candidates Joe Biden and Donald Trump. ntv correspondent Rainer Munz observes what the Russian media report and which details are omitted. The Kremlin, meanwhile, issues further threats.
09:58 Window Fall after KGB Interrogation? Former Belarus Ambassador to Germany is Dead
After being recalled as ambassador to Germany, the diplomat Denis Sidorenko died in his native Belarus at the age of 48. The Foreign Ministry in Minsk only confirmed his death after reports from independent Belarusian media. The "beloved colleague, extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador of Belarus in Germany (2016-2024)" had passed away. No cause of death was given. Several independent Belarusian media, which operate in exile abroad, report that the family man allegedly jumped out of a window of a high-rise building in Minsk on June 24. There is no official confirmation of a suicide. Machthaber Alexander Lukashenko had recalled Sidorenko, who had advocated for good relations with the EU, from Germany. According to an emigre former Belarusian diplomat, Sidorenko was a problem for the power apparatus in Minsk.
09:30 Ukraine Publishes Numbers on Russian Losses
The Ukrainian General Staff publishes new loss figures for Russian troops in Ukraine. According to this, Russia has lost approximately 540,500 soldiers in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. Alone within 24 hours, the number of losses was 1,170. According to the report from Kiev, at least 24 tanks, 60 artillery systems, and an aircraft were destroyed. In total, Russia has allegedly lost 8,066 tanks, 14,423 artillery systems, and 360 aircraft since the start of the large-scale attack. Western estimates give lower loss figures - but they are only minimum values.
09:05 Once again, numerous drones are flying over Russia.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Russia intercepted 25 Ukrainian drones at night. However, it did not mention the incident in Tambov, where an oil depot caught fire during a drone attack (see entry 08:02). The Russian Telegram channel Two Majors reports of 32 Ukrainian drones intercepted in the border region.
08:33 ISW: Russians attempting to advance at Toretsk gradually
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) considers a quick tactical victory for the Russians at Toretsk unlikely at present. The Russian military might be planning continuous offensive operations in this area to gain incremental tactical gains, according to the US think tank. "The limited forces available for this operation suggest that the Russians prefer incremental advances through persistent attacks to a quick, clear victory," the latest ISW report states. Additionally, in the region, there is a brigade of the so-called Donetsk People's Republic and a regiment of Russian territorial troops fighting. These are less combat-effective than conventional troops or earlier Russian elite units. "Even if the Russian forces manage to capture Toretsk, advancing beyond the settlement would be challenging, if not even more so, given the open terrain and large water expanses in the north and northwest," the think tank further notes.
08:02 Oil depot in Central Russia on fire
Once again, an oil depot in Russia is on fire - this time in the central Russian region of Tambov. Cause: a Ukrainian drone attack, according to Regional Governor Maxim Yegorov on Telegram. There have been no casualties, and the fire department is on the scene. The city of Tambov is located approximately 460 kilometers southeast of Moscow.
07:39 Poland: Zelenskyy comes to NATO summit in Warsaw before Washington
According to Polish government statements, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will come to Warsaw before the NATO summit in Washington in July. "President Zelenskyy and I have arranged a meeting in Warsaw before the NATO summit," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on Twitter. "The Union has understood what the Poles have known since the start of the war: The defense of Ukraine is the defense of Europe." Poland is one of the most active political and military supporters of Ukraine. It also plays a crucial role as a hub for Western military aid to Kiev. Additionally, Poland has taken in nearly a million refugees from its neighboring country.
07:07 "Extremistical": Duma preparing bill against so-called "child-free ideology"Despite the unclear family relationships of leading Russian politicians: The year 2024 has been declared by Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin as the "Year of the Family," referring to the Russian family as the "backbone" of Russia. It seems that this familial model will be propagated even more strongly. According to the Institute for the Study of War, the deputy Russian Justice Minister Vsevolod Vukolov announced that Duma deputies are preparing a bill to ban the so-called "child-free ideology." This ideology holds the "extremist" view that women "do not have to bear children" and "can give them up." Additionally, a draft for a presidential decree is being prepared that will add the term "traditional values" into the official "normative dictionary" of the Russian language. The demographic situation in Russia is overall tense. According to the Konrad-Adenauer Foundation, between January and April of the previous year, 3.1 percent fewer children were born than in the same period the previous year - a record low. Massive losses in the war are contributing to further deterioration of the demographic situation.
06:42 Governor: Administrative buildings in Bryansk damaged by Ukrainian droneIn the Russian Bryansk region, it appears that an administrative building has been damaged following a drone attack. This was reported by the region's governor, Alexander Bogomas, on Telegram. "The city of Bryansk was attacked by Ukrainian terrorists with drones. There are no casualties." The drone was reportedly repelled, and the administrative building was damaged upon its crash.
06:07 Kercch Bridge apparently affected: Ukrainian intelligence speaks of cyberattacks on Crimea serversThe military intelligence service of Ukraine (HUR) is reportedly launching cyberattacks on multiple institutions on the Crimean Peninsula, which is under Russian control. This was reported by "Kyiv Independent," citing a HUR source. The targets of the attacks on Thursday are said to be the largest Russian internet providers on the peninsula, the servers of propaganda media, and the traffic control system on the Crimean Bridge. "Within an hour, the traffic jam increased sixfold, and in the morning, approximately 300 cars were in the queue," according to the source from the HUR. It is reported that the Ukrainian intelligence service has conducted several cyberattacks on the Crimea in recent months.
05:01 Heavy fighting around Pokrovsk in the eastAt various frontlines in the east of Ukraine, Russian and Ukrainian forces engaged in heavy fighting on Thursday. The Ukrainian General Staff in Kiev reported in its daily situation report that "the enemy is looking for ways to breach our defensive lines." Of the over 100 reported armed clashes of the day, more than half were reportedly in the area around Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. The frontline has remained unchanged. Ukrainian military personnel also reported heavy fighting around the settlement of Mirnoje west of the city of Zaporizhzhia. A Russian brigade reportedly lost 95 percent of its soldiers in massed storming attacks, according to a statement from the Ukrainian agency Unian.
04:20 Trump: Could have ended the war in Ukraine before inauguration if electedThe former US President Donald Trump holds Joe Biden responsible for the Russian aggression war in Ukraine and urges Europe to give more money to Kiev. If the US had a "real President" respected by Vladimir Putin, this would never have happened in Ukraine, says the Republican during the presidential debate in Atlanta. Biden even encouraged Putin, according to Trump. He reiterated his promise to end the war if re-elected. This would still happen before his inauguration in January. He didn't specify, however, how he would accomplish this.
03:18 French right-wing populist Bardella calls for Ukraine supportDuring a TV debate three days before the first round of the French parliamentary elections, the French right-wing populist Jordan Bardella, who aspires to become the prime minister for his party Rassemblement National (RN), speaks out for continued support for Ukraine. "I will not allow Russian imperialism to absorb a NATO member state like Ukraine," says Bardella. His stance on this conflict is "very simple" and has "never changed," he adds. "It's about supporting Ukraine and preventing an escalation" with nuclear power Russia. Regarding a potential deployment of French soldiers to Ukraine, Bardella says: "If I am prime minister tomorrow, no French soldiers will be sent to Ukraine." He is also against sending medium-range missiles to Ukraine, which could hit Russian territory.
01:30 Farmer President under fire for Ukraine statementThe President of the Farmers' Association draws sharp criticism for his statements on Ukraine's EU membership. The Green security politician Sebastian Schäfer accuses Joachim Rukwied in a letter of becoming "Putin's propaganda helper" with his one-sided statements. The letter was obtained by "Der Spiegel." Rukwied warned in an interview with FAZ that Ukraine's EU membership poses a "threat to the survival of European agriculture," as large agricultural businesses in Ukraine can produce much cheaper than farmers in the EU. Instead of membership, import restrictions against Ukrainian agricultural products are "urgently necessary." Schäfer accuses Rukwied of fueling the anti-Ukraine sentiment with his "martial language" and suggesting that the Russia-occupied country only poses a threat to EU farmers. Furthermore, the accession talks are still at the very beginning and offer an "opportunity and incentive for fundamental, future-oriented reforms in the Common Agricultural Policy."
23:34 Poland grants license to Ukrainian railways for freight trafficThe state railway company Ukrzaliznytsia has received a license from the Polish railway regulatory body, allowing it to enter the European railway freight market, the company announced. The Ukrainian airspace has been closed since February 2022 due to the Russian invasion, making rail transport a crucial role in the transportation of goods and people in and out of the country. Ukrzaliznytsia transported over two million passengers to Europe in the past year and reported a record cargo turnover of 14 million tonnes in November 2023.
22:17 Ukraine increases weapons production by a quarter in the first quarterIn the period from January to March 2024, weapons production in Ukraine increased by an average of 25.4% compared to the same period in 2023. According to the Ukrainian State Statistics Service, Ukraine produced 26.6% more weapons and ammunition in January 2024 than in January of the previous year. The increase was 29% in February and 18.8% in March.
21:32 Czech Republic sends first 50,000 grenades to Kiev - financed by GermanyThe Czech Republic has delivered the first 50,000 grenades to Ukraine as part of a Prague-led initiative, according to Czech Defense Minister Jana Černohová, as reported by the Czech Press Agency (CTK). Czech President Petr Pavel announced in February that Prague had identified 500,000 155-mm grenades and 300,000 122-mm grenades outside Europe that could be bought and sent to Ukraine once the necessary funds for the initiative were secured. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala stated on Tuesday that Ukraine had received the first delivery of artillery grenades "some time ago." Prague worked with Germany on the delivery, CTK reports. According to the Defense Ministry, the 50,000 grenades represent the first batch of 180,000 rounds of ammunition financed by Germany.
20:53 Russia attacks Charkiw for the first time with FAB-500 bomb - four injuredRussian troops have attacked the city of Charkiw for the first time since the beginning of the war with a FAB-500 bomb equipped with a glide kit, says Oleksandr Filchakov, head of the regional prosecutor's office. At least four people were injured, and two others suffered shock, reports Charkiv region governor Oleh Syniehubov. Moscow troops dropped the bomb over the village of Maysky in the Russian oblast of Belgorod on the Kyivskyi-District of Kharkiv, according to Filchakov. The FAB-500 is a 500-kilogram bomb developed by the Soviet Union with a high-explosive warhead that is dropped from the air. These inexpensive and widely used bombs are equipped with glide kits that improve their accuracy and allow for longer-range drops, beyond the reach of Ukrainian air defense systems.
20:21 Patriot-Systems are supposed to be delivered from Israel to Ukraine via the USA
According to the "Financial Times," the USA, Israel, and Ukraine are reportedly in negotiations to deliver up to eight Patriot air defense systems to Kiev, in order to significantly improve the country's ability to counter Russian air attacks. The agreement, which would mark a turning point in Israel's relations with Moscow, was discussed between ministers and high-ranking officials from the three countries, according to five people familiar with the matter.
You can read about previous developments here.
- The Defense Ministry in Kiev claimed victory in an attack on Russia's military communications center in the annexed Crimean peninsula, a significant cyberwar operation against Russia in the Ukraine conflict.
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, is expected to meet with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw before the NATO summit in Washington, indicating support from NATO allies in Ukraine's defense against Russia.
- Russian troop losses in Ukraine continue to mount, with the Ukrainian General Staff reporting over 540,000 soldiers lost since February 24, 2022, underscoring the intense military operations between Ukraine and Russia.
- The Kremlin accused the new EU leadership, including Kaja Kallas as EU foreign policy chief, of Russophobia, highlighting the political tension between the West and Russia following the Ukraine conflict.
- Reports of explosions near Vitino on the Crimea, where Russia's communications center is located, added to the ongoing conflict and tensions between Ukraine and Russia, although independent verification remains elusive.
