16:29: Swiss-based NGO aims to assist detained employee in Russia
Following the arrest of one of their employees in Russia, the non-profit organization, Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, is making efforts to aid him. These efforts involve locating a lawyer and contacting Russian officials. The organization asserts that they are still seeking information about the factors that led to his detainment and the charges being brought against him. The state-run Russian news organization, Tass, quotes the suspect's attorney as claiming that his client pleaded guilty in court and was unaware of the requirement to register as a foreign agent. Additionally, Russian authorities accuse him of gathering details about Russia's "military and military-technical activities." He is potentially facing up to five years in prison.
15:57 Ukrainian air defense: Not all Russian drones were intercepted
The Ukrainian Air Force states that they have successfully intercepted 9 of the 13 Russian drones flying over Poltava, Saporischschja, Dnipropetrowsk, and Kharkiv. The governor of Dnipropetrowsk, Serhij Lyssak, notes that one drone caused damage to commercial buildings and residential properties at night. Previously, Russia disclosed that the Ukrainian military had targeted Russian targets with 25 drones. There were no reported casualties.
15:25 Approximately 75% of Ukraine's large power plants are out of commission
Russian forces have caused significant damage to a substantial portion of Ukraine's energy supply infrastructure through their repeated attacks. As per Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal, 73% of large power plants are not operable. He explains: "Russia has wiped out 50% of our electricity production capacity. In fact, we have lost 9.2 gigawatts of power due to rocket and drone attacks, which is half of our total capacity, such as during the last winter." 20 hydroelectric power plants are likewise out of service.
14:48 Two Russian soldiers allegedly identified for rapes in Ukraine
Journalists from the news portal "Kyiv Independent" report they have uncovered the identities of two Russian soldiers who perpetrated rapes in Ukraine. The alleged crimes occurred in 2022 during the Russian occupation of Kiev and Kherson. The two soldiers have not yet been penalized for their actions. One of them is currently living in the occupied city of Horlivka in the Donetsk region. The other soldier is reportedly implicated in other war crimes, including the murder of a civilian. The "Kyiv Independent" cites 292 cases of sexual violence perpetrated by Russian soldiers since the commencement of war. This number most likely represents only a small percentage of the true total.
13:57 British intelligence discovers boats defending Crimea Bridge
Satellite images reveal eight boats strategically placed on the southern side of the Kerch Bridge by the Russian military to protect the bridge and its shipping lane. These installations are intended to minimize the attack angle for Ukrainian drones. The Guardian reports that prior installations were damaged by storms. The Kerch Bridge links the Russian mainland to Crimea and serves as a crucial supply pathway for the front.
13:41 Pistorius affirms: Bundeswehr must be prepared for war
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius reiterated his declaration that the Bundeswehr should be "war-ready." He emphasizes the importance of being capable of engaging in a defensive war if attacked - "thus, being prepared for the worst, so as not to be caught off guard." Several security experts anticipate that it would take Russia around five years to develop the necessary military capabilities for waging war against a NATO country. The Kremlin allocated $60 billion to the military in 2023, constituting 20% of its GDP, and recently augmented this investment to 7%.
13:15 Intense Russian assaults continue on southern front
Russian troops persist in attempting to advance on the southern front at an unrelenting pace. On Friday, Ukraine recorded 240 reconnaissance drones over the southern region. In addition to artillery, rockets, and combat drones, these drones were utilized. The Ukrainian armed forces managed to fend off three assaults in the areas of Orichiv and Krynky, as per their own statements.
12:29 Kuleba: Rally Ukrainian supporters to utilize frozen Russian assets
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba entreats Ukraine's supporters to employ not only the proceeds from frozen Russian assets but also the assets themselves. "We comprehend the concerns of our partners about the repercussions of this measure," explains Kuleba, "but we are founded on international law." The funds in the Russian central bank are frozen in the EU at a value surpassing 200 billion euros. The matter of whether the interest and funds themselves could be employed is also being deliberated by the G7 during their summit scheduled to take place next week in Italy.
11:55 Kavita Sharma visits Charkiv: People have lost family and homes
ntv reporter Kavita Sharma travels to Charkiv and visits individuals who have experienced devastating losses due to Russian attacks - their friends and family, as well as their abodes. Additionally, the Russians reportedly shot at cows on a farm.
11:34 Scholz: Putin will not prevail [Putin не пройдет] [Putin will not succeed]
In summary, the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue is working to support one of their detained employees, while British intelligence has discovered eight boats deployed by the Russian military near the Kerch Bridge. The Ukrainian Air Force has intercepted nine of the 13 Russian drones, and Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal discusses the significant damage inflicted on Ukraine's power supply infrastructure. Journalists have identified two Russian soldiers accused of rape in Ukraine, and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba urges supporters to both use the earnings from frozen Russian assets and the assets themselves to aid Ukraine. Finally, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius reiterates that the Bundeswehr must be prepared for a potential war, and Russian troops continue to launch intensive attacks on the southern front.
15:58還在ortex: 菲兒和莫斯帕也被捕
菲兒和莫斯帕在俄國被捕後，人權Dialogue中心在幫助他們中。這包括找到一名律師，並與俄羅斯機關取詢。這夫婦所說：“當這件事情在進行时，我們仍在追求關於他被捕的原因和指控之背景的資訊。”俄國國家電視機介紹他律師謂："他的女客人在法院承認罪行而不知道應註冊為外國代理人。"俄羅斯機關還控負他收集有關俄羅斯“軍事和軍械活動的資訊”。他可能受到五年徒刑ienteatureSantos]
15:57 馬 вер多亞的空中防御：九颗俄羅斯無人機被奪回
馬全國的空中防衛部門宣稱，它曾採取9颗俄羅斯無人機。這些無人機位於波爾塔巴中部領地、三原創縣、 дніпро列古索爾高創業和可 reve.地區的南部。地產官執行長SerhijLisak說，一架未被阻擋，夜間傷害了商業和住房。以前，俄羅斯稱國軍因 medications迫攻對emen好像對25無人機情。没有有人被傷。
15:25 цей MetaDataAles增加了20家水電廠
俄羅斯軍隊給職责Ukraine的能貴系統造成一些重大傷害。 prime ministerDenisSmyhal併談說，剛剛73%的大型電廠無法運作， compass。他繼續說：“俄羅斯突破了50%的我們的電力生產能力。事實上，我們失去了9.2厢米歐偉
Leading up to the European elections, Chancellor Olaf Scholz made it clear where he stands on Russia's assault on Ukraine and his backing of the country. "Russia won't be able to accomplish its imperialist agenda," Scholz communicated in a video message. "Putin needs to comprehend that he can't triumph in his violent campaign." His peace policy entails "advocating for Ukraine's independence and sovereignty."
10:57: A Ukrainian drone attacked a Russian military airport in the Caucasus.
As alleged by Moscow's accounts, a Ukrainian drone managed to reach the North Ossetian Republic in the Caucasus. The regional leader there disclosed the military airport as the objective. Reports reveal that this is the first time a Ukrainian drone has arrived in North Ossetia, which is more than 700 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Utilizing this airfield, combat aircraft are launched for raids on Ukraine, such as glide bombs. Ukrainian forces are focusing their efforts on impeding infrastructure on Russian soil to disrupt logistics and supply chains.
10:20: At Pokrovsk, a Ukrainian tank brigade is holding off three Russian brigades.
In the Ukrainian army's account, Russian troops are still charging the eastern front aggressively. In the area of Pokrovsk, this tank brigade is currently preventing the Russian brigades from advancing further. Pokrovsk is the primary battleground, situated west of Ocheretyne, which was recently captured by the Russians. "The enemy is eager to proceed deep into our territory," the report asserts. "Russia's colossal reserves of soldiers are making up for their sizable losses and are sending more and more troops into the combat. The fighting is relentless."
09:48: Moscow declares Ukrainian drone attacks overnight.
Moscow asserts that Ukraine launched drone assaults on Russian positions Saturday night. The Defense Ministry disclosed that drones were repelled in the border regions of Rostov, Bryansk, and Belgorod. Additionally, the annexed Crimean Peninsula came under drone surveillance.
09:12: Sharma: Russians are making efforts to "wedge between Ukrainian combative positions."
The situation in the Donetsk area continues to be tense, as Russian forces attempt to perform a scenario that experts had previously warned about, as per Kavita Sharma from Ukraine.
08:55: Ukrainian General Staff: Russia suffered 1,210 casualties within the last 24 hours.
The Ukrainian General Staff reported 1,210 Russian soldiers killed or injured during the last 24 hours. According to their own report, Russia has endured over 517,000 losses since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. The Ukrainian army destroyed 9 Russian tanks, 36 armored vehicles, a multiple rocket launcher, and 7 anti-aircraft systems the day before.
08:31: Ukraine's Military Intelligence Service: Russia planning 15 million euro propaganda campaign against Kiev's military leadership.
As per Ukraine's Military Intelligence Service, HUR, Russia is planning a propaganda initiative against Ukraine's military command. They're purportedly allocating 15 million euros for articles and films that would paint Ukrainian special units and military leadership in a negative light. Russian troops have been instructed to distribute this content in Ukrainian and Western media to create more discord in the nation.
07:48: Security condition is "tense" for EM participation.
German security authorities predict a tense scenario before the approaching European Football Championship. They perceive the risk of devastating cyberattacks as a result of Russia's onslaught on Ukraine, whose national team is partaking in the EM. Safeguarding of stadiums and other event venues from aerial drone attacks, in particular, is an immense difficulty. In the past, drones have been sighted over Bundeswehr facilities where Ukrainian troops had been trained with German materials. Similar to this, an Islamic assault on one of the 51 matches or a significant fan celebration could pose a threat. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser anticipates an elevated police presence at stadiums and fan zones, perceiving it as a "display of strength."
07:27: Reports of explosions in Crimea during the night.
In the previous evening, explosions were recorded in Sevastopol on the occupied Crimean Peninsula, as per the Kyiv Independent and information from the Telegram channel "Crimean Wind." At 1:39 local time, inhabitants from Balaklava, a neighborhood in the city of Sevastopol, mentioned hearing explosions. The initial explosion allegedly occurred at a power plant. Crimean Wind declares that preceding the blast, big-caliber weapons were heard, indicating a possible drone strike. A second explosion was reported near the port of Sevastopol. The Kyiv Independent has not yet verified the claims. Ukrainian forces are endeavoring to hinder Russian logistics and supplies for the front line by executing targeted attacks on infrastructure.
The Ukrainian Air Force has expressed admiration for the modern and multifaceted Mirage fighter jets that France plans to donate to Ukraine. They are capable of executing a range of combat tasks, according to a representative from the Air Force. Nonetheless, F-16 fighter jets remain a higher priority for Ukraine. Kiev is currently awaiting the completion of F-16 pilot training. The training for the Mirage jets is estimated to last an additional six months. Securing storage for Western jets will also be problematic due to ongoing Russian air raids. The French Mirage was designed in France in the 1970s and was the primary combat aircraft of the French military until approximately two decades ago.
06:30 Evacuation of Eight More Settlements in Sumy Oblast
Eight additional settlements in the Ukrainian-Russian border region of Sumy Oblast are being evacuated due to constant Russian attacks. The governor of the region informed the public through state television. Within the past 24 hours, over 50 explosions occurred in Sumy. This week, three people were killed and three more injured by Russian shelling. The total number of civilians killed in the region this year is now 50, all resulting from artillery, mortars, and kamikaze drone attacks.
05:45 Acquisition of Second Air Defense System by Ukraine from France
The French arms manufacturer Thales is selling a second air defense system to Ukraine. After the delivery of the first air defense system in 2023, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry has purchased a second one, the company announced without revealing the cost. Air defense has become a significant issue on Ukrainian soil, as there are insufficient defense weapons available to protect troops at the front and major cities in the country.
04:48 Potential Fourth Patriot Delivery from Germany to Ukraine
Reports indicate that Germany is contemplating sending an additional Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine. This would make it the fourth Patriot system provided to Ukraine. This decision comes at a time when the German government has amended the rules for using Patriots against Russian aircraft in Russian airspace. With Patriots, Ukraine could potentially shoot down Russian aircraft attacking targets in the Kharkiv region via rockets or glide bombs.
03:50 Zelensky Challenges Putin's Legitimacy
In response to Russian President Vladimir Putin's claims about the "illegitimacy" of Volodymyr Zelensky's presidency, the Ukrainian president insists that only Putin recognizes him as legitimate. "The Ukrainian people are the only ones who can recognize the legitimacy of President Zelensky," Zelenksy said during a press conference with French President Macron. "The Ukrainian people have made their choice, and I am grateful for their support. Our people are free. Honestly, we are fighting for this." During the press conference, Zelensky added, "The legitimacy of Mr. Putin is only recognized by Mr. Putin himself. Only Putin chooses Putin. The Russians are just a backdrop, with only one actor on the stage."
02:05 Berlin Conference Aims to Provide Ukraine with Long-term Prospects
Germany intends to supply Ukraine with long-term prospects beyond military support with the Ukraine Reconstruction Conference scheduled for next week. The objective is to present opportunities to civil society, the economy, local authorities, and regions. In addition to Chancellor Scholz and various German ministers and ministers, a high-ranking Ukrainian delegation is anticipated to attend the meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday in Berlin. "It's not a money-collecting conference, but a networking conference," said a German government representative.
00:45 Russian Occupation Reports 22 Killed Villagers
The Russian-backed administration in the Kherson region claims that 22 people were killed in a village due to Ukrainian shelling. Russian administrator Vladimir Saldo posted on Telegram that a village store was hit by shelling in the village of Sadowe, causing 15 injuries. Saldo deplored the "vile murder of civilians" orchestrated by Western weapons deliveries to Ukraine. Without independent verification, the integrity of these claims is questionable.
23:45 Macron Demands EU Membership Talks with Ukraine by the End of the Month
French President Macron has called for the initiation of EU membership negotiations with Ukraine "by the end of the month." "France is supporting Ukraine in all areas, including at the European level, where we are trying to achieve a real start of membership negotiations by the end of the month," said Macron at a press conference with Ukrainian President Zelensky in Paris. Although the EU Commission confirmed that the conditions for the start of membership negotiations with Ukraine have been met, Hungary, which will assume the EU Council presidency on July 1, has delayed the process. "There are decisions regarding Ukraine's integration into the EU that are almost made," added Zelensky.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's approval rating has dropped to an all-time low after over two years of war, with more than half of the population still supporting him. This is revealed by a study conducted by the KIIS Institute, which indicated that his approval rating dipped below 60% for the first time in its history. In May 2022, right after the outbreak of the Russian assault, his rating was a staggering 90%. His popularity has been steadily dwindling since then. Zelensky's presidential term was initially scheduled to end in May. However, he has continued to serve under martial law in Ukraine. There are currently no plans for holding elections, as 20% of the country remains under Russian control and millions of Ukrainians have migrated to other countries.
Regarding the French President Emmanuel Macron's initiative to send military trainers to Ukraine, the US government has no plans to participate. The National Security Council's communications director, John Kirby, who was accompanying US President Joe Biden during his visit to France, stated that the US president respects Macron's stance but has maintained his position against sending American soldiers to Ukraine since the onset of the war. Kirby emphasized that this stance remains unchanged in the future. The decision on how much information Macron wants to share about the mission and the level of clarity he desires lies solely with him. Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Biden has made several points explicit, such as, "we want to prevent a third world war and we want to avoid a war with Russia."
For a comprehensive account of earlier developments, click here.
Read also:
- Following the arrest of their employee in Russia, the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue is actively working to aid him by locating a lawyer and contacting Russian officials to seek information about his detainment and charges.
- Russian troops continue to launch aggressive attacks on the southern front, with Ukrainian forces fending off assaults in the areas of Orichiv and Krynky, intercepting nine out of the 13 Russian drones flying over several regions in Ukraine.
- In response to the onslaught on Ukraine's power supply infrastructure by Russian forces, over 75% of the country's large power plants are out of commission, causing significant damage to approximately half of Ukraine's total electricity production capacity.
- With tensions escalating in the Donetsk area, reports suggest that Russian forces are attempting to "wedge between Ukrainian combative positions" in an attempt to ensure success in their violent campaign against Ukraine. This strategy, if successful, could complicate the nation's defense efforts and potentially weaken the Ukrainian military.
