16:30 Ukraine: Patriot intercepts all Kinshal missiles fired at Kiev so far
According to Ukrainian reports, all ballistic missiles fired from Russia at targets in Kiev were intercepted since the US provided Patriot air defense systems to the country last year. Ukrainian Air Force Colonel Serhii Yaremenko stated in an interview with Ukrinform that "since early May 2023, not a single ballistic [missile] has reached its target in our country's capital. More than 20 Schillings were fired at Kiev, and all were successfully intercepted," according to Yaremenko.
16:00 IAEA Chief: Drone attacks at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant "must stop"The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported drone strikes near the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, citing the Russian administration of the facility. "It is extremely alarming that these drone attacks continue, as they pose a clear danger to people in Enerhodar and to the safety of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant," IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi said.
15:35 Zelenskyy: Brigades are waiting for authorized western weaponsUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that western military aid is coming too slowly to the country. In an interview with Bloomberg, he said, "We have 14 brigades that don't have the necessary weapons that have been approved and discussed." Nevertheless, he expressed 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 exports such as gold, uranium, and coal to "undermine" the Ukrainian economy. In its latest intelligence report, the Defense Ministry stated that Ukrainian government sources have "for a long time pointed to the Russian theft of Ukrainian resources from the occupied territories." 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 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin reaffirmed their alliance as a counterbalance to the Western world. Xi urged the attendees at the summit's conclusion in Astana to "resist external interference." Xi called on member states to "support each other, care for each other's concerns (...) and take the future and the fate 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 includes ten countries, representing approximately half of the world population. Among its permanent members are the current host Kazakhstan, India, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and now also Belarus.
14:24 Putin speaks of readiness for negotiations
Vladimir Putin, the head of the Kremlin, emphasized Russia's alleged readiness for peace talks regarding its ongoing conflict with Ukraine during a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization for Collaboration (SCO) leaders. Putin stated that Russia has always been for a political-diplomatic resolution of the conflict. Moscow, which has been waging a destructive war against Ukraine for over two years, recently made proposals for an end to hostilities, Putin said in Astana. Moscow insists that Ukraine renounces all annexed territories, which Kiev refuses.
14:04 Modi to travel to Russia for talks with Putin
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to travel to Russia next week for talks with President Vladimir Putin. According to the Russian Presidential Executive Office, Putin and Modi will discuss the prospects for further development of bilateral relations and international and regional issues during the consultations on Monday and Tuesday. India has been trying to remain neutral in Russia's war against Ukraine. Modi has repeatedly urged both sides to dialogue, but has also criticized Russia's actions. Instead, economically engaged India has significantly increased its Russian oil purchases, helping Moscow mitigate the impact of Western sanctions.
13:32 Russian forces attack Ukrainian National Guard base
Russian troops are reported to have attacked a Ukrainian National Guard base in Vyschgorod in the Kiev region. RIA Novosti, the Russian news agency, reported this based on the coordinator of the pro-Russian underground, Sergei Lebedev. The Ukrainian National Guard is a paramilitary organization that, unlike the army, air force, and navy, does not fall under the Ministry of Defense but the Ministry of Internal Affairs. According to RIA Novosti, there have been two attacks on the military base in 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 national must remain in pre-trial detention. The court in Moscow rejected the habeas corpus petition of the 47-year-old political expert Laurent Vinatier. He is accused of collecting information on "military and military-technical activities" of Russia. This offense can be punished with up to five years in prison. Vinatier was arrested in Switzerland during the large international Ukraine peace conference in mid-June. He works for the Humanitarian Dialogue Centre (HD Centre), a Geneva-based non-governmental organization. The organization announced on June 7 that it would also contact Russian authorities for clarification on the charges against its employee.
12:30 Latvia reports 160 illegal border crossings from Belarus
Latvia reported this week that it had intercepted more attempted illegal border crossings from Belarus. Border Guard Chief Guntis Pujats said on television that there had been 160 such attempts since Monday. This year, a total of 2,770 migrants have been prevented from illegally crossing the green EU border from Belarus.
Latvia borders Eastern Europe for approximately 172 kilometers with Belarus, a close ally of Russia. Lettland, Poland, and Lithuania accuse Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko of orchestrating the bringing of migrants to the EU external border in an organized manner to put specific pressure on the EU.
12:00 Baerbock: Russia remains the greatest threat to Europe
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 states in a Bundestag debate on the upcoming NATO summit coming week in Washington. The West must counteract to defend freedom and democracy. "We didn't choose this," Baerbock says. "We didn't want this." Germany, in particular, has a special responsibility and has regained lost trust in the wake of its Russia policy. "We can't afford to lose sight of this in budget negotiations," the minister warns, looking at the current coalition dispute over the 2025 budget.
11:23 Kiev: Russian spy "couple" apprehended
The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) has detained two alleged members of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). The SBU reports this. A 23-year-old man from Odessa and his 18-year-old "wife" are suspected of spying on military infrastructure in the Ukrainian regions of Odessa and Dnipro for the Russian security service. According to the SBU, the two supposed FSB agents were spotted "spying around" near "necessary" objects and took pictures. Along with additional information, the two supposed FSB agents allegedly provided the photos to the Russian security service. The Ukrainian Security Service claims to have caught the "couple" in the act.
10:50 Ukraine: 21 out of 22 Russian drones shot down
Ukraine claims to have largely thwarted a Russian drone attack at night. The Air Force reports that 21 out of 22 attack drones were shot down. 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 aim to show alliance strength
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese State Council Chairman Xi Jinping are participating in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. The regional security bloc was established in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Later, India, Pakistan, and Iran joined. In addition to Putin and Xi, the attendees include the presidents of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus, as well as Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was expected to attend, but his participation is uncertain. Belarus, which is ruled authoritatively, officially became a new SCO member at this summit. Among the observer states and dialogue partners are Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. For Putin, this summit offers another opportunity to illustrate the failure of Western efforts to isolate his country due to the military campaign against Ukraine.
10:02 Ukraine publishes figures on Russian losses
The Ukrainian General Staff has released new figures on Russian troop losses in Ukraine. According to these figures, Russia has lost approximately 547,470 soldiers in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. In just 24 hours, the losses amounted to 1,200. Since the beginning of the large-scale attack, Russia is said to have lost 8,132 tanks, 15,600 artillery systems, and 360 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 11,694 drones, 28 ships, and a submarine. Western estimates put the loss figures much lower - these being only minimum values.
09:30 Report: Ukrainian forces withdraw from Chassiv Yar
The Ukrainian military has reportedly withdrawn from a part of the strategically important Ukrainian city of Chassiv Yar. "It was no longer possible to hold the Canal Quarter, as the enemy had penetrated," said a Ukrainian military spokesperson. The defensive positions had been destroyed, and the lives of their own soldiers were at risk. The military command decided on a withdrawal to better fortified positions. However, the enemy continued their combat actions there as well. Chassiv Yar 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 destroyed after months of intense fighting.
09:07 Governor: 391 Russian attacks on Zaporizhia within 24 hoursWithin the last 24 hours, the Russians have attacked the region of Zaporizhia 391 times, according to the governor of the southeastern Ukrainian region, Ivan Fyodorov, in a morning report on Telegram. In this regard, a man in Vasylivka and a woman in Polohiv were killed, and a man in the city of Zaporizhia was wounded. Fyodorov reports of two air raids on Nowoandriivka, 177 drone attacks on Chervonodniprovka, Gulyaypole, Levadne, Robotyno, Mala Tokmachka, Malynivka, Novoandriivka, Uspenivka and Novopavlivka. Twelve MLRS attacks hit Robotyne and Nowoandriivka. Additionally, the Russians fired 200 artillery shells onto the territories of Gulyaypole, Mala Tokmachka, Novoandriivka, Robotyne, Levadne, Malynivka and Plavni.
08:33 Russia: Strike on Ukrainian base destroys jetRussian forces are reported to have attacked the aircraft parking lot of the Ukrainian Air Force base Dolgintsevo in the Dnipropetrovsk region using the Iskander surface-to-air missile system. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, a Mig-29 fighter jet, air defense equipment, and aviation technical vehicles of the Ukrainian Air Force were destroyed. The Russian Defense Ministry posted a video on Telegram 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 victims every day of what is called the "Vampire," a multiple rocket launcher from Czech production. The Ukrainians use it to defend the front - "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 wants to bypass sanctionsThe Russian Central Bank encourages domestic companies in the face of Western sanctions to resort to alternative payment methods such as cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners. Central Bank Chairman Elvira Nabiullina admitted at a conference in St. Petersburg that such payments were one of the central challenges for the Russian economy. However, the new financial technologies also offer new opportunities. "Therefore, we have softened our stance towards the use of cryptocurrencies in international transactions and now allow the use of digital assets in such transactions."
06:52 At least five civilians killed and 47 injured in Russian attack on Dnipro
According to Ukrainian authorities, at least five civilians were killed and 47 more 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 Filatow stated that the attack damaged the windows of two schools and three kindergartens, as well as debris hitting 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 local energy infrastructure. In May, Ukraine began "blackouts" in this regard. During these blackouts, the power grid is deliberately disconnected. International partners (see entry 21:41) are providing financial, technical, and material assistance to help Ukraine repair its energy facilities and ensure the population's power supply.
05:44 Kiev's General Staff: Russians increasing intensity at Pokrovsk
According to the General Staff in Kiev, the Russian military is trying to "increase the intensity" at Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. Correspondingly, defensive lines are being reinforced, and more ammunition is being brought to this frontline sector. According to the 47th mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces, Russian troops are attempting to breach the Ukrainian defenders' 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 considering 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 said to be more of an emotional matter. Zelenskyy is always looking for creative solutions and proposals that Schmyhal does not provide. According to the sources, Schmyhal could be replaced by Julia Swyrydenko, 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 crucial 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 of the 24th Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces defending the city, speaking 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. Damages were also reported to 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 country's further requirement 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 appear to be enough soldiers. "We had to fill about 120 positions for the staff of the Lithuanian brigade. Of these, 115 were filled within a week. And we had 900 applications," says the Inspector General of the Bundeswehr, Carsten Breuer, to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "During troop visits, I often meet soldiers and soldiers 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 there: the gratitude of the people and the warm welcome. They say, I can imagine stationing myself there with my family."
00:45 Inspector General demands billions for Bundeswehr
The Inspector General of the Bundeswehr, Carsten Breuer, is backing 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 combat-ready." He stands shoulder to shoulder with SPD politician Pistorius, who has called for an additional 6.7 billion euros for the coming year. Pistorius had called for 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 high 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 high treason, participation in a terrorist organization, and illegal border crossing. The eldest brother, 24-year-old Joann Aschtscheulow, was sentenced to 17 years and six months in prison, while his brothers Timofej and Alexej must serve 17 years. According to the prosecution, the brothers attempted to cross the border to Ukraine on foot in July 2023 to join the "Freedom Legion of Russia." They were reportedly arrested 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 such as cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners in light of Western sanctions. Cryptocurrencies are now allowed for international transactions, Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina announced in St. Petersburg. VTB Bank's CEO, Andrey Kostin, called for these new payment methods to be classified 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. Whatever Russia does, the reaction from Western countries will be "very quick," he warned.
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 ending the war. However, the Russian government spokesman Dmitri Peskov stated that Turkey would not take on a mediator role, according to Russian news agencies. Peskov was quoted 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, rationed 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 total amount imported in 2023. According to statistics from July 3rd. 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.
You can read about earlier developments here.
- Despite ongoing military operations by Russia in Ukraine, all intercepted ballistic missiles targeted at Kiev have been successfully defended thanks to the Patriot air defense systems provided by the US last year.
- In response to the conflict in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed concern about the slow delivery of authorized western weapons to Ukraine's 14 under-equipped brigades.
- Russia has been accused by the British Defense Ministry of targeting Ukrainian raw material exports such as gold, uranium, and coal to undermine Ukraine's economy, citing sources that have long pointed to Russian theft of resources from occupied territories.
- Nato members and allies have been urged by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock to continue supporting Ukraine against the ongoing threat posed by Russia, with Germany reaffirming its responsibility to defend freedom and democracy.
- Volodymyr Selensky, the President of Ukraine, issued an appeal to his allies claiming that Russia continues to launch cyberwar attacks on Ukraine, including attacks on critical infrastructure, and urged for further measures to counteract these threats.
