16:51 NATO wants to massively expand arms production
NATO countries are committed to expanding weapons production at their upcoming summit in Washington next week. According to a representative of the alliance, future national defense industry plans will be submitted for this purpose. Additionally, there are expected to be more joint procurement projects and initiatives for purchasing so-called war-deciding ammunition. To this category belong, for example, rockets for air defense systems, precision-guided projectiles, and 155-millimeter artillery ammunition. A specific investment amount is not mentioned in the agreement of the NATO states. However, according to the official, dozens, if not hundreds of billions of euros may be necessary to achieve these goals.
16:30 Ukraine: Patriot intercepts all missiles fired at KievAccording to Ukrainian reports, all ballistic missiles fired at targets in Kiev have been intercepted since the USA provided Patriot air defense systems to the country. This was stated by Ukrainian Air Force Colonel Serhii Yaremenko in an interview with Ukrinform. "Since early May 2023, not a single ballistic missile has reached its target in the capital of our country. More than 20 Kinschals were fired at Kiev and all were successfully intercepted," Yaremenko said.
16:00 IAEA chief: Drone attacks at nuclear power plant "must stop"The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports drone attacks near the Russian-controlled nuclear power plant Zaporizhzhia, citing the plant's Russian administration. "It is extremely alarming that these drone attacks continue, as they pose a clear danger to the people in Enerhodar and to the safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. They must stop immediately," said IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi.
15:35 Zelensky: Brigades are waiting for approved western weaponsAccording to Ukrainian President Zelensky, western military aid is coming too slowly to the country. He made this statement in an interview with Bloomberg. "We have 14 brigades that do not have the necessary weapons, which have already been approved and discussed," Zelensky said. However, he expressed gratitude for the support of western partners.
15:13 London: Russia targets 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 stated that Ukrainian government sources have "for a long time" pointed to the 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 attempts to destroy the Ukrainian economy," the report said.
14:48 Putin and Xi deepen anti-western alliance
At the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin confirmed their alliance as a counterweight to the western world. Xi called on the attendees at the summit's conclusion to "resist external interference". Xi urged member states to "support each other, care for each other's concerns (...) and take the future and destiny of our countries and the peace and development in the region into our own hands". It is of "decisive importance" that the SCO "stays on the right side of history". The SCO comprises ten countries, representing approximately half of the world population. Permanent members include the current host Kazakhstan, India, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and now also Belarus.
14:24 Putin speaks of negotiation readiness
Vladimir Putin, the head of the Kremlin, emphasized Russia's alleged readiness for peace talks regarding its attack on Ukraine during a meeting with several heads of state at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Astana. Putin stated that Russia had long been in favor of a political-diplomatic resolution 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 said in Astana. Moscow insists that Ukraine renounces all annexed territories, which Kiev rejects.
14:04 Kremlin: 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 administration, Putin and Modi will discuss the prospects for further development of bilateral relations and international and regional issues during their meetings on Monday and Tuesday. India has tried to remain neutral in Russia's war against Ukraine. Modi has repeatedly urged both sides to engage in dialogue, but has also criticized Russia's actions. economically close to Russia, India has significantly increased its purchases of Russian oil, which helps the Russian government mitigate the impact of western sanctions.
13:32 Russia attacks Ukrainian National Guard base
Russian troops are reported to have attacked a Ukrainian National Guard base in Vyshgorod in the Kiev region, according to the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, citing 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 report to the Defense Ministry but to the Interior Ministry. RIA Novosti reports that there have been two attacks on the military base in the General Kulchitsky Street, resulting in explosions.
13:07 Russian Court: Detained Frenchman to Remain in Pretrial Detention
A Russian court has decided that a French national must remain in pretrial detention until August. The court in Moscow has rejected the detention appeal of 47-year-old political expert Laurent Vinatier. He is accused of collecting information about "military and military-technical activities" of Russia. This criminal offense can be punished with up to five years in prison. The political expert was arrested in Switzerland in mid-June at the large international Ukraine peace conference. He worked 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 Crossings from Belarus
Latvia has recorded more attempted irregular crossings of its border with Belarus this week. Border Guard Chief Guntis Pujats reports 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 transfer of migrants to the EU border to put pressure on the EU.
12:00 Baerbock: Russia Remains 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 says in a Bundestag debate on the upcoming NATO summit coming 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 in its Russia policy. "We can't afford to lose that in the budget negotiations," the minister warns, looking at the current dispute in the traffic light coalition over the budget for 2025.
11:23 Kiev: Russian Intelligence "Couple" Spied on Military Infrastructure
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 accused of spying on military infrastructure in the Ukrainian regions of Odessa and Dnipro for the Russian security service. According to the SBU, the two allegedly married couples strolled through the area and took pictures of "necessary" objects. In addition to these photos, the two alleged FSB agents provided the Russian security service with additional information. The Ukrainian security service claims to have caught the "couple" in the act.
10:50 Ukraine: 21 out of 22 Russian drones shot down
The Ukraine military claims to have repelled a Russian drone attack for the most part, as the air defense forces reportedly shot down 21 out of 22 attacking drones. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, these drones were destroyed over six regions in northern and central Ukraine. They were identified as Shahed drones of Iranian origin.
10:33 SCO Summit in Kazakhstan: Putin and Xi to demonstrate 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 alliance was established in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Later, India, Pakistan, and Iran joined. Besides Putin and Xi, the attendees include the host country's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the presidents of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus. The Iranian Vice President Mohammad Mokhber was expected to attend. Belarus, an authoritarian-ruled country, officially joined the SCO as a new member. 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 Russia due to its aggression against Ukraine.
10:02 Ukraine releases figures on Russian losses
The Ukrainian General Staff has released new figures on Russian troop losses in Ukraine. According to the data, 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 invasion, Ukraine claims that Russia has lost 8,132 tanks, 15,600 artillery systems, and 360 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 11,694 drones, 28 ships, and one submarine. Western estimates suggest lower loss figures, but they only represent minimum values.
09:30 Report: Ukrainian forces withdraw from part of Chassiw Jar
The Ukrainian army has reportedly withdrawn from a part of the strategically important Ukrainian city of Chassiw Jar. A Ukrainian military spokesperson stated, "It was no longer possible to hold the Canal Quarter as the enemy had breached our defenses." The defensive positions were destroyed, and the lives of Ukrainian soldiers were at risk. The military command decided on a withdrawal to better fortified positions. However, the enemy continued their combat operations even there. Chassiw Jar is located in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk, approximately 20 kilometers west of Bachmut, which was taken by Russian troops a year ago and reduced to rubble following 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. This is reported by the governor of the south-eastern region of Ukraine, Ivan Fyodorov, in a morning report on Telegram. According to him, 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 Nowoandriiwka, 177 drone attacks on Chervonodniprowka, Gulyaypole, Levadne, Robotyno, Mala Tokmachka, Malynivka, Novoandriivka, Uspenivka and Novopavlivka. Twelve MLRS attacks hit Robotyne and Novoandriivka. 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 with the Iskander surface-to-air missile system. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, a Mig-29 fighter jet, air defense systems, 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 media networks.
07:47 Video: "Vampire" of Ukraine extracts "price in blood" from RussiansDozens 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 Chair Elvira Nabiullina acknowledged at a conference in St. Petersburg that such payments are 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 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 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. In another hospital, a fire broke out. 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. As a result, Ukraine began "blackouts" in May. In this process, 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 power supply to the population.
05:44 Kiev's General Staff: Russians increasing intensity at Pokrovsk
According to the General Staff in Kiev, the Russian military is trying to "intensify the shelling" 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 reportedly always looking for creative solutions and proposals that Schmyhal is not providing. According to the sources, Schmyhal could be replaced by Julia Swyrydenko, the first deputy prime minister and economy minister.
03:59 Kiev denies Russian victories in Chassiv Yar
The Ukraine refutes Russian reports 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 is defending 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 after 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 further needs of his country to be at least six additional 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 staff positions for the Litauen-Brigade's headquarters. Of these, 115 were filled 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 troop 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 warm welcome. They say, I can imagine a stationing 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 combat-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 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 of the three brothers, the 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 "Legion of Free 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 like cryptocurrencies for business transactions with foreign partners in light of Western sanctions. For international transactions, cryptocurrencies are now permitted, 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's an undersecretary sitting in the US embassy and writing down all our public statements," Kostin said. Whatever Russia does, the reaction from Western countries will be "very quick," warned Kostin.
22:16 Erdogan offers "foundation" for peace, Moscow denies intermediary role
First, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced after a meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Kazakhstan that Turkey could help create the foundation for ending the conflict. However, the Russian government spokesman Dmitry 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 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.
- In response to the NATO countries' commitment to boosting weapons production, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concern about the slow delivery of approved western weapons, highlighting the 14 Ukrainian brigades lacking the necessary weaponry.
- The escalating Ukraine conflict has seen cyberwar as another front, with reports suggesting that Russian hackers have targeted Ukrainian critical infrastructure, causing power outages and disrupting communications.
- Volodymyr Selensky, the Ukrainian president, called for more robust support from NATO to counter Russia's military operations, emphasizing the need to protect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- Russian hackers were also reportedly involved in a cyberattack on NATO member states, leading to concerns about cybersecurity and the potential vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure.
- Following Russia's attack on Ukraine, there have been growing calls for tightening cybersecurity regulations to safeguard critical infrastructure and prevent cyber threats related to the ongoing conflict.
