16:55 Spokesperson from Foreign Office on Dobrindt's call: No secure zones identified in Ukraine
CSU-Local Group Leader Alexander Dobrindt's idea of sending jobless refugees from Ukraine back to secure zones in their home country faces rejection at the Foreign Office. A Foreign Office spokesperson in Berlin asserted that Russia is intentionally targeting areas in both east and western Ukraine. Russia is engaged in an unlawful war of aggression against Ukraine as a whole. Dobrindt commented to "Bild am Sonntag" that he couldn't identify a safe location in Ukraine currently. He proposed that employment be a requirement for a residence permit for Ukrainian refugees and that the principle "Work in Germany or return to safe areas in Western Ukraine" should be applied. Representatives of the traffic light parties SPD, Greens, and FDP criticized the proposal, labeling Dobrindt as a populist.
16:36 Russia issues a warning for new EU sanctions retaliation
Russia has issued a warning for reprisals on the new EU sanctions. The Foreign Ministry in Moscow declared that for every hostile action from the West, "the appropriate response" will be given. The sanctions are deemed illegitimate. The list of individuals banned from entering Russia has been significantly expanded, according to the announcement. No specifics were provided. Earlier, the EU states had compiled a 14th sanctions package against Russia. Among other things, investments in Russian oil and gas projects are to be prevented.
16:20 Zelenskyy claimed Ukraine has struck over 30 Russian oil refineries
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine claimed that Ukraine had hit more than 30 targets in the Russian oil sector, including refineries, terminals, and storage facilities. He did not provide a timeframe or additional details. No Russian response has been issued yet. Ukraine has stepped up its attacks on Russian oil facilities this year. The Russian authorities derive a significant portion of their revenue from these facilities.
16:01 Retired Colonel Expresses Caution: Kiev's Negotiation Position is "Substantially Weakened"
Although the latest Ukrainian successes in the Black Sea, Wolfgang Richter of the Geneva Center for Security Policy advised against showing excessive optimism. Russia might have "substantial resources" at its disposal. Apart from military assistance, it also requires an exit strategy, the expert stated.
15:34 At least eight dead and numerous injured due to Russian attacks in Ukraine
As per Ukrainian reports, at least eight people have perished, and dozens have been injured in Russian attacks on targets in Eastern Ukraine and the southern port city of Odessa. In the eastern region of Donetsk, Governor Wadym Filaschkin reported that at least four people were killed and 34 others injured, including two children, in rocket attacks on the city of Pokrowsk. Filaschkin mentioned that the Russian troops fired two Iskander-M missiles at the city and damaged several buildings. This was one of the largest attacks on civilians in recent memory, he added. A man was also reportedly killed in the city of Kurachowe by Russian fire. "The Russians attacked the city with a guided missile and damaged an infrastructure facility," the governor said, without providing further information.
15:11 Germany, France, and Poland plan an alliance for long-range weapons
Germany, France, and Poland aim to establish a coalition of European states for the development of long-range weapons. "Long-range weapons represent a significant capability gap in Europe," explained German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius of the SPD in Paris. Several states should comprehend, by the NATO Summit in July, how to bridge this gap medium- to long-term, Pistorius emphasized. A corresponding declaration could then be signed at the NATO Summit in Washington. This would be "a visible sign of our readiness to assume responsibility," said Pistorius during a meeting with his French and Polish colleagues, Sébastien Lecornu and Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz. "We will demonstrate in Washington the power and reliability of the Europeans," Pistorius added. He referred to the fact that 23 European Allies, including Germany, have already reached or surpassed the two-percent NATO target in defense spending.
14:42 Kiev brands civilians on the Crimea "civil occupiers"
Following the catastrophic explosion of a Ukrainian rocket near a beach on the annexed Crimean Peninsula, the Ukrainian government in Kiev referred to the victims as "civil occupiers." "There is no 'coast,' 'tourist zones,' or other signs of peaceful life on the Crimea," writes an advisor in the Presidential Administration, Mychajlo Podoljak, on Telegram. The Crimea is an occupied territory containing numerous military targets, onto which combat is taking place. The Kremlin is attempting to conceal these targets with its own civilians, who in turn would become civilian occupiers. The day before, a Ukrainian rocket had exploded over a public beach near the naval base Sevastopol. According to local authorities, at least four people were killed and over 150 injured.
14:18 Zelenskyy orders an investigation of the Presidential Guard
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has ordered an investigation of the Presidential Guard after suspected assassination plans were uncovered within the Security Services. At the unveiling of the new head of the Presidential Guard, Olexij Morosow, Zelenskyy stated that his main task would be to ensure that only those individuals join the Guard who aspire to Ukraine's future. And of course, anyone from the Guard must be dismissed "who opts for a government other than Ukraine or brings the Presidential Guard into disrepute." The Ukrainian Security Service SBU had announced in May that it had apprehended two high-ranking officers of the Guard, who were accused of plotting the assassination of Zelenskyy and other officials of Ukraine.
13:52 Deaths and Injuries Reported in Pokrovsk Rocket AttackAccording to reports from local authorities in Pokrovsk, a city in eastern Ukraine, at least four people have lost their lives and 34 others have been injured due to a Russian rocket attack. Two children were among the injured. The city was hit by two rockets, causing a private house to be destroyed, and damaging 16 other buildings.
13:32 EU Supplies Military Aid for Ukraine Despite Hungarian OppositionThe EU has reportedly approved around 1.4 billion Euros for military aid for Ukraine against the wishes of the Hungarian government. This incident took place during an outdoor ministerial meeting in Luxembourg. Multiple diplomats from the German Press Agency have confirmed this.
13:16 Fatalities and Injuries in Ukraine from Russian Mine ExplosionIn the Lypzi area of the Charkiw region, two individuals have perished from an explosion caused by a Russian mine. The head of the regional military administration reported this on Telegram, as reported by the state Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform. A car carrying two occupants is said to have driven over a mine in the morning, resulting in one man's immediate death and a woman's subsequent demise on the way to the hospital.
12:52 German Government Opposes Forced Removal of Unwilling UkrainiansThe German government has refused to force the removal of unwilling Ukrainian men and women. "Daily, we witness how Russia targets objectives throughout Ukraine and aims to destroy the country's infrastructure, particularly in the west," says a spokesperson for the Foreign Office in Berlin. They emphasized that it's unclear now where a safe place in Ukraine would be, in response to a demand from CSU regional group leader Alexander Dobrindt, who spoke of "safe areas in western Ukraine."
12:21 Russia Threatens Retribution for US Following Crimean Rocket AttackIn response to a Ukrainian rocket attack on the annexed Crimean Peninsula, which reportedly killed at least four people and injured over 150 others, Russia has allegedly threatened consequences for the US. Presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov made this announcement, adding "The specifics will be revealed in time." Russia has indicated that it will respond to any US involvement in this attack. Peskov refers to the Russian threat to deploy rockets within striking distance of the US and its European allies. Russian sources claim that Ukraine attacked Crimea using five rockets supplied by the US, equipped with cluster munitions. Four rockets were reportedly intercepted by air defense, while the munition of a fifth rocket detonated in the air. Debris from the rocket fell near a beach, resulting in fatalities, including two children.
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11:58 Russia Expert: Rocket on Krim Not Intended for TouristsIn a Ukrainian rocket attack on the Russian-controlled Crimean Peninsula, multiple casualties have been reported, including at a beach. "The debris randomly landed among the tourists," says Russia analyst Niko Karasek.
11:35 Sewastopol Declares State of ExceptionOne day after a devastating Ukrainian rocket attack, the authorities in the port city of Sewastopol on the annexed Crimean peninsula announced an emergency status. According to official reports, four people have died and 151 have been injured, with 79 still hospitalized. Most of the victims were at a city beach when rocket debris fell and exploded. Initially, the Russian military claimed responsibility for the rocket launch, but later retracted their statement and stated that Ukrainian missiles were fired at civilians. However, even in Russian military blogs, this claim is being questioned. The region is home to several military facilities.
11:01 Germany Faces Criticism for Weak Sanctions PackageFollowing the formal decision on new sanctions against Russia, criticism is being leveled at Germany from the Baltic states. Lithuania's Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis laments that the sanctions are "unfortunately weaker" than planned. His Estonian colleague Margus Tsahkna states that it's "growing increasingly difficult in the European Union to find a consensus on new sanctions." For the most part, this has been due to Hungary, but now the German government is allegedly preventing stricter rules against circumventing sanctions through third countries. The EU Commission desired to hold European companies accountable if prohibited goods reached Russia via daughter companies in Kazakhstan. Berlin objected, stating that the measures would negatively impact Germany as the largest EU export nation more than Russia. As a result, companies are only expected to make "reasonable attempts" to avoid sanctions violations.
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10:24 Casualties Reported in Odessa AttackAccording to a report from the mayor, two individuals have been injured in a morning attack on Odessa. This was reported by the Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform, stating that Russian troops targeted civilian infrastructure using rockets.
9:44 Over 110 New Names Added to EU Sanctions ListThe EU has enacted its 14th sanctions package against Russia. According to a statement, 116 individuals and institutions will be penalized. The statement also mentions stricter measures against efforts to bypass existing sanctions. Moreover, investments in Russian liquefied gas projects are expected to be blocked.
9:25 EU Insists on Using Frozen Russian Funds for UkraineThe EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell aims to prevent a EU member state from obstructing the use of funds from frozen Russian financial assets to support Ukraine. Borrell stated this prior to the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg, and added "We have a legal process in place to prevent any form of obstruction."
22:23 Attack on Odessa: Media reports suggest a fire erupted in Odessa this morning. Nexta, a Belarusian opposition media outlet, claims a significant explosion occurred, while "Kyiv Post" alleges an attack on civilian infrastructure.
23:01 Schwesig travels to Kiev - "Ukraine must prevail"As the first Bundesrat President, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's Governor Manuela Schwesig has arrived in Ukraine. She plans to hold political talks in Kiev. On her journey, she stated, "This is a show of solidarity from all 16 federal states with Ukraine." Schwesig believes Ukraine must win the conflict, expressing her displeasure with Russia's aggression. This stance creates tension among some politicians, as Chancellor Olaf Scholz typically advocates for neither Russia nor Ukraine winning the war.
22:36 Continued conflict in NowooleksandriwkaReports of the capture of the village of Nowooleksandriwka in the Donetsk region indicate that Russian troops have not fully seized the village. The Ukrainian military reported heavy fighting at the scene.
21:52 Russian unit allegedly mistreats wounded prisonersA Russian military blogger claims commanders of various units in the so-called Donetsk People's Republic are mistreating their wounded soldiers. One brigade is said to be keeping its injured prisoners under harsh conditions in Donetsk instead of providing medical care, according to the US think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW), which cites the blogger's claims.
21:21 Third Estonian volunteer dies in combat in Luhansk regionAn Estonian volunteer serving in the Ukrainian army has reportedly died in a fight in the Luhansk region. The Kyiv Independent, citing Estonian newspaper "Postimees," confirmed the death of Martin Jaager, a 42-year-old professional soldier, on Saturday. Jaager served in an elite unit in Estonia before joining the Ukrainian army over a year ago.
20:44 EU Foreign Ministers Meeting: Pressure on Hungary escalatesToday, EU foreign ministers are meeting in Luxembourg to discuss the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is scheduled to join via video conference. The EU is expected to intensify its pressure on Hungary to lift its blockade on the provision of a €6.5 billion military aid package to Ukraine. There was a heated disagreement about this at the Foreign Ministers' Meeting at the end of May.
19:45 Moscow accuses US of provoking attack on CrimeaFollowing a rocket attack on the annexed Crimean Peninsula, Moscow points a finger at the US. The Ministry stated, "The primary responsibility for the provocative rocket attack on the civilian population of Sevastopol lies with Washington, which supplied these weapons to Ukraine, as well as with the Kiev regime, from whose territory this attack originated." US specialists allegedly determined the rocket launch coordinates using information from US spy satellites, suggesting the US government bears direct responsibility. Four people, including two children, were reportedly killed, and 151 others were injured, according to the Defense Ministry.
18:42 IAEA condemns attacks on AKW SaporischschjaThe International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA demands an immediate halt to attacks on the Ukrainian city of Enerhodar near the Saporischschja Nuclear Power Plant. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi states, "Those responsible must cease these drone attacks on the power plant and its surroundings. Such attacks are unacceptable and contradict universally endorsed security principles and practices." In the past week, drone attacks have targeted two transformer stations, disrupting power supply to residents at times. However, the incidents did not affect the operation of the Saporischschja Nuclear Power Plant, according to Grossi.
17:45 Stoltenberg to discuss further aid for Ukraine in ParisNATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is heading to Paris on Monday for discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron. Topics of discussion are expected to include further support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. Macron has previously expressed plans to form a coalition for the dispatch of Western military trainers to Ukraine.
16:43 Orban calls for immediate ceasefire in UkraineBefore the start of Hungary's EU Council Presidency, Prime Minister Viktor Orban proposes an initiative for an immediate ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict. Orban says the Russian invasion of Ukraine is unacceptable and breaches the foundational principles of international relations. He emphasizes the need to stop the violence at the front lines as soon as possible. The end of the war in Ukraine is a crucial priority for Hungary's EU Council Presidency, which begins on July 1.
15:53 Ukraine launches attacks on Crimea once moreUkraine allegedly launched attacks on the annexed Crimean Peninsula last night using rockets. Reports indicate explosions in the port city of Evpatoria, and the authorities of the port city of Sevastopol issued an air alarm, unlike previous daytime attacks. The consequences of the attacks remain unclear. Several media outlets have published videos and images of fires, but the Ukrainian and Russian sides have yet to confirm reports of hit military installations.
23:49 Zelenskyy requests authorization for intensive strikes on Russian soil
Amidst persistent shelling of Kharkiv, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy demands extended-range munitions and approval to launch strikes deep into Russian territory. In his daily video address, Zelenskyy asserts, "The Russian air force needs to be eliminated where it is, utilizing any effective measures at our disposal." Kiev is coordinating with its Western allies concerning this matter.
22:49 Prien comments on social aid for refugees: "Federal government falters"
Following Alexander Dobrindt's suggestion for social benefits for Ukrainian refugees from the CSU-Local Group, Karin Prien, deputy CDU chair, addresses the refugees' initial cause of displacement. "Ukrainians are fleeing Putin's tyranny and Putin's war. Of course, they receive our protection and hospitality," posts Schleswig-Holstein's Education Minister on platform X. Prien further states, "The majority of Ukrainian refugees aspire to establish a footing here, work, and prepare for their homeland's reconstruction. Our objective must be to expedite their labor market participation." She also criticizes the federal government for its inaction in this regard.
22:17 EU Commission alerts potential Bundestag election 2025 manipulation by Russia
In anticipation of next year's Bundestag election, EU Commission Vice President Vera Jourova issues a warning about potential manipulation attempts by Russia. "We inhabit a new era of hostile influence," says the EU Commissioner for Transparency and Values and the Protection of Democracy to the "Süddeutsche Zeitung." "I fear that Voice of Europe serves as a model for future operations - also in the lead-up to the Bundestag election next year. This false medium likely represents the tip of the iceberg." The EU had prohibited Voice of Europe and three other Russian media organizations from broadcasting within the European Union in May, claiming they were all controlled by the Russian government and targeted European parties, particularly during election periods. Voice of Europe, based in Prague, is suspected of spreading pro-Russian propaganda within the EU and offering money to European politicians.
21:45 Ukrainian energy provider predicts nationwide power interruptions
In response to the Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the state energy provider has forecast power outages for the upcoming days. Ukrenergo made this announcement via Telegram. The actions are essential as energy consumption at the beginning of the week is escalating, and the power grid is being undermined by "brutal Russian attacks." Ukraine has had to enforce temporary power cuts since May due to damaged energy infrastructure. For Monday, the most significant power cuts are anticipated between 19 and 23 hours, Ukrenergo reports.
Read also:
- The Foreign Office in Berlin has criticized Russia for intentionally targeting areas in both east and west Ukraine, contributing to the ongoing unlawful war of aggression against Ukraine as a whole.
- German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius of the SPD, French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu, and Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz aim to establish a coalition of European states for the development of long-range weapons, demonstrating a readiness to assume responsibility during the NATO Summit in Washington.
- In response to Dobrindt's proposal to send jobless refugees from Ukraine back to secure zones in western Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, has stated that Ukraine is currently engaged in strikes on over 30 targets in the Russian oil sector, which has not been met with a Russian response.
- Amidst the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is expected to hold discussions in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron about further support for Ukraine, with Macron planning to form a coalition for the dispatch of Western military trainers to Ukraine.
