17:17 After TV debate: Putin still prefers Biden as US president
Putin: I still prefer Biden over Trump in the White House, according to his own statement. This didn't change after Biden's weak performance in the TV debate against Trump, Putin told Russian state television. In response to a reporter's question about who is better, Putin said: "Nothing has changed." Putin has previously stated that he prefers Biden over Trump. He watched the TV debate in full but only saw some fragments. "I have enough to do," Putin said.
16:51: NATO to significantly expand arms productionNATO countries are planning to commit to significantly expanding arms production at their summit next week in Washington. The plan, according to a NATO representative, includes the submission of future national defense industry plans. Additionally, there will be more joint procurement projects and initiatives for purchasing so-called battle-winning munitions. To this category, within the alliance, belong for example rockets for missile defense systems, precision-guided projectiles, and 155-millimeter artillery shells. A specific investment amount is not mentioned in the agreement of the NATO states. According to the official, however, 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 from Russia have been intercepted since the USA provided Patriot air defense systems to the country last year. This was stated by Ukrainian Air Force Major General Serhii Yaremenko in an interview with Ukrinform. "Since the beginning of 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 in Zaporizhzhia, citing the plant's Russian administration. "It is extremely worrying 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," IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi said.
15:35: Zelenskyy: Brigades are waiting for approved Western weaponsAccording to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, Western military aid is coming too slowly to the country. This complicates the situation at the front, he said in an interview with Bloomberg. "We have 14 brigades that don't have the necessary weapons, which have already been approved and discussed," Zelenskyy said. However, he expressed gratitude for the support of Western partners.
15:13 London: Russia targets Ukrainian resources
According to the British Defense Ministry, Russia may target Ukrainian resource deliveries such as gold, uranium and coal to "undermine" the Ukrainian economy. In its latest intelligence report, the Defense Ministry states that Ukrainian government sources have "for a long time" pointed to 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 tries to destroy the Ukrainian economy".
14:48 Putin and Xi deepen anti-western alliance
At the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin confirmed their alliance as a counterweight to the western world. Xi called on the participants at the closing of the meeting in Astana to "resist external interference". Xi urged the member states to "support each other, care for each other's concerns (...) and take the future and destiny of our countries, as well as peace and development in the region, into our own hands". It is of "great significance" that the SCO "stays on the right side of history". The SCO comprises ten countries representing approximately half of the world population. Among the permanent members are 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, head of the Kremlin, emphasized Russia's alleged readiness for peace talks in its war against Ukraine to several leaders. At the summit of the security-focused Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana, Putin said that Russia had always advocated a political-diplomatic solution 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. 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 due to travel to Russia at the beginning of next week for talks with President Vladimir Putin. 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, the Russian Presidium announced. India has tried to remain neutral in Russia's war against Ukraine. Modi has repeatedly called on both sides to dialogue and criticized Russia's actions, but has also significantly increased Russian oil purchases, which helps the Russian government mitigate the effects of western sanctions.
13:32 Russia attacks position of Ukrainian National Guard
Russian troops are reportedly attacking a position of the Ukrainian National Guard in Vyschgorod in the Kiev region. This is reported by 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 belong to the Defense Ministry but to the Interior Ministry. According to RIA Novosti, there have been two attacks on the military base on General Kulchitsky Street, resulting in explosions.
13:07 Russian court: Detained Frenchman to remain in pre-trial detention
A Russian court has ruled that a French state citizen must remain in pre-trial detention until August. The court in Moscow has rejected the habeas corpus petition of the 47-year-old political expert Laurent Vinatier. He is accused of collecting information about "military and military-technical activities" of Russia. This offense can be punished with up to five years in prison. The political expert was arrested in Switzerland at the end of June at the large international Ukraine peace conference in Geneva. Vinatier works for the HD Centre, a Geneva-based non-governmental organization. The organization announced on June 7 that it would also contact the Russian authorities for clarification of the charges against its employee.
12:30 Latvia reports 160 illegal border crossings from Belarus
Latvia has recorded more attempted illegal border crossings from 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 green EU border from Belarus.
Latvia borders Belarus for approximately 172 kilometers in the east, making it one of Russia's closest allies. Latvia, Poland, and Lithuania accuse Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko of organizing the mass migration to the EU external border with the intention of putting 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 next 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 Secret Service "Pair" Arrested in Spionage Case
The Ukrainian Security Service SBU has detained two suspected members of the Russian Federal Security Service FSB. According to the SBU, 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 on behalf of the Russian secret service. The two, allegedly a "freshly married couple," were reportedly spotted in the area taking pictures of "necessary" objects, according to the SBU. The two alleged FSB agents are said to have given the photos to the Russian secret service. The Ukrainian Security Service claims the "couple" was caught "in the act."
10:50 Ukraine: 21 of 22 Russian Drones Shot Down
Ukraine claims it has largely thwarted a Russian drone attack in the night, shooting down 21 of 22 attacking drones. The Air Force reports this. They were destroyed over six regions in northern and central Ukraine. According to the Air Force, these were Schahed drones of Iranian production.
10:33 SCO Summit in Kazakhstan: Putin and Xi 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 alliance was founded 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, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the presidents of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus, and Iran's acting president Mohammad Mokhber. For Belarus, which is authoritatively governed, this is the official new member of the SCO. Among the observer states and dialogue partners are Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. For Putin, the summit offers another opportunity to illustrate the failure of Western efforts to isolate his country due to the attack on Ukraine.
10:02 Ukraine Publishes Numbers 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 one day alone, 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, 360 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 11,694 drones, 28 ships, and one submarine, according to the Ukrainian General Staff. Western estimates give lower loss figures - but these are also only minimum values.
09:30 Report: Ukrainian Forces withdraw from Chassiv Yar
The Ukrainian army has withdrawn from a part of the strategically important Ukrainian city Chassiv Yar, according to their own statements. "It was no longer possible to hold the Canal Quarter, after the enemy had infiltrated," says a Ukrainian military spokesperson. The defensive positions had been destroyed and the lives of their own soldiers were at risk. The military command had decided on a withdrawal to better fortified positions. However, even there, the enemy continued their combat activities. Chassiv Yar 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 after months of intense fighting.
09:07 Governor: 391 Russian attacks on Zaporizhzhia within 24 hours
The Russians attacked the Zaporizhzhia region 391 times within the last 24 hours, according to the governor of the south-eastern Ukrainian region, Ivan Fyodorov, in a morning report on Telegram. A man was killed in Vasylivka and a woman in Polohiv, and a man in the city of Zaporizhzhia was wounded. Fyodorov reports two air raids on Novoandriivka, 177 drone attacks on Chervonodniprovka, Gulyaypole, Levadne, Robotyno, Mala Tokmachka, Malynivka, Novoandriivka, Uspenivka and Novopavlivka. Twelve MLRS attacks hit Robotyne and Novoandriivka. Additionally, the Russians fired 200 artillery shells on the territories of Gulyaypole, Mala Tokmachka, Novoandriivka, Robotyne, Levadne, Malynivka and Plavni.
08:33 Russia: Strike on Ukrainian base destroys jet
Russian forces are reported to have attacked the Ukrainian military base at Dolgintsevo in the Dnipropetrovsk region with Iskander ground-to-air missile systems. 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. On Telegram, the Russian Defense Ministry posted a video 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 killed every day by what is called the "Vampire," a multiple rocket launcher from Czech production. The Ukrainians use it to defend the front line - "We will not give up our land for free," they say. They have enough ammunition for the beast, but they lack soldiers.
07:22 Crypto as a loophole: Russian Central Bank wants to bypass sanctions with crypto
The Russian Central Bank encourages Russian businesses to use alternative payment methods like cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners in the face of Western sanctions. Central Bank Chair Elvira Nabiullina acknowledged at a conference in St. Petersburg that such payments pose a major challenge for the Russian economy. However, she also sees new opportunities in the new financial technologies. "That's why 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. 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. In response, Ukraine began "blackouts" in May. During these blackouts, the power grid is deliberately shut off. 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 attempting to "intensify the attack" on 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 defensive 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 considers dismissing his prime minister
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is considering dismissing Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal, according to the newspaper "Ukrainska Prawda." 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 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 for 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 additional needs of his country to be at least six more Patriot systems.
01:43 Bundeswehr: Many applicants for NATO brigade in Lithuania
Apparently, there are enough soldiers for the planned permanent Bundeswehr brigade in Lithuania. "We had to fill about 120 positions for the staff of the Lithuanian brigade. We managed to fill 115 of these positions within a week. And we had 900 applications," says the Inspector General of the Bundeswehr, Carsten Breuer, to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "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 a deployment there with my family."
00:45 Inspector General calls for billions for Bundeswehr
The Inspector General 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 mandate 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 sentences three brothers to 17 years in prison in Russia for treason
According to a court statement in Russia, a court in Moscow 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 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 "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 like cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners in the face of Western sanctions. For international transactions, such cryptocurrencies are now permitted, according to Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina in St. Petersburg. VTB Bank's CEO, Andrey Kostin, urges that these new payment methods be classified as state secrets. "I can easily imagine that right now, in this moment, there is an undersecretary in the US embassy writing down every one of 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 declared after a meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Kazakhstan that Turkey could help establish the foundation for an end to the war. However, Russia's 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 imports more electricity in June than in the entire year 2023, rations 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 contributed 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.
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed concern over the slow delivery of Western military aid, stating that 14 Ukrainian brigades are lacking approved weapons, which have already been discussed and approved.
- Russia has been accused by the British Defense Ministry of targeting Ukrainian resource deliveries such as gold, uranium, and coal with the intention of "undermining" the Ukrainian economy.
- In response to the attack on Ukraine, NATO countries are planning to significantly expand arms production at their summit, with more joint procurement projects and initiatives for purchasing battle-winning munitions like rockets and artillery shells.
- In a statement, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized Russia's alleged readiness for peace talks in its war against Ukraine, stating that Moscow has always advocated a political-diplomatic solution to the conflict.
- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) called for an immediate stop to drone attacks near the Russian-controlled nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia, which poses a clear danger to the safety of the plant and the people in the area.
