17:42 Duma bans MPs from going on vacation abroad
Russian Deputies and Senators are not allowed to travel freely abroad without permission in the future. If deputies, who sometimes have access to sensitive information or even state secrets, take vacations abroad without approval, they risk losing their mandate. The State Duma passed such a law recently. Previously, there had been significant criticism in Russia about deputies' trips abroad, which had even published pictures of their luxury tours on social media, while many of their compatriots were in military service at the front in Ukraine, getting injured or killed.
17:17 After TV Debate: Putin still prefers Biden over Trump as US PresidentRussian President Putin, according to his own statement, still prefers Biden over Trump as the US President. Biden's weak performance in the TV debate against Trump did not change Putin's opinion, he told Russian state television. In response to a reporter's question about whether Biden or Trump was better, Putin said: "Nothing has changed." Putin had already stated several times that he preferred Biden over Trump. He watched the entire TV duel but did not finish it. "I have seen some parts," Putin said. "But I have enough to do."
16:51 NATO to significantly expand arms productionThe NATO countries plan to commit themselves to significantly expanding arms production at their upcoming summit in Washington next week. 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 the purchase of so-called war-winning ammunition. To this category belong, for example, rockets for missile defense systems, precision-guided projectiles, and 155-millimeter artillery shells. A specific investment sum 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 Kiev-targeted ballistic missile launchesAccording to Ukrainian reports, all ballistic missiles launched from Russia at targets in Kiev have been intercepted since the USA provided Patriot air defense systems to the country last year. This was stated by Ukrainian Air Force Lieutenant-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 ballistic missiles have been launched at Kiev, and all have been successfully intercepted," Yaremenko said.
16:00 IAEA chief: Drone attacks at nuclear power plant "must stop"The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported drone attacks near the Russian-controlled nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia, citing the plant's Russian administration. "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. They must stop immediately," IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi said.
15:35: Zelenskyy: Brigades are waiting for approved western weapons
According to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, western military aid is coming too slowly to the country. This complicates the situation at the front, he says in an interview with Bloomberg. ""We have 14 brigades that do not have the necessary weapons, which have already been approved and discussed"", so Zelenskyy. However, he is grateful for the support of western partners, he emphasizes.
15:13 London: Russia targeting Ukrainian resources
According to the British Defence Ministry, Russia may target Ukrainian resource deliveries such as gold, uranium, and coal to "undermine" the Ukrainian economy. In its latest intelligence report, the Defence Ministry explains 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 attempts 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 calls on the participants to resist "interference from outside" at the end of the meeting in Astana. Xi urges the 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 "great significance" that the SCO "stays on the right side of history". The SCO includes ten countries, representing approximately half of the world population. Among the permanent members are the host country Kazakhstan, India, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and now also Belarus.
14:24 Putin speaks of readiness for peace talks
Vladimir Putin, head of the Kremlin, emphasizes Russia's alleged readiness for peace talks in his war against Ukraine. At the summit of the security-focused Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana, Putin says that Russia has always been for 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 says. Moscow insists that Ukraine renounces all annexed territories, which Kiev rejects.
14:04 Kremlin: Modi to travel to Russia for talks with Putin
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to travel to Russia at the beginning of next week for talks with President Vladimir Putin. According to the Russian Presidential Administration, Modi and Putin will discuss the prospects for further developing bilateral relations and international and regional issues at their meetings on Monday and Tuesday. India has tried to remain neutral in Russia's military conflict with Ukraine. Modi has repeatedly urged both sides to engage in dialogue, but has also criticized Russia's actions. Instead, India has increased its purchase of Russian oil, helping the Russian government mitigate the effects of Western sanctions.
13:32 Russia attacks Ukrainian National Guard post
Russian troops are reported to have attacked a Ukrainian National Guard post in Vyschgorod in the Kiev region. According to RIA Novosti, citing the coordinator of the pro-Russian underground, Sergei Lebedev, there have been two attacks on the military base on General Kulchitsky Street, resulting in explosions. 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 on 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 until August. The court in Moscow has rejected the habeas corpus application 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 is punishable by up to five years in prison. Vinatier was arrested in Switzerland in mid-June at the large international Ukraine peace conference. He works for the HD Centre, a Geneva-based non-governmental organization. The organization reported on June 7 that it was also seeking clarification from Russian authorities regarding 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 said on television that there have been 160 such attempts since Monday. A total of 2,770 migrants have been prevented from illegally crossing the EU's green border from Belarus this year.
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 illegal migration to the EU's external border to put pressure on the EU.
12:00 Baerbock: Russia remains greatest threat to Europe for the foreseeable future
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 ahead of the upcoming NATO summit coming week in Washington. The West must therefore take action 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 due to its Russia policy. "We can't afford to squander that in budget negotiations", the Minister warns, looking at the current dispute in the traffic light coalition over the budget for 2025.
11:23 Kiev: Alleged 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 were spotted "spying around" necessary objects and took pictures. In addition to additional information, the two alleged FSB agents are said to have passed on the photos to the Russian security service. The Ukrainian Security Service claims to have caught the "couple" in the act.
10:50 Ukraine: 21 of 22 Russian drones shot down
Ukraine reports that it has largely repelled a Russian drone attack at night. The air defense shot down 21 of 22 attack drones, the Air Force reports. They were destroyed over six regions in northern and central Ukraine. According to the Air Force, they were Schahed drones from Iranian production.
10:33 SCO Summit in Kazakhstan: Putin and Xi want 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 founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Later, India, Pakistan, and Iran joined. Besides Putin and Xi, the guests of honor include 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 Mohammed Mokhber. For Iran, the businessman Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf was to participate. The authoritarian ruled Belarus has officially become a new SCO member since this summit. 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 war against Ukraine.
10:02 Ukraine reveals numbers of Russian losses
The Ukrainian General Staff has released new casualty figures for the Russian troops in Ukraine. According to the data, Russia has allegedly lost approximately 547,470 soldiers in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. In just 24 hours, the losses amounted to 1,200. Russia is reported to have lost 8,132 tanks, 15,600 artillery systems, and 360 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 11,694 drones, 28 ships, and one submarine, according to Ukraine. Western estimates suggest lower casualty numbers, which are, however, considered minimum values.
09:30 Report: Ukrainian forces withdraw from Tschassiw Jar
The Ukrainian military has reportedly withdrawn from a part of the strategically important Ukrainian city of Tschassiw Jar. "It was no longer possible to hold the Canal Quarter as the enemy had breached through," says a Ukrainian military spokesperson. The defensive positions were 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 operations there. Tschassiw Jar is located in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk, approximately 20 kilometers west of Bachmut, which was taken by Russian forces a year ago and reduced to rubble after months of intense fighting.
09:07 Governor: 391 Russian attacks on Saporischschja within 24 hours
The Russians reportedly attacked the Saporischschja region 391 times within the last 24 hours, according to the governor of the southeastern Ukrainian region, Iwan Fjodorow, in a morning report on Telegram. In this period, one man was killed in Vasylivka, and a woman was killed in Polohiv, while a man was injured in the city of Saporischschja. Fjodorow reported two air raids on Nowoandriiwka, 177 drone attacks on Tscherwonodniprowka, Gulyaypole, Levadne, Robotyno, Mala Tokmachka, Malynivka, Novoandriivka, Uspenivka, and Novopavlivka. Twelve MLRS attacks hit Robotyne and Nowoandriiwka, and the Russians fired 200 artillery shells at Gulyaypol, Mala Tokmachka, Novoandriivka, Robotyne, Levadne, Malynivka, and Plavni.
08:33 Russia: Strike on Ukrainian stronghold destroys fighter jet
Russian forces are reported to have attacked the Ukrainian military base at Dolgintsevo in the Dnipropetrowsk region with the Iskander ballistic missile system. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, a MiG-29 fighter jet, air defense systems, and other military vehicles of the Ukrainian Air Force were destroyed. The Russian Defense Ministry posted a video on Telegram that allegedly shows the destruction. This video has been widely shared on social media.
07:47 Video: "Vampir" of Ukraine forces Russians to pay "Price in Blood"
Dozens of Russians are reportedly falling victim every day to what is known as the "Vampir," a multiple rocket launcher from Czech production. The Ukrainians use it to defend their front lines - "We will not give up our land for free," they say. However, they have enough ammunition for the weapon, but they lack soldiers.
07:22 Crypto as a loophole: Russian Central Bank encourages domestic companies to use cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners to bypass sanctions
The Russian Central Bank is encouraging domestic companies, in light of Western sanctions, to resort to alternative payment methods such as cryptocurrencies for international transactions. Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina admitted at a conference in St. Petersburg that such payments are a major challenge for the Russian economy. However, 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 for such transactions."
06:52 At least five dead and 47 injured in Russian attack on Dnipro
According to Ukrainian authorities, at least five civilians were killed and 47 others 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 from local government representatives. Mayor Borys Filatov stated that the windows of two schools and three kindergartens were destroyed, as well as fragments 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. Ukraine began "load shedding" 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 power supply to the population.
05:44 Kiev's General Staff: Russians intensify attacks on Pokrovsk
According to the Kiev General Staff, the Russian military is trying to "intensify the shelling" of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. Consequently, defense lines are being reinforced, and more ammunition is being sent 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 considers dismissing his prime minister
According to the Ukrainian newspaper "Ukrainska Pravda," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is considering dismissing Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal. Insiders told the paper that Zelenskyy is frustrated with Schmyhal. It is said to be more of an emotional matter. Zelenskyy is constantly looking for creative solutions and proposals that Schmyhal does not provide. According to the sources, Schmyhal could be replaced by Julia Svirydzenka, the first deputy prime minister and minister of economy.
03:59 Kiev denies Russian successes 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 country's additional requirement at least at 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. 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 deployment 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 battle-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 announcement in Russia, three brothers were sentenced to lengthy prison terms by a court in Moscow 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, 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 Russia allows companies to use cryptocurrencies for international transactions
The Russian Central Bank encourages Russian companies to use alternative payment methods such as cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners in response to Western sanctions. Cryptocurrencies are now allowed for international transactions, according to Central Bank Chair Elvira Nabiullina in St. Petersburg. The head of Russia's second-largest bank, VTB, Andrey Kostin, urges the government to classify these new payment methods as state secrets. "I can easily imagine that right now in the US embassy, there's an undersecretary 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 "foundation" for peace, Moscow denies intermediary role
First, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced after a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kazakhstan that Turkey could help establish the foundation for an end to 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 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 May import volume and more than the total import volume in 2023. According to statistics from July 3. The largest electricity imports to Ukraine came from Hungary (42%). Slovakia and Romania each provided 17%, Poland 16%, and Moldova 8%. Russia intensified 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.
- Despite the recent travel restrictions for Russian deputies, pictures of their luxury vacations abroad continue to surface on social media, prompting criticism, especially while many Russian soldiers are fighting in Ukraine.
- In response to Putin's statement expressing his preference for Biden as US President, NATO is planning to significantly expand arms production, committing to future national defense industry plans and joint procurement projects.
- The Ukrainian Air Force has intercepted all ballistic missiles launched at Kiev since the USA provided Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine last year, according to Ukrainian reports.
- The attack on Ukraine by Russia is causing significant damage to the Ukrainian economy, with Russia potentially targeting Ukrainian resources such as gold, uranium, and coal to "undermine" the economy, according to the British Defence Ministry.
- The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Selensky, has expressed concern about the slow delivery of western military aid, stating that 14 Ukrainian brigades are currently without necessary weapons that have been approved and discussed.
