17:49 Serious accident: 14 dead in the northwest
In a heavy traffic accident in the northwestern part of Ukraine, 14 people have lost their lives. Among the victims was a six-year-old child, according to Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko on his Telegram channel. A fuel tanker collided with a taxi in the Rivne region. Emergency services and police are on site. Doctors are reportedly still fighting for the life of the only survivor, a severely injured woman. The bus was almost completely destroyed, as photos from the disaster response team showed.
17:33 Zelenskyy calls new British Prime Minister StarmerUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated the new British Prime Minister Keir Starmer by phone - and thanked him. Starmer had praised the Ukraine for its continued defense campaign against Russia. Zelenskyy shared that they had coordinated positions ahead of the NATO summit coming week (9-11 July).
17:17 Ukraine to receive help with landmine removalJapan and Cambodia will help Ukraine in landmine clearance. Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa announced this during a visit to Phnom Penh. Japan will make a powerful mine-clearing machine available to Ukraine in the coming week. Ukrainian specialists are scheduled to be trained in Cambodja, a world leader in this field, in mine clearance and machine operation in August.
16:36 Biden could receive Selenskyy next weekUS President Joe Biden could receive his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Selenskyy at the White House next week. During the NATO summit coming week (9-11 July) in Washington, it could happen, according to a press briefing at the White House. Several bilateral meetings with other government leaders are being prepared, including one with Selenskyy.
16:01 Armenia holds military exercises with US troopsArmenia, a neighboring country of Turkey and a former Soviet republic, is moving closer to the US. From July 15 to July 25, the country plans to hold joint military exercises with the US. The focus will be on peacekeeping. Armenia's relations with Moscow have deteriorated recently. The government in Yerevan is disappointed with Russia's behavior during the war with Azerbaijan over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh. They did not come to Armenia's aid. Before that, Armenia had already distanced itself from Russia, after it attacked Ukraine.
15:20 Estonia delivers several Mistral systemsThe Ukraine is receiving a new air defense system, this time from Estonia. The country attacked by Russia has already received several short-range anti-aircraft missile systems with ammunition, the Estonian Defense Ministry announced on X. It is a French-made system that has a range of six kilometers. It is designed to provide protection against low-flying helicopters and aircraft.
14:44 Turkey proposes "Peace Platform" for Ukraine peace efforts
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has made a new proposal for peace in Ukraine. According to a Turkish newspaper, a "Peace Platform" could expand peace efforts by preventing deepening polarization, having a broad participant base and representation, and prioritizing diplomacy. "A Peace Platform that prevents deepening polarization, has a wide participant base and representation, and prioritizes diplomacy should be established," he reportedly said. He did not provide details. Recently, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also offered to help mediate an end to the war at an international summit in Kazakhstan. Russia has already rejected this.
13:53 Russia reports capture of additional settlement in Donetsk
Russian troops, according to Moscow's reports, have taken control of another settlement in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk. The approximately 30-kilometer northwest of the city of Donetsk located village of Sokil was "liberated," the Russian Defense Ministry announced. The region of Donetsk, along with Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, is one of the Ukrainian regions that Moscow declared annexed in September 2022. According to Ukrainian reports, the fiercest fighting is currently taking place along the entire front line in the region.
13:40 Le Pen: No French long-range weapons to Russian targets in case of RN victory
Marine Le Pen, the leader of the right-wing National Rally (RN), announced that in the event of an RN victory in the French elections, French long-range weapons would not be allowed to be used for an attack on Russia. She made this statement in an interview with the US broadcaster CNN. Her party would also not allow French troops to be stationed in Ukraine, which French President Emmanuel Macron has not ruled out. "If Emmanuel Macron wants to send troops to Ukraine and the prime minister is against it, then there will be no troops in Ukraine," Le Pen said. The only red line, according to her, is to prevent France from becoming a warring party. The French are voting for their parliament tomorrow.
12:49 ISW: Putin confirms goal of destroying Ukraine as a state
During Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's visit to the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin once again rejected the idea of a negotiated ceasefire. The US think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported this. Instead, Putin aims for an end to the war that erases Ukraine's sovereignty. Among the conditions for peace talks are the cession of significant Ukrainian territories to Russia and the complete surrender of the Ukrainian military.
12:30 Ukraine: Half of electricity generation capacity lost due to Russian attacks
The Ukrainian electricity generation capacity has lost more than half of what was available before Russian full-scale invasion, according to a report by the EU ambassador to the country in the Financial Times in June. Russian attacks over the past three months have reportedly reduced the country's electricity generation by nine Gigawatts - approximately half of what was required for the power grid during the previous winter. There is a risk that Ukraine may not have electricity, and possibly also no heat and no water, during the upcoming winter.
11:58 Ukrainian General Staff: 139 engagements yesterday
The Ukrainian General Staff reported 139 engagements along the frontlines in their situation report for the past 24 hours. Most of these took place in the Pokrowsk sector in the Donetsk oblast in eastern Ukraine. The army reported six rocket attacks and 55 air raids with 72 air-dropped bombs and over 3000 attacks using artillery shells. In the northern region, around Kharkiv, Russian troops also used fighter jets.
11:22 Ukraine calls for Olympic ban for Russian athletes supporting the war
Ukraine is calling for Russian athletes to be excluded from the Olympics in Paris if they are found to be supporting the military. The International Olympic Committee decided in December that Russian and Belarusian athletes could participate as "neutral athletes" if they met strict participation conditions. They would not be allowed to form teams, display flags, or anything else associated with their home country. The Ukrainian Olympic Committee now reports that some Russian athletes qualified for the Olympics have been found to support the Ukrainian war and Putin's politics online. Some athletes have also participated in propaganda events.
10:52 Ukraine: 12 civilians killed by Russian attacks
The Russian army, according to Ukrainian reports, dropped 19 bombs on the Charkiw region in the past 24 hours. The head of the regional military administration in Charkiw reported this to the Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform. Three people were reportedly killed and six others were injured in Charkiw. Eleven civilians were reported killed and 43 injured in the Donetsk oblast.
10:08 Ukrainian General Staff: 1260 Russian losses since yesterday
The Ukrainian General Staff reported 1260 losses among Russian soldiers for the past 24 hours. According to Ukrainian sources, this brings the total number of Russian soldiers killed and injured since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in February 2022 to approximately 549,000. In addition, since yesterday, eleven tanks, 58 drones, 18 armored vehicles, and nine Russian missile systems were reportedly destroyed, as well as 66 artillery systems.
09:29 It could happen that Putin attacks the Baltic regionSecurity experts consider a Russian attack on the Baltic region in the next few years to be possible to realistic. NATO assures its members of support, but the alliance's solidarity leaves room for different reactions by other states. How could an attack on NATO's northern flank unfold?
09:11 NATO summit brings news of F-16 jets for UkraineDuring the upcoming NATO summit in Washington, Ukraine can expect new statements regarding the delivery of F-16 fighter jets. This was announced by a high-ranking US government official during a briefing. The training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16s has reportedly made significant progress. The Ukrainian army is still waiting for the first jets to arrive. The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and Belgium have pledged to provide them.
08:30 One-third of Russians support atomic attack on UkraineAccording to an opinion poll presented by Russian propagandist Sergey Mardan on Russian state television, one-third of the Russian population is in favor of attacking Ukraine with atomic weapons. They align with Vladimir Solovyov, who consistently calls for the use of atomic weapons in the Ukrainian conflict. In the Russian nightlife, meanwhile, patriotism is on the rise. Russian artists are making clear patriotic appeals.
08:17 AfD welcomes Orban's visit to PutinThe AfD welcomes the criticized Ukraine talks between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Russian President Vladimir Putin. "Hungary is taking the lead and speaking with both direct conflict parties from the first day of its EU Council presidency," explains the foreign policy spokesman of the faction, Matthias Moosdorf. "The AfD fraction welcomes the fact that, at the highest European level, the possibilities of a ceasefire with the goal of peace talks are being prioritized." He refers to the "EU and its personnel" as warmongers.
07:52 Ukraine: Invaders threaten to deport Ukrainians without Russian passportsIn the occupied territories of Ukraine, the Russians are reportedly threatening to deport residents without Ukrainian passports, according to Ukrainian reports. The Information Resistance Center reports that this practice has been used before. "The occupiers have applied this method frequently. Residents are taken to a checkpoint and expelled from their homeland," the resistance center shares. In some cases, people are reportedly forced to obtain Russian passports. During the latest raids in the south, residents were allegedly threatened with deportation and seizure of their property.
07:19 SPD expert calls for more money for defense
Members of the German government are expressing concerns over the financing of the Bundeswehr in light of the agreement on the federal budget 2025. The military must procure weapons and ammunition, which it gives to Ukraine, from its own budget. SPD budget expert Andreas Schwarz spoke of a "disappointing figure" in response to the meager increase in defense spending of only 1.2 billion euros. This does not "meet what we need in the defense sector," Schwarz told the "Tagesspiegel." The president of the Reservists' Association, Patrick Sensburg, also noted that this would make Germany "not war-ready."
06:37 Ukraine: Drones attacked Belgorod, Russia
In drone attacks on the Russian city of Shebekino in the Belgorod region, several buildings, vehicles, and an industrial plant were damaged, and one person was injured, according to the local governor. A total of 11 houses were damaged and power lines in the community were damaged, as well as social infrastructure.
06:10 Zelensky thanks new British prime minister
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the new British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his support of Ukraine. "I am grateful to Keir Starmer for his assurance that Britain's support for Ukraine remains unchanged," Zelensky wrote on Telegram. He and Starmer had aligned their positions prior to the NATO summit coming up in the next week. According to a high-ranking US official, NATO will present a "bridge to membership" for Ukraine at the upcoming meeting in Washington.
03:45 Burning oil depots after drone attack in Russia
Ukrainian drones are reported to have attacked several areas in the Russian region of Krasnodar. The Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported that debris from a downed drone damaged a mobile phone mast in Jeisk. In other locations, several fuel tanks were said to have caught fire. There were no reported injuries.
02:07 Sumy without water and power due to drone attacks, Ukraine
According to local authorities, Russian drone attacks have disrupted the water and power supply in the northern Ukrainian city of Sumy. The public broadcaster Suspilne reported a series of explosions in the city. The Sumy region is almost daily targeted by Russian positions across the border.
00:28 Eight people killed, at least 28 injured in Russian attacks in Eastern Ukraine
According to Ukrainian reports, eight people were killed and at least 28 were injured in Russian attacks in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk. "Every city and every village in the Donetsk region is constantly threatened by enemy attacks," Governor Wadym Filaschkin wrote on Telegram. Independent of this, Russian troops had dropped three guided bombs on the further southwestern village of Komar, killing a 32-year-old woman and injuring 20 other people. Thirteen private houses, four businesses, two residential buildings, and two infrastructure facilities were damaged in the attack.
23:16 Starmer confirms "unwavering" support for Biden on UkraineBritain's new Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed Britain's "unlimited" support for Ukraine in its war against Russia during his first phone call with US President Joe Biden. The two leaders reaffirmed their "unwavering commitment" to Ukraine, with Starmer emphasizing that "the UK fully supports Ukraine," according to a statement from Starmer's office just hours after his swearing-in.
21:49 US cancels military drills with GeorgiaThe US is canceling planned joint military drills with Georgia amid tensions with the Georgian government. The US military participation in the "Noble Partner" exercises, originally scheduled for late July to early August, is "suspended indefinitely," the US Defense Department announced. The background for this decision were "baseless accusations" from the Georgian government. The Pentagon refers to statements that the US pressured Georgia to go to war with Russia and was involved in "two coup attempts" against the government.
20:35 Source: Hungary cancels planned meeting with BaerbockThe planned Monday trip of Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock to Budapest is not taking place. The Hungarian side unexpectedly canceled the meeting with Baerbock, according to the Foreign Office.
21:20 Zelensky thanks Germany for third Patriot systemUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanks Germany for the delivery of the third Patriot air defense system. "This is great news," Zelensky says in his evening video message. He also thanks the US for further steps to strengthen Ukrainian air defense. He does not mention details, but says that Ukraine has already shown that it can shoot down Russian rockets. "The Ukraine has proven that there are no Russian rockets that we cannot shoot down," Zelensky says. The country is doing everything to ensure that Russian terror ends.
20:48 NATO expert: "We must bring down Russia"NATO expert Stefanie Babst calls for a more decisive approach by the defense alliance against Russia. "We can only keep up with this adversary by bringing down the Russian regime. And not only drive it out of Ukraine, but also reduce its sphere of influence, so that it no longer exerts its toxic influence in Europe," Babst said in the Tagesanbruch podcast of t-online. For this, more decisive action is needed. "We look at Putin like Lord Voldemort and are afraid that he will pull out his wand. We have to get rid of this notion," Babst appeals. The 60-year-old is a former leading staff member of the International Staff of NATO.
20:15 Kreml not optimistic after Labour victory in Britain
The Russian leadership does not expect any changes in the strained relations between Moscow and London following the Labour Party's victory in Britain. The Kreml is "not optimistic" according to its spokesperson Dmitri Peskov in Moscow. "Based on their previous statements, they do not lean towards any flexibility or creativity to normalize the bilateral Russian-British relations."
You can read about previous developments here.
- In response to Keir Starmer's praise for Ukraine's defense campaign, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the new British Prime Minister and shared that they had coordinated positions ahead of the NATO summit, which is set for July 9-11.
- During the upcoming NATO summit, US President Joe Biden could receive Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyy at the White House. They are scheduled to meet during several bilateral meetings, including one with Selenskyy.
- In the midst of the ongoing Ukraine conflict, Russia has been accused of launching cyber warfare attacks against Ukraine. According to reports, Russian hackers have targeted critical infrastructure, including power plants and government systems, causing disruptions and causing concern among Ukrainian officials.
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy has met with various world leaders to discuss military operations in the region and receive support for Ukraine. In a recent meeting with the Turkish Foreign Minister, Zelenskyy discussed the possibility of Turkey playing a role in mediating an end to the war.
- The conflict in Ukraine has prompted a number of countries to strengthen their military apparatus and provide aid to Ukraine. For instance, Estonia has delivered several Mistral systems to Ukraine, providing the country with additional protection against Russian aggression.
