18:04 Kuleba names two key solutions against Russian advance
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba proposes two solutions to stop the advance of Russian troops on the battlefield. On the one hand, Russian jet fighters need to be destroyed, on the other hand, there should be sufficient supply of artillery shells for Ukrainian troops, Kuleba tells Lithuanian radio LRT. The trend of gradual occupation of Ukrainian territory by Russia can be reversed, but it is "very difficult" and requires "many decisions," according to Kuleba. The main reason for Russian success, he sees in the "endless number of guided bombs dropped on our ground troops." Russian aviation is a "real pain point."
17:42 Duma bans deputies' travel abroad without permissionRussian deputies and senators are no longer allowed to travel freely abroad without permission. 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 criticism in Russia about deputies' trips abroad, which were often published 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 US president. This was not changed by Biden's weak performance in the TV debate against Trump, Putin told Russian state television. In response to a reporter's question, whether Biden or Trump is better, Putin answered: "Nothing has changed." Putin had already stated several times that he prefers Biden over Trump. He watched the entire TV debate but did not finish it. "I have seen some parts," Putin said. "But I have enough to do."
16:51 NATO to significantly expand weapons productionThe NATO countries plan to commit themselves to significantly expanding weapons production at their summit next week in Washington. The plan, according to a NATO representative, includes the submission of future national defense industry plans. In addition, 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 air defense systems, precision-guided projectiles, and 155-millimeter artillery ammunition. A concrete 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 the new goals.
16:30 Ukraine: Patriot intercepts all rockets fired at KievAccording to Ukrainian statements, all rockets fired at targets in Kiev from Russia have been intercepted since the US provided Patriot air defense systems to the country last year. This is stated by Ukrainian Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Serhii Yaremenko in an interview with Ukrinform. "Since the beginning of May 2023, not a single ballistic [rocket] 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 "Saporischschja NPP" Must Cease
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports drone incursions near the Russian-controlled Saporischschja Nuclear Power Plant, citing the Russian administration of the facility. "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 Saporischschja Nuclear Power Plant," says IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.
15:35 Zelenskyy: Brigades Await Approved Western Weapons
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy states that western military aid is coming too slowly to the country. In an interview with Bloomberg, he says, "We have 14 brigades that don't have the necessary weapons, which have already been approved and discussed." Nevertheless, he expresses gratitude for the support of western partners.
15:13 London: Russia Targeting Ukrainian Resources
According 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 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 seeks to destroy the Ukrainian economy."
14:48 Putin and Xi Deepen Anti-Western Alliance
At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin reaffirmed their alliance as a counterbalance to the western world. Xi calls on summit attendees to "resist external interference" at the summit's conclusion in Astana. Xi urges members 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 "stands on the right side of history." The SCO comprises ten countries representing approximately half the world's population. Permanent members include the current host Kazakhstan, India, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and now Belarus.
14:24 Putin Speaks of Negotiation Readiness
Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasizes Russia's supposed readiness for peace talks in his war against Ukraine during a meeting with several heads of state at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Astana. Putin states that Russia has always been for a political-diplomatic resolution to the conflict. Moscow, which has been waging a destructive war against Ukraine for over 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 scheduled to travel to Russia at the beginning of the 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 at their meetings on Monday and Tuesday, according to the Russian Presidential Administration. India has been trying to remain neutral in Russia's military conflict with Ukraine. Modi has repeatedly urged both sides to engage in dialogue, but has criticized Russia's actions. Instead, India has increased its purchase of Russian oil, helping Moscow mitigate the effects of Western sanctions.
13:32 Russia attacks Ukrainian National Guard base
Russian troops are reportedly attacking a base of the Ukrainian National Guard in Vyschhorod in the Kiev region. This information was provided 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 report 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: Frenchman to remain in pre-trial detention
A Russian court has ruled that a French 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 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 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 border crossings from Belarus
Latvia has recorded more attempts of irregular border crossings from Belarus this week. Border Guard Chief Guntis Pujats stated 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 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 organized transfer of migrants to the EU 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 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, with its Russia policy, has regained lost trust as a result. "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 suspected Russian intelligence agents. 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 Federal Security Service (FSB). The two, described as a "freshly married couple," were reportedly seen taking pictures of "necessary" objects in the area. Along with additional information, the two alleged FSB agents are said to have provided the photos to the Russian intelligence service. According to the Ukrainian Security Service, the "couple" was caught "in the act."
10:50 Ukraine: 21 of 22 Russian drones shot down
Ukraine reports that it has largely thwarted a Russian drone attack in the night. The air defense system shot down 21 of 22 attack drones, the Ukrainian Air Force reports. They were destroyed over six regions in northern and central Ukraine. According to the Air Force, they were Schahed drones of Iranian production.
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 founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Later, India, Pakistan, and Iran joined. In addition to Putin and Xi, the attendees include the host, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Pakistani 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. 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 Russia due to its 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 their data, Russia has lost approximately 547,470 soldiers in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. In the last 24 hours alone, the losses amounted to 1,200. Russia, according to Ukraine, has lost 8,132 tanks, 15,600 artillery systems, 360 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 11,694 drones, 28 ships, and one submarine. Western estimates put the casualty numbers much lower, but they admit these are only minimum figures.
09:30 Report: Ukrainian forces withdraw from Tschassiw Jar
The Ukrainian military has withdrawn from a part of the strategically important Ukrainian city of Tschassiw Jar, according to their own reports. "It was no longer possible to hold the Canal Quarter, as the enemy had breached our defenses," says a Ukrainian military spokesperson. The defensive positions had been 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 even there. Tschassiw Jar is located in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk, about 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
In the last 24 hours, the Russians attacked the region of Saporischschja 391 times, 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 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. Additionally, the Russians fired 200 artillery shells at the areas of Gulyaypol, Mala Tokmachka, Novoandriivka, Robotyne, Levadne, Malynivka, and Plavni.
08:33 Russia: Strike on Ukrainian base destroys combat jet
Russian forces reportedly used the Iskander surface-to-air missile system to attack a Ukrainian Air Force base's aircraft parking lot in the Dnipropetrovsk region, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. The attack reportedly destroyed a MiG-29 fighter jet, air defense systems, and other aviation equipment of the Ukrainian Air Force. The Russian Defense Ministry posted a video of the destruction on Telegram. The video spread widely on social media.
07:47 Video: "Vampire" of Ukraine forces Russians to pay "Price in Blood"
Dozens of Russians are reportedly falling victims every day to what is called the "Vampire," 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. They have enough ammunition for the beast, 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 turn to alternative payment methods such as cryptocurrencies for international transactions. Central Bank Chair Elvira Nabiullina acknowledged at a conference in St. Petersburg that such payments pose a significant challenge for the Russian economy. However, new financial technologies also offer new opportunities. "Therefore, we have softened our stance on the use of cryptocurrencies in international transactions and now allow the use of digital assets in 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, provided by local government officials. 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 energy infrastructure there. Ukraine initiated "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 General Staff in Kiev, the Russian military is trying to "increase the intensity" of attacks on Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. Consequently, defense lines are reinforced, and more ammunition is being transported to this front 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 reportedly always on the lookout 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 economics.
03:59 Kiev denies Russian victories in Chassiv Yar
The Ukraine refutes Russian reports stating 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 additional needs of his country to be at least six more 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 the Inspector General of the Bundeswehr, Carsten Breuer, to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "I meet soldiers and soldiers on troop visits who say: Yes, we want to participate. There is definitely a great willingness to set up the brigade in Litauen, because many see a sense in it. Many soldiers and soldiers have already collected positive experiences in Litauen: the gratitude of the people and the heartfelt welcome. They say, I can also imagine a stationing 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 want, the mandate to make the Bundeswehr battle-ready." Breuer 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 treason
According to a court statement, a Russian court sentenced three brothers to lengthy prison terms in Moscow because they wanted to join a pro-Ukrainian unit. The three men, aged between 19 and 24, were reportedly sentenced 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. The prosecutor's office stated that the brothers had 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 light of Western sanctions. For international transactions, such cryptocurrencies are now permitted, according to Central Bank Chair Elvira Nabiullina in St. Petersburg. The CEO 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." Whatever Russia does, the reaction from Western countries will be "very quick," warns Kostin.
22:16 Erdogan offers "foundation" for peace, Moscow denies intermediary role
First, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, after a meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Kazakhstan, declared that Turkey could help establish the foundation for ending the conflict. However, the Russian government spokesman Dmitri Peskov stated, according to Russian news agencies, that Turkey would not assume an intermediary role. Russian news agencies quote Peskov with the response: "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, rationing strictly
Ukraine imported over 858,000 Megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity in June 2024, which is 91% more than the May imports and more than the entire year 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 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.
- Kuleba calls for destruction of Russian jet fighters and increased artillery supply to Ukraine - Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba proposes the need to destroy Russian jet fighters and provide sufficient artillery ammunition to Ukrainian troops to halt the advance of Russian forces, as stated during an interview with Lithuanian radio LRT.
- Russia bans deputies' travel abroad without permission - The Russian State Duma passes a law restricting Russian deputies and senators from traveling abroad without prior approval, in response to criticism about their trips during military operations in Ukraine.
- Putin prefers Biden over Trump as US president - Russian President Vladimir Putin expresses his continued preference for Joe Biden over Donald Trump as US president, despite Biden's weak performance in the 2020 TV debate against Trump.
- NATO to significantly expand weapons production - NATO countries plan to commit to increasing weapons production at their summit and will submit future national defense industry plans, as well as initiate joint procurement projects for war-winning ammunition, including rockets and large-caliber artillery shells.
- Cyberwar and political tensions threaten Ukrainian-Russian relations - The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine escalates with reports of cyberattacks and political maneuvers, such as expelling diplomats and imposing sanctions, exacerbating tensions and making a peaceful resolution more challenging. In this context, the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Selensky, calls for support from the international community to withstand Russian aggression.
