18:24 Rod Stewart Criticizes Putin, Expresses Opinion About Performances in Germany
Rocker Rod Stewart has chatted about Russian leader Vladimir Putin and stood by the people of Ukraine. Family members of his have delivered supplies to the country, Stewart's rented a house in England for a Ukrainian family, and he's hired two Ukrainians for his crew, as the British Press Association shared. The 79-year-old singer said, "Yeah, I back Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine, and I'll keep on doing so." During a performance in Leipzig, there were rumors of cheers, as well as boos and hisses, when Ukrainian flags and images of Zelenskyy were displayed, as several media outlets said. Stewart told PA that Putin needs to be stopped, and he's looking forward to playing his upcoming concerts in Hamburg, Cologne, and Munich. Known for hits like "Sailing," "Baby Jane," and "Have You Ever Seen The Rain," Stewart dedicated his song "Rhythm Of My Heart" to Ukraine during his performances, as PA reported.
18:02: Analyst agrees with SIPRI data: How high is the nuclear escalation risk?
In light of the Peace Research Institute SIPRI's global nuclear weapon analysis results, analyst Nico Lange calls for increased "conventional deterrence" for Germany and Europe. At the same time, he urges caution.
17:39: NATO jets intercept Russian planes over the Baltic Sea eleven times
NATO fighter jets reportedly took off multiple times to identify unidentified Russian military aircraft in the international airspace above the Baltic Sea, according to Lithuanian reports. Over the past week, eleven alarm call-ups were carried out, as the Defense Ministry in Vilnius shared. About two dozen Russian combat jets, bombers, reconnaissance, and transport planes, along with a civilian airplane, were identified, intercepted, and escorted, they said. Most of them were likely flying without a pre-filed flight plan, transponder signal, or radio contact.
17:10: Ukrainian military leader: Russia ramps up attacks before F-16 jet deliveries
According to Ukrainian evaluations, Russia is strengthening its attacks in preparation for announced deliveries of combat aircraft and other Western military aid to Kiev. Moscow is "well aware" that once the first US F-16 jets arrive, "the clock will be on our side," as Ukrainian Army Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said in online platforms. Therefore, Russia is making every possible effort to "enlarge the battlefield."
16:42: Putin appoints a relative as deputy defense minister
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly dismissed four deputy defense ministers and appointed a relative, Anna Zivileva, to one of the vacant positions, as Reuters reported. Putin removed Nikolai Pankov, Ruslan Zalikov, Tatjana Shevtsova, and Pavel Popov in a Kremlin decree. Zivileva, who is reportedly the daughter of one of Putin's cousins, was appointed as deputy defense minister.
16:22 Ukraine: after Rocket attack on Poltawa Thousands lose Power
Local reports suggest that nine people have been hurt and power lines have been damaged after a Russian rocket attack in the Ukrainian region of Poltawa. About 53,000 private and 2,400 industrial consumers have been impacted by power outages, according to Governor Filip Pronin. Several high-rise buildings have also been damaged.
15:58 Thiele: "Ukraine keeps winning, but is perched on a tightrope"
Military expert Ralph Thiele criticizes the Western approach to Ukraine. Promises aren't being kept, and weapon deliveries are habitually late. Such presumed success stories cannot hide this, Thiele, a former colonel, told the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung." Putin's ceasefire proposal is "provocative."
15:33 Farm President warns about EU membership for Ukraine
An immediate EU membership for Ukraine could have disastrous results for European farmers, according to Farm President Joachim Rukwied. "If Ukraine immediately joins the EU, our family-owned agriculture will collapse," Rukwied said in an interview with the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung." The integration of an additional 32 million hectares of farmland would significantly harm the competitiveness of many EU farms, he added. A 200-hectare farm in Germany cannot compete with a 50,000-hectare agricultural enterprise in Ukraine. To secure the survival of domestic agriculture, "import restrictions against Ukrainian agricultural products are urgently necessary," Rukwied demanded. Furthermore, questions about subsidies and corruption in Ukraine must be addressed before EU membership. The policy should not overlook this. "Otherwise, a political disaster in rural areas could occur in future elections."
15:14 Explosion at Ukrainian troops training facility in Czech Republic - nine hurt
Nine soldiers were wounded in an explosion at a military facility where Ukrainian troops have been learning since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in the Czech Republic. Two of the soldiers were airlifted to the University Hospital in Olomouc, around 200 kilometers east of Prague, with severe injuries. Six were transported to a military hospital in Olomouc by ambulance, and one received treatment on site. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Czech army has been training Ukrainian soldiers in Libava, east of Olomouc. The injured soldiers were "not foreigners," military police spokeswoman Katerina Mlynkova told the AFP news agency. The army stated via X that "an unspecified munition" exploded without providing further information.
Update 17:00 Hrs: The Czech army reports that one soldier has died in the explosion.
Since April, the Ukrainian forces have detected the use of armored vehicles known as Mine-resistant Armored Personnel Carriers (MRAPs) by the Russian army. These vehicles are infamous for their brutal and destructive nature. Recently, videos have surfaced, allegedly showing the capture and apprehending of the crew of these vehicles.
14:23 Putin Heads to North Korea and Vietnam
According to Kremlin sources, President Vladimir Putin is due to visit North Korea and Vietnam. During his visit to North Korea on Tuesday and Wednesday, Putin responded to an invitation from Chairman Kim Jong Un, the Kremlin stated. This visit is described as a "friendly state visit." After spending two days in North Korea, Putin will proceed to Vietnam. Russia maintains a close relationship with North Korea, which raised eyebrows from the Western world. The isolated communist nation, with nuclear aspirations, is believed to supply weapons for Russia's offensive against Ukraine as per Western intelligence. Kim Jong Un undertook a rare foreign visit to Russia in September of 2023.
13:58 Escalation: Peskov Slams Stoltenberg's Nuclear Weapons Comments
Russia views NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg's remarks on the possible deployment of additional nuclear weapons as a provocation. "That's just another escalation of tensions," Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov stated. Stoltenberg told reporters that the NATO was deliberating the deployment and readiness of additional nuclear weapons. "I won't go into operational details, like how many nuclear warheads would be in readiness and which ones should be stored, but we need to discuss these issues," Stoltenberg said. These statements contradict the communique of the Ukraine conference, Peskov now adds. In it, it is stated that any threat or use of nuclear weapons in relation to Ukraine is unacceptable.
13:36 No Social Benefits for Ukrainian Refugees in Germany
The German Government denies calls for lower state benefits for Ukrainian war refugees. The government has no intentions of replacing the social benefits for those who have fled the Russian attack on Ukraine with benefits for asylum seekers in the future, according to Government Spokesman Steffen Hebestreit. A spokesperson for the Federal Labor Ministry points out that with the responsibility of the Job Centers for the integration of refugees from Ukraine, faster measures for their integration into the labor market can be implemented. FDP General Secretary Bijan Djir-Sarai demanded in the "Bild" newspaper that new arriving refugees from Ukraine should no longer receive social benefits, but fall under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act.
13:09 Power Outages in Ukraine to Worsen
In response to continued Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the state energy supplier has announced more severe power supply restrictions. "The situation will deteriorate significantly compared to today over the coming weeks," said the head of the state energy supplier Ukrenergo, Volodymyr Kydrytsky. The Ukrainians should brace themselves for up to twelve hours per day without power. The power supply situation will not improve before the end of July, Kydrytsky added. Along with systematic Russian attacks on thermal and hydroelectric power plants, there may be maintenance work on nuclear power plants and unfavorable weather conditions.
12:38 Swiss Ukraine Conference Dismissed by Kremlin
According to Kremlin spokesperson Peskov, the Swiss Ukraine Conference is pointless without Russian participation. The results of this meeting are "near zero," Peskov stated. Russia remains open for dialogue with all countries pursuing such an endeavor and will continue to convey its position to them. At the weekend conference in Switzerland, the Western powers and their allies condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, they failed to convince the major neutral countries to join their final declaration. No country was willing to organize a continuation of the conference. Russia was not invited, but had signaled its intention to reject participation since the early planning stages.
12:12 Ukrainian Debt Crisis not Averted
The danger of Ukrainian default has not been averted: In debt negotiations with creditors, Kiev failed to reach an agreement. In talks with a group of bondholders, it was reported that no consensus could be reached on restructuring international debts amounting to approximately 20 billion dollars. Time is running out: On August 1, a two-year payment stop agreed upon with the international bondholders will expire. This arrangement was made due to Ukraine's economic instability caused by the Russian aggression. Ukrainian Finance Minister Sergei Marchenko expects negotiations to continue. He anticipates that the government will reach an agreement by August. War-torn Ukraine has been exploring plans to restructure its foreign debts with major investors since the end of 2023. Formal negotiations with bondholders have been ongoing for nearly two weeks.
11:59 Weber: Start of Accession Talks is "Important Psychological Signal" Manfred Weber, Chairman of the European People's Party (EVP), applauds the beginning of accession talks with Ukraine. No country embodies "our values" like Ukraine, as it fights for freedom and democracy. "Therefore, the accession talks, which are about to commence, are an extremely important psychological signal to Ukraine, allowing them to live like us in the European Union, namely in peace, freedom, and democracy," Weber stated during ntv's early morning news. Additionally, Ukraine has made progress despite the war. However, there is still much to be done. "The fight against corruption is a major issue in Ukraine. But the will is there, and the direction is correct," Weber added.
Russian Foreign Intelligence Service head, Sergey Naryshkin, warns tougher terms for a peace pact with Ukraine if President Vladimir Putin's proposals are turned down. The subsequent peace terms would allegedly be even harsher, as shared with state news agency TASS, but Naryshkin doesn't spell out who can approve or deny the suggestions. Putin set his peace terms a few days prior, which, if accepted, would be a surrender for Kiev - renouncing NATO membership and returning the seized territories of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, illegally occupied by Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regards Putin's statements as unreliable.
11:02 Denmark considers obstructing passage of Russian oil tankers in the Baltic Sea.The Danish government is considering steps to limit the transit of older Russian oil tankers through the Baltic Sea. A coalition of partner countries will study measures against a clandestine fleet of aged Russian oil vessels. Such efforts might lead to conflict with Russia's leadership. Approximately one-third of Russian oil exports flow through the Danish straits, offering access to the Baltic Sea. Disrupting these shipments could raise oil prices and burden Russia's financial resources.
10:30 Moscow finds peace conference "pleasantly surprising"The Kremlin labels the peace conference in Switzerland as an "absurd event" beforehand, but Russian media express relief following the summit's outcome.
10:06 Latvia may deliver more drones to UkraineLatvia has shipped the first batch of drones to Ukraine and is planning a second shipment, according to "Kyiv Independent," based on statements from Defense Minister Andris Spruds. Latvia and Great Britain head an international coalition supporting Ukraine with drones, which have become crucial for the country's war effort. Spruds declared in May that the Latvian government would invest approximately 20 million euros in the drone coalition and a similar sum in developing Latvian drone capabilities this year.
09:32 ISW: Putin uninterested in genuine negotiations According to the Institute for the Study of War, Russian President Vladimir Putin exhibits no desire for serious negotiations. The US think tank suggests that Putin only pretends interest in negotiations to secure concessions from the West that would weaken Ukraine's sovereignty. It's "unlikely" that Putin will show genuine interest in talks in the near future. Recently, he proposed a roadmap to victory in Ukraine based on the assumption that Russian forces could achieve unlimited advances on the battlefield. Putin had outlined Kherson, Donetsk, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia as preconditions for negotiations, with the full withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from these areas.
09:01 Left turns to the PopeThe Left in the German Bundestag also relies on the Pope in efforts to bring peace. Left-wing group co-chairman Sven Pellmann told ARD that the Pope could potentially take on a mediator role. Pellmann points out that the Pope's recent plea for Ukraine to raise the "white flag" hasn't been met with a warm response. However, Pellmann views Putin's terms for peace talks as revealing his willingness to negotiate. "This offer, albeit tainted, suggests that he is undeniably weary of war," Pellmann stated. At the same time, Putin signals readiness for talks.
08:37 US Reporter Evan Gershkovich's trial date setThe trial of US reporter Evan Gershkovich, held on espionage charges in Russia, is scheduled to begin at the end of June. The trial will take place behind closed doors in Yekaterinburg, as announced by the court. The Wall Street Journal reporter was detained during a research trip to Russia in March 2023 and has spent the following time in Lefortovo Prison in Moscow. The prosecutor's office accuses Gershkovich of working for the CIA and stealing secret information about the tank manufacturer Uralvagonzavod in the Sverdlovsk region. If convicted, Gershkovich faces up to 20 years in prison. He is the first Western journalist since the end of the Cold War to be arrested in Russia on espionage charges and denies the allegations.
08:05 "Peace summit signals discord"The peace summit in Switzerland has concluded, leaving a divided impression, according to NTV correspondent Kavita Sharma. Several countries opted not to sign the final declaration, while military support to Ukraine appears to grow.
07:46 Ukraine estimates Russian lossesRussia, as per Ukrainian estimates, loses over 1,000 soldiers daily, leading to a total of approximately 527,000 losses since the vast-scale attack in February 2022. Additionally, Russia lost within 24 hours two tanks, 18 armored personnel carriers, and 14 artillery systems.
23:45 Medvedchuk's Revelations on Putin's Military Actions Towards Ukraine:It appears that Putin's proposed truce with Kiev might be a ploy, as suggested by Putin's confidant, Viktor Medvedchuk, in his TASS interview. He stated that Russia's security demands continual military action against the Neo-Nazi regime, aiming for complete demilitarization and de-Nazification. Medvedchuk further added that while the Ukrainians crave peace, Zelensky and his western puppets thirst for war, even if it means annihilating the Ukrainian people. He urged for the Ukrainian people's liberation from this criminal Nazi rule. Medvedchuk, a trusted advisor to Putin who was recently released from a Ukrainian prison as part of a prisoner exchange in September 2022, has consistently asserted that most of Ukraine lies on historically Russian territory, thereby justifying the historical process of reunification already in motion.
18:00 Prisoners Recruited for Ukrainian Army:Since the enforcement of the new Ukrainian military conscription regulations, over 2,750 prisoners have been released, as revealed by the Washington Post. A 24-year-old named Senya Shcherbyna, serving a six-year sentence for drug trafficking, is quoted by the Post, expressing his hope to redeem himself upon meeting with recruiters, eager to be deployed as soon as possible to serve society more effectively than while being incarcerated. The Ukrainian parliament passed a law on May 8, facilitating the voluntary mobilization of certain prisoners. The practice of recruiting criminals, including severe offenders, is reportedly common in Russia.
17:30 Nuclear Weapons Deployment Discussions by NATO:There are ongoing discussions among NATO nations regarding the deployment of additional nuclear weapons in response to the escalating threats from Russia and China. According to the Telegraph, quoting an interview with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, Stoltenberg underscored the necessity for NATO to display its nuclear arsenal, sending a clear message to its adversaries. "I won't delve into operational specifics, such as the ready-to-deploy warheads and their storage locations, but we need to discuss these matters. And that's exactly what we are doing," revealed Stoltenberg.
15:00 Increasing Number of Operational Atomic Weapons:The number of operational atomic weapons has again risen. Although nuclear warheads are being deactivated worldwide, with a decrease in total nuclear weapons for several decades, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in its annual report, the operational warhead count is also on the rise. Transparency concerning nuclear weapons has deteriorated in both Russia and the United States since the initiation of the Russian military campaign in Ukraine. "We have not experienced such a significant role of nuclear weapons in international relations since the Cold War," states Wilfred Wan, director of the SIPRI Disarmament, Arms Control and Conventional Arms Programme.
10:38 Elimination of Social Benefits for Ukrainian Refugees Proposed by FDP:Following the EU's proposal, the FDP also advocates for the discontinuation of social benefits for refugees arriving from Ukraine. "New refugees from Ukraine should no longer receive social benefits but fall under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act instead," remarks FDP General Secretary Bijan Djir-Sarai in his interview with the "Bild" newspaper. This move intends to create an incentive for people to seek employment. Previously, Brandenburg's Interior Minister Michael Stübgen and Bavaria's Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann had already criticized the payment of social benefits, especially to Ukrainian refugees of military age.
23:20 Charkiw Hit by KAB Glide Bomb:Charkiw was struck by a KAB glide bomb late in the evening, as per Mayor Ihor Terekhov's statements. A children's recreation facility is believed to have been hit, resulting in a building's destruction. No casualty information is currently available.
22:59 Baerbock: Support for Ukraine Prevents NATO War:Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock issues a warning of severe consequences for Germany and NATO if there is no continued support for Ukraine. "If we do not continue supporting Ukraine, we risk Putin's forces stationed at Poland's border, making the war just a stone's throw away from EU and NATO territory," says the Green politician in her interview with the "Süddeutsche Zeitung." New refugee movements would also result. "If Ukraine can no longer defend itself - and I address those who oppose support - then millions more people will have to flee. Who wants to live voluntarily under torture and occupation?"
03:15 Ukrainians Face Worsening Electricity Issues:Due to systematic Russian shelling of their energy facilities, Ukrainians will face worsening electricity supply challenges in the coming weeks. "The situation will become significantly more challenging in the upcoming weeks than it is today," cautions Wolodymyr Kudryzkyj, head of the energy supplier Ukrenergo, on Ukrainian television. From the end of July, there will be more planned power outages and blackouts. The situation will not improve until the required repairs on two nuclear reactors are completed, according to Kudryzkyj. Residents are already grappling with power outages.
9:55 PM Charkiw Region: Pregnant Woman Among Three Wounded in Aerial BombardmentAs indicated by local officials in Charkiw, three individuals have experienced injuries due to Russian airstrikes. A pregnant woman, a man, and a 13-year-old boy were rushed to the hospital, as reported by the Regional Prosecutor's Office Charkiw. The village of Pisky-Radkiwski was apparently targeted by Russian forces in the afternoon. More than ten residential houses and an ambulance were reportedly damaged during the bombardment.
9:14 PM Yellen Rebuts Putin's "Theft" AccusationsU.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen contradicts Russian President Vladimir Putin, who called the freezing of Russian assets abroad and their use to support Ukraine on Friday as "theft." Yellen stated during the "This Week" program on ABC that the frozen Russian assets remain where they are. Russia doesn't have any right to the revenues generated by the frozen assets, she added. After Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. and its allies decided to freeze Russian state funds within their jurisdiction, Yellen explained. The total sum is around 280 billion dollars. "A large portion, about 200 billion dollars, is held in a Belgian financial institution, where they generate income that Russia isn't entitled to, and that income has flowed to this institution." The G7 nations have agreed to lend Ukraine over 50 billion dollars, which will be funded from the interest on the frozen funds. Russia's conflict with Ukraine - alongside all human casualties - has ruined vast expanses of land and billions in value.
8:40 PM Russians Reinforce Attacks, According to Ukrainian MilitaryDuring ongoing peace negotiations in Switzerland, Russia has reportedly enhanced its attacks on Ukraine, as per updates from Kiev. "The enemy has significantly increased the rate of its offensive and assault operations today and is trying to either breach our defenses or drive Ukrainian forces from their positions," the Ukrainian General Staff announced. The number of encounters has reportedly increased to 88. Most of the fighting took place in the Pokrowsk area of eastern Donetsk. There, over 36 encounters occurred - 25 of which were pushed back, while 11 were still ongoing. This cannot be independently confirmed.
8:07 PM Ukrainian Navy Deploys New Overwater Drone "Stalker 5.0"In defense against the Russian invasion, Ukraine is also utilizing overwater drones. The Ukrainian military announced on social media that they now have the new overwater drone "Stalker 5.0" at their disposal. The drone was unveiled in Odessa. It can allegedly travel at a speed of up to 75 hours per kilometer and carry up to 150 kilograms of explosives or another cargo. Its range is about 600 kilometers. The value is claimed to be around 60,000 euros.
7:36 PM Russian Journalist reportedly killed by Drone StrikeAccording to Russian reports, a Russian journalist was killed in a drone strike in eastern Ukraine. "Our correspondent Nikita Zizagi was killed in a drone attack by Ukrainian army drones", reports the News.Ru website on Telegram. The attack was said to have occurred near a monastery close to the city of Vugledar, which has recently witnessed intense fighting. On Thursday, a journalist from Russian state television was killed and another was injured in a Ukrainian drone attack in Golmiwsky, a village under Russian control near the frontline in the Donetsk region.
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14:00: Putin denies allegations of using cyberwarfare in Ukraine conflict
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13:32: UK and US beef up cybersecurity measures to protect against potential Russian attacks
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