18:25 Medvedev: Thousands of new soldiers are recruited every day
Despite heavy losses in Ukraine, Russian military forces have reportedly not experienced a personnel shortage. According to Dmitri Medvedev, Vice-Chairman of the National Security Council, the Russian army has been strengthened this year by 190,000 conscripts and contract soldiers. Medvedev made these remarks during a meeting at the Defense Ministry. "The average daily recruitment rate remains stable and amounts to approximately one thousand people," Medvedev was further quoted as saying by the TASS news agency. Contract soldiers, mostly reservists, supplement regular conscriptions.
18:04 Kuleba proposes two solutions to stop Russian advanceUkrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba has proposed two solutions to halt the advance of Russian troops on the battlefield. On the one hand, Russian fighter jets must be destroyed, and on the other hand, Ukrainian troops must be adequately supplied with artillery shells, Kuleba told the Lithuanian radio station LRT. The trend of Russia's gradual territorial seizure in Ukraine can be reversed, but this is "very difficult" and requires "many decisions," according to Kuleba. The main reason for Russian success, in his opinion, is the "endless number of guided bombs dropped on our ground troops." The Russian air force is a "real pain point."
17:42 Duma bans lawmakers' foreign travel without permissionRussian lawmakers 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 has now passed such a law. Previously, there had been criticism in Russia of lawmakers' trips abroad, which were often documented on social media with images of their luxury tours, while many of their compatriots were in military service at the front in Ukraine, injured or killed.
17:17 After TV debate: Putin still prefers Biden over TrumpAccording to Putin, his preference for Biden over Trump as US President has not changed. Putin made this statement to Russian state television, adding that Biden's weak performance in the TV debate against Trump had not influenced his opinion. Putin was asked by a reporter which of the two was better, to which he replied, "Nothing has changed." Putin had already stated several times that he preferred Biden to Trump. Putin did not watch the entire TV debate. "I have enough to do," he said. "I have seen some fragments."
16:51: NATO to significantly expand weapons productionAt the upcoming NATO summit in Washington next week, NATO countries are set to commit to expanding the production of military equipment. According to a coalition representative, future national defense industry plans will be presented for this purpose. In addition, there are expected to be more joint procurement projects and initiatives for the purchase of so-called war-deciding ammunition. To this category belong, for example, missiles for air defense systems, precision-guided projectiles, and 155-millimeter artillery ammunition. A specific investment amount is not mentioned in the agreement of the NATO states. However, according to the official, dozens, if not hundreds of billions of euros may be necessary to achieve these goals.
16:30: Ukraine: Patriot intercepts all missiles fired at KievAccording to Ukrainian reports, all ballistic missiles fired at targets in Kiev from Russia have been intercepted since the US provided Patriot air defense systems to the country last year. Ukrainian Air Force Major General Serhii Yaremenko stated in an interview with Ukrinform, "Since early May 2023, no ballistic missile has reached its target in our country's capital. More than 20 Kinschals were fired at Kiev, and all were successfully intercepted."
16:00: IAEA Chief: Drone attacks at nuclear power plant "must stop"The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports drone attacks near the Russian-controlled nuclear power plant Saporischschja, citing the Russian administration of the facility. "It is extremely alarming that these drone attacks continue, as they pose a clear danger to the people in Enerhodar and to the safety of the Saporischschja nuclear power plant," IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi said.
15:35: Zelensky: Brigades are waiting for authorized Western weaponsAccording to Ukrainian President Zelensky, Western military aid is coming too slowly to the country. In an interview with Bloomberg, he said, "We have 14 brigades that don't have the necessary weapons, which have been approved and discussed," so Zelensky. However, he expressed gratitude for the support of Western partners.
15:13: London: Russia targets Ukrainian resourcesAccording 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 stated, "Ukrainian government sources have long warned of Russian theft of Ukrainian resources from the occupied territories." 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 summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin reaffirmed their alliance as a counterbalance to the western world. Xi called on the attendees at the closing meeting in Astana to "resist external interference". Xi urged the member states to "support each other, care for each other's concerns (...) and take the future and destiny of our countries, as well as peace and development in the region, into our own hands". It is of "decisive importance" that the SCO "stands on the right side of history". The SCO comprises ten countries, representing approximately half of the world population. Permanent members include the current host Kazakhstan, India, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and now also Belarus.
14:24 Putin speaks of peace negotiation readiness
Vladimir Putin, the head of the Kremlin, emphasized Russia's supposed readiness for peace negotiations in its conflict with Ukraine. At the summit of the security-focused Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana, Putin stated that Russia had long been advocating for a political-diplomatic resolution of the conflict. Moscow, which has been conducting a destructive military campaign against Ukraine for more than two years, recently made proposals for an end to hostilities, Putin said. Moscow insists that Ukraine renounces all annexed territories, which Kiev rejects.
14:04 Kremlin: Modi to travel to Russia for talks with Putin
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to travel to Russia next week for talks with President Vladimir Putin. Putin and Modi will discuss the prospects for further development of bilateral relations and international and regional issues during their consultations on Monday and Tuesday, according to the Russian presidential administration. India has tried to remain neutral in Russia's military conflict with Ukraine. Modi has repeatedly urged both sides to dialogue, but has also criticized Russia's actions. Instead, economically close India has significantly increased its Russian oil purchases, which helps the Russian government mitigate the effects of western sanctions.
13:32 Russia attacks Ukrainian National Guard base
Russian troops are reported to have attacked a Ukrainian National Guard base in Vyshgorod in the Kiev region. This was reported by the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, citing the coordinator of the pro-Russian underground, Sergei Lebedev. The Ukrainian National Guard is a paramilitary organization that, unlike the army, air force, and navy, does not report to the Defense Ministry but to the Interior Ministry. According to RIA Novosti, there were two attacks on the military base in the General Kulchitsky Street, resulting in explosions.
13:07 Russian Court: Frenchman to Remain in Pre-Trial DetentionA Russian court has decided that a French national must remain in pre-trial detention until August. The court in Moscow has rejected the appeal of 47-year-old political expert Laurent Vinatier. He is accused of collecting information about "military and military-technical activities" of Russia. This criminal offense can be punished with up to five years in prison. Vinatier was arrested in Switzerland in mid-June at the large international Ukraine peace conference. He was working for the HD Centre, a Geneva-based non-governmental organization. The organization announced on June 7 that they would also contact the Russian authorities for clarification of the charges against their employee.
12:30 Latvia Reports 160 Illegal Crossings from BelarusLatvia has recorded more attempted irregular crossings of its border with Belarus this week. Border Guard Chief Guntis Pujats reports on television that there have been 160 such attempts since Monday. This year, a total of 2,770 migrants have been prevented from illegally crossing the EU green border from Belarus.
Latvia borders Belarus for approximately 172 kilometers in the east, making it one of Russia's closest allies. Latvia, Poland, and Lithuania accuse Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko of 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 EuropeGerman Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock calls for further support for Ukraine from NATO. "Russia will remain the greatest threat to our security and freedom in Europe for the foreseeable future," Baerbock says in a Bundestag debate on the upcoming NATO summit coming 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 in the meantime. "We can't afford to lose that in the budget negotiations," warns the Minister, looking at the current dispute in the traffic light coalition over the budget for 2025.
11:23 Kiev: Russian Intelligence "Couple" Spied on Military InfrastructureThe 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 accused of spying on military infrastructure in the Ukrainian regions of Odessa and Dnipro for the Russian security service. According to the SBU, the two allegedly married couple were spotted "freshly married" in the area and took pictures of "necessary" objects. In addition to the photos, the two alleged FSB agents provided the Russian security service with additional information. The Ukrainian security service claims to have caught the "couple" in the act.
10:50 Ukraine: 21 out of 22 Russian drones shot down
The Ukrainian military reports that they have repelled a Russian drone attack for the most part, having shot down 21 out of 22 attacking drones according to the Ukrainian Air Force. These drones were destroyed over six regions in northern and central Ukraine. They were identified as Shahed 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 established 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 country's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the presidents of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus. For Iran, the acting president Mohammad Mokhber was scheduled to attend. Belarus, which is ruled authoritarly, has officially become a new SCO member. Among the observer states and dialogue partners are Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. For Putin, this summit provides another opportunity to illustrate the failure of Western efforts to isolate his country due to the military campaign against Ukraine.
10:02 Ukraine publishes numbers on Russian losses
The Ukrainian General Staff has released new figures on Russian troop losses in Ukraine. According to these figures, Russia has lost approximately 547,470 soldiers in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. In just 24 hours, the losses amounted to 1,200. Russia is reported to have lost 8,132 tanks, 15,600 artillery systems, 360 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 11,694 drones, 28 ships, and one submarine since the beginning of the large-scale offensive. Western estimates put the losses at lower numbers - though these are only minimum values.
09:30 Report: Ukrainian forces withdraw from part of Chassiw Jar
The Ukrainian army has reportedly withdrawn from a part of the strategically important Ukrainian city of Chassiw Jar. "It was no longer possible to hold the Canal Quarter, as the enemy had penetrated," 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 actions there as well. Chassiw Jar is located in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk, about 20 kilometers west of Bachmut, which was taken by Russian troops a year ago and reduced to rubble after months of intense fighting.
09:07 Governor: 391 Russian attacks on Zaporizhia within 24 hoursWithin the last 24 hours, the Russians have attacked the region of Zaporizhia 391 times, according to the governor of the south-eastern region of Ukraine, Ivan Fyodorov, in a morning report on Telegram. He reports that a man in Vasylivka and a woman in Polohiv were killed, and a man in the city of Zaporizhia was wounded. Fyodorov reports of two air raids on Nowoandriivka, 177 drone attacks on Chervonodniprovka, Gulyaypole, Levadne, Robotyno, Mala Tokmachka, Malynivka, Novoandriivka, Uspenivka and Novopavlivka. Twelve MLRS attacks hit Robotyne and Nowoandriivka. Additionally, the Russians fired 200 artillery shells onto the territories of Gulyaypole, Mala Tokmachka, Novoandriivka, Robotyne, Levadne, Malynivka and Plavni.
08:33 Russia: Strike on Ukrainian military base destroys jetRussian forces are reported to have attacked the aircraft parking lot of the Ukrainian military base Dolgintsevo in the Dnipropetrovsk region with Iskander ground-to-air missile systems. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, a Mig-29 fighter jet, air defense systems, and aviation technical vehicles of the Ukrainian Air Force were destroyed. The Russian Defense Ministry posted a video on Telegram that is said to show the destruction. This video is spreading on social media.
07:47 Video: "Vampire" of Ukraine forces Russians to pay "Price in Blood"Dozens of Russians are reportedly victims every day of what is called the "Vampire," a multiple rocket launcher from Czech production. The Ukrainians use it to defend the front - "We will not give up our land for free," they say. They have enough ammunition for the beast, but they lack soldiers.
07:22 Crypto as a loophole: Russian Central Bank wants to bypass sanctions with cryptoThe Russian Central Bank encourages domestic companies in the face of Western sanctions to fall back on alternative payment methods such as cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners. Central Bank Chair Elvira Nabiullina admitted at a conference in St. Petersburg that such payments are one of the central challenges for the Russian economy. However, the 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 in such transactions."
06:52 At least five civilians killed and 47 injured in Russian attack on Dnipro
According to Ukrainian authorities, at least five civilians were killed and 47 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 representatives. Mayor Borys Filatow stated that the attack damaged the windows of two schools and three kindergartens. Debris also hit the intensive care unit of a children's hospital. A fire broke out in another hospital. 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. In May, Ukraine began what it called "blackouts." 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 the power supply to the population.
05:44 Kiev's General Staff: Russians increasing intensity at Pokrovsk
According to the General Staff in Kiev, the Russian military is trying to "increase the intensity" at Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. Correspondingly, defensive lines are being strengthened, and more ammunition is being brought to this frontline sector. According to the 47th mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces, Russian troops are attempting to breach the Ukrainian 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 considering dismissing his prime minister
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is considering dismissing Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal, according to the newspaper "Ukrainska Pravda." Insiders told the paper that Zelenskyy is fed up with Schmyhal. It's more of an emotional issue. Zelenskyy is always looking for creative solutions and proposals, which Schmyhal isn't providing. According to the sources, Schmyhal could be replaced by Julia Swyrydenko, the first deputy prime minister and economy minister.
03:59 Kiev denies Russian victories in Chassiv Yar
The Ukraine refutes Russian reports claiming 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 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 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 rocket 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 further requirement to be at least six more Patriot systems.
01:43 Bundeswehr: Many applicants for NATO brigade in Lithuania
Apparently, there are enough soldiers for the planned permanent Bundeswehr brigade in Lithuania. "We had to fill 115 positions for the staff of the Lithuania brigade within a week. And we had 900 applications for that," says General Inspector of the Bundeswehr, Carsten Breuer, to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "I meet soldiers and soldiers during my visits who say: Yes, we want to participate. There is certainly a great willingness to establish the brigade in Lithuania, because many see a sense in it. Many soldiers and soldiers have already collected positive experiences in Lithuania: the gratitude of the people and the warm welcome. They say, I can also imagine a stationing there with my family."
00:45 General Inspector demands billions for Bundeswehr
The General Inspector of the Bundeswehr, Carsten Breuer, is backing 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, issued 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 sentenced three brothers to 17 years in prison in Russia for high treason
According to a court announcement in Moscow, a Russian court sentenced three brothers to lengthy prison terms because they wanted to join a pro-Ukrainian unit. The three men, aged between 19 and 24, were reportedly sentenced in Moscow for high treason, participation in a terrorist organization, and illegal border crossing. The eldest of the three brothers, the 24-year-old Joann Aschtscheulow, was sentenced to 17 years and six months in prison, while his brothers Timofej and Alexej must serve 17 years. According to the prosecution, the brothers attempted to cross the border to Ukraine on foot in July 2023 to join the "Legion of Free 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. Cryptocurrencies are now allowed for international transactions, according to Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina in St. Petersburg. VTB Bank's CEO, Andrey Kostin, urges the Russian government to classify these new payment methods as state secrets. "I can easily imagine that right now, in this moment, there is an undersecretary in the US embassy writing down all our public statements," Kostin said. Whatever Russia does, the reaction from Western countries will be "very quick," warned Kostin.
22:16 Erdogan offers "foundation" for peace, Moscow denies intermediary role
First, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared after a meeting with 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 imported more electricity in June than in the entire year 2023, rationed strictly
Ukraine imported over 858,000 Megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity in June 2024, which is 91% more than the amount imported in May and more than the total imported in 2023. According to statistics from July 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.
- Despite Russian military losses in Ukraine, a reported personnel shortage has not been experienced due to the addition of 190,000 conscripts and contract soldiers this year.
- In response to the advancement of Russian troops, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba proposes the destruction of Russian fighter jets and adequate artillery shell supply for Ukrainian troops.
- Russian lawmakers and senators are now required to seek permission before traveling abroad to avoid potential security risks, following a new law passed by the State Duma.
- Ukrainian President Zelensky expresses concern over the slow delivery of Western military aid, noting that 14 brigades lack necessary weapons approved for supply.
- In preparation for the upcoming NATO summit, member countries are set to commit to expanding the production of military equipment, with future national defense industry plans and joint procurement projects in the works.
