18:55 Putin: Take Trump's statements on the Ukraine war seriously
Putin reacts to Trump's announcement that he would end the armed conflict in Ukraine if re-elected as US President. "Trump says as a presidential candidate that he is ready and willing to end the war in Ukraine," Putin said in Kazakhstan. "We take that quite seriously." In general, Putin refers to the situation in Ukraine as a "military special operation." Putin added that he "is not confident" in what specific proposals Trump would make to resolve the Ukraine conflict. "That is the crucial question," Putin continued. "But I have no doubt that he will speak honestly and we will support that."
18:25 Medvedev: One Thousand New Soldiers Recruited DailyDespite heavy losses in Ukraine, the Russian armed forces have reported no personnel shortages. In fact, the Russian army has been strengthened this year by 190,000 contract soldiers and conscripts, according to Dmitry Medvedev, Vice Chairman of the National Security Council. This fulfills the Kremlin's goal of recruiting contractors and volunteers, Medvedev said at a meeting in the Defense Ministry. "The average daily recruitment rate remains stable and amounts to about one thousand people," Medvedev was quoted as saying by the TASS news agency. Conscripts, mostly reservists, supplement the regular call-ups.
18:04 Kuleba names two solutions to counter Russian advanceThe Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba outlined two solutions to stop the Russian troops' advance on the battlefield. On the one hand, Russian fighter jets must be destroyed, and on the other hand, the Ukrainian troops must be adequately supplied with artillery shells, Kuleba told the Lithuanian radio station LRT. The trend of Russia's gradual seizure of Ukrainian territory can be reversed, but this is "very difficult" and requires "many decisions," according to Kuleba. The main reason for Russia's success, he believes, 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 deputies from traveling abroad on leaveRussian deputies and senators are no longer allowed to travel freely abroad on leave without permission. If deputies, who sometimes have access to sensitive information or even state secrets, go on leave without approval, they risk losing their mandate. The State Duma passed this law recently. Previously, there had been criticism in Russia of deputies' trips abroad, which were often documented on social media with images of their luxury tours, while many of their compatriots were in military service in Ukraine, were injured or killed at the front.
17:17 Putin still prefers Biden as US President after TV debate:
Russia's President Putin, according to his own statement, still prefers President Biden in the White House. This didn't change due to Biden's weak performance in the TV debate against Donald Trump, Putin told Russian state television. In response to a reporter's question, whether Biden or Trump is better, Putin replied: "Nothing has changed." Putin had watched the entire TV duel but only saw some fragments. "I have enough to do," he said.
16:51 NATO to significantly expand arms production:
NATO countries plan to commit to expanding arms production at their upcoming summit in Washington next week. The plan, according to a NATO representative, includes future national defense industry plans being submitted. Additionally, there will be more joint procurement projects and initiatives for purchasing so-called war-winning ammunition. To this category, in the NATO alliance, for example, rockets for missile defense systems, precision-guided projectiles, and 155-millimeter artillery ammunition are counted. A specific investment amount is not mentioned in the agreement of the NATO states. According to the official, however, dozens, if not hundreds of billions of Euros might be necessary to achieve these goals.
16:30 Ukraine: Patriot intercepts all Kiev-targeted ballistic missiles:
According to Ukrainian reports, all ballistic missiles fired at targets in Kiev from Russia have been intercepted since the USA provided Patriot air defense systems to the country last year. This was stated by Ukrainian Air Force Major General Serhii Yaremenko in an interview with Ukrinform. "Since the beginning of May 2023, no ballistic missile has reached its target in our country's capital. More than 20 ballistic missiles were fired at Kiev, and all were successfully intercepted," Yaremenko said.
16:00 IAEA chief: Drone attacks at nuclear power plant "must stop":
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported drone attacks near the Russian-controlled nuclear power plant Saporischschja, citing the plant's Russian administration. "It is deeply worrying 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. They must stop immediately," IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi said.
15:35 Zelensky: Brigades are waiting for approved western weapons:
According to Ukrainian President Zelensky, western military aid is coming too slowly to the country. This complicates the situation at the front, he said in an interview with Bloomberg. "We have 14 brigades that do not have the necessary weapons, which have already been approved and discussed," Zelensky said. However, he expressed gratitude for the support of western partners.
15:13 London: Russia targets Ukrainian resources
According to the British Defense Ministry, Russia may target Ukrainian resource deliveries 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, mangan, gold, and lithium deposits are "likely to be coveted by Russia, but also potential targets, as Russia attempts to destroy the Ukrainian economy."
14:48 Putin and Xi deepen anti-western alliance
At the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin confirmed their alliance as a counterbalance to the western world. Xi called on the attendees at the conclusion of the 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 and the peace and development in the region into our own hands." It is of "great significance" that the SCO "stays on the right side of history." The SCO comprises ten countries, representing approximately half of the world population. Among its permanent members are the current host Kazakhstan, India, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and now also Belarus.
14:24 Putin speaks of negotiation readiness
Vladimir Putin, the head of the Kremlin, emphasized Russia's alleged readiness for peace negotiations in its war against Ukraine before several heads of state. At the summit of the security-focused Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana, Putin said that Russia had always advocated for a political-diplomatic solution to the conflict. Moscow, which has been waging a destructive war against Ukraine for more than two years, recently made proposals for an end to hostilities, Putin stated. Moscow insists that Ukraine renounces all annexed territories, a demand that 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 at the beginning of 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 Presidium. India has been trying to remain neutral in Russia's war against Ukraine. Modi has repeatedly urged both sides to dialogue and criticized Russia's actions but has also significantly increased Russian oil purchases, helping Moscow mitigate the effects of western sanctions.
13:32 Russia attacks position of Ukrainian National Guard
Russian troops are reportedly attacking a position of the Ukrainian National Guard in Vyschgorod, in the Kiev region. This is 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 belong 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 Frenchman in Russian custody remains in pre-trial detention
A Russian court has decided that a Frenchman 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 can be punished with up to five years in prison. The political expert was arrested in Switzerland in mid-June at the large international Ukraine peace conference. He works for the HD Centre in Geneva, a non-governmental organization based in Geneva. The organization announced on June 7 that it would also contact the Russian authorities for clarification of the charges against its employee.
12:30 Lithuania reports 160 illegal border crossings from Belarus
Lithuania has recorded more attempted irregular border crossings to 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 green EU border from Belarus.
Lithuania borders Belarus for approximately 172 kilometers in the east, making it one of Russia's closest allies. Lithuania, Poland, and Latvia accuse Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko of organizing the mass migration to the EU external border with the intention of putting pressure on the EU.
12:00 Baerbock: Russia remains greatest threat to Europe
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 on the upcoming NATO summit next week in Washington. The West must act to defend freedom and democracy. "We did not choose this," Baerbock says. "We didn't want this." Germany has a special responsibility and has regained lost trust in its Russia policy. "We can't afford to lose that in the budget negotiations," the minister warns, looking at the ongoing dispute in the traffic light coalition over the budget for 2025.
11:23 Kiev: Russian Secret Service "Pair" Arrested in Spionage Case
The Ukrainian Security Service SBU has detained two alleged members of the Russian Federal Security Service FSB. 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 secret service. The two, reportedly a "freshly married couple," were spotted in the area taking pictures of "necessary" objects, the SBU stated. Along with additional information, the two alleged FSB agents are said to have provided the photos to the Russian secret service. The Ukrainian Security Service claims the "couple" was caught "in the act."
10:50 Ukraine: 21 of 22 Russian Drones Shot Down
Ukraine claims to have repelled a Russian drone attack for the most part. The air defense system reportedly shot down 21 of 22 attack drones, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. They were destroyed over six regions in northern and central Ukraine. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, these were Schahed drones of Iranian production.
10:33 SCO Summit in Kazakhstan: Putin and Xi to Show Alliance Strength
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese State Council Chairman Xi Jinping are participating in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. The regional security alliance was founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Later, India, Pakistan, and Iran joined. Besides Putin and Xi, the attendees include the host, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the presidents of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus, and Iran's acting president Mohammad Mokhber. Belarus, an authoritarian state, has officially joined the SCO as a new member. Among the observer states and dialogue partners are Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. The summit offers Putin another opportunity to demonstrate the failure of Western efforts to isolate Russia due to its military campaign against Ukraine.
10:02 Ukraine Releases 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 soldiers. Since the beginning of the large-scale attack, Russia is said to have lost 8,132 tanks, 15,600 artillery systems, 360 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 11,694 drones, 28 ships, and one submarine, according to the Ukrainian General Staff. Western estimates suggest lower loss figures - although these are also minimum values.
09:30 Report: Ukrainian Forces withdraw from Tschassiw Jar
The Ukrainian Army has withdrawn from a part of the strategically important Ukrainian city Tschassiw Jar, according to their own statements. "It was no longer possible to hold the Canal Quarter, after the enemy had advanced," says a Ukrainian military spokesperson. The defensive positions had been destroyed and the lives of their own soldiers were at risk. The military command had decided on a withdrawal to better fortified positions. However, even there, the enemy continued their combat actions. Tschassiw Jar is located in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donezk, approximately 20 kilometers west of Bachmut, which was taken by Russian troops a year ago and leveled to the ground after months of intense fighting.
09:07 Governor: 391 Russian attacks on Saporischschja within 24 hours
There have been 391 Russian attacks on the region Saporischschja within the last 24 hours, according to the governor of the southeastern Ukrainian region, Iwan Fjodorow, in a morning report on Telegram. A man was killed in Vasylivka and a woman in Polohiv, and a man in the city of Saporischschja was wounded. Fjodorow reports 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 on the areas of Gulyaypol, Mala Tokmachka, Novoandriivka, Robotyne, Levadne, Malynivka and Plavni.
08:33 Russia: Strike on Ukrainian base destroys jet
Russian forces are reported to have attacked the Ukrainian military base at Dolgintsevo in the Dnipropetrowsk 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 in social networks.
07:47 Video: "Vampire" of Ukraine forces Russians to pay "Price in Blood"
Dozens of Russians are reportedly falling victim every day to the so-called "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 cryptocurrencies
The Russian Central Bank encourages Russian businesses to use alternative payment methods like cryptocurrencies for deals with foreign partners in the face of Western sanctions. Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina acknowledged at a conference in St. Petersburg that such payments are one of the central challenges for the Russian economy. However, new financial technologies also offer new opportunities. "That's why 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 more were 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, as well as debris hitting the intensive care unit of a children's hospital. In another hospital, a fire broke out. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted a video of a rocket attack on Dnipro on social media.
06:18 France sends 41 power generators to Ukraine
France is sending 41 power generators to Kharkiv and Chernihiv. The French Foreign Ministry announced this in a statement. Russian attacks had severely damaged the local energy infrastructure. In response, Ukraine initiated "blackouts" in May. During this process, the power grid is deliberately shut down. International partners (see entry 21:41) are providing financial, technical, and material assistance to help Ukraine repair its energy facilities and ensure the population's power supply.
05:44 Kiev's General Staff: Russians increasing intensity at Pokrovsk
According to the General Staff in Kiev, the Russian military is trying to "intensify the shelling" at Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. Consequently, defensive lines are being reinforced, and more ammunition is being sent to this front line. According to the 47th mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces, Russian troops are attempting to breach the Ukrainian defenses. 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 frustrated with Schmyhal. It is said to be more of an emotional matter. Zelenskyy is reportedly always looking for creative solutions and proposals, which Schmyhal is not 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 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 further needs of his country to be at least six additional 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 positions for the staff of the Lithuanian brigade. Of these, 115 were filled within a week. And we had 900 applications," says General Inspector of the Bundeswehr, Carsten Breuer, to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "I meet soldiers and soldiers again and again during my visits who say: Yes, we want to participate. There is certainly a great willingness to set up the brigade in Lithuania. Many soldiers and soldiers have already collected positive experiences in Lithuania: the gratitude of the people and the heartfelt 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, 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 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 court in Russia 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 "Freedom Legion of Russia." They were reportedly arrested about 1.5 kilometers from the border.
22:41 Russia allows corporations to use cryptocurrencies for international transactions
The Russian Central Bank encourages Russian corporations to use alternative payment methods like cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners due to Western sanctions. For international transactions, these currencies are now permitted, according to Central Bank Chair Elvira Nabiullina in St. Petersburg. The CEO of the second-largest Russian bank, VTB, Andrey Kostin, calls for these new payment methods to be classified as state secrets. "I can easily imagine that right now in the US embassy, there is an undersecretary jotting 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 "basis" for peace, Moscow denies intermediary role
First, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared after a meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Kazakhstan that Turkey could help establish the foundation for ending the war. However, the Russian government spokesman Dmitri Peskov stated that Turkey would not assume an intermediary 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 amount 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.
- Putin expresses skepticism towards Trump's proposals to resolve the Ukraine conflict, stating, "That is the crucial question."
- Despite heavy losses in Ukraine, Russia strengthens its military forces with over 190,000 contract soldiers and conscripts this year.
- The Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba advocates for destroying Russian fighter jets and adequately supplying Ukrainian troops with artillery shells to counter Russia's advance.
- Russia bans its deputies and senators from traveling abroad on leave without permission due to concerns over sensitive information leaks.
- Putin maintains his preference for Biden as US President after watching the TV debate, stating, "Nothing has changed." Russia intends to increase its arms production at the upcoming NATO summit ahead of military operations in Ukraine and cyberwarfare.
