19:32 Orban apparently wants to travel to Moscow tomorrow
Hungary's Prime Minister Orban is reportedly planning to travel to Moscow on coming Friday to meet President Putin, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, citing a Hungarian government source. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjárto will accompany the Prime Minister, the report adds. Hungary currently holds the EU Council Presidency. On Tuesday, Orban visited Ukraine to urge President Zelensky for a ceasefire. The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, clarified that the EU will not negotiate with Russia without Ukraine. "The EU Council Presidency has no mandate to negotiate on behalf of the EU with Russia", Michel wrote on Twitter. "The European Council is clear: Russia is the aggressor, Ukraine is the victim. There can be no talks about Ukraine without Ukraine." Orban's name is not mentioned in Michel's tweet.
18:55 Putin: We take Trump's remarks on the Ukraine war seriouslyPutin reacted to Donald Trump's announcement that he would quickly end the war in Ukraine if re-elected as US President. "Mr. 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." Normally, Putin refers to the conflict in Ukraine as a "military special operation". Putin added that he "doesn't trust" which specific proposals Trump would make to settle the Ukraine conflict. "That's the crucial question", Putin further said. "But I have no doubt that he will be sincere and we will support that."
18:25 Medvedev: One Thousand New Soldiers Recruited DailyDespite heavy losses in Ukraine, the Russian armed forces reportedly have no personnel shortages. This year, the Russian army has been strengthened by 190,000 conscripts and contract soldiers, according to Dmitry Medvedev, Vice-Chairman of the National Security Council. The goal of recruiting contract soldiers and conscripts has been met, 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. Contract soldiers, mostly reservists, supplement regular conscriptions.
18:04 Kuleba: Two Key Solutions to Stop Russian AdvanceThe Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba outlined two key 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, the Ukrainian troops must be adequately supplied with artillery shells, Kuleba told the Lithuanian broadcaster LRT. The trend of Russia's gradual occupation 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 Prohibits Deputies Vacations AbroadRussian Deputies and Senators are no longer allowed to travel freely abroad without permission. Deputies, who sometimes have access to sensitive information or even state secrets, risk losing their mandate if they take vacations abroad without approval. The State Duma has now passed such a law. Previously, there had been significant criticism in Russia over deputies' trips abroad, which were published on social media, while many of their compatriots were in military service at the front in Ukraine, being injured or killed.
17:17 After TV Debate: Putin Still Prefers Biden as US PresidentAccording to Putin's own statement, he still prefers Biden over Trump as US President. Biden's weak performance in the TV debate against Trump did not change Putin's opinion, he told Russian state television. In response to a reporter's question, whether Biden or Trump is better, Putin replied: "Nothing has changed." Putin had already stated several times that he preferred Biden over Trump. Putin watched the entire TV duel but did not comment on it in detail. "I have seen some fragments," 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 upcoming summit in Washington next week. The plan, according to a NATO representative, includes the submission of future national defense industry plans. Additionally, there will be more joint procurement projects and initiatives for the purchase of so-called war-winning munitions. To this category belong, for example, rockets for missile defense systems, precision-guided projectiles, and 155-millimeter artillery shells. A specific 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 these goals.
16:30 Ukraine: Patriot Intercepts All Kiev-Targeted Ballistic MissilesAccording to Ukrainian reports, all ballistic missiles fired by Russia at targets in Kiev have been intercepted since the United States provided Ukraine with Patriot air defense systems 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 the capital city of our country. More than 20 ballistic missiles have been fired at Kiev, and all have been successfully intercepted," Yaremenko said.
16:00 IAEA Chief: Drone Attacks at Nuclear Power Plant "Must Cease"The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports drone attacks near the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, citing the plant's Russian administration. "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 Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. They must stop immediately," IAEA Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi said.
15:35: Zelenskyy: Brigades are waiting for approved Western weapons
According to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, Western military aid is coming too slowly to the country. This complicates the situation at the front, he says in an interview with Bloomberg. ""We have 14 brigades that don't have the necessary weapons, which have already been approved and discussed"", so Zelenskyy. However, he is grateful for the support of Western partners, he emphasizes.
15:13 London: Russia targeting 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 explains 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 tries 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 counterweight to the Western world. Xi calls on the participants to resist "interference from outside" at the end of the meeting in Astana. Xi urges the member states to "support each other, care for each other's concerns (...) and take the future and the fate of our countries, as well as 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 consists of ten countries that represent approximately half of the world population. Among the 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, head of the Kremlin, emphasizes Russia's alleged readiness for peace negotiations in its war of aggression against Ukraine. At the summit of the security-focused Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana, Putin says that Russia has always been for a political-diplomatic solution to the conflict. Moscow, which has been waging a destructive war of aggression against Ukraine for more than 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 next week for talks with President Vladimir Putin. According to the Russian Presidential Administration, Modi and Putin will discuss the prospects for further development of bilateral relations and international and regional issues at their meetings on Monday and Tuesday. 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 also criticized Russia's actions. Instead, India has increased its purchase of Russian oil, which helps the Russian government mitigate the effects of western sanctions.
13:32 Russia attacks Ukrainian National Guard base
Russian troops are reportedly attacking a Ukrainian National Guard base in Vyschhorod in the Kiev region. RIA Novosti reports, citing the coordinator of the pro-Russian underground, Sergei Lebedev, that there have been two attacks on the military base in the General Kulchitsky Street, resulting in explosions. The Ukrainian National Guard is a paramilitary organization that, unlike the army, air force, and navy, is subordinate to the Interior Ministry. RIA Novosti reports that there have been two attacks on the military base in the 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 national 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 on "military and military-technical activities" of Russia. This 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 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 attempted illegal 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. In total, 2,770 migrants have been prevented from illegally crossing the green EU 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 therefore act to defend freedom and democracy. "We didn't choose this", Baerbock says. "We didn't want this." Germany has a special responsibility and has regained lost trust due to its Russia policy. "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 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 were spotted in the area taking pictures of "necessary" objects as a "freshly married couple". In addition to the photos, the two alleged FSB agents are said to have provided the Russian security service with further information. The Ukrainian Security Service claims to have caught the "couple" in the act.
10:50 Ukraine: 21 of 22 Russian drones shot down
Ukraine reports that it has largely repelled a Russian drone attack at night. The air defense system shot down 21 of 22 attack drones, the 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 want 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 guests of honor include 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 been an official SCO member since this summit. 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 his country due to the 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 the data, Russia has lost approximately 547,470 soldiers in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. In the past 24 hours alone, the losses amounted to 1,200. Russia, according to Ukraine, has lost 8,132 tanks, 15,600 artillery systems, and 360 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 11,694 drones, 28 ships, and one submarine. Western estimates suggest lower casualty numbers, which are, however, only minimum figures.
09:30 Report: Ukrainian forces withdraw from Tschassiw Jar
The Ukrainian army has withdrawn from a part of the strategically important Ukrainian city of Tschassiw Jar, according to their own statements. "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 were destroyed, and the lives of our soldiers were at risk. The military command decided on a retreat to better fortified positions. However, the enemy continues to engage in combat there. Tschassiw 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 Saporischschja within 24 hours
The Russians attacked the region of Saporischschja 391 times within the past 24 hours, 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. A man was injured in the city of Saporischschja. 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. Moreover, 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 are reported to have attacked the Ukrainian military base in Dolgintsevo, Dnipropetrovsk region, using the Iskander surface-to-air missile system. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, a Mig-29 fighter jet, air defense systems, and aircraft maintenance 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 has been widely shared on social media.
07:47 Video: "Vampire" of Ukraine extracts "price in blood" from Russians
Dozens of Russians are reportedly killed every day by what is known as 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 encourages domestic companies in light of western sanctions to resort to alternative payment methods like cryptocurrencies for international transactions. Central Bank Chair Elvira Nabiullina acknowledged at a conference in St. Petersburg that such payments pose significant challenges 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 windows of a shopping mall. Debris fell onto the street, as photos showed, provided by local government representatives. Mayor Borys Filatow stated that the windows of two schools and three kindergartens were destroyed. 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. 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 electricity 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 sent to this front sector. 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's more of an emotional issue. Zelenskyy is always looking for creative solutions and proposals that Schmyhal isn't providing. According to the sources, Schmyhal could be replaced by Julia Swyrydenko, the first deputy prime minister and economic minister.
03:59 Kyiv denies Russian successes in Chassiv Yar
The Ukraine refutes Russian reports stating that Russian forces have brought a district of the crucial 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 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 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 115 positions for the staff of the Lithuanian brigade within a week. And we had 900 applications for that," says the Inspector General 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, both men and women, have already collected positive experiences in Lithuania: the gratitude of the people and the warm welcome. They say, I can imagine a stationing there with my family."
00:45 Inspector General demands billions for Bundeswehr
The Inspector General of the Bundeswehr, Carsten Breuer, is supporting 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, 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 sentences three brothers to 17 years in prison in Russia for treason
According to a court announcement in Russia, three brothers were sentenced to lengthy prison terms by a court in Moscow because they wanted to join a pro-Ukrainian unit. The three men, aged between 19 and 24, were reportedly sentenced in Moscow 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. 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 apprehended one and a half kilometers before 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 such as cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners in light of Western sanctions. For international transactions, such cryptocurrencies are now permitted, according to Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina in St. Petersburg. VTB Bank's CEO, 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's an undersecretary jotting down all our public statements," Kostin said. Whatever Russia does, the reaction of 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 Russian President Vladimir 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 assume a mediator role, according to Russian news agencies. Peskov was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying, "No, that's not possible." No statement from the Turkish government is available.
21:41 Ukraine imports 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 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 contributed 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.
- Orban's meeting with Putin in Moscow raises concerns, as Hungary holds the EU Council Presidency and Orban visited Ukraine to urge for a ceasefire.
- Russia denies any personnel shortages in its armed forces, despite heavy losses in Ukraine, reporting an increase of 190,000 conscripts and contract soldiers this year.
- Kuleba outlines two key solutions to halt the advance of Russian troops in Ukraine: destroying Russian fighter jets and providing Ukrainian troops with adequate artillery shells.
- Russian Deputies and Senators are now required to obtain approval before traveling abroad, with some notable exceptions for health or family reasons.
- In the context of the Ukraine conflict and NATO's response, Putin highlights the importance of cyberwarfare as a potential threat and emphasizes Russia's military operations in the region.
