2:00 PM - Russians inflict harm on numerous energy facilities across Ukraine
At night, Russian attacks on Ukraine's western and central regions have caused damage to energy facilities close to the Polish border and in the heartland, as per Ukrainian reports. The Energy Ministry in Kiev disclosed, "Enemy attacks targeted an energy facility in a central region. Some facilities were damaged." Emergency services and police are currently present at the sites. In Lviv, the western region which has been relatively unaffected by intense fighting so far, the Energy Ministry reported that power lines and electrical facilities were damaged during the shelling. The regional governor declared that two civilians, aged 47 and 70, were hurt in the nighttime attacks. The Ukrainian Air Force stated that they had shot down 19 of the 21 drones launched by Russia, originating from Iran. Due to the persistent Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the state energy company enacted severe power supply restrictions the previous day to alleviate stress on the power grid in the aftermath of the devastating Russian attacks on Ukrainian power plants.
13:35 ECB Study: Ukraine War Slows Down Eurozone More Than USA
According to a study by the ECB, the Ukraine war is hindering the Eurozone more than the USA. The economy in the Eurozone expanded only about 3% from the fourth quarter of 2019 to the fourth quarter of 2023, as per experts at the European Central Bank (ECB) in the study. Conversely, the economy in the USA grew considerably stronger during the same period: its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased by over 8%. "This gap is primarily due to weaker private consumption in the Eurozone compared to the USA," stated the authors. The Eurozone has been disproportionately hit by the economic consequences of the Russian aggression against Ukraine. The resulting energy crisis and the surge in inflation at food prices have had a significant impact. "This is due to the geographical proximity, the high degree of dependence on energy and food imports from this region, and the negative effects on consumer confidence in the Eurozone," stated the authors. The Eurozone, as a trade-centric region, has been particularly affected by supply chain disruptions and the worldwide economic downturn.
13:17 Moscow to Withdraw from OSCE AssemblyRussia will sever its membership in the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and cease payments to the body. According to Russian state media, this decision will be made in collaboration with the State Duma, as declared by the head of the Russian Federation Council, Valentina Matviyenko. Matviyenko claimed that the OSCE-PA is Russian-hostile and biased in favor of Ukraine. Moscow had avoided taking this measure, the chairwoman of the upper house of the Russian Parliament added. However, Romania, as host of the OSCE-PA annual session, had recently refused to issue visas to all members of the Russian delegation for participation in meetings. With that, a line had been crossed, Russia was no longer prepared to tolerate it, Matviyenko stated, adding that the organization would lose out because security issues in Europe could not be discussed without Russia.
The head of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Federation Council, Grigori Karasin, had previously complained that Romania had not issued a single visa to any member of the Russian delegation, due to Russia's military aggression against Ukraine. The 31st OSCE-PA annual session is scheduled for June 29 to July 3 in Bucharest.
12:47 Ukraine to Receive Advanced WeaponsUkraine has signed a contract with KNDS for the delivery of 54 RCH 155 artillery systems, as the weapons manufacturer announced. The sophisticated, mobile self-propelled howitzer can fire precise shots while moving and hit targets up to 54 kilometers away. The artillery system module is remotely controllable via remote control. It was already known in 2022 that Ukraine would receive RCH 155. However, only 36 examples had been mentioned until now. The first deliveries are scheduled for 2025. KNDS also announced that it would produce 78 CAESAR systems for Ukraine in that year.
12:22 Russia's Rockets are Subpar, Says Trubetskoy to Putin about Kim Jong UnPutin's visit to North Korea is causing concern in Ukraine. The weapons deliveries from Pyongyang are immense, reported Ukrainian journalist Dennis Trubetskoy in an ntv interview. It has been shown that the rockets are not top-notch, but that may change.
12:02 "Mutual Aid" in "Aggression": Putin signs accord with KimAccording to Russian President Vladimir Putin's statements to Russian news agencies during his state visit to North Korea, the partnership agreement signed between the two countries involves mutual "aid" in case of an "aggression" against one of the parties. Putin reportedly stated, "The comprehensive partnership treaty signed today includes mutual aid in case of an aggression against one of the contracting parties." Russia will not rule out "military-technical cooperation with North Korea," Putin added. The treaty is described as a "breakthrough" that elevates the relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang to a "new level." Both Russia and North Korea pursue an independent foreign policy and do not accept the language of extortion and dictation, Putin noted. Both states will continue to resist the practice of strangulation through sanctions, an instrument the West is accustomed to using to maintain its dominance in politics, economics, and other areas, Putin concluded. North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un referred to the agreement as one of "peaceful and defensive nature." The "powerful" treaty is "constructive" and "future-oriented," Kim stated. Kim called Putin the "best friend of the Korean people" (see also entries at 09:00 and 07:27 a.m.).
11:21 Identification of Russian Commanders Associated with the Beheading of a Ukrainian Soldier
Ukrainian investigative authorities are currently identifying suspected Russian commanders who may have been involved in the beheading of a Ukrainian soldier, as reported by Ukraine's Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin to X. The slain soldier has been recognized, according to the reports. The validity of the information is being checked. This new evidence supports the assertion that Russia disregards international law and universal morality, noted the Prosecutor General. "Any world leader who shakes hands with Putin should be aware that they're shaking hands with someone who tolerates barbaric acts," said Kostin, who previously reported the beheading of an Ukrainian soldier by Russians in the Donetsk region. The head was found on a military vehicle during an aerial reconnaissance operation. The photograph was published online.
10:54 Waiting for a US Response: Russia's Proposals for a Prisoner Exchange
Before the trial against the US reporter Evan Gershkovich, who is accused of espionage in Russia, Moscow has expressed concern regarding a prospective prisoner exchange. "The ball is in the US's court" says Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov in an interview with the state Russian news agency TASS. "We're awaiting their response to the proposals we've presented", he adds. The Russian proposals are well-known to the applicable US government bodies, says Ryabkov further. According to him, while the Americans may not appreciate some aspects of these proposals, that's a matter for them. Moscow considers its approach to be "completely justified, reasonable and balanced". He did not provide any specifics. Gershkovich was arrested in March 2023 during a reporting trip to Russia and held in the Lefortovo Prison in Moscow ever since. The court accuses the Wall Street Journal reporter of working for the CIA and acquiring confidential information about the tank manufacturer Uralvagonzavod in the Sverdlovsk region. The trial against him is scheduled to commence on June 26 in the eastern Russian city of Yekaterinburg behind closed doors. If found guilty, the 32-year-old faces up to 20 years in prison.
10:20 Military Exercises: Russian Nuclear-powered Submarines Conduct Firing in the Barents Sea
According to Russian sources, naval vessels powered by nuclear propulsion from the Northern Fleet are participating in military operations in the Barents Sea. According to media outlets, Russian submarines have fired missiles at targets in the sea. The exercise was reportedly a success. Situated off the northern coasts of Norway and Russia, the Barents Sea hosts the military exercises.
10:01 US Senator Alerts to Potential Russian Interference in British Elections
Russian interference in forthcoming British elections is anticipated to "significantly increase" before the election day on July 4, according to US Senator Mark Warner, as reported by Kyiv Independent. Warner, who leads the Senate Intelligence Committee, warns that Russia and its proxies are attempting to sow discord or to pit groups against each other, hence fueling social unrest in the UK. "The US is keeping a close eye on the UK's current situation," Warner adds, stating that the US has evidence of Russia's extensive efforts to interfere in elections worldwide. "It appears that Russia isn't pleased with the fact that Britain has stood firm in its support for Ukraine," so Warner.
09:31 Munz: Lack of Specifics - Russia Updates Its Nuclear Doctrine
Russia is modifying its nuclear doctrine. ntv correspondent Rainer Munz discusses the potential reasons behind the announcement and focuses on Putin's first visit to North Korea since 1991. Behind the visit is a considerable shift in the Kremlin, according to Munz.
09:00 Putin Expresses Gratitude for Kim's Support in Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin thanks North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for his support of the Kremlin's policy in Ukraine during his visit to North Korea. Kim expressed "full support and solidarity" for Russia in his initial statement. At the beginning of the talks, Putin also declared that an agreement meant to fortify relations between Moscow and Pyongyang would be signed. According to Russian state news agencies TASS and Ria Novosti, Putin said that this "new fundamental document" would form the basis of bilateral relations in the long term. The Kremlin leader praises the "close friendship" between the two states, which is rooted on "equality and respect for mutual interests."
08:31 Reisner: Ukrainian Troops Regain Advantage on Several Battlefields
Ukraine soldiers can now attack Russian targets with Western weapons. The impact on Russian logistics is also significant at the front. Ukrainian forces may take back the initiative in certain war zones, as Colonel Reisner of the Austrian Army states.
08:08 Kyiv Estimates Russian Casualties at Over 529,000 Soldiers
Since the onset of its offensive attack on Ukraine on February 24, Russia has suffered more than 529,750 soldiers, according to an update from the Ukrainian military general staff. Russia has also lost 7984 tanks, 15,319 armored combat vehicles, 19,078 vehicles and fuel tanks, 14,007 artillery systems, 1104 multiple rocket launchers, 857 air defense systems, 359 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 11,221 drones, 28 ships and boats, and one submarine.
Vladimir Putin announces a new pivotal agreement between Russia and North Korea during his encounter with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang. "Today, we've got a fresh agreement that will serve as the cornerstone for our long-term relations," Putin declared, as reported by Russian news agencies in Pyongyang. Moscow and Pyongyang have seen progress in improving their bilateral relations, Putin noted. Putin also extended an invitation for Kim to visit Moscow, according to Russian news agencies. "I'm excited to see you again," Putin expressed, having previously met with Kim twice in the Eastern part of Russia, most recently in September and earlier in April 2019. "I'm hopeful that our next encounter will happen in Russia, in Moscow," Putin emphasized. Putin arrived in North Korea on Tuesday evening.
Previously, representatives from the US government displayed concerns over Putin's visit to North Korea. "The escalating cooperation between Russia and North Korea is something that should raise eyebrows for anyone who values maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and offering backing to the Ukrainian people, who are still engaged in their fight against Russian hostility," said John Kirby, spokesperson for the US Defense Department, in Washington.
07:06 A US soldier is sentenced to multiple years in prison by a Russian court for threats and theft. Gordon Black was given a sentence of three years and nine months in prison by a court in Vladivostok, according to reports from Russian state news agencies RIA Novosti and TASS. Black's lawyer intends to file an appeal against the verdict, TASS reports. Black was arrested in Vladivostok in May. He had interacted with a Russian woman there, whom he had encountered during his service in South Korea. The Russian judicial system accuses Black of assaulting Alexandra Waschtschuk and stealing 10,000 Rubles (approximately 109 Euros) from her. Black allegedly admitted to some of the charges but denied threatening Waschtschuk with death. Waschtschuk was heavily intoxicated during the incident. The two reportedly met in October 2022 through a dating app in South Korea and began a relationship. Waschtschuk later invited him to come to Vladiwostok. According to the US Army, the soldier had completed his service in South Korea on April 10. Instead of returning to the United States, he traveled "for personal reasons" to Vladiwostok via China.
06:31 A Kazakh oppositionist and popular blogger living in Ukraine was shot and injured in Kiev. Aydos Sadykow was attacked near his home in the Ukrainian capital, as reported by his wife Natalia Sadykowa and Ukrainian authorities. He was taken to a hospital and is said to have suffered greatly. Kiev launched an investigation following the incident. "Preliminary information indicates that an unknown person approached the vehicle in which the victim and his wife were traveling, shot at the man, and then fled," the statement reads. Sadykow was granted asylum in Ukraine in 2014. Together with his wife, he runs a well-known online channel that scrutinizes Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. On the video platform YouTube, more than a million users follow him.
06:05 Moscow discusses deploying long-range weapons with its closest allies. According to the state news agency TASS, Russia is talking to its closest partners about the issue of deploying long-range weapons. The Russian government reportedly maintains close partnerships in both Asia and Latin America, with whom "the security situation is significantly discussed, not just at the level of sharing assessments," quotes TASS Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov. "There's nothing special about that." The question of deploying long-range weapons is being discussed with several partners. These talks are considered to be part of Russia's diplomatic and security efforts, Ryabkov added. No further information was given about which countries these discussions are being conducted with or which weapons are being discussed.
05:43 A Russian journalist has been imprisoned once again, this time for supporting organizations linked to the deceased opposition leader Alexei Nawalny. Artem Krieger will remain in custody until August 18, according to a court in Moscow. The 23-year-old works for Nawalny's controversial anti-corruption organization FBK. Previously, the independent media outlet Sotavision reported on the detention of one of its employees.
04:56 A Ukrainian man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison by a Ukrainian court for treason due to the distribution of military information to Russian troops. The prosecutor's office in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk announced the ruling. A resident of Kostyantynivka near the frontline is said to have disclosed the locations of Ukrainian troops and movements of Ukrainian artillery in the region through the Telegram online service in May 2023. By doing so, he allegedly committed treason, the prosecutor's office declared. The Russian contact person for the man reportedly offered a counteroffer but failed to deliver.
03:51 In the context of its relationship with the European Union, Ukraine is making room for a combined roaming zone with EU countries. A corresponding law was signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "Next, we must receive a positive evaluation of our legislative changes from the European side and begin negotiations on joining the single roaming area with the EU," Digital Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated in a statement from his ministry. Ukraine is the first EU membership candidate to undertake this step.
02:48 Lindner Warns: NATO and EU on the Line over Ukraine Policy ClarificationFinance Minister Christian Lindner stresses the need for a transparent disclosure of Germany's Ukraine policy in Eastern Germany. "We must make the Ukrainian policy of the German government crystal clear to the people in Eastern Germany," Lindner told the Rheinische Post. "It's not merely about aiding Ukraine in its defense against Russia. Our arms deliveries, refugee aid, and economic aid also serve our interests," Lindner asserted. "If we condone Russia's disregard for international law and aggression, NATO and the EU could crumble," Lindner cautioned. "For instance, Poland and the Czech Republic might wonder if we would abandon them during a critical moment," the FDP chairman mentioned.
01:48 City Council Opposes Curbing Welfare for Ukrainian RefugeesThe German City Council counters the reduction of welfare for refugees from Ukraine due to the recommendations of certain Interior Ministers for lower payments under the Asylseekers Benefits Act. "The state leaders should not engage the Federal Chancellor in a discussion about the welfare entitlement of Ukrainian men and women," says City Council President Markus Lewe to Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland. The Social Code II offers better tools to get Ukrainian refugees into jobs more frequently and quickly. "If Ukrainian men and women were to switch to the asylum system instead, access to language courses, employment agencies, or vocational training would be hampered significantly. This would make it much harder for them to find jobs," Lewe suggests. Besides, the administrative workload on the cities would skyrocket.
00:43 Swedish Parliament Passes Defense Pact with the USThe Swedish Parliament, with a significant majority, approves a contentious defense agreement with the United States. After a debate of five hours, 266 lawmakers approved the agreement, 37 opposed it. Critics fear that it could lead to nuclear weapons being stationed in Sweden and permanent US military bases in the country. The agreement, signed in December in Stockholm and Washington, provides the US access to 17 military support points and training areas in Sweden and allows for the storage of weapons, military equipment, and ammunition.
23:42 Kerner Apologizes for False European Map during Live Football BroadcastA error featuring a false European map forces TV host Johannes B. Kerner to apologize during the live broadcast of the European Football Championship. During the joint program of MagentaTV and RTL, before the match between Turkey and Georgia, a map was displayed that did not show Crimea as part of Ukraine. "This is a giant mistake, it truly bothers us, and we sincerely apologize for it," says Kerner, acknowledging the error as a severe blunder.
22:51 Zelensky: Western Weapons Effectively Striking Russian TerritoryUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky concludes that Western weapons have effectively targeted Russian territory. The demolition of Russian fortifications and launch sites near the border is significant, says Zelensky in his daily video address. "It works. Exactly as we expected." The Ukrainian leader commended several units for unnamed accomplishments.
22:12 Fatal Mine Explosion near Russian Border with UkraineAccording to the statements of local governor Alexander Bogomas on online networks, two people died in a mine explosion in the Russian region of Brjansk near the Ukrainian border. "Locals disregarded the warnings and entered a restricted border zone," Bogomas explains. "As a result, two locals lost their lives at the site of the explosion." Another person was apparently injured. The incident occurred in the Klimowski district, neighbors the north Ukrainian region of Tschernihiw. Bogomas suggests to "remain cautious and avoid visiting areas in border regions where warning signs indicate the laying of mines". Russia has fortified its border regions during the over two-year-long conflict in Ukraine. In this month alone, there have been multiple mine accidents. In the past week, four people, including a state television journalist, were hurt by a mine explosion in the Belgorod region, which also shares a border with Ukraine.
You can read about previous developments here.
Read also:
- The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has prompted NATO to consider increasing its military presence in Eastern Europe, as a response to Russia's attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities and its alleged involvement in the attack on Ukraine.
- Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian President, has called on NATO allies to provide Ukraine with advanced weapons to strengthen its defense capabilities against the Russian military operations in the country.
- Recent cyberattacks against Ukrainian government institutions and critical infrastructure have highlighted the need for Ukraine to enhance its cyber defense capabilities in the face of Russia's use of cyberwarfare as a strategic tool.
- In response to the escalating tension with Russia, Ukraine has also been seeking to strengthen its diplomatic ties with other countries, such as the United States, to secure additional support in its fight against Russian aggression.
