20:00 Ukraine: Woman dead after Russian attack
In Russian attacks on the Donezk region, a 55-year-old woman was reportedly killed according to Ukrainian sources. Eight more people were injured, among them four children, Governor Vadym Filashkin announced. In the city of Nowofedoriwka, several houses were damaged due to the attack.
19:32 Orban to reportedly travel to Moscow tomorrowHungarian Prime Minister Orban is reportedly planning to travel to Moscow tomorrow and meet with President Putin, according to a US foreign broadcast service, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, citing a Hungarian government source. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjárto will accompany the prime minister. Hungary currently holds the EU Council Presidency. On Tuesday, Orban traveled to Ukraine to persuade President Zelenskyy towards a ceasefire. European Council President Charles Michel clarified that the EU would not negotiate with Russia without Ukraine. "The EU Council Presidency has no mandate to represent the EU in negotiations 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 statements on the Ukraine war seriouslyKremlin chief Putin 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." Putin usually 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 resolve the Ukraine conflict. "That's 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, Russian forces reportedly have no personnel shortage. The Russian army has reportedly been strengthened this year by 190,000 conscripts and contract soldiers, according to Dmitri Medvedev, the Vice-Chairman of the National Security Council. Medvedev made the statement during a meeting at the Defense Ministry. "The average daily recruitment rate remains stable and amounts to about one thousand people," Medvedev was quoted as saying by the state news agency TASS. Contract soldiers, mostly reservists, supplement regular conscriptions.
18:04 Kuleba proposes two solutions to stop Russian advance
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba proposes two solutions to halt the advance of Russian troops on the battlefield. On the one hand, Russian fighter jets need to be destroyed, on the other hand, sufficient supply of artillery shells is required for Ukrainian troops, Kuleba tells Lithuanian radio LRT. The trend of gradual occupation of Ukrainian territory by Russia can be reversed, but this is "very difficult" and requires "many decisions," according to Kuleba. The main reason for Russian success, he sees, in the "endless number of guided bombs dropped on our ground troops." Russian aviation is a "real pain point."
17:42 Duma bans lawmakers' foreign travel
Russian 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 passed such a law on Wednesday. Previously, there had been criticism in Russia over lawmakers' travels 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, getting injured or killed.
17:17 After TV debate: Putin still prefers Biden over Trump
Russian President Putin still prefers Biden over Trump as US President, according to Putin's own statement to Russian state television. Biden's weak performance in the TV debate against Trump did not change Putin's preference, he said. In response to a reporter's question, whether Biden or Trump was better, Putin answered: "Nothing has changed." Putin had already stated several times that he preferred Biden over Trump. He watched the entire TV duel, Putin said, but only saw some fragments. "I have enough to do," he added.
16:51 NATO to significantly expand weapons production
NATO countries plan to commit 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, missiles for air 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, tens or even hundreds of billions of euros could be necessary to achieve the new goals.
16:30 Ukraine: Patriot intercepts all Kiev-targeted ballistic missiles so far
According to Ukrainian reports, all ballistic missiles launched from Russia at targets in Kiev have been intercepted since the US provided Patriot air defense systems to the country. Ukrainian Air Force Colonel Serhii Yaremenko stated in an interview with Ukrinform, "Since early May 2023, not a single ballistic [missile] has reached its target in our country's capital. More than 20 Scuds were fired at Kiev, and all were successfully intercepted," so Yaremenko.
16:00 IAEA Chief: Drone attacks at nuclear power plant "must stop"
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported drone strikes near the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, citing the Russian administration of the facility. "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 Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant," said IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi.
15:35 Zelenskyy: Brigades are waiting for authorized western weapons
According to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, western military aid is coming too slowly to the country. In an interview with Bloomberg, he said, "We have 14 brigades that do not have the necessary weapons, which have already been approved and discussed," so Zelenskyy. However, he expressed gratitude for the support of western partners.
15:13 London: Russia targeting Ukrainian resources
According to the British Defense Ministry, Russia may target Ukrainian resource exports such as gold, uranium, and coal to "undermine" the Ukrainian economy. In its latest intelligence report, the Defense Ministry stated that Ukrainian government sources have "for a long time pointed to the 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 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin reaffirmed their alliance as a counterbalance to the western world. Xi urged the attendees at the summit's conclusion in Astana to "resist external interference." Xi called on members 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 "stands 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 Belarus.
14:24 Putin speaks of readiness for negotiations
Vladimir Putin, the head of the Kremlin, emphasized Russia's alleged readiness for peace talks regarding its ongoing conflict with Ukraine during a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization for Security (SCO) leaders. Putin stated that Russia has always been for a political-diplomatic solution to the conflict. Moscow, which has been waging a destructive war against Ukraine for over two years, recently made proposals for an end to hostilities, Putin said in Astana. Moscow insists that Ukraine renounces all annexed territories, which Kiev refuses.
14:04 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. According to the Russian Presidential Executive Office, 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. India has been trying to remain neutral in Russia's war against Ukraine. Modi has repeatedly urged both sides to dialogue, but has also criticized Russia's actions. Instead, economically interconnected India has significantly increased its purchases of Russian oil, helping Moscow mitigate the effects of Western sanctions.
13:32 Russian forces attack Ukrainian National Guard post
Russian troops are reported to have attacked a Ukrainian National Guard post in Vyschgorod, 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, is subordinate to the Interior Ministry. RIA Novosti reports that 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 detention
A Russian court has ruled that a French national must remain in pre-trial detention. The court in Moscow rejected the habeas corpus application 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 in Geneva. He works for the Humanitarian Dialogue Centre (HD Centre), a Geneva-based non-governmental organization. The organization announced on June 7 that it would also contact Russian authorities for clarification on 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 reported on television that there had been 160 such attempts since Monday. This year, a total of 2,770 migrants have been prevented from illegally crossing the EU's green border from Belarus.
Latvia borders Eastern Europe for approximately 172 kilometers with Belarus, a close ally of Russia. Lettland, Poland, and Lithuania accuse Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko of orchestrating the bringing of migrants to the EU external border in an organized manner to put pressure on the EU.
12:00 Baerbock: Russia remains the 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 ahead of the upcoming NATO summit in Washington next week. The West must counteract to defend freedom and democracy. "We didn't choose this," Baerbock says. "We didn't want this." Germany, in particular, 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 current dispute in the traffic light coalition over the 2025 budget.
11:23 Kiev: Russian intelligence "couple" arrested for spying
The Ukrainian Security Service SBU has arrested 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 suspected of spying on military infrastructure in the Ukrainian regions of Odessa and Dnipro on behalf of the Russian intelligence 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 further information, the two alleged FSB agents are said to have passed on the photos to the Russian intelligence service. 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 has shot down 21 of 22 attack drones, the Ukrainian 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 aim 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 bloc 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 attendees include the presidents of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus, as well as Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The Iranian president's chief of staff, Mohammed Mochber, was expected to attend. Belarus, which is ruled authoritatively, has officially become a new SCO member since this summit. 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 attack on Ukraine.
10:02 Ukraine releases figures on Russian losses
The Ukrainian General Staff has published 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 a 24-hour period alone, the losses amounted to 1,200. Since the beginning of the large-scale attack, Russia is said to have lost 8,132 tanks, 15,600 artillery systems, and 360 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 11,694 drones, 28 ships, and a submarine. Western estimates list lower loss figures - although these are also only minimum values.
09:30 Report: Ukrainian forces withdraw from part of Chassow Jar
The Ukrainian military has reportedly withdrawn from a part of the strategically important Ukrainian city of Chassow Jar. "It was no longer possible to hold the Canal Quarter, as the enemy had breached our defenses," said a Ukrainian military spokesperson. The defensive positions had been 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 operations there as well. Chassow 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 Zaporizhzhia within 24 hoursWithin the last 24 hours, the Russians have attacked the region of Zaporizhzhia 391 times, according to the governor of the south-eastern region of Ukraine, Ivan Fyodorov, in a morning report on Telegram. In this regard, a man in Vasylivka and a woman in Polohiv were killed, and a man in the city of Zaporizhzhia was wounded. Fyodorov reports of two air raids on Novoandriivka, 177 drone attacks on Chervonodniprovka, Gulyaypole, Levadne, Robotyno, Mala Tokmachka, Malynivka, Novoandriivka, Uspenivka and Novopavlivka. Twelve MLRS attacks hit Robotyne and Novoandriivka. Additionally, the Russians fired two hundred artillery shells on the territories of Gulyaypole, Mala Tokmachka, Novoandriivka, Robotyne, Levadne, Malynivka and Plavni.
08:33 Russia: Strike on Ukrainian base destroys jetRussian forces are reported to have attacked the aircraft parking lot of the Ukrainian Air Force base Dolgintsevo in the Dnipropetrovsk region with the Iskander surface-to-air missile system. 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 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 monster, but they lack soldiers.
07:22 Crypto as loophole: Russian Central Bank encourages businesses to use crypto to bypass sanctionsThe Russian Central Bank encourages domestic businesses in the face of Western sanctions to resort to alternative payment methods such as cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners. Central Bank Chairman Elvira Nabiullina admitted 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. "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 more 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 from local officials. Mayor Borys Filatow stated that the windows of two schools and three kindergartens were destroyed, as well as debris hitting 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 local energy infrastructure. As a result, Ukraine began "blackouts" 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 power supply to the population.
05:44 Kiev's General Staff: Russians increasing pressure at Pokrovsk
According to the General Staff in Kiev, the Russian military is trying to "intensify the pressure" on Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. Consequently, defensive lines are being reinforced, 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 frustrated with Schmyhal. It is said to be more of an emotional matter. Zelenskyy is reportedly always looking for creative solutions and proposals that Schmyhal does not provide. According to the sources, Schmyhal could be replaced by Julia Swyrydenko, the first deputy prime minister and economy minister.
03:59 Kyiv denies Russian victories 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 uses 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 holds 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 from 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 large 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 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 appear to be enough soldiers. "We had to fill about 120 positions for the staff of the Lithuanian brigade. We managed to fill 115 of these within a week. And we had around 900 applications," says General Inspector of the Bundeswehr, Carsten Breuer, to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "During troop visits, I often meet soldiers and soldiers who say: Yes, we want to join in. There is certainly a great willingness to establish the brigade in Lithuania. Many soldiers and soldiers have already collected positive experiences in Lithuania: the gratitude of the people and the warm welcome. They say, I can imagine a deployment 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, if you will, the order to make the Bundeswehr combat-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 6 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 Russia allows corporations to use cryptocurrencies for international transactions
The Russian Central Bank encourages Russian companies to use alternative payment methods like cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners due to Western sanctions. For international transactions, such cryptocurrencies are now permitted, according to Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina in Saint Petersburg. The head 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 writing down all our public statements," Kostin said. Whatever Russia does, the reaction of Western countries will be "very quick," Kostin warned.
22:16 Erdogan offers "foundation" 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 create the foundation for an end to the war. However, the Russian government spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated, according to Russian news agencies, that Turkey would not take on a mediator role. Russian news agencies quote Peskov with the response: "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, rations 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 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 rationed strictly. The largest private energy company in Ukraine, DTEK, produces 90% less electricity.
- The attack on Ukraine by Russia has led to military operations in various regions, including Donezk, where a 55-year-old woman was reportedly killed according to Ukrainian sources.
- Russian President Putin has expressed that he takes seriously the statements of former US President Trump regarding ending the war in Ukraine, noting that any proposed solutions to the Ukraine conflict will be closely examined.
- Hungarian Prime Minister Orban is reportedly planning to travel to Moscow to meet with President Putin, despite previous efforts by Orban to encourage a ceasefire in Ukraine.
- Despite heavy losses in Ukraine, Russian forces have reportedly been able to recruit a significant number of new soldiers this year, with the Russian army strengthening its ranks by 190,000 conscripts and contract soldiers.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyy has called for faster delivery of military aid from western partners, citing the need for weapons for 14 Ukrainian brigades that are currently lacking the necessary equipment.
