20:45 Odessa reports one dead after attack
After a ballistic missile strike in the southern harbor city of Odessa, Ukrainian sources report that a person has been killed. At least seven other people were injured in the Russian attack on the region, according to Governor Oleh Kiper. Houses and the harbor infrastructure were damaged. "The civilian harbor infrastructure has been attacked," Kiper wrote on Telegram.
20:25 Apple removes VPN-apps in RussiaApple has reportedly removed 25 VPN-apps from the Russian App Store at the request of the state communications regulator Roskomnadzor. Interfax reports this. Since Putin's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the demand for VPN services in Russia has skyrocketed because the authorities have since restricted access to some Western media. Some VPN services had already been blocked by the communications regulator, while others remained available.
20:00 Ukraine: Woman killed in Russian attackIn Russian attacks on the region of Donetsk, Ukrainian sources report that a 55-year-old woman was killed. Eight other people were injured, including four children, according to Governor Vadym Filashkin. In the city of Nowofedoriwka, several houses were damaged in 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 report by the US overseas broadcasting service Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, citing a Hungarian government source. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó is also expected to accompany the prime minister. Hungary currently holds the EU Council Presidency. On Tuesday, Orban traveled to Ukraine to try to persuade President Zelensky to declare a ceasefire. European Council President Charles Michel made it clear 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." The name Orbán is not mentioned in Michel's Twitter post.
18:55 Putin takes Trump's remarks about the Ukraine war seriouslyPutin reacted to Donald Trump's announcement that he would end the war in Ukraine quickly 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." 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: Thousand new soldiers are recruited dailyDespite heavy losses in Ukraine, Russian military forces, according to their own reports, do not have a personnel shortage. This year, the Russian army has been strengthened by 190,000 contract soldiers and volunteers, as Vice Chairman of the National Security Council Dmitri Medvedev announced. At a meeting at the Defense Ministry, Medvedev stated that the Kremlin's goal of recruiting contractors and volunteers has been met. "The average daily recruitment rate remains stable and amounts to approximately one thousand people," Medvedev was further quoted by the TASS news agency. Contract soldiers, mostly reservists, supplement regular conscriptions.
18:04 Kuleba proposes two solutions to stop Russian advanceUkrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba outlined two solutions to halt the advance of Russian troops on the battlefield. On the one hand, Russian fighter jets must be destroyed, and on the other hand, sufficient artillery ammunition must be provided to Ukrainian troops, Kuleba told the Lithuanian radio LRT. The creeping 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." The Russian air force is a "real pain point."
17:42 Duma bans deputies' foreign travel without permissionRussian deputies 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 a vacation abroad without authorization, they risk losing their mandate. The State Duma passed such a law today. Previously, there had been criticism in Russia of deputies' trips abroad, which were sometimes documented on social media with pictures of their luxury tours, while many of their compatriots were in military service at the front in Ukraine, wounded or killed.
17:17 After TV debate: Putin still prefers Biden over TrumpAccording to his own statement, Russian President Putin still prefers Biden over Trump as US President. Putin's preference for Biden over Trump has not changed, Putin told Russian state television. Putin was asked by a reporter which of the two was better, to which Putin replied: "Nothing has changed." Putin had already stated several times that he preferred Biden over Trump. Putin watched the entire TV debate between Biden and Trump not once but only "some fragments." "I have enough to do," Putin said.
16:51: NATO to significantly expand arms production
NATO countries are committed to expanding the production of military equipment at their upcoming summit in Washington next week. According to a coalition representative, future national defense industry plans will be submitted for this purpose. In addition, there are expected to be more joint procurement projects and initiatives for the purchase of so-called war-deciding ammunition. To this category belong, for example, missiles for air defense systems, precision-guided projectiles, and 155-millimeter artillery ammunition. A specific investment amount is not mentioned in the agreement of the coalition states. However, according to the official, dozens, if not hundreds of billions of euros may be necessary to achieve these goals.
16:30: Ukraine: Patriot intercepts all missiles fired at Kiev
According to Ukrainian reports, all ballistic missiles fired at targets in Kiev by Russia have been intercepted since the US provided Patriot air defense systems to the country last year. Ukrainian Air Force Major General Serhii Yaremenko stated in an interview with Ukrinform, "Since early May 2023, not a single ballistic missile has reached its target in the capital of our country. More than 20 Kinschals were fired at Kiev and all were successfully intercepted."
16:00: IAEA Chief: Drone attacks at nuclear power plant "must stop"
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports drone attacks near the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, citing the Russian administration of the facility. "It is extremely alarming that these drone attacks continue, as they pose a clear danger to the people in Enerhodar and to the safety of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant," said IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi.
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. 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." 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 raw material 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 warned of 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 seeks to destroy the Ukrainian economy."
14:48 Putin and Xi deepen anti-western alliance
At the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana, 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 summit's conclusion to "resist external interference." Xi urged the member states to "support each other, care for each other's concerns (...) and take the future and destiny of our countries, as well as peace and development in the region, into our own hands." It is of "decisive importance" that the SCO "stands on the right side of history." The SCO comprises ten countries, representing approximately half of the world population. Among its permanent members are the host country 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 supposed readiness for peace talks regarding its conflict with Ukraine during a meeting with several heads of state at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Astana. Putin stated that Russia had long been in favor of a political-diplomatic resolution 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 said. Moscow insists that Ukraine renounce all annexed territories, a demand that Kiev has rejected.
14:04 Kremlin: Modi to travel to Russia for talks with Putin
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to travel to Russia next week for talks with President Vladimir Putin. 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 meetings on Monday and Tuesday. India has attempted to remain neutral in Russia's war against Ukraine. Modi has repeatedly urged both sides to engage in dialogue, while criticizing Russia's actions. However, economically dependent on Russia, India has significantly increased its purchases of Russian oil, helping Moscow mitigate the effects of Western sanctions.
13:32 Russia attacks Ukrainian National Guard base
Russian troops are reported to have attacked a Ukrainian National Guard base in Vyshgorod, in the Kiev region. This information was provided by the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, citing the coordinator of the pro-Russian underground, Sergei Lebedev. The Ukrainian National Guard is a paramilitary organization that, unlike the army, air force, and navy, does not report to the Defense Ministry but to the Interior Ministry. According to RIA Novosti, there have been two attacks on the military base in General Kulchitsky Street, resulting in explosions.
13:07 Russian Court: Frenchman to Remain in Pre-Trial DetentionA Russian court has decided that a French national must remain in pre-trial detention until August. The court in Moscow has rejected the detention appeal of 47-year-old political expert Laurent Vinatier. He is accused of collecting information about "military and military-technical activities" of Russia. This criminal offense can be punished with up to five years in prison. Vinatier was arrested in Switzerland in mid-June at the large international Ukraine peace conference. He was working for the HD Centre, a Geneva-based non-governmental organization. The organization announced on June 7 that they would also contact the Russian authorities for clarification of the charges against their employee.
12:30 Lettland: 160 Illegal Crossings from Belarus ReportedLettland has recorded more attempts of irregular border crossings from Belarus this week. Border Guard Chief Guntis Pujats reports on television that there have been 160 such attempts since Monday. This year, a total of 2,770 migrants have been prevented from illegally crossing the EU green border from Belarus.
Lettland shares a border of approximately 172 kilometers with Belarus, one of Russia's closest allies. Lettland, Poland, and Lithuania accuse Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko of bringing migrants to the EU external border in organized form to put pressure on the EU.
12:00 Baerbock: Russia Remains Greatest Threat to EuropeGerman Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock calls for further support for Ukraine from NATO. "Russia will remain the greatest threat to our security and freedom in Europe for the foreseeable future," Baerbock says in a Bundestag debate on the upcoming NATO summit coming week in Washington. The West must act to defend freedom and democracy. "We didn't choose this," Baerbock says. "We didn't want this." Germany 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 budget for 2025.
11:23 Kiev: Russian Intelligence "Couple" Spied on Military InfrastructureThe 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 taking pictures of "necessary" objects as a "freshly married couple" strolling through the area. Together with additional information, the two alleged FSB agents are said to have passed the photos on to the Russian security service. The Ukrainian security service claims to have caught the "couple" in the act.
10:50 Ukraine: 21 out of 22 Russian drones shot down
The Ukraine military claims to have repelled a Russian drone attack for the most part, according to their own reports. The air defense managed to shoot down 21 out of 22 attacking drones, the Ukrainian Air Force reports. They were destroyed over six regions in northern and central Ukraine. These were reportedly Schahed drones of Iranian production.
10:33 SCO Meeting in Kazakhstan: Putin and Xi to demonstrate alliance strength
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese State Council Chairman Xi Jinping are participating in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. The regional security alliance was 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 host country's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the presidents of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus. For Iran, the acting president Mohammed Mokhber was supposed to attend. Belarus, which is ruled authoritarly, has officially become a new SCO member since this summit. Among the observer states and dialogue partners are Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. The summit offers Putin another opportunity to illustrate the failure of Western efforts to isolate Russia due to its 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 reports, Russia has lost approximately 547,470 soldiers in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. In just 24 hours, 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 provide lower loss figures - although they only represent minimum values.
09:30 Report: Ukrainian forces withdraw from part of Chassiw Jar
The Ukrainian army has reportedly withdrawn from a part of the strategically important Ukrainian city of Chassiw Jar. "It was no longer possible to hold the Canal Quarter, as the enemy had penetrated," a Ukrainian military spokesperson said. The defensive positions were destroyed, and the lives of their own soldiers were at risk. The military command decided on a withdrawal to better fortified positions. However, the enemy continued its combat actions there as well. Chassiw Jar is located in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk, about 20 kilometers west of Bachmut, which was taken by Russian troops a year ago and reduced to rubble after months of intense fighting.
09:07 Governor: 391 Russian attacks on Zaporizhia within 24 hoursWithin the last 24 hours, the Russians have attacked the region of Zaporizhia 391 times. This is reported by the governor of the south-eastern region of Ukraine, Ivan Fyodorov, in a morning report on Telegram. According to him, a man in Vasylivka and a woman in Polohiv were killed, and a man in the city of Zaporizhia was wounded. Fyodorov reports of two air raids on Novoandriivka, 177 drone attacks on Chervonodniprovka, Gulyaypole, Levadne, Robotyno, Mala Tokmachka, Malynivka, Novoandriivka, Uspenivka and Novopavlivka. Twelve MLRS attacks hit Robotyne and Novoandriivka. In addition, the Russians fired 200 artillery shells onto the territories of Gulyaypole, Mala Tokmachka, Novoandriivka, Robotyne, Levadne, Malynivka and Plavni.
08:33 Russia: Strike on Ukrainian military base destroys jetRussian forces are reported to have attacked the Ukrainian military base's airfield at Dolgintsevo in the Dnipropetrovsk region using the Iskander ground-to-air missile system. This is reported by the Russian Defense Ministry. According to them, 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 a loophole: Russian Central Bank encourages businesses to use crypto to bypass sanctionsThe Russian Central Bank encourages domestic companies in the face of western sanctions to resort to alternative payment methods such as cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners. Central Bank Chair Elvira Nabiullina spoke about this challenge for the Russian economy at a conference in St. Petersburg. She admitted 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, provided by local government representatives. Mayor Borys Filatow stated that the attack damaged the windows of two schools and three kindergartens, as well as fragments 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. 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 electricity to the population.
05:44 Kiev's General Staff: Russians increasing intensity at Pokrovsk
According to the Kiev General Staff, the Russian military is attempting to "increase the intensity" at Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. Correspondingly, 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 Kiev 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 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 additional requirements of his country to be at least six more 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 115 positions for the staff of the Lithuanian brigade within a week. And we had 900 applications for this," says the Inspector General of the Bundeswehr, Carsten Breuer, to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "During troop visits, I frequently encounter soldiers and soldiers who say: Yes, we want to participate. 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 also imagine a stationing there with my family."
00:45 Inspector General demands billions for Bundeswehr
The Inspector General 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 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, a court in Moscow 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 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 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 the face of Western sanctions. For international transactions, cryptocurrencies are now permitted, according to Central Bank Chair Elvira Nabiullina in St. Petersburg. The CEO of Russia's second-largest 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's an undersecretary jotting down all our public statements." Whatever Russia does, the response from Western countries will be "very quick," warns 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 an end to the war. However, according to Russian government spokesman Dmitri Peskov, Turkey will not take on a mediator role as stated by Russian media. 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 whole of 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 amount imported in 2023. According to data 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.
- The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has led to a significant increase in demand for VPN services in Russia, as the authorities have restricted access to Western media since Putin's invasion.
- The governor of Odessa reported a person was killed and at least seven others injured in a Russian attack on the region, with houses and the harbor infrastructure also damaged.
- According to Ukrainian sources, a 55-year-old woman was killed and eight others, including four children, were injured in Russian attacks on the region of Donetsk.
- Putin reacted to Donald Trump's announcement that he would end the war in Ukraine quickly if re-elected, saying, "We take that quite seriously."
- The Russian army has strengthened its ranks this year with 190,000 contract soldiers and volunteers, according to Vice Chairman of the National Security Council Dmitri Medvedev, with the average daily recruitment rate remaining stable at approximately one thousand people.
