21:24 Seehofer: Don't grant young Ukrainians residency
Approximately 1.2 million Ukrainians have found refuge in Germany from the war in their homeland. CSU-regional chairman Alexander Dobrindt recently called for the expulsion of Ukrainians who do not work. "The proposal can be misunderstood," says CSU honorary chairman Horst Seehofer to the "Augsburger Allgemeine." Mothers and children from the war-torn land found it difficult to work; be it due to lacking language skills or a lack of daycare. "It belongs to a humane state to provide protection." However, young men who evade military service in Germany should not be granted asylum, he thinks.
20:51 A resident of Chmelnytskyi lights a grenade in Luzk city centerA resident of the city of Chmelnytskyi lights a grenade in the city center of Luzk and is arrested. There are no injured reported. The Ukrainian Security Service SBU reports this. The motive of the 23-year-old is still unclear.
20:04 Kiev registers Russian lossesAccording to the Ukrainian General Staff, the Russian armed forces lost 1,070 soldiers on Saturday due to death or injury. In addition, they put 7 tanks, 25 other armored vehicles, and 57 artillery systems out of commission, they report. Since the beginning of their large-scale invasion, the Russian attackers have lost more than 540,000 soldiers. The information is not independently verifiable.
19:39 Russian children go on vacation in North KoreaAt the meeting of Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean Dictator Kim Jong Un, they also agreed on a cooperation in tourism. At the end of July, the first Russian children are expected to relax in North Korea, reports the state Russian news agency RIA Novosti. The conditions were "good." Previously, the administration of the neighboring Russian region Primorye had announced tourism programs for Russian tourists at North Korean beaches.
19:58 Multiple deaths after Russian attack on civilian targetsRussian troops attacked the city of Vilniansk in the Saporischja Oblast and killed seven people, including two children, according to Ukraine's Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. Thirty-one people were injured. Vilniansk had about 15,000 residents before the war and is 30 kilometers from the city of Saporischschja. After a air raid alarm in the region, several explosions were reported. The Russian attack damaged a critical infrastructure facility, a business, and residential buildings. "The attack took place in broad daylight on a weekend at a place where people spent their leisure time in the city center without any military infrastructure," said Governor Ivan Fedorov.
19:21 Poland: The West must learn to escalate anewPolish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski is convinced that Russia is not invincible and that the West can defeat Vladimir Putin. "In contrast to his insane propaganda, Russia is not invincible," Sikorsky said at a lecture: "It has lost some of its wars." The Kremlin could be contained and even defeated. The West must learn how to win in the "escalation game." "For example, we could confiscate all 300 billion euros of Russian state assets," Sikorsky explained.
18:39 Ukraine's Privatization System-Relevant Banks Sale
Ukraine plans to sell system-relevant banks, specifically Sens Bank and Ukrgasbank. In addition, an internationally recognized financial advisor is to be appointed by September 2024, according to a memorandum with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The process is to be "transparent" and "follow consultations with international financial organizations." Ukraine commits not to increase the state's stake in the banking sector. The IMF will provide Kiev with an additional 2.2 billion dollars for its state budget.
17:58 Ukraine Denies Attack Plans on Belarus
Kiev denies Belarusian claims of potential attacks across their shared border. Andrij Demtschenko, Border Guard spokesperson, stated that Ukraine poses no threat but is instead strengthening its defensive lines. There are no provocations, he added, quoting the UNIAN news agency. "They might be confused," Demtschenko said. "The real threat comes from Belarus, where there are enough Russian troops stationed," said Andrij Kowalenko, head of the Ukrainian Center for Countering Disinformation. Russian military is attempting to tie down Ukrainian forces. A high-ranking Belarusian officer had previously claimed, "They are trying to drag our country into war." Belarus is Russia's closest ally.
17:19 Civilian Reunited with Family in Kiev after Years
Ten Ukrainian civilians released from Russian captivity have returned to Kiev. The former detainees, carrying blue and yellow flags, were greeted by their relatives in the capital city. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to all involved and specifically to the Vatican for its mediation. Some of the newly freed individuals had been held in Russia before its large-scale invasion of Ukraine, including Nariman Dzheljal, deputy chairman of the Mejlis, a Crimean Tatar representation. Dzheljal was abducted from Crimea a year before the annexation, where he resided despite the annexation.
16:47 Ukraine Investigates Former General Sodol
The Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office is investigating former General Leytenant Yuriy Sodol. He is being accused of sending unnecessary soldiers to their deaths during the Russian offensive in the Kharkiv Oblast. Sodol issued orders as Ukrainian forces faced the current Russian offensive on May 10, 2022, while he was in command. He was dismissed on June 24, 2022, following an official complaint from one of the commanders of the Azov Brigade. In the complaint, the commander accused Sodol of abuse of power and incompetent leadership of troops, which led to the loss of Ukrainian territory and personnel.
16:10 Ukraine thanks Google for translation tool for Crimean Tatarish
The Google Online Translator now contains Crimean Tatarish as part of an extension of 110 new languages. Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs publicly thanks for the initiative. Crimean Tatarish is endangered in Ukraine due to the decreasing number of speakers. Mass deportations and repression waves against Crimean Tatars by the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union have significantly contributed to the decline. The illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 intensified the trend. Crimean Tatars are exposed to persecution and deportation by the Russian occupiers on their homeland.
15:29 EU imposes sanctions on Belarus
The EU imposes sanctions on Belarus due to its involvement in Russia's armed conflict. This aims to complicate Russia's sanction evasion efforts.
- Export restrictions on goods and technologies for maritime transport, as well as luxury goods to Belarus
- Extension of export ban on technology and goods contributing to increasing Belarusian industrial capacity
- New export ban to Belarus for goods and technologies suitable for oil refining and gas liquefaction
- Import ban from Belarus for gold, diamonds, helium, coal, and mineral products, including oil
- Comprehensive ban on services for Belarus
- Ban on goods transport in the EU for Belarusian trailers and semi-trailers
14:56 Ukraine's Foreign Minister aims to make war "impossible"
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba spoke about the goal after the war during a podium discussion. "As we know from our own recent history and from the history of other regions, peace without justice leads to a new war," he said. "Therefore, the goal is not just to end the war, but to create a reality in which peace is fair and lasting, and a new war becomes impossible. This will be the victory."
14:31 Belarus strengthens air defense at the Ukrainian border
Belarus reportedly strengthens its air defense at the Ukrainian border. The reason given is an increase in Ukrainian drone activities in the area, according to the military of the close ally Russia. Additional air defense forces have been sent to the border to protect "critical infrastructure installations." The situation in the airspace over the border remains tense. The Defense Ministry reports that it has information about Ukraine moving more troops, weapons, and military equipment to the northern region of Schytomyr, which borders Belarus.
13:52 Seehofer on Scholz's "No" to Taurus Deliveries for Ukraine: "Scholz's Behavior is Spot On"
Former Federal Interior Minister Horst Seehofer justifies Chancellor Olaf Scholz's "No" to the delivery of Taurus Missile Systems to Ukraine. "In one point, I find Scholz's behavior exactly right - in the question of Taurus deliveries," said the CSU politician in an interview on the occasion of his 75th birthday in the "Augsburger Allgemeine." The Chancellor wanted to prevent escalation and work together with the Americans under all circumstances. "I have always considered that right, even though that is also seen differently in my party," said Seehofer on SPD politician Scholz's stance on the Taurus issue. "This stance rules out the chance that, when the Ukrainians consider it right, they can try to end this horrible and brutal war of the Russians," said the CSU politician and former Bavarian Minister-President.
13:23 More Russia and China? Economists Warn of New External Policy Course of the AfD
Economists warn against the intentions of influential AfD politicians to distance themselves from the EU and the USA and to orient themselves more strongly towards Russia and China. "A departure from the USA and the EU to cooperate more strongly with China could contribute significantly to political and economic uncertainty and also have long-term risks," said Oliver Holtemöller, Deputy President of the Leibniz Institute for Economic Research Halle, to the "Handelsblatt." The President of the German Institute for Economic Research, Marcel Fratzscher, told the newspaper that orienting oneself more strongly towards Russia and China would be the "biggest mistake" that Germany could make politically and economically.
12:58 Russia Announces Capture of Settlement in the Donezk Oblast
According to reports from Russian state media, the Russian military has taken control of the Ukrainian village of Schumy in the Donezk region. The state Russian news agency Ria, citing the Russian Defense Ministry, reports that the army has taken over the settlement near the city of Torezk. In the statement, it is mentioned that the Ukrainian troops suffered 360 casualties. The independent verification of these claims is not possible.
12:38 Zelensky: Russian Attacks Have Destroyed 80 Percent of Ukraine's Thermal Energy, One-third of Its Hydroelectric Power
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russian attacks have destroyed 80 percent of Ukraine's thermal energy and one-third of its hydroelectric power. The British newspaper "Guardian" reports this. Russian attacks reportedly often targeted energy facilities and other vital infrastructure. The recent attack in Dnipro shows, according to the Ukrainian head of state, that Ukraine needs more air defense systems. "Only sufficient quantities of high-quality air defense systems, only sufficient determination from the whole world can stop Russian terror," said Zelensky.
12:25 Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba in Croatia for a Visit
The Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is in Croatia for a visit. He is participating in the 17. Dubrovnik Forum. According to the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, the focus of the meeting will be on restoring peace and security in Ukraine and Europe, as well as the results of the first peace summit. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and EU Foreign Policy Chief Joseph Borrell are among those attending the meeting.
11:51 Military Economist: The War Could Be Over by the End of 2025 - "Time is Running Against Russia"
According to military economist Marcus Keupp, Russia may not be able to sustain the war against Ukraine for years to come. In an interview with the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung," he says that the Russian supply chain is expected to collapse by mid-2027 at the latest, and possibly even by the end of 2025. "That's the computational end, then the warehouses will be empty." Keupp bases his calculations on documented losses of the Russian army, which have been reported on open-source websites on the internet. According to his calculations, Russia has lost an average of four tanks per day since the start of the war. With only 300 to 500 new tanks built each year, Moscow cannot sustain this indefinitely, says the military economist. Satellite images already show that old Soviet military bases are emptying out at an alarming rate, according to Keupp. "Russia is living off its reserves. It's basically standing on the dead legs of the Soviet Union." Keupp's conclusion: "Time is running against Russia." He believes that Russia's method of warfare is not sustainable. "Putin has the same problem as Hitler. His resources are melting away, and he's stuck in the mud of the Soviet Union."
11:33 Draft Evasion: Some Ukrainian Men Seek Help from Forgers
A new recruitment drive is underway in Ukraine to mobilize more soldiers for the fight against Russia. Therefore, some Ukrainian men are turning to online dealers and forgers to avoid the horrors of military service, according to the British newspaper "Guardian." It is expected that attempts to flee the country will also increase. Ukraine recently passed far-reaching mobilization measures that allow the military to call up more soldiers and impose stricter penalties for draft evasion. In April, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a controversial law lowering the draft age from 27 to 25. Anyone who refuses military service can lose their driver's license and access to their bank accounts. Property can also be confiscated.
11:04 Zelenskyy Releases Video of Reunions between Ukrainian POWs and Their Families
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has released a video showing the moment when ten Ukrainian prisoners of war return home and reunite with their families. He shared the footage on his social media channels.
10:36 Ukrainian police car in Sumy attacked by Russian droneIn the Sumy Oblast in northeastern Ukraine, a Ukrainian police car was attacked by a Russian drone. This is reported by the Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Post" citing the Ukrainian National Police. The policemen were not in the vehicle at the time, but were nearby when they heard the explosion.
10:08 Kremlin declines comment on Trump's remarks about war endingThe Kremlin declined to comment on Donald Trump's remarks that he would end the war against Ukraine if re-elected in November. This was reported by the British newspaper "Guardian." Trump made these remarks during the US Presidential debate with incumbent Joe Biden on the previous Thursday. "As for Russia and Ukraine: If we had a real president, a president who respected Putin, he wouldn't have gone into Ukraine," Trump said.
09:26 Zelenskyy thanks Coe at meeting for exclusion of Russian, Belarusian athletesUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with the President of the World Athletics Championships, Sebastian Coe. This was announced by the Ukrainian head of state on his Facebook page. "We welcome the decisions made by World Athletics at the beginning of March 2022 to ban representatives of Russia and Belarus from participating in international athletics competitions," writes Zelenskyy. He also thanked Coe for supporting Ukrainian athletes.
09:01 Four dead, ten injured in Russian attacks in the Kherson regionRussian forces have shelled numerous towns and villages in the Kherson region, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuries to ten others. This was reported by Oleksandr Prokudin, head of the military administration of the region, on Telegram. "Four people were killed by Russian aggression in Sadove, Tiahynka, Novotiahynka, Olhivka, and Cherson," Prokudin said. According to him, Russian military forces attacked residential areas in the region and damaged several private houses. In addition, businesses and a gas pipeline were reportedly hit.
08:34 Governor of Kursk: Five dead in Ukrainian drone attack on border villageAccording to Russian reports, five people were killed in a Ukrainian drone attack on a border village. The governor of the western Russian region of Kursk, Alexei Smirnov, made this announcement on Telegram. "Two small children are among the dead," Smirnov said. He added that two other family members were in critical condition. The drone reportedly crashed into a house in the small village of Gorodischtsche. Since the start of the Russian offensive in Ukraine, both sides have been regularly attacking each other with drones, some of which have ranges of several hundred kilometers. The Ukrainian army has expanded its drone attacks on Russian territory this year, targeting not only Russian energy facilities but also border towns and villages.
08:02 Kiev: Over 1000 Russian soldiers "eliminated"
According to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's daily reports, 1070 Russian soldiers have died or are unable to continue fighting in the war as of one day ago. Thus, since the beginning of the conflict in February 2022, a total of 541,560 Russian soldiers have reportedly been "eliminated." The Defense Ministry has announced in its daily reports that the enemy has also lost seven more tanks (8073). Since the start of the Russian invasion, Ukraine has recorded over 15,500 armored vehicles and around 11,500 drones that are no longer in the possession of the Russian military or have been destroyed.
07:28 Russian attack: Fire department in Dnipro rescues man from buried car
Once again, Russian rockets have struck a Ukrainian residential area. The most recent attack on the city of Dnipro resulted in at least one fatality, among the injured was a seven-month-old baby. A man was trapped under the rubble in his car.
07:06 Ukrainian military positions monitored: SBU arrests suspected Russian agent
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has arrested another Russian agent. The man is accused of preparing a Russian breakthrough in the Donetsk region and of spying on Ukrainian defense forces. According to the SBU press office, the man is a resident of Myrnohrad who works for a private security company. Russia reportedly became aware of the man as an active user of pro-Russian Telegram channels, where he allegedly published anti-Ukrainian comments.
06:34 Ukrainian Air Force: Ten Russian drones shot down at night
The Ukrainian air defense has shot down all ten drones launched by Russia at night. According to the Ukrainian Air Force.
05:43 General Staff in Kiev: 102 battles at the front
The Ukrainian General Staff reports 102 battles at the front within the past 24 hours. The enemy has increased the tempo of its offensive actions since Friday morning, according to the situation report of the Ukrainian General Staff on Facebook. The most battles are reported in the direction of Pokrovsk. The Russian troops attempted to dislodge Ukrainian units from their positions 28 times. The Ukrainian army repelled 21 attacks. Seven battles are still ongoing, according to the announcement.
04:59 Czech Republic preparing security agreements with Kiev
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced on X that the Czech Republic would sign a bilateral security agreement with Ukraine during the EU summit in London on July 18. He had agreed with President Zelenskyy the day before to finalize the negotiations on the text of the Czech-Ukrainian security agreement before the NATO summit in Washington, which is scheduled for July 9-11. The Czech Republic will thus join 19 other countries, including the United States, Great Britain, Germany, and France, as well as the European Union, which have already signed similar bilateral agreements.
03:59 USA to deliver HAWK missiles to KievThe US government is set to provide weapons and ammunition worth $150 million to Ukraine, including HAWK air defense missiles and 155-millimeter artillery ammunition. Two unnamed US officials announced that the arms aid package is expected to be presented on Monday. The Biden administration is responding to Ukraine's desperate pleas for support in air defense, following Russian air raids on Ukrainian energy infrastructure in recent weeks.
02:58 Report: Russian agents in Vienna implicated in Kusminow's murderRussian agents based in Vienna are under suspicion for their involvement in the recruitment and financing of Russian operations, such as the assassination of the Russian military helicopter pilot Maxim Kusminow. He had defected to Ukraine and was living in Spain when he was found by the hit squad. The "Wall Street Journal" reports this with references to Western security circles. The killers, who shot him five times and then ran him over with a SUV, were criminals paid in cash by Russian officials from Vienna, according to the paper. "We are now becoming a burden to our neighbors, as Russia uses us as an operational base," a high-ranking Austrian intelligence officer told the newspaper. According to Austrian intelligence sources, the number of active Russian diplomats in Austria has increased from around 400 to over 500 in the last two years. About half of them are diplomats and managers, while the other half act as spies.
01:58 Russia captures territory north of Bachmut - Ukraine deniesAccording to the Russian Defense Ministry, Russian forces have taken control of the town of Rosdoliwka in eastern Ukraine. However, the Ukrainian military denies this, stating that heavy fighting is taking place in the areas around the settlement. Rosdoliwka is located in the Donetsk region, the epicenter of the Russian offensive in eastern Ukraine. It is located north of Bachmut and Soledar, two towns that were taken under Russian control last year.
00:58 US Army awards Lockheed Martin $4.5 billion contractIn the US, the US Army has awarded Lockheed Martin a multi-year contract worth $4.5 billion for the Patriot air defense system. The Pentagon announced this. The contract includes 870 PAC-3 MSE missiles and the associated hardware. Lockheed manufactures the latest version of the missile defense system, known as PAC-3 MSE, which equips the Patriot system. The Patriot system is part of a series of advanced air defense systems provided by the West to Ukraine.
23:58 More Olympic Starting Places for Russians - Judokas rejected
The International Olympic Committee continues to invite more athletes from Russia and Belarus to the Summer Games in Paris. According to the IOC's announcement in the evening, 50 athletes from the two countries have been invited so far to compete under a neutral flag at the Olympics. However, not all these invitations have been accepted, some have already declined. Some Judokas were rejected because of their affiliation with Army sports clubs. Out of the twelve quota places for Russian Judokas, only two will be allocated to men and women each - whether the four accept the invitation is open.
22:59 Ten Ukrainians returned from Russian captivity
Ten Ukrainian civilians have returned from Russian captivity, according to reports from Kiev. Among the released prisoners is Nariman Djeljal, a leader of the Crimean Tatars, writes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in social media on Friday. He thanks the Vatican for its mediation in the release of the civilians. Djeljal was arrested in 2021, before the large-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in the Crimea, which has been annexed by Russia since 2014. He was later sentenced to 17 years in prison.
22:30 Lithuania's Foreign Minister: Kallas nomination acknowledges stance on Russia
Lithuania has welcomed the nomination of Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas as the new EU Foreign Policy Chief. Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis speaks of recognition of the views of the Baltic States and other countries on the NATO eastern flank, which have taken a firm stance against Russia and supported Ukraine until its victory. "She has never hidden her position, she has clearly and openly expressed herself on issues that are important to us," Landsbergis told the BNS agency in Vilnius about Kallas. Kallas was appointed as the EU representative for external and security policy at the EU summit in Brussels on Thursday. The 47-year-old liberal has been Estonia's first female prime minister since 2021 and is known as a proponent of a resolute Western stance towards Moscow.
22:00 Baerbock: Support for Ukraine is the best protection for peaceful sleeping
According to Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock's belief, the ongoing support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian invasion forces is also a guarantee of peace and security in Germany. "If Ukraine can no longer defend our peace, our freedom because we no longer support it, then the question is how far Putin's troops will advance," Baerbock said in a talk with RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND), NDR and "Hannoverscher Allgemeine Zeitung". "That's why the support efforts for Ukraine are the best protection for our own peace and our own security." Baerbock referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Naturally, one can discuss whether the billions in aid for Ukraine should be used differently, Baerbock says. But in this case, she has to admit: "I don't know how long we can continue sleeping peacefully here in Brandenburg, right at the border with Poland." There are "light tests" everywhere along the EU border and the NATO outer border by Russia. "Every reasonable person in the world, in Europe and in Ukraine" wishes nothing more ardently than peace in Ukraine. But that lies with Putin. "For that, Putin must withdraw his troops and finally put an end to this killing." Instead, his answer is "always more violence and terror."
You can read about all previous developments here.
- The German government should consider providing additional assistance to Ukrainian refugees, particularly young men, who are struggling to find employment due to language barriers and a lack of daycare, as part of its humanitarian response to the Ukraine conflict.
- The Russian government has been accused of conducting cyberwarfare against Ukraine, in addition to its military operations, as part of its broader effort to destabilize the country and undermine its sovereignty.
- Volodymyr Selensky, the President of Ukraine, has called for increased international support for his country in its defense against Russian aggression, including the provision of advanced military equipment and technology.
- There have been reports of Ukrainian forces successfully repelling Russian attacks in various parts of the country, including the strategic city of Kharkiv, demonstrating their resilience and determination to defend their territory.
- In the ongoing Ukraine conflict, the politics of solidarity and alliance-building will be crucial, with both NATO and the European Union playing important roles in supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russian aggression.
