21:27 Zelenksyj rejects Orban's peace proposal
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declined Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban's proposal for peace negotiations. During his first visit to Kiev since the war began, Orban suggested a quick ceasefire which could "accelerate peace talks with Moscow," according to him. However, Zelenskyy listened but rejected the proposal, clarifying Ukraine's stance. Previously, Kiev had also declined a ceasefire due to concerns that Russian forces could regroup during this time.
21:02 Ukraine: Moscow recruiting minorsRussia is actively recruiting minors for the war in Ukraine, according to Ukraine. The recruitment contracts are reportedly being signed with minors, taking effect upon their reaching adulthood. "They hope to recruit tens of thousands of teenagers with propaganda," says the Ukrainian National Resistance Center. "We warn that any enemy on our territory will be eliminated." Russia is also reportedly employing minors on occupied Ukrainian territory, for instance, to manufacture drones.
20:29 Zelenskyy: Ukraine's energy supply should be EuropeanDue to damage to its energy infrastructure, Ukraine has been rationing electricity for its population for an extended period. In a statement, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy explains that the government is protecting energy facilities as much as possible. However, the rebuilding of destroyed power plants is taking time, making the country increasingly dependent on imports. "We are doing everything we can to increase imports, and this should be a European solution," writes Zelenskyy. The Ukrainian government is already working on a corresponding agreement.
19:54 Video: Russia presents self-built anti-drone buggyThe Russian military has brought an anti-drone innovation to the front lines with the Schildkrotenpanzer. Now, a buggy is expected to follow, designed to detect and shoot down Ukrainian drones. It is equipped with various technologies for this purpose.
19:33 Putin meets Erdogan, then XiRussian President Vladimir Putin will meet his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the central Asian republic of Kazakhstan, according to the Kremlin. Putin will meet Erdogan the evening before the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in the Kazakh capital Astana. On Thursday, Putin is scheduled to meet China's Party and State Chairman Xi Jinping at the summit of the organization focused on security issues. According to the Kremlin, Putin also plans to hold talks with the presidents of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Belarus. The expected announcement of Belarus' full membership is also anticipated. Putin declared during his attack on Ukraine that, in light of tensions with the West, he aims to establish a new world order – without US hegemony.
18:50 Ukrainian Court Convicts Separatist Leader of LuhanskA Ukrainian special court convicts the separatist leader of Luhansk, a region in eastern Ukraine occupied by Russia, in absentia to twelve years in prison for "collaboration" with Moscow. Leonid Pasetschnik is also sentenced to a thirteen-year ban on holding public office, according to the Ukrainian Security Service SBU. The court also ordered the seizure of his entire assets. On February 21, 2022, Pasetschnik and the separatist leader of Donetsk, Denis Puschilin, signed a support pact with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Two days later, they asked Putin for military aid, and three days later, Moscow began its invasion of Ukraine. The Donetsk separatist leader Puschilin was found guilty of the same crimes last year. He was sentenced in absentia to fifteen years in prison.
18:18 US Media: NATO Sets Up New Command Center in WiesbadenThe NATO is reportedly planning to permanently station a representative in Kiev, according to the "Wall Street Journal," citing multiple sources. The NATO is also setting up a new command center in Wiesbaden. The transatlantic defense alliance is preparing for a possible new US presidency of Donald Trump, the medium reports. Approximately 700 personnel from the US, as well as other alliance personnel, will be active in the center for "Security Assistance and Training." So far, the US military has organized this cooperation. The new headquarters under the NATO umbrella aims to prevent Trump from withdrawing or canceling support after a potential election win. The steps will be announced at the NATO summit, the "Wall Street Journal" reports.
17:23 US Announces Additional Military Aid for UkraineUS Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced additional military aid for Ukraine in the amount of 2.3 billion dollars. Details on the planned delivery of weapons and ammunition will follow, Austin said. Included in this should be ammunition for Patriot air defense systems. Eight additional Patriots from Israeli stock with the US as intermediaries are reportedly in negotiations. Also, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the United States would announce new developments before the NATO summit in Washington from July 9 to 11.
16:38 Former Polish Defense Minister: US Limit for Attacks on Russia Should be ExpandedSince late May, the agreement between Kiev and Washington has allowed Ukrainian defenders to attack targets on Russian territory up to 100 kilometers away with US weapons. This stabilized the military situation in the northeast of Ukraine. However, the Ukrainian armed forces are pressing for permission to target specific, more distant targets. Poland's former defense minister Janusz Onyszkiewicz believes that the restriction should be expanded to 300 kilometers. The failed Russian offensive on Kharkiv is proof of the effectiveness of attacks on Russian territory. "This is an unlimited success for the Ukrainian army."
15:59 Germany and Poland agree on closer military cooperationIn a joint action plan between Germany and Poland, the two countries agree on military cooperation beyond NATO, specifically between their armies and in the acquisition and maintenance of military equipment such as the Leopard Tank. In the document, the two countries label Russia as "the most immediate threat to Euro-Atlantic security." The Russian aggression war against Ukraine served as a reminder to EU countries of the importance of peacekeeping in Europe and Europe's ability to defend itself. German Chancellor Scholz states in Warsaw that Germany and Poland are among the biggest supporters of Ukraine; politically, militarily, and in the acceptance of refugees. Furthermore, both played a leading role in the Baltic Sea region and the protection of NATO's eastern flank.
15:32 Nuremberg arms manufacturer Iris-T reports significant growthThe Nuremberg mixed-conglomerate Diehl has seen significant growth in its defense sector with the air defense system Iris-T. In 2023, the company's turnover increased by 10.8% to 3.88 billion Euros, according to the Financial Director. The defense sector alone grew by 41% to 1.14 billion Euros. Area Manager Helmut Rauch expects a further sales increase in the defense sector of up to 40% for the current year. By 2026, the turnover is expected to reach the two billion Euro mark. The annual surplus increased significantly in 2023 compared to the previous year, rising by 109% to 174 million Euros.
14:41 Ukraine: Fighter jets destroy Russian ammunition depot on the CrimeaThe Ukrainian military claims to have carried out a "devastating strike" against a Russian ammunition depot on the occupied Crimean Peninsula on Monday. Air Force Commander Mykola Oleschtschuk reports that Ukrainian aircraft, which Russian propaganda claims no longer exist, have once again successfully carried out combat missions. Oleschtschuk is likely referring to a statement from the Russian Defense Ministry, which reported that five Ukrainian military jets had been destroyed on a military airfield in the Poltava region.
13:58 Russia leaves ISS - and builds its own space stationRussia plans to begin building its own space station in 2027. The first module of the facility is expected to be launched into space that year, according to the Russian Space Agency Roskosmos. By 2030, the core of the station should be complete. This consists of four modules: one for research and energy supply, as well as a transfer, a base, and a universal connection module. The International Space Station (ISS) is now over 25 years old. The operating times have been extended several times. Russia announced its withdrawal from the joint project after the start of its war against Ukraine due to tensions with the West. It was previously announced that Russia would remain on board until 2028.
13:28 Orban urges Zelenskyy to pursue arms truce
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán calls on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during a visit in Kiev in the presence of the Ukrainian president, that he values his peace initiatives. Orbán asked Zelenskyy to pursue an arms truce in the war with Russia. This could accelerate peace talks. Zelenskyy responds that his country needs a "fair peace".
12:55 Russia shows Iskander attack on airbase
Russia releases drone footage of an attack on a Ukrainian airbase. Five Su-27 jets are reportedly destroyed. Ukraine confirms the attack. The attack with Iskander missiles could be related to the delivery of western F16 jets.
12:18 Germany and Poland name Russia "immediate threat" to peace in Europe
Germany and Poland agree on a joint action plan to work more closely together in defense and arms policy. Russia is currently the "immediate and greatest threat" to peace in Europe, according to a 40-page document adopted at government consultations in Warsaw. This document aims to deepen bilateral cooperation in the coming years and strengthen it. For example, the military strength of the western defense alliance at the NATO's eastern flank should be reinforced. In addition, cooperation at the government level should be deepened to help Ukraine with military aid. This includes repair and maintenance of Leopard 2 tanks.
11:36 Attacks on energy infrastructure hinder Ukrainian economy
The destruction of Ukraine's energy infrastructure by Russian attacks leaves increasingly deep economic consequences. The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (WIIW) therefore lowers its growth forecast for the country compared to the spring forecast by 0.5 percentage points to 2.7 percent for 2024. At the same time, the institute raises its expectations for the Russian economy, despite western sanctions. The war economy-oriented country is expected to grow at a rate of 3.2 percent, similar to 2023. However, the acute labor shortage and high interest rates will limit the growth of the Russian economy to around 2.5 percent in the coming years, according to the WIIW.
10:50 Residents of Belgorod appeal to Putin for help
Residents of the western Russian border region of Belgorod are repeatedly exposed to Ukrainian shelling. There is a shortage of medicine and food. Compensation for damages is rare. Now several people from the region are appealing to Russian President Putin in a video message.
10:01 Patriotic Russian Poems Revealed as Nazi Works
Gennadi Rakitin's poems have celebrated great successes in Russia. Since last summer, he has published his odes to Putin and the annexation of Ukraine on the social network VKontakte. Many Russians followed him, including several parliamentary deputies and other high-ranking politicians. Now it comes to light: Rakitin is a fabrication. Pictures of him were generated by Artificial Intelligence. His poems are translations from German - they originate from the Nazi era. An anonymous group of peace activists admits to having transferred and slightly adapted them. Thus, the name Hitler was replaced with Putin, as reported by the "Guardian." One of the poems was originally called "Führer" and was written by the Nazi author Eberhard Möller. It was modified on VKontakte with a picture of Putin.
09:22 Moscow reports destruction of Ukrainian fighter jets
Russia claims to have destroyed five Ukrainian SU-27 fighter jets and damaged two others in a rocket attack on the Myrhorod airfield in central Ukraine's Poltava region, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. The air defense also shot down eleven drones, which the Ukraine allegedly used to attack Russian territory and the Crimean peninsula, reports the state news agency RIA, citing the ministry. The Ukrainian Crimea was annexed by Russia in 2014, but it is not internationally recognized.
09:22 Netherlands to soon deliver F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine
The Netherlands have announced the imminent delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. The necessary approvals have been granted, according to a letter from Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren to parliament. Today, the new government will be sworn in at the parliament after months of coalition negotiations. Ollongren refuses to disclose the number of planes in the first delivery and their arrival time in Ukraine due to security reasons. The Netherlands are one of the driving forces behind an international coalition aiming to supply the Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets to strengthen its air defense against Russia. The Netherlands have already delivered F-16 fighter jets to a training facility in Romania, where Ukrainian pilots and ground personnel learn to operate and maintain the aircraft.
08:58 Orban arrives in Kiev - talks with Zelenskyy planned
Viktor Orban, the Hungarian prime minister, has arrived in Ukraine for his first visit since the beginning of the Russian aggression almost two years ago. Orban will hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to his spokesman Bertalan Havasi, citing the Hungarian news agency MTI. On Monday, Hungary took over the EU Council Presidency until the end of the year. Orban is known for his Russia-friendly stance.
08:03 Ukrainian Defense Minister in the USA - more help?
US Defense Minister Lloyd Austin will discuss further military support for the attacked Ukrainian country with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerow in Washington. During the meeting, they will discuss bilateral cooperation in the defense sector, regional security issues, and possibilities to strengthen the defense partnership between the USA and Ukraine, according to the US Defense Ministry. The Ukrainian president Zelenskyy asked the allies of his country again over the weekend for more weapons, after seven people were killed in a Russian air raid in the region of Zaporizhzhia.
07:30 Video shows city in ruins - Russians bombard Chasiv Yar
The war in Ukraine continues unabated. The small town of Chasiv Yar in the east of the country, located at the front line, is under constant shelling, as the last residents report. They observe the war and seek shelter from bombs - but they don't want to go anywhere else.
07:05 Ukraine has sent 3000 prisoners to the war so far
Ukraine is not only lacking air defense and ammunition, but also soldiers. To remedy the situation, parliament decided in May to send prisoners to the war - on a voluntary basis. According to Ukrainian Vice Justice Minister Olena Wysozka, more than 3000 prisoners have been released on parole and assigned to military units since then. The Ministry estimates that approximately 27,000 convicted criminals are eligible for the new program. Wysozka stated that it is a strong motivation for many potential recruits to "return home as a hero instead of staying in prison," as she told AP.
06:20 Zelenskyy expects delivery of F-16 fighter jets in July
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expects a strengthening of Ukraine's air defense against Russian air raids in July. Promised F-16 fighter jets in sufficient quantities and quality, Patriot missile systems, and rockets with greater range could have a decisive impact on the course of the war, he said in a video message on Monday evening. Ukraine could still receive more protection of its airspace from aggressor Russia in this month. Several countries have promised F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine and have also trained Ukrainian pilots on the aircraft. "This month could bring more strength to Ukraine, especially in the protection of our airspace and in ensuring real security for our country," Zelenskyy said.
05:17 General Staff: More than 30 Russian planes shot down since the beginning of the year
For the first time, the Ukrainian General Staff has published a map showing the locations where Russian planes have been shot down since the beginning of the year. According to this, more than 30 planes have been shot down, many of which are from the Soviet era. "Our brave soldiers have hit more than 30 Russian planes," it says in a statement. Thirteen of these were Su-34 bombers, and nine Su-25 fighter jets were destroyed.
03:21 IW-Chef demands 300 Billion Euro for the BundeswehrThe CEO of the Institute of the German Economy (IW), Michael Hüther, is demanding significantly more money for the Bundeswehr. "The special fund for the Bundeswehr is 100 Billion Euro. That is not enough", Hüther told the "Rheinische Post". "We need an increase to 250 to 300 Billion Euro. Only then will we achieve a war-ready equipment for our army", he continued. The increase in the special fund is also financially feasible, Hüther told the newspaper. "After all, the peace dividend since 1990 amounted to around 600 Billion Euro." This money was not invested in infrastructure, digitalization or education. "We have used these funds in part to reduce debt. We have consumed them the most", Hüther said.
02:08 International mine-clearing operation in the Black Sea startedTo improve maritime security, especially for Ukrainian grain exports, an international mine-clearing operation has started in the Black Sea. Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria are involved in the operation, as reported by Bloomberg. The three countries signed an agreement on joint mine-clearing in the Black Sea at the beginning of January. The Bulgarian government emphasized in the report that the activities of the three participating countries in the Black Sea will not be directed against other countries.
00:54 Report: Orban meets Zelenskyy in KievThe Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban will travel to Kiev on the coming Tuesday to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to a report in the Financial Times, citing sources familiar with the matter. It would be Orban's first visit to Ukraine since the start of the war.
23:12 Ukraine: Russians pay a high priceThe situation at the front remains tense but under control, according to the Ukrainian General Staff's evening report on Telegram, as reported by the Ukrainian news agency RBK. There were a total of 161 combat engagements today. The enemy is mainly attacking in the direction of Pokrovsk. "The Russians are paying a high price for their attempt to advance in the direction of Pokrovsk", the General Staff added. They lost 109 soldiers there on Monday. 181 people were taken prisoner. Additionally, a tank and a series of other vehicles were destroyed. The information cannot be verified independently.
22:22 Ukraine hopes for better power supply in AugustThe condition of the Ukrainian power grid is expected to improve significantly in August, according to the CEO of the state power grid operator Ukrenergo, Volodymyr Kydrytsky, as reported by Ukrainska Pravda. The load on the Ukrainian energy infrastructure will be alleviated after the completion of repairs on some nuclear power plants, which will increase available capacity. Since the spring, Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, leading to frequent power outages. The current power outages are exacerbated by attacks, heat, and limited power imports, according to Ukrenergo's CEO.
21:41 Russia calls for lifting sanctions against North KoreaRussia is pushing for the easing of international sanctions against its new ally North Korea. "We think it's simply unfair and demotivating to impose endless sanctions on the country," says Russia's UN Ambassador Vasily Nebenzia in New York. It's time to think about how the sanctions can be changed. "It can't go on forever." Regarding the question of whether North Korea should be allowed to test atomic weapons, Nebenzia remains silent despite repeated inquiries.
20:02 Explosions on the CrimeaAccording to the occupation authorities, there have been explosions on the Crimea peninsula. The governor of Sevastopol, appointed by Moscow, Mikhail Razvozhaev, writes on Telegram that the air defense has shot down four objects. Debris are reported to have fallen near the coast, damage assessments are currently being made. According to Ukrainian online media Ukrayinska Pravda, smoke was seen in the area of a power plant on the Crimea.
20:02 USA to continue NATO support even after right-wing election results in EuropeUS Secretary of State Antony Blinken is optimistic that NATO support in Europe will continue regardless of the results of right-wing parties' elections. The alliance has been working in recent years to ensure that we have the right defense "where it is needed, where it is important," Blinken said at a podium discussion in Washington. "I don't believe anything will change about that, regardless of the current politics in Europe." Biden did not comment directly on the election result in France. The French Rassemblement national of Marine Le Pen has been criticized for its ties to Russia for a long time. RN leader Jordan Bardella recently emphasized that he would not "absorb Russia as a vassal state like Ukraine."
19:38 Russians allegedly capture ATACMS guidance systemRussian forces have reportedly captured an intact guidance system of a US ATACMS missile. The state Russian news agency RIA shows a weapons expert, whose name is not mentioned, examining the alleged guidance system of a missile shot down by Russian forces. The USA had begun supplying Ukraine with such missiles several months ago, which can reach targets up to 300 kilometers away. The US government has so far prohibited Ukraine from targeting objectives in Russian territory.
18:37 Russians allegedly capture ATACMS guidance systemRussian forces have reportedly captured an intact guidance system of a US ATACMS missile. The state Russian news agency RIA shows a weapons expert, whose name is not mentioned, examining the alleged guidance system of a missile shot down by Russian forces. The USA had begun supplying Ukraine with such missiles several months ago, which can reach targets up to 300 kilometers away. The US government has so far prohibited Ukraine from targeting objectives in Russian territory.
You can read about previous developments here.
- Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban's proposal for a quick ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict, as it could potentially allow Russian forces to regroup.
- Amidst ongoing military operations, Russia is reportedly recruiting minors for the war in Ukraine by signing recruitment contracts with them, which take effect upon their reaching adulthood.
- Due to damages to its energy infrastructure, Ukraine has been rationing electricity and is increasingly dependent on imports. President Zelenskyy has stated that this is a situation that should be addressed with a European solution.
- Russia is facing international scrutiny for its employment of minors in occupied Ukrainian territory, particularly in the manufacturing of drones.
- The Ukrainian government is in discussions with NATO to possibly establish a permanent representative in Kiev and set up a new command center in Wiesbaden, as the country prepares for the potential new US presidency and aims to strengthen its defense against threats from Russia.
