21:27 Zelenksyj rejects Orban's peace proposal
Ukraine: President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine rejected Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban's proposal for peace talks with Moscow. During his first visit to Kiev since the war began, Orban proposed a quick ceasefire that could "accelerate peace negotiations with Moscow," according to him. "The President listened to him, but in response clarified Ukraine's position and rejected the proposal," said a spokesperson from the Presidential Administration. Previously, Kiev had also rejected ceasefires with the explanation 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 are hoping to recruit thousands of teenagers with propaganda," says the Ukrainian agency "National Resistance Center": "We warn that any enemy on our territory will be eliminated." Russia is also reportedly engaging minors on occupied Ukrainian territory, for instance, in producing drones.
20:29 Zelensky: 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 Zelensky announced that the government is protecting energy facilities as much as possible. However, the rebuilding of destroyed power plants is taking time, and the country is increasingly reliant on energy imports. "We are doing everything we can to increase imports, and this should be a European solution," writes Zelensky. The Ukrainian government is already working on a corresponding agreement.
19:54 Video: Russia Presents Homegrown Anti-Drone BuggyThe Russian military has brought a new anti-drone innovation to the front lines: the Schildkrotenpanzer. Now, a buggy is planned to follow, capable of detecting and shooting down Ukrainian drones. It is equipped with various technologies for this purpose.
19:33 Putin Meets Erdogan, Then XiRussian President Vladimir Putin will meet with 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 Kazakhstani capital Astana. On Thursday, Putin will meet China's Party and State Leader Xi Jinping at the SCO summit for 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 in the organization is also anticipated. Putin declared during his attack on Ukraine that, in the face 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, in the Russia-occupied region in Eastern Ukraine, in absentia to twelve years in prison for "collaboration" with Moscow. Leonid Pasetschnik is also sentenced with 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, Russia began its invasion of Ukraine. The Donetsk separatist leader Puschilin was found guilty of the same crimes last year. He was sentenced to fifteen years in prison in absentia.
18:18 US Media: NATO Sets up New Command Center in WiesbadenAccording to the "Wall Street Journal" citing multiple sources, NATO will permanently station a representative in Kiev. The NATO is reportedly also establishing a new command center in Wiesbaden. The transatlantic defense alliance is preparing for a possible new US presidency of Donald Trump, writes the medium. Approximately 700 personnel from the US, as well as other alliance personnel, will be active in the center for "Security Assistance and Training." Until now, 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 re-election. The steps will be announced at the NATO summit, according to the "Wall Street Journal."
17:23 US Cancels More Military Aid for UkraineUS Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announces additional military aid for Ukraine in the amount of $2.3 billion. Details on the planned delivery of weapons and ammunition will follow, according to Austin. 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 talks. Also, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announces that the United States will announce new developments before the NATO summit in Washington from July 9-11.
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 up to 100 kilometers from the border with US weapons. This stabilized the military situation in the north-east of Ukraine. However, the Ukrainian armed forces are pressing for permission to target specific, more distant targets. Poland's former defense minister Janusz Onyszkiewicz suggests 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 procurement and maintenance of military equipment such as the Leopard Tank. In the document, the two countries label Russia as "the immediate threat to Euro-Atlantic security". The Russian military campaign 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 largest supporters of Ukraine; politically, militarily, and in the acceptance of refugees. Additionally, both played a leading role in the Baltic Sea region and in the protection of the NATO eastern flank.
15:32 Nuremberg defense industry giant 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 revenue increased by 10.8% to 3.88 billion Euros, according to the Finance 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 company aims to reach a sales threshold of two billion Euros. 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 munitions depot on the CrimeaThe Ukrainian military claims to have carried out a "devastating strike" against a Russian munitions 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. It 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. Its operating life has been extended several times. Russia announced its withdrawal from the joint project after the start of its military campaign against Ukraine, stating that it would leave "after 2024". In the past year, it was reported from Moscow 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. He 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 said to have been 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 European peace
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 paper adopted at government consultations in Warsaw. This should deepen and shape bilateral cooperation in the coming years. For example, the military strength of the western defense alliance at the NATO eastern flank should be strengthened. 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 deeper 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 revised the prospects for the Russian economy upward, 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 medicines and food. Compensation for damages is rare. Now several people from the region are appealing for help in a video message to Russian President Putin.
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 hymns 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 war opponents confesses 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 altered on VKontakte with a picture of Putin.
09:22 Moscow reports destruction of Ukrainian fighter jets
Russia reports, according to its own statements, the destruction of five Ukrainian SU-27 fighter jets at the Myrhorod airfield in central Ukraine's Poltava region due to a rocket attack. Two more jets were damaged, the Defense Ministry in Moscow reports. The air defense also shot down eleven drones that attacked Russian territory and the Crimean peninsula, according to the state news agency RIA, quoting 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 announce 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 is to be sworn in at the parliament after months of coalition formation. Ollongren refuses to name 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 that wants to supply the Ukraine with F-16 aircraft to strengthen its air defense against Russia. The Netherlands have already delivered F-16 aircraft to a training facility in Romania, where Ukrainian pilots and ground personnel learn to operate and maintain the aircraft in combat.
08:58 Orban arrives in Kiev - talks with Zelenskyy planned
The Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban arrives in Ukraine for his first visit since the beginning of the Russian armed conflict almost two years ago. Orban will hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, his spokesman Bertalan Havasi told 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 policy.
08:03 Ukrainian Defense Minister in the USA - more help?
US Defense Secretary 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 speak about 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 Department. The Ukrainian president Zelenskyy asked his allies of the country again over the weekend for more weapons, after seven people were killed in a Russian air raid on the region of Zaporizhzhia.
07:30 Video shows city in ruins - Russians bomb 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 convicts 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 convicts to the war - on a voluntary basis. According to Ukrainian Vice Justice Minister Olena Wysozka, more than 3000 convicts have been released on parole and assigned to military units since then. Approximately 27,000 convicted criminals are in question for the new program, Wysozka said. It is a strong motivation for many potential recruits to "return home as a hero instead of being 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 in his country against Russian air raids in July. Promised F-16 fighter jets of the type in sufficient quantity 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 statement on Monday evening. Ukraine could still receive more protection of its airspace from the aggressor Russia in this month. Several countries have promised F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine and also trained Ukrainian pilots on the machines. "This month can bring more strength to Ukraine, especially in protecting our airspace and 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 still 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 German Economic Institute (IW), Michael Hüther, is demanding significantly more money for the Bundeswehr. "The special fund for the Bundeswehr is 100 Billion Euro. That's 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 the security of shipping, especially for Ukrainian grain exports, an international mine-clearing operation has started in the Black Sea. Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria are involved in the initiative, as Bloomberg reports. The three countries signed an agreement on joint mine-clearing 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 Tuesday for a meeting with 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. A total of 161 combat engagements took place today. The enemy is mainly attacking in the direction of Pokrovsk. "The Russians are paying a high price for their attempt to advance towards Pokrovsk," the General Staff added. They lost 109 soldiers there on Monday. 181 people were taken prisoner. In addition, 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 at some nuclear power plants, which will increase available capacity. Since the spring, Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, resulting in regular 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 needs to be considered 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 reports from the occupying power, there have been explosions on the Crimean peninsula. The governor of Sevastopol, appointed by Moscow, Mikhail Razvozhaev, writes on Telegram that the air defense has shot down four objects. Debris are said to have fallen near the coast, damage information is being checked. 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 links 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 missile 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 that was shot down by Russian forces. The US 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 earlier developments here.
- Despite rejecting Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban's proposal for peace talks with Moscow, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine is facing pressure to pursue an arms truce, as urged by Orban during his visit to Kiev.
- The ongoing Ukraine conflict has led to Russia actively recruiting minors for military operations, with reports of minors being signed up for service with contracts effective upon reaching adulthood.
- Following damage to its energy infrastructure, Ukraine is increasingly reliant on energy imports and is seeking European solutions to protect its energy supply, as announced by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
- As NATO prepares for a possible new US presidency, it is reportedly setting up a new command center in Wiesbaden and permanently stationing a representative in Kiev to strengthen military cooperation and security assurance for Ukraine.
- Amidst the ongoing conflict, the Russian military has reportedly achieved success in destroying Ukrainian fighter jets and munitions depots, as well as launching attacks on energy infrastructure, causing significant economic and humanitarian consequences.
