Ukrainian Military Intelligence-operated Kamikaze Drones Reportedly Attack Ammunition Factory in Russian City of Kotowsk in Tambov Region
21:42 Secret service drone allegedly attacked Russian factory
According to "Kyiv Independent," citing a source from the Ukrainian Military Intelligence, Ukrainian Military Intelligence-operated drones allegedly attacked an ammunition factory in the Russian city of Kotowsk in the Tambov region. The extent of the damage is yet to be disclosed. Russian Telegram channels reportedly spread a video showing rising smoke on the scene. The governor of the Tambov region reportedly claimed that Russian air defense shot down two drones. There were reportedly no injuries or damages.
21:22 Report: Documents Reveal Insights into Russia's Information War
Internal documents from the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) provide deep insights into Moscow's influence campaigns against the West. The documents were leaked to "Der Spiegel" and the investigative platform "The Insider." Experts consider the contents plausible. According to a strategy paper from an experienced SVR department head, drafted from spring 2022, the primary objective is to create fear in Europe. The subconscious mind of the target audience must be overwhelmed with "cognitive attacks" of "panic and horror." Germany is named as one of the targets of this information war in other documents. Russia must focus on driving a wedge between Ukraine and its supporters - to split western societies, it is stated in the document. "The most grateful topic at the moment is that of Ukrainian refugees, who are actively using European social systems," writes the intelligence service strategist further. "The increasing demands of Ukrainian migrants and the resulting irritations of local populations" are, in his assessment, "an highly effective topic for network warfare in the EU."
21:03 Kiev Sets Sights on Drone Production
The upper military command of Ukraine has decided, during their latest meeting, to focus on the future production and deployment of drones. Factors considered in the decision range from the popularity of certain drones among the troops to the use of long-range drones, President Zelenskyy stated in his evening video address. The Ukrainian military has already established a new weapon category for the use of drones. A significant portion of these unmanned aerial vehicles is already being produced in Ukraine. Long-range drones are currently the only way for Kiev to strike targets deep within Russian territory.
20:45 Odessa Reports One Death after Attack
Following the impact of a ballistic missile in the southern port city of Odessa, Ukrainian sources report that one person has been killed. At least seven other people were injured in the Russian attack on the region, Governor Oleh Kiper announced on Telegram. Buildings and the port infrastructure were damaged. "Civil port infrastructure has been attacked," Kiper stated.
20:25 Apple removes VPN-apps in Russia
Apple has reportedly removed 25 VPN-apps from the Russian App Store following a request from the state communications regulator Roskomnadzor. According to Interfax, the demand came after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which led to a significant increase in demand for VPN services in Russia as regulators began limiting access to certain western media. Some VPN services had already been blocked, while others remained available.
20:00 Ukraine: Woman killed in Russian attack
A 55-year-old woman was reportedly killed and eight others injured, including four children, in Russian attacks on the region of Donetsk, Ukrainian authorities said. Governor Vadym Filashkin made the announcement. In the city of Nowofedoriwka, several houses were damaged in the attack.
19:32 Orban to reportedly travel to Moscow tomorrow
Hungarian Prime Minister Orban is reportedly planning to travel to Moscow tomorrow to meet with President Putin, according to a US foreign broadcaster citing a Hungarian government source. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjárto 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 clarified that the EU would not negotiate with Russia without Ukraine. "The EU Council presidency has no mandate to represent the EU in negotiations with Russia," Michel wrote on Twitter. "The European Council is clear: Russia is the aggressor, Ukraine is the victim. There can be no talks about Ukraine without Ukraine." Orban's name was not mentioned in Michel's tweet.
18:55 Putin takes Trump's Ukraine war remarks seriously
Kremlin chief Putin reacted to Donald Trump's announcement that he would end the war in Ukraine quickly if re-elected as US president. "Mr. Trump says as a presidential candidate that he is ready and willing to end the war in Ukraine," Putin said in Kazakhstan. "We take that quite seriously." Putin usually refers to the conflict in Ukraine as a "military special operation." Putin added that he "doesn't trust" which specific proposals Trump would make to resolve the Ukraine conflict. "That's the crucial question," Putin continued. "But I have no doubt that he will speak honestly and we will support that."
18:25 Medvedev: Thousand new soldiers recruited daily
Despite heavy losses in Ukraine, the Russian armed forces reportedly have no personnel shortage. Vice Chairman of the National Security Council Dmitry Medvedev stated that the Russian army has been strengthened this year by 190,000 contract soldiers and conscripts. Medvedev made the statement at a meeting in the Defense Ministry. "The average daily recruitment rate remains stable and amounts to about a thousand people," Medvedev was quoted as saying by the state news agency TASS. Conscripts, mostly reservists, supplement regular conscriptions.
18:04 Kuleba proposes two solutions to halt Russian advance
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba outlines two solutions to stop the advance of Russian troops on the battlefield. On the one hand, Russian fighter jets need to be destroyed, on the other hand, sufficient supply of artillery shells to Ukrainian troops is required, Kuleba tells Lithuanian radio LRT. The trend of gradual occupation of Ukrainian territory by Russia can be reversed, but it is "very difficult" and requires "many decisions," according to Kuleba. The main reason for Russian success, he sees, in the "endless number of guided bombs dropped on our ground troops." Russian aviation is a "real pain point."
17:42 Duma bans deputies' foreign travel
Russian 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, go on vacation abroad without approval, they risk losing their mandate. The State Duma passed such a law recently. Previously, there had been criticism in Russia over deputies' trips abroad, which were often shared on social media with images of their luxury tours, while many of their compatriots were in military service at the front in Ukraine, getting injured or killed.
17:17 After TV debate: Putin still prefers Biden as US president
Russian President Putin, according to his own statement, still prefers Biden over Trump as US president. Putin's preference for Biden over Trump has not changed, he told Russian state television. In response to a reporter's question, whether Biden or Trump is better, Putin replied: "Nothing has changed." Putin had already stated several times that he prefers Biden over Trump. He watched the entire TV debate between Biden and Trump not once. "I have seen some fragments," Putin said. "But I have enough to do."
16:51 NATO to significantly expand arms production
NATO countries plan to commit to significantly expanding arms production at their summit next week in Washington. The plan, according to a NATO representative, includes the submission of future national defense industry plans. In addition, there will be more joint procurement projects and initiatives for the purchase of so-called war-winning munition. To this category belong, for example, missiles for air defense systems, precision-guided projectiles, and 155-millimeter artillery shells. A specific investment sum is not mentioned in the agreement of the NATO states. According to the official, however, tens, if not hundreds of billions of euros may be needed to achieve the new goals.
16:30 Ukraine: Patriot intercepts all Kiev-targeted ballistic missiles so farAccording to Ukrainian reports, all ballistic missiles launched from Russia at targets in Kiev have been intercepted since the US provided Patriot air defense systems to the country. Ukrainian Air Force Major General Serhii Yaremenko stated in an interview with Ukrinform, "Since early May 2023, not a single ballistic [missile] has reached its target in our country's capital. Over 20 ballistic missiles were fired at Kiev, and all were successfully intercepted," as reported by Yaremenko.
16:00 IAEA Chief: Drone attacks at nuclear power plant "must stop"The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported drone strikes near the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The IAEA expressed concern over the continued drone attacks, which pose a clear danger to people in Enerhodar and the safety of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. "It is extremely alarming that these drone attacks continue, despite the clear danger they pose to people in Enerhodar and the safety of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. They must stop immediately," said IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi.
15:35 Zelenskyy: Brigades are waiting for approved western weaponsUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that western military aid is coming too slowly to the country. In an interview with Bloomberg, he explained, "We have 14 brigades that don't have the necessary weapons, which have already been approved and discussed," as reported by Zelenskyy. Nevertheless, he expressed gratitude for the support of western partners.
15:13 London: Russia targets Ukrainian resourcesAccording to the British Defense Ministry, Russia may target Ukrainian raw material exports such as gold, uranium, and coal to weaken the Ukrainian economy. In its latest intelligence report, the Defense Ministry stated, "Ukrainian government sources have been warning for some time about the Russian theft of Ukrainian resources from the occupied territories." Iron ore, coal, titanium, uranium, manganese, gold, and lithium deposits are "likely to be coveted by Russia, but also potential targets, as Russia seeks to destroy the Ukrainian economy."
14:48 Putin and Xi deepen anti-western allianceAt the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin reaffirmed their alliance as a counterbalance to the western world. Xi urged the attendees at the summit's conclusion in Astana to "resist external interference." Xi called on member states to "support each other, care for each other's concerns (...) and take the future and destiny of our countries and the peace and development in the region into our own hands." It is of "great significance" that the SCO "stays on the right side of history." The SCO comprises ten countries, representing approximately half of the world population. Its permanent members include the current host Kazakhstan, India, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and now Belarus.
14:24 Putin speaks of readiness for negotiations
Vladimir Putin, the head of the Kremlin, emphasized Russia's alleged readiness for peace talks regarding its ongoing conflict with Ukraine during a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization for Security (SCO) leaders. Putin stated that Russia has consistently advocated for a political-diplomatic resolution of the conflict. Moscow, which has been conducting a destructive military campaign against Ukraine for over two years, recently made proposals for ending the hostilities, Putin said at the summit in Astana. Moscow insists that Ukraine renounces all annexed territories, which Kiev refuses.
14:04 Modi to travel to Russia for talks with Putin
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to travel to Russia next week for talks with President Vladimir Putin. According to the Russian Presidential Executive Office, Putin and Modi will discuss prospects for further development of bilateral relations and international and regional issues during their consultations on Monday and Tuesday. India has been trying to remain neutral in Russia's military conflict with Ukraine. Modi has repeatedly urged both sides to engage in dialogue, but has also criticized Russia's actions. Instead, economically interconnected India has been purchasing significant amounts of Russian oil, helping Moscow mitigate the effects of Western sanctions.
13:32 Russian forces attack Ukrainian National Guard base
Russian troops are reported to have attacked a Ukrainian National Guard base in Vyschhorod, in the Kiev region. This was reported by the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, citing the coordinator of the pro-Russian underground, Sergei Lebedev. The Ukrainian National Guard is a paramilitary organization that falls under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, unlike the Army, Air Force, and Navy. According to RIA Novosti, there were two attacks on the military base on General Kulchitsky Street, resulting in explosions.
13:07 Russian court: Frenchman to remain in pre-trial detention
A Russian court has ruled that a French national must remain in pre-trial detention. The court in Moscow rejected the habeas corpus petition of the 47-year-old political expert Laurent Vinatier. He is accused of collecting information on "military and military-technical activities" of Russia. This offense can be punished with up to five years in prison. Vinatier was arrested in Switzerland during the large international Ukraine peace conference in mid-June. He works for the Humanitarian Dialogue Centre (HD Centre), a Geneva-based non-governmental organization. The organization announced on June 7 that it would also contact Russian authorities for clarification on the charges against its employee.
12:30 Latvia reports 160 illegal border crossings from Belarus
Latvia has recorded a significant number of attempted illegal border crossings from Belarus this week. Border Guard Chief Guntis Pujats reported on television that there had been 160 such attempts since Monday. This year, a total of 2,770 migrants have been prevented from illegally crossing the EU green border from Belarus.
Latvia borders Eastern Europe for approximately 172 kilometers with Belarus, a close ally of Russia. Lettland, Poland, and Lithuania accuse Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko of orchestrating the bringing of migrants to the EU external border in an organized manner to put specific pressure on the EU.
12:00 Baerbock: Russia remains the greatest threat to Europe
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock calls for further support for Ukraine from NATO. "Russia will remain the greatest threat to our security and freedom in Europe for the foreseeable future," Baerbock says in a Bundestag debate on the upcoming NATO summit coming week in Washington. The West must respond by defending freedom and democracy. "We didn't choose this," Baerbock says. "We didn't want this." Germany, in particular, has a special responsibility and has regained lost trust in its Russia policy. "We can't afford to lose that in 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" arrested for spying
The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) has arrested two suspected members of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). According to the SBU, a 23-year-old man from Odessa and his 18-year-old "wife" are suspected of spying on military infrastructure in the Ukrainian regions of Odessa and Dnipro on behalf of the Russian intelligence service. According to the SBU, the two were spotted "spying" in the area and took pictures of "necessary" objects. Along with additional information, the two alleged FSB agents reportedly handed over the photos to the Russian intelligence service. The Ukrainian Security Service claims to have caught the "couple" in the act.
10:50 Ukraine: 21 of 22 Russian drones shot down
Ukraine claims to have repelled a Russian drone attack for the most part. The Air Force reports that 21 of 22 attacking drones were shot down. They were destroyed over six regions in northern and central Ukraine. According to the Air Force, these were Schahed drones of Iranian production.
10:33 SCO Summit in Kazakhstan: Putin and Xi aim 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 established in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Later, India, Pakistan, and Iran joined. Besides Putin and Xi, the attendees include the hosts, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the presidents of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus. The Iranian Vice President Mohammad Mokhber was expected to attend. Belarus, which is ruled authoritatively, has officially become a new SCO member since this summit. Among the observer states and dialogue partners are Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. For Putin, this summit offers another opportunity to illustrate the failure of Western efforts to isolate his country due to the aggression against Ukraine.
10:02 Ukraine releases figures on Russian losses
The Ukrainian General Staff has released new figures on losses suffered by the Russian troops in Ukraine. According to these numbers, 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 has reportedly lost 8,132 tanks, 15,600 artillery systems, and 360 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 11,694 drones, 28 ships, and a submarine. Western estimates suggest lower loss figures - though these are likely minimum values.
09:30 Report: Ukrainian forces withdraw from Chassiv Yar
The Ukrainian military has reportedly withdrawn from a part of the strategically important Ukrainian city of Chassiv Yar. A Ukrainian military spokesperson stated, "It was no longer possible to hold the Canal Quarter as the enemy had advanced." The defensive positions had been destroyed, and the lives of their own soldiers were at risk. The military command decided on a withdrawal to better fortified positions. However, the enemy continued their combat operations there as well. Chassiv Yar 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, according to the governor of the south-eastern region of Ukraine, Ivan Fyodorov, in a morning report on Telegram. In this regard, a man in Vasylivka and a woman in Polohiv were killed, and a man in the city of 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. Additionally, the Russians fired 200 artillery shells at 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 military aircraft parking lot of the Ukrainian Air Force base Dolgintsevo in the Dnipropetrovsk region with the Iskander ground-to-air missile system. The Russian Defense Ministry reports this. According to their statement, a Mig-29 fighter jet, air defense equipment, 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 it, but they lack soldiers.
07:22 Crypto as a loophole: Russian Central Bank wants to bypass sanctions with cryptocurrenciesThe Russian Central Bank encourages Russian businesses in the face of western sanctions to fall back on alternative payment methods such as cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners. Central Bank Chair Elvira Nabiullina acknowledged at a conference in St. Petersburg that such payments were one of the central challenges for the Russian economy. However, the 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 were 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 debris hitting the intensive care unit of a children's hospital. A fire broke out in another hospital. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted a video of a rocket attack on Dnipro on social media.
06:18 France sends 41 power generators to Ukraine
France is sending 41 power generators to Kharkiv and Chernihiv. The French Foreign Ministry announced this in a statement. Russian attacks had severely damaged the local energy infrastructure. Due to these damages, Ukraine started "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 the power supply to the population.
05:44 Kiev's General Staff: Russians increasing pressure at Pokrovsk
According to the General Staff in Kiev, the Russian military is attempting to "increase the pressure" on Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. Correspondingly, defensive lines are being strengthened, and more ammunition is being brought to this front sector. According to the 47th mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces, Russian troops are attempting to breach the Ukrainian defenses. Reconnaissance drones showed "massive cemeteries" of destroyed armored vehicles. Therefore, the Russian side is trying to dominate the fighting 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 is not providing. 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 that Russian forces have brought a district of the important 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, which is defending the city, 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 leveled to the ground 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 in the attack were 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 needs 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 apparently are enough soldiers. "We had to fill 115 positions for the staff of the Lithuanian brigade within a week. And we had 900 applications for that," says the Inspector General of the Bundeswehr, Carsten Breuer, to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "I meet soldiers and soldiers during troop visits 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, is supporting 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 want, the order to make the Bundeswehr combat-ready." He stands shoulder to shoulder with SPD politician Pistorius, who has called for an additional 6.7 billion euros for the coming year. Pistorius had called for an additional 6.7 billion euros for the coming year.
23:45 A court in Moscow sentenced three brothers to 17 years in prison in Russia for treason
According to a court announcement in Moscow, three brothers in Russia were sentenced to lengthy prison terms by a court 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, 24-year-old Joann Aschtscheulow, was sentenced to 17 years and 6 months in prison, while his brothers Timofej and Alexej must serve 17 years. According to the prosecution, the brothers attempted to cross the border to Ukraine on foot in July 2023 to join the "Freedom Legion of Russia." They were reportedly arrested about 1.5 kilometers from the border.
22:41 Due to sanctions: Russia allows companies to use cryptocurrencies for international payments
The Russian Central Bank encourages domestic companies to use alternative payment methods such as cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners due to Western sanctions. For international transactions, cryptocurrencies are now allowed, according to Central Bank Chair Elvira Nabiullina in St. Petersburg. The head of the second-largest Russian bank, VTB, Andrey Kostin, called for these new payment methods to be classified as state secrets. "I can easily imagine that right now in the US embassy, there is an undersecretary writing down all our public statements," Kostin said. Whatever Russia does, the reaction of Western countries will be "very quick," warned Kostin.
22:16 Erdogan offers "foundation" for peace, Moscow denies intermediary role
First, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared after a meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Kazakhstan that Turkey could help lay the groundwork for an end to the conflict. However, the Russian government spokesman Dmitri Peskov stated that Turkey would not take on a mediator role, according to Russian news agencies. Peskov was quoted as saying, "No, that's not possible." No statement from the Turkish government is available.
21:41 Ukraine imported more electricity in June than in the entire year 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 statistics from July 3rd. 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.
- Russia accused Ukraine's Military Intelligence of using kamikaze drones to attack an ammunition factory in Kotowsk, Tambov region, causing damage and sparking smoke.
- Internal documents from Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) revealed Moscow's strategies to instigate fear in Europe, driving a wedge between Ukraine and its supporters, and using the increasing demands of Ukrainian migrants as a topic for network warfare in the EU.
- President Zelenskyy announced that Kiev will focus on the future production and deployment of drones, as the Ukrainian military already produces a significant portion of unmanned aerial vehicles and long-range drones are the only way to strike targets deep within Russian territory.
- Volodymyr Selenskyy criticized the slow provision of western military aid to Ukraine, mentioning 14 brigades that lack necessary weapons approved and discussed.
- Nato countries plan to significantly expand arms production at their summit to counteract Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine, increasing joint procurement projects and initiatives for the purchase of war-winning munition, such as missiles for air defense systems, precision guided projectiles, and artillery shells.
