22:12 Survey in member states: Great trust in NATO, but not in Zelensky
Coming week, NATO celebrates its 75-year anniversary. In member states, the transatlantic defense alliance is generally viewed favorably, according to a Pew Research survey. On average in 13 countries, 63 percent of the population holds a positive opinion, while 33 percent hold a negative one. Germany ranks slightly above average with 64 percent positive views. Poland stands out with 91 percent having a positive image of the alliance. The trust in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stands at an average of 40 percent and has decreased in member states in the past year. Poland also stands out, where the president has lost 22 percentage points - from 70 to 48 percent. In Germany, trust has decreased by 7 percentage points to 54 percent.
21:27 Zelenskyy rejects Orban's peace proposalHungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's peace proposal for negotiations has been rejected by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During his first visit to Kiev since the war began, Orban proposed a quick ceasefire, which could "accelerate peace negotiations with Moscow," he said. "The president listened to him, but responded by clarifying Ukraine's position and rejecting the proposal," a spokesperson for the Presidential Administration said. Kiev had previously rejected ceasefires, citing the possibility that Russian forces could regroup during this time.
21:02 Ukraine: Moscow recruits minorsRussia is actively recruiting minors for the war in Ukraine, according to Ukraine. Recruitment contracts are reportedly being signed with 17-year-olds, taking effect upon reaching adulthood. "They hope to recruit thousands of teenagers with propaganda," the Ukrainian National Resistance Center says. "We warn that any enemy on our territory will be eliminated." On occupied Ukrainian territory, Russia is also reportedly employing minors, 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 some time. 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, and the country is increasingly dependent on energy imports. "We are doing everything we can to increase imports, and this should be a European solution," Zelenskyy writes. The Ukrainian government is already working on a corresponding agreement.
19:54 Video: Russia presents homemade anti-drone buggyThe Russian military has already brought an anti-drone innovation to the front lines with the Schildkrotenpanzer. Now, a buggy is expected to follow, which should detect and shoot down Ukrainian drones. The vehicle is equipped with various technologies for this purpose.
19:33 Putin meets Erdogan, then Xi
The Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the Central Asian Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kremlin announced. Putin will encounter Erdogan the evening before the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in the Kazakhstani capital Astana. On Thursday, Putin is expected to meet China's Party and State leader Xi Jinping at the summit of the organization for Security Issues. According to the Kremlin, Putin also plans to hold talks with the presidents of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Belarus. In these days, the announcement of Belarus' full membership is anticipated. Putin declared during his attack on Ukraine that, in light of tensions with the West, he aims for a new world order – without US hegemony.
18:50 Ukrainian court sentences separatist leader of Luhansk
A Ukrainian special court sentences the separatist leader of the Russian-occupied region Luhansk in eastern Ukraine in absentia to twelve years in prison for "collaboration" with Moscow. Leonid Pasetschnik is also subject to a thirteen-year ban on holding public office. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) reported that the court also ordered the seizure of his entire property. 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 crime last year in absentia and sentenced to fifteen years in prison.
18:18 US media: NATO sets up new command center in Wiesbaden
NATO will reportedly permanently station a representative in Kiev, according to the "Wall Street Journal," citing multiple sources. NATO is therefore establishing a new command center in Wiesbaden. The transatlantic defense alliance is preparing for a possible further US presidency of Donald Trump, the medium writes. Approximately 700 personnel from the US, as well as other alliance personnel, are expected to be active in the center under the NATO umbrella. So far, the US military has organized this cooperation. The new headquarters under the NATO roof is intended to prevent Trump from withdrawing or canceling support after a potential re-election, or to prevent the dismantling of the alliance. The steps are expected to be announced at the NATO summit, the "Wall Street Journal" reports.
17:23 USA announces further military aid for Ukraine
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced further military aid for Ukraine in the amount of $2.3 billion. 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 intermediary are reportedly in negotiations. In addition, US Foreign Minister 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 expanded
Since the end of May, the agreement between Kiev and Washington states that Ukrainian defenders are allowed to attack targets on Russian territory with US weapons up to 100 kilometers from the border. This stabilized the military situation in the east of Ukraine. However, the Ukrainian armed forces are pressing for permission for certain, more distant targets. Former Polish Defense Minister Janusz Onyszkiewicz suggests that the limitation should be generally extended to 300 kilometers. The failed Russian offensive on Kharkiv is proof of the effectiveness of attacks on Russian territory, "an unrestricted success of the Ukrainian army."
15:59 Germany and Poland agree on closer military cooperation
In a joint action plan between Germany and Poland, the two countries agree on military cooperation beyond NATO, 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 most immediate threat to Euro-Atlantic security." The Russian aggression against Ukraine served as a reminder to EU countries "in the most brutal way possible," of how important peacekeeping in Europe is and "that Europe must be able 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 the protection of the NATO eastern flank.
15:32 Nuremberg arms manufacturer of Iris-T reports significant growth
The Nuremberg mixed concern Diehl has grown significantly due to its defense division with the air defense system Iris-T. In 2023, the company turnover increased by 10.8% to 3.88 billion Euros, according to the finance director. The defense division alone grew by 41% to 1.14 billion Euros. Area manager Helmut Rauch expects a further increase in sales in the defense sector of up to 40% for the current year. By 2026, the turnover should reach the threshold of two billion Euros. The annual surplus increased in 2023 compared to the previous year by 109% to 174 million Euros.
14:41 Ukraine: Fighter jets destroy Russian munitions depot on the Crimea
The 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 sorties. Oleschtschuk apparently refers to a statement by the Russian Defense Ministry, according to which five Ukrainian military jets were destroyed on a military airfield in the Poltava region.
13:58 Russia leaves ISS - and builds its own space stationRussia will begin building its own space station in 2027. In that year, the first module of the facility will be launched into space, according to the Russian space agency Roskosmos. By 2030, the core of the station is expected to be complete. This core consists of four units: a module for research and energy supply, as well as a transfer, base, and universal connection module. The International Space Station (ISS) is now more than 25 years old. Its operation times have been extended multiple times. Russia announced in the wake of its military conflict with Ukraine that it would withdraw from the joint project "after 2024." It was then reported from Moscow that Russia would remain on board until 2028.
13:28 Orbán urges Zelensky to declare ceasefireHungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán calls on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a ceasefire during a visit to Kiev in the presence of the Ukrainian president. Orbán appreciates Zelensky's peace initiatives but has asked him to declare a ceasefire in the war with Russia. This could accelerate peace talks. Zelensky responds that his country needs a "fair peace."
12:55 Russia shows Iskander missile attack on airbaseRussia releases drone footage of an attack on a Ukrainian airbase. Five Su-27 aircraft are said to have been destroyed. Ukraine confirms the attack. The Iskander missile attack could be related to the delivery of western F-16 jets.
12:18 Germany and Poland name Russia "immediate threat" to peace in EuropeGermany 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 during 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 NATO on its eastern flank is to be increased. In addition, cooperation at the government level is to 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 economyThe 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 is expected to grow at a rate of 3.2 percent similarly to 2023. However, the acute labor shortage and high interest rates are expected to 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 for help to PutinThe residents of the western Russian border region Belgorod have been repeatedly exposed to Ukrainian shelling. There is a shortage of medicines and food. Compensation for damages is scarcely provided. In a video message, several people from the region are now appealing to Russian President Putin.
10:01 Patriotic Russian poems turn out to be Nazi worksThe poems of Gennadi Rakitin have enjoyed great success in Russia. Since last summer, he has been publishing his odes to Putin and the invasion of Ukraine on the social network VKontakte. Many Russians followed him, including several parliamentary deputies and other high-ranking politicians. Now it has come 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 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 "Leader" and was written by the Nazi author Eberhard Möller. It was altered on VKontakte and adorned with a picture of Putin.
09:22 Moscow reports destruction of Ukrainian fighter jetsRussia 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 its own statements. The defense ministry in Moscow also reports that eleven drones were shot down, which the Ukraine had allegedly used to attack Russian territory and the Crimean peninsula. The Ukrainian Crimea was annexed by Russia in 2014 and is not internationally recognized.
08:58 Netherlands to deliver F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine soonThe Netherlands have announced the imminent delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. According to a letter from Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren to parliament, the necessary approvals have been granted. Today, the new government is to be sworn in at the parliament, which has been in coalition negotiations for months. 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 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 in combat.
08:31 Orban arrives in Kiev - talks with Zelenskyy plannedThe Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has arrived 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, 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 policy.
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 during a meeting with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerow in Washington. The topics of the conversation will include 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. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy requested weapons from his allies again over the weekend after seven people were killed in a Russian air raid in the region of Zaporizhzhia.
07:30 Video shows city in ruins - Russians bomb Chassiw Jar
The war in Ukraine continues unabated. The small town of Chassiw Jar in the east of the country, located at the front lines, is under constant fire and shelling, as the last residents report. They observe the war and seek shelter from bombs - they want to stay there.
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 address this shortage, the 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 prisoners have been released on parole and assigned to military units since then. Approximately 27,000 convicted criminals are estimated to be eligible for the new program. Wysozka stated that it is a motivating factor 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 released 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 the Su-34, also known as "front bombers." Nine Su-25 fighter jets were destroyed.
03:21 IW-Chef demands 300 Billion Euro for the BundeswehrThe CEO of the German Institute for Economic Research (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 combat-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 was 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, particularly for Ukrainian grain exports, an international mine-clearing operation has started in the Black Sea. Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria are involved in the initiative, according to Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the matter. 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 KievHungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban will travel to Kiev on Tuesday to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to a report in the Financial Times, citing sources familiar with the matter. This would be Orban's first visit to Ukraine since the start of the conflict.
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 situation of the Ukrainian power grid is expected to improve in August, according to Ukrenergo CEO 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 Korea
Russia 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 Crimea peninsula
There have been explosions reported on the Crimea peninsula, according to the occupying power. The governor of Sevastopol, appointed by Moscow, Mikhail Razvozhaev, writes on Telegram that the air defense has shot down four objects. Debris have reportedly fallen near the coast, damage assessments are currently being carried out. According to Ukrainian online media Ukrayinska Pravda, smoke was seen in the area of a power plant on the Crimea.
19:38 US to continue NATO support even after right-wing election results in Europe
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expresses optimism 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 says at a podium discussion in Washington. "I don't believe that will change, regardless of the current politics in Europe." Biden does 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."
18:37 Russians allegedly capture ATACMS missile guidance system
Russian forces have reportedly captured an intact guidance system of a US ATACMS missile. The state-owned Russian news agency RIA shows a weapons expert, whose name is not mentioned, examining the alleged guidance system of a missile reportedly shot down by Russian forces. The US had begun supplying Ukraine with such missiles that 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.
- Despite Russia's ongoing attacks and recruitment of minors in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicates that Ukraine's energy supply should be sourced from Europe, as rebuilding its power plants and energy imports become increasingly necessary.
- NATO is reportedly establishing a new command center in Wiesbaden and considering permanently stationing a representative in Kiev, introducing further military aid and expansion of attack limits on Russian territory, in response to increased aggression.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin is meeting with Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Chinese Party and State leader Xi Jinping, bringing up the potential for a new world order without US dominance as tensions with the West continue to rise.
- Amid rising tensions with Russia, Germany and Poland agree on closer military cooperation, labeling Russia as the "most immediate threat to Euro-Atlantic security," and committing to supporting Ukraine politically, militarily, and with refugee acceptance.
- In a cyberwar context, the Ukrainian government warns of Russian propaganda aimed at recruiting Ukrainian teenagers for military operations, advocating that any enemy on Ukrainian territory will be eliminated.
