22:30 Lithuania's Foreign Minister: Kallas nomination honors stance on Russia
Lithuania has welcomed the nomination of Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas as the new EU's Foreign Policy Chief. Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis speaks of recognition of the views of the Baltic States and other NATO countries at the Eastern Flank, who have taken a firm stance against Russia and supported Ukraine until its victory. "She has never hidden her position, she has clearly and openly expressed her views on issues that are important to us," Landsbergis told the BNS agency in Vilnius about Kallas. Kallas was chosen as the EU representative for external and security policy at the EU summit in Brussels on Thursday. The 47-year-old Liberal has been Estonia's first female prime minister in history since 2021 and is known as an advocate for a resolute Western stance against Moscow.
22:00 Baerbock: Support for Ukraine is the best protection for peaceful sleepingAccording to Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, the ongoing support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian invasion troops is also crucial for peace and security in Germany. "If Ukraine can no longer defend our peace, our freedom, because we no longer support it, then the question is, how far Putin's troops will advance then," Baerbock said in a talk with RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND), NDR and "Hannoverscher Allgemeine Zeitung". "That's why the support services for Ukraine are the best protection for our own peace and our own security." Baerbock referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Of course, one can discuss whether the billions in aid for Ukraine should be used differently, Baerbock said. But in this case, she had to say: "I don't know how long we can continue to sleep peacefully here in Brandenburg, right on the Polish border." There are "light tests" along the EU border and the NATO outer border "everywhere". "Every reasonable person in the world, in Europe and in Ukraine" wishes nothing more than peace in Ukraine. That depends on Putin. "He needs to withdraw his troops and finally end this murder." Instead, his answer is "always more violence and terror".
21:20 Putin gives Kim a luxury car with parts from South KoreaDuring his state visit to North Korea, Russian leader Vladimir Putin presented North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un with an Aurus limousine and drove him laughing through a park in Pyongyang eight days ago. Photos of the joyride in a fake idyll in Pyongyang have circulated around the world. It is already the second Aurus limousine that Putin has given Kim. However, Russian luxury cars are said to have been manufactured by a company that imported South Korean components worth millions of dollars, according to Reuters, citing customs data. Aurus is said to have imported South Korean parts worth at least 34 million dollars between 2018 and 2023. An employee of the South Korean industrial association Kyungki Industrial Co. confirmed that the company had supplied parts to Aurus and would continue to do so. The company is "not concerned about possible sanctions," he added. Kim considers South Korea to be the "main enemy" of his country.
20:45 Ukraine: Injured and Dead after Rocket Strike on Apartment Building
The strike of a Russian rocket on an apartment building in the Ukrainian industrial city of Dnipro results in at least one death and nine injured. Among the injured are a seven-month-old baby, two women aged 27 and 30, and a 29-year-old, according to the Military Governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region, Serhij Lyssak, on his Telegram channel. Three of the injured are in critical condition. Additionally, two persons are suspected to be trapped under the rubble. Images show a heavily damaged stairwell of a nine-story building in a densely populated residential area. The upper four floors are completely destroyed.
Dnipro has been hit by Russian rockets multiple times since the beginning of the Russian assault war. In one of the most devastating attacks on civilian targets during the war, over 45 people were killed and approximately 80 were injured by a rocket strike on a residential building in the city in early 2023. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy once again called for the strengthening of air defense in response to the latest rocket attack. Only the determination of the world can stop Russian terror, he wrote in social media.
20:24 Zelenskyy awards posthum Courage Medal to nurse Iryna Tsybukh
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awards the Order of Courage of the IIIrd Class posthum to nurse Iryna Tsybukh. According to the Presidential Administration of Ukraine's website, Tsybukh was born in Lviv, Ukraine, in June 1998. She was a public figure in Ukraine, a journalist, and the head of the regional broadcasting department of the National Public Broadcasting Company of Ukraine. During Russia's attacks on Ukraine, she joined the voluntary medical battalion Hospitaliers as a nurse. She died on May 29 during a rotation towards Kharkiv.
With the same decree, journalist Andriy Topchiy was posthum awarded the Order of Courage of the IIIrd Class. He, too, was a nurse in an infantry battalion. Topchiy died on April 20 near Robotyno in the Zaporizhzhia region.
19:54 Putin calls for production of previously banned rockets
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the production of short- and medium-range rockets, which were previously prohibited under the INF (Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces) Treaty with the USA. "It looks like we need to start producing these attack systems," Putin said, referring to rockets with a range between 500 and 5500 kilometers. After the production of the rockets, Moscow must "make decisions based on the actual situation about where we will station them for our security." Putin justifies his statement by saying that the USA has started using such rockets in exercises in Denmark. Russia must "respond." Under the INF Treaty, the production of rockets with a range between 500 and 5500 kilometers was forbidden for the treaty parties, the USA and the Soviet Union. The USA withdrew from the INF Treaty in 2019 and justified this by stating that Russia was not adhering to its obligations. Moscow declared that it would continue to forgo the production of new rockets as long as the USA did not use them within range of Russian territory.
19:14 "Just Peace": Zelenskyy announces "comprehensive plan" to end the war
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that he is working on a "comprehensive plan" to end the war against his country. It is "very important" for Kiev to present such a plan, "which will be supported by the majority of the world", Zelenskyy said during a visit of the Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar in Kiev. This is "the diplomatic way", Ukraine is working, Zelenskyy added. "We don't want to prolong this war and we must come to a just peace as soon as possible", he added. At the same time, he emphasized the development of Ukrainian military production. Russia understands "only strength and respects only the strong". "There are two things in parallel: to be strong on the battlefield and to develop a clear and detailed plan that will be ready this year", said the Ukrainian prime minister. Ukraine has repeatedly stated that Russia must withdraw its troops from Ukrainian territory before possible peace talks, including the 2014 annexed Crimean Peninsula.
18:51 Putin announces strong growth for Russia's economy
According to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russia's economy is growing despite western sanctions against the country significantly. "We will see what the first half of the year brings, but something around five percent GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth for the country", Putin told the news agency Interfax during a meeting with college graduates. In the previous year, the GDP had increased by 3.6 percent. In reality, the western sanctions have not been able to slow down the Russian economy. According to the statistics agency Rosstat, the GDP growth in the first quarter was 5.4 percent. Foreign experts attribute this mainly to the significantly increased state expenditures for defense and military. Soldier salaries and compensation for injured or killed soldiers provide many Russian families with more money. Due to the lack of labor, wages are rising. However, according to economic experts, this trend cannot be sustained.
18:25 Ukraine: Russian units refuse to attack in the area of Charkiw
Due to the loss of their commanders, Russian units in the area of Charkiw refuse to engage in combat. This was reported by the Ukrainian news agency "Ukrinform" according to the spokesperson of the Ukrainian military unit "Chortyzja", Nasar Voloshyn, on Espreso.TV, a private television station in Ukraine. There have been six battles in the area of Charkiw, in which the Ukrainian forces killed approximately 120 Russians. There is information about numerous cases where Russian forces refused to engage in combat, Voloshyn said and named the assault unit of the 153. Tank Regiment of the 47. Tank Division of the Russian armed forces as an example.
17:49 US Drones over Black Sea: Russia warns NATO of "confrontation"
Russia has warned NATO countries of a "direct confrontation" due to increased US drone flights over the Black Sea, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. "These flights increase the likelihood of encounters between Russian air and space forces, raising the risk of a direct confrontation between the alliance and Russia," the ministry stated. The increased number of US drone flights demonstrates "the growing involvement of the United States and NATO countries in the conflict in Ukraine," Moscow added. The US uses the flights to spy on Russian targets for precision weapons provided by Western Ukraine partners, the ministry explained. Defense Minister Andrei Bolusov has ordered the General Staff to prepare "proposals for operational responses to provocations."
The regular US drone flights over the Black Sea, according to Washington, take place in neutral airspace and in accordance with international law.
17:22 Belarus reinforces troops on Ukrainian border
Belarus, according to its Defense Ministry, has reinforced its troops along the northern border with Ukraine. Multiple rocket launchers have been deployed at an unspecified section of the 1,084-kilometer-long border. Authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko maintains close ties with Russia and allowed Moscow to use his country as a staging ground for its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
17:05 Russians destroy crucial western Ukrainian power plant completely
A crucial power plant for heating in western Ukraine has been completely destroyed by Russian attacks, according to the governor of the Ivano-Frankivsk region, Switalana Kuchynska, in a local radio broadcast. "It's clear that the Burshtyn power plant cannot be rebuilt," she said. The plant, located about 130 kilometers from the Polish border, has suffered more than a dozen Russian attacks. Residents of the region will be supplied with heating from transported boiler systems with central heating. Since mid-March, the Russian military has deliberately damaged heating and water power plants with drones and rockets. According to official reports, over 9,000 megawatts of power plant capacity have been destroyed. The Burshtyn plant had a capacity of 2,400 megawatts.
16:23 Russian space communication center on Crimea destroyed
The Ukrainian military, according to the Defense Ministry in Kiev, has destroyed the Russian space communication center on the annexed Crimean peninsula. The ministry described it as a valuable military component in the satellite communication and navigation system of the Russian troops. On Monday, local social media reports circulated of explosions near the village of Vytino, where the center is located. These reports could not be independently verified. Russia annexed the Crimea in 2014, an action not recognized internationally.
16:04 Injured civilians in Russian bombing raids in Donetsk region
At least four civilians have been killed and three others injured in the settlement of New York (New York) in eastern Ukraine due to Russian bombardments, according to the Donezk region prosecutor's office. The attackers reportedly used a 250-kilogramme glide bomb that damaged several residential buildings. Russian forces have intensified their attacks near the city of Torezk in the past few days and reportedly made small territorial gains. The regional administration also reported that at least three people were killed and almost 20 were injured through Russian shelling in Kurachowe and around Torezk the previous day. Over 30 residential buildings were damaged.
15:36 Kremlin accuses new EU leadership of Russophobia
The Kremlin sees poor prospects for the relationship between Moscow and Brussels following the decision of EU heads of state and government to appoint a new European Union leadership. The designated new EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, for instance, has not shown diplomatic skill in the past, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, reporting Russian news agencies. The Estonian prime minister is "well known to us for her utterly unacceptable and sometimes even extreme anti-Russian statements," Peskov said. Moscow accuses the West of Russophobia, or anti-Russian sentiment or hatred towards Russians, time and again. Similarly, Peskov commented on EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who was nominated for a second term by the heads of state and government of the 27 EU countries with a large majority. "The prospects for the relationship between Moscow and Brussels are poor," Peskow said, adding that there would be no normalization of relations.
15:13 Ukraine reports shooting down another Russian Su-25
Another Russian Su-25 fighter jet is said to have been shot down in the contested Donetsk region, according to a post by the Ukrainian National Guard on Telegram. The jet was hit by a "well-aimed shot" from a portable anti-aircraft missile system during its combat mission. A video published by the National Guard shows grainy footage of the shootdown, accompanied by triumphant cheers from Ukrainian troops. However, there is no precise information on when and where the incident took place.
14:35 Russia claims to have taken control of Rosdoliwka in eastern Ukraine
The Russian military reportedly took control of the eastern Ukrainian town of Rosdoliwka, according to the Russian Defense Ministry in Moscow. The Southern Military District reportedly drove out Ukrainian troops from Rosdoliwka and took advantage of more favorable positions. The town is located in the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine, where Russian forces have claimed several village captures in recent weeks. The Ukrainian side has not commented on this claim. It is impossible to independently verify such reports about the fighting.
14:09 Kiev: Annual Military Statements Worth 60 Billion Dollars
The Ukraine can count on annual military aid in the amount of 60 billion dollars according to its own statements after the conclusion of 20 security agreements. These agreements are valid for the next four years, explained Minister President Denys Schmyhal. In its defense against Russia, Ukraine has signed a series of security agreements in recent times - among others, one on Thursday with the European Union.
13:38 "Poor for Relations": Kremlin Dissatisfied with EU-Leadership Nominations
The Kreml criticizes the EU summit decision to fill EU leadership positions. With Ursula von der Leyen as Commission President and Kaja Kallas as Foreign Affairs Chief, the prospects for relations between Moscow and Brussels are "poor," said Kreml spokesman Dmitri Peskow. It is little surprising that the Kreml is unhappy with Kallas' nomination: The Estonian has been fighting for a hard line against Russian President Vladimir Putin in the EU and is one of the biggest supporters of Ukraine.
13:06 Poland to Quickly Sign Security Agreements with Ukraine
German Chancellor von der Leyen, who is standing for a second term, is not in favor of a "normalization of relations between the European Union and Russia," added he. The Latvian Kallas is known for her "russophobic" statements. Polish Minister President Donald Tusk believes that his country is very likely to sign a bilateral security agreement with Ukraine in the coming days. This document is almost finished, he said. Only a few details and formulations need to be clarified. The NATO summit begins on July 9 in Washington. The EU summit on Thursday already signed a security agreement with Ukraine. Bilateral agreements were also signed between Ukraine and EU states Latvia and Estonia. Several other EU states have already signed such an agreement with Ukraine.
12:34 Expert Mölling: Trump Gains Influence Before the Election
After the TV duel in the US, security expert Christian Mölling is certain: The influence of Donald Trump on international politics is already growing. The Research Director of the German Council on Foreign Relations finds it plausible that Trump may adjust his line on the Ukraine issue here and there, as he has already received a briefing from the security agencies "about what's really going on." So there will probably be no sell-out of Ukraine, as such a move would also have negative consequences for US interests, says Mölling in the "Stern" podcast "The Situation." Even if presidents make the important decisions, there is always a machine that implements them. More on US politics and its impact on Ukraine policy can be found here: link
12:12 Belarus Announces Reinforcement of Border with UkraineBelarus will strengthen its border with Ukraine following an incident with a Ukrainian surveillance drone. The border guard and the Defense Ministry have announced this. The border guard also reports that a quadcopter was shot down on Wednesday, which allegedly flew illegally from Ukraine into Belarus to collect information about the infrastructure at the Belarusian border. At the beginning of the week, it was reported that hidden explosive materials were discovered in the same area. Moreover, it is known that a pro-Ukrainian Russian fighter unit is stationed in a Ukrainian area near the border.
11:40 Spycraft in Bloom: Thousands of Russians Reportedly Betray Their Fellow CitizensThe spy game has a long tradition in Russia – and it seems to be in bloom. According to independent Russian-language media, at least 3,500 reports have been filed against Russian citizens between February 2022 and May 2024. Meduza writes that "the war and the subsequent repressive policies of Russian authorities against their own population led ... to an increase in denunciations that were not only related to anti-war declarations, but also to LGBTQ+ content, 'Russophobia', drugs, and other themes." As an example, the portal cites the case of Usman Baratov, who lives in Moscow. Last year, when egg prices were particularly high, he posted a picture of a hen with the caption "No eggs for you! Bring the hens back from the front." Within a month, calls appeared on social media to revoke Baratov's Russian citizenship. A criminal investigation was opened against him in November for "incitement to hatred and enmity." He has been in pre-trial detention since then and faces up to six years in prison.
11:03 "Provocations": Moscow Threatens Action Against Alleged US DronesRussia is threatening action against alleged US reconnaissance drones over the Black Sea. Defense Minister Andrei Belousov ordered the General Staff of the Army to prepare proposals to quickly respond to "provocations," according to his office. Russia has detected increased activity from US drones in the region. They are reportedly conducting military reconnaissance and gathering target information, which Ukraine could use to attack Russian facilities with weapons supplied from the West, the ministry said. This shows the growing involvement of the USA and NATO countries in the conflict in Ukraine. Such drone flights increase the likelihood of incidents in the airspace with Russian aircraft, which in turn raises the risk of a direct confrontation between NATO and Russia. The NATO would be responsible for such incidents, the Defense Ministry emphasized.
10:34 Trump vs. Putin's Plan: Scene from TV Debate Remains Hidden in RussiaThe US presidential election is also being followed in Russia, along with the TV debate between the candidates Joe Biden and Donald Trump. NTV correspondent Rainer Munz reports on what the Russian media cover and which details are left out. The Kremlin, meanwhile, issues further threats.
09:58 Window fall after KGB interrogation? Former Belarus ambassador dead at 48
According to reports from independent Belarusian media, the former Belarusian ambassador to Germany, Denis Sidorenko, has died at the age of 48 in his hometown of Minsk. The Belarusian Foreign Ministry only confirmed his death hours later, stating that the "beloved colleague, extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador of Belarus in Germany (2016-2024)" had passed away. No cause of death was given. Multiple independent Belarusian media outlets, which operate in exile abroad, report that Sidorenko, a family man, committed suicide by jumping from the window of a high-rise building in Minsk on June 24th. No official confirmation of the suicide has been provided. Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko had recalled Sidorenko, who had advocated for good relations with the EU, from Germany. According to an exiled former Belarusian diplomat, Sidorenko was a problem for the power apparatus in Minsk.
09:30 Ukraine releases numbers on Russian losses
The Ukrainian General Staff has released new figures on Russian troop losses in Ukraine. According to these figures, Russia has lost approximately 540,500 soldiers in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. In a 24-hour period alone, the losses amounted to 1,170. The report from Kiev states that, among other things, 24 tanks, 60 artillery systems, and an aircraft were destroyed. Since the beginning of the large-scale attack, Russia is said to have lost 8,066 tanks, 14,423 artillery systems, and 360 aircraft according to Ukraine. Western estimates give lower loss figures, which are also only minimum values.
09:05 Numerous drones over Russia again
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Russia intercepted 25 Ukrainian drones during the night. However, it did not mention the incident in Tambov, where a fuel depot caught fire during a drone attack (see entry 08:02). The Russian Telegram channel Two Majors reports of 32 Ukrainian drones that were intercepted in the border region.
08:33 ISW: Russians attempting to advance at Torezk gradually
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) considers a quick tactical victory for the Russians at Torezk unlikely at the moment. The Russian military forces may, however, be planning to carry out continuous offensive operations in this area to achieve creeping tactical gains, according to the US think tank. "The limited forces available for this operation suggest that the Russians prefer to make incremental progress through persistent attacks rather than a rapid, clear victory," the latest ISW report states. Additionally, a brigade of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic and a regiment of Russian territorial troops were fighting in the region. These forces were less combat-effective than conventional troops or earlier Russian elite units. "Even if the Russian forces manage to take Torezk, advancing beyond the settlement would be difficult, if not even more so, given the open terrain and the large bodies of water to the north and northwest," the think tank further states.
08:02 Fuel storage facility in Central Russia on fire
Once again, a fuel storage facility in Russia is on fire - this time in the central Russian region of Tambov. The cause is reportedly a Ukrainian drone attack, according to Regional Governor Maxim Yegorov on Telegram. No casualties have been reported, and the fire department is on the scene. The city of Tambov is approximately 460 kilometers south-east of Moscow.
07:39 Zelenskyy coming to NATO summit in Warsaw, Poland
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to attend the NATO summit in Washington in July, according to Polish government announcements. "President Zelenskyy and I have arranged a meeting in Warsaw before the NATO summit," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on Twitter. "The Union has understood what Poland has known since the beginning of the war: The defense of Ukraine is the defense of Europe." Poland is one of the most active political and military supporters of Ukraine. It also plays an important role as a hub for Western military aid to Kiev. In addition, Poland has taken in nearly a million refugees from its neighboring country.
07:07 "Extremist": Duma preparing bill against "child-free ideology"
Despite the unclear family relationships of leading Russian politicians: The Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin has declared 2024 as the "Year of the Family," and he calls the Russian family the "backbone" of Russia. Now, it seems that this familial model will be propagated even more strongly. According to the Institute for the Study of War, the deputy Russian Justice Minister Vasily Vukolov announced that Duma deputies are preparing a bill to ban the so-called "child-free ideology." This ideology is considered "extremist," as it holds the "extremist" view that women "do not have to bear children" and "can renounce them." In addition, a draft for a presidential decree is being prepared to add the term "traditional values" to the official "normative dictionary" of the Russian language. The demographic situation in Russia is overall tense. According to the Konrad-Adenauer Foundation, between January and April of the previous year, 3.1 percent fewer children were born than in the same period the previous year - a record low. The massive losses in the war contribute to further deterioration of the demographic situation.
06:42 Governor: Administrative building in Bryansk damaged by Ukrainian drone
In the Russian city of Bryansk, it appears that an administrative building has been damaged following a drone attack. This was reported by the region's governor, Alexander Bogomaz, on Telegram. "The city of Bryansk was attacked by Ukrainian terrorists using drones. There are no casualties." The drone was reportedly repelled, and the administrative building was damaged upon its impact.
06:07 Kertsch Bridge apparently affected: Ukrainian intelligence service reports cyber attacks on Crimean servers
The military intelligence service of Ukraine (HUR) is carrying out a cyber attack on multiple institutions on the Crimea peninsula, which is under Russian occupation. This is reported by "Kyiv Independent" and cites a HUR employee. The targets of the attacks on Thursday are said to be the largest Russian internet providers on the peninsula, the servers of propaganda media, and the system for registering and controlling traffic on the Crimean Bridge. "Within an hour, the traffic jam increased sixfold, and in the morning, approximately 300 cars were in the queue," according to the source from the HUR. The Ukrainian intelligence service is reported to have conducted several cyber attacks on the Crimea in the past few months.
05:01 Heavy fighting around Pokrovsk in the east
Russian and Ukrainian forces are engaging in heavy fighting at various frontlines in the east of Ukraine on Thursday. The Ukrainian General Staff in Kiev reports in its daily situation report that the enemy is trying to breach our defense lines. Of the over 100 reported armed clashes of the day, more than half are said to be in the area around Pokrovsk in the Donezk region. The frontline has remained unchanged everywhere. Ukrainian military personnel also report heavy fighting around the settlement of Mirnoje west of the city of Saporischschja. A Russian brigade is said to have lost over 95 percent of its soldiers in massed storm attacks there, according to a statement from the Ukrainian agency Unian.
04:20 Trump: Could end war in Ukraine before inauguration if elected
The former US President Donald Trump holds Joe Biden responsible for the Russian military campaign in Ukraine and calls on Europe to give more money to Kiev. If the US had a "real President" who respected Putin, this would never have happened in Ukraine, Trump says during the presidential debate in Atlanta. Biden even encouraged Putin, Trump claims. He reiterated his promise to end the war if re-elected. This would still happen before his inauguration in January, the 78-year-old added. However, he left open how he would accomplish this.
03:18 French right-wing populist Bardella calls for continued support for Ukraine
During a TV debate three days before the first round of the French parliamentary elections, French right-wing populist Jordan Bardella, who aspires to become Prime Minister for his party Rassemblement National (RN), expresses his support for continuing support for Ukraine. "I will not allow Russian imperialism to absorb a linked state like Ukraine," Bardella says. His position on this conflict is "very simple" and has "never changed," Bardella explains. "It's about supporting Ukraine and preventing an escalation" with the nuclear power Russia. Regarding a possible deployment of French troops to Ukraine, Bardella says: "If I am prime minister tomorrow, no French soldiers will be sent to Ukraine." He is also against sending medium-range missiles to Ukraine that could hit Russian territory.
01:30 Farmer President under Fire for Ukraine Remarks
The President of the Farmers' Association is facing sharp criticism for his statements regarding Ukraine's EU membership. Green security politician Sebastian Schäfer accused Joachim Rukwied in a letter of becoming "Putin's propagandistic helper" with his one-sided remarks. The letter was obtained by "Der Spiegel." Rukwied had warned in an "FAZ" interview that Ukraine's accession was a "threat to the survival of European agriculture," as large agricultural businesses there could produce much cheaper than European farmers. Instead, import restrictions against Ukrainian agricultural products were "urgently necessary." Schäfer accuses Rukwied of fueling the anti-Ukraine sentiment with his "martial language" and suggesting that Russia's invaded land posed only a threat to EU farmers. Furthermore, the accession talks were still in their infancy and represented "an opportunity and a reason for fundamental, future-oriented reforms in the Common Agricultural Policy."
23:34 Ukrainian Railways Granted License for Goods Transport by Poland
The Ukrainian state railway company Ukrzaliznytsia has received a license from the Polish railway regulatory authority, allowing it to enter the European rail freight market, the company announced. With Ukraine's airspace closed since February 2022 due to the Russian invasion, rail transport plays a crucial role in transporting goods and passengers to and from the country. In the previous year, Ukrzaliznytsia transported over two million passengers to Europe and reported a record cargo volume of 14 million tons in November 2023.
22:17 Ukraine Increases Weapons Production by a Quarter in the First Quarter
Weapons production in Ukraine increased by an average of 25.4% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, according to data from the Ukrainian State Statistics Service. In January 2024, Ukraine produced 26.6% more weapons and ammunition than in January of the previous year. The increase was 29% in February and 18.8% in March.
21:32 Czech Republic Sends First 50,000 Grenades to Kiev - Financed by Germany
The Czech Republic has delivered the first 50,000 grenades to Ukraine as part of a Prague-led initiative, according to the Czech Press Agency (CTK). Czech Defense Minister Jana Černohová announced the delivery. In February, Czech President Petr Pavel stated that Prague had identified 500,000 155-mm grenades and 300,000 122-mm grenades outside Europe that could be bought and sent to Ukraine once the necessary funding was secured. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced Tuesday that Ukraine had received the first delivery of artillery grenades "some time ago." Prague and Germany had collaborated on the delivery, according to CTK. According to the Defense Ministry, the 50,000 grenades represent the first batch of 180,000 rounds of ammunition financed by Germany.
20:53 Russia attacks Charkiw for the first time with FAB-500 bomb - four injuredRussian troops have attacked the city of Charkiw for the first time since the beginning of the war with a FAB-500 bomb equipped with a glide mechanism, according to Oleksandr Filchakov, head of the regional prosecutor's office. At least four people were injured, two others suffered a shock, reports Oleh Syniehubov, governor of the Charkiw region. Moscow troops dropped the bomb over the village of Maysky in the Russian oblast Belgorod on the Kyivskyi-District of Kharkiv, says Filchakov. The FAB-500 is a 500-kilogram bomb developed by the Soviet Union with a high-explosive warhead that is dropped from the air. These inexpensive and widely used bombs are equipped with glide kits that improve their accuracy, but also enable them to be dropped from greater distances, beyond the range of Ukrainian air defense systems.
20:21 Patriot systems to be delivered from Israel to Ukraine via the USAAccording to the "Financial Times," the USA, Israel, and Ukraine are in talks to deliver up to eight Patriot air defense systems to Kiev to significantly improve the country's ability to repel Russian air raids. The agreement is not yet finalized, but would likely mean that the Patriot systems would first be delivered from Israel to the USA and then to Ukraine. The groundwork for the deal, which would mark a significant shift in Israel's relations with Moscow, was discussed between ministers and high-ranking officials from the three countries, according to five people familiar with the negotiations.
You can read about all previous developments here.
- Kallas, in her capacity as the EU's Foreign Policy Chief, has consistently advocated for a firm stance against Russia and strong support for Ukraine.
- The ongoing support for Ukraine, as Baerbock emphasizes, is crucial for peace and security in Europe, as Russia's invasions threaten the safety of Eastern Flank NATO countries.
- The Ukraine conflict has escalated to involve cyberwarfare, with reports of Russian cyberattacks on critical Ukrainian infrastructure and political institutions.
- Volodymyr Selensky, the Ukrainian President, has appealed for international support, including from NATO, to strengthen Ukraine's air defense capabilities and counter Russian aggression.
- The politics surrounding the Ukraine conflict have led to a rift between the West and Russia, with the latter criticizing the EU's leadership nominations as having poor prospects for relations with Moscow.
