22:53 Lithuania reports airspace violation by Russian aircraft
Lithuania reports violation of its airspace by a Russian aircraft. The unspecified aircraft of the Russian airline Pobeda allegedly entered the airspace of the Baltic EU and NATO member on the evening of June 30th and stayed there for approximately a minute. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vilnius announced this and summoned representatives of the Russian embassy, delivering them a note. The responsible Russian authorities were urged to issue a statement and take necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The airspace violation occurred over the Baltic Sea, as the aircraft was on its way from Moscow to the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad bordering Lithuania. The EU has closed its airspace as a reaction to Russia's aggression in Ukraine for Russian aircraft.
22:12 Opinion Poll in Member States: High Trust in NATO, Low Trust in Zelensky
Next week, NATO celebrates its 75th anniversary. In the member states, the transatlantic defense alliance is generally viewed favorably, according to a Pew Research survey. On average in 13 countries, 63% of the population holds a positive opinion, and 33% a negative one. Germany is slightly above the average with 64% positive sentiment. The evaluation in Poland stands out: 91% of the population there has a positive image of the alliance. The trust in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is, on average, at 40%, and has decreased in member states over the past year. Poland also stands out, where the head of state has lost 22 percentage points - from 70% to 48%. In Germany, trust has decreased by 7 percentage points to 54%.
21:27 Zelensky rejects Orban's peace proposal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected a peace proposal from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for peace talks. During his first visit to Kiev since the war began, Orbán suggested a rapid ceasefire, which could "accelerate peace negotiations with Moscow," he said. "The president listened, but in response, he clarified Ukraine's position and rejected the proposal," said a spokesperson for the Presidential Administration. Previously, Kiev had already rejected ceasefires, citing the possibility that Russian forces could regroup during this time.
21:02 Ukraine: Moscow recruits minors
Russia is actively recruiting minors for the war in Ukraine, Ukraine claims. The enlistment contracts are allegedly signed with minors, taking effect when they reach the age of majority. "They hope to recruit tens of thousands of teenagers with propaganda," says the Ukrainian agency "National Resistance Center": "We warn that any enemy on our territory will be eliminated." On occupied Ukrainian territory, Russia also employs minors, for example, to manufacture drones.
20:29 Zelensky: Energy supply of Ukraine should be European
Due to damages to their energy infrastructure, Ukraine has been rationing power for its population for a long time. In a statement, President Volodymyr Zelensky explains that the government is protecting energy facilities as much as possible. However, the rebuilding of destroyed power plants is taking a long time, and the country is becoming increasingly dependent on power 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 homemade anti-drone buggy
The Russian military has already brought an anti-drone innovation to the front lines with the Shield Crocodile. Now, a buggy is supposed to follow, which should recognize and shoot down Ukrainian drones. It is equipped with various technology for this purpose.
19:33 Putin meets Erdogan, then Xi
Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the central Asian republic of Kazakhstan, the Kremlin announced. 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 Chairman 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. The expected announcement of Belarus' full membership is also planned. Putin declared during his attack on Ukraine that, in the face of tensions with the West, he is striving 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 of Luhansk in eastern Ukraine in absentia to twelve years in prison for "collaboration" with Moscow. Leonid Pasetschnik is also sentenced to a 13-year ban on holding office. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) also reports that the court has ordered the seizure of his entire property. On February 21, 2022, Pasetschnik and the separatist leader of Donetsk, Denis Pushilin, 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 separatist leader of Donetsk, Pushilin, was found guilty of the same crime last year in absentia and sentenced to 15 years in prison.
18:18 US-Medium: NATO sets up new command center in Wiesbaden due to Trump (US-Medium: NATO sets up new command center in Wiesbaden because of Trump)
The NATO will permanently station a representative in Kiev, according to the "Wall Street Journal," citing multiple sources. Therefore, NATO is reportedly also setting up a new command center in Wiesbaden. The medium suggests that this move is preparing the transatlantic defense alliance for a possible further US-Presidency of Donald Trump. Nearly 700 personnel from the US, as well as further personnel from the alliance, are expected to be active in the center. So far, the US military has organized this cooperation. The new headquarters under the NATO umbrella is intended to prevent Trump from withdrawing or canceling support if he wins the election again. The steps are expected to be announced at the NATO summit, according to the "Wall Street Journal."
17:23 USA announces additional military aid for Ukraine (USA announces additional military aid for Ukraine)
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced additional military aid for Ukraine in the amount of 2.3 billion dollars. Details on the planned delivery of weapons and ammunition will follow soon, according to Austin. 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 talks. In addition, Foreign Minister Anthony 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 (Former Polish Defense Minister: US limit for attacks on Russia should be expanded)
Since late May, an agreement between Kiev and Washington has been in effect that Ukrainian defenders can attack targets on Russian territory up to 100 kilometers away with US weapons. This stabilized the military situation in the east of Ukraine. However, the Ukrainian armed forces are pressing for permission for certain targets further away. Polish ex-Defense Minister Janusz Onyszkiewicz believes that the restriction should be expanded to 300 kilometers. The failed Russian offensive on Kharkiv is evidence of the effectiveness of attacks on Russian territory, he says. "This is an unlimited success for the Ukrainian army."
15:59 Germany and Poland agree on closer military cooperation (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. The two countries' armies and their procurement and maintenance of military equipment, such as the Leopard tank, are involved. In the document, the two countries label Russia as "the most immediate threat to Euro-Atlantic security." The Russian attack war on Ukraine reminded EU countries "in the most brutal way possible" of the importance of peacekeeping in Europe and "that Europe must be able to defend itself." German Chancellor Scholz says in Warsaw that Germany and Poland are among the largest supporters of Ukraine; politically, militarily, and in the acceptance of refugees. In addition, both played a leading role in the Eastern European region and in the protection of the NATO eastern flank.
15:32 Nuremberg weapons manufacturer Iris-T from Diehl reports significant growth
The Nuremberg conglomerate Diehl has grown significantly due to its defense division with the air defense system Iris-T. In 2023, the company's turnover increased by 10.8% to 3.88 billion Euro, according to the Finance Director. The defense division alone grew by 41% to 1.14 billion Euro. Area Manager Helmut Rauch expects another revenue increase in the defense sector of up to 40% for the current year. By 2026, the turnover should reach the two billion Euro threshold. The yearly profit increased by 109% in 2023 compared to the previous year, amounting to 174 million Euro.
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 the Russian propaganda claims no longer exist, have successfully carried out combat sorties again. Oleschtschuk refers to a statement from the Russian Defense Ministry, according to which five Ukrainian military jets were destroyed on a military airfield in the Poltawa region.
13:58 Russia leaves ISS - and builds its own space station
Russia 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 components: a module for research and energy supply, as well as a transfer, a base, and a universal connection module. The International Space Station (ISS) is now more than 25 years old. Its operating times have been extended multiple times. Russia announced its withdrawal from the joint project after the beginning of its military conflict with Ukraine, stating that it would leave "after 2024". It was then announced from Moscow that Russia would remain on board until 2028.
13:28 Orban urges Zelensky to declare a ceasefire
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán expresses his support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's peace initiatives during a visit to Kiev in Zelensky's presence. Orbán asked Zelensky to declare a ceasefire in the war with Russia. This could accelerate peace talks. Zelensky responds that his country needs a "just peace".
12:55 Russia shows Iskander attack on airbase
Russia 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 attack with Iskander missiles could be related to the delivery of Western F16 jets.
12:18 Germany and Poland consider Russia the "immediate threat" to peace in Europe
Germany and Poland agree on a joint action plan to work closely together in defense and arms policy. Russia is currently the "immediate threat" and greatest danger to peace in Europe, according to the 40-page paper adopted at the government consultations in Warsaw. This paper aims to 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 reinforced. In addition, cooperation at the government level should be deepened to provide military aid to Ukraine. This includes repair and maintenance of Leopard-2 tanks.
11:36 Attacks on energy infrastructure hinder the Ukrainian economy
The destruction of Ukraine's energy infrastructure by Russian attacks leaves increasingly deep economic consequences. The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (WIIW) therefore lowers its growth forecast for the country compared to the spring forecast by 0.5 percentage points to 2.7 percent for 2024. At the same time, the Institute 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 Belgorod are repeatedly exposed to Ukrainian shelling. There is a shortage of medicines and food. Compensation for damages is scarce. Now, several people from the region are appealing to Russian President Putin in a video message.
10:01 Patriotic Russian poems turn out to be Nazi works
The poems of Gennadi Rakitin have celebrated great success in Russia. Since the previous summer, he has been publishing his odes to Putin and the attack on Ukraine on the social network VKontakte. Many Russians followed him, including several parliamentarians and other high-ranking politicians. Now it turns out: Rakitin is a fake. Pictures of him were generated by Artificial Intelligence. His poems are translations from German - they come from the Nazi era. An anonymous group of peace activists admits to having transferred and slightly adapted the poems. So the name Hitler was replaced by 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 adapted on VKontakte with a picture of Putin.
09:22 Moscow reports destruction of Ukrainian Su-27 fighter jets
Russia, according to its own reports, destroyed five Ukrainian Su-27 fighter jets at the Myrhorod airbase in the central Ukrainian region of Poltava during a rocket attack. Two more jets were damaged, the Defense Ministry in Moscow reported. 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, a fact not recognized internationally.
08:58 Netherlands to deliver F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine soon
The Netherlands have announced the imminent delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. The necessary approvals have been granted, Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren wrote to parliament. The new government will be sworn in today after months of coalition negotiations. Ollongren refuses to name the number of planes in the first delivery or their arrival time in Ukraine due to security reasons. The Netherlands are one of the driving forces behind an international coalition aiming to supply Ukraine with F-16 aircraft to strengthen its air defense against Russia. The Dutch government has already delivered F-16 aircraft to a training facility in Romania, where Ukrainian pilots and ground personnel learn to operate and maintain the planes in combat.
08:31 Orban arrives in Kiev - talks with Zelensky planned
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has arrived in Ukraine for his first visit since the beginning of the Russian aggression war almost two years ago. Orban will hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kiev, Orban's spokesman Bertalan Havasi told the Hungarian news agency MTI. On Monday, Hungary assumed the EU Council Presidency until the end of the year. Orban is known for his Russia-friendly stance.
08:03 Ukrainian Defense Minister in the USA - more aid?
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will discuss further military support for the beleaguered Ukraine during a meeting with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov in Washington. The talks will cover bilateral cooperation in the defense sector, regional security issues, and possibilities to strengthen the defense partnership between the USA and Ukraine, the US Defense Department stated. Ukrainian President Zelensky had called on Ukraine's allies over the weekend to provide 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 witness the war and seek shelter from bombs - they have nowhere else to go.
07:05 Ukraine has so far sent over 3000 prisoners to the warThe Ukraine is not only lacking in air defense and ammunition but also in soldiers. To address the shortage, the parliament decided in May to release prisoners and assign them to military units - 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. The Ministry estimates that approximately 27,000 convicted criminals are considered for the new program. Wysozka stated that it is a significant motivation for many potential recruits to "return home as a hero instead of staying in prison," as she told AP.
06:20 Zelenskyy expects delivery of F-16 fighter jets in JulyThe Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expects a strengthening of air defense in his country against Russian air raids in July. The promised F-16 fighter jets of the required quantity and quality, Patriot missile systems, and rockets with greater range would 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 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 yearFor 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 Su-34 bombers, and nine Su-25 fighter jets were destroyed.
03:21 IW Chief calls for 300 billion Euros for the BundeswehrThe head of the Institute of the German Economy (IW), Michael Hüther, is calling for significantly more money for the Bundeswehr. "The special fund for the Bundeswehr is 100 billion Euros. That's not enough," Hüther told the "Rheinische Post." "We need an increase to 250 to 300 billion Euros. Only then will we reach a combat-ready equipment for our army," he continued. The increase in the special fund's budget is also financially feasible, Hüther told the newspaper. "After all, the peace dividend since 1990 amounted to around 600 billion Euros." This money was not invested in infrastructure, digitalization, or education. "We have used these funds in part to pay down debt. We have consumed them in large part," Hüther said.
02:08 International Mine Clearance Operation in the Black Sea startedTo improve the safety of shipping, particularly for Ukrainian grain exports, an international mine clearance operation has been initiated in the Black Sea. The operation involves Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria, as reported by Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the matter. The three countries signed an agreement for joint mine clearance at the beginning of January. The Bulgarian government reportedly stressed to the report that the activities of the three participating countries in the Black Sea will not target other countries.
00:54 Report: Orban meets Zelenskyy in KievHungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban will travel to Kiev on the coming Tuesday to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to the Financial Times, citing sources privy to the matter. This will 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 Ukrainian news agency RBK. There were a total of 161 combat engagements today. The enemy primarily attacked 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 several other vehicles were destroyed. The information cannot be verified independently.
22:22 Ukraine hopes for better power supply in AugustThe condition of Ukraine's power grid is expected to improve in August, according to Ukrenergo CEO Volodymyr Kydrytsky, as reported by Ukrainska Pravda. The load on Ukraine's energy infrastructure will be alleviated after the completion of repairs on some nuclear power plants, resulting in more 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.
21:41 Russia calls for lifting sanctions on North KoreaRussia is pushing for the easing of international sanctions against its new ally North Korea. "We believe it's simply unfair and demoralizing to impose endless sanctions on the country," Russian UN Ambassador Vasily Nebenzia said in New York. Discussions should focus on how the sanctions could be modified. "It can't go on forever." Nebenzia declined to comment on whether North Korea should be allowed to test atomic weapons.
20:02 Explosions on the Crimean PeninsulaExplosions have been reported on the Crimean Peninsula, according to statements from the occupation authorities. The pro-Russian governor of Sevastopol, Mikhail Razvozhaev, wrote on Telegram that the air defense system had shot down four objects. Debris fell near the coast, and damage assessments are currently underway. According to Ukrainian online media Ukrainska Pravda, smoke was seen in the area of a power plant on the Crimean Peninsula.
19:38 USA withdrawing 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 independently of election results from right-wing parties. 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 during a podium discussion in Washington. "I don't believe anything about that will change, regardless of the current politics in Europe." Biden did not comment directly on the French election result. 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, however, that he would not "absorb Russia as a vassal state like Ukraine."
18:37 Russians reportedly recover ATACMS guidance systemRussian military forces have reportedly recovered an intact guidance system of a US ATACMS missile according to their own statements. The state Russian news agency RIA shows an unnamed weapons expert 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, capable of reaching 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.
- The EU continues to keep its airspace closed for Russian aircraft due to Russia's aggression in Ukraine, impacting flights between Moscow and the exclave of Kaliningrad.
- According to a Pew Research survey, NATO has high trust ratings in most EU member states, with Poland having the highest at 91%, but trust in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has decreased in many countries, including Germany and Poland.
- The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected a peace proposal from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, citing concerns about potential Russian regrouping during a ceasefire.
- Ukraine has accused Russia of actively recruiting minors for the war in Ukraine, signing enlistment contracts with minors who are to serve when they reach the age of majority.
- NATO is reportedly setting up a new command center in Wiesbaden, Germany, in preparation for a possible future US presidency of Donald Trump, aiming to prevent the withdrawal or cancellation of support if Trump wins another term.
