22:57 Selenskyj: White House does not want to invite us to NATO
Every now and then, there are discussions about Ukraine becoming a NATO member in the future, but there is no official invitation from the transatlantic defense alliance to Kiev. The White House is not ready to take this step, says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview with a US media outlet. This, however, is "not the policy of the head of state of the world," says Zelenskyy. "I believe this is a policy of one step forward, two steps back." If the US has fears of provoking Putin and therefore refuses to issue a NATO invitation, Ukraine at least needs the weapons of the West to defend itself. The NATO summit is taking place in Washington from July 9 to 11. Behind the scenes, there are reportedly disagreements among members regarding the official communique regarding the Ukraine.
22:16 Belarus' Military Threatens Use of Tactical Nuclear Weapons
The Chief of the General Staff of Belarus, Pavel Makarevich, has threatened to use tactical nuclear weapons if the country sees its "sovereignty" and "independence" threatened. This was reported by the Belarusian state agency BelTA. "We have learned how to handle these weapons," he reportedly said. In addition, he announced that Belarus would become a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in a few days. Other members of the organization, which describes itself as a coalition against terrorism, separatism, and extremism, include Russia, China, India, and six other countries in Eurasia.
21:33 Kiev Reports Rocket Attack from the North
An air raid siren sounds in the capital Kiev and in other northern oblasts. The cause is rockets from the north, but the Ukrainian armed forces report that their air defense systems have prevented their impact. Falling rocket parts then hit a 14-story residential building and caused a fire, according to Kiev's mayor Vitali Klitschko. At least two civilians were injured, ten were evacuated.
20:42 Kiev: More Than 14,000 Civilians in Russian Captivity
Ten freed civilians will be welcomed in Kiev today. More than 14,000 civilians are still being held in Russian captivity, says the human rights ombudsman of Ukraine, Dmytro Lubinets. Three categories of Ukrainians are being held by the Russians: children, prisoners of war, and civilians. The return of civilians is Lubinets' assessment complicated. Ukraine has no way to facilitate exchanges, and there is no legal procedure. Kiev is still working on the return of 20,000 children and tens of thousands of Ukrainians who are missing. In the case of children, the Vatican could potentially help.
20:01 Zelenskyy: Indirect Negotiations with Moscow Possible
Ukraine is not planning direct negotiations with Russia, but could use the model of a trilateral agreement similar to the Black Sea Grain Initiative, says President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In 2022, the agreement was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey. It played a decisive role in curbing a global increase in food prices, which were partly caused by the invasion's beginning. Ukraine signed the agreement with Turkey, while the United Nations signed it, and Russia signed its own corresponding agreement with the same intermediaries.
19:21 Russian guided bomb hits post office in CharkiwA Russian guided bomb explodes at a post office depot in Charkiw, resulting in one civilian death. Nine more people are injured, including an eight-month-old child. The governor of the Charkiw region reports this. Emergency services are reportedly looking for additional possible victims. Eight vehicles parked near the depot were reportedly destroyed. The building belongs to Nova Poshta, the largest private postal service in Ukraine. "All shift workers were in the bomb shelter and were not injured," the company states. Previously, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had announced that Russia had used over 800 guided air-to-ground bombs against Ukraine in the past week.
18:43 Moscow: Two villages in Donetsk capturedRussia captures two more villages in eastern Ukraine. According to the Russian news agency RIA, referring to the Russian Defense Ministry in Moscow, the villages in question are Spirne and Nowoolexandriwka in the Donetsk region.
18:20 Ukraine: Russian fighter jet, cruise missiles, and hundreds of drones destroyedThe Ukrainian commander of ground forces, Oleksandr Pavliuk, has released a balance sheet of air defense in June. According to this, the defenders recorded the shooting down of a Russian Su-25 fighter jet and three cruise missiles in the past month. In total, they shot down 296 drones. "Under conditions of intense hostilities," Pavliuk writes, "we managed to intercept a significant number of tactical drones from the sky."
17:27 Zelenskyy: Trump's possible peace plan "bad idea"Donald Trump, the Republican Party's designated presidential candidate in the US, has repeatedly claimed that he could end the Ukraine conflict "in 24 hours" if he wins the November election. Now, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he doesn't know how to end the conflict in 24 hours, but if the plan involves making territorial concessions to Russia, then it's a "bad idea." "If Trump has such a model, then everyone would want to end the war," Selenskyy told the Philadelphia Inquirer in an interview: "Maybe it would even be in an hour better." Giving up one's own territory to Russia is not new. Putin will not solve the problem with Russia's President Vladimir Putin. He needs to be shown his limits, as he is relying on "pseudo-victories."
16:49 Men attack Ukrainian border guards with machetesA Ukrainian border guard is killed by two men with a machete in Ukraine. One of the attackers was killed by a shot from the border guard, while the other was injured, reports the news portal "Ukrajinska Prawda," citing Ukrainian authorities. The incident reportedly occurred on a Saturday evening at the border with Romania. The motive is unknown. However, due to the war, men of military age are trying to leave the country illegally to avoid being drafted and sent to the front. Previously, 17 men were detained at the Hungarian border who were trying to illegally leave Ukraine and were offering their helpers between 3,000 and 12,000 US dollars for a successful exit.
16:14 Further Casualties and Damage after Rocket Attack on Wilniansk
According to reports, following the fatal Russian rocket attack on civilians in Wilniansk, 75 people have reported damaged or destroyed property. The police in the Saporischschja region report "the crimes of the Russian army," according to the statement from the authorities. The number of registered casualties from the attack has risen to 38, among them are nine children. A mobile aid station is in operation. At least seven people, including a woman and three children, were killed in the attack on Saturday.
15:51 Controversial Kanye West reportedly in Moscow for Friend's Birthday
According to Russian media, controversial US rapper Kanye West is in Moscow on a private visit. "That's great news, he's in the heart of the capital," quotes the state news agency Tass the producer Yana Rudkovskaya. Former Russian presidential candidate Xenia Sobchak published a short video, which she claims shows West observing the famous GUM shopping center from the roof of the Red Square. According to Sobchak, West is in Moscow to celebrate the 40th birthday of his friend Gosha Rubchinskiy, a well-known Russian fashion designer. West has previously expressed his admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin in the past. In the US, the musician is now an outcast in the entertainment industry due to his antisemitic and pro-Hitler statements.
15:24 Russia disrupting GPS signals for British military flights
This year, Russia has disrupted the GPS navigation system for hundreds of British military flights of the Royal Air Force (RAF) over Eastern Europe, according to a data analysis of thousands of flights by the British Telegraph. More than one in four transport and surveillance flights in the first four months of the year 2024 were affected by active GPS disruptions. This illustrates the extent of Russian interference in aviation. "This is another example of Russia's disregard and another proof that it is a rogue and hostile state," quoted Defense Minister Ben Wallace of the UK. Between January and April, 142 out of 504 transport and surveillance flights of the RAF over Eastern Europe were subjected to GPS disruptions.
14:41 Ukrainian hackers sabotage Russian systems
Activists, in collaboration with experts from the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, are carrying out a series of attacks on Russian companies. According to the ministry, hackers have destroyed over 100 terabytes of data from OrbitSoft, a software developer who works with the Russian army. They have also deleted data on eight servers from Orient Systems, a supplier of navigation devices for Russian military manufacturers, particularly for unmanned aerial vehicle manufacturers. They have also deleted the data of an Internet provider in Nizhny Novgorod and sent messages to all subscribers about an "inevitable retaliation" for Russia's war.
14:06 Ukraine starts serial production of combat drones
Ukraine has begun serial production of combat drones with a range over 1,000 kilometers. According to the head of the state arms company Ukroboronprom, Herman Smetanin, in an interview with ArmyInform, Russia's "massive resources and powerful industry" forced Kiev to adopt a "more flexible and inventive" approach in weapon production. Ukraine uses long-range drones to attack military infrastructure such as airfields and logistics facilities, as well as oil refineries and depots deep in Russian territory.
13:36 Ukraine publishes video of liberation of Snake Island
The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) has published new footage on social media of the liberation of Snake Island. In the post, SBU describes the "unique and extremely important operation". The video material is said to begin with an aerial view of an air strike on the island, followed by Ukrainian troops landing on the island with a helicopter and attacking Russian troops. "It consisted of several stages and was of strategic importance, as the gradual expulsion of the enemy from the Black Sea began since then", writes the SBU. On June 30, 2022, Ukrainian troops repelled the Russian troops from the strategic outpost on the Black Sea.
13:14 Zelensky: Russia fired over 800 guided bombs on Ukraine in a week
In the past week, Russia has fired over 800 guided bombs against Ukraine. This is written by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the platform X. "Ukraine needs the necessary resources to destroy the carriers of these bombs, including Russian combat aircraft, wherever they are located. This step is essential", he further writes.
12:48 After Russian attack on Velyka Novosilka, number of wounded increases
After a Russian attack on the Ukrainian city of Velyka Novosilka in the Zaporizhzhia region, the number of wounded has further increased (see entries 00:32, 05:41 and 07:24). According to official reports, at least seven people, three men, one woman and three children, have been killed. Thirty-six people, including nine children, were injured in the missile attack, according to the National Police via social media. Previously, there were 31 injured.
12:18 Ukraine publishes numbers on Russian losses
The Ukrainian General Staff has published new figures on Russian troop losses in Ukraine. According to this, Russia has lost approximately 542,700 soldiers in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. Alone within 24 hours, the losses amounted to 1,140. According to the report from Kiev, 24 tanks, 60 artillery systems, and an aircraft were also destroyed. In total, Russia has lost 8,080 tanks, 15,524 artillery systems, and 360 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 11,584 drones, 28 ships, and a submarine since the beginning of the large-scale attack. Western estimates name lower loss figures - however, these are also only minimum values.
11:45 OSCE: Russia commits genocide in Ukraine
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has adopted a resolution recognizing Russia's actions in Ukraine as genocide against the Ukrainian population. This was announced by Pavlo Frolov, a member of the Kiev delegation. In social media, Frolov writes that the document also defines "the de-colonialization of the Russian Federation as a necessary prerequisite for the creation of a lasting peace." The OSCE has 57 members, including Ukraine and Russia. With 57 countries from Europe, Central Asia, and North America, the OSCE is the largest regional security organization in the world.
11:11 Weichert: People in Odessa "trying to live normal lives"
While at least seven people have died in the vicinity of Zaporizhzhia due to Russian attacks, the beaches of the coastal town of Odessa are filled with bathing tourists. It is a much-needed break for the Ukrainians affected by the war, as described by NTV reporter Jürgen Weichert.
10:44 Russia: Four firefighters injured in the Donetsk region
In the region of Donetsk, which Russia claims, Russian sources report that four firefighters were injured in Ukrainian attacks. They had extinguished a fire caused by a Ukrainian attack in the Petrovsky district and were then hit by renewed shelling, according to the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations.
10:08 Russia: Ukrainian forces driven out of Cherson from the left bank
The fighting in the Cherson region is currently taking place on the islands, as Ukrainian forces have been driven out of the left bank of the Dnipro, according to Cherson Governor Vladymyr Saldo, speaking to the Russian news agency TASS. "The fighting has shifted to the islands, and the Russian army has intensified its activities," he says. The islands and the Dnipro river in the Cherson region form a natural border at the front.
09:43 Ukraine: One dead, two injured in Russian attack on Cherson
One person was killed and two were injured in a Russian attack on the Ukrainian region of Cherson, according to Cherson Governor Oleksandr Prokudin on Telegram. A 67-year-old man in Odradokamyanka was reportedly killed by a drone attack. A 76-year-old woman in Kozatske was injured with severe injuries and taken to the hospital. In Komysany, a 63-year-old woman was reportedly injured by Russian troops who shot at a farm. No injuries were reported in an FPV drone attack on a residential building in Mykhailivka, but the damage is currently being assessed.
09:08 Former NATO Chief: "Putin's Plan A has failed"
Former NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen believes that the Russian war against Ukraine will last at least for the rest of the year 2024. "Putin's Plan A, which was to capture the entire Ukraine in a few days, has failed," Rasmussen stated in an interview with ntv.de. "His Plan B is now a frozen conflict and the Russian occupation of Eastern Ukraine, in the hope that the West will weaken and give in." The presidential elections in the USA on November 5 are a hope-giver for Putin in terms of changes that could help him, Rasmussen added.
08:40 Russia: 36 Ukrainian drones shot down
Russia claims to have shot down 36 Ukrainian drones in various regions across the country. Fifteen drones were intercepted over the border region of Kursk, nine over the region of Lipetsk some hundred kilometers south of Moscow, and four each over the regions of Voronezh and Bryansk, the Russian Defense Ministry in Moscow reported. The governors of Lipetsk and Bryansk announced on Telegram that there were no casualties or significant damages.
07:55 Sweden's Defense Minister: Russia wants to split EU and NATO
Russia is interested in politically splitting the EU and NATO. This was stated by the Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson in an interview with the "Bild" newspaper. "I believe that those in the Kremlin and with Putin himself are aware that they would lose this war. But I believe that Russia is very interested in politically dividing us, both within the EU and in NATO," Jonson said. To maintain peace, it is best to make NATO strong and focus on deterrence and defense, Jonson added. According to him, this means more responsibility for European security, particularly more investment in military capabilities. Sweden gave up its neutrality under the impression of the Russian attack on Ukraine. In March 2024, Sweden became the 32nd NATO member.
07:24 Zelenskyy: After Russian attack on Velyka Nova Hrebleivka, casualties may rise
After a Russian attack on the Ukrainian town of Velyka Nova Hrebleivka in the region of Zaporizhzhia, casualties may still rise. According to official reports, at least seven people have been killed, including children. Thirty-one people were injured in the missile attack, the Civil Defense reported. "Unfortunately, the number of casualties may still rise," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on the platform X.
06:55 Ukraine: Russian troops bombard Derhatschi with fighter bombs
Russian troops have attacked the city of Derhatschi in the Kharkiv region. This was reported by the head of the military administration of Derhatschi, Vyacheslav Zadorenko, on Telegram. According to Zadorenko, three people were injured in the attack. It was the most massive attack on Derhatschi since 2022, with four fighter bombs dropped. Two men aged 68 and 75 and a 71-year-old woman were taken to the hospital. According to Zadorenko, several buildings were damaged, including at least 25 residential buildings, agricultural buildings, a garage cooperative, cars, and a civilian enterprise. Parts of the power lines were also destroyed.
06:20: German weapons exports have increased again: Germany exports weapons for 7.5 Billion EuroFollowing a record-breaking weapons export in the previous year, export authorizations in the first half of 2024 have significantly increased due to rising weapons deliveries to Ukraine. From January 1st to June 18th, the German government authorized the export of military goods worth at least 7.48 Billion Euro abroad. This represents an increase of approximately 30% compared to the entire first half of 2023. Nearly two-thirds of the exports (65% or 4.88 Billion Euro) were destined for Ukraine. This information was obtained from a response by the Economic Ministry in response to a query by Bundestag member Sevim Dağdelen from the Left Party (BSW).
05:41: Dead in Vilnjansk: Moscow targeted a military objectiveFollowing the Russian shelling of the Ukrainian city of Vilnjansk in the Saporischschja region, with at least seven fatalities, the Russian Defense Ministry speaks of an attack on a military target. According to Interfax news agency, a railway station with ballistic Iskander missile systems was attacked near Saporischschja. A military train carrying military cargo was reportedly hit, according to the Russian military leadership. Photos and videos show that residential buildings and parked cars in the city center were hit.
04:53: Kiev's Mine-Clearing Corps: 30,000 square kilometers have been clearedSpecialists from the Ukrainian Defense Ministry have cleared 30,000 square kilometers of Ukraine of mines in the past two years - an area comparable to the size of Belgium or Moldova. The Kyiv Independent reports this, citing Colonel Ruslan Berehulia, head of the department for environmental safety and mine clearance. Since the Russian invasion in February 2022, approximately 174,000 square kilometers of Ukrainian land have been contaminated with explosives. The Ukraine founded the Mine-Clearing Corps in April 2022. Units from the Defense Ministry and the Ukrainian Armed Forces joined in. These units, consisting of 5000 specialists, are currently active in the regions of Mykolajiw, Cherson, and Charkiw.
03:53: IFO Survey: Nearly half of personnel managers use "Jobturbo" ineffectively48% of personnel managers in Germany find the "Job-Turbo" and Skilled Labor Immigration Act unhelpful for businesses. According to an IFO Institute survey of 627 personnel managers, the initiative aims to integrate Ukrainian refugees more quickly into the labor market. However, nearly every fourth company reports positive effects: approximately one in four firms state that the new regulations have made more skilled labor available. In addition, they mention that mandatory language courses before job placement have led to fewer language barriers. 18% praise shorter hiring procedures and the simpler recognition of diplomas. The surveyed managers were allowed to give multiple answers. Almost half of them find that the bureaucracy in hiring foreign labor is still too high, although 17% also observe a bureaucracy reduction.
02:37 Governor: Russian region of Kursk under fire all day
According to the local governor, Ukraine continued to shell the Russian border region of Kursk all day on Saturday. Governor Alexei Smirnov writes on Telegram that Ukrainian forces had repeatedly shelled eight border villages. Two people were reportedly injured in the process. A video posted in Smirnov's Telegram channel shows a destroyed house and debris. Previously, Smirnov had reported the deaths of five people due to a Ukrainian drone attack early on Saturday morning.
01:29 "Putin loves Farage": Activists mock Farage
The British campaign group Led by Donkeys pranked Nigel Farage, the leader of the right-wing Reform UK party, during a campaign appearance. After Farage recently claimed that the West, not Russian President Vladimir Putin, had provoked the war in Ukraine, the activists dropped a banner with Putin's image behind him. Farage was reportedly not pleased, according to the activists.
00:32 Emergency services clear debris in Vilniansk
Emergency services have cleared the debris of a Russian attack on the city of Vilniansk in the Saporischschja region. Following the completion of search and rescue efforts, it was determined that seven people had been killed, including two children, and 31 people had been injured, including eight children. "The fire was extinguished simultaneously at two locations: in a two-story building and near parked cars on a 300 square meter area, as well as in two one-story buildings on a 150 square meter area. The search and rescue efforts have been completed," the Ukrainian state emergency service reports.
21:24 Seehofer: No asylum for young Ukrainian men
Approximately 1.2 million Ukrainians have found refuge in Germany from the war in their homeland. CSU state group leader Alexander Dobrindt recently called for Ukrainians to be deported if they did not work. "The proposal can be misunderstood," CSU honorary chairman Horst Seehofer tells the Augsburger Allgemeine. Mothers and children from the war zone found it difficult to work; this was due to a lack of language skills or a lack of daycare. "It belongs to a humane state to provide protection." Young men who evaded military service in Germany, however, should not be granted asylum, he believes.
20:51 Man lights grenade in Luzk city center
A resident of the city of Chmelnyzkyj lights a grenade in the city center of Luzk and is arrested. There were no injuries reported. The Ukrainian Security Service SBU reports this. The motive of the 23-year-old is still unclear.
You can read about earlier developments here.
- Despite discussions about Ukraine joining NATO, there is no official invitation from NATO to Kiev, as stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- In response to potential threats to its sovereignty, Belarus' Chief of the General Staff, Pavel Makarevich, has threatened to use tactical nuclear weapons.
- If Ukraine does not receive a NATO invitation, Zelenskyy believes the country at least needs weapons from the West to defend itself.
- The Ukraine conflict is still a topic of disagreement among NATO members, with reported disagreements on the official communique regarding the country at the NATO summit in Washington.
- Russia's use of tactical nuclear weapons as a threat to Belarus' sovereignty highlights the political and military tensions between Russia and its neighboring countries.
