3:34 PM: Deadly Russian assault in Ukraine leaves 8 dead, numerous wounded
In repeated assaults on Ukrainian targets, particularly the cities of Pokrovsk in Donetsk and Odessa, at least eight lives have been claimed and numerous more injured, as stated by Ukrainian reports. The city of Pokrovsk witnessed at least four fatalities and 34 injuries, which include two minors, following Russian missile attacks, according to Governor Wadym Filaschkin. The Russian forces are said to have used two Iskander-M missiles to shell the city Pokrowsk, destroying several residential buildings. Filaschkin dubbed this assault as one of the largest enemy attacks on civilians in recent times. Meanwhile, a man was reportedly lost in Russian attacks on Kurachowe. The Russian military is believed to have hit the city with a guided missile and damaged an infrastructural facility, as per the governor's statement.
Germany, France, and Poland are planning to form a coalition of European states for the development of long-range weapons. The German Defense Minister, Boris Pistorius, mentioned that long-range weapons highlight a significant capability gap in Europe. The coalition aims to address this gap in the long run by securing agreements among several states in time for the NATO summit in July. A related declaration could potentially be signed during the NATO summit in Washington.
Following a catastrophic Ukrainian rocket blast over a Crimean peninsula beach annexed by Russia, the Ukrainian authorities labeled the victims as "civil occupiers." Mychajlo Podoljak, an advisor in the Presidential Office, argued on Telegram that the Crimea lacks any semblance of 'beaches,' 'tourist zones,' or 'peaceful life.' Instead, the Crimea is an occupied territory that harbors numerous military targets where conflicts are ongoing. The Kremlin is alleged to be hiding these targets using their own civilians who become these "civil occupiers." On the preceding day, a Ukrainian rocket exploded over a public beach near the naval base in Sevastopol, causing at least four deaths and over 150 injuries.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has ordered an investigation of the State Guard after suspected assassination plans were unearthed within the security services. At the presentation of the new head of the Presidential Guard, Olexij Morosow, Zelensky stated his focus would be on recruiting only those who see their future with Ukraine to join the Guard. Those within the Guard choosing another path or tarnishing the Guard's reputation would be promptly removed, as per Zelensky. In May, the Ukrainian Security Service SBU apprehended two high-ranking Guard officers accused of planning Zelensky and other Ukrainian state officials' assassinations.
In the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, at least four people have perished, and 34 others have been injured in a Russian rocket assault. Among the wounded are two minors. Two Iskander-M rockets were apparently fired at the city. A private home was destroyed, and 16 other buildings were damaged.
Despite Hungarian opposition, the EU is reportedly pushing through military aid for Ukraine, amounting to approximately 1.4 billion Euros.
Two people have been fatally injured by a Russian mine explosion in Lypzi, Charkiw region. An automobile with two occupants is said to have driven over the mine in the morning. One individual died at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries on the way to the hospital.
The German government has dismissed the demand to expel unwilling Ukrainian individuals. In response to a call from CSU Landesgruppenchef Alexander Dobrindt for "safe areas in western Ukraine," a Foreign Office spokesperson stated that it is evident Russian forces are targeting objectives throughout Ukraine, including infrastructure in the western part of the country. From this perspective, the spokesperson expressed uncertainty about where a safe place in Ukraine should be.
Russia Warns of Retaliation Against USA over Alleged Ukrainian Attack on Crimea
The Crimean peninsula, annexed by Russia, experienced a Ukrainian rocket attack that left at least 4 people dead and over 150 injured. Dmitri Peskov, Presidential spokesperson, stated, "This will have repercussions." The details of Russia's response - time will reveal. Russia will take action against US involvement in this attack. Peskov hints at Russia's threat to position rockets near the USA and its European allies, as retaliation. Allegedly, Ukraine launched rockets equipped with cluster munitions, supplied by the USA, towards Crimea. Four rockets were intercepted by air defense, while the fifth rocket's warhead exploded in mid-air, scattering debris near a beach. Among the fatalities were two children.
11:58 Rocket Impact in Crimea Not Intended for Tourists
Following the alleged Ukrainian rocket attack on Crimea, multiple casualties, including at a beach, were reported. "The debris landed haphazardly among the tourists," notes Russia expert Niko Karasek.
11:35 Sewastopol Enters State of Emergency
One day after the devastating Ukrainian rocket attack, Sewastopol, a port city on the annexed Crimean peninsula, has declared a state of emergency. Officially reported casualties stand at 4 deaths and 151 injuries, with 79 victims still hospitalized. Most of the victims had been sunbathing at a city beach when rocket debris fell and exploded. Initially, the Russian military took responsibility for the rocket launch, but later recanted and claimed the Ukrainian missiles were aimed at civilians. Many question this claim even on Russian military blogs, given the presence of nearby military installations.
11:01 Germany Faces Criticism for New Sanctions Package
Criticism is mounting towards Germany after the approval of new sanctions against Russia. Lithuania's Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis remarks that the sanctions are "regrettably weaker" than intended. Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna states that "it's increasingly difficult in the European Union to reach consensus on new sanctions." Until now, this has primarily been due to Hungary, but now Germany is hampering stricter regulations against sanctions evasion through third parties. The EU Commission had wanted to hold European companies responsible if their subsidiaries in countries like Kazakhstan facilitated prohibited goods reaching Russia. However, Berlin objected, claiming the measures would negatively impact Germany as the largest EU exporter more than Russia. Now, firms are only required to "make every possible effort" against sanctions violations.
10:24 Two Injured in Attack on Odessa
According to the city mayor's report, an attack on Odessa this morning resulted in two injuries. This was reported by the Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform. Russian forces are suspected of targeting civilian infrastructure with rockets.
09:44 Additional 116 Individuals and Institutions Added to EU Sanctions List
The 14th sanctions package against Russia by the EU states has been implemented. The statement disclosed that an additional 116 persons and institutions are subject to sanctions, with stricter measures against sanctions evasion efforts. Furthermore, investments in Russian liquid gas projects will be blocked.
09:25 EU Pushing for Use of Frozen Russian Funds for Ukraine
The EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell aims to prevent a member state from obstructing the utilization of funds from frozen Russian financial resources to support Ukraine. This will be proposed during the EU Foreign Ministers meeting in Luxembourg. "We have a legal process to ensure no obstruction occurs."
08:58 Moscow Blames Ukraine for Terrorist Attack in Dagestan
Unsubstantiated accusations against Ukraine have emerge from the Russian Parliament, with claims that Ukraine is involved in the terrorist attack in Dagestan, as reported by NTV correspondent Rainer Munz. The Kremlin is attempting to "divert attention from the growing Islamic terrorism within Russia."
08:23 Reports of Attack on Odessa
Based on media reports, a fire broke out in Odessa this morning. Belarusian opposition medium Nexta reported a significant explosion, while "Kyiv Post" reported an attack on civilian infrastructure.
07:51 Manuela Schwesig Visits Ukraine - "Ukraine Must Win"
As the first Federal President of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Manuela Schwesig visits Ukraine. Arriving by train, Schwesig intends to engage in political discussions. "This demonstrates solidarity with all 16 federal states supporting Ukraine," she stated, traveling there. "Ukraine must win this conflict, and it must not be that Russia escapes accountability for its aggression." This statement is not easily made by all politicians. Chancellor Olaf Scholz instead always states that Russia should not win the conflict, and Ukraine should not lose it.
07:36 Nowooleksandriwka Allegedly Still Contested
Reports suggest that the town of Nowooleksandriwka in the Donetsk region is not wholly under Russian control. Ukrainian sources emphasize that Russian troops have not fully captured the town. The Ukrainian military reports heavy fighting in the area.
06:52 Units in Donetsk People's Republic Allegedly Holding Prisoners
A Russian military blogger reports that commanders from various units in the so-called Donetsk People's Republic are mistreating their wounded soldiers. A brigade is alleged to be holding its own wounded prisoners in the city of Donetsk under harsh conditions, instead of treating them, as cited by the US think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
23:49 Zelenskyy calls for long-range weapons for deep strikes in Russian territoryThe persistent shelling of Kharkiv city prompts Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to demand long-range weapons and authorization to strike deep into Russian territory from the west. Zelenskyy asserts in his daily video address that the Russian air force must be annihilated wherever it is and with all effective means. Kiev is collaborating with its Western partners to reach a decision on this matter.
22:49 Prien on social benefits for refugees: "Federal government falls short"In response to CSU Landesgruppenchef Alexander Dobrindt's call for social benefits for Ukrainian refugees, CDU deputy chairwoman Karin Prien emphasizes the reason for their exodus. "Ukrainians are fleeing Putin's violence and Putin's war. Of course, they deserve our protection and our hospitality," Schleswig-Holstein's Minister of Education Prien writes on the X platform. "Most Ukrainian refugees who have arrived here aim to quickly establish themselves, work, and prepare for the reconstruction of their homeland. Our role should be to facilitate their integration into the workforce." She also criticizes the Federal Government for its inadequate response in this area.
00:53 Ukraine attacks Crimea againOnce more, Ukraine targets the annexed Crimean Peninsula with rockets during the night. There have been numerous explosions reported in the seaport of Evpatoria, according to Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform. The authorities of the seaport of Sevastopol declare an air alert; unlike previous daytime attacks, the results of these attacks remain unclear. Various media outlets release videos and images of fires, but neither the Ukrainian nor the Russian side has confirmed reports of allegedly hit military installations.
01:43 Orban calls for an immediate ceasefire in UkraineAs the Hungarian EU Council Presidency approaches, Prime Minister Viktor Orban advocates for an initiative for an immediate ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict. Orban told Funke Media Group newspapers that Russia's aggression against Ukraine is unacceptable and contradicts fundamental principles of international relations. Orban believes it's time "to stop the deaths at the front." He states that ending the war in Ukraine is one of the key objectives of the Hungarian EU Council Presidency, set to begin on July 1.
02:45 Stoltenberg to meet with Macron in Paris to discuss further Ukraine aidOn Monday, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg travels to Paris for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. Discussion topics are expected to include additional support for Ukraine in its conflict against Russia. Macron previously announced plans to form a coalition to dispatch Western military trainers to Ukraine.
03:42 "Unacceptable": IAEA condemns attacks near Saporischschja Nuclear Power PlantThe International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) calls for an immediate halt to attacks on the Ukrainian city of Enerhodar near the Saporischschja Nuclear Power Plant. "Anyone responsible for these drone attacks on the power plant and its surroundings must stop," said IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi. "Such actions that endanger the plant are unacceptable and contradict previously agreed-upon security principles and specific practices." In the past week, drone attacks hit two transformer stations, causing power disruptions for residents. Grossi noted that there were no adverse effects on the operational status of the Saporischschja Nuclear Power Plant.
04:45 Moscow holds US responsible for attack on CrimeaFollowing a rocket attack on the annexed Crimean Peninsula, Moscow accuses the US of being responsible. The Ministry stated that "The primary responsibility for the provocative rocket attack on the civilian population of Sevastopol lies with Washington, which has supplied these weapons to Ukraine, and the Kiev regime, from whose territory this attack originated." US specialists had reportedly used information from US spy satellites to determine the rocket launch coordinates, implying US government complicity. Four people, including two children, were killed, and 151 others were injured, according to the Defense Ministry's report.
05:44 EU Foreign Minister Meeting: Pressure on Hungary intensifiesAt a meeting in Luxembourg on Monday, EU Foreign Ministers and Ministers are discussing the Russian aggression against Ukraine. They plan to hold a debate with Ukrainian Chief Diplomat Dmytro Kuleba via video. Hungary is expected to face increased pressure to lift the blockade on military aid worth 6.5 billion Euro. A heated argument about this issue occurred at the Foreign Ministers' meeting at the end of May.
06:21 Third Estonian volunteer dies at the frontA volunteer from Estonia who served in the Ukrainian army has died in combat in the Luhansk region. "Postimees" newspaper reports this, citing Kyiv Independent. Martin Jaager, a 42-year-old professional soldier, was reportedly killed on Saturday, making him the third Estonian to die while defending Ukraine. After serving in Estonia's elite unit, Jaager joined the Ukrainian army over a year ago.
EU Commission Sounds Alarm on Potential Russian Meddling in 2025 Bundestag Election
With the Bundestag election drawing near, EU Commission Vice President Vera Jourova voices concerns over potential manipulation attempts by Russia. "We're living in an era of hostile influence," Jourova told the "Süddeutsche Zeitung," serving as the EU Commissioner for Transparency and Values, and the Protector of Democracy. "I fear that Voice of Europe could serve as a model for future operations - even leading up to the Bundestag election next year. This bogus news outlet might just be the tip of the iceberg." The EU suspects Voice of Europe, a media outlet based in Prague, of disseminating pro-Russian propaganda within the EU and offering funds to European politicians. In May, the EU prohibited Voice of Europe and three other Russian media organizations from broadcasting within the EU, asserting that all were under Russian government control and targeted European political parties, particularly during election periods.
Ukraine's National Power Outages Continue Due to Ongoing Russian Assaults
In the wake of continuous Russian assaults on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, Ukrenergo, the national energy supplier, has announced further power outages for the upcoming days. This statement was made via Telegram. The power cuts are required due to anticipated energy consumption increases at the beginning of the week and a weakened power grid as a result of "massive Russian attacks." Ukraine has been implementing rolling blackouts since May due to the damage inflicted on its energy infrastructure. According to Ukrenergo, the most significant power cuts are predicted to occur between 19 and 23 hours on Monday.
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