European Union Imposes 14th Sanctions on Russia
9:44 Over 110 fresh individuals added to the EU's list of sanctioned entities
Per a statement, the EU will impose sanctions on 116 additional individuals and entities. The EU's Foreign Policy Chief, Josep Borrell, aims to prevent a EU member state from halting the use of funds from frozen Russian financial assets to support Ukraine. He will present his proposal during the EU Foreign Ministers meeting in Luxembourg. "We have the legal means to prevent any sort of blockade."
Russia Accuses Ukraine of Terrorism in Dagestan
The Russian Parliament makes unverified claims, as reported by NTV correspondent Rainer Munz. The Kremlin tries to divert attention from the threat of Islamic terrorism in Russia:
Media Reports Fire in Odessa
According to reports, a fire broke out in Odessa in the morning. Nexta, a Belarusian opposition media outlet, claims a strong explosion targeted civilian infrastructure, while "Kyiv Post" reports an attack on civilian infrastructure.
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's Governor Visits Kiev - "Ukraine Must Prevail"
Manuela Schwesig, the Governor of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, is the first German Federal President to visit Ukraine. She arrived in Kiev by train and plans to hold political talks. "This is a show of solidarity from all 16 federal states with Ukraine," she said during her journey. "Ukraine must win this war, and it should not be possible for Russia to succeed with this aggression." This statement does not sit well with some politicians. Chancellor Olaf Scholz instead always says that Russia should not win the war, and Ukraine should not lose it.
Nowooleksandriwka Remains Intense Battlefield
According to reports, the Russian troops have not gained full control of the town of Nowooleksandriwka in the Donetsk region. Ukrainian sources report heavy combat at the location.
Russian Unit Reportedly Mishandles Wounded Prisoners
A Russian military blogger reports that commanders of various units of the so-called Donetsk People's Republic are mistreating their wounded soldiers. One brigade is said to be detaining its wounded soldiers in harsh conditions in the city of Donetsk instead of treating them, according to the US think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW), which cites the blogger.
Third Estonian Volunteer Dies in Battle
A volunteer from Estonia, who served in the Ukrainian army, died in a fight in the Luhansk region. This was reported by Kyiv Independent, citing the Estonian newspaper "Postimees." Martin Jaager, a 42-year-old professional soldier, was reportedly killed on Saturday. He had previously served in an elite unit in Estonia before joining the Ukrainian army over a year ago.
05:44 EU Foreign Minister Meeting: Pressure on Hungary Intensifies
The EU foreign ministers and ministers are discussing the Russian aggression against Ukraine at a meeting in Luxembourg on Monday. A debate with the Ukrainian chief diplomat Dmytro Kuleba is planned, who will connect via video. Hungary is expected to give in to the pressure and lift its blockade on military aid worth 6.5 billion Euros. A heated debate about this had occurred during the Foreign Council at the end of May.
04:45 Moscow Blames US for Attack on Crimea
After a rocket attack on the Crimean Black Sea peninsula's seaport of Sevastopol, Moscow accuses the US. "The blame for the provocative rocket attack on the civilian population of Sevastopol primarily lies with Washington, which supplied these weapons to Ukraine, and the Kiev regime, from whose territory this attack was launched", the Ministry stated. US specialists determined the rocket launch coordinates using information from US spy satellites, implying that the US government was directly responsible. Four people, including two children, were reportedly killed, and 151 others were injured, according to the Defense Ministry.
03:42 "Inappropriate": IAEA Condemns Attacks around Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is urging an immediate end to attacks on the Ukrainian city of Enerhodar near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. "Whoever is behind this, they must stop. Drone attacks on the power plant and its surroundings are increasing," IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi said. "This is completely inappropriate and goes against the agreed-upon security principles and specific guidelines." In the past week, drone attacks targeted two power substations. Power supply to residents was disrupted at times. According to Grossi, the previous incidents had no impact on the operation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
02:45 Stoltenberg to Speak with Macron in Paris About Further Ukraine Aid
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is traveling to Paris on Monday for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. During this meeting, it is expected that there will be discussions about additional support for Ukraine in the war against Russia. Macron had announced earlier in the month that he was planning to create a coalition for the deployment of western military training in Ukraine.
01:43 Orban Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Ukraine
Before the beginning of the Hungarian EU Council Presidency, Prime Minister Viktor Orban called for an initiative for an immediate ceasefire in the Ukraine war. It is clear that Russia's attack on Ukraine is completely unacceptable and violates the fundamental principles of international relations, Orban stated to Funke Media Group newspapers. However, it is now necessary to "end the fighting at the front". Orban declared that ending the war in Ukraine is one of the most important points of the Hungarian EU Council Presidency, which begins on July 1.
Late Night Updates:
00:53 Crimea under heavy Ukrainian shelling again: Explosions reported in Evpatoria according to Ukrinform. Sevastopol authorities declare an air alarm for night attacks. Fire videos and images circulate, but confirmation of hits on military installations are yet to come from both Ukrainian and Russian sides.
23:49 Zelenskyy demands extended weapons from the West and deep strikes into Russian territory: In reaction to continuous shelling of Kharkiv, President Zelenskyy calls for more powerful weapons and authorization to attack deeper into Russian territory. "Destroy the Russian air force wherever it is and with all effective means," he stated in his daily video address. Kiev is collaborating with Western partners on this matter.
22:49 Prien criticizes the Federal Government for failing to provide social benefits to Ukrainian refugees: Following Dobrindt's proposal for social benefits, Schleswig-Holstein's Education Minister Prien emphasizes the ongoing crisis for Ukrainian refugees. "Ukrainians are fleeing Putin's brutality and war. They find our protection and hospitality here," wrote Prien on X. "Most Ukrainian refugees aim for quick employment and preparation for their homeland rebuilding. Our goal should be to facilitate their labor market integration." She accuses the Federal Government of falling short in this area.
22:17 Jourova warns of Russian influence on the 2025 Bundestag election: EU Commission Vice President Jourova anticipates potential manipulation attempts by Russia in next year's Bundestag election. "We live in a new era of hostile influence," says Jourova to the "Süddeutsche Zeitung." "I'm concerned Voice of Europe could serve as a model for further operations in the run-up to the 2025 Bundestag election. This fake medium may just be the tip of the iceberg." The EU banned the broadcasting of Voice of Europe and three other Russian media organizations in the EU in May, claiming they were controlled by the Russian government and targeted European parties, particularly during election periods. Voice of Europe, based in Prague, is suspected of spreading pro-Russian propaganda in the EU and paying sums to European politicians.
Daytime Events:
Ukrainian energy supplier announces more power outages: Due to ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the state supplier Ukrenergo has announced additional power outages for the coming days. Ukrenergo reported increased energy consumption at the beginning of the week and a weakened power grid due to "massive Russian attacks." Ukraine has been experiencing rolling blackouts since May due to damaged infrastructure. The largest power cuts are expected between 19 and 23 hours on Monday.
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Read also:
- Amidst the ongoing Ukraine conflict, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian president, has called for extended weapons from the West and authorization for deep strikes into Russian territory, in response to continuous shelling of Kharkiv.
- The EU Foreign Ministers, meeting in Luxembourg, are discussing the Russian aggression against Ukraine, with the Ukrainian chief diplomat Dmytro Kuleba expected to join via video. However, Hungary is expected to resist the pressure to lift its blockade on military aid worth 6.5 billion Euros.
- The Russian military is reportedly mishandling wounded prisoners in their custody, according to a Russian military blogger and the US think tank Institute for the Study of War. Commanders of various units are detaining their wounded soldiers in harsh conditions instead of treating them, allegedly in the city of Donetsk.
- In the context of the Cyberwar between Russia and Ukraine, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is expected to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris to discuss additional support for Ukraine, potentially including western military training.
