A French citizen has been held in Moscow by authorities.
The day after his arrest in Moscow, a French political expert working for a Swiss non-governmental organization called the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) is placed in pre-trial detention. A Moscow court orders his provisional imprisonment until at least early August. Authorities accuse him of collecting military information and failing to register as a "foreign agent." The law on "foreign agents" in Russia is used to target critics and opponents or keep an eye on them. The Frenchman could face up to five years in prison if convicted.
In Ukraine, serious shortages in power supply persist due to months of Russian attacks on the energy infrastructure. The state power supplier Ukrenergo reports that "power consumption restrictions apply throughout the day" in all regions of the country. This is to make sure that essential facilities and businesses can keep operating. The city administration of Kiev says the available power supply will only cover 75% of the power consumption of the capital. Yesterday evening, according to Ukrenergo, the power was cut off for three hours in several regions.
After the French announcement of jet fighter deliveries to Ukraine, the Kremlin reacts with criticism. "We consider these statements to be very, very provocative," says Kremlin spokesman Peskov, according to the Interfax agency. "President Macron is showing full support for the Kiev regime and declaring France's readiness for direct involvement in the armed conflict," he adds. French President Macron announced on Thursday evening in a television interview that he would hand over several Mirage fighter jets to Ukraine. When asked about sending military trainers to Ukraine, he responded ambiguously. At the same time, he emphasized that Ukraine had requested training in its own country and that this wouldn't constitute an escalation.
Kremlin leader Putin threatens to supply weapons to enemies of the West if Ukraine uses Western weapons against Russia. Which countries or actors could be involved is still unclear. Putin brings up the question in his speech at the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg. "If they send weapons to the combat zone and call on them to use these weapons against our territory, why shouldn't we have the right to do the same?" he asks. At the same time, Putin suggests that Moscow isn't currently supplying weapons to countries hostile to the West.
The German government is expecting progress on the discussion of using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine at the upcoming G7 summit of the major Western industrialized nations in Italy, but a final decision hasn't been made. The German government representative expects there to be discussions on turning the ten-digit sum from the interest on frozen assets into a two-digit sum for Ukraine. The G7 finance ministers have also come to this conclusion. However, the EU states within the G7 - including Germany, France, and Italy - must also vote within the EU. "I suspect there won't be a final solution," he says.
Ukrainian President Zelensky thanks France for the announced delivery of Mirage fighter jets to defend against the Russian offensive war. "Your fighter jets, your excellent fighter jets, will be flown by Ukrainian pilots to prove that Europe is stronger, that Europe is stronger than the Evil that dared to threaten it," Zelensky says in the French parliament. The day before, French President Macron announced the transfer of Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine. The jets can also be used for the deployment of French-British cruise missiles of the type Scalp/Storm Shadow.
There are reports of a larger attack by the Ukrainian army on the occupied city of Luhansk. The Ukrainian governor of the Luhansk region, Artem Lyssohor, says the attack targeted military facilities and depots on the grounds of the former military airfield in the east of the city as well as a fuel depot. So far, it hasn't been possible to verify Russian statements that at least three civilians were killed and more than 30 injured. The Ukrainian governor blames the civilian casualties on the use of Russian air defense over the city. The Russian military claims to have intercepted four of the five missiles. This can't be independently verified. The Russian Defense Minister claims that the Ukrainian army deliberately attacked civilian areas in Luhansk.
Russian President Putin aims to lessen Russia's reliance on the West. He called for a reduction in imports, a ramp up of utilizing non-Western currencies for trade, and widening Russian financial markets. During a gathering in St. Petersburg at the International Economic Forum, he disclosed that Russian foreign trade stretches to almost 40%, now conducted in rubles. Conversely, trade involving Western currencies like dollars, euros, etc. are seeing a decline. Putin emphasized the need for increasing deals with the currencies of BRICS countries, such as Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. He referenced last year's decreased usage of "toxic" currencies from unfriendly nations - predominantly Western countries who have levied sanctions against Russia for its hostility in Ukraine. Check out more details here.
15:45 Russian Army Declares Capture of Another Village
The Russian military has claimed to seize control of yet another settlement in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk area. In this announcement, the southern branch of the Russian military force said, "Units of the southern military group have strengthened positions along the front line and liberated the village of Paraskoviyivka." The village is found approximately 25 km southwest of Donetsk, which Russia had already taken control of in 2022. A series of captured villages have been reported this year after a lengthy stagnation.
15:34 Stoltenberg: Ukraine Is Authorized To Strike Russian Military Targets
NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, reaffirms that Ukraine holds the right to strike legitimate military targets located on Russian soil as part of its self-defense actions. He clarified, "Ukraine has the right to self-defense," which encompasses attacking military objectives of the invading nation.
15:13 Biden Confirms US Military Aid Worth $225 Million for Ukraine
During a meeting with the Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris, US President Joe Biden shared details about a new military assistance package valued at $225 million (€207 million) for Ukraine. The details about this aid package were communicated to Zelenskyy directly. Both leaders are presently in France for multi-day visits. The US Defense Department revealed that this recent package comprises rockets for Hawk anti-aircraft systems, ammunition for battlefield missiles, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, and artillery ammunition with calibers of 155 and 105 mm. The US is intent on enhancing Ukraine's air defense and providing them with ammunition. Ukraine has been facing a supply gap for various weapons.
14:58 Moscow Blames Kiev for Residential Area Strike; Casualties Reported
Moscow has accused Ukraine of executing an air attack on the city of Luhansk, located in eastern Ukraine, from the city of Kiev. The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations confirms that 4 people lost their lives, a residential building got partially damaged as a result. Over 40 individuals - including 4 children - are said to be wounded. The head of the region - installed by Russia - Leonid Pasetschnik - declared that "Ukrainian nationalists" were behind this "massive rocket attack on Luhansk's civil infrastructure." Ukraine allegedly launched "at least six rockets" against the city, he added. The Russian Defense Ministry subsequently claimed, "Five ATACMS rockets released from US manufacture directly onto residential areas of the city." Russia's air defense systems managed to intercept 4 rockets, while the fifth found its target at two residential structures. Read more here.
14:24 Germany Debates Need for 75,000 Additional Soldiers for NATO
"Spiegel" news magazine noted that, according to confidential documents from the German Ministry of Defense, tens of thousands of extra soldiers are required to assist NATO. The necessity arises from the ongoing NATO plans that seem overburdened. As part of these plans, a force of 75,000 soldiers, including men and women, is deemed essential to deal with a potential Russian invasion. No response from the German Ministry of Defense was forthcoming following a request for comment. The Bundeswehr currently possesses 180,000 personnel plus 80,000 civilian workers. Read more here.
13:50 Ukraine Meets Criteria for Beginning EU Accession Talks
Ukraine and Moldova are anticipated to have met all the standards for the initiation of EU accession negotiations, if different EU Commission evaluations are anything to go by. The commissions, briefing EU government officials, divulged that both countries had alleviated the remaining sticking points in March. For Ukraine, this meant measures to safeguard national minorities and limit the political clout of oligarchs. Germany already declared in late May that it views Ukraine as having fulfilled the requirements for the initiation of EU accession talks. Read more here.
13:20 Biden Apologizes to Zelensky for Months-long Delay in US Weapons Supplies
In Paris, during a conference, Biden issued an apology to Zelensky for the months-long interruption in the provision of US weapons to Ukraine. He confessed, "We should have been more aggressive in providing them with weapons, and I take responsibility for that." He is currently in Europe for multi-day visits, as is Zelensky. The United States is now concentrating on reinforcing Ukraine's air defense and supplying it with ammunition after the prolonged weapons supply interruption.
12:30 European Commission Proposes Finland, Sweden's NATO Membership
The European Commission is proposing the acceptance of Finland and Sweden as NATO members. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shared, "I will be recommending that we recommend countries to this council their accession to NATO," refencing Finland and Sweden. The remarks were made at the "Friends of Europe" conference in Brussels. Finland and Sweden applied for NATO membership in May 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. They would be the first Nordic nations to join NATO.
President Joe Biden expressed sorrow to Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky for the months-long delay in US arms delivery. During their meeting in Paris, he also sought forgiveness for the uncertainty concerning additional aid. Both were on multi-day trips to the country. Regarding the persistent mandate for US financial assistance to Kiev, Biden attributed the delay to some highly conservative legislators who blocked the bill in the parliament. The issue has now been resolved. Assuring Zelensky that the US won't abandon Kiev, Biden called it a "bulwark" against Russian aggression and mentioned the country's responsibility to support Ukraine.
12:55 Russia holds US accountable for death of women and children in Belgorod
Moscow, for the first time, accused the US of being complicit in the demise of women and children in Russia, claiming that Ukraine shelled the Belgorod region using US-supplied weapons. Spokesperson for Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, asserted, "statements by the US government giving the green light for such attacks amount to confession to the murder of children and women in the Belgorod region." She proclaimed, "fragments of HIMARS rockets will serve as direct evidence." These allegations intimately pertain to warnings by Russian President Vladimir Putin that permitting Ukraine to fire weapons from the West on Russian soil courted a worldwide conflict.
12:15 Instruction: Secure Kharkiv; Ukrainian President warns of Russian aggression's expansion
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky cautioned that Russia's warfare expansion is imminent. He notified French National Assembly deputies that Hitler's encroachment in the 1930s mirrored Putin's behavior. "It can already be seen how aggression is spreading to the Baltic States, Poland, and the Balkans," Zelensky posited. He pointed out that Putin now applies "the arsenal of the past century," utilizing blockades, and the massive snatching of children for indoctrination as tools to blackmail the entire world.
11:44 Demotion of Ukrainian officials and sentencing of captured fighters
Ukrainian officials study the newly-released map, rehearsing their accounts. Slouching in his chair, one, Auðun Sæmundsson, recalls the past month: "We didn't get much done, but we couldn't forget our mission." Albeit fatigued, the others humorously prompt the Director to summarize events. He insightfully concludes, "Russian President Putin and his sympathizers are deranged, especially regarding us."
10:52 Russian political machine disorders visible on Ukrainian territory
Navigating the Ukrainian political machine, ntv correspondent Rainer Munz dissects potential implications of combining the occupied territories into a new federal district and deciphers the significance of Russian warships' deployment to Cuba.
10:20 Allegations of Ukraine targeting civilian facilities in Russia with US rockets
The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, asserts blame on Ukraine for strategically attacking civilian facilities in the Russian Federation with US-provided HIMARS rockets. She said fragments of these weapons serve as tangible evidence of Ukraine's supposed heedless aggression.
9:52 Russian political chaos manifests via forceful intervention in Ukraine
Underscoring the discordant dynamics of the Russian political machine, Ukraine-based actions portray a clear representation of Putin's administration. The spectacle looms perilous. Moscow's accession of Kharkov likely designates escalating chaos and conflict in the region, with Cuba hosting newly deployed warships.
The Ukraine has filed a lawsuit against ex-Russian General Oleg Makarevich, who used to be in charge of the Dnipro Group, for the planned killing and breaking the rules of war. The Prosecutor General of Ukraine and the Security Service of Ukraine are both blaming him for ordering the demolition of the Kakhovka Dam on June 6, 2023. The catastrophe that followed resulted in a major humanitarian and ecological disaster in the Kherson area. If he is caught and sentenced, the general would face life imprisonment. "The SBU is attempting to find and prosecute everyone involved in crimes against Ukraine," says the Security Service's statement.
09:25 "Russians attempted to breach defenses 28 times"
In many parts of Ukraine, air alarms have been set off. Russian air strikes are now targeting Odessa and Kyiv, with the situation in Donetsk being especially tense, as reported by NTV correspondent Kavita Sharma. At the same time, the training of pilots for the promised combat aircraft is being delayed.
08:59 Ukraine claims to have intercepted dozens of drones
Ukraine claims to have intercepted all five rockets fired by Russia the previous night. Of the 53 drones launched, 48 have been shot down, officials say. The rockets were fired in the Kiev area. The drones attacked infrastructure in the Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, South Odessa, and Kherson regions. Fortunately, no one was injured and energy infrastructure was not harmed. Some damage has been reported, but there are no injuries.
08:26 Historian Winkler warns of losing Ukraine
Historian Heinrich August Winkler believes that sticking to Germany's debt limit is a risk to its security. "If things got worse in Ukraine, it would be disastrous if we had to say, 'We saved the debt limit and lost Ukraine.' This would be dangerous for European peace and the freedom of European democracies," Winkler warns in the "Sueddeutsche Zeitung." "We must, together with other European NATO members, significantly increase our conventional defense efforts. The debt limit should not be an obstacle to this." Winkler added, "We can't achieve a leading position in Russian affairs through domestic policies."
07:54 Swiss President expects follow-up conference with Russia
Swiss President Viola Amherd anticipates that the Ukraine peace conference organized by Switzerland in mid-June will just be the start of further negotiations. "It's clear to us that we won't sign a peace agreement at the conference's end," says Amherd to the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung." "For peace to occur, both parties must be at the table," she said, adding that Russia is not taking part in the summit. "In a possible follow-up conference, Russia could then be present." According to Switzerland, more than 80 countries have agreed to attend, including Germany with Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Russia has not been invited to the June 15/16 conference, even though the government in Moscow has stated that it would not send representatives even if invited.
07:31 Many German companies want to continue investing in Ukraine
A significant number of German companies plan to continue their investments in Ukraine despite the ongoing conflict. Approximately 43% of businesses intend to maintain their involvement in the eastern European country, while only 8% plan to disinvest, according to a survey by the AHK Ukraine German-Ukrainian Industry and Trade Chamber. A total of 142 companies were polled by consulting firm KPMG. The conditions necessary for expanding business activities include political and economic stability, as well as public funding and guarantees. Around 42% of companies expect the economic climate in Ukraine to improve in the next 12 months, with 48% anticipating no change, and 10% fearing worsening circumstances.
07:02 Propagandists Exploring International Legal Action - NGOs Go to the International Criminal Court
The International Federation for Human Rights, the Center for Civil Liberties, and the Kharkiv Human Rights Group have sent a report to the International Criminal Court, alleging that Russian propagandists have committed hate crimes against Ukrainians. They accuse five prominent Russian propagandists, Vladimir Solovyov, Margarita Simonyan, Dmitry Kiselyov, Sergei Mardan, Dmitry Medvedev, and Alexei Gromov, first deputy chief of staff of the Russian presidential administration. All of them "encouraged violence," claims the Center for Civil Liberties. Previously, the International Criminal Court had issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova for the abduction of Ukrainian children to Russia.
06:31 Putin Promises to Turn Russia into a War Economy for Decades
Putin promises to transform Russia into a war-based economy as his attacks on Ukraine continue for more than two years. He signed a set of instructions for the development of Russia's defense industry to produce more weapons and ammunition, embarking on a project emphasized by First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov during the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. At an event centered around defense matters, participants pointed out that Russia can produce weapons and ammunition at a faster pace and at one-quarter of the cost in the West. Russia is preparing for a war economy that could last for centuries. The number of companies, including those in the private sector, has significantly increased over the past two years due to the ongoing war. "We now have more than 850 of them," stated Manturov. "Today, the military-industrial complex is the driving force of the economy" remarked economist Pyotr Fradkov, chairman of Promsvyazbank, in light of major business deals.
05:59 Frustrations with Germany Arise within NATO
The German government is creating turmoil within NATO, as it insists on not labeling a new aid project for Ukraine as a "mission". Other allies find Germany's opposition to this term a reckless show of compassion for Russia, and an unclear stance. The German government argues that the term "NATO Mission Ukraine" (NMU) may be misinterpreted as NATO sending soldiers to Ukraine, hence their fear. They fear that it could be used by Moscow for anti-alliance propaganda. loyalists of using the term "mission" believe that the Kremlin would use it as a signal of aggression and fuel disinformation against the alliance. It's baffling why Germany alone chooses to take such a position-especially given its outspoken support of the project.
05:10 Bafflement Over Biden's Absence at Ukraine Conference: Expert
The upcoming Ukraine conference in Switzerland will incur significant damage due to the absence of several key countries, opines Russian expert Gerhard Mangott. The anticipated exclusion of countries such as China, Brazil, and South Africa is seen as a misstep. He views it as telling that a possible follow-up conference is already being weighed as the primary objective before the planned conference begins. "Generally, mentions of a follow-up conference happen after the current conference begins to signify low expectations." Notably disappointing for Ukraine is the US's plan to send only Vice President Kamala Harris and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, while President Joe Biden stays away. Mangott is perplexed as to why Biden opted not to attend.
03:02 Drones and cruise missiles strike Ukraine
An air raid alarm rings out across regions of Ukraine, with Odessa being the target of drones into the night. Cruise missiles were also taken down.
01:55 The United States plans a new military aid package for Ukraine
The United States is set to provide Ukraine with $225 million in military assistance. The new package includes ammunition suitable for attacking targets beyond its borders, shielding Kharkiv from a heavy Russian attack. Anticipated aid consists of ammunition for the HIMARS system, along with launchers and a range of artillery shells. Biden is set to meet with Zelensky in Paris today.
00:54 Power outages affect various regions
Ukraine's national power grid operator, Ukrenergo, announces power outages in twelve areas across the country. Localities like Lviv and Zakarpattia in the west, Kiev, the region of Kiev, Odessa, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia, suffer blackouts. Ukrenergo reports that consumption levels have surpassed their limit. Moreover, critical infrastructure facilities are also vulnerable. Since Russian attacks on power infrastructure, the generation capacity of Ukraine has suffered a significant blow.
23:30 US Restricts Entry for Some Georgians
As a result of the passage of the "foreign influence law" in Georgia, the US is denying entry to some officials involved in the process. The State Department announces that "a few dozen" individuals-including members of the ruling Georgian Dream party, parliamentarians, and security service personnel-along with their relatives, will be barred from entering the US. In addition, Washington has vowed to reassess its rapport with Georgia. Thousands of Georgians have been demonstrating against the passage of this law, which has parallels to the 2012 Russian law against "foreign agents", allowing authorities to ruthlessly target government-critical media and organizations.
22:13 Russian Official Speaks on the Prospect of Occupied Ukrainian Territories Becoming a Federal District
A Russian regional governor has hinted that occupied Ukrainian territories might soon become a federal district. The proposal comes amidst ongoing disputes between Moscow and Ukraine. The United States and its allies have been critical of Russia's actions in the region, accelerating tensions. The plan to establish a federal district could potentially create a de-facto occupation, as Russia seeks to assert greater control and reduce Ukrainian influence in the area.
Russia might form a new federal district with the occupied regions of Ukraine, according to a report from Russian state media outlet RIA Novosti, citing Yevhen Balizkyi, a Russian governor in the occupied region of Zaporizhzhia. Back in 2014, Russia illegally annexed Crimea and parts of the Donbass region in Ukraine. Then, when the full-scale war began in February 2022, Moscow took over more Ukrainian lands, including Kherson, Donetsk, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia.
21:22 Power Cuts: Ukrenergo Shuts Off Electricity in Kyiv and Other Regions
Ukrenergo, Ukraine's power grid operator, is rationing electricity in Kyiv and in 12 different regions of the country during the evening hours. The company shared this news on Facebook, as reported by Ukrinform. Among the affected areas are Volhynia, Donetsk, Zhytomyr, Transcarpathia, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv, Mykolaiv, Kirovohrad, Odessa, Rivne, Kharkiv, and the city of Kyiv itself.
20:47 Zelenskyy to Address the Bundestag on Tuesday
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to visit Berlin on Tuesday and is planned to deliver a speech in the German Parliament, the Bundestag. This information comes from the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, where it was mentioned that he would be attending a reconstruction conference for Ukraine. Speculation had already been swirling about whether the Ukrainian president would make an appearance at the event, but it has now been confirmed that he will speak in person in the Bundestag for the first time. This will require the parliamentarians to assemble for a special session.
20:36 Macron: France is Donating Mirage-2000 Fighter Jets to Ukraine
France is giving Ukraine Mirage-2000 fighter jets, according to French President Emmanuel Macron in an interview with French TV broadcasters. Macron also shared that France would be training 4,500 Ukrainian soldiers.
20:01 Zelenskyy Remembers One-Year Anniversary of Dam Collapse in Southern Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy marked the one-year anniversary of the dam collapse in southern Ukraine. He shared his thoughts through social media, stating that, "One year ago, the Russian occupiers destroyed the dam and the structures of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant." Zelenskyy referred to the event as one of the worst environmental crimes committed by the Russian invaders during their invasion. Thousands of people were deeply impacted by the ensuing flood caused by the dam collapse, as their water supply was disrupted. The consequences of this crime were also felt by neighboring countries in the Black Sea region, Zelenskyy emphasized.
To read about previous events, click here.
Read also:
- The Frenchman, working for the Swiss non-governmental organization HD, could face legal consequences in Russia for allegedly collecting military information and failing to register as a "foreign agent."
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanks France for announcing the delivery of Mirage fighter jets to Ukraine to defend against the Russian offensive war.
- Russian President Putin accuses Ukraine of executing an air attack on the city of Luhansk from Kiev, leading to civilian casualties.
- In response to France's announcement of jet fighter deliveries to Ukraine, Putin claims that France is showing full support for the Kiev regime and declaring France's readiness for direct involvement in the armed conflict.
