Advocating for Enhanced Work Incentives for Ukrainian Refugees, as Promoted by Merz
The Alliance advocates for quicker employment of refugees from Ukraine in Germany. "We need to improve the integration of these refugees, who are currently residing and intend to stay for an extended period, within the job market," said Fraction Leader Friedrich Merz in Berlin. "We require their help, and appropriate incentives should be established for them." This is a responsibility of politics rather than the refugees themselves. Just as job opportunities don't primarily determine social benefits for others, such benefits aren't sufficient incentives for these refugees to focus on employment. Consequently, a discussion on this matter should be initiated, ensuring justice for the ones who have fled the conflict. "Their safety in Germany must not be compromised," said Merz.
16:21 Ukraine: Russia has launched 2277 Schahed drones at targets in Ukraine this yearThe Russian military has launched 2277 Schahed drones at targets in Ukraine, according to Ukrainian reports. "Approximately 86% of them have been neutralized by our air defense," the commander of the Ukrainian Air Force announced on Telegram.
16:07 Ukraine orders evacuation of children from five settlements in the Donezk regionUkraine has ordered the evacuation of all children and their guardians from five settlements in the contested regions of Donezk. As Regional Governor Wadym Filaschkin explained, this measure also applies to other legal guardians of minors. The settlements mentioned by Filaschkin are located in areas where the Russian military has recently advanced. Since civilians have recently been killed and injured during combat, Governor Filaschkin had already urged civilians to leave the Donetsk region in the past few weeks.
15:57 EU officially commences accession talks with UkraineThe European Union has officially commenced accession negotiations with Ukraine. Representatives from the 27 EU member states and Ukrainian delegates gathered in Luxembourg for the initial session, during which the transfer of negotiation guidelines was discussed. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal spoke of a "historic moment" for his country and the EU.
15:42 Billionaire gifts three high-speed boats with grenade launchers to Ukraine's navyA Ukrainian billionaire is donating three Swedish high-speed boats to the Ukrainian navy. These boats can reach speeds of up to 74 kilometers per hour and are equipped with various weapons such as machine guns and water bombs. Sweden itself promises Ukraine additional ten boats.
15:26 Russia bars access to 81 European mediaIn response to the banning of several Russian media in Europe, Russia has placed 81 European media companies on a blacklist. Access to their programs and websites will be restricted, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry on its official website. Among the German media affected are "Der Spiegel", "Die Zeit" and the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung". In Austria, the public-law broadcasting corporation ORF and the media group Österreich were affected. The French-German broadcaster Arte is also on the ban list. France is the EU country most heavily sanctioned by Moscow with a total of nine listed companies.
15:11 Indian Prime Minister Modi anticipated in MoscowShortly after his re-election, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected in Russia. "We are preparing for the visit of the Indian prime minister," said Yuri Ushakov, foreign policy advisor to Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin. There was no confirmation from the Indian government. India's news agency PTI reported, citing diplomatic circles, that a visit of the prime minister to Moscow was being considered in early July. However, according to the Russian news agency Tass, the dates of July 8 and 9 are already set.
14:52 Security consultants present Trump's plan for Ukraine strategyFormer US President Donald Trump has received a proposal from two influential advisors to end the Russian-Ukraine conflict. With the plan, both parties are to be motivated to agree on a ceasefire and peace talks. To achieve this, Trump, in the event of a victory in the US presidential election, is to inform Ukraine that future weapons from the US will only be supplied if it engages in peace talks. At the same time, Russia is to be informed that Ukraine will receive more support from the US if Moscow refuses to participate in negotiations. Moscow is to be tempted with the promise of delaying Ukraine's NATO membership for a longer period. The strategy was designed by retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg and Fred Fleitz, both of whom served in the US National Security Council during Trump's presidency.
14:38 Ukraine receives first delivery from Czech ammunition initiativeA Czech initiative to supply artillery shells to Ukraine has shown its first results. "Some time ago, the first ammunition delivery within our initiative arrived in Ukraine," wrote Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala on X. "We are doing what is necessary," added the liberal conservative politician. The ammunition shortage is one of the biggest problems for Ukraine in its defense against Russia. The goal of the initiative is therefore to procure up to 800,000 artillery shells for Kiev in countries outside the EU. According to the latest reports from Prague, 18 partner countries have pledged financial support in the amount of around 1.6 billion Euros for the project. Germany plans to participate with a three-digit million euro contribution. The Netherlands, Denmark, and Lithuania are among the other donor countries. The Czech Republic is one of the determined supporters of Ukraine in its defense against the Russian invasion.
2:20 Ukrainian ambassador labels CSU proposal as populistThe Ukrainian ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeiev, doesn't support the CSU proposal to expel non-working Ukrainians. He considers it impersonal and populist, as he told Phoenix. To facilitate more Ukrainian asylum seekers into the German workforce, the ambassador is in contact with the Labor Minister Heil and Interior Minister Faeser, plus federal states. Job centers are also part of this plan. Makeiev notes that "Ukrainians assimilate three times better into the workforce than other nationalities, they are eager to work." He observes faster integration of Ukrainians in other countries. Unemployment among asylum seekers is not only due to the Ukrainians, but also to the Ukrainians and the German government, in the ambassador's opinion. He demands "recognition of vocational diplomas" and "slight reduction in language requirements."
2:01 Similar to a "prostitute": Putin supporter offends SerbiaSerbia has cultivated close ties with Moscow for years, but these relationships have become strained after it was discovered that the country sold ammunition that ended up in Ukraine via intermediaries, with President Aleksandar Vucic justifying the deal as important for the domestic arms industry. Russian TV host and Kremlin propagandist Sergey Mardan is furious. He calls Serbia a "whore" and claims that they are no longer brothers of the Russians, but enemies.
1:40 Ukrainian drones likely hit gas pipeline in BelgorodRussia alleges Ukrainian drone attacks damaging buildings and a gas pipeline in Belgorod. No comments have been made by Kiev regarding the alleged incidents.
1:18 EU extends temporary protection for refugees from UkraineThe EU has extended the temporary protection offered to war refugees from Ukraine for another year. The decision was made by 27 European ministers in Luxembourg, with the protective status set to last until March 4, 2026. The European Commission had previously proposed this extension in mid-June. The EU believes that the conditions for the return of refugees due to the continuous Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure are not yet met. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser welcomed the extension but also expressed the need for a fairer distribution of refugees within the EU. The acceptance of around 1.2 million people in Germany remains a significant effort.
1:02 China calls for removal of newest Russia sanctionsChina strongly criticizes the new Russia sanctions imposed by the EU, which affect Chinese companies as well. A spokesperson from the Foreign Ministry: "These one-sided sanctions lack a legal basis under international law." China urges the European side to lift these sanctions immediately, and they will take necessary measures to protect the rights and interests of Chinese companies. The West claims China is supporting Russia in its war against Ukraine, a claim China denies. In Brussel's latest package of measures against Russia, 61 more companies were added to the sanctions list, including 19 Chinese companies. Major players in the Chinese satellite industry have been impacted by trade restrictions, accused of conducting business worth millions with the Russian mercenary group Wagner and selling them satellites.
12:58 Arrest warrants issued against Shoigu and GerasimovThe International Criminal Court issues an arrest warrant against former Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and General Staff Chief Valeri Gerasimov. They face charges of attacking civilian targets in Ukraine, according to the ICC.
12:50 Zelenskyy meets Schwesig in KievMecklenburg-Vorpommern Minister-President Manuela Schwesig is received by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the second day of her visit to Ukraine. The conversation in Kiev lasts around an hour. Schwesig travels to Ukraine as Federal President of the Bundesrat to show solidarity with Kiev from all 16 federal states. "Ukraine must win this war," she had already stated during her train journey to the Ukrainian capital – a stance that contrasts her party friend, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who simply emphasizes that Russia should not win the war and Ukraine should not lose it. Schwesig is criticized for her Nord Stream 2 pipeline involvement in Ukraine. Following the Russian attack almost two years ago, Schwesig has distanced herself from her role in the project and described it as a mistake.
12:28 Court rules Russia guilty of human rights violations in CrimeaThe European Court of Human Rights convicts Russia of human rights violations in the Crimea after its annexation. The judges in Strasbourg make this ruling in a lawsuit filed by Ukraine. Russia does not recognize the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights.
11:52 Kiev's "grenade famine" eased – even with stream ammunition
Ukrainian soldiers had to fight the Russian army for a long time without sufficient ammunition. With the $61 billion aid package, the situation has improved. Vasil, a Ukrainian commander, reports that the "grenade famine" has come to an end.
Ukrainian enforcers thwart 100 men from clandestine escapes in Odessa region. A gang of 47 men in four minivans was halted en route to the border last Friday, according to the investigative committee. Another 53 men were nabbed at a rendezvous spot. They aimed to skirt checkpoints and traverse the border on foot. The Odessa region abuts Moldova. The Danube River forms the boundary with Romania. All males aged 25 or above, eligible for military conscription, have been transported to the local recruitment office. The traffickers supposedly sought between 4600 and over 17,000 Euro from each man.
11:07 Ukraine moving nearer: Lührmann sees "historic day" for the EU
The EU's entry talks with Ukraine and Moldova are now formalized, as stated by European State Secretary Anna Lührmann. She opines it as a "historic day" for the EU. "This day is beneficial because we recognize that both countries have made extraordinary reform attempts despite challenging circumstances," says Lührmann on the sidelines of an EU ministers meeting before the official commencement of the entry negotiations in Luxembourg. "Both countries have made considerable progress in the areas of lawfulness, anti-corruption, and press freedom." However, it will take years until Ukraine and Moldova fulfill all the conditions for EU membership. As a condition for Ukraine, for example, a peace with Russia is required. No guarantee of membership exists.
10:38 Retributive sanctions against the EU: Moscow's measures "may impact us too"
Frozen Russian funds in the EU are to be used for Ukraine's armament. The Kremlin considers these sanctions illegal and against international law, as per NTV correspondent Rainer Munz. Russia now plans to sanction the EU and fortify other relationships even more.
10:09 Funds from "Putin's portfolio": Swiss court sentences bankers
Four bankers have been penalized by a Swiss appeals court in relation to the management of funds associated with Russian President Vladimir Putin's circle. The Zurich Appellate Court finds it established that the employees of the dissolved Swiss branch of the Russian Gazprombank did not adequately inquire about whether the money in the accounts of Russian musician Sergey Roldugin genuinely belonged to him. The court imposes fines on the four bankers. In 2014, two accounts were opened at the Gazprombank in Zurich, for which Roldugin was named as the beneficiary owner. As reported by media, the Russian cellist and conductor is the godfather of one of Putin's daughters. Roldugin is known in Moscow as "Putin's portfolio."
09:44 A Somalian Soldier Recounts: "Everywhere there were Drones, Artillery, Rockets. I just fled"To compensate for the numerous soldiers lost in war, the Kremlin is forcing migrants and foreign students to the front. The young Somalian Adil narrates his experience in a conversation with ntv. For nearly 1900 Euro per month, he enlists in the military - with the expectation of obtaining Russian citizenship and the promise that he won't have to fight at the front. However, Adil is conscripted directly to Ukraine and is currently in a Ukrainian detention center. "I didn't join to kill. I lost my weapon. I didn't even know how to wield it. Everywhere there were Drones, Artillery, Rockets. I just fled", Adil recounts in an interview with ntv. "I thought 2000 Dollars were the standard wage for ordinary work. I thought a grand dream had begun for me."
09:17 Trump Advisor Proposes Strategy to End Ukraine WarTwo significant advisors of the former US President Donald Trump present a strategy to terminate the war in Ukraine. According to the news agency Reuters, this strategy, with a Trump victory, would only allow Ukraine to receive more US weapons if it enters peace talks. The US would also inform Moscow that any refusal to negotiate would result in enhanced US support for Ukraine, General Lieutenant a.D. Keith Kellogg, one of Trump's national security advisors, stated. This outlined strategy is the most detailed plan proposed by Trump's associates, who claimed that he could end the Ukraine war expeditiously. The proposal, if accepted, would mark a significant shift in Washington's stance on this war and could face opposition from European allies and from Trump's own Republican Party.
08:49 Russia: Numerous Drones Intercepted and Destroyed in Border AreaRussia shoots down, as per their reports, 30 Ukrainian drones in the territory bordering the two nations. The Russian air defense allegedly intercepted and destroyed 29 drones in the Belgorod border region and one drone in the adjoining region of Voronezh, in a statement on Telegram by the Russian Defense Ministry. In the Belgorod region, an elderly woman is reported dead according to authorities.
08:18 Ukrainian Security Service Detains Alleged SpyUkrainian enforcers supposedly apprehend a border guard soldier suspected of spying for the Russian FSB. According to the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU), the individual amassed information about weapons and ammunition depots and Ukrainian troops in the border region with Belarus. The suspect was purportedly recruited remotely by an FSB agent based in the occupied Luhansk region and communicated with him through anonymous chats on online messengers. The SBU threatens the man with a life sentence if convicted on charges of high treason.
07:46 ISW: Russia eager to secure "strategic milestones" before US aid impacts battlefront (Institute for the Study of War)The Institute for the Study of War anticipates that US weapon deliveries won't result in significant battles gains immediately. The ISW foresees ongoing Russian attempts to obtain strategic milestones before US military supplies are mass-delivered to Ukrainian forces, and it may take some time before the Western weapons make a substantial impact on the battlefield. They also point to an interview by Military Intelligence Chief Kyrylo Budanov with the "Philadelphia Inquirer." According to Budanow, weapons shipments from the US and Europe, including artillery rounds, should reach Ukraine faster than before. However, the Ukrainian forces require a large number of weapons, and it's all about the scale. Budanov also noted that "there won't be an apocalypse on the frontline, but the situation will remain challenging at least until mid-July."
07:12 Kyiv: Intelligence to persistently launch "Drone Attacks" on Russian oil refinery complexUkrainian special forces have identified over 30 Russian oil refineries, terminals, and depots as potential targets, as reported by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a military briefing. He commended the Special Operations Center "A" of the Ukrainian Security Service, noting the extended range of the drones, which can cover distances up to 1,500 kilometers now. The latest drone assaults have struck facilities as distant as Tatarstan and Bashkortostan – and a cessation of the assaults isn't in sight: "The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) will diligently conduct 'Drone Attacks' against the Russian oil refinery complex and curb the economic strength of the opponent who supplies the aggressor with the war instruments against Ukraine," quotes "Kyiv Independent."
06:50 Denmark halts F-16 pilot training for UkrainiansDenmark halts its training program for Ukrainian F-16 pilots due to its shift towards F-35 fighter jets by year-end. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced this at a press conference. "Given our transition to the F-35, we need to concentrate our energy there and cannot continue educating Ukrainian pilots past 2024," the politician stated. The remaining F-16 coalition members need to find new sites to continue their activities, as per Poulsen. Options for training currently exist in Romania and the US.
06:39 Russian city of Belgorod and surrounding areas hit by "intense" Drone attacksDrone attacks on the Russian city of Belgorod and settlements in the Belgorod region caused damages to multiple buildings, vehicles, and a gas pipeline, leading to four injuries. This was disclosed by "Kyiv independent," citing Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov's statements, who described the attacks as "intense." According to Gladkov, an administrative building in the city of Shebekino was completely consumed by fire due to the attacks. The Ukrainian authorities have not commented on the attacks.
06:16 EU adds dozens of companies to sanctions list including 19 Chinese firmsIn the context of a new set of measures against Russia, the European Union (EU) adds 61 companies to the sanctions list, with 19 of them being Chinese firms. The 14th sanctions package, accepted by EU member states, includes trade restrictions for two key actors in the Chinese satellite industry. These companies allegedly carried out multi-million dollar transactions with the Russian mercenary group Wagner and supplied satellites to them.
05:43 ECHR Decides on Kiev's Lawsuit against Moscow over Annexation of Crimean PeninsulaThe European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg is discussing Ukraine's lawsuit against Russia over the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula today. Kiev accuses Moscow of numerous breaches of the European Convention on Human Rights from February 2014 to August 2015 on the Crimean Peninsula. Some of the alleged violations include "illegal arrests," "media suppression," and "property seizures without compensation."
04:38 Orban criticizes EU Accession Talks with UkraineHungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban expresses reservations about the EU accession talks with Ukraine, taking place in Luxembourg today. In an interview with Funke Media Group newspapers, Orban states: "Hungary isn't in agreement with this accession process, but we aren't blocking it and we support the commencement of negotiations." He asserts that the talks are "purely politically motivated" and it's not about approving or rejecting Ukraine's membership to the EU. "But we need to first gauge the implications if we were to welcome a country at war whose borders aren't clearly defined in practice," Orban explains, with Hungary set to assume the EU Council Presidency on July 1st.
03:36 EU begins Accession Talks with UkraineThe EU initiates accession talks with Ukraine today. "Ukraine deserves full membership, and the path to it is irrevocable," says Ihor Zhovka, advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in an interview in Kiev. The ceremony in Luxembourg puts more emphasis on symbolism than on the fine details of the negotiations for now. The negotiations will commence once the EU has reviewed the numerous reforms Ukraine needs to implement to meet EU standards.
02:35 USA: Russian Attacks Claim Civilian Lives on Crimean PeninsulaReports from the USA suggest that during Ukraine's weekend attack on the Crimean Peninsula, no civilians were intentionally targeted. A US official claims that an Atacms missile, aimed to disable a launchpad, was intercepted by Russia, causing debris to strike a beach where fatalities occurred – four people, including two children. As per Russian reports, the weekend attacks using Atacms missiles led to 151 injuries and civilian deaths. Russia blames the US for these attacks, while the US government declares that Ukraine has the autonomy to decide its attack targets and military deployments.
01:35 USA to Reinforce Ammunition Supply to Kiev worth 150 million DollarsAccording to US government sources, they are planning to deliver additional ammunition worth 150 million dollars to Ukraine. The announcement is expected on Tuesday. This upcoming shipment is predicted to contain ammunition for Himars multiple rocket launchers, which can launch Atacms missiles, previously provided by the USA. Following Ukrainian Atacms attacks on Crimea, Moscow views the US as a war participant.
00:36 Moscow Disregards EU Sanctions as Ineffective The Russian Foreign Ministry views the 14th EU sanctions package against Russia as ineffective. Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Gruschko from Moscow criticismizes the West for disregarding the potential impact on its economy and the well-being of EU citizens. Russia anticipates an economic growth exceeding three percent this year, more than tenfold Germany's growth. Gruschko believes that the EU sanctions were intended to strangle the Russian economy and divide society, but the opposite has occurred.
23:28 Schwesig Opposes Forced Return of Jobless UkrainiansMecklenburg-Vorpommern Minister President Manuela Schwesig has criticized the proposal by CSU regional leader Alexander Dobrindt to compel displaced Ukrainians without work in Germany to return to their homeland. Schwesig argues that Russia attacks throughout Ukraine, so no areas are safe. The SPD politician expresses concern for many refugees, especially women with children. Dobrindt is accused of pandering to populist sentiments.
22:29 Intense Battles with Russian Troops, Reports Ukrainian General StaffUkrainian forces have reported at least 128 battles with Russian troops since sunrise. According to the Ukrainian General Staff, Russian forces are primarily focusing on the area around Pokrowsk, representing a third of the Russian attacks today. Despite the attacks, Ukrainian defense forces have maintained the front lines and repelled Russian assaults.
21:57 Hungary Outraged by EU Decision on Russian Assets for UkraineThe Hungarian government is outraged by the decision of other EU countries to use the profits from frozen Russian assets for Ukraine. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó calls this move a "shameless violation of common European rules." He explains that Hungary is investigating legal means to protect its rights. The Hungarian government, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, prepares to assume the EU presidency in a week. Orbán retains positive relations with the Russian government.
21:38 Ukrainian Navy: Over 120 Drones Destroyed in Krasnodar Region AttackAccording to the Ukrainian Navy's statement on Facebook, an attack on the Russian region of Krasnodar resulted in the destruction of approximately 120 drones. The operation took place on June 21 and was carried out by the Ukrainian Navy and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). It is reported that Ukrainian forces targeted objects at a training ground of the 726th Training Center of the Russian Air Defense in Yeysk. The training center is believed to host drone pilot training.
- Previous developments can be found here.
