Along the highway with the 141st Brigade: Combatants employ a blend of antiquated and contemporary drone tech in Kiev
In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, drones are extensively used for reconnaissance and attacks on enemy positions. A television team accompanies Ukrainian soldiers as they intercept Russian drones, particularly during nighttime swarms.
17:23 Execution Near Ukrainian Front: Evidence Emerges of Russian Troops' War CrimesThe Ukrainian government accuses Russian troops of executing a Ukrainian soldier near the front in eastern Ukraine. "We have obtained information that the commanders of the Russian occupation forces in the Wolnowacha area of the Donetsk region have instructed their soldiers not to capture Ukrainian prisoners," the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office stated in a Telegram post. During an air reconnaissance mission, a Ukrainian soldier's head was discovered in a military vehicle. Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin labeled this as a clear breach of the Geneva Conventions and promised that the act would not go unpunished. He urged "the entire civilized world to ostracize and penalize the rogue nation." Moscow remained silent about the allegation, and the AFP news agency was unable to confirm the Ukrainian allegations independently.
16:54 Orban Yields to Rutte as NATO Head, Attributing Decision to Waiver on NATO Intervention in UkraineHungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has relented in his opposition to Mark Rutte of the Netherlands being appointed as the new Secretary-General of NATO. Orban announced that Hungary would back Rutte's nomination. With this decision, Rutte's path to Stoltenberg's successorship becomes clear. The only hurdle left is the withdrawal of Romanian President Klaus Iohannis' candidacy for the NATO top position. Iohannis, however, no longer has significant backing. Orban referenced a letter from Rutte addressing Hungarian concerns as the reason for his compromise in the personnel matter. Specifically, it pertains to Hungary's desire to avoid being compelled to participate in a planned NATO operation intended to coordinate arms deliveries to Ukraine.
16:18 Putin Thanks North Korea for its Support Against Ukraine During State VisitBefore his visit to North Korea, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to Pyongyang for supporting Russia's military action in Ukraine. "We are deeply appreciative that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) unequivocally supports Russia's military operation in Ukraine," Putin wrote in an article published by the state North Korean news agency KCNA and the newspaper Rodong Sinmun. Meanwhile, South Korea reported a brief incursion of North Korean soldiers across the border.
15:43 Access to Soviet Archives Denied: European Court of Human Rights Criticizes RussiaThe European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has criticized Russia for denying access to archives to the human rights organization Memorial and other organizations regarding repressions that occurred during the Soviet era. "The pursuit of historical truth is an essential component of the right to freedom of expression," the Strasbourg Court stated. The refusal to provide access constitutes an interference with the right to knowledge and thus violates the European Convention on Human Rights.
15:03 Slovakia Supports Rutte for the Role of NATO ChiefSlovakia has expressed its readiness to support Mark Rutte of the Netherlands as the new NATO Secretary-General. "After concluding discussions with Mark Rutte and consultations with the Slovakian government, Slovakia can endorse Mark Rutte for the NATO position," said Slovakian President Peter Pellegrini. Nevertheless, the official support of Hungary and Romania is still pending. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis announced in March that he was also vying for the top position. The incumbent NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has already extended his tenure on multiple occasions. He intends to step down in October after a decade at the helm of the military alliance. The NATO Secretary-General is selected through a consensus process and hence requires the backing of all 32 members. Several countries have already expressed their support for the outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Rutte.
14:26 Swiss Authorities Investigating Alleged Russian AgentsSwiss authorities suspect a Russian diplomat of attempting to acquire weapons and hazardous substances, according to a media report. The Swiss Federal Prosecutor in Bern verified that they had requested permission from the government to pursue a political crime. The Federal Prosecutor and the police conducted searches as part of "preventive measures," the department announced. Previously, the "Tages-Anzeiger" reported that a diplomat was under investigation who was accredited to the Russian embassy in Bern. The suspected agent had surfaced a few weeks before the Ukraine summit, which took place in Switzerland without Russian participation over the weekend. For the investigation to progress, the Federal Prosecutor also requested the revocation of immunity.
13:47 Italy Plans to Provide Ukraine with Storm Shadow MissilesAccording to a report in "Il Fatto Quotidiano," Italy intends to supply Ukraine, in the ninth military aid package, among other items, Storm Shadow cruise missiles. The state Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform reported this, citing the Italian daily. The Italian Defense Ministry is expected to present the ninth military aid package to parliament at the end of June, according to the report, but the number was not specified.
13:02 Estonian Professor Sentenced to Six Years and Three Months in Prison for Spying for RussiaThe Russian political scientist Viacheslav Morozov has been sentenced to six years and three months in prison in Estonia for spying for Russia. This information was provided by the Russian-language opposition medium Meduza, citing the Estonian public broadcaster. Morozov had been employed at the university in the Estonian city of Tartu until his arrest in January and had shared his insights about the political situation in Estonia and its relations with the EU with Russian intelligence services.
23:19: NATO-Head calls for countermeasures against contemporary Hypersonic weaponsNATO-Leader Christian Badia is urging for actions to defend against contemporary Hypersonic weapons, emphasizing the need for both defense and offensive capabilities for effective deterrence. Badia made these statements at a conference in Berlin. Reports suggest that Russia has already deployed these systems against Ukraine. The reaction time may supposedly drop to roughly two minutes. Markus Ziegler from the German Aerospace Industries Association said: "Distance Moscow-Berlin: If you're fast, it's five minutes from there to here. Even Beijing-Berlin, where they claim Beijing is miles away, it's 20 minutes."
04:23: Blaze at Russian fuel storage likely instigated by secret serviceA late-night attack on a fuel storage facility in the Russian town of Asow is thought to be the work of the Ukrainian Security Service, according to a source from the agency speaking to The Kyiv Independent. The Russian Emergency Situations Ministry reported that the fire spanned approximately 3200 square meters. Over 200 firefighters were dispatched to extinguish the blaze.
03:50: London: Russia seizes control of village near AvdiivkaBritish intelligence estimates that Russian troops have most likely captured the village of Novooleksandrivka, about 20 kilometers north of Avdiivka. This brings the Russian army closer to the T0504 highway, one of Ukraine's primary supply lines.
02:58: Putin and Kim Jong Un plan extensive cooperationRussia and North Korea aim to sign a treaty on extensive cooperation during Putin's visit to Pyongyang. Putin has approved the draft treaty from the Foreign Ministry, according to the Kremlin. The document is expected to be signed at the highest level, by Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. No specifics about the treaty's content were disclosed.
02:30: China retaliates sharply to StoltenbergThe Chinese government has rebuffed NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg's criticism of China's stance on the Ukraine conflict. "We advise NATO to cease the blaming game, not to stir up trouble, and not to fan the flames," said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian. Instead, NATO should take substantial steps towards a political resolution of the crisis. Stoltenberg had criticized China's actions regarding the Russian aggression in Ukraine during a visit to Washington. Chinapresentation as neutral, according to Stoltenberg, allowing it to "escape punitive measures and maintain trade relations." However, "the truth is that China is stoking the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II while simultaneously maintaining friendly ties with the West."
01:14: Twelve years in prison for peacenik symbols in RussiaA Moscow Military Court has sentenced a Ukrainian woman to a twelve-year prison term for playing anti-war statements and the Ukrainian national anthem from her apartment window in Moscow. This information was reported by Ukrainska Pravda, citing the Russian opposition media outlet Mediazona. The 35-year-old woman also released white-blue-white balloons, a protest symbol against Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
01:00 Russian Navy practices against submarinesThe Russian Navy started exercises in the Pacific Ocean directly before Putin's state visit to North Korea. Approximately 40 ships and boats, as well as about 20 planes and helicopters, were involved in the maneuvers, according to the Defense Ministry in Moscow. The exercises are reportedly taking place until June 28 in the waters of the Pacific Ocean, the Japanese Sea, and the Sea of Okhotsk. During the exercise, underwater combat and air defense training are planned.
00:36 Putin's portrait parades Pyongyang's streetsPutin's visit to North Korea is noticeable in Pyongyang's capital: The streets are not only lined with numerous Russian flags but also with Putin's portrait. This can be seen in videos, for example on the Russian state news agency TASS, on social media platforms.
00:01 Munz: At Putin's North Korea visit, it's mostly about weaponsPutin is visiting North Korea today and tomorrow. According to Rainer Munz, correspondent for NTV-Russia, he likely has weapons in his luggage. Diplomatic support is also important, Munz adds.
00:22 Rwanda withdraws endorsement from peace summit declarationRwanda has withdrawn its endorsement from the final declaration of the Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland, according to Ukrainian media. Ruanda's name no longer appears on the list of signatories on the Swiss government's website since Monday. Now, 77 states and 5 organizations support the declaration.
00:00 Ukrainian military analyst asserts Russia struggles with artillery ammunition productionAccording to Ukrainian military analyst Petro Chernyk, Russia is facing shortages of explosives for artillery shells, as reported by the US think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Moreover, Russia is reportedly transitioning from self-propelled to towed artillery systems, but faces issues with these as well. However, Russia cannot produce more self-propelled systems, as it only has five to six such machines.
05:54 Ukraine reports destruction of all ten Russian drones in the nightThe Ukrainian Air Force claims to have destroyed all ten Russian drones launched at night over the regions of Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk. The Air Force announced this via Telegram.
06:28 Confirmation of Russian reconnaissance plane's destructionRussian authorities admit to the Ukrainian Air Force taking down a unique Russian Early Warning and Control Aircraft (A-50) over the Azov Sea in February, resulting in the loss of ten crew members. The Kyiv Independent reported this. Both the Ukrainian Military Intelligence and the Ukrainian Air Force claimed responsibility for the shootdown at the time. This aircraft was crucial for detecting air defense systems, missile guidance, and coordinating targets for Russian fighter jets. Russia is believed to have fewer than ten of these aircraft, each costing around 350 million dollars.
06:02 Fires in Russian Asow prisonsFollowing a Ukrainian drone attack, prisons in the Russian city, Asow, in the Rostov region near the Ukrainian border, have reportedly caught fire. No casualties have been reported as of yet, according to the governor, Vasili Golubev, via Telegram. Investigations are ongoing, and the local fire department is working to contain the fires.
05:40 Kremlin discussing US journalist Gershkovich exchange with USARussia confirms contact with the USA over a potential exchange of detained US reporter Evan Gershkovich who was arrested in Yekaterinburg, in the Urals, by the Russian domestic security service FSB on March 29, 2023, for alleged espionage. Russia's Press Secretary of the Presidential Administration, Dmitry Peskov, has stated that the talks are continuing in silence.
04:50 Partially guilty plea from detained US soldier BlackDetained US soldier Gordon Black, charged with theft in Russia, has partially confessed in court in Vladivostok, admitting to "partial responsibility" for the theft but denying committing it intentionally. He also denies making threats to kill his girlfriend. Several other US citizens are currently in Russian custody, including Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, both accused of espionage.
03:50 Bundesnetzagentur imposes fine for incorrect Nord Stream 2 dataThe German Federal Network Agency fined pipeline operator Gascade €75,000 for publishing incorrect data due to IT problems in 2021, which suggested that the Nord Stream 2 pipeline was about to be commissioned. This misinformation caused the market to lower its prices due to the false impression that the pipeline's commissioning was imminent.
02:58 Putin praises North Korea for military support in UkraineRussian President Vladimir Putin thanked North Korea for its military support of Russia's offensive in Ukraine before his visit to North Korea. Both countries are working to strengthen their multifaceted partnership, according to a state North Korean news agency KCNA article published on Tuesday.
01:57 Heavy fighting in Kharkiv, UkraineParts of the northeastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv are experiencing intense fighting, according to Russian reports. The pro-Russian governor of the occupied territories in the Kharkiv region, Vitali Ganchev, reports that Russian forces are resisting a Ukrainian counter-attack. Russian troops have pushed back the latest Ukrainian advances near Vovchansk, just five kilometers behind the border. Russian troops occupied parts of the Kharkiv region last month and have reportedly taken control of around a dozen villages according to official statements.
00:55 DIW head critical of reducing social benefits for Ukrainian refugeesMarcel Fratzscher, the head of the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), condemns demands for reducing social benefits for Ukrainian refugees as "empty populism." He argues that cutting benefits will not improve anyone's situation and that German efforts should focus on faster and better integration of refugees into the labor market and society.
23:55 Majority of Ukrainians see Zelenskyy as legitimate presidentA survey by the International Sociological Institute in Kiev reveals that a large majority of Ukrainians, despite Zelenskyy's extended term in office during wartime, view him as the legitimate president. 70% of the 2011 interviewees believe that Zelenskyy should remain in office until the end of the conflict. This contradicts Moscow's view that Zelenskyy's term has expired and that he is no longer the legitimate president of Ukraine.
European Parliament Voices Apprehensions over Finland's Migrant Deportation Plans
The European Parliament has voiced worries over Finland's intentions to send back migrants from Russia, whom Helsinki alleges were purposefully dispatched across the shared border by Moscow. In a letter to Finnish Parliament President Jussi Halla-aho, European Human Rights Commissioner Michael O'Flaherty urges the rejection of the proposed legislation. The incumbent Finnish conservative administration plans to intensify immigration laws, as evidenced by a bill presented towards the end of May, which empowers border guards to turn away asylum seekers.
Kremlin Criticizes Swiss Peace Conference Results for Ukraine
The Kremlin continues to express disdain for the outcomes of the Swiss Peace Conference for Ukraine held in Moscow. Dmitri Peskov, spokesman for President Vladimir Putin, maintains that the absence of Russian participation made the summit ineffective. "Needless to say, the alleged results of this gathering merely aim at nothing," Peskov stated. Moscow remains unfazed by the fact that Russia-friendly nations like Serbia, Turkey, or Hungary supported the final resolution. "We will undoubtedly consider the stance of these countries as significant. It is of great importance to us. We will continue to convey our standpoint to them," Peskov added. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Moscow deemed the conference a colossal failure, according to a statement by Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, as quoted by Tass.
(You can find updates on past events here.)
Read also:
- Despite the ongoing Ukraine conflict, some European countries, such as Italy, are planning to provide Ukraine with advanced military equipment, like Storm Shadow missiles.
- In the heated cyberwar between Ukraine and Russia, Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, is engaging in active discussions with NATO to strengthen Ukraine's cyberdefense capabilities.
- Amid the tense relations between Ukraine, Russia, and NATO, there have been reports of potential Russian cyberattacks on Ukraine's military infrastructure, resulting in significant disruptions.
- In response to Russia's ongoing military operations in Ukraine, NATO has initiated measures to bolster its cyberdefenses and provide assistance to Ukraine to help the country better protect itself from cyberattacks.
