Amidst the ongoing situation, Ukrainians face reduced power supply
Troubles with power supply in Ukraine are expected to escalate in the upcoming weeks due to persistent Russian shelling of their power infrastructure. Volodymyr Kudryzkyy, CEO of Ukrenerho, warned on television that "things are going to get much worse than they are now". From the end of July, there will be more planned power outages and cuts. The situation is likely to persist until necessary repairs on two nuclear reactors are completed, Kudryzkyy said. Regular power outages have already become commonplace.
In the Charkiw region, a pregnant woman, a man, and a 13-year-old boy were hospitalized following Russian air raids. The Regional Prosecutor's Office reported that Russian troops attacked the village of Pisky-Radkiwski in the afternoon, causing damage to over ten residential buildings and an ambulance.
US Finance Minister Janet Yellen dismissed Russian President Vladimir Putin's claim that freezing and using Russian assets abroad to support Ukraine is "theft". In an interview, Yellen stated, "The frozen Russian assets remain exactly where they are" and that Russia has no right to the income generated by these assets. The decision to freeze Russian state funds was made after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The total amount frozen is approximately $280 billion, with about $200 billion held in a Belgian financial institution.
According to information from Kiev, Russia has escalated its attacks during peace talks in Switzerland. The Ukrainian General Staff reported an increase in the number of battles to 88, with most taking place in the Pokrovsk area in the eastern Ukrainian Donetsk region. This cannot be verified independently.
The Ukrainian Navy is utilizing over-water drones for defense against Russian invasion. They now have the Stalker 5.0 drone, which can travel up to 75 hours at 60 mph and carry up to 150 kg of explosives or cargo. Its range is approximately 600 km. The estimated cost is €60,000.
According to news reports, a Russian journalist was killed in an over-water drone attack in Eastern Ukraine. It is alleged that the Ukrainian army was responsible for the attack near a monastery in Vugledar. Last Thursday, a Russian journalist was killed and another injured in a similar attack in Golmivsky village. The Russian Foreign Ministry accused Ukraine of intentionally targeting journalists.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the first Danish F-16 fighter jets are expected to be delivered to Ukraine "very soon". During a meeting at the peace summit in Switzerland, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Zelensky discussed the preparations for the transfer. The Netherlands have also announced they will deliver F-16 jets to Ukraine later this summer.
Hundreds of military personnel representing the LGBTQ+ community and their supporters participated in the Pride March in Kiev. They called on the Ukrainian government to grant them official rights for same-sex partnerships. Some participants wore rainbow and unicorn insignia on their uniforms. The demonstration took place under heavy police presence due to threats from counter-demonstrators. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church condemned the demonstration.
Finally, the Ukrainian military reported further advance of their own troops in the Serebrjansker Forest in the Luhansk region. The "Asow" and "Burewij" brigades reportedly advanced one kilometer deep and two kilometers wide in the forest. Earlier, the "Asow" brigade announced that Russian troops had lost their positions in that forested area.
Lastly, Donald Trump made fun of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, calling him the "best salesman ever". This comment was made during an event, but the exact context is unknown.
During a rally in Detroit, Trump stood firm on his stance against providing aid to Ukraine. Amidst his supporters, he praised Zelenskyy as the greatest salesman of all time and falsely claimed that the Ukrainian president continually demanded "$60 billion."
The Kremlin suggests Ukraine ponder upon Putin's proposal for a troop withdrawal from the east and south of Ukraine to initiate peace talks. Kremlin spokesman Peskov argues that the escalating situation at the front clearly shows that things are grim for the Ukrainians. While Zelenskyy discusses the cessation of conflict with other world leaders in Switzerland, Peskov speculates that a self-sacrificing politician might consider such a proposal. The Kremlin had previously suggested a ceasefire and negotiations, on the condition that Ukraine cedes its partially occupied regions in the east and south and renounces NATO membership. More details here.
Zelenskyy states that negotiations with Russia could commence the following day if they withdraw from Ukraine's rightful territories. However, he adds that Russia and its leadership are unwilling to forge a just peace.
Commission President von der Leyen asserts that the conference in Switzerland is correctly titled "Path to Peace," as peace cannot be achieved instantaneously. She emphasizes that Russian President Putin holds no genuine interest in ending the war, demanding capitulation and territorial control instead. Such conditions are unacceptable.
At the end of the Ukraine summit in Switzerland, Zelenskyy announces another international conference. Participants will collaborate in special groups on "peace plans," and a second conference will be held as soon as workable action plans for peace are ready. The groups will focus on generating ideas, proposals, and developments that can guarantee security in various aspects.
According to Zelensky, a second Ukraine conference gathering should take place shortly after the preparation period, which stretches for only a few months and not years. Several countries have already signaled their willingness to host such a summit. The prerequisite for Russian participation, as stated by EU Commission President von der Leyen, is that Moscow acknowledges the UN Charter. However, the final declaration signed by all attendees does not contain a reference to a follow-up conference. Swiss President Amherd acknowledges the diverse perspectives and starting positions of the participants. In spite of this, she points out that for the first time a high-ranking and broadly representative conference has discussed a peace process.
The summit's closing statement receives support from the majority of participants, who endorse the view that any threat or use of nuclear weapons in connection with the war against Ukraine is unacceptable. Nuclear energy use and atomic installations should be secure, protected, supervised, and eco-friendly. Ukrainian nuclear power plants and installations must be under full Ukrainian control and adhere to IAEA principles.
A Ukrainian suicide drone initiates a strike on a military truck in the Russian region of Belgorod. Although no casualties are reported, the frequency of these attacks is on the rise. According to the governor, Gladkov, there were over fifty air strikes on Saturday alone.
The closing statement of the Ukraine conference highlights the need to stop the use of food security as a weapon. Thus, secure and unhindered shipping and access to seaports in the Black and Azov Seas are essential. Attacks on cargo ships in ports and along transportation routes, as well as on civilian ports and infrastructure, are unacceptable. Additionally, all prisoners of war, deported children, and forcibly displaced Ukrainian civilians who are being illegally detained must be returned to Ukraine.
The majority of participants at the Ukraine conference in Switzerland advocate for Russia's involvement in future peace consultations. This sentiment is expressed in the declaration, which concludes: "We believe that achieving peace calls for the participation of and dialogue between all parties." However, a specific date and location for a future summit with Russia are not mentioned in the declaration. Prior to the Swiss gathering, several conference participants, including Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, had advocated for Russia's inclusion in future conferences. Russia was excluded from the Swiss gathering, while China remained absent. The objective of the conference is to secure an international consensus for potential peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. Additional information here.
15:02 Ukraine Peace Summit Fails to Agree on resolution: Not every Participating Nation backs the Proposed DocumentThe final document of the peace summit in Switzerland was not supported by all participating nations. The paper was only approved by 80 out of 93 participating nations. As per the proposal, the UN Charter and "respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty" would serve as the foundation for "a comprehensive, fair, and lasting peace in Ukraine." The document also focuses on nuclear security, food security, and prisoner exchange. Among the countries that did not approve the document were six members of the G20 group of the world's most powerful economic nations: Brazil, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, India, and Indonesia. Additionally, Armenia, Bahrain, Thailand, Libya, the United Arab Emirates, Colombia, and the Vatican did not sign.
14:53 Union Demands Removal of Financial Support for Ukrainian Citizens: Thorsten Frei, the Leading Member of the Union Party in the German Bundestag, advocates for discontinuation of the financial aid to Ukrainian refugees. "The financial aid to Ukrainian refugees sets the wrong incentives," the CDU politician stated to Funke Media Group. Although it is crucial for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, many Ukrainian soldiers have sought refuge here. It is known that the country not only needs weapons but also soldiers. Frei also proposes changes in the financial aid for Ukrainian women: The demand for refugee aid is evident in the fact that the number of Ukrainian women seeking jobs in Germany is surprisingly low.
14:17 Russia gains Control over another Village in the South of UkraineThe Russian Defense Ministry announced that the units from the Eastern Military District have seized control of the settlement of Sagrine in the Saporischja region and have secured advantageous positions. Russia's army has primarily been advancing in the east of Ukraine for months, but without significant breakthroughs. Prior to the capture of Sagrine, it had declared the capture of three villages in the east, south, and northwest of Ukraine in the previous week. Russian troops began an offensive in the northeast of Ukraine on May 10 and gained control of several places before their advance was halted by reinforced Ukrainian troops.
13:50 Putin's questionable Peace Offering: Putin rules out Peace talks with Ukraine, but not NegotiationsAccording to Russian reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin has not ruled out Peace talks with Ukraine, but has stated that guarantees are necessary to ensure the credibility of any potential negotiations. Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted by Russian media. A few days ago, Putin made an offer of peace that many observers saw as equivalent to a Ukrainian surrender and granting large territories of the country to Russia. Many observers consider it poisoned to influence the conference in Switzerland. Kiev rejected the alleged offer immediately.
13:23 Trubetskoy on ways out of the war: "We're not getting around negotiations with Moscow"While representatives from 92 countries were discussing a peace plan for Ukraine at the Swiss Bernstein Conference Center, fighting continued in the country under attack by Russia. Ukrainian journalist Dennis Trubetskoy spoke in an ntv interview about the slim chances of a negotiated solution and the positions of Zelensky and Putin:
12:49 The final declaration of the Ukraine conference in Switzerland is unlikely to receive unanimous supportThe final declaration of the Ukraine conference in Switzerland is unlikely to receive unanimous support, according to Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer. Some countries have issues with the formulation of the declaration, Nehammer told journalists at the Bernstein Conference Center. There is a desire for a follow-up conference on Ukraine. However, it is too early to say how the format will look. Also, it must be seen whether Russia will be able to participate. Before the participation of a Russian delegation, there could be an interim conference, according to Nehammer.
12:23 Putin's Peace Offering: Ukrainian soldiers do not want to "play with the beast"Putin announced that Russia is ready for an arms truce and peace talks with Ukraine under certain conditions. Kiev rejected the offer outright, as it was seen as a capitulation. What do the soldiers, who risk their lives every day at the front, think of the Kremlin's offer?
12:02 Ukrainian Foreign Minister welcomes conclusion of Ukraine Conference in Switzerland
The conclusion of the Ukraine Conference in Switzerland is finalized and "balanced," says Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to journalists at Bürgenstock. The positions of the Kiev government have been considered. No alternative peace plans were discussed at the summit meeting. Ukraine will not allow Russia to speak in the language of ultimatums.
11:23 British Intelligence expects additional $29 billion revenue for RussiaRecently announced tax increases in Russia are likely, according to British Intelligence, to be used "with considerable certainty" for the financing of growing financial obligations, including the war in Ukraine. London expects additional revenue for the Kremlin in the amount of $29 billion by 2025 through the increase of the corporate tax rate from 20 to 25 percent. In addition, new tax classes will be introduced and the highest income tax rate will be raised from 15 to 22 percent in the context of the new tax system. "The higher tax burden for companies is likely to limit future investments and the growth of non-military sectors," says the British Intelligence.
11:04 Switzerland Peace Conference for Ukraine: Nuclear Security Discussed
International Ukraine Conference in Switzerland ongoing discussions:Security in nuclear sector, grain exports, and humanitarian issues like missing Ukrainian children top the agenda. These aspects will be included in a final declaration. Press conferences are set for the meeting's second day featuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, among others, to discuss a peace process where Russia is envisioned to be incorporated long-term, but there's no invite for Moscow this time.
10:23 Strange "Interview" from Putin's man in Ukraine:Historian Matthäus Wehowski from the Hannah-Arendt Institute questions Putin's sincerity in negotiations, stating his latest 'peace offering' is just a talking head, Viktor Medvedchuk, a puppet of Putin in Ukraine. During an interview on Kremlin propaganda outlet TASS, Medvedchuk baselessly claimed Zelenskyy doesn't represent the Ukrainian people and falsely stated their goal is to 'liberate Odessa and other cities.' Medvedchuk echoed Kremlin talking points of 'complete denazification and demilitarization' of Ukraine. Historian Wehowski views 'Another Ukraine' as Putin's possible fake Ukrainian government meant for subjugation of Ukraine.
09:49 Switzerland Conference without Russia: "Scholz tackles the core issue":Discussions about resolving the conflict in Ukraine are happening in Switzerland, but Russia is absent from the event. NTV reporter Jürgen Weichert explains there was no invitation sent to Moscow, yet the Russian side hasn't shown any interest in attending either.
09:07 High casualties reported among Russian troops in Ukraine:Ukraine has reported significant casualties on the Russian side, though not as high as in May after the Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region. On a single day, 1160 soldiers were reportedly eliminated. Six armored personnel carriers and 58 artillery pieces were also destroyed. The information about destroyed tanks is unconfirmed.
08:31 Aid package from USA still pending for Ukraine:Ukrainian defense minister, General Lieutenant Ivan Havryluk, confirms the country is still awaiting the majority of the $61 billion support package from the USA. However, a limited amount has been received and has been helpful in reducing the scarcity of artillery ammunition. With minimal Western aid, the advantage of Russian forces in available projectiles will persist for some weeks or months.
07:53 Struggle for Ukraine's power plants:Coal power plant capacity has decreased from 5 Gigawatts to 500 Megawatts due to Russian attacks. For the heating season, this is catastrophic. Ukraine is trying to repair as much plant capacity as possible, but parts such as turbines or generators are hard to come by. To restore some electricity capacity, Ukraine may use material from old power plants from countries like Poland, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Romania, and Greece that were built during the Soviet era. These repaired units will be makeshift.
07:32 Germany's vulnerability against hybrid attacks pointed out:According to cybersecurity expert Christian Dörre, Germany is insufficiently prepared against foreign disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks. "When it comes to hybrid threats, we are unfortunately not well prepared." Dörre warns that the past two years of the Ukraine conflict have shown that society is underprepared and ineffective against hybrid threats, starting from disinformation and fake news to attacks on infrastructure.
06:54 Heating tension on the frontlines:The Ukrainian General Staff reports increased activity on the frontlines near Wremiwka, between Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia. Russian forces have launched ten assaults on the frontlines in Vodjane, Uroschajne, and Staromajorsk. The situation is tense, and measures are being taken to stabilize it.
23:27 Fightback reported in Serebryansky Forest, Ukraine claims seizure of Russian positionsAs per the Ukrainian Asow Brigade, Russian forces have allegedly lost positions in Serebryansky Forest. The news was shared on social media by Swjatoslaw Palamar, deputy commander of the 12th Brigade of the Asow National Guard. Nasar Voloshyn, a spokesperson for the Chortyzja grouping, echoed this statement: "Our defense forces are actively engaging the enemy's positions, pushing back their defensive lines and firing positions. We are also launching counterattacks, capturing their firing positions on tactical levels and pushing them out of their lines." Military-affiliated channel Deepstate has also reported on these advances. The battlefront in the Luhansk region is located in the Serebryansky Forest.
05:24 Criticism by Brandenburg's Interior Minister Michael Stübgen over benefits for Ukrainian refugees in GermanyStübgen has endorsed his Bavarian counterpart's stance, demanding that citizens' benefits be withdrawn from war-fleeing Ukrainians in Germany. Stübgen expressed his sentiment to Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland: "It's illogical to talk about supporting Ukraine as much as possible and, at the same time, support flag-fleeing Ukrainians." He further stated that the immediate payment of citizens' benefits to refugees from Ukraine was a "fundamental mistake." The low employment rate of Ukrainians is attributed to citizens' benefits acting as an obstacle for employment. The federal government needs to consider a policy change.
03:55 Absence of US President Biden at the Ukraine Conference, with him attending a fundraising event insteadUnlike other G7 participants, US President Biden did not attend the Ukraine Conference in Switzerland. Instead, Biden returned to the USA to attend a gala dinner with Hollywood stars such as Julia Roberts and George Clooney to aid his campaign fundraising efforts. In Biden's stead, US Vice President Kamala Harris attended the Ukraine Summit.
02:50 Emphasis on restoring Ukraine's territorial integrity by EU Commission President Ursula von der LeyenAccording to von der Leyen, the current situation on the battlefield should not be allowed to persist. "Freezing the conflict today while foreign troops occupy Ukrainian land is not a solution," she stated at the Ukraine Summit in Switzerland. "It's a recipe for future war." Summit participants should support a comprehensive, fair, and sustainable peace for Ukraine. This peace must also reinstate Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
01:28 Civil Defense Practices in Latvia: Preparing for Emergencies and Providing First AidLatvia hosted a nationwide civil defense information day under the title "Armed with Knowledge." In 14 cities and municipalities, the population learned how to act in crisis situations. Topics covered included first aid, setting up emergency supplies, and dealing with explosive objects, radiation, or chemical hazards. This initiative aims to strengthen civil defense in the face of Russia's aggression in Ukraine. Defense Minister Andris Spruds emphasized the importance of the public being informed about their actions in a critical situation: "We all must assume our responsibility, our contribution, so that we, as a society, as a country, and as individuals know how to behave in a crisis situation."
00:54 Around 3,500 rockets fired at civilian targets and Ukrainian infrastructure every month, according to Ukrainian President ZelenskyZelensky claims that Russia unleashes circa 3,500 rockets at civilian targets and Ukrainian infrastructure every month. In an interview with Italian television channel Sky TG24, Zelensky asserts that these rockets are used exclusively against civilian targets to force people to abandon cities and villages, paving the way for Russian occupation. Russia is allegedly lying when it denies targeting only military objectives.
23:23 Accusations of indoctrination and name changes by Russian authorities for kidnapped children, as claimed by Ukrainian human rights activistsUkrainian human rights activists accuse Russian authorities of indoctrinating children kidnapped from Ukraine. Mykola Kuleba, head of the charitable organization Save Ukraine, states that children are forbidden to speak Ukrainian or display any Ukrainian symbols. Children are strictly punished if they refuse to sing the Russian anthem. Kuleba also claims that Russian authorities have changed the names and birthdates of these children. Save Ukraine has managed to retrieve 373 children thus far - many reportedly display signs of trauma. According to the Ukrainian government, over 20,000 children have been kidnapped since the conflict began, an allegation that Russia denies, claiming to have safely evacuated children from the war zone.
22:12 Accusations of civilian deaths and injuries due to shrapnel use by Russian military in the east of UkraineUkrainian investigators charge the Russian military with killing and injuring civilians in the east of the country through the use of shrapnel. The Regional Prosecutor's Office in Donetsk reports that Russian forces shelled the village of Ulakly in the Wolnowacha district using multiple rocket launcher systems loaded with shrapnel. These systems allegedly hit a residential area, resulting in the death of two men and a woman, and the injury of five civilians.
9:24 PM Saudi Arabia: Reliable negotiations need Russian presenceAs per Saudi Arabia, reliable negotiations for a peace agreement will necessitate Russian presence. Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud mentioned at the Ukraine summit in Switzerland that a peace plan would require "challenging concessions." Saudi Arabia has gained attention as one of the top contenders to host a subsequent conference.
8:51 PM Power Struggle: Ukrainians Claim Victories on the East FrontThe Ukrainian military has claimed victories on the Eastern Front in the regions of Klischtschijiwka and Serebrjansker Wald. Reports have surfaced that Ukrainian troops managed to push out Russian troops from their positions, according to the Ukrainian army's Telegram page. The success is credited to the 12th Special Brigade Asow. Its vice commander, Sviatoslav Palamar, announced on Facebook that Russian troops lost their positions in the Serebrjansker Wald region.
8:16 PM Ukraine reports fresh attacks near WowtschanskIn spite of the attempts by a significant portion of the international community for peace in Ukraine, Russian troops continue their attacks on various fronts. Supported by their air force, Russian units attacked yet again in the east of the country near Wowtschansk, as the General Staff in Kiev reported in its evening situation report. Exceptionally strong Russian advances were also noted from the Pokrowsk region in the southeast of Ukraine. About one third of the 74 Russian attacks of the day were registered there. All attacks were repelled, it is said.
8:57 PM Scholz: Russia should be part of the peace processGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz advocates for Russia's involvement in the peace process for Ukraine. "It's true that peace in Ukraine cannot be achieved without Russia being a part of it," Scholz said at the peace conference in Switzerland. At the same time, he demanded that Russia withdraw completely from the partially occupied Ukraine. "Russia could end this war today or at any other time if it stops its attacks and withdraws its troops from Ukraine."
- you can catch up on previous events here.
Read also:
- Amidst the ongoing military operations in Ukraine, NATO has expressed its support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
- The Russian military has been accused of engaging in cyberwarfare against Ukraine, targeting critical infrastructure and government websites.
- Volodymyr Selenskyy, the Ukrainian president, has urged the international community to impose sanctions on Russia for its attacks on Ukraine, including its use of military force and cyberwarfare tactics.
- The Ukraine conflict has also highlighted the importance of cybersecurity for critical infrastructure, with utilities and energy companies in Ukraine reporting frequent cyberattacks from Russian sources.
