Arrival of Schwesig in Kiev: Emphasis on Ukraine's Victory
As the first President of the Bundesrat, Manuela Schwesig, Governor of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, journeys to Ukraine. This SPD politician travels to Kiev via train, aiming to conduct political discussions. Schwesig remarks, "This visit symbolizes the solidarity of all 16 federal states with Ukraine." She emphasizes, "Ukraine must triumph in this war, and it's unacceptable for Russia to succeed with its aggression." Not every politician can boldly express such sentiments. Instead, Chancellor Olaf Scholz continually states that Russia must not win the war, and Ukraine should not lose it.
7:36 The village of Nowooleksandriwka in the Donezk region remains a battleground. Ukrainian reports indicate that Russian troops have not seized full control of this settlement. The Ukrainian military records intense fighting there.
6:52 A military blogger claims that Russian commanders are mistreating their wounded soldiers within various units of the so-called Donetsk People's Republic. It is alleged that one brigade is keeping its wounded in the city of Donezk under harsh conditions instead of offering them medical treatment. The US think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW) backs this assertion, citing the blogger.
6:21 An Estonian volunteer serving in the Ukrainian army has been killed during combat in the Luhansk region. This casualty is reported by Kyiv Independent, referencing Estonian newspaper "Postimees." Martin Jaager, a 42-year-old professional soldier, was supposedly slain on Saturday, making him the third Estonian fatality while aiding Ukraine. Jaager had previously served in an elite unit in Estonia before joining the Ukrainian military over a year ago.
5:44 The EU Foreign Ministers are convening in Luxembourg today to deliberate the Russian attack on Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba will participate in the discussion through video conferencing. Pressure is expected to intensify on Hungary to abandon its obstruction of the 6.5 billion Euros in military aid to Ukraine, following a contentious debate about this issue at the Foreign Ministers' meeting at the end of May.
4:45 Moscow attributes the rocket attack on the Black Sea port city of Sewastopol on the annexed Crimean Peninsula to the US. "The liability for the deliberate rocket attack on the civilian population of Sewastopol primarily rests with Washington, which has provided these weapons to Ukraine, and with the Kiev regime, from whose territory this attack originated," the ministry stated. US experts are said to have used information from US spy satellites to determine the launch coordinates of the rockets, implying that the US government bears direct responsibility. Four deaths, including two children, and 151 injuries have been reported, according to the Defense Ministry.
3:42 The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) condemns attacks on Enerhodar, near the Saporischschja Nuclear Power Plant. "Whoever is responsible for these attacks must halt immediately. The repeated use of drones to attack the power plant and its surrounding areas is abhorrent and flouts universally accepted security principles and specific practices," declares IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi. In the preceding week, drone attacks have targeted two substations, disrupting power supply to residents at times. Grossi notes that these incidents did not impact the operation of the Saporischschja Nuclear Power Plant.
2:45 Stoltenberg is scheduled to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday to discuss additional aid for Ukraine during its conflict with Russia. Macron previously discussed the possibility of forging a coalition to deploy Western military trainers to Ukraine.
1:43 Viktor Orban, the Prime Minister of Hungary, has advocated for an immediate ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict ahead of the Hungarian EU presidency. Orban expressed his belief that Russia's attack on Ukraine represents a clear violation of international norms and called for an end to the fighting at the front. The cessation of the war in Ukraine is one of Hungary's key priorities during its EU presidency, beginning on July 1.
0:53 Ukraine continues to attack targets on the annexed Crimean peninsula, according to Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform. The settlement of Evpatoria reported several explosions throughout the night, while the port city of Sevastopol issued an air alarm following daytime attacks. The repercussions of these attacks are uncertain. Recordings of fires and suspected military installations have surfaced but have yet to be confirmed by either the Ukrainian or Russian authorities.
23:49 Zelenskyy requests permission to strike Russian territory in earnest as intensified shelling continues in the city of Kharkiv. "The Russian air force must be eliminated wherever it is, with all potentially lethal means," says Zelenskyy during his daily video address. Kiev is working closely with its Western allies to secure the necessary long-range weapons and authorization for such operations.
Following a suggestion by Alexander Dobrindt, leader of the CSU-state group, for social aid for Ukrainian refugees, Karin Prien, deputy chairman of the CDU, describes the reasons behind their exodus. "Ukrainians are escaping Putin's brutality and his war. Undeniably, they receive our protection and our warmth," says Schleswig-Holstein's Education Minister on the X platform. "The majority of Ukrainian refugees aim to swiftly establish a footing, work, and prepare for their homeland's reconstruction. Our mission should be to smooth their transition into the workforce," stresses Prien. She also accuses the federal government of falling short in this regard.
22:17 EU Commission issues a caution about Russian interference in the 2025 Bundestag election
In light of the upcoming Bundestag election next year, EU Commission Vice President Vera Jourova issues a warning about possible manipulation tactics by Russia. "We're living in a new era of hostile manipulation," states the EU Commissioner for Transparency and Values, and the Defender of Democracy to the "Süddeutsche Zeitung." "I fear that Voice of Europe serves as a blueprint for further operations - also leading up to the Bundestag election next year. This supposed medium might just be the tip of the iceberg." The EU prohibited Voice of Europe and three other Russian media organizations from broadcasting within the EU in May. According to the EU, all were government-controlled, and they targeted European parties, "especially during election periods." Voice of Europe, based in Prague, is suspected of disseminating pro-Russian propaganda in the EU and providing funds to European politicians.
21:45 Ukrainian energy provider foresees nationwide power outages
With Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the state energy provider has announced power outages for the following days. This was communicated by Ukrenergo on Telegram. The actions are necessary due to an anticipated surge in energy consumption at the start of the week and the energy grid's weakening from "massive Russian assaults." Ukraine has been subjecting intermittent blackouts since May due to compromised energy infrastructure. For Monday, the most significant power cuts are expected between 19 and 23 hours, Ukrenergo declares.
You can find details of the previous events here.
Read also:
- The ongoing Ukraine conflict has led to intense military operations, with Russia accused of mistreating its wounded soldiers and launching attacks on Ukrainian territory, such as Sewastopol and Enerhodar.
- In response to Russia's aggression, German politician Manuela Schwesig, as the first President of the Bundesrat, visited Kiev to express solidarity with Ukraine and advocate for its victory, stating that it's unacceptable for Russia to succeed in its aggression.
- NATO allies are providing military aid and support to Ukraine, with leaders like Stoltenberg and French President Emmanuel Macron discussing additional aid during the conflict.
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian president, has requested permission to strike Russian territory with long-range weapons, citing the need to eliminate the Russian air force to prevent further casualties and damage to Ukrainian cities.
