04:11 Russia launches cruise missiles in western Ukraine

At 04:11, Russia launches cruise missiles into western Ukraine.

Russia targets Ukraine with drones and missiles, sparking air alarm nationwide. Areas in the west are affected, with explosions reported in Saporischschja. A blaze is said to have erupted in a critical infrastructure facility in Vinnyzja, where a drone is thought to be the culprit. So far, there are no reports of casualties.

02:03: Accusations of Ukrainian shelling result in five Russian civilian deathsThe leader of the Russian-controlled city of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, Denis Pushilin, reports five civilian deaths in the city and the village of Luhanske, both near Donetsk, due to alleged Ukrainian shelling. Additionally, a Russian-controlled city, Belgorod, claims a Ukrainian drone hit a residential building. The governor of the Belgorod region reports that air defenses have downed a new wave of incoming objects. Thankfully, there haven't been any reported casualties.

01:02: US grants Ukrainian steel industry temporary tariff reliefUS President Joe Biden has announced that the temporary exemption of tariffs on Ukrainian steel will be extended for another year. Biden states that the Ukrainian steel industry has been significantly disrupted due to the unjustified, unprovoked, and ruthless war launched by Russia against Ukraine. The US initially suspended tariffs on Ukrainian steel in May 2022, later extending the exemption in May 2023.

23:09: "Put Domoi" women's organization in Russia labelled as "foreign agent"The Russian government has labeled the women's group "Put Domoi" ("Go Home" in Russian), which advocates for the return of mobilized Russian soldiers from Ukraine, as a "foreign agent." Moscow asserts that the movement aims to create a negative image of Russia and its military and encourages unlawful protests. Women and family members of soldiers deployed in Ukraine had held continuous protests in early 2023, gathering at Moscow's Red Square and the Kremlin wall, layering it with flowers symbolizing the graves of the dead soldiers.

22:16: Russian-American journalist to stay in Russian custody until at least AugustThe Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva will remain in Russian custody until at least August 5 before her investigation and trial commence. Kurmasheva, the editor of the US-funded Radio Free Europe and the Tatar-Bashkir service of Radio Liberty, was arrested on October 18. She was charged with failing to register as a foreign agent while gathering information on Russian military deployments.

21:48: Zelenskyy signs long-term security agreements with Norway and IcelandUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has concluded a series of negotiations in Sweden, culminating in long-term security agreements with Norway and Iceland. The Norwegian government has committed to bolstering Ukrainian capabilities in sea and air defense over the course of a 10-year period. The Norwegian arms industry may potentially establish manufacturing operations in Ukraine as part of the agreement. Iceland has also pledged a 10-year partnership.

21:16: Volunteer from Switzerland sustains injury in Vovchansk under Russian fireAs Russian forces bombarded the village of Shestakovo and the town of Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region, three people, including a Swiss volunteer, were injured. The Swiss volunteer, who came to Ukraine to assist with the evacuation of civilians and animals from conflict zones, was among the casualties.

20:41: China declines invitation to Switzerland-based peace conference on UkraineChina will not participate in a Switzerland-based peace conference on Ukraine in coming weeks. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, China expects both Russia and Ukraine to be present at the conference. However, their absence would prevent it from fulfilling its expectations. This corroborates an exclusive report by Reuters.

20:09: Deputy US Treasury Secretary Adeyemo cautions China against supporting RussiaUS Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo urges China not to support Russia with military assistance, as they have denied doing so. The US had previously accused China of secretly aiding Russia by supplying military support. Adeyemo, who recently visited Kyiv, comments that China must decide whether it wishes to maintain economic ties with the West or ally with Russia. "Chinese firms can either conduct business with our economies or provide equipment for Russia's war machines. They cannot do both," Adeyemo asserts.

19:37: Kharkiv Prosecutor's Office criticizes "anti-Ukrainian" comments by the Georgian Prime MinisterThe Ukrainian authorities have criticized the "anti-Ukrainian" comments made by the Georgian Prime Minister, isolating Ukraine's pro-Western stance. The Kharkiv Prosecutor's Office has issued a statement condemning the Prime Minister's remarks amid the ongoing Russian invasion.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has spoken out against the "anti-Ukrainian" comments from Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili. They find his remarks about the EuroMaidan revolution and the bravery of the Ukrainian people for freedom and independence to be unacceptable and offensive. During the opening of a new bridge in Tbilisi on May 30, Kobachidze said that the Georgian dream would not allow a "Maidan" to occur in Georgia. This referenced the EuroMaidan Revolution in Ukraine in 2014 where over 100 protesters lost their lives at the hands of security forces, resulting in the fleeing of pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych. Multiple international organizations like the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) have said that the Ukrainian presidential elections in 2014 and 2019 had been "competitive" and that fundamental freedoms were largely respected.

19:00: Raising Electricity Tariffs to Maintain the System Due to Russian Attacks

The Ukrainian government has raised electricity tariffs by more than 60% due to the destructive raids on Ukrainian power plants by Russia. The goal is to continue being powered and maintain the system. Repairs are needed for damaged power plants, transformer stations, and high-voltage lines. Unfortunately, it is believed that the shelling of energy objects by the enemy will continue and all possible resources must be utilized.

18:31: Increase in Recruited Soldiers after New Mobilization Law

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated at a press conference that the number of recruited soldiers has increased since a new mobilization law was implemented in the country. The Ukrainian parliament passed an updated mobilization law in mid-April to quicken the process during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The new law streamlines the identification process for suitable recruits and includes harsher penalties for draft evaders. Another law, signed by the president before the enactment of the mobilization law, lowers the minimum age for conscription from 27 to 25 years.

18:02: Russia Advancing in War Efforts, Claims Capture of 28 Settlements in May

Russia's military is making progress in its offensive war against Ukraine, as stated by Defense Minister Andrei Belousov during a meeting of the Moscow-influenced Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Russia has captured 28 settlements in May and has pushed the enemy back by eight to nine kilometers at certain strategic areas in the Kharkiv region. Since the start of the year, they have seized 880 square kilometers of territory. If correct, this newly taken land would be roughly the size of Berlin. However, this can't be independently confirmed.

17:36: NATO Secretary General Blames China for Providing Russia with High-Tech Equipment

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has strongly criticized China in connection with Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "Russia wouldn't be able to wage its war against Ukraine without China's support," he said after a meeting with the foreign ministers of the NATO member states. China is supplying Russia with large quantities of equipment that can be used for both civilian and military purposes. This includes advanced technology and semiconductors. "Without these high-end products, Russia wouldn't have been able to manufacture the rockets, bombs, and aircraft it is using against Ukraine," he added. 90% of the microelectronics Russia imported last year came from China.

17:11: Habeck: Ukraine Must Prevent Attacks from Russia

Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck argued that Ukraine must have the ability to prevent attacks from Russia. The Economy and Climate Protection Minister emphasized, in regards to Germany's decision to permit the use of German-supplied weapons against Russian military targets, that the shelling of Kharkiv was coming from Russian territory. "Ukraine lacks enough protective weapons to safeguard the lives of its population," he said. This lack of sufficient defense infrastructure is also due to the fact that Ukraine's supporters haven't provided or supplied adequate assistance. "It's logical that Ukraine defends itself by forestalling attacks from Russia. Forbidding them would mean more casualties."

16:45: Polish Intelligence Service Investigates False Report on Partial Mobilization

After a false report of a partial mobilization in Poland, the domestic intelligence service is looking into whether the state news agency PAP was targeted by a Russian cyber attack. "We believe we're dealing with a cyber attack that originated from the Russian side," said Digitalization Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski. The attack was designed to spread disinformation before the European election. The false report claimed that Prime Minister Donald Tusk issued an order for a partial mobilization on July 1. It also mentioned the deployment of 200,000 Poles, both former soldiers and civilians, to Ukraine.

16:22: Blinken: Situation in Eastern Ukraine Holds Stable

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken asserted that the situation at the front in eastern Ukraine is stabilizing. He made these remarks during a meeting with the foreign ministers of the G7 countries. Both Ukraine and Russia's arms control chief discussed the possibility of a ceasefire, with Russia proposing military-to-military contacts to prevent clashes. Regarding the fake news circulated by the Russian government about Ukraine allegedly shelling the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the G7 urged Russia to cease its disinformation campaign.

The recent military aid supplied to Ukraine by the US is proving to be effective, according to US Foreign Minister Antony Blinken. He stated during a NATO Foreign Ministers meeting that 10,000 artillery shells, thousands of anti-tank mines, and air defense capabilities have already made a difference. Moreover, other NATO partners are accelerating their deliveries. Germany and the Netherlands have reportedly agreed to provide additional air defense systems. Blinken further added that the front in the east and northeast of Ukraine is more stable, and the Ukrainian forces have made considerable progress in the Black Sea by driving back the Russian fleet.

A prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine has taken place, with each side releasing 75 prisoners. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky shared the news on social media, while the Russian Defense Ministry also confirmed the development. The two countries had been negotiating this process for quite some time, resulting in 75 Russian soldiers being handed back from territories controlled by the Ukrainian regime and 75 soldiers being returned from Ukraine.

The Green faction leader, Britta Haßelmann, highlighted Ukraine's right to self-defense in the aftermath of the Russian assault. She pointed out that Ukraine has been defending itself against an aggressive, unlawful attack by Russia for almost two years and is entitled to protect itself.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine's attack on Russia with Western weapons is inevitable. Speaking at a press conference in Stockholm, he emphasized that the use of any weapon, even one from the West, on Russian soil is forecasted to occur.

Steven Seagal, a US actor, is honored with an order by Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin's chief. Seagal, who holds a Russian citizenship, serves as Russia's special envoy for interactions with the United States.

An IRIS-T missile was reported lost by the media, but the German Defense Ministry denied any missing missiles. The ministry claimed, "We are not missing any guided missile." IRIS-T is an anti-aircraft system that Germany has also donated to Ukraine.

Ukraine has exchanged 75 Russian soldiers, as confirmed by the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. These prisoners were returned after careful negotiations, rescuing their lives from imminent danger. The Ukrainian armed forces countered with the detainment of an equivalent number of prisoners.

Amidst the negotiations, China refused to attend the Ukraine peace conference organized by Switzerland due to unmet requirements. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said there was a significant gap between the structure of the conference and China's expectations, and its participation was deemed difficult. China was seeking acceptance by both Russia and Ukraine, an equal representation of all parties, and an equitable discussion of all peace options.

German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, cautioned against an escalation that would lead to a major war. He explained that Germany must ensure Ukraine's ability to defend its independence and sovereignty while closely collaborating with its allied partners. Scholz emphasized the need for a cautious approach, considering each step's impact on the overall escalation risk.

A court in Russia has further extended the detention of US journalist Alsu Kurmasheva till early August. Despite defense lawyers' request for house arrest, the Kazan district court denied it. Kurmasheva, who works for the Tatar program of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), has been detained in Russia for a year and has been prohibited from leaving the country. Her arrest has been termed retaliation for her journalistic activities by RFE/RL.

Medvedev Issues Warning: Russia's Threat of Atomic Weapons in Ukraine Conflict Not a Bluff

In response to the eased restrictions on the use of Western weapons in the Ukraine conflict, Russia is not bluffing with its threat of using atomic weapons, warns former President Dmitry Medvedev. He refers to the tactical nuclear weapons, which are designed for conflict on the battlefield and not for entirely obliterating the enemy. The situation could escalate into a full-blown war, asserts Putin's trusted confidant. A Russian parliamentarian also warns the West of an asymmetrical war. Medvedev's statement comes after a shift in Western stances concerning the conditions under which Ukraine can utilize Western weapons against targets in Russia. Most nations had previously prohibited this. Reports from US government sources claim that President Joe Biden has authorized the use of US weapons against Russian targets aiding the attack on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. Examples include aircraft launching rockets from Russian territory against Kharkiv. The German government also grants Ukraine free rein for Kharkiv's defense.

12:40 ntv reporter Sharma on US Weapons: "Provides Legitimate Military Targets in Russian Interior"

The United States allows Ukraine to utilize American weapons under specific conditions, targeting designated military objectives in Russian territory. This policy change is sparking disagreement within NATO nations. ntv correspondent Kavita Sharma reflects on these reactions in Kharkiv, Ukraine.

12:35 Pistorius: No New Debate Over Taurus Rockets for Ukraine

Germany's Defense Minister, Boris Pistorius, justifies the decision to permit the use of German weapons against Russian targets as a "strategic adjustment to changing circumstances." The SPD politician, speaking with his Moldovan counterpart Anatolie Nosatii in the capital Chisinau, emphasizes that Germany's stance has been consistent throughout the conflict with Putin. "This decision is the right one. It's what we've been doing since the war began," he adds. The government has ruled out a debate over the delivery of long-range German Taurus missiles to Ukraine, explaining that their maximum range is what they and their partners have previously stated.

11:55 -Strack-Zimmermann Hopes for Taurus Rocket Discussion Revival

In her final days as chairwoman of the Bundestag Defense Committee, FDP politician Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann continues to advocate for a discussion on whether Germany should provide Ukraine with Taurus rockets. Although her optimism in this matter is limited, she emphasizes the rapidly changing situation, mentioning the Russian attacks on the city of Kharkiv in particular. Western support for Ukraine is currently unwavering, but in her opinion, it should not be predictable, she says. However, others argue against resuming this debate, introducing the idea of long-range weapons capable of reaching hundreds of kilometers. The founding principle remains unchanged, notes Strack-Zimmermann.

11:30 Munz: Nuclear Threats - "Kremlin in a Dilemma"

Since the Ukraine conflict began, Putin has threatened Europe and NATO. His warnings make no difference, as countries continue to support Ukraine, notes ntv correspondent Rainer Munz. For him, the current situation is a dilemma for the Kremlin.

11:05 Zelensky: Russian Troops Taunting Ukrainians as They "Hunt" Them

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed frustration in an interview with the British newspaper "Guardian" about the U.S. President Joe Biden's reluctance to use Western weapons against Russian targets. The Russians mock the situation and consider their opponents fair game, according to Zelensky. The delay in Biden's decision has caused unnecessary losses. "It's like they're hunting people. They know we can see them, but we can't reach them," he lamented.

10:45 Orban: NATO Edges Closer to War Each Week

According to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, NATO is growing more aggressive in its actions against Russia, bringing the alliance closer to war every week. He deems the plan to involve NATO more in the Ukraine conflict as "absurd." Any NATO interference would risk a global conflict, explains Orban, who maintains friendly ties with the Russian government. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stated at a meeting of the alliance's foreign ministers in Prague that it's time to consider restricting the usage of weapons supplied to Ukraine.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to attend a security conference in Singapore this weekend, where support for his nation will likely be discussed. The Shangri-La Dialogue is a significant annual security conference in Asia, and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Chinese counterpart, Dong Jun, are also expected to attend. Ukraine is actively attempting to gain participation in a peace conference in Switzerland, but Russia is reportedly trying to prevent other countries from taking part, according to six sources familiar with the situation.

China has expressed its support for a peace conference that involves both Russia and Ukraine. According to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning, China's stance is fair and impartial, not targeting any particular party. However, Reuters reported that China won't be attending the peace conference in Switzerland scheduled for June. The conference is being organized by the Swiss government, with Ukraine's request, but Russia will not participate and hasn't been invited.

In the Kharkiv region of northeast Ukraine, Ukrainian troops have withdrawn from key areas, as per Russian Defense Minister Andrej Belousov. This year, Russian forces have taken control of more than 28 settlements, according to the state news agency Interfax, which cited the minister. They've captured a total of 880 square kilometers.

In Kiev, the Ukrainian capital, several energy facilities have been damaged by a Russian rocket attack. DTEK, the energy company, reported that a power plant was destroyed and the power grid in the Holosiyivskyi district was affected. Several private homes are also without power. The Russian military allegedly used drones and ballistic short-range missiles of the Iskander type during the attack, Ukraine's Air Force said.

An oil depot in the Russian Black Sea port of Kavkaz was targeted by Ukrainian forces overnight. The Ukrainian General Staff reported that the depot was hit by several Neptune missiles of Ukrainian origin. There's currently no information on the extent of the damage. Additionally, Ukrainian forces also attacked two ferries near the Kerch Bridge. Kavkaz Port is located on Tuzla Island, near Kerch City on the Ukrainian Crimean Peninsula, which Russia has occupied.

Regarding the use of US weapons against Russian targets, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated that there's no escalation risk. "Russia is escalating by attacking another country," he said at the NATO Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Prague. He also emphasized the importance of other countries allowing Ukraine to attack Russian legitimate military targets using weapons provided by them.

Ukrainian air defense units have successfully shot down four Russian Shahed drones and one Iskander missile in the night. The commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, Mykola Oleschtchuk, announced this through a Telegram post. The Ukrainian anti-aircraft missile units and mobile fire units were responsible for the destruction of the drones in the areas of Kiev, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipropetrovsk, while the Iskander missile was targeted in the Kiev region.

Tragedy struck in Charkiv when a rocket attack left four civilians dead and another 25 injured during the night. The governor of the Charkiv region, Oleh Syniehubov, confirmed this development via Telegram. Tragically, another body was found in the debris of the damaged building, raising the death toll to four.

A nighttime Russian rocket attack on Charkiv resulted in four casualties and 25 injuries. The governor of the Charkiv region, Oleh Syniehubov, shared this update via Telegram. Unfortunately, another body was discovered amid the rubble. Consequently, the death toll increased to four.

In recent developments, Russia has faced significant casualties on their end as per information shared from Kyiv. A total of 1390 Russian soldiers have been reported dead or incapable of fighting. Since the beginning of the conflict in February 2022, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry claims that 507,650 Russian soldiers have been "eliminated". The Ministry has been releasing daily reports on Russian losses, which mention that the enemy has lost 18 more tanks (the current total stands at 7728). Ukraine has also counted nearly 15,000 armored vehicles and roughly 10,500 drones that are no longer in the hands of the Russian military or have been destroyed. However, these figures cannot be independently confirmed. Moscow refrains from disclosing its own losses in Ukraine.

At 7:14 AM local time, two individuals were injured in a Ukrainian air raid on an oil infrastructure facility located in Krasnodar's southern region. The facility's oil depot experienced damage from debris falling from shot-down drones, causing a fire that was later extinguished. The Russian Defense Ministry noted that air defense eliminated five rockets and 29 drones. The Russian region of Krasnodar, along with Voronezh, Belgorod, and Tambov, also witnessed additional drone shoot downs by Russia's air defense systems.

Earlier in the day, there were reports of explosions happening overnight in the Russian-occupied Crimea. According to an unnamed Telegram channel, Crimean Wind, residents of Kerch heard approximately 8-10 explosions. It is believed that a fire occurred at an oil depot situated in the Port of Kavkaz. The Ukrainian General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces asserted that two ferries from Kerch were hit by ATACMS missiles.

Ukraine experienced a series of explosions in the Russian-occupied Crimea overnight, as per eyewitness accounts. This information was shared by the Crimean Wind Telegram channel, as mentioned by the Ukrainian news agency, Ukrinform. The post claims that eight to ten explosions occurred in the Port of Kavkaz. Residents in Kerch heard these explosions. A fire was also observed at an oil depot within the port, being one of the hit locations.

Evidence of North Korean rockets being used in Russia's war against Ukraine has been found, according to a debris analysis conducted by the U.S. military. This was disclosed by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), which stated: "The analysis confirms that Russia has used ballistic missiles from North Korea in its war against Ukraine. North Korean missile debris has been discovered throughout Ukraine."

Recognizing China's support for Russia as a potential threat to European security, the U.S. government shares this view with its G7 partners and various other EU and NATO nations. The US State Department's Deputy Spokesperson, Vedant Patel, voiced these concerns at a press conference: "The support China offers to Russia not only endangers Ukraine but also European security."

Several missile strikes were reported in the early hours of the morning, targeting Kharkiv. Five such hits were registered in the city area, including one at a five-story residential building. Pictures published by Ukrajinska Pravda show evidence of the attack. The consequences involved three fatalities, with 16 people severely injured. Among the wounded were two children.

An SPD foreign policy politician, Nils Schmid, expressed his views supporting the use of Western weapons against military targets in Russia by Ukraine. Schmid is the foreign policy spokesperson for the SPD parliamentary group who remarks: "It makes sense to lift the restriction for targets on Russian territory." He emphasized that the NATO allies should make this decision jointly.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz ruled out the deployment of German soldiers in Ukraine and taking part in a no-fly zone. In a reader's meeting with the Thuringian Allgemeine in Erfurt, he stated: "We don't want our soldiers to be involved." He also mentioned that the proposal of a no-fly zone would be "reckless." It would mean that one's own aircraft would have to shoot down planes belonging to other countries. "Then you're in a war," he added. It was highlighted that Scholz's stance was shared by US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron.

A US insider claims that the US is permitting Ukraine to use its weapons against Russia, though only in the Kharkiv region. This is according to a government representative. This marks a shift from the position held by US President Joe Biden, who had previously denied Ukraine the right to employ US weapons in Russian operations. It's said that the restriction against using Ukrainian-supplied long-range rockets and other munitions for offensives within Russia remains. About an hour ago, the Ukrainian Storm Brigade released footage of combat in the city of Vovchansk, located in Kharkiv's border region. The Liut Brigade, a military police unit, is guarding the city together with other troops. They shared a video that supposedly showcases clashes within Vovchansk, portraying members of the Tsunami Regiment repelling Russian soldiers from fortifying a structure.

22:06 Ukrainian Storm Brigade Shares In-City Combat Footage