At 19:30, Russian oil depot ignites due to aerial bombardment
Here's the paraphrased text:
A fresh drone attack on Ukraine has set an Oil Depot in the Rostov Oblast ablaze. As the flames continue to spread, no civilians are harmed. Russia has shared footage of the firefighting efforts, while Ukraine views the attack as a victory.
19:08 Moscow discloses changes to its Nuclear PolicyAmidst its ongoing feud with Ukraine, Russia, according to the Foreign Ministry, is planning to modify its Nuclear Policy. The lessons from the "military conflict" and the West's actions have shown that some aspects in the Military Policy need to be revised - such as the nuclear deterrence policy, as Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov reportedly informed Russian news agencies. He declined to provide further details.
18:34 Russian Ambassador called to Stockholm - SU-24 Bomber spotted over Gotland?Following a suspected transgression of Swedish airspace by a Russian military airplane, Sweden has summoned the Russian Ambassador. According to the Swedish Foreign Ministry, the matter concerned "the Russian incursion into Swedish airspace on June 14." Swedish authorities claim that a Russian SU-24 Bomber flew over the Baltic Sea island of Gotland, approximately 350 kilometers from the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. The Swedish Air Force issued a warning to the Russian aircraft, but it failed to alter its route. As a result, it was intercepted and escorted away by two JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets.
18:09 Joining the 141st Brigade: Ukrainian anti-drone team uses both old and new technologyIn the Ukraine conflict, drones are being used extensively. Their purpose is to locate and attack enemy positions. A TV team is accompanying Ukrainian soldiers, who employ a blend of old and innovative weapons to shoot down Russian drones in the sky - particularly at night, when they swarm in large numbers.
17:23 Aerial surveillance leads Kiev to blame Russian soldiers for beheading a Ukrainian soldierKiev accuses Russian soldiers of beheading a Ukrainian soldier near the front line in eastern Ukraine. "We have received information that the commanders of the occupying forces' units in the Wolnowacha region of the Donetsk region have ordered their troops not to capture Ukrainian soldiers as prisoners," the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office announced via Telegram. The head of a Ukrainian soldier was found in a military vehicle during an aerial reconnaissance mission. Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin spoke of a clear violation of the Geneva Conventions and declared that the incident would not go unpunished. He urged "the entire civilized world to isolate and punish the terrorist country." There was no response from Moscow to the allegations. The AFP news agency could not independently confirm the Ukrainian claims.
16:54 Orban likely to back Rutte as NATO chief instead of opposing Rutte as Stoltenberg's successorHungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has withdrawn his opposition to Mark Rutte becoming the new Secretary General of NATO. Orban announced that Hungary is prepared to support Rutte's application. This removes the impediment for Rutte as Stoltenberg's successor. The only remaining obstacle is the publicly undisputed candidacy of the Romanian President Klaus Iohannis for the NATO top position. However, Iohannis has no significant supporters remaining. Orban cited a letter from Rutte as the reason for his concession in the personnel matter. This letter reportedly covers Hungary's goal to steer clear of being compelled to take part in a planned NATO operation to coordinate weapons deliveries to Ukraine.
16:18 Putin appreciates North Korea's support before state visit against UkraineBefore his visit to North Korea, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his gratitude to Pyongyang for its backing of Russia's military operation in Ukraine. "We highly appreciate the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) for its steadfast support of our military campaign in Ukraine," Putin wrote in a guest article published by the state North Korean news agency KCNA and the newspaper Rodong Sinmun. Meanwhile, South Korea reported a brief border crossing by North Korean soldiers.
15:43 Access to Soviet archives denied: European Court of Human Rights admonishes RussiaThe European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has rebuked Russia for its refusal to grant access to human rights organization Memorial and other organizations concerning repressions during the Soviet era. "The pursuit of historical truth is an integral part of the right to freedom of expression," the Strasbourg Court explained. The refusal constitutes an obstruction of the right to information and thus breaches the European Convention on Human Rights.
15:03 Slovakia prepares to back Rutte as new NATO chiefThe Slovak Republic has declared its support for Mark Rutte as the new Secretary General of NATO. "After a final discussion with Mark Rutte and consultations with the Slovak government, the Slovak Republic can envision Mark Rutte as NATO chief," Slovak President Peter Pellegrini said. The official support of Hungary and Romania, whose President Klaus Iohannis declared in March that he was also running for the top position, is still absent. The incumbent NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has already extended his tenure several times. He intends to step down in October after a decade at the helm of the military alliance. The NATO Secretary General is elected by consensus and thus needs backing from all 32 members. Numerous countries have already expressed their support for the departing Dutch Prime Minister Rutte.
20:26 Swiss Authorities Investigate Alleged Russian AgentsSwiss authorities are investigating a Russian diplomat, suspected of attempting to acquire weapons and dangerous substances, according to media reports. The Swiss Federal Criminal Office in Bern has requested the government's approval to conduct a political crime investigation. Preventive measures, including house searches, have reportedly been conducted. A diplomat affiliated with the Russian embassy in Bern is under investigation. The alleged agent was discovered a few weeks before the Ukraine summit, which took place last weekend without Russian participation in Switzerland. The Federal Criminal Office has also requested the revocation of immunity for the investigation to proceed.
12:47 Italy plans to Supply Ukraine with Storm ShadowsItaly is reportedly planning to supply Ukraine with Storm-Shadow cruise missiles as part of another military package, according to "Il Fatto Quotidiano". The Italian Defense Ministry is expected to present the ninth military package to parliament at the end of June. The number of missiles has not been mentioned in the report.
11:47 Estonian Professor Sentenced 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. Morozov, who worked at the University in Tartu, Estonia, was arrested in January, and shared his knowledge about the political situation in Estonia and its relations with the EU with Russian intelligence services.
10:22 NATO General Calls for Response to Modern Hypersonic WeaponsNATO General Christian Badia considers efforts to counter modern hypersonic weapons necessary. For a credible deterrence, both defense and the ability to attack must be established, Badia said in Berlin at a conference. Russia is already deploying these weapons systems against Ukraine. The warning time could shrink to only about two minutes, it was reported at the meeting.
10:00 Arson at Russian Fuel Depot Likely Caused by Ukrainian IntelligenceA nighttime arson attack on a fuel depot in the Russian city of Asow is believed to be the work of the Ukrainian Security Service, according to a source in the Ukrainian authorities. The fire covered approximately 3200 square meters. Over 200 firefighters were involved in extinguishing the fire.
09:48 Putin and Kim Jong Un Plan Extensive CooperationRussia and North Korea are planning to sign a comprehensive cooperation agreement during Putin's visit to Pyongyang. The document is expected to be signed at the highest level, that is, by Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. No statements have been made regarding the content of the agreement.
09:00 China Responds Sharp to NATO Chief StoltenbergThe Chinese government has refuted NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg's criticism of China's stance on the Ukraine war. "We advise (NATO) to refrain from assigning blame to others, not to sow discord, and not to pour oil on the fire," said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian. Instead, NATO should take concrete steps "for the political settlement of the crisis." Stoltenberg criticized China's actions regarding the Russian aggression in Ukraine during a visit to Washington. China pretends to be neutral, according to Stoltenberg, in order to "avoid sanctions and keep trade going." However, "the reality is that China is heating up the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II and at the same time maintaining good relations with the West."
08:28 Twelve years in Prison for Anti-war Symbols in RussiaA Moscow military court has sentenced a Ukrainian woman to twelve years in prison because she played an anti-war declaration and the Ukrainian national anthem from the window of her apartment in Moscow. The 35-year-old woman also released white-blue-white balloons, a protest symbol against Russia's war against Ukraine.
08:00 Russian Navy Trains for Submarine Warfare in the PacificThe Russian Navy has started exercises in the Pacific Ocean directly before Putin's state visit to North Korea. Approximately 40 ships and boats, about 20 aircraft, and helicopters are participating in the maneuvers. 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, the combat against submarines and the defense against air attacks are to be trained.
07:30 Putin's Portrait Lines Pyongyang's StreetsPutin's visit to North Korea is noticeable in the capital Pyongyang: The streets are not only lined with numerous Russian flags but also with Putin's portrait. This can be seen in videos, for example from the Russian state news agency TASS, on social media.
07:48 Rwanda abandons Peace Summit Declaration Signature in Switzerland
Rwanda has retracted its signature from the closing statement of the Ukraine Peace Summit in Switzerland, as per Ukrainian media sources. The Swiss government's official website no longer lists Rwanda as a signatory, effective Monday. Currently, 77 countries and 5 organizations endorse the declaration.
07:22 Ukrainian Military Analyst Verifies Russia's Artillery Production Challenges
According to Ukrainian military analyst Petro Chernyk, Russia is struggling with explosive shortages for their artillery shells, as reported by the US think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Moreover, Russia is apparently transitioning from self-propelled to towed artillery systems, but is encountering issues with these too. However, Russia is unable to produce more self-propelled systems since they only own five to six such machines.
06:54 Ukraine Destroys All Ten Russian Drones Overnight
The Ukrainian Air Force claims to have destroyed all ten Russian drones deployed overnight over the regions of Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk. They announced this on Telegram.
06:28 Russia Confirms Loss of Rare Russian Reconnaissance Aircraft
Russian authorities have acknowledged that the Ukrainian Air Force shot down a rare Russian Early Warning and Control Aircraft of the A-50 type over the Azov Sea in February, resulting in the death of ten crew members. The Kyiv Independent reported this, with the Ukrainian Military Intelligence and the Ukrainian Air Force taking responsibility for the shootdown at the time. The aircraft was critical for detecting air defense systems, missile guidance, and coordinating targets for Russian fighter jets. Russia is thought to have fewer than ten of these aircraft, with an estimated cost of around 350 million dollars.
06:02 Oil Depots in Russian Asov on Fire
Following a Ukrainian drone attack, oil depots in the Russian city of Asov in the Rostov region near the Ukrainian border have caught fire, as per the city's governor, Vasili Golubev. He announced this on Telegram, stating that there are no reported casualties as of now. Firefighters are working to bring the fires under control.
05:40 Kremlin: Negotiations with USA for Prisoner Exchange for Gershkovich Continue
According to statements from Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov, Russia is engaged in talks with the USA regarding a potential prisoner exchange for inmate Evan Gershkovich, a 32-year-old reporter for the "Wall Street Journal." Peskov referred to remarks made by President Vladimir Putin in early June, who voiced support for such negotiations. "They are ongoing, but they should proceed discreetly," Peskov emphasized. "Therefore, no announcements, declarations, or information can be shared about this matter." Gershkovich was apprehended by the Russian domestic security service FSB in Yekaterinburg, Ural on March 29, 2023, and is accused of espionage.
04:50 Detained US Soldier Partially Admits to Theft Charge
According to the Russian news agency Interfax, the US soldier detained in Russia, Gordon Black, has admitted partially to the theft charge against him in a Wladiwostok court. Black allegedly admitted, "I am partially responsible for the theft, but I did not do it intentionally." He also rejected accusations of threatening his girlfriend with death. Several other US citizens are currently imprisoned in Russia, including journalist Evan Gershkovich and former soldier Paul Whelan, both of whom are charged with espionage.
03:50 Fine for Falsifying Nord Stream 2 Values: Network Agency Imposes Penalty
The German Federal Network Agency has issued a fine of €75,000 to Nord Stream 2 pipeline operator Gascade due to erroneous values published regarding the controversial German-Russian gas pipeline. The agency announced that Gascade published incorrect data in 2021 due to IT issues, which suggested that the Nord Stream 2 pipeline was about to be commissioned. The market reacted to the false report, assuming that the pipeline's activation was imminent, causing significantly lower prices.
02:58 Putin Praises North Korea for Military Support in Ukraine
In preparation for his visit to North Korea, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to Pyongyang for its military support in Ukraine in an article published by the North Korean state news agency KCNA. "We highly appreciate the fact that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) has unwaveringly backed Russia's military operation in Ukraine," Putin wrote in the article, released on Tuesday. The text further stated that both countries are working to "actively develop the multifaceted partnership."
01:57 Russia Reports Heavy Ukrainian Attacks in Kharkiv
Parts of the northeastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv have witnessed intense fighting, according to Russian reports. "The enemy is deploying reinforcements and attempting to launch a counter-offensive, but is facing heavy resistance from our troops," says the pro-Russian governor of the Russian-controlled territories in the Kharkiv region, Vitali Ganchev. Russian troops have reportedly thwarted the latest Ukrainian counter-attacks near Vovchansk, just five kilometers behind the border. Russian forces have moved into parts of the region Kharkiv in the past month and reportedly have taken control of around a dozen villages as of official statements. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy predicts that Ukrainian forces will gradually push the Russian troops out of the contested area.
00:55 DIW Leader: Reducing assistance for Ukrainians is just empty populism
Marcel Fratzscher, the economist, slams calls for a reduction in support for Ukrainian refugees as hollow populism. "No one will benefit, and no one will even have an extra Euro if Germany treats refugees poorly and cuts their benefits," says the President of the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) to Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "The German government doesn't need to spend less money on refugees, but more efforts for quicker and better integration of refugees into the labor market and society," Fratzscher argues.
23:55 Majority of Ukrainians support Zelenskyy as legitimate president
A large majority of Ukrainians view State Leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy, even with the extended term during the war, as a legitimate president. According to a survey by the International Sociological Institute in Kiev, 70 percent of the 2011 interviewees believe Zelenskyy should remain in office until the end of the conflict. Only 22 percent oppose it. The Ukrainians contradict Moscow's view that Zelenskyy's term has expired and that he is no longer a legitimate president of Ukraine.
22:55 European Parliament worries about Finland's deportation plans
The European Parliament has expressed concern over Finland's plans to return migrants from Russia, who, according to Helsinki's statements, have been deliberately sent across the common border by Moscow. The Human Rights Commissioner of the European Parliament, Michael O'Flaherty, demands in a letter to Finland's Parliament Speaker Jussi Halla-aho that the draft law be rejected. The current Finnish center-right government aims to significantly tighten immigration law. Among other things, they submitted a bill at the end of May that would allow border guards to turn back refugees.
23:15 Peskov: Results of the "zero-draft" Peace Conference "aiming for zero"
The Kremlin continues to express negative opinions about the results of the Swiss Peace Conference for Ukraine in Moscow. Without Russian participation, the summit could not have produced results, said Dmitri Peskov, spokesperson for President Vladimir Putin. "When assessing the results of this meeting, they of course aim for zero," he said. The fact that Russia-friendly countries such as Serbia, Turkey, or Hungary supported the final declaration doesn't concern Moscow. "We will certainly take their stance into account. It's important for us. We will continue to explain our position to them," said Peskov. The Foreign Ministry in Moscow described the conference as a "complete disaster," according to a statement by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova quoted by Tass news agency.
Similar developments can be found here.
Read also:
- In response to the Ukraine conflict, Russia is considering revising some aspects of its Nuclear Policy, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.
- Russia is accused by Ukraine of beheading a Ukrainian soldier near the front line in eastern Ukraine. The head of the soldier was found in a military vehicle during an aerial reconnaissance mission.
- Following a suspected Russian military airplane transgression into Swedish airspace, Sweden has summoned the Russian Ambassador. The Swedish Foreign Ministry cited the incident on June 14 as the reason for the meeting.
- In the Ukraine conflict, the Ukrainian anti-drone team uses both old and new technology to shoot down Russian drones, particularly at night when they swarm in large numbers.
