At 21:57, Zelensky calls for immediate aid following a bombing in Kharkiv
In the wake of a Russian bombing assault on the eastern Ukrainian metropolis of Kharkiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy implored international aid for air defense. Zelenskyy affirms that Ukraine has acquired additional capabilities to annihilate Russian strongholds for missile barrages near the border and troop amassments, as he disclosed in his evening video update. Zelenskyy discusses three fatalities and numerous wounded from Russian aggression. Local authorities report 56 wounded in the evening.
21:29 Journalistic account: Russia fires rockets from the Azov SeaRussia is allegedly launching missiles from warships stationed in the Azov Sea. This information was disclosed by Dmytro Pletenchuk, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Navy, to "The Kyiv Independent." According to Pletenchuk, four of the 16 rockets are Kalibr cruise missiles. The rockets were presumably launched from the Azov Sea as their deployment in the Black Sea was deemed insecure. Pletenchuk advises the Russian military to exercise caution in the Azov Sea. According to Ukrainian military reports, about 30% of the Russian Black Sea Fleet was destroyed by December 2023.
20:53 After Russian assault on Kharkiv: Number of wounded rises to 52Following a Russian attack on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, the total number of wounded, as per local reports, has surpassed 52. This information was shared by Igor Terekhov, the mayor of the city of Kharkiv, on Telegram. Earlier, three fatalities had been documented. Three of the injured are children.
20:25 Zelenskyy: Russia has launched over 2400 guided bombs since the beginning of the monthAccording to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russia has assaulted Ukraine with over 2400 guided bombs in the past three weeks. 700 of these were directed at Kharkiv, the second largest Ukrainian city, as per Zelenskyy's evening broadcast. He appeals to allies for military aid to protect the nation.
19:47 Ukraine: Russians withdraw from the area around WowtschanskA section of Russian troops is allegedly pulling back from the region surrounding Wowtschansk in the Charkiw area. This information was disclosed by Nasar Voloshyn, spokesperson for the Chortyzja Group, a formation of the Ukrainian ground troops, on state television, as reported by "The Kyiv Independent." Russia initiated a new offensive in the northern region of Charkiw on May 10. The city of Wowtschansk then turned into the epicenter of some of the most intense fighting.
19:14 83rd Anniversary: Putin marks the anniversary of the invasion of the Soviet Union with a military ceremonyRussian President Vladimir Putin is participating in a commemoration event marking the 83rd anniversary of the invasion of the Soviet Union by Nazi Germany on June 22, 1941. Besides Putin, the newly appointed Russian Defense Minister Andrei Removich Belousov, as well as military commanders, veterans, and graduates of military universities, are taking part in the ceremony.
18:35 Russian attack devastates National Technical University in Iwano-Frankiwsk (Ukraine)The National Technical University for Oil and Gas has suffered extensive damage in the western Ukrainian city of Iwano-Frankiwsk due to a Russian attack. This information was shared by "Ukrainian Pravda". It is stated that 14 buildings on the campus have been damaged. "Ukrainian Pravda" does not report any fatalities or injuries. The Ukrainian state energy company Naftogaz has announced that it will aid in the repair and reconstruction of the university.
18:05 Russia shoots down Ukrainian drone over the Bryansk region (Russia)Russian air defense systems destroyed a Ukrainian UAV over the western Russian region of Bryansk. This information was shared by the Russian news agency TASS, citing the Russian Defense Ministry.
17:41 US government closes two Russian visa centersThe US is shutting down two Russian visa centers in New York and Washington. This information was shared by the Russian news agency TASS, citing the Russian ambassador to Washington, Anatoli Antonov. The US government is also reportedly denying tax privileges to Russian diplomats. Antonov labeled this a "further small, malicious attack on Russian diplomats" in a statement to TASS. He also reportedly suggested potential retaliatory measures from Russia. In the Federal Republic of Germany, there are Russian visa centers in Berlin, Bonn, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Leipzig, and Munich.
17:13 Zelenskyy: At least three dead in Russian attack on Kharkiv (Ukraine)After a Russian attack on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, the death toll has escalated to three. This information was shared by the regional governor, Oleg Synegubov, on Telegram. The number of injuries is reported to have increased to 37, with four of these individuals still in critical condition. Earlier, the mayor of the city, Igor Terekhov, reported two fatalities and 18 injuries on Telegram (see entry 15:08). In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy demanded: "This barbaric Russian terror with guided air bombs must and can be stopped. It necessitates bold decisions from our partners, so that we can annihilate Russian terrorists and Russian combat aircraft where they are."
6:36 Battles in Donetsk: Ukraine announces minimum of 5 fatalitiesFights have taken place in the Donetsk region, resulting in at least five deaths. Governor of Donetsk, Wadym Filaschkin, confirmed this on Telegram, stating that the previous day, these deaths occurred due to Russian attacks. Seven people were injured in the process. The leader of the pro-Russian administration in Donetsk, Denis Puschilin, had previously reported (see 14:22), that three people were killed and four were wounded by Ukrainian shelling.
17:15 Media Statement: Satellite photo reveals extensive damage at Russian oil depot in Southern Russia
A Ukrainian drone strike on a Russian oil depot in Asow on the night of June 18th has reportedly destroyed three out of six fuel tanks. Mark Krutov, RFE/RL correspondent, posted about this on X, citing satellite images to support his claim. The images indicate the destruction through a before-and-after comparison. Krutov mentions that it took three days to extinguish the fire at the Asow oil depot. The Ukrainian military has lately been carrying out a series of attacks targeted at damaging the Russian oil industry, which Moscow depends on for war funding.
17:04 Ukraine: Two fatalities and 18 injuries following Russian attack on Kharkiv
Following a Russian attack on Kharkiv, two people have died, and 18 were injured. Igor Terekhov, Kharkiv city mayor, announced this on Telegram. He specified that there were four shelling incidents in a residential area of the metropolis, with one house being hit.
16:47 Sunak: Farage supports Putin's agendaBritish Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has accused Nigel Farage of Reform UK party of aligning himself with Russian President Vladimir Putin's intentions regarding the war in Ukraine. Farage had previously mentioned that the West is partly responsible for the war. Sunak considers it "incorrect" that the West provoked Putin into launching an attack. "This man has used poisonous substances on the streets of Great Britain, conducts business with illicit countries like North Korea," Sunak claims. "This appeasement strategy jeopardizes the security of Britain, our allies who rely on us, and encourages Putin even more." Relections for British Parliament took place on July 4th, with 46.6 million registered voters in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland participating.
16:22 Russia: Three deaths in Ukrainian attack on DonetskAccording to the Russian occupation government, three people were killed in a Ukrainian rocket strike on the city of Donetsk. The city was attacked by HIMARS rockets, as reported by Denis Puschilin, the head of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic. Three people were also injured by a drone attack near the Horliwka settlement, and one person was injured by a mine explosion in Donetsk. The eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk, along with the annexed region of Luhansk under Russian control, comprises the industrial heartland of Donbass.
16:00 Sabotage of critical infrastructure reported in EuropeRussia is alleged to be sabotaging critical infrastructure in Europe more openly, including GPS disruptions in the Baltic region. In Ukraine, over 56,000 deceased Russian soldiers' identities are being confirmed. Security expert Frank Umbach offers commentary on the situation.
15:35 Ukraine acquires additional French radar system for air defenseUkraine has purchased another ControlMaster 200 Radar System from France for managing its airspace. The "Kyiv Post" reported this fact. Ukraine already received a similar system last year. This system incorporates not only a radar but also the ControlView GBAD C2 electronic system, which processes all radar data and provides accurate guidance and acquisition target data for air defense missiles.
14:55 Eight civilians killed by Russian attacks in UkraineEight civilians were reportedly killed by Russian attacks in Ukraine the previous day. The "Kyiv Independent" shared this news. In addition, 19 people were injured in attacks that took place in 14 regions of the country. The city of Selydowe in the Donezk region was particularly hard hit, with two killed and three wounded. The attackers damaged several buildings and homes.
14:20 Energy company announces more power outages due to Russian attacksFollowing new Russian air raids on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, energy companies have announced additional power outages in the impacted country. Ukrenergo, the energy company, predicts hourly power outages in the supply between 14:00 (13:00 MESZ) and 24:00 (23:00 MESZ).
11:37 ISW UPDATE: Russia Makes No Progress in Kharkiv Offensive
Reports from the US think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW) indicate that Russian forces have made no progress in their efforts to escalate their offensive in the Kharkiv region. Ukrainian General Staff reports a series of ground attacks north of Kharkiv at Lyptsi and northeast of Kharkiv at Wowtschansk and Tyche (immediately east of Wowtschansk) on Thursday evening, but no attacks were made on Friday. Instead, heavy bombing raids were reported. Russian military bloggers, as per ISW, claim that Ukrainian forces have counterattacked near Hlyboke (north of Lyptsi). In addition, intense fighting was reported in Wowtschansk, with claims that Russian troops have taken control of the entire power plant in Wowtschansk.
11:01 Questioning the Armor of the Captured Croc Tank
In the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, Russian soldiers depend on specially equipped tanks. One such armored 'crocodile' tank was claimed to have been captured by the Ukrainians, presumably in Donetsk. Ukrainian forces are currently examining their captive equipment to understand its strengths and weaknesses.
10:35 US Diplomat Expects More Support for Ukraine
US Diplomat John Bass anticipates further actions from Western allies to aid Ukraine in the coming weeks. Bass is confident that "additional steps" will be taken in the next few weeks if US and European allies sit down together and if President Zelenskyy and other high-ranking Ukrainians visit Washington next month. Bass notes that the US move, which includes delaying the delivery of military equipment, especially anti-aircraft missiles, to other countries and instead delivering them to Ukraine, is unusual.
10:07 Ukraine Destroys over 28 Artilleries in a Day
According to the Ukrainian General Staff, a total of 28 artillery systems of the Russian aggressors were destroyed in a 24-hour period. Additionally, over 1100 soldiers were lost. The current total Russian personnel losses are reported to be 533,090 soldiers, according to the Ukrainian military. Eight tanks and eleven armored personnel carriers were also destroyed.
09:31 documenting Russia's Naval Defeats in the Black Sea
The Ukrainian resistance against the Russian military giant is remarkably successful in the Black Sea. ntv.de demonstrates how Russia is losing ships and control in the region due to improvised weapons, creative tactics, and tenacious fighting.
09:05 Over 75% of Russian Rockets Intercepted by Ukraine
Ukrainian air defense reportedly intercepted around three-quarters of all Russian rockets launched during the previous night. Seven out of ten X-101/X-555 missiles were intercepted, along with four Kalibr missiles and one of two Iskander missiles, according to the Ukrainian Air Force on Telegram. Additionally, 13 Shahed drones were shot down. The rocket attacks originated from the Black Sea, occupied Crimea, and the Russian mainland, according to Ukrainian sources.
08:18 Mediazona and BBC Identify Over 56,000 Fallen Russian Soldiers
In collaboration with the BBC, the independent Russian platform Mediazona has verified the identities of 56,858 Russian soldiers who have died in Ukraine since February 2022. The "Kyiv Independent" reports that the actual numbers are likely to be much higher as the verified information is sourced from public records, such as obituaries, family statements, local media reports, and statements from local authorities.
07:43 Two Injured in Russian Rocket Attacks on Energy Infrastructure
Two individuals were injured in a Russian rocket attack on energy infrastructure in the south and west of the country. Two technicians were injured and hospitalized following a "massive" attack in Zaporizhzhia, as reported by the national energy company Ukrenergo on Telegram. Two of the company's facilities in Lviv and Zaporizhzhia were damaged in the attack.
07:07 Ukrainian Forces Unable to Reach Key Russian Airbases
Despite US authorization for the use of western weapons against targets in Russia, key airbases remain inaccessible to Ukraine. This was reported by the "Washington Post" citing two unnamed Ukrainian officials. Russian jets are reportedly stationed on these military installations, bombing Ukrainian cities from these locations.
06:31 Multiple Regions Attacked by Russian Rockets and Drone
Russian forces conducted rocket and drone attacks on several regions of Ukraine during the night. In the Lviv Oblast, a Russian rocket hit the energy infrastructure and caused a fire. The extent of the damages is not yet clear. Civilian infrastructure was also damaged in other cities due to Russian attacks. More drone attacks have also been reported in the Ivano-Frankivsk region of western Ukraine. The regional military administration urges the population not to publish photos of the explosions to prevent aiding the enemy. No further information is available about the potential targets of the cruise missiles in Ukraine by morning.
23:59 Russian Onslaught: Poland Activates WarplanesA Russian missile assault on Ukraine sparks Poland to launch airborne forces. The Polish military reported on platform X, "It's important to note that increased noise levels may be heard in the southern region of the country due to the takeoff of Polish and allied aircraft in our airspace". Reports suggest intense long-range air activity by the Russians, which appears to be linked to missile strikes, drones of the "Shaheed" type, and ballistic missiles. The intended target is western Ukraine.
02:59 US Penalizes Kaspersky Lab LeadersThe United States Department of the Treasury imposes sanctions on a dozen executives of software firm AO Kaspersky Lab. In a statement, the department expressed, "Today's action against Kaspersky Lab leadership underscores our commitment to safeguarding our cyber domain and protecting our citizens from malicious cyber threats". The sanctions restrict American companies and citizens from conducting business and financial transactions with the designated executives, and their American assets are frozen. The Kaspersky Company denies any ties to Russian military or intelligence services.
01:02 Russia Suffers Drone Attacks on Power StationsRussian authorities report a Ukrainian drone attack on two power stations in Enerhodar, which also serve the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. According to authorities, both power stations are now offline, leaving most city residents without power. However, reports from Russian news agencies state that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has remained unaffected. Agencies attribute this information to the head of the communications department at Zaporizhzhia, who states that the drone attack had no impact on the nuclear power plant and that the power station can be repaired. Ukraine has not yet commented on the matter.
00:05 Farage: West Bears Responsibility for Russian AggressionBritish right-wing populist Nigel Farage places blame on the West for inciting Russian aggression in Ukraine. In an interview with the BBC, Farage says, "We've provoked Putin". He links the continuous EU and NATO expansion as a justification for the war for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who could tell his people that "the West is after us". Yet, Farage also considers Putin an aggressor: "Of course it's his fault". Farage is renowned for his role in the EU parliament and played a significant part in Brexit.
23:55 Ukrainian Ambassador Warns Against Politicizing Refugee CrisisUkrainian Ambassador Oleksii Makeiev voices concern over politicizing the refugee crisis. In an interview with Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND), Makeiev emphasizes, "Victims of war should not be exploited for political reasons". He counters the claim that not enough Ukrainian refugees in Germany are working and too many are receiving social benefits by stating, "Many of them possess a university degree; some have even earned a doctorate, but face challenges in finding employment in Germany". Makeiev is in close contact with Ukrainian refugees and works on integrating them actively into the labor market.
22:42 Zelenskyy: Negotiations with EU Can now BeginUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announces that negotiations with the EU can now commence due to Ukraine's significant progress. In his evening address, Zelenskyy says, "The European Union has given us the green light to negotiate - many have worked hard to achieve this see-saw result, from various levels". With this, negotiations can officially start. Zelenskyy expresses optimism, stating, "Ukraine is and remains a part of united Europe".
21:24 Ukraine to Host Second Peace Summit This YearUkraine plans to host another international peace conference before the end of the year, according to first deputy head of the Ukrainian Presidential Administration, Igor Schowkwa. "We aim to hold the second peace summit before the end of the year", Schowkwa stated to Interfax Ukraine. "Ukraine desires peace more than anyone else as soon as possible". There is a "high probability" that the next conference will take place "in one of the countries of the global South". The first peace summit took place on June 15 and 16 in Switzerland. Schowkwa also hints at the possibility of starting negotiations with Russia "tomorrow" if Russia swiftly withdraws its troops from Ukraine's territory.
20:06 Netherlands Suspend Delivery of Patriot System to UkraineThe Netherlands plan to collaborate with another country to supply a Patriot air defense system to Ukraine, announced Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren to Dutch news agency ANP. Ollongren reveals that they have gathered all components for the Patriot system but did not make any statements about the cooperation partner or the delivery date. In May, it was reported that the Netherlands aimed to construct and deliver a Patriot air defense system to Ukraine swiftly with the assistance of other countries.
Estonia briefly shuts Narva border crossing with Russia due to safety concerns. The regional police and border guard agency of Estonia, an EU and NATO member, stated that the decision was made due to sustained delays in border checks on the Russian side. Reports indicate that commuters were forced to endure lengthy waits to cross the border on Thursday and Friday. To mitigate potential risks to public health and maintain peace, the crossing will reportedly remain shut on Saturday and Sunday, as per the authority's announcement. Rumors among Estonian media suggest that the prolonged checks might be linked to upcoming celebrations marking Estonia's victory against the Red Army in 1919 on June 23.
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