At 22:51, Zelensky: Effective deployment of armaments on Russian land

At 22:51, Zelensky: Effective deployment of weaponry on Russian soil

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sees the deployment of Western weapons against Russian territory as effective. The devastation of Russian strongholds and mortar positions close to the border is significant, according to Zelenskyy in his daily video address. "It works. Exactly as we anticipated." The Ukrainian leader commended several units for unnamed accomplishments.

Two fatalities transpired due to a Russian landmine in the Bryansk region of Russia. Two residents were killed by a landmine explosion in a restricted border zone despite warning signs, as stated by Bryansk Governor Alexander Bogomas in online networks. "Unfortunately, two locals perished instantly as a result of the landmine detonation." Another person was reportedly injured. The mishap occurred in the Klimovsky district, adjacent to the northern Ukrainian region of Chernihiv. Bogomas cautioned individuals to "remain vigilant and refrain from visiting border areas where warning signs indicate that mines have been planted." Russia has fortified its border areas during the protracted offensive in Ukraine. In the past month, multiple mine accidents have occurred. In the last week, four people, including a state television journalist, were injured by a landmine explosion in the neighboring Russian region of Belgorod.

An Estonian former professor at the University of Tartu has been sentenced to six years and three months in prison for espionage on behalf of Russia. Convicted by a court in Tallinn, the Russian citizen was found guilty of working against Estonia's interests and on behalf of a foreign intelligence service. The academic allegedly collected information on Estonia's interior, defense, and security policy, as well as related individuals and infrastructure.

Latvia plans to further bolster its border with Russia, including the deployment of armored barriers. "The government has earmarked an additional €300 million over the subsequent five years to fortify the border," announced the Defense Ministry. The announcement came while Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs inspected the construction of a border fence. Rinkēvičs stated that the reinforcements would consist primarily of "hedgehog" or "dragon's teeth" barriers. "Our stance remains unwavering: Not a single centimeter of Latvian territory will be left defenseless." Since the February 2022 Russian incursion into Ukraine, "all border guards are armed not only with handguns but also with assault rifles," explained the head of the Latvian Border Guard, Guntis Puodžats. "They are equipped like soldiers with body armor and helmets to be prepared for possible provocations from Russia and Belarus."

Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a two-day state visit to North Korea, where he was welcomed by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, reported Interfax. The visit likely includes additional weapons deliveries from Pyongyang for use in Russia's conflict with Ukraine, according to observers.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged China to cease supporting Russia's military industry. China provides essential assistance that enables Russia to maintain its defense industry and wage war in Ukraine, Blinken stated. "It should cease," he added during a joint appearance with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. Seventy percent of the metalworking machines and 90 percent of the microelectronics that Russia imports come from China, Blinken said. This significantly supports Russia's defense industry.

Another drone attack by Ukraine has ignited an oil depot in the Rostov Oblast. No casualties have been reported. Russia has shared footage of the firefighting efforts, while Ukraine views the attack as a victory.

Russia intends to modify its nuclear doctrine amid its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry. The "military special operation" and the West's behavior have shown that certain adjustments are necessary in the nuclear deterrence policies, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told Russian news agencies. He did not provide additional details.

Sweden has asked the Russian ambassador to its embassy following an alleged breach of Swedish airspace by a Russian military aircraft. According to the Swedish Foreign Ministry, the issue concerned "the Russian violation of Swedish airspace on Friday, June 14." Swedish authorities claim a Russian SU-24 bomber flew over the Baltic Sea island of Gotland, about 350 kilometers east of the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. The Swedish Air Force warned the Russian aircraft before it entered Swedish airspace but was unable to halt its progress. The Russian aircraft was then intercepted and escorted out of Swedish airspace by two JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets.

17:23 Air Surveillance accuses Kyiv of blaming Russian troops for decapitating a Ukrainian soldier near the front in eastern Ukraine. "We've received intel suggesting that the commanders of the occupied Russian forces in the Wolnowacha area of the Donetsk region ordered their troops not to capture Ukrainian prisoners," the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office stated in a Telegram post. During an air survey, the head of a Ukrainian soldier was discovered in a military vehicle. Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin spoke of a clear breach of the Geneva Convention and vowed that the incident would not go unpunished. He called on "the entire civilized world to isolate and punish the terrorist nation." There was no response from Moscow regarding the allegation. The news agency AFP could not independently verify the Ukrainian claims.

16:54 Orban might back off on Ukraine promise and withdraw opposition to Rutte as NATO chief Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban appears to be withdrawing his opposition to Mark Rutte as the new Secretary General of NATO. Orban announced that Hungary now supports Rutte's candidacy. With this, the path is clear for Rutte to replace Stoltenberg. The only hurdle remaining is the publicly unwithdrawn candidacy of Romanian President Klaus Iohannis for the NATO top job. However, Iohannis has no backing from supporters anymore. Orban stated the reason for his concession in the personnel matter as a letter from Rutte addressing Hungarian demands. Among other things, it pertains to Hungary's demand to prevent being forced into taking part in a planned NATO mission to coordinate weapons deliveries to Ukraine.

16:18 Putin thanks North Korea for backing Russia against Ukraine during state visit Before his visit to North Korea, Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked Pyongyang for its support of Russia's offensive in Ukraine. "We deeply appreciate the fact that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) resolutely supports Russia's military operation 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 temporary border crossing by North Korean soldiers.

15:43 Access to Soviet archives denied: European Court of Human Rights imposes sanctions on Russia The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has imposed sanctions on Russia for its refusal to grant access to archives to the human rights organization Memorial and other organizations regarding repressions during the Soviet era. "The search for historical truth is an integral part of the right to freedom of expression," the Strasbourg Court declared. The refusal constitutes an interference with the right to information and therefore violates the European Convention on Human Rights.

15:03 Slovakia supports Rutte as new NATO Chief Slovakia has declared its readiness to support Mark Rutte of the Netherlands as the new NATO Secretary-General. "After a final discussion with Mark Rutte and consultations with the Slovakian government, Slovakia can envision Mark Rutte as NATO Chief," said Slovakian President Peter Pellegrini. However, the official support of Hungary and Romania is still pending. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis had announced in March that he was also running for the top position. The incumbent NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has already extended his term several times. In October, Stoltenberg plans to step down after a decade at the helm of the military alliance. The NATO Secretary-General is appointed through the consensus procedure and therefore requires the support of all 32 members. Several countries have already expressed their support for the outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Rutte.

14:26 Bern Federal Prosecutor investigates alleged Russian agents Swiss authorities suspect, according to a media report, a Russian diplomat of attempting to acquire weapons and dangerous substances. The Federal Prosecutor's Office in Bern confirmed that it had requested permission from the government to investigate a political crime in this matter. The Federal Prosecutor's Office and the police had already carried out "preventive measures" in the form of searches, the authority reported. Previously, the "Tages-Anzeiger" had reported that a diplomat was under investigation, who was accredited at the Russian embassy in Bern. The alleged agent had surfaced a few weeks before the Ukraine summit, which took place in Switzerland without Russian participation over the past weekend. To continue the investigation, the Federal Prosecutor's Office also requested the lifting of immunity.

13:47 Italy intends to supply Ukraine with Storm Shadows According to a report in "Il Fatto Quotidiano," Italy plans to provide Ukraine, in the ninth military aid package, among other things, Storm Shadow cruise missiles. The state Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform reports this, citing the Italian daily. The Italian Defense Ministry is said to present the ninth military aid package to the parliament at the end of June. The number of items in the package is not mentioned in the report.

13:02 Professor in Estonia sentenced to six years and three months in prison for spying for Russia The Russian political scientist Viacheslav Morozov has been sentenced to six years and three months in prison in Estonia for spying for Russia. This is reported by the Russian-language opposition medium Meduza, citing the Estonian public broadcaster. Morozov had worked at the University in Tartu, Estonia, until his arrest in January, and shared his knowledge about the political situation in Estonia and its relations with the EU with Russian intelligence services.

22:19: NATO Chief Urges Countermeasures Against Emerging Hypersonic WeaponsNATO's top commander, General Christian Badia, is pushing for defensive measures against advanced Hypersonic weapons, stressing the importance of both defensive capabilities and offensive strike ability for effective deterrence. Badia made these remarks at a gathering in Berlin. Reports suggest that Russia is currently deploying these weapon systems against Ukraine. The response time could be as short as two minutes, as stated during the event. Markus Ziegler from the German Aerospace Industries Association commented, "Distance from Moscow to Berlin: If you're speedy, it's five minutes away. Even Beijing to Berlin, they say Beijing is far, but it's only 20 minutes."

10:57: Arson at Russian Fuel Depot Suspected to be Ukrainian Intelligence's WorkA source from the Ukrainian security services told The Kyiv Independent that the late-night attack on a fuel depot in the Russian town of Asow could be the doing of the Ukrainian domestic intelligence. According to the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry, the fire engulfed approximately 3200 square meters. Over 200 firefighters were dispatched to quell the blaze.

10:30: Britain: Russian Troops Capture Village Near AvdiivkaBritish intelligence estimates that Russian troops have seized control of the village of Novooleksandrivka, around 20 kilometers north of Avdiivka. This move brings the Russian army closer to the T0504 highway, one of Ukraine's primary supply routes.

09:48: Putin and Kim Jong Un Discuss Extensive CooperationRussia and North Korea are set to sign a treaty on extensive cooperation during Putin's visit to Pyongyang. The Kremlin announced that Putin has approved the treaty drafted by the Foreign Ministry. The document will be signed at the highest level, i.e., by Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. No details regarding the treaty's content have been disclosed.

09:20: China Responds Harshly to StoltenbergThe Chinese government has rejected NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg's criticism of China's stance on the Ukraine conflict. "We advise (NATO) to abstain from assigning blame, fostering discord, and fanning the flames," said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian. Instead, NATO should take proactive steps "for the political resolution of the crisis." Stoltenberg had criticized China's actions concerning the Russian aggression in Ukraine during a visit to Washington. China claims to be impartial, according to Stoltenberg, in order to "avoid sanctions and maintain trade relations." However, the reality is that China is escalating the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II while maintaining strong ties with the West.

08:36: Twelve-Year Sentence for Anti-War Protests in RussiaA Moscow military court has handed down a twelve-year prison sentence to a Ukrainian woman for playing an anti-war speech and the Ukrainian national anthem from her apartment window in Moscow. Ukrainska Pravda reports, citing the Russian opposition media outlet Mediazona. The 35-year-old woman also released white-blue-white balloons, a protest symbol against Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

08:00 Russian Navy Conducts Exercises in the PacificThe Russian Navy has initiated exercises in the Pacific Ocean prior to Putin's state visit to North Korea. Approximately 40 ships and boats, as well as about 20 planes and helicopters, are participating in the maneuvers, according to the Defense Ministry in Moscow. The exercises are reportedly taking place in the waters of the Pacific Ocean, the Japanese Sea, and the Sea of Okhotsk until June 28. The training includes the combatting of submarines and the defense against air attacks.

07:28 Putin's Portrait Spotted on Pyongyang StreetsPutin's visit to North Korea is evident in Pyongyang: The streets are adorned not only with numerous Russian flags but also with Putin's portrait. This can be seen on various videos, including those from the Russian state news agency TASS, on social media.

07:01 Munz: Putin's North Korea Visit Focuses on WeaponsPutin is visiting North Korea today and tomorrow. According to NTV Russia correspondent Rainer Munz, weapons are likely to be among the items in Putin's luggage. Diplomatic support is also essential, Munz adds.

06:48 Rwanda Revokes Support for Ukraine Peace Summit DeclarationRwanda has retracted its support for the closing statement of the Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland, according to Ukrainian media. Ruanda's name no longer appears on the list of signatories on the Swiss government's website as of Monday. Currently, 77 countries and 5 organizations back the declaration.

06:22 Ukrainian Military Analyst Discusses Challenges in Russian Artillery ProductionAccording to Ukrainian military analyst Petro Chernyk, Russia faces difficulties in producing explosives for artillery shells, as reported by the US think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Russia is also reportedly switching from self-propelled to towed artillery systems, but faces issues with these as well. However, Russia cannot manufacture more self-propelled systems due to having only five to six corresponding machines.

05:54 Ukraine Claims Destruction of All Ten Russian Drones in the NightThe Ukrainian Air Force claims to have destroyed all ten Russian drones launched in the night over the regions of Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk. The Air Force announced this on Telegram.

06:28 Russia admits loss of unique Russian spy plane:Russian authorities have acknowledged that a rare Russian Early Warning and Control Aircraft, an A-50 type, was downed by the Ukrainian Air Force over the Azov Sea in February, claiming the lives of ten crew members. The Kyiv Independent reported this. The Ukrainian military intelligence and the Ukrainian Air Force had initially claimed responsibility for the incident. This aircraft is vital for detecting air defense systems and coordinating targets for Russian fighter jets. Russia is believed to have fewer than ten of these aircraft, with each estimated to cost around 350 million dollars.

06:02 Fires erupt in Russian prisons:As per the governor of the Russian city Asow in the Rostov region near the Ukrainian border, fires have broken out in prisons following a Ukrainian drone attack. No casualties have been reported, as announced via Telegram by the governor of the southern region, Vasili Golubev. Investigations are underway, and the local fire department is working to extinguish the fires.

05:40 Russia in talks with USA over journalist exchange:Russia confirms, according to the Press Secretary of the Presidential Administration Dmitry Peskov, contacts with the USA over a possible prisoner exchange for the detained US reporter Evan Gershkovich. President Vladimir PutinPrevious text mentioned this in early June. "Talks are ongoing, but they should occur in complete secrecy," Peskov emphasized. "Therefore, no announcements, statements or information on this matter can be disclosed." The 32-year-old reporter for the "Wall Street Journal" was arrested in Yekaterinburg in the Urals by the Russian domestic security service FSB on March 29, 2023. He is accused of espionage.

04:50 US soldier partially confesses to theft:The US soldier Gordon Black, being held in Russia for suspected theft, has partially admitted guilt. According to the Russian news agency Interfax, he made the admission in court in Vladivostok. He acknowledged being "partially responsible for the theft," but denied committing it intentionally. He also denied threatening to kill his girlfriend. Several other US citizens are currently detained in Russia, including journalist Evan Gershkovich and former soldier Paul Whelan. Both are accused of espionage.

03:50 German Network Agency fines pipeline operator for incorrect Nord Stream 2 values:The German Federal Network Agency has imposed a fine of €75,000 on the pipeline operator Gascade due to inaccurate Nord Stream 2 values in 2021, caused by technical problems, which suggested that the pipeline's commissioning was imminent. The market reacted to the false report and assumed that the pipeline's commissioning was about to happen, leading to significantly lower prices.

02:58 Putin praises North Korea for military support in Ukraine:Before his visit to North Korea, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude towards Pyongyang for its military support of Russia's offensive in Ukraine. "We deeply appreciate that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) has decided to support militarily the Russian military operation in Ukraine," Putin wrote in an article published by the state North Korean news agency KCNA on Tuesday. Both countries are reportedly collaborating to "actively develop their multifaceted partnership."

01:57 Heavy fighting reported in Ukrainian region of Kharkiv:Based on Russian reports, clashes have erupted in parts of the northeastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv. "The enemy is sending reinforcements and attempting to launch a counter-offensive, but is facing heavy resistance from our troops," says the Russian-appointed governor of the Moscow-occupied territories in the Kharkiv region, Vitali Ganchev. Russian troops have reportedly repelled the latest Ukrainian counter-attacks near Vovchansk, five kilometers behind the border. Russian forces had entered areas of the region Kharkiv a month ago and had taken control of around a dozen villages according to official statements. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claims that the Ukrainian forces will gradually drive out the Russian troops from the contested region.

00:55 DIW Chief criticizes calls for reducing social benefits for Ukrainian refugees:Marcel Fratzscher, the economist, criticizes proposals for reducing social benefits for Ukrainian refugees as "bare populism." "Cutting benefits for refugees will not benefit anyone, and no one will even have an extra Euro if Germany mistreats refugees and reduces their benefits," says the President of the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "The German government should not spend less money on refugees, but rather make more efforts for a faster and more successful integration of refugees into the labor market and society," Fratzscher demands.

23:55 Majority of Ukrainians view Zelenskyy as legitimate president:A large majority of Ukrainians regard State Leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy, despite the extended terms of office during wartime, as a legitimate president. According to a survey by the International Sociological Institute in Kiev, 70% of the 2011 interviewed Ukrainians believe that Zelenskyy should remain in office until the end of the war. Only 22% express opposition to this. The Ukrainians contradict the view put forward by Moscow that Zelenskyy's term of office has expired and that he is no longer the legitimate president of Ukraine.

European Parliament Voices Worry Over Finnish Deportation Plans for Migrants from Russia

The European Parliament shares apprehension towards Finland's proposal to expel migrants originating from Russia, as reported by Finnish authorities, who claim these individuals were intentionally pushed across the shared border by Moscow. Michael O'Flaherty, the Human Rights Commissioner of the European Parliament, voices opposition by penning a letter to Finland's Parliamentary Speaker Jussi Halla-aho. Calling for the rejection of the draft law, he feels it encroaches upon immigrants' rights. The current Finnish Center-Right Administration aims to strengthen immigration regulations. To achieve this, the government presented a bill towards the end of May, which would enable border officers to dismiss asylum seekers.

Later Time: 23:15 Peskov Dismisses Swiss Peace Conference's Results for Ukraine

Remaining critical of the Swiss Peace Conference held in Moscow for Ukraine, the Kremlin's officials continue to voice skepticism regarding its outcomes. Spokesperson for President Vladimir Putin, Dmitri Peskov, states that the summit's lack of Russian representation inherently hindered its success, asserting: "The minutiae of these discussions obviously seek nothing." Though several Russia-friendly countries, like Serbia, Turkey, and Hungary, backed the final declaration, Moscow will consider their backing and arguments. Spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova, characterizes the conference as "an utter failure," according to information provided by the Tass news agency.

You can find updates about previous events here.