Beijing insists on removing the recent Russia sanctions imposed.

Beijing insists on the removal of the recent Russia sanctions imposed.

Europe critiques the fresh Russia sanctions enforced by the EU, including Chinese corporations. A diplomatic official from the Foreign Ministry indicates these are "unjustified sanctions with no legal basis." The European region is urged to swiftly lift these sanctions, and China will implement necessary actions to shield the legal rights and interests of Chinese companies. The West accuses China of backing Russia in its conflict against Ukraine, which China denies. In a new batch of measures against Russia, Brussels added 61 additional companies to its sanctions list on Monday, including 19 Chinese companies. Key players in the Chinese satellite sector are subjected to trade limitations. These companies are accussed of engaging in business worth millions with the Russian mercenary group Wagner and selling them satellites.

12:58 Arrest Warrant against Shoigu and GerasimovThe International Criminal Court issues an arrest warrant against previous Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Valeri Gerasimov. They are accused of targeting civilian areas in Ukraine, as the ICC declares.

More details to follow

12:50 Zelenskyy meets Schwesig in KievPresident Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets Manuela Schwesig, Minister President of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, in Kiev for the second day of her Ukraine visit. The conversation in Kiev lasts approximately an hour. Schwesig visits Ukraine in her role as Federal President to show Kiev solidarity from all 16 federal states. "Ukraine must win this war," she had already said on the train to the Ukrainian capital - differing from her fellow party member, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who merely emphasizes that Russia should not win the war and Ukraine should not lose it. Schwesig faces criticism for her support of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline in Ukraine. The former Ukrainian ambassador Andrij Melnyk once stated he would never shake her hand. After the Russian attack almost two years ago, Schwesig distanced herself from her involvement in the project and labeled it a mistake.

12:28 Court sentences Russia for human rights abuses on the CrimeaThe European Court of Human Rights convicts Russia of human rights infringements on the Crimean Peninsula post its annexation. The judges in Strasbourg take this decision and approve Ukraine's complaint. Russia fails to acknowledge the court's judgments.

11:52 Kiev's "grenade shortage" alleviated - also with incendiary ammunitionUkrainian soldiers have been battling without sufficient ammunition against the Russian army for some time. With the $61 billion aid package, the ammunition inventory increases. Vasil, a Ukrainian commander, reports that the "grenade shortage" has been resolved.

11:25 One hundred Ukrainians detained at border attempt to leave the countryUkrainian security forces prevent 100 men from illegally departing the country in the Odessa region in southern Ukraine. According to the state investigation bureau, a group of 47 men were stopped in four small buses on their way to the border last Friday. Furthermore, 53 men were apprehended at a "gathering point." They were planning to bypass checkpoints and cross the border on foot. The Odessa region borders the Republic of Moldova. The Danube River forms the border with Romania. All men over 25 who can be conscripted into military service have been transferred to the local conscription office. The human traffickers allegedly demanded between 4600 and over 17,000 Euro from each man.

11:07 Ukraine moving closer: Lührmann sees "historic day" for the EUEuropean State Secretary Anna Lührmann describes a "historic day" for the EU as the start of EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova approaches. "This is a significant day because we are recognizing that both countries have made considerable reform efforts despite the very challenging circumstances," Lührmann said on the sidelines of an EU foreign ministers meeting before the commencement of accession negotiations in Luxembourg. "Both countries have made significant improvements in the areas of the rule of law, anti-corruption, and press freedom." However, it will take years for Ukraine and Moldova to meet all the conditions for EU membership. In Ukraine's case, peace with Russia is a prerequisite. No membership guarantee exists.

10:38 Reciprocal sanctions against the EU: Moscow's measures "may affect us as well"Frozen EU funds from Russia are set to be utilized for Ukraine's defense. The Kremlin views these sanctions as "unlawful" and "illegitimate," according to NTV correspondent Rainer Munz. Russia now intends to enforce sanctions against the EU itself and strengthen other relationships.

10:09 "Putin's suitcase" money: Swiss court convicts bankersFour bankers have been found guilty by a Swiss appeals court in relation to the handling of funds from Russian President Vladimir Putin's circle. The Zurich Appellate Court deems it proven that the employees of the liquidated Swiss subsidiary of the Russian Gazprombank failed to adequately verify whether the funds on accounts belonging to Russian cellist and conductor Sergey Roldugin genuinely belonged to him. The court imposes fines on the four bankers. In 2014, two accounts were opened at the Gazprombank in Zurich for Roldugin as the named beneficiary. According to media reports, Roldugin is the godfather of one of Putin's daughters. Known as "Putin's briefcase" in Moscow, Roldugin is listed on the sanctions list as "Putin's briefcase."

09:44 A Somalian Refugee Speaks Out: "Everywhere were drones, guns, explosions. I just ran"In an effort to replenish their depleted ranks in the ongoing war, Russia is conscripting migrants and foreign students into military service. A young Somalian named Adil recounts his experience in an interview with ntv. For approximately 1900 Euro per month, he enlists, with promises of Russian citizenship and assurances that he would not be forced to fight at the front. However, Adil was immediately deployed to the front lines in Ukraine. After just four days, he fled and now finds himself incarcerated in a Ukrainian prison. "I didn't come to kill. I lost my weapon. I didn't know how to use it. Everywhere there were drones, guns, explosions. I just ran", Adil shares in the interview. "I thought 2000 dollars were the average wage for ordinary work. I thought a great opportunity had come my way."

09:17 Trump Advisor Unveils Peace Plan for UkraineTwo influential advisors to former US President Donald Trump propose a plan aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. According to Reuters, this plan, if accepted, would allow Ukraine to receive additional US weapons only if it agrees to peace negotiations. The US would also caution Russia that any failure to negotiate would result in increased US support for Ukraine, as stated by General Lieutenant a.D. Keith Kellogg, one of Trump's national security advisors. This strategy, presented in the most detail by Trump's associates so far, claims the ability to bring an end to the war in Ukraine in the shortest time. Adoption of this proposal could signify a major shift in Washington's stance toward this conflict, and it may face resistance from European allies and even from Trump's own Republican Party.

08:49 Russia Report: Multiple Drones Destroyed in Border RegionsRussia reports the destruction of 30 Ukrainian drones in the border area between the two countries. The Russian air defense system shot down 29 drones in the Belgorod border region and one drone in the Voronezh region, as announced by the Russian Defense Ministry via Telegram. In the Belgorod region, a elderly woman is reported to have been killed by authorities.

08:18 Ukrainian Security Forces Arrest Suspected SpyA Ukrainian border guard soldier is arrested on suspicion of spying for the Russian FSB. According to the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU), the man gathered information about weapons and ammunition depots, as well as Ukrainian troops in the border region with Belarus. The suspect was allegedly recruited remotely by an FSB agent based in the occupied Luhansk region and communicated with him through anonymous chats in online messengers. If found guilty of high treason, the man faces a life sentence, according to the SBU.

07:46 ISW: Russia Aiming for "Tactical and Operational Significant Gains" Before US Aid Reaches the FrontThe Institute for the Study of War (ISW) believes that US military aid is unlikely to produce immediate results on the frontlines. The ISW continues to assume that Russian forces are striving to achieve tactical and operational significant gains before US military aid is delivered to Ukrainian forces in large quantities. This assessment is based on an interview with Military Intelligence Chief Kyrylo Budanow, published in the "Philadelphia Inquirer". According to Budanow, weapons deliveries from the US and Europe, including artillery ammunition, are expected to arrive faster in Ukraine than previously. However, the Ukrainian forces require a large number of weapons, and it still amounts to "a matter of scale". Budanow also mentioned that "there won't be an apocalypse at the front, but the situation there will remain difficult at least until mid-July."

07:12 Kyiv: Intelligence Continues "Drone Sanctions" Against Russian Oil Refinery ComplexUkrainian special forces have identified more than 30 Russian oil refineries, terminals, and depots as targets, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated during a military briefing, according to Ukrainian media. He particularly commended the Special Operations Center "A" of the Ukrainian Security Service and highlighted the long-range capabilities of the drones, which can now cover distances of up to 1,500 kilometers. The latest drone attacks have targeted facilities as far away as Tatarstan and Bashkortostan – with no end in sight: "The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) will continue to impose 'Drone Sanctions' on the Russian oil refinery complex and reduce the economic potential of the adversary that provides the aggressor with the means to wage war against Ukraine." as reported by "Kyiv Independent".

06:50 Denmark Discontinues Training of Ukrainian F-16 Pilots Denmark is ending its training program for Ukrainian F-16 pilots due to its transition to F-35 fighter jets by the end of the year, Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced at a press conference. "Since we're transitioning to the F-35, we need to redirect our energy towards that, and we cannot continue the training of Ukrainian pilots after 2024," the minister shared. The Western F-16 coalition must find alternative locations to continue their activities, according to Poulsen. Alternative training programs exist in Romania and the US.

6:39 Governor of Belgorod Laments "Extensive" Drone Attack IncidentsUpon drone attacks on the Russian city of Belgorod and nearby locations, multiple structures, automobiles, and a gas pipeline were damaged, injuries were sustained by four individuals. These incidents were reported by "The Kyiv Independent", citing remarks from Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov, who described the incidents as "extensive". According to Gladkov, an administrative building in Shebekino city was wiped out by fire due to the drone attacks. Kiev has yet to offer an official response on the incidents.

6:16 EU adds over Fifty Businesses to Sanctions ListIn the context of a fresh set of measures against Russia, the European Union (EU) added 61 companies to its list of sanctions. This list includes 19 Chinese companies. The 14th sanctions package, which was formally approved by EU member states, imposes trade limitations for two significant players in the Chinese satellite sector. The companies are accused of engaging in multi-million dollar transactions with the Russian private military company Wagner, and providing them with satellites.

5:43 European Court of Human Rights to Decide on Kiev's Claim against MoscowThe European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) situated in Strasbourg will decide today on Ukraine's claim against Russia regarding the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula. Kiev accuses Moscow of numerous violations of the European Convention on Human Rights, from February 2014 to August 2015, on the Crimean Peninsula. These violations, as per the claim, consist of "unlawful arrests", "suppression of non-Russian media", and "compensation-less expropriations".

4:38 Orban on Kiev's EU Membership: "Hungary is not in Consensus"Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban expresses dissent towards the EU accession talks with Ukraine, which are ongoing today in Luxembourg. In an interview with Funke Mediengruppe newspapers, Orban states: "Hungary is not in consensus with this accession process, but we do not block it and support the start of negotiations." He describes it as a "purely politically motivated process". He adds, "We need to first evaluate the implications if we were to incorporate a country in a state of war whose boundaries are not clearly defined in practice." Orban also mentioned that his country will assume the EU Council Presidency on 1st July.

3:36 EU Kicks off Accession Talks with UkraineThe EU commences accession talks with Ukraine today. Ihor Zhovka, foreign policy advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in an interview in Kiev, states, "The path towards complete membership, which Ukraine earns, is irrevocable." The ceremony's significance, he claims, lies more in symbolism than in the intricate details of the negotiations. These negotiations will begin once the EU has evaluated the numerous reforms Ukraine must implement to meet EU standards.

2:35 USA: Russian Aerosol Missile Strikes on the Crimean Peninsula Caused Civilian CasualtiesAs reported by the USA, Ukraine did not intentionally target civilians during their recent assault on the Crimean Peninsula. It is said that Russia averted a Russian missile intended to disable a launch pad, according to a US official. Debris from the missile allegedly fell on a beach, which according to Russian accounts, resulted in the death of at least four civilians, including two children, and the injury of 151 people over the weekend. Russia holds the USA accountable for the attack. The US government responded by stating that Ukraine has autonomy in selecting targets and military deployments.

1:35 USA to Deliver Further Munitions to Kiev worth 150 Million DollarsAccording to reports from US sources, they will dispatch additional armaments to Ukraine worth 150 Million Dollars. The decision is expected to be made official today. The upcoming dispatch is predicted to consist of ammunition for the Himars multiple rocket launchers provided by the USA, which can also launch Aerosol missiles. Following Ukrainian Aerosol missile strikes on the Crimea, Moscow claimed that the USA are directly involved in the conflict.

0:36 Moscow Deems EU Sanctions as IneffectiveMoscow views the new penalties in the 14th EU sanctions package against Russia as ineffectual. The Foreign Ministry in Moscow made this statement. Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Gruschko, speaking in Moscow, claims that the West does not consider the consequences to its own economy or the well-being of the people in the EU. Russia is expecting an economic growth of over 3% this year, more than ten times as much as in Germany, he added. "The purpose of the sanctions was to asphyxiate the Russian economy, to destroy the unity of society", states Gruschko. However, he believes that the EU has achieved the opposite.

23:28 Unemployed Ukrainians are Evicted: Schwesig Contests DobrindtMecklenburg-Vorpommern Governor Manuela Schwesig criticizes the proposal by CSU Regional Group Leader Alexander Dobrindt to return displaced persons from certain regions in Ukraine if they fail to find employment in Germany. "There are no safe areas, as Russia attacks the entire Ukraine," states the SPD politician in the ZDF "heute journal update". She finds Dobrindt's position "very populist" considering the influx of refugees, many of whom are women with children. Schwesig accuses Dobrindt of catering to critical voices in the population.

22:29 Ukrainian General Staff: Almost 130 Clashes with Russian TroopsSince dawn, there have been 128 encounters with Russian troops, according to Ukrainian reports. The Ukrainian General Staff reports on Facebook that the Russian forces are currently focusing on the area surrounding Pokrowsk. Based on their report, this area accounted for approximately one third of the Russian attacks today. The Ukrainian defense forces have succeeded in repelling the attacks and maintaining the front lines.

9:57 PM: "Blatant disregard" - Hungary slams EU over Russian asset usage for Ukraine aid

The Hungarian administration expresses outrage over the decision of other EU nations to utilize the earnings from confiscated Russian assets to fund Ukraine. In a Facebook post, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó calls this move a "shameless disregard for common European regulations." The government, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who will take over the EU presidency in a week, is currently examining how it can legally defend its interests. Orbán has maintained positive relations with the Russian government.

9:38 PM: Ukrainian Navy: Over 120 Russian drones annihilated in Krasnodar region attack

As per a statement on their Facebook page by the Ukrainian Navy, and reported by Ukrinform, an attack on the Russian region of Krasnodar led to the destruction of approximately 120 drones. This operation was a joint effort between the Ukrainian Navy and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), carried out on June 21.

The Ukrainian military reportedly targeted facilities at a training ground of the 726th Training Center of the Russian Air Defense in Yeysk. According to the report, drone pilots are being trained at this location.

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