Dagestan Terror: Jäger Says Putin Needs to Preserve the Illusion of Persecution
The Kremlin alleges US involvement in a string of attacks within the Republic of Dagestan, seeking to label these attacks as American aggression. Political analyst Thomas Jaeger dissects the implications of these accusations in Russian war propaganda.
20:42 Macron reassures Ukraine of France's steadfast support ahead of French elections. French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated France's consistent backing for Ukraine amidst its defensive struggle against Russia. He expressed his "unwavering commitment" to Ukraine, alleviating concerns in Kiev that a victory for right-wing populists in France might impact Ukraine's stance.
20:16 Finnish Foreign Minister signals the commencement of the 15th sanctions package against Russia. The EU confirms the activation of its 14th sanctions package targeting Russia today, and work is already underway on the 15th package: Elina Valtonen, the Finnish Foreign Minister, reveals that preparations will "begin immediately". The upcoming EU measures add 116 individuals and organizations to the sanctions list, and include an EU institution ban on participating in the transshipment of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) in third countries.
19:44 Zelenskyy removes General Lieutenant Yuri Sodol as commander of the United Forces. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed General Lieutenant Yuri Sodol, replacing him with Brigadier General Andrij Hnatow as the new commander of the United Forces of Ukraine. No reasons were disclosed for the dismissal. Previously, the Azov Brigade's former chief of staff, Bohdan Krotovytsch, accused Sodol of negligent orders resulting in heavy losses.
19:16 Ukraine receives €1.4 billion from the EU using earnings from frozen Russian assets. Ukraine will receive additional military aid from the European Union valued at €1.4 billion starting from July. The EU foreign ministers have paved the way for this aid release. For the first time, EU earnings from frozen Russian assets are being used to support Ukraine. Hungary had initially halted the release of these funds. The foreign ministers agreed to circumvent Hungary's objections, with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell presenting a legal assessment.
18:52 Germany provides more than 40 trucks to Ukraine for border control. Germany dispatches over 40 Mercedes Arocs-trucks to assist Ukraine's border control units in logistical support at the front. German Ambassador to Ukraine, Martin Jäger, stated this in a report by Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Independent". He noted that Germany's support aids Ukraine in defending against the Russian aggressor.
18:14 Death toll soars to six in Pokrovsk following Russian rocket attack. The city authorities in eastern Ukraine report that six individuals have lost their lives and 41 others sustained injuries, including four children, after a Russian rocket assault on Pokrovsk. Previously, Ukrainian reports indicated that two rockets were fired at the city, causing the destruction of a private home and extensive damage to 16 other properties.
18:02 USA denies complicity in Ukraine's actions targeting Crimea amidst claims of American orchestration. The US government refutes involvement in the attacks carried out by Ukraine. A Defense Ministry spokesperson asserts that Ukraine is responsible for selecting its targets and executing its military operations independently. This statement comes in response to Russia accusing the USA of orchestrating a Ukrainian attack using ATACMS missiles on Crimea, claimed to have caused at least six fatalities and injured 151 people. Russia annexed Crimea in 2014.
17:46 Scholz praises German companies for their assistance in Ukraine's reconstruction. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz applauded German companies for their vital role in supporting and aiding Ukraine's reconstruction, as reported by a correspondent for Ukrinform at a "Industry Day" conference in Berlin.
3:28 PM Zelenskyy Aims for Finalization of Security Deals in Brussels
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to engage in political discussions in Brussels later in the week. EU officials have confided to the German Press Agency that an agreement on security cooperation between Ukraine and the EU is also up for signing. Months of negotiations have led to the drafting of this agreement. Zelenskyy may also attend the summit of the Heads of State and Government of the 27 EU countries on Thursday, though no confirmation has been received as of yet. The security deals are part of an initiative by the G7 group of Western economic powers to ensure Ukraine's long-term safety. They agreed at the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania last year that individual countries should conclude bilateral agreements with Ukraine to provide it with weapons deliveries, financial aid, and political cooperation. The agreements are intended to assure Ukraine of weapons deliveries, financial aid, and political cooperation. Their purpose is to help Ukraine survive until it's hoped that it can join NATO.
4:33 PM German Foreign Ministry Spokesperson on Dobrindt's Request: No Safe Zones in Ukraine
In response to CSU regional group leader Alexander Dobrindt's call for the return of jobless Ukrainian refugees to safe areas in their homeland, the German foreign ministry spokesperson in Berlin stated their opposition. Russia is attacking both the east and west of Ukraine, the spokesperson explained. Moscow is waging an illegal war of aggression against Ukraine as a whole. "Given this, I wouldn't know where a safe place in Ukraine could be," Dobrindt had told "Bild am Sonntag" over the weekend. Representatives of the traffic light coalition parties SPD, Greens, and FDP criticized the proposal and accused Dobrindt of populism.
4:12 PM Russia Threatens Retaliation for New EU Sanctions
Russia has issued a threat of retaliation for the new EU sanctions. The Russian Foreign Ministry in Moscow declared that a response would be given for every hostile act from the West. The sanctions were deemed illegal. Reports suggest that the list of individuals banned from entering Russia has been significantly expanded. Further details were not disclosed. Previously, EU countries were preparing the 14th sanctions package against Russia. Among other things, investments in Russian oil and gas projects were expected to be blocked.
4:00 PM Zelenskyy: Ukraine has Struck Over 30 Russian Oil Sites
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to reports, has stated that Ukraine has hit over 30 targets in the Russian oil industry, including refineries, terminals, and storage facilities. No timeframe or additional details were provided. A Russian response is yet to come. Ukraine has stepped up its attacks on Russian oil facilities this year. The Russian government derives a considerable portion of its revenue from these facilities.
3:39 PM Retired General Warns Against Optimism: Kiev's Negotiation Position is "Significantly Weakened"
Despite recent Ukrainian successes in the Black Sea, Retired General Wolfgang Richter from the Geneva Center for Security Policy advises against excessive optimism. Russia can fall back on significant resources. In addition to military support, it also needs an exit strategy, the expert added.
3:05 PM Eight Dead, Many Injured in Russian Attacks in Ukraine
According to Ukrainian reports, at least eight people have been killed and dozens more injured in Russian attacks on targets in eastern Ukraine and the southwestern port city of Odessa. In rocket attacks on the city of Pokrovsk in the eastern region of Donetsk, Governor Wadym Filaschkin reports that at least four people have been killed and 34 others injured, including two children. Filaschkin states that Russian troops shelled the city Pokrowsk with two Iskander-M missiles and destroyed several houses. This is one of the largest hostile attacks on civilians in recent times, according to his statements. Furthermore, a man was reportedly killed by Russian attacks in the city of Kurachowe further south.
2:33 PM Germany, France, and Poland Plan Coalition for Long-Range Weapons
Germany, France, and Poland plan to form a coalition of European states for the development of long-range weapons. "Long-range weapons represent a significant capability gap in Europe," explained German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius of the SPD in Paris. Several states are intended to work towards closing this gap medium- to long-term before the NATO summit in July, Pistorius emphasized. A corresponding declaration could then be signed at the NATO summit in Washington. "We will show in Washington how powerful and reliable the Europeans are," Pistorius said at a meeting with his French and Polish colleagues, Sébastien Lecornu and Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz. "We will demonstrate in Washington how effectively the Europeans can contribute," Pistorius added. He referred to the fact that already 23 European allies, including Germany, had reached or exceeded the two-percent NATO target regarding defense spending.
1:58 PM Kiev Labels Wounded Civilians on the Crimea "civilian occupiers"
Following the devastating explosion of a Ukrainian rocket over a beach on the Crimean peninsula annexed by Russia, the Kiev government refers to the victims as "civilian occupiers." "There is no 'beaches,' 'tourist zones,' or other signs of 'peaceful life' on the Crimea," writes Mychajlo Podoljak, an advisor in the Presidential Office, on Telegram. The Crimea is an occupied territory with hundreds of military targets, where combat operations are taking place. The Kremlin is trying to conceal these targets with its own civilians, who in turn would become civilian occupiers. The day before, an Ukrainian rocket had exploded over a public beach near the naval base Sewastopol. According to local authorities, at least four people were killed and over 150 injured.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky initiated an investigation into the State Guard, revealing potential assassination schemes within the security services. At the unveiling of Olexij Morosow as the new head of the Presidential Guard, Zelensky emphasized the importance of recruiting individuals who see their future in Ukraine. He added that those within the Guard choosing another path or tarnishing the Guard's reputation would be removed. SBU, the Ukrainian Security Service, revealed in May that they detained two high-ranking Guard officers for planning the assassination of Zelensky and other Ukrainian state officials.
In Pokrovsk, an eastern Ukrainian city, at least four individuals, including two children, perished, and 34 were injured due to a Russian rocket attack. The city was hit by two rockets, causing the devastation of a private residence and damage to 16 others.
1.4 billion euros in military aid for Ukraine is being provided by the EU against Hungary's will, according to several German Press Agency diplomats who spoke at a recent foreign ministers' meeting in Luxembourg.
Two fatalities were reported in Lypzi, Charkiw region, due to a Russian mine explosion. A car with two passengers reportedly hit a mine in the morning, resulting in one man's immediate death at the scene, while a woman died on her way to the hospital.
The German government has declined the expulsion of unwilling Ukrainian refugees, with a Foreign Office spokesperson justifying their position by citing the daily Russian targeting of objectives throughout Ukraine, attempting to destroy infrastructure in the western part of the country.
Following a reported Ukrainian rocket attack on the annexed Crimean peninsula, causing the deaths of at least four people and more than 150 injuries, Russia has threatened consequences. Presidential spokesperson Dmitri Peskov indicated that the nature of these consequences is yet to be determined, while warning of potential Russian rocket deployments near the USA and its European allies.
In Sewastopol, the authorities declared a state of emergency following a devastating Ukrainian rocket attack, which resulted in four fatalities and 151 injuries. According to official reports, most of the victims were sunbathing on a city beach when rocket debris fell and exploded. Initial Russian military claims regarding responsibility for the missile launch have been retracted, with the statement revised to point to the Ukrainian missiles being deliberately targeted at civilians. Despite this, some Russian military blogs have raised questions about the nature of the attack.
Es[control_572] Zelensky Commissions Investigation of Presidential Guard- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky orders an investigation into the State Guard following the discovery of suspected assassination plots within the security services.- At the unveiling of new Presidential Guard head, Olexij Morosow, Zelensky stresses the importance of attracting individuals who see their future in Ukraine.- Zelensky warns that those within the Guard choosing a different path or damaging the Guard's reputation will be removed.- SBU (Ukrainian Security Service) revealed that two high-ranking officers of the Guard were detained in May, accused of plotting the assassination of Zelensky and other Ukrainian state officials.
Ukraine Reports Casualties from Pokrovsk Attack- 4 people killed, 34 injured, including 2 children, in a Russian rocket attack on the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk.- City struck by two rockets; private house destroyed, 16 houses damaged.
EU Imposes Military Aid for Ukraine Against Hungary's Will- The EU is providing 1.4 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine against the wishes of the Hungarian government.- The planned aid procedure was approved at a foreign ministers' meeting in Luxembourg.
Ukraine Reports Two Deaths from Russian Mine- Two fatalities in Lypzi, Charkiw region, due to a Russian mine explosion.- A car with two occupants struck a mine, causing the immediate death of one man and the subsequent death of a woman on the way to the hospital.
German Government Rejects Expulsion of Ukrainian Refugees- The German government opposes the expulsion of unwilling Ukrainian refugees.- Russian targeting of objectives and attempt to destroy infrastructure in western Ukraine make it difficult to find a safe place within Ukraine, according to Foreign Office spokesperson.
Russia Warns Consequences for USA over Krim Attack- Russia threatens consequences following a reported Ukrainian rocket attack on Crimea, in which at least 4 people were killed and over 150 injured.- Dmitri Peskov, Presidential spokesperson, notes the attack's implications and warns of potential Russian rocket deployments near the USA and its European allies.
Russia Expert: Krim Rocket Not Targeted at Tourists- Following a reported Ukrainian rocket attack on Crimea, an expert, Niko Karasek, states that the debris fell randomly among tourists.
Sewastopol Declares State of Emergency- After a devastating Ukrainian rocket attack, the authorities in the Crimean city of Sewastopol declare a state of emergency.- The attack resulted in 4 deaths and 151 injuries; most victims were sunbathing on a city beach when rocket debris exploded.- Initially, the Russian military claimed responsibility for the missile launch, but then retracted the claim, suggesting that Ukrainian missiles were deliberately targeted at civilians.
Germany Under Criticism for New Sanctions Package- Following the adoption of new sanctions against Russia, criticism mounts from the Baltic states against Germany.- Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis and Estonian counterpart Margus Tsahkna criticize the sanctions for being "unfortunately weaker" and "increasingly difficult to find consensus on" within the EU.
Ukraine Reports Injuries in Odessa Attack- According to the mayor's report, two people were injured in an attack on Odessa.- Russian troops allegedly attacked civilian infrastructure with rockets.
EU Adds Over 110 New Names to Sanctions List- The EU implements the 14th sanctions package against Russia, adding 116 persons and institutions to the sanctions list, implementing stricter measures against sanctions circumvention, and blocking investments in Russian liquid gas projects.
The EU's Foreign Policy Chief, Josep Borrell, intends to prevent a EU member state from impeding the utilization of funds from seized Russian financial assets to aid Ukraine. Borrell will present a plan at the EU foreign ministers' gathering in Luxembourg, stating, "We possess a legal mechanism to prevent any form of blockage."
08:58 Moscow refutes Dagestan Islamist blame, pointing fingers at Ukraine
Members of the Russian parliament, unsupported by evidence, accuse Ukraine of orchestrating a terror attack in Dagestan, as reported by NTV correspondent Rainer Munz. The Kremlin seeks to divert attention from the alarming rise of Islamic terrorism within Russia.
08:23 Reported Odessa attack
Media outlets claim a fire erupted in Odessa in the morning. Belarusian opposition media Nexta alleges a powerful explosion, while "Kyiv Post" speaks of an attack on civilian infrastructure.
07:51 Schwerin visits Kiev – "Ukraine must win"
As the first Bundesrat President, Manuela Schwesig of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, visits Ukraine. The SPD politician arrives in Kiev by train and intends to engage in political discussions. "This demonstrates solidarity with each of the 16 federal states standing with Ukraine," she said en route. "Ukraine must win this war, and it must not be that Russia escapes conviction for this aggression." Such a statement does not resonate well with all politicians. Chancellor Olaf Scholz instead maintains that Russia should not win the war, and Ukraine should not lose it.
07:36 Nowooleksandriwka remains contested
Reports indicate that the town of Nowooleksandriwka in the Donetsk region is yet to be fully seized by Russian troops. Ukrainian sources report heavy combat in the area.
06:52 Russian military blogger alleges unit holding their own wounded captives
A Russian military blogger suggests that commanders of various units within the so-called Donetsk People's Republic are mistreating their wounded soldiers. The allegation is that a brigade is keeping its wounded prisoners in the city of Donetsk rather than providing medical treatment, as revealed by the US think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
06:21 Third Estonian volunteer perishes at the front
A volunteer from Estonia, serving in the Ukrainian army, died in a battle in the Luhansk region. This is reported by Kyiv Independent, citing the Estonian newspaper "Postimees". Martin Jaager, a 42-year-old professional soldier, reportedly perished on Saturday and is the third Estonian to die while defending Ukraine. He joined the Ukrainian army over a year ago after serving in an elite unit in Estonia.
05:44 EU Foreign Ministers Meeting: Pressure on Hungary Rises
The EU Foreign Ministers are discussing the Russian aggression against Ukraine at a meeting in Luxembourg on Monday. A debate with the Ukrainian Chief Diplomat Dmytro Kuleba is planned, who will join via video. Hungary is expected to relent under the pressure and renounce its blockade of military aid worth €6.5 billion. A heated dispute occurred during the Foreign Ministers' meeting at the end of May regarding this matter.
04:45 Moscow Blames US for Crimea Attack
Following a rocket attack on the annexed Crimean Peninsula, Moscow has accused the US. "The responsibility for the provocative rocket attack on the civilian population of Sevastopol primarily falls on Washington, which supplied these weapons to Ukraine, and the Kiev regime, from whose territory this attack originated", the Ministry stated. US specialists are said to have used information from US spy satellites to determine the rocket launch coordinates, implying that the US government was directly responsible. Four people, including two children, were killed, and 151 others were injured, according to the Defense Ministry.
03:42 IAEA Reproaches Attacks near Nuclear Power Plant Zaporizhzhia
The International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA demands an immediate end to the attacks on the Ukrainian city of Enerhodar near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. "Those responsible for these assaults must cease their actions. Drone attacks on the power plant and its surroundings are becoming increasingly frequent", IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi said. "This behavior is wholly unacceptable and contravenes the unanimously adopted security principles and specific principles." In the past week, drone attacks targeted two substations, causing disruptions to power supply for residents on occasion. According to Grossi, previous incidents did not affect the operation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.
02:45 Stoltenberg to Discuss Additional Ukraine Aid with Macron in Paris
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is traveling to Paris on Monday for discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron. Among other items, the conversation is expected to focus on additional support for Ukraine during its war against Russia. Macron has previously indicated plans to form a coalition for the deployment of Western military trainers to Ukraine.
01:43 Orban Calls for Immediate Truce in Ukraine
Before the start of the Hungarian EU Council Presidency, Prime Minister Viktor Orban has called for an initiative for an immediate ceasefire in the Ukraine war. Orban feels that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is completely unacceptable and violates the fundamental principles of international relations. However, he emphasizes, "cessation of combat at the front takes precedence." Orban stated that ending the war in Ukraine is one of the key issues during the Hungarian EU Council Presidency, commencing on July 1.
midnight: Ukraine strikes Crimea with rockets for the second time appreciating the night, Ukraine unleashes another round of attacks on Crimea, formerly annexed by Russia. The city of Evpatoria's port, as reported by Ukrinform news agency, has witnessed multiple explosions. The authorities of Sevastopol are activating an air alert, a distinction from the daytime attacks. Being unclear of the aftermath, several media outlets have released videos and images showcasing fires. Unconfirmed reports claim military installations as targets, neither Ukrainian nor Russian sides have confirmed this yet.
11:49 Zelenskyy demands long-range weaponry and permission to strike Russian heartland as Kharkiv continues to be under shelling, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy insists on procuring long-range weapons and the authorization to retaliate deep into Russian territory from the west. "Crush the Russian air force everywhere, and employ all effective means to achieve it," Zelenskyy emphasized in his daily video address. Kiev is collaborating with its Western partners to make this possible.
21:49 Prien criticizes the Federal government for failing refugees state Education Minister Karin Prien, from Schleswig-Holstein, commenting on the CSU state group leader Alexander Dobrindt's proposal for social benefits for Ukrainian refugees, took concern over the root cause of their exodus. "Ukrainians are escaping Putin's terror and Putin's war. Of course, they deserve our protection, empathy, and hospitality," Prien wrote. Stressing their eagerness to participate in the workforce and rebuild their homeland, she accused the Federal Government of failing in facilitating their labor market integration.
21:17 EU Commission apprehensive about Russian meddling in 2025 Bundestag election EU Commission Vice President Vera Jourova alerts to potential manipulation attempts by Russia in the upcoming Bundestag election. "We inhabit a new era of malign foreign influence. I'm concerned the Voice of Europe could act as a model for further operations - not limited to the Bundestag election in the coming year," the EU Commissioner for Transparency and Values and the Defense of Democracy told the "Süddeutsche Zeitung". She cautions that the Voice of Europe, based in Prague, is probably not an isolated case, and other Russian media organizations might copy this method. In May, the EU barred Voice of Europe and three other Russian media organizations from broadcasting within the European Union due to their ties to the Russian government and their meddling in European elections.
Ukrainian energy firm predicts nationwide power shortages in light of the Russian assaults on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the nation's energy provider, Ukrenergo, anticipates power blackouts for the upcoming days. The spike in energy consumption from the beginning of the week, coupled with "massive Russian attacks" weakening the power grid, necessitates these measures, according to Ukrenergo's statement on Telegram. Monday's power cuts will be most severe between 19 and 23 hours.
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Read also:
- The conflict in Ukraine continues as Russian military operations target civilian areas, such as the city of Pokrovsk, resulting in casualties and damage to infrastructure. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed his concerns and initiated an investigation into potential assassination plots within the security services.
- The EU, in an effort to support Ukraine, bypassed Hungary's objections and agreed to provide €1.4 billion in military aid. The funds will be used to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities against Russian aggression.
- The Russian Foreign Ministry has threatened retaliation in response to the new EU sanctions, considering them illegal. This follows the activation of the EU's 15th sanctions package against Russia, which includes additional individuals and organizations on the sanctions list and a ban on participating in the transshipment of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) in third countries.
- French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated France's support for Ukraine during an election period, reassuring Kiev that the victory of right-wing populists in France would not affect Ukraine's stance. This commitment comes as Russia continues its aggression against Ukraine, with no signs of easing military operations.
