EU initiates military assistance for Ukraine, overriding Hungary's objections
The European Union allocates 1.4 billion Euro for military aid to Ukraine against the disapproval of the Hungarian government, as confirmed by several diplomats from the German Press Agency at an outdoor minister meeting in Luxembourg.
13:16 Ukraine reports two fatalities from a Russian landmine explosion in Lypzi, a region in Charkiw. An automobile carrying two occupants is said to have driven over a landmine in the morning. One man perished immediately, while a woman succumbed to her injuries on her way to the hospital.
12:52 The German government dismisses the idea of expelling unwilling Ukrainians. Amidst daily Russian attacks on various Ukrainian targets and infrastructure in the western part of the country, a spokesperson from the Foreign Office in Berlin states, "I wouldn't know now where a safe place in Ukraine should be." In response to a demand from CSU regional group leader Alexander Dobrindt for "safe areas in western Ukraine."
12:21 Russia threatens retaliation towards the USA for a Ukrainian rocket attack on the annexed Crimean Peninsula, resulting in at least 4 fatalities and over 150 injured. Presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov disclosed this, adding, "What exact consequences - the time will tell." Russia plans to retaliate for any US involvement in this attack. Peskov refers to the Russian threat to station rockets in striking distance to the USA and their European allies. According to Russian reports, Ukraine launched five rockets supplied by the USA towards Crimea on Sunday, equipped with cluster munitions. Four rockets were shot down by air defense, while the munition of a fifth rocket allegedly exploded in the air. Debris landed near a beach, claiming the lives of two children among the deceased.
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11:58 Russia expert Niko Karasek comments on the Ukrainian rocket attack on the annexed Crimean Peninsula, allegedly resulting in civilian casualties, stating, "The debris fell accidentally among the tourists."
11:35 Sewastopol declares a state of emergency following a devastating Ukrainian rocket attack the previous day. Official reports indicate four deaths and 151 injuries, with 79 still hospitalized. Most of the victims were civilians enjoying the sun at a city beach when rocket debris fell and exploded. Initially, the Russian military claimed responsibility for the rocket launch, but later recanted their statement, declaring that Ukrainian missiles were fired at civilians. However, this claim is being queried in some Russian military blogs, due to the presence of several military objectives in the vicinity.
11:01 Germany faces criticism from the Baltic states, particularly Lithuania and Estonia, for a more lenient sanctions package against Russia. Landsbergis laments that the sanctions are "unfortunately weaker" than planned, while Tsahkna states that it is "getting increasingly difficult in the European Union to reach a consensus on new sanctions." Until now, Hungary had been the main obstacle, but now the German government is blocking sharper regulations against the circumvention of sanctions through third parties. The EU Commission aimed to hold European companies liable if prohibited goods reached Russia via daughter companies in Kazakhstan. However, Berlin objected, arguing that the measures would harm Germany as the largest EU exporter more than Russia. Now, the companies are only required to make "best possible efforts" against sanctions violations.
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10:24 Ukraine reports injuries from a morning attack on Odessa. According to the mayor's report, as relayed by the state Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform, Russian troops targeted civilian infrastructure with rockets.
09:44 The European Union passes a 14th sanctions package against Russia, imposing sanctions on 116 individuals and institutions. Stricter measures will also be taken against attempts to evade existing sanctions, and investments in Russian liquid gas projects will be blocked.
09:25 The EU demands that frozen Russian financial assets be used to support Ukraine, as stated by EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell before the meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Luxembourg. "We have a legal procedure to prevent any kind of blockade," he asserted.
08:58 Moscow deflects allegations of terrorism in Dagestan towards Ukraine, without providing any evidence, according to NTV correspondent Rainer Munz. The Kremlin is attempting to divert attention from the Islamic terror in Russia.
08:23 Media outlets report an attack on Odessa, with Nexta reporting a powerful explosion and Kyiv Post reporting an attack on civilian infrastructure.
8:51 Arrival of Schwesig in Kiev - "Ukraine should prevail"In Kiev, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's Governor, acting as the first Federal Council President, Manuela Schwesig, arrives. She arrives via train, planning to engage in political talks there. "This visit is a show of solidarity from all 16 German states to Ukraine," she stated during travel. "Ukraine needs to emerge victorious from this war; Russia should not succeed with its aggression." Such statements aren't typically cautious for most politicians. Chancellor Olaf Scholz instead insists that Russia must not win the war, while Ukraine should not suffer defeat.
8:36 Ongoing conflict in NowooleksandriwkaUkrainian sources report that Russian troops have yet to take firm control of the village of Nowooleksandriwka in the Donetsk region. The Ukrainian military reports intense fighting at the location.
7:52 Allegations of maltreatment of wounded soldiers in RussiaA Russian military blogger alleges that commanders of several Donetsk People's Republic units are mistreating their wounded soldiers. One brigade is believed to be holding their injured prisoners severely in Donetsk city instead of providing necessary treatment, according to the US think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW). This information is cited from the blogger.
7:21 Third Estonian volunteer killed in battleAn Estonian volunteer fighting alongside the Ukrainian army in the Luhansk region has lost his life. The news was reported by Kyiv Independent, citing the Estonian newspaper "Postimees." Martin Jaager, a 42-year-old professional soldier, was killed on Saturday, marking the third Estonian death while defending Ukraine. After serving in an elite unit in Estonia, he joined the Ukrainian army more than a year ago.
6:44 Pressure increases on Hungary regarding military aid to UkraineAmidst the Russian attack on Ukraine, EU Foreign Ministers are meeting in Luxembourg today to discuss the issue. They plan to debate with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba via video. There is increasing pressure on Hungary to lift its blockade on military aid worth €6.5 billion. A heated dispute about this was underway at the Foreign Ministers' Meeting at the end of May.
6:45 Moscow points finger at US for Crimea attackFollowing a rocket attack on the annexed Crimean Peninsula, Russia has accused the US. "The primary responsibility for the provocative rocket attack on Crimea's civilian population lies with Washington, which has supplied these weapons to Ukraine, and the Ukrainian government, from whose territory this attack was launched," the Russian ministry stated. The US is claimed to have provided the rocket launch coordinates using information from US spy satellites, implying that the US government was directly culpable. Four deaths, including two children, and 151 injuries were reported, as per the Defense Ministry.
5:42 IAEA calls for immediate stop to attacks on AKW SaporischschjaThe International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) demands an immediate halt to attacks on the Ukrainian city of Enerhodar near the Saporischschja Nuclear Power Plant. "Those responsible must cease their attacks on the power plant and its surroundings," says IAEA head Rafael Grossi. "Such drone attacks are unacceptable and go against the universally adopted security principles and practices." In the past week, drone attacks targeted two substations, disrupting power supply for residents at times. According to Grossi, these attacks did not impact the operation of the Saporischschja Nuclear Power Plant.
4:45 Stoltenberg to meet with Macron in Paris on further Ukraine aidNATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is scheduled to visit Paris on Monday for discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron. Topics on the agenda include further support for Ukraine during its war against Russia. Macron previously mentioned plans to form a coalition for the deployment of Western military trainers to Ukraine.
3:43 Orban calls for immediate ceasefire in Ukraine before Hungarian EU Council PresidencyBefore the commencement of the Hungarian EU Council Presidency, Prime Minister Viktor Orban has advocated for an initiative calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict. Although Orban acknowledges that Russia's assault on Ukraine is entirely unacceptable and violates the fundamental principles of international relations, he emphasizes the urgency for "ending the bloodshed at the front." Orban states that ending the war in Ukraine is one of the critical objectives of the Hungarian EU Council Presidency, which begins on July 1.
3:42 Ukraine attacks Crimean Peninsula once againUkrainian forces have engaged in a nighttime attack on targets scattered across the annexed Crimean Peninsula using rockets. Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform reported numerous explosions in the port city of Evpatoria. Alarms were sounded in the port city of Sevastopol in contrast to the daytime attacks, but the consequences remain uncertain. Several media reported fires as evidence of the attacks, although verifications from Ukrainian and Russian sides have yet to be released.
23:49 Zelenskyy calls for more advanced weapons and permission for strikes deep into Russian territoryAs the city of Kharkiv continues to face relentless shelling, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy demands more powerful weapons and authorization to launch strikes deep into Russian territory. "The Russian air force must be neutralized wherever possible with all available capabilities," said Zelenskyy in his daily video address. Ukraine is collaborating with its Western allies on the decision-making process.
Following a suggestion by CSU-state group leader Alexander Dobrindt concerning welfare benefits for Ukrainian refugees, CDU deputy chairwoman Karin Prien brings up the cause of their exodus. "Ukrainians are escaping Putin's violence and Putin's war. Naturally, they receive our protection and our welcome," remarks Schleswig-Holstein's Education Minister on the X platform. "The majority of Ukrainian refugees aim to swiftly establish a foundation here, work, and prepare for the rebuilding of their homeland. Our role should be to ease their entry into the workforce," insists Prien. She also criticizes the German government for falling short in this area.
22:17 EU Commission raises alert on potential manipulation in the 2025 Bundestag election by Russia
With the Bundestag election approaching next year, EU Commission Vice President Vera Jourova issues a warning about potential manipulation by Russia. "We're now in an era of hostile influence," says the EU Commissioner for Transparency and Values and the Protection of Democracy to the "Süddeutsche Zeitung". "I'm worried that Voice of Europe could serve as a model for future operations - also in the run-up to the Bundestag election next year. This bogus medium is likely only the tip of the iceberg." The EU had prohibited Voice of Europe and three other Russian media organizations from broadcasting within the EU in May. According to the EU, all were under Russian control and targeted parties in Europe, "particularly during election periods." Voice of Europe, based in Prague, is suspected of disseminating pro-Russian propaganda within the EU and offering money to European politicians.
21:45 Ukrainian energy provider announces nationwide power interruptions
In light of the Russian aggression on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the state energy provider has announced power interruptions for the upcoming days. This was confirmed by Ukrenergo via Telegram. The actions are necessary because energy consumption at the start of the week is expected to increase and the power grid is compromised by "heavy Russian attacks." Ukraine has imposed rotating blackouts since May due to damaged energy infrastructure. For Monday, the most significant power cuts are expected between 19 and 23 hours, Ukrenergo reports.
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Read also:
- Nato is considering increasing its military presence in Eastern Europe in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the perceived threat from Russia.
- The Ukrainian government, led by President Volodymyr Selensky, has accused Russia of carrying out cyberwar attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure.
- During a recent EU foreign ministers' meeting, several diplomats discussed the possibility of implementing sanctions against Russia for its continued aggression towards Ukraine.
- In response to the military operations in Ukraine, Russia has threatened to retaliate against the EU and NATO, potentially increasing the tension in the region.
