EU negotiation process: EPP leader Weber perceives "significant distance" remaining for Ukraine

EU negotiations progress: EPP leader Weber perceives a "significant distance" remaining for Ukraine

EU Membership Talks Slow Down: Weber Warns of Sluggish Ukraine Integration

Amidst ongoing discussions about EU membership for Ukraine, Weber, the EU chief, cautions against expecting quick admission. In an interview with Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND), Weber explains the admission timeline depends on internal reforms within Ukraine. He points out the need for extensive reforms, particularly in the fight against corruption, within the country. Weber acknowledges Ukraine's progress is slow and it still has a long way to go before it is ready for membership, even considering the ongoing conflict.

Late Night: Austin Speaks to Belousov Over Tensions with RussiaU.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin engaged in a rare telephonic conversation with Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov following threats from Moscow. During the conversation, Austin emphasized the importance of keeping communication lines open amidst Russian military aggression in Ukraine, as per Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder. Ryder did not disclose specific details about the content of the call. Austin reportedly initiated the contact, being the last conversation he had with a Russian defense minister on March 15, 2023, when Sergei Shoigu was still in office. The conversation was prompted by Moscow's threat following a Ukrainian rocket attack on Sevastopol on the Crimean peninsula the previous day.

Late Evening: Pistorius Pursues €15 Billion Artillery Ammo ContractGerman Defense Minister Boris Pistorius of the SPD aims to significantly augment the contract framework for artillery ammunition procurement, valued up to €15 billion. The Finance Ministry submitted a proposal to the Bundestag's Budget Committee, following which Reuters received information from an insider. The proposal seeks to increase the order volume for 155-millimeter ammunition for the Panzerhaubitze 2000 by approximately two million rounds, bringing the total to around 2.35 million rounds. The framework contract with Diehl Defence and Nammo Raufoss has been proposed, as first reported by "Der Spiegel."

Evening: Nepalese Soldier Regrets Joining Russian ArmyAmong the prisoners taken by Ukraine are numerous fighters from various parts of the world. In a statement published by "Kyiv Independent," a soldier admitted he joined the Russian army to earn money to cope with debt. He was under pressure in Nepal and had 20,000 to 25,000 dollars in debt. In Moscow, he was promised three-month training, but he failed to receive it. He was captured during his first mission. "I deeply regret it. I deeply regret it," he now says, expressing remorse for his actions. He clarified that he was not an exception and around 200 Nepalese soldiers were in his battalion alone.

Late Evening: U.S. Accuses Russia of Fear of Truthful ReportingThe U.S. alleges that Russia's blocking of access to over 80 EU media is an indication of Moscow's fear of truthful reporting. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller believes the Russian government is suppressing journalism because they are scared that their own people will learn the truth about Russia's actions. Previously, Moscow announced the blocking of websites of 81 media outlets from 25 EU countries, including offerings from German news magazine "Spiegel," Spanish newspapers "El Mundo" and "El País," and several French and Italian media. The websites and customer portal of news agency AFP are also inaccessible.

Evening: Prisoner Swap Between Russia and UkraineRussia and Ukraine have reportedly exchanged 90 prisoners from each side, mediated by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the release of 90 Russian military personnel who were in life-threatening conditions, detained by the Kiev regime. In return, 90 Ukrainian troops were handed over. The Defense Ministry stated the exchange happened under the mediation of the UAE, also facilitating the return of Ukrainian children from Russia to their homeland.

Evening: Nearly 130 Encounters with Russian Troops Reported by UkraineAccording to Ukrainian reports, there were almost 130 encounters with Russian troops throughout the day. As per the Ukrainian General Staff's situational update, most of the 128 encounters occurred in the Pokrovsk area.

Early Evening: Zelenskyy Attending EU Summit in Brussels for Security GuaranteesUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is anticipated to attend the EU summit in Brussels on Thursday. EU diplomats report an agreement on security guarantees for Kiev will be signed, which the EU member states had agreed on previously.

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19:22 Fire at Diehl-Concern in Berlin: No sign of Sabotage, Say InvestigatorsAfter a blaze at Diehl's metal company in Berlin, rumors circled about a potential Russian sabotage attack. But according to German investigation bodies, there's no evidence that the fire in May at Diehl's technology hub was due to Russian sabotage. As reported by "Spiegel," both the Federal Prosecutor's Office in Karlsruhe and the Berlin Public Prosecutor's Office confirmed to the news magazine that they lacked evidence of intentional arson in the Diehl facility. Neither office is currently probing the matter. The Berlin Police are still investigating, labeling it an accident. The Diehl-Concern also refuted media reports of a Russian arson attack.

18:47 Four Civilians Injured in Russian Air Strikes on Charkiw RegionAs reported by Ukrinform, quoting Governor Oleh Syniehubov, Russian troops attacked the village of Bobrivka in the Charkiw region with air bombs, injuring four civilians.

18:16 "United We Stand" - Moldova's President Sandu Applauds Start of EU Membership TalksMoldovan President Maia Sandu praised the commencement of membership talks with the EU and highlighted her country as part of the European family. "United We Stand," she wrote on Facebook. The European Union started symbolic membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova today.

17:54 Macron to Emphasize the Significance of Ukraine Aid at Meeting with OrbanFrench President Emmanuel Macron plans to underscore the importance of supporting Ukraine at a meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on the coming Wednesday. Orban, who is among the EU's skeptics regarding Ukraine, is heading to Paris amid Hungary's upcoming EU presidency. The two leaders will prepare for the upcoming EU summit on 27 and 28 June. Hungary takes over the EU presidency from Belgium on 1 July on a rotating basis. Orban's Fidesz party is allied with the right-wing Rassemblement National (RN) in France, whose victory in the French parliamentary elections appears imminent. A meeting with RN representatives is not on the agenda, according to the party.

17:28 Zelenskyy Welcomes ICC Arrest Warrants Against Russian Ex-Minister Shoigu and General GerassimovUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the International Criminal Court's decision to issue arrest warrants against two crucial figures in the Russian military hierarchy. "Today I'm encouraged by the International Criminal Court's issuance of arrest warrants against two vital figures of the Russian military leadership," Zelenskyy wrote on Facebook. Both are accused of committing atrocities against civilians in Ukraine during Russia's ruthless bombardment.

17:04 Meeting with Schwesig: Zelenskyy thanks Germany for SupportUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Manuela Schwesig today in her capacity as President of the German Bundesrat. The head of government expressed gratitude to Germany for its backing of Ukraine, humanitarian aid packages, and protection for Ukrainian refugees, according to Zelenskyy's press office as reported by Ukrinform. During the conversation, Zelenskyy informed Schwesig about the situation at the front and the priority needs of Ukraine in light of intensified Russian air raids. He also emphasized the significance of the German initiative to strengthen Ukraine's air defense and the delivery of additional air defense systems.

16:42 Merz Urges Swift Employment for Ukrainian Refugees in GermanyThe Union is advocating for quicker employment for Ukrainian refugees in Germany. "We must make efforts to better integrate these refugees who are here and plan to stay for a longer period," said Friedrich Merz, faction leader in Berlin. "We need them, and the right incentives must be set for them." This is a political responsibility rather than an issue for the refugees themselves. As with the labor market in general, unemployment benefits don't provide the right incentives for them to focus on employment. Therefore, a discussion about this needs to take place, ensuring fair treatment for those who have fled the war. "Their safety in Germany must not be compromised," Merz said.

16:21 Ukraine: Russia Launches 2277 Schahed Drones this YearAccording to Ukrainian reports, the Russian military has launched 2277 Schahed drones at targets in Ukraine this year. "Our air defense has managed to neutralize approximately 86 percent of them," the commander of the Ukrainian Air Force announced on Telegram.

16:07 Ukraine Orders Evacuation of Children from Five Frontline Towns in the Donetsk RegionUkraine has ordered the evacuation of all children and their guardians from five frontline towns in the eastern region of Donetsk. As Regional Governor Wadym Filaschkin explained, this measure also applies to other legal guardians of minors. The towns mentioned by Filaschkin are located in areas where Russian forces have made recent gains. Since civilians have been killed and injured in increasingly high numbers in recent weeks during combat operations, Governor Filaschkin had previously urged civilians to leave the Donetsk region.

15:57 EU Officially Initiates Membership Talks with UkraineThe European Union has officially started membership talks with Ukraine. Representatives of the 27 EU member states and Ukrainian delegates met in Luxembourg for the first session, during which the transfer of negotiation guidelines was discussed. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal described it as a "historic moment" for his country and the EU.

3:26 Russia restricts access to 81 European mediaRussia has retaliated against the ban of several Russian media in Europe by blacklisting 81 European media companies. This move will prohibit the broadcasting of their programs and restrict access to their websites, as announced on the Russian Foreign Ministry's website. German media affected include "Der Spiegel", "Die Zeit", and the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung". Austrian public-service broadcaster ORF and Mediengruppe Österreich were also affected. The Franco-German Arte channel is also on the banned list. With the most listed companies, France leads the EU, with a total of nine. In May, the EU countries decided to impose sanctions on the state Russian news agency Ria Novosti, the government newspaper "Rossiskaja Gazeta", the platform "Voice of Europe" as well as the pro-Kremlin newspaper "Izvestia", which includes a television station.

14:55 Anticipated visit of Indian Prime Minister Modi in RussiaShortly after his re-election, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected in Russia. "We are making preparations for the visit of the Indian prime minister," said Yuri Ushakov, foreign policy adviser to Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin. No confirmation has been received from the Indian government. The Indian Press Trust of India reported, citing diplomatic sources, that a visit by the prime minister to Moscow is being considered for early July. According to the Russian news agency Tass, the dates of July 8 and 9 are already set.

14:25 Trump's plan for a Ukraine strategy presented by advisersFormer US President Donald Trump has received a proposal from two influential advisers to end the Russian war in Ukraine. With this plan, the two conflict parties are encouraged to agree to a ceasefire and peace negotiations. To achieve this, Trump is said to have proposed that Ukraine would only receive further weapons from the US if it entered into peace talks. At the same time, Russia is to be informed that Ukraine would receive more support from the US if Moscow refused to participate in negotiations. Moscow is lured with the promise of delaying Ukraine's NATO membership for a longer period. The strategy was drafted by retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg and Fred Fleitz, who both served on the US National Security Council during Trump's presidency.

14:00 Ukrainian ammunition initiative delivers first resultsA Czech initiative to supply artillery shells to Ukraine has shown its first results. "A while ago, the initial delivery of ammunition under our initiative reached Ukraine," wrote Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala on X. "We are taking the necessary steps," added the liberal-conservative politician. Ammunition shortage is one of the biggest challenges for Ukraine in its defense against Russia. The goal of the initiative is to procure up to 800,000 artillery shells for Kiev in countries outside the EU. According to the latest reports from Prague, 18 partner countries have pledged financial support in the amount of around 1.6 billion euros for the project. Germany intends to participate with a three-digit million euro contribution. The Netherlands, Denmark, and Lithuania are among the other donor countries. The Czech Republic is one of the staunch supporters of Ukraine in its defense against the Russian invasion.

13:55 Ukrainian Ambassador Makejev calls CSU proposal "extremely populist"The Ukrainian ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeijev, has no use for the CSU's proposal to expel non-working Ukrainians. "That's really depersonalized and extremely populist," Makeijev told Phoenix. To integrate more Ukrainian asylum seekers into the German labor market, the ambassador is in talks with Labor Minister Heil and Interior Minister Faeser, as well as with the federal states. The job centers are also involved. For Makeijev, it is a fact that "Ukrainians integrate three times better into the labor market than representatives of other nations, they want to work." He notes that "Ukrainians integrate much faster" in other countries. Thus, unemployment among asylum seekers is not only the fault of the Ukrainians but also the governments of both countries. He therefore demands "recognition of vocational qualifications" and "reducing language requirements."

12:50 Russian propagandist insults SerbiaFor years, Serbia has maintained close relations with Moscow. But they are now strained, as it was recently revealed that the country sold ammunition that landed in Ukraine via intermediaries – and President Aleksandar Vucic defends the deal as important for the domestic arms industry. In Russia, TV moderator and Kremlin propagandist Sergei Mardan is furious. The ammunition has landed at all fronts, Serbia has behaved like the last "whore," he rants. The Serbs are no longer brothers of the Russians, but enemies.

13:18 EU extends safety measures for refugees from Ukraine: The EU extends the straightforward protection for displaced individuals from Ukraine for another year. A gathering of the 27 EU ministers in Luxembourg consents to the extension of the protective status until March 4, 2026. The EU's inside ministers prior concurred on this expansion in mid-June on the Commission's proposal. As indicated by Brussels, the conditions for the arrival of individuals due to the continuous Russian assaults on Ukraine's foundation over the entire nation are not satisfied. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser commends the extension yet also calls for a "more reasonable distribution" of refugees in the EU. The acknowledgment of almost 1.2 million individuals in Germany remains a "noteworthy exertion".

13:02 Beijing demands the lifting of new Russia sanctions: China forcefully reprimands the new Russia sanctions forced by the EU, which likewise influence Chinese organizations. A representative of the Foreign Ministry expresses: "This is unilateral sanctions without a lawful reason." "We urge the European side quickly to lift the sanctions, and will take necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese organizations." The West blames China for upholding Russia in its conflict against Ukraine, which Beijing denies. In a new bundle of estimates against Russia, Brussels added 61 more organizations to its restrictions list on Monday, among them 19 Chinese organizations. Two significant players in the Chinese satellite industry are affected by exchange constraints. The organizations are accused of doing business deserving millions with the Russian hired gun bunch Wagner and selling them satellites.

12:58 Arrest warrant issued against Shoigu and Gerasimov: The International Criminal Court issues a capture warrant against the previous Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and General Staff Chief Valeri Gerasimov. They are blamed for assaulting common objectives in Ukraine, the ICC reports.

12:50 Zelensky meets Schwesig in Kiev: Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's Minister-President Manuela Schwesig is gotten by President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kiev on the subsequent day of her Ukraine visit. The discussion in Kiev lasts around an hour. Schwesig visits Ukraine in her capacity as Federal President of the Bundesrat, to assure Kiev of the solidarity of all 16 government states. "Ukraine must win this conflict," she had just said on the train excursion to the Ukrainian capital - in contrast to her party companion, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who just underscores that Russia should not win the conflict and Ukraine should not lose it. Schwesig is denounced in Ukraine for her commitment for the Nord Stream 2 pipeline in the country. The previous Ukrainian ambassador Andrij Melnyk once expressed that he would never give her his hand. After the Russian assault nearly two years prior, Schwesig pulled back from her inclusion in the project and called it a misunderstanding.

12:28 Court finds Russia liable for human rights infringements on the Crimea: The European Court of Human Rights finds Russia answerable for human rights infringements on the Crimea after the occupation of the Crimean Peninsula. The judges in Strasbourg make this decision and thus award a grievance by Ukraine. Russia does not recognize the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights.

11:52 Kyiv's "Granade scarcity" calmed - even with sprinkler ammunition: Ukrainian soldiers needed to battle against the Russian military for a long while without enough ammunition. With the $61 billion help bundle, the ammunition supply has improved. Vasil, a Ukrainian commander, reveals that the "granade plenitude" is finished.

11:25 One hundred Ukrainians prosecuted while trying to escape to foreign nations: Ukrainian security powers prevent 100 men from unlawfully fleeing in the Odessa district in southern Ukraine. Last Friday, a gathering of 47 men was halted in four minibuses on their way to the fringe, as indicated by the state examination bureau. Another 53 men were halted at a rendezvous point. They planned to cross the boundary checkpoints on foot. The Odessa district outskirts the Republic of Moldova. The Danube River structures the fringe with Romania. All men matured 25 and above, who can be conscripted for the conflict, have been moved to the nearby paramilitary selection office. The human traffickers allegedly requested somewhere in the range of $4,600 and over $17,000 from each man.

11:07 Ukraine moving closer: Lührmann sees "noteworthy day" for the EU: EU part arrangement discussions with Ukraine and Moldova are authorities beginning, according to European State Secretary Anna Lührmann. She calls it a "noteworthy day" for the EU. "This is a great day since we are recognizing that both nations have made noteworthy change efforts in spite of the extremely troublesome conditions," says Lührmann on the sidelines of an EU ministers' meeting before the formal start of the part arrangement discussions in Luxembourg. "Both nations have made significant progress in the zones of the lawfulness, degeneracy, and press opportunity." Nonetheless, it will take years for Ukraine and Moldova to meet all the conditions for EU part. As a prerequisite for Ukraine, for example, a harmony agreement with Russia is required. No part assurance is given.

10:38 Revenge sanctions against the EU: Moscow's measures "may affect us as well": Frozen Russian reserves in the EU are intended to be utilized for Ukraine's armament. The Kremlin regards these sanctions to be "against global law" and "unlawful," as indicated by NTV columnist Rainer Munz. Russia presently plans to force retaliatory sanctions against the EU and foster other associations even more.

As reported by a Swiss appeals court, four bankers have been found guilty in connection to the administration of funds related to President Vladimir Putin's inner circle. The Zurich Appellate Court has determined that the staff of the defunct Swiss subsidiary of Gazprombank Russia failed to confirm the ownership of funds held in Roldugin's bank accounts in Zurich. Consequently, fines have been imposed on the four bankers involved.

In 2014, two accounts were established at the Gazprombank's Swiss branch in Roldugin's name as the ultimate beneficiary. It is reported in the media that the Russian cellist and conductor, who is godfather to one of Putin's daughters, was added to the Swiss sanctions list shortly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. According to the list, Roldugin is known as "Putin's briefcase" in Moscow.

Somalian Soldier Describes Being Forced to Fight in Ukraine

Adil, a Somalian migrant, shares his harrowing experience with ntv as he was lured into fighting in Ukraine by a lucrative offer of around €1,900 per month and the promise of Russian citizenship. Instead, Adil was immediately sent to the frontlines and is now imprisoned in Ukraine. "I didn't come to kill. I lost my weapon. I didn't know how to use it. Everything was drones, artillery, rockets. I just ran", Adil recounts in an interview with ntv. "I thought €2,000 was a normal wage for regular work. I thought a big dream had started for me."

Trump Advisors Suggest Plan to End Ukraine War

Two senior advisors to former US President Donald Trump have proposed a plan to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. As reported by Reuters, this proposal would allow Ukraine to gain additional US weaponry if they engage in peace talks. Simultaneously, the US would issue a warning to Russia that any reluctance to negotiate would result in increased support for Ukraine. General Lieutenant a.D. Keith Kellogg, one of Trump's national security advisors, voiced these thoughts. The detailed strategy put forth by Trump's associates represents the most comprehensive plan presented so far for ending the Ukraine war, although it may face opposition from both European allies and Trump's own Republican Party.

Russia Claims Destruction of Multiple Ukrainian Drones

According to Russia's own claims, 30 Ukrainian drones were shot down by their air defenses in the border region between the two countries. Russian reports state that 29 drones were intercepted and destroyed in the Belgorod border region, and one drone was destroyed in the adjacent Voronezh region. The death of an elderly woman in the Belgorod region is also reportedly being attributed to these drone attacks.

Ukraine Arrests Suspected Russian Spy

Ukrainian security forces have apprehended a border guard soldier who is suspected of spying for the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), according to the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU). The man is believed to have provided information on weapons and ammunition depots, as well as details on Ukrainian troops in the border area with Belarus. The suspect was allegedly recruited by an FSB officer based in the occupied Luhansk region and communicated anonymously through online messaging platforms. If found guilty of high treason, the man faces a life sentence.

Institute for the Study of War Predicts Tactical Advantages for Russia

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) anticipates that the delivery of US weaponry may not lead to significant results immediately. The ISW continues to assume that the Russian military is working to achieve tactical and operational gains before US military aid reaches Ukrainian forces in substantial amounts. It will reportedly take time for the weapons provided by Western countries, including artillery ammunition, to become tactically and operationally effective. In an interview with the "Philadelphia Inquirer," Military Intelligence Chief Kyrylo Budanow stated that weapon deliveries from the US and Europe would reach Ukraine faster than before. However, obtaining a significant volume of weapons remains a priority, and the situation on the frontlines will remain challenging at least until mid-July.

Ukraine to Continue "Drone Sanctions" Against Russian Oil Refineries

According to Ukrainian media, Ukrainian special forces have identified over 30 Russian oil refineries, terminals, and depots as potential targets. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the "Center for Special Operations" of the Ukrainian Security Service during a military briefing and highlighted the long-range capabilities of drones, which can now cover distances up to 1,500 kilometers. The latest drone attacks have targeted facilities in Tatarstan and Bashkortostan and are expected to continue. Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) stated that it will "continue to impose 'Drone Sanctions' on the Russian oil refinery complex, thereby reducing the adversary's economic potential, which provides the aggressor with the means to wage war against Ukraine."

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7:50 Denmark halts F-16 pilot training for UkrainiansDenmark has decided to end its training program for Ukrainian F-16 pilots due to its shift to F-35 aircraft. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced this at a press conference, as reported by media outlets. "Since we're moving towards F-35s, we need to focus on that instead of continuing to train Ukrainian pilots past 2024," the politician stated. Western coalition partners will have to find new locations for their operations, Poulsen added. Training programs for F-16 pilots are available in Romania and the USA as alternatives.

7:39 Belgorod governor reports "large-scale" drone attacksIn a series of drone attacks on the Russian city of Belgorod and settlements in the Belgorod region, multiple buildings, automobiles, and a gas pipeline were damaged, and four people sustained injuries. This was reported by "The Kyiv Independent," citing statements from Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov, who characterized the attacks as "extensive." According to Gladkov, a building in the Shebekino city was completely destroyed by fire due to the attacks. There has been no response from Kiev regarding the attacks.

7:16 European Union imposes sanctions on numerous companiesAs part of the latest round of measures against Russia, the European Union (EU) has added 61 companies to its sanctions list, including 19 Chinese companies. The 14th sanctions package, approved by the member states, includes trade restrictions for major players in the Chinese satellite industry. These companies are accused of conducting business worth millions with the Russian mercenary group Wagner and selling satellites to them.

6:43 European Court of Human Rights assesses lawsuit against Moscow by KievToday, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg evaluates Ukraine's lawsuit against Russia regarding the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula. Kiev alleges numerous violations of the European Convention on Human Rights between February 2014 and August 2015 on the Crimean Peninsula by Moscow, including "unlawful arrests," "media suppression," and "uncompensated expropriations."

5:43 Orban voices opposition to Ukraine's EU membershipHungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban criticizes the EU membership negotiations with Ukraine, taking place today in Luxembourg. In an interview with Funke Mediengruppe newspapers, Orban says, "Hungary is not in agreement with this membership process, but we do not block it and support the start of negotiations." According to Orban, the membership process is a "politically motivated action" and the EU should first assess the consequences of taking on a war-torn country with unclear borders. Orban will assume the EU Council Presidency on July 1st.

4:36 EU initiates negotiations for Ukraine's membershipThe EU initiates membership talks with Ukraine today. "The path towards a full-fledged membership that Ukraine deserves remains unstoppable," says Ihor Zhovka, foreign policy advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in an interview in Kiev. Initially, the ceremony in Luxembourg focuses on symbolic aspects rather than the specifics of the negotiations. The negotiations will begin once the EU has evaluated the numerous reforms Ukraine needs to carry out to meet EU standards.

3:36 USA reports civilian casualties in Crimea from Russian Atacms launchUS reports suggest that Ukraine did not target civilians during its weekend attack on the Crimean Peninsula. It appears that a Russian missile defense system intercepted an Atacms missile intended to neutralize a launch site. Reportedly, debris from the missile injured civilians on a Crimean beach. Russian reports claim that, over the weekend, at least four people, including two children, were killed in the Ukrainian attack with Atacms missiles. 151 people were reportedly injured in total. Russia holds the US responsible for the attack. In response, the US government maintained that Ukraine makes its own decisions regarding targets and military actions.

2:35 USA to dispatch additional ammunition to Ukraine worth $150 millionAs per sources in the US government, additional ammunition will be provided to Ukraine, valued at $150 million. It is anticipated that the decision will be announced officially today. The upcoming delivery is expected to include ammunition for Himars multiple rocket launchers, supplied by the US, which can launch Atacms missiles. Russia declared that the US has become an active participant in the conflict following the Ukrainian Atacms attacks on the Crimea.

1:35 Moscow dismisses EU sanctions as ineffectiveRussia views the new sanctions included in the 14th EU sanctions package against Russia as ineffective. The Foreign Ministry in Moscow has stated this. According to Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Gruschko in Moscow, the West is not considering the possible repercussions on its own economy nor the well-being of people in the EU. Russia anticipates an economic growth of over three percent this year, far more than countries like Germany. "The purpose of the sanctions was to strangle the Russian economy, to shatter societal unity. The EU has achieved the opposite," Gruschko remarked.

23:28 Unemployed Ukrainians face eviction: Schwesig counters Dobrindt's planGerman SPD politician Manuela Schwesig, the Minister President of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, challenges the idea put forward by CSU regional leader Alexander Dobrindt, which suggests forcing displaced Ukrainians from specific regions to return home if they fail to secure employment in Germany. Schwesig, expressing concern, states that there are no secure regions, as Russia's ongoing attacks exacerbate the entire Ukraine. Her comments come in response to the large number of refugees, including many women with children. She accuses Dobrindt of pandering to the masses by following the sentiments of some within the population.

22:29 Ukrainian Frontline: Nearly 130 Engagements with Russian TroopsAs per Ukraine's reports, there have been 128 engagements with Russian forces at the frontline since daybreak. The Ukrainian General Staff wrote on Facebook that the Russian forces are currently focusing on the region surrounding Pokrowsk, which accounted for a third of today's Russian attacks. The Ukrainian defense forces successfully repelled the attacks and held the frontlines.

21:57 "Disgusting breach" - Hungary rebukes EU's decision on Russian assets for UkraineThe Hungarian government expresses outrage at the decision made by other EU countries to utilize the proceeds from frozen Russian assets for Ukraine. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó believes that this represents an "appalling breach of common European rules," as stated on his Facebook page. The Hungarian government is examining the legal means to protect its interests. The Orbán-led government will assume the EU presidency within a week. Orbán maintains amicable relations with the Russian government.

21:38 Ukrainian Navy: 120 Drones destroyed in Krasnodar region attackThe Ukrainian Navy, along with the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), reportedly destroyed 120 drones during an attack on the Russian region of Krasnodar, as described in a statement on Facebook. The attack took place on June 21, as reported by the Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform. The military targeted objectives on a training ground of the 726th Training Center of the Russian Air Defense in Yeysk. This location was reportedly training drone pilots at the time of the attack.

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