Following Russian allegations, Ukraine reportedly self-selects attack targets within its own territory.
The US government, as it claims, does not oversee the aggressions in Ukraine. A Defense Ministry representative explains that Ukraine takes its own decisions regarding targets and conducts its own military operations. This statement comes amidst Russia's allegations that a Ukrainian attack using ATACMS missiles on Crimea originated from the US. Approximately four fatalities and 151 injuries were reported by Russian sources. Crimea was declared annexed by Russia back in 2014.
17:46 Scholz: German businesses play key role in Ukraine rebuildingGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz asserted that German businesses play a pivotal role in aiding and restoring Ukraine and its European region. Scholz shared this sentiment during a speech at the "Industry Day" conference in Berlin, as reported by a correspondent of Ukrinform. "German entrepreneurs are already today playing a decisive role in supporting and rebuilding Ukraine and its European continent," Scholz supposedly said.
17:18 Zelenskyy anticipates conclusion of security agreements in BrusselsUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to engage in political discussions in Brussels during the upcoming week. Multiple EU officials told the German Press Agency that a security cooperation agreement between Ukraine and the EU is anticipated to be finalized during Zelenskyy's visit. The creation of the agreement's text has been underway for months. Zelenskyy may also be invited as a guest to the summit of the 27 EU heads of state and government on Thursday, although this has not been confirmed yet. The security agreements are based on an initiative from the G7 group members and agreed upon at the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania last year. Member countries are supposed to sign bilateral agreements with Ukraine to secure its long-term safety. The EU is also participating in this. With these agreements, Ukraine is expected to receive weapons deliveries, financial aid, and political cooperation. They are intended to help bridge the time until the desired NATO membership of the country.
16:55 Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Dobrindt demand: No secure areas in UkraineAlexander Dobrindt's proposal to take unemployed Ukrainian refugees back to safe areas within their homeland is met with opposition by the Foreign Office. Moscow attacks sites in both eastern and western Ukraine, as mentioned by a Foreign Ministry spokesperson in Berlin. Russia is illegally waging a war of aggression against Ukraine as a whole. "I wouldn't know where a safe place in Ukraine would be," the spokesperson said. Dobrindt recommended over the weekend that employment should be required as a condition for a residence permit for Ukrainian refugees in Germany. "Either employment in Germany or return to safe areas in the western part of Ukraine," he told Bild am Sonntag. Members of the SPD, Greens, and FDP parties from the traffic light coalition criticized the proposition and accused Dobrindt of employing populism.
16:36 Russia threatens retaliation for new EU sanctions
Russia has issued a threat to retaliate against new EU sanctions. For any hostile actions from the West, Russia will respond accordingly, as stated by the Russian Foreign Ministry in Moscow. The sanctions, as per Russia, are illegal. The list of individuals who are prohibited from entering Russia has been significantly expanded, the statement further reads. However, no details were provided. Previously, EU countries were preparing the 14th sanctions package against Russia. This package included plans to block investments in Russian oil and gas projects.
16:20 Zelenskyy: Ukraine has struck over 30 Russian oil facilities
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as reported, stated that Ukraine has attacked more than 30 targets within the Russian oil sector, including refineries, terminals, and storage facilities. However, Zelenskyy did not specify the timeframe or provide further details. A response from Russia has not been released yet. Ukraine has intensified its assaults on Russian oil facilities this year. The Russian government generates a considerable portion of its income from them.
16:01 Retired Colonel Warns Against Euphoria: Kiev's Negotiating Position is "Significantly Weakened"Regardless of the recent Ukrainian accomplishments in the Black Sea, Wolfgang Richter of the Geneva Center for Security Policy advises against excessive optimism. Russia possesses substantial resources. In addition to military support, it would need an exit strategy, the expert adds.
15:34 Eight Dead and Dozens Injured in Russian Attacks in UkraineAccording to Ukrainian reports, at least eight people have lost their lives and several others have been wounded in Russian attacks on targets in eastern Ukraine and the port city of Odessa. 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, in missile attacks on the city of Pokrowsk. Filaschkin notes that the Russian troops fired two Iskander-M missiles at the city and destroyed numerous houses. This is one of the largest attacks on civilians in recent times, he adds. One man was reportedly killed by Russian fire in the city of Kurachowe further south, according to the governor. "The Russians attacked the city with a guided missile and damaged an infrastructure facility," the governor said, without providing additional details.
15:11: Long-Range Weapons Coalition Proposed by Germany, France, and PolandGermany, France, and Poland are planning to team up to build long-range weapons, as they see it as a critical gap in Europe's military capabilities, according to German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. He believes that this gap should be closed within a medium to long-term horizon prior to the NATO Summit in July. A declaration about this coalition could be signed at the NATO Summit in Washington, showcasing their readiness to take on responsibility and demonstrating the strength and reliability of European nations.
14:42: Crimea Violence Continues; Civilians Labeled "Civilian Occupiers"Following a rocket explosion near a beach on the Crimean Peninsula, Kiev authorities have branded the victims as "civilian occupiers." With the Crimea being occupied territory containing hundreds of military targets, the Kremlin attempts to shield these targets using its civilian population, who then become civilian occupiers, as stated by Mychajlo Podoljak, an advisor in the Presidential Office. On the previous day, a rocket attack on a public beach near the naval base in Sewastopol resulted in over 4 fatalities and more than 150 injuries.
14:18: Review of Presidential Guard Initiated by ZelenskyyAfter discovering alleged assassination plans within the Ukrainian security services, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has ordered a review of the Presidential Guard. During the introduction of Olexij Morosow as the new head of the Presidential Guard, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of admitting only those people who support Ukraine's future and removing anyone who may not align with Ukraine's interests. This comes after the Ukrainian Security Service SBU arrested two high-ranking officers of the Guard, who were accused of planning the assassination of Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian state representatives.
13:52: Attack on Pokrovsk Leaves CasualtiesAn attack by Russian rockets in the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk has resulted in at least 4 fatalities and 34 injuries, with two children among the injured. The city sustained damage from two rockets, which destroyed a private house and damaged 16 others.
13:32: Military Aid for Ukraine Provided by the EU Despite Hungary's ObjectionsIn defiance of the Hungarian government, the EU has agreed to provide around 1.4 billion Euros in military aid for Ukraine. This decision was approved during an outdoor ministerial meeting in Luxembourg, as confirmed by several diplomats.
13:16: deaths in Ukraine due to Russian Mine ExplosionIn the Charkiw region, two people have died from the explosion of a Russian mine. According to the regional military administration, a car with two passengers drove over a mine in the morning, leading to one immediate death and another passing away while being transported to the hospital.
12:52: Germany Rejects Deportation of Reluctant Ukrainian RefugeesThe German government has decided against forced deportation of unwilling Ukrainian refugees due to increasing attacks and infrastructure damage throughout Ukraine. When asked about the establishment of "safe areas" in western Ukraine, a Foreign Office spokesperson expressed uncertainty and cautioned that it might not be safe enough for refugees.
12:21: Russia Threatens Consequences for US over Krim Rocket AttackFollowing the Ukrainian rocket attack on the annexed Crimean Peninsula that reportedly claimed multiple lives, Russia has threatened repercussions against the US. Presidential press secretary Dmitri Peskov didn't elaborate on the specific consequences but stated that Russia would react to any US involvement in this conflict. He also mentioned the Russian threat to deploy rockets with a range to target US and its European allies. Russian sources report that Ukraine launched the attack with five rockets supplied by the US, equipped with cluster munitions, with four being shot down and the remnants of the fifth falling near a beach.
11:35 State of Emergency Declared in Sewastopol Following Destructive AttackOne day after a devastating attack, authorities in the annexed port city of Sewastopol in Crimea have declared a State of Emergency. Preliminary reports suggest that four people were killed and 151 were injured in the assault. 79 individuals are still receiving medical attention. Many of the victims were at the city's beaches when remains of rockets fell and detonated. Initially, the Russian military claimed responsibility for launching the rockets, but later retracted their statement and accused Ukraine of firing upon civilians. This claim, however, is facing scrutiny within Russian military forums as there are several nearby military objectives.
11:01 Criticism Aimed at Germany for Weaker Sanctions PackageFollowing the official decision for new sanctions against Russia, criticism is mounting against Germany from the Baltic states. Lithuania's Foreign Minister, Gabrielius Landsbergis, views the sanctions as "unfortunately weaker" than anticipated. His Estonian counterpart, Margus Tsahkna, states, "it's becoming increasingly difficult in the European Union to reach a consensus on new sanctions." To date, this challenge was mainly due to Hungary, but now the German government is hindering stricter measures to prevent evasion of sanctions through third countries. The EU Commission intended to hold European companies accountable if prohibited goods reached Russia via daughter companies in Kazakhstan. The German government objected, arguing that such measures would negatively affect Germany as the largest EU exporting nation more than Russia. Presently, the companies are just required to make "reasonable efforts" to prevent sanctions infractions.
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10:24 Odessa Suffers Attack, Two InjuredAccording to reports from the mayor, two individuals suffered injuries in a morning attack on Odessa. This information comes from the Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform stating that Russian troops targeted civilian infrastructure with rockets.
09:44 116 Names Added to EU Sanctions ListThe EU has initiated the 14th sanctions package against Russia. A statement indicates that 116 individuals and institutions will be subjected to sanctions. Moreover, stronger measures will be imposed on attempts to circumvent existing sanctions. Additionally, investments in Russian liquefied gas projects will be blocked.
09:25 EU Requires Frozen Russian Funds for UkraineEU Foreign Policy Chief, Josep Borrell, aims to put a stop to any EU member state from obstructing the allocation of funds from frozen Russian financial assets to support Ukraine. Borrell expressed this prior to the meeting of the EU Foreign Ministers in Luxembourg. "We possess a legal process to prevent any kind of obstruction."
08:58 Moscow Accuses Ukraine of Islamist Terror in DagestanUnfounded accusations of Ukraine's involvement in the terrorist attack in Dagestan are being made from the Russian Parliament as reported by NTV correspondent, Rainer Munz. The Kremlin is attempting to divert attention from the prevalence of Islamic terrorism in Russia.
08:23 Reports of an Attack on OdessaMedia reports suggest that there was a fire in Odessa this morning. Belarusian opposition media Nexta reports of a powerful explosion, while "Kyiv Post" reports an attack on civilian infrastructure.
07:51 Schwesig Arrives in Kiev - "Ukraine Must Win"Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's Governor, Manuela Schwesig, is the first Bundesrat President to visit Ukraine. She's traveling to Kiev by train and plans to engage in political discussions. "This is an expression of solidarity from the 16 federal states with Ukraine," she stated during her journey. "Ukraine must win this war and it should not be that Russia succeeds in its aggression with this attack." This stance is not readily accepted by all politicians. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz instead claims that Russia should not win the war and Ukraine should not lose it.
07:36 Heavy Contention over NowooleksandriwkaAccording to reports, the village of Nowooleksandriwka in the Donezk region has been contested. Ukrainian sources emphasize that Russian troops have not fully occupied the town. The Ukrainian army is reporting intense fighting in the area.
06:52 Allegations of Wounded Soldiers Being Held as Prisoners within a Russian UnitA Russian military blogger claims that commanders of various units within the so-called Donetsk People's Republic are mistreating their wounded soldiers. According to the US think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW), which sources the blogger, a brigade is being accused of holding its wounded in the city of Donezk under grueling conditions instead of treating them.
06:21 Third Estonian Volunteer Killed in ActionAn Estonian volunteer, who fought alongside the Ukrainian army, died in battle in the Luhansk region. This information comes from "The Kyiv Independent", citing the Estonian newspaper "Postimees". 42-year-old professional soldier, Martin Jaager, was reportedly killed on Saturday and is the third Estonian to perish in Ukraine's defense. After serving in an elite unit in Estonia, he joined the Ukrainian army over a year ago.
05:44 Intense Debate at EU Foreign Ministers Meeting in LuxembourgThe EU foreign ministers are meeting today in Luxembourg to discuss the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A meeting with the Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba, who is participating via video conference, is planned. The pressure is mounting on Hungary to abandon its blockade of military aid to Ukraine valued at 6.5 billion Euros. A heated argument about this occurred at the Foreign Ministry at the end of May.
23:45 Moscow Points Finger at US Over Crimea Rocket AssaultFollowing a rocket assault on Crimea's civilian populace in Sevastopol, Moscow points the finger at the US. "The principal accountability for the aggressive rocket attack on the civilian populace lies chiefly with Washington, as it has furnished these weapons to Ukraine, and the Kiev administration, from whose territory this attack was launched," Russia's Ministry declares. Allegedly, American specialists utilized data from US spy satellites to pinpoint the rocket launch coordinates, suggesting Washington's direct accountability. The Defense Ministry reports four deaths, including two children, and 151 injuries.
02:42 International Outcry Over Saporischja Nuclear Power Plant AttacksThe International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) demands an immediate halt to attacks on the Ukrainian city of Enerhodar close to the Saporischja Nuclear Power Plant. "Those responsible must cease. Drone attacks on the power plant and its surroundings are becoming more frequent," says IAEA chief Rafael Grossi. "This is utterly unacceptable and goes against the unanimously adopted security principles and specific practices." In the past week, drone attacks targeted two transformer stations, causing power interruptions. According to Grossi, the incidents did not affect the Saporischja Nuclear Power Plant's operation.
01:40 Stoltenberg Heads to Paris to Discuss Additional Aid for UkraineNATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg will travel to Paris on Monday for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron concerning further backing for Ukraine in its struggle against Russia. Macron announced earlier in the month his intention to form a coalition for deploying Western military training in Ukraine.
00:45 Orban Demands Immediate Ukraine Ceasefire Ahead of EU PresidencyBefore the start of the Hungarian EU presidency, Prime Minister Viktor Orban has called for a ceasefire initiative in the Ukraine war. He stated that Russia's attack on Ukraine was completely unacceptable and breached the fundamental principles of international relations. Orban emphasized the need to "stop the killing at the front" immediately. The ending of the war in Ukraine is one of the most important goals during the Hungarian EU presidency, which begins on July 1.
00:00 Ukraine Resumes Assaults on Crimean PeninsulaUkraine attacked targets on the annexed Crimean Peninsula with rockets in the night. Explosions were reported in the port city of Evpatoria, according to the Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform. The authorities of the port city of Sevastopol issued an air alarm for the first time. The consequences of the attacks are unclear. Several media outlet published images and videos of fires, but reports of allegedly hit military installations have yet to be confirmed by either the Ukrainian or Russian sides.
23:40 Zelenskyy Pushes for Long-Range Weapons and Deep Russian Territory StrikesFacing continuous shelling of the city of Kharkiv, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy calls for additional long-range weapons and permission to strike deep into Russian territory. "The Russian air force must be obliterated where it lies, with all the effectual means that are accessible," Zelenskyy stated in his daily video address. Kiev collaborates with its Western allies on a corresponding decision.
22:40 Prien Expresses Concern Over Federal Government's Handling of Ukrainian Refugee Social BenefitsAfter Alexander Dobrindt's proposal regarding social benefits for Ukrainian refugees, Karin Prien, the deputy CDU chairman, questions the reason for their displacement. "Ukrainians are fleeing from Putin's terror and Putin's war. Of course, they enjoy our protection and hospitality," writes the Education Minister of Schleswig-Holstein on the X platform. "The vast majority of Ukrainian refugees wish to swiftly find a foothold here, work, and prepare for their homeland's reconstruction. Our responsibility should be to facilitate their labor market participation," Prien emphasizes. She also criticizes the federal government for their poor handling in this regard.
22:10 EU Commission Warns of Potential Russian Influence on the 2025 Bundestag ElectionWith the Bundestag election next year in mind, EU Commission Vice President Vera Jourova expresses concerns about potential manipulation attempts by Russia. "We live in a new era of hostile influence," says the EU Commissioner for Transparency and Values and the Protection of Democracy to the Süddeutsche Zeitung. "I am concerned that Voice of Europe serves as a blueprint for further operations, including during the lead-up to the Bundestag election in 2025. This fake medium is probably only the tip of the iceberg." The EU prohibited Voice of Europe and three other Russian media organizations from broadcasting within the European Union in May. According to the EU, these media outlets were under Russian control and aimed to target parties in Europe, particularly during election periods. Voice of Europe, based in Prague, reportedly spreads pro-Russian propaganda in the EU and paid money to European politicians.
21:40 Ukraine Energy Provider Announces Planned Nationwide Power OutagesIn response to Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the state energy supplier has announced power outages for the coming days. According to Ukrenergo, individual power cuts are necessary due to high energy consumption, increased by "massive Russian attacks." Ukraine has experienced rolling blackouts since May due to damaged energy infrastructure. On Monday, the largest power cuts are expected between 19 and 23 hours, Ukrenergo warns.
Read also:
- Despite Russia's allegations, Ukraine has reportedly taken the initiative to self-select attack targets within its own territory during military operations, according to the Defense Ministry representative.
- Amidst the Ukraine conflict, Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to engage in political discussions in Brussels during the upcoming week, with the EU anticipated to finalize a security cooperation agreement with Ukraine.
- As tensions escalate, Russia has threatened retaliation for any new EU sanctions, stating that it will respond accordingly to hostile actions from the West.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine has attacked more than 30 targets within the Russian oil sector, including refineries, terminals, and storage facilities, as part of the ongoing conflict.
