French President Macron solidifies pledge of firm commitment to Ukraine amidst approaching elections
Macron Shows Solidarity with Ukraine: Pledges Continued Support AgainstRussian Aggression
After a meeting with NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg in Paris, French President Macron reiterated his country's unwavering commitment to support Ukraine in its battle against Russia. The support for Kiev remains firm, as Macron stated, addressing concerns in Ukraine over the election of right-wing populists in France, which might impact France's policy towards Ukraine.
European Countries Work on the 15th Sanctions Package Against Russia: On the Heels of the 14th Package
The European Union (EU) has set the 14th sanctions package against Russia in motion today, and work on the 15th package has already started. Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen announced that the new EU package will add 116 individuals and organizations to the sanctions list and encompass additional measures, such as the prohibition of EU institutions to involve themselves in the transshipment of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) in third countries.
Zelenskyy Removes General Yuri Sodol, New Commander Appointed for the United Forces of Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has replaced General Lieutenant Yuri Sodol, the commander of the United Forces, with Brigadier General Andrij Hnatow. No reasons for the dismissal were provided. Previously, Bohdan Krotovytsch, the chief of staff of the controversial Azov Brigade, reportedly lodged a complaint against Sodol, alleging negligent orders that led to significant military losses.
Ukraine Receives 1.4 Billion Euros from the EU: Funds From Frozen Russian Assets
The European Union (EU) will dispense an additional 1.4 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine, starting in July. The EU foreign ministers have made the preparations for this at their meeting in Luxembourg. This marks the first time the EU has made earnings from frozen Russian assets available to Ukraine. Hungary had previously blocked the release of these funds, but the foreign ministers found a method to bypass the Hungarian government.
Germany Dispatches More Than 40 Trucks to Ukraine for Border Control
Germany has delivered more than 40 trucks to Ukrainian border control units at the front to provide logistical support. According to Martin Jäger, the German ambassador in Ukraine, this move serves to support Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression.
Six People Killed, 41 Wounded in Russian Attack on Eastern Ukrainian City Pokrovsk
Authorities in eastern Ukraine have reported six fatalities and 41 injuries, including four children, following a Russian rocket assault on the city of Pokrovsk. Earlier accounts indicated that the city had been bombarded with two rockets, causing the destruction of a private house and damage to 16 others.
U.S. Denies Conducting Ukraine's Attacks: Cites Self-Determination in Target Selection
The United States denies any involvement in Ukraine's attacks, emphasizing that Ukraine makes its own decisions about targets and conducts its own military operations. The statement refutes Russia's accusations over the weekend that a Ukrainian attack using ATACMS missiles on Crimea was facilitated by the U.S.
German Chancellor Scholz Praises German Companies for Supporting Ukraine
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz appreciates the role that German companies play in assisting and rebuilding Ukraine, with a focus on Ukrainian reconstruction efforts. This sentiments were expressed during the "Industry Day" conference in Berlin.
Zelenskyy Expects Results in Brussels: Security Accords Await Signing and Potential EU Summit Attendance
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is anticipated to engage in political discussions in Brussels mid-week. It is expected that a security cooperation agreement between Ukraine and the EU will be signed there, as well as a possible invitation as a guest to the summit of the 27 EU heads of state and government on Thursday, though confirmations have yet to be received. The security accords aim to equip Ukraine with weapons deliveries, financial aid, and political cooperation, serving as an interim measure before the desired NATO membership for the country is achieved.
German government spokesperson dismissed Dobrindt's proposition: No safe zones in Ukraine
The German government spokesperson in Berlin refuses CSU regional chairman Alexander Dobrindt's plea to relocate jobless Ukrainian refugees to safe areas in their homeland. Russia is bombing regions both in the east and the west of Ukraine, the spokesperson declared. Russia is illegally waging war against Ukraine in its entirety. "I'm not sure now where a safe area in Ukraine could be found," Dobrindt suggested to "Bild am Sonntag" over the weekend, insisting that residency permits in Germany could be contingent on employment or a return to safe areas in western Ukraine. Members of the traffic light coalition parties SPD, Greens, and FDP criticized the idea and accused Dobrindt of stoking populism.
Russia warns reprisals for additional EU sanctions
Russia has threatened retaliation for the new EU sanctions. The Russian Foreign Ministry in Moscow says it will retaliate with appropriate countermeasures to any hostile actions from the West. The sanctions are illegal. The list of individuals barred from entering Russia has been significantly expanded, according to a statement. More information was not given. Previously, EU countries had enacted a 14th sanctions package against Russia. Among the measures, investments in Russian oil and gas projects are to be halted.
Zelensky asserts Ukraine has hit over 30 Russian oil sites
According to reports, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claims that Ukraine has struck more than 30 targets in the Russian oil industry, including refineries, terminals, and storage facilities. He did not specify a time frame or provide specifics. No Russian response has been issued as yet. This year, Ukraine has been intensifying its attacks on Russian oil facilities. The Russian government depends significantly on these facilities for their revenues.
Retired general cautions against optimism: Kiev's negotiating position is "weaker"
Despite recent Ukrainian successes in the Black Sea, retired General Wolfgang Richter of the Geneva Center for Security Policy advises against excessive euphoria. Russia has the capability to draw on "significant resources." Additionally, Russia requires an exit strategy, the expert added.
Eight die, dozens injured in Russian attacks in Ukraine
At least eight people have been killed, and many others injured in Russian attacks on targets in the eastern Ukraine and the southwestern port city of Odessa, according to Ukrainian reports. In missile attacks on the city of Pokrovsk in the eastern region of Donetsk, Governor Wadym Filaschkin reports that at least four people have died and 34 others injured, including two children. Filaschkin states that the Russian troops fired two Iskander-M missiles at the city, causing destruction to several buildings. This is one of the most significant hostile attacks on civilians in recent times, Filaschkin added. Furthermore, a man was reportedly killed by Russian attacks in the city of Kurachowe further south. "The Russians attacked the city with a guided missile and damaged an infrastructure facility," the governor said without providing further details.
Germany, France, and Poland plot coalition for advanced weapons
Germany, France, and Poland are planning to create a coalition of European states for the development of advanced weapons. "Long-range weapons represent a significant capability gap in Europe," explained German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius of the SPD in Paris. Several states must recognize this gap and work towards closing it in a medium- to long-term period before the NATO summit in July, Pistorius underscored. A corresponding declaration could then be signed at the NATO summit in Washington. "In Washington, we will show Europe's strength and reliability," Pistorius said at a meeting with his French and Polish colleagues, Sébastien Lecornu and Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz. "In Washington, we will demonstrate Europe's capability and dependability," Pistorius reiterated. He referred to the fact that 23 European allies, including Germany, had already surpassed the two-percent NATO target regarding defense spending.
Kiev labels wounded civilians on the Crimean "settlers"
Following the devastating explosion of a Ukrainian rocket over a beach on the Crimean peninsula annexed by Russia, the Ukrainian government refers to the victims as "civilian settlers." "There's 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 a territory occupied by the Kremlin, with hundreds of military targets, where fighting is occurring. The Kremlin attempts to mask these targets with its own civilians, who the Kremlin then deems civilian settlers. The day prior, a Ukrainian rocket had exploded over a public beach near the naval base in Sewastopol. According to local authorities, at least four people were killed, and more than 150 injured.
Zelensky orders probe into the Presidential Guard
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has ordered an investigation of the State Guard after it was discovered that assassination plans were being hatched within the security services. At the unveiling of the new head of the Presidential Guard, Olexij Morosow, Zelensky stated that his primary mission would be to ensure that only those who see their future with Ukraine join the Guard. And of course, anyone from the Guard who chooses a different path or brings disgrace to the Guard must be removed, "said Zelensky. The Ukrainian Security Service SBU reported in May that they had detained two high-ranking officers of the Guard, who were accused of planning the assassination of Zelensky and other state representatives of Ukraine.
13:52 Dead and Wounded in Pokrovsk Due to Russian Shelling
At least 4 individuals are suspected to have perished, and 34 others are reported to have been injured following a Russian missile strike on the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk. Local authorities have reported that two minors are among the casualties. The city was struck by two rockets. A single-family home was obliterated, and another 16 structures were damaged.
13:32 EU Pushes Through Military Aid for Ukraine Despite Hungarian Resistance
The EU is allegedly pushing forward with military assistance for Ukraine in opposition to the Hungarian government's will, totaling approximately 1.4 billion Euros. This move was approved during a meeting of Foreign Ministers in Luxembourg, according to multiple diplomatic sources.
13:16 Fatalities in Lypzi from Russian Landmine
Two individuals have been allegedly killed in Lypzi, in the Charkiw region, as a result of a Russian landmine explosion. The regional military administration head announced this via Telegram, according to the Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform. A car with two occupants appears to have run over a mine in the morning. One man died on the scene, and a woman succumbed to her injuries on the way to the hospital.
12:52 German Government Denies Forced Expulsion of Ukrainians
The German government has refuted claims of forced expulsion of unwilling Ukrainian men and women. A spokesperson for the Foreign Office in Berlin asserted that it was observable how Russia was intentionally targeting objectives throughout Ukraine and attempting to damage infrastructure in the west of the country. "I couldn't think of a safe place in Ukraine right now," he stressed, in response to demands from CSU regional group leader Alexander Dobrindt regarding "safe areas in western Ukraine."
12:21 Russia Threatens Retaliation Against USA over Civilians' Death in Crimea
Russia is threatening to retaliate against the USA following an alleged Ukrainian missile attack on the annexed Crimean peninsula, which reportedly resulted in at least 4 fatalities and more than 150 injuries. Russian Presidential spokesperson Dmitri Peskov stated, "There will be consequences." The specific repercussions - only time will tell." Russia is poised to retaliate against US involvement in this incident. Peskov references Russia's threat to station rockets within striking distance of the USA and their European allies. According to Russian reports, Ukraine launched five rockets supplied by the USA, equipped with cluster munitions, at the Crimea. Four rockets were intercepted by the air defense, and the munition of the fifth rocket detonated mid-air. Debris from the rocket fell near a beach, where some of the fatalities occurred.
More information can be found here.
11:58 Russia Expert: Debris in Krim Incident Didn't Target Tourists
Following a Ukrainian missile attack on the annexed Crimean peninsula, several individuals have been reportedly killed, including at a beach. Russia expert Niko Karasek states, "The debris fell accidentally among tourists."
11:35 Sewastopol Enacts Emergency State
One day after a devastating Ukrainian missile attack, authorities in the port city of Sewastopol on the annexed Crimea have declared a state of emergency. According to official reports, at least 4 individuals have died, and 151 others were injured in this attack, 79 of whom are still receiving treatment in hospitals. Most of the victims had been sunbathing at a city beach in Sewastopol when rocket debris fell and exploded. At first, the Russian military claimed responsibility for the missile launch, but later retracted the statement and asserted that Ukrainian missiles were aimed at civilians. Even in Russian military blogs, this claim is being questioned due to nearby military objectives.
11:01 Germany Facing Criticism for New Sanctions Package
In the wake of the formal implementation of new sanctions against Russia, criticism is mounting from the Baltic states towards Germany. Lithuania's Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis regrets that the sanctions are "unfortunately less stringent" than initially planned. His Estonian counterpart Margus Tsahkna notes that "it's becoming increasingly difficult in the EU to reach a consensus on new sanctions." This has mainly been an issue due to Hungary, but now the German government is blocking stricter regulations against circumventing sanctions through third countries. The EU Commission hoped to hold European companies liable if prohibited goods reached Russia through daughter companies based in countries like Kazakhstan. However, Berlin objected as these measures would cause more harm to Germany as the largest EU exporting nation than to Russia. Now, the companies are only required to make "reasonable efforts" to prevent sanctions violations.
More information can be found here.
10:24 Injuries Reported in Odessa Attack
Details from the mayor's office indicate that two individuals were injured in an attack on Odessa this morning. The Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform reported the news. Russian troops allegedly bombarded civilian infrastructure with rockets.
09:44 Additional 116 Names Added to EU Sanctions List
The EU has enacted a 14th sanctions package against Russia. According to a statement, sanctions will be imposed on an additional 116 persons and institutions. Stricter measures will also be taken against efforts to bypass existing sanctions. In addition, investments in Russian liquid gas projects will be prohibited.
09:25 EU Advocates for the Use of Frozen Russian Funds for Ukraine's Support
The EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, aims to block any member state from obstructing the application of frozen Russian financial assets for Ukraine's aid. Borrell plans to present this proposal at a meeting of the EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg. "We have the legal mechanism to prevent any form of blockade."
08:58 Moscow Disregards Accusations towards Dagestan regarding Islamism in Russia
Accusations of Ukrainian involvement in a terrorist attack in Dagestan, as reported by NTV correspondent Rainer Munz, are being deflected by Moscow as an attempt to divert attention from the growing threat of Islamic terrorism within Russia.
23:28 Incident in OdessaReports suggest a blaze erupted early in Odessa. The Belarusian opposition outlet Nexta references a powerful blast, whereas "Kyiv Post" points to an assault on civilian facilities.
21:51 Schwerin in Kiev - "Ukraine must prevail"As the initial Federal President of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Manuela Schwesig is heading to Ukraine. She's due to arrive in Kiev by train and aims to engage in political deliberations. "It serves as a show of camaraderie with all 16 federal states toward Ukraine," she declared en route. "Ukraine needs to emerge victorious from this war, and it mustn't be possible for Russia to succeed via this aggression." This remark isn't sitting well with many politicians. Chancellor Olaf Scholz instead consistently declares that Russia shouldn't triumph in the war and Ukraine shouldn't lose it.
21:36 Still intense fighting in NowooleksandriwkaDue to reports, the town of Nowooleksandriwka in the Donetsk region remains under unclear Russian control. Ukrainian sources maintain that Russian forces haven't entirely seized the town. The Ukrainian military reports heavy skirmishes there.
20:52 Allegations of mistreatment of wounded soldiers by Russian commandersA Russian military blogger alleges that commanders of various Russian units within the so-called Donetsk People's Republic are mistreating their injured soldiers. One brigade reportedly keeps its injured captives in Donetsk instead of treating them, as per the claims of the US think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
20:21 Third Estonian volunteer perishes at the frontA volunteer from Estonia, who served in the Ukrainian military, lost his life in a conflict in the Luhansk region. This is reported by Kyiv Independent, according to Estonian newspaper "Postimees". Martin Jaager, a 42-year-old former soldier, was apparently killed on Saturday and marks the third Estonian to die while defending Ukraine. He enlisted in the Ukrainian army more than a year ago after serving in an elite unit in Estonia.
19:44 Intensifying Pressure on Hungary in EU Foreign Minister MeetingThe EU Foreign Ministers are discussing the Russian aggression against Ukraine at their meeting in Luxembourg today. A conversation with the Ukrainian Chief Diplomat Dmytro Kuleba is planned, who will join in via video. Hungary is under pressure to lift its blockade of military aid worth 6.5 billion Euros. A heated dispute regarding this matter transpired during the Foreign Ministers' meeting at the end of May.
18:45 Moscow Blames US for Crimea AttackFollowing a rocket strike on the annexed Crimean Peninsula, Moscow implicates the US. "The principal liability for the provocative rocket attack on the civilian population of Sevastopol lies primarily with Washington, which supplied these weapons to Ukraine, and the Kiev government, from whose territory this attack was launched", the Ministry stated. US analysts reportedly determined the rocket launch coordinates using information from US spy satellites, implying that the US government was directly responsible. Four fatalities, including two minors, occurred, along with 151 injured, according to the Defense Ministry.
17:42 IAEA Condemns Attacks near Saporischschja Nuclear Power PlantThe International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) appeals for an immediate end to attacks on the Ukrainian city of Enerhodar near the Saporischschja Nuclear Power Plant. "The perpetrators of these attacks must stop. continual drone attacks on the power plant and its vicinity are inappropriate", says IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi. "This is absolutely unacceptable and opposes the universally agreed-upon security principles and practices." In the past week, drone attacks hit two substations. The power supply to residents was occasionally interrupted. According to Grossi, previous incidents had no effect on the operation of the Saporischschja Nuclear Power Plant.
16:45 Stoltenberg to Discuss Additional Ukraine Aid with Macron in ParisNATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is traveling to Paris on Monday for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. During their meeting, the discussion will encompass, among other things, additional support for Ukraine during its war with Russia. Macron announced earlier in the month that he intended to create a coalition for the deployment of Western military trainers to Ukraine.
15:43 Orban Supports Immediate Ceasefire in UkrainePrior to the onset of the Hungarian EU Council Presidency, Prime Minister Viktor Orban calls for an initiative for an immediate ceasefire in the Ukraine war. It is obvious that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is completely objectionable and disregards the fundamental principles of international relations, Orban stated to Funke Media Group newspapers. It is essential now to "put a stop to the fighting on the frontline". Orban emphasizes that the termination of the war in Ukraine is one of the most significant aspects of the Hungarian EU Council Presidency, set to begin on July 1.
14:53 Ukraine attacks Crimea once moreThe Ukrainian forces reportedly target the Crimean peninsula, annexed by Russia again in the dead of night. Numerous explosions were reported in the seaport of Evpatoria, according to the Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform. On the contrary, the authorities of the seaport of Sevastopol, unlike daytime attacks, have issued an air alert. The repercussions of the attacks remain unclear. Multiple media outlets are releasing videos and images of fires. Reports of allegedly hit military installations haven't been verified by either the Ukrainian or Russian sides yet.
23:49 Zelenskyy seeks authorization for extensive attacks on Russian soilIn response to ongoing shelling of Kharkiv, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy calls for additional Western weaponry and authorization to launch strikes deep into Russian territory. In his daily video address, Zelenskyy states, "The Russian air force must be annihilated anywhere and with all available effective means." Kiev is coordinating with its Western allies to reach a decision.
22:49 Prien criticizes federal government on refugee support: "Lacks effort"Following a proposal by CSU regional group leader Alexander Dobrindt for social benefits for Ukrainian refugees, Schleswig-Holstein's Education Minister Karin Prien addresses the reason behind their migration. "Fleeing Putin's terror and Putin's war, Ukrainians are granted our protection and hospitality," comments Prien on platform X. "Most Ukrainian refugees aim to quickly establish themselves, work, and prepare for the reconstruction of their homeland. Our duty is to facilitate their integration into the labor market." She also blames the Federal Government for neglect in this area.
22:17 EU Commission cautions about Russian interference in 2025 Bundestag electionsLooking ahead to the 2022 Bundestag elections, EU Commission Vice President Vera Jourova issues a warning about potential manipulation by Russia. "We find ourselves in an era of hostile influence," says the EU Commissioner for Transparency and Values and the Protection of Democracy to the "Süddeutsche Zeitung". "I fear that Voice of Europe serves as a blueprint for further operations - also in the lead-up to the Bundestag election next year. This fake medium could merely be the tip of the iceberg." It may be replicated as a technique. The EU had 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 controlled by the Russian government and targeted European parties, "particularly during election periods." Voice of Europe, operated from Prague, is thought to disseminate pro-Russian propaganda in the EU and offer payment to European politicians.
Ukrainian power supplier warns of nationwide power shortagesDue to Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the state energy provider anticipates more power outages in the coming days. Ukrenergo communicated this information on Telegram. These measures are necessary as energy demand is expected to increase at the start of the week, and the power grid has been weakened by "massive Russian attacks." Ukraine has been imposing rotating blackouts since May as a result of damaged energy infrastructure. According to Ukrenergo, the largest power outages are forecasted between 19:00 and 23:00 on Monday.
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Read also:
- In his pledge to Ukraine, President Macron expressed support for Volodymyr Selenskyy's government in the face of Russian cyberwar attacks, emphasizing the importance of maintaining unity against Russian aggression.
- Amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, NATO and its European members, including France, are discussed as potential allies in providing military support to Ukraine, preventing further Russian attacks and safeguarding Ukraine's cyber infrastructure.
- In the wake of Russia's attack on Ukraine's military operations, the European Union considers strengthening its policy towards Russia by implementing additional cybersecurity measures, aimed at protecting Ukrainian digital assets from further Russian cyberwar attacks.
- As intensified military operations by Ukraine against Russian oil sites continue, the international community, including NATO, is urged to provide further support to Ukraine in its battle against Russian cyberwarfare, ensuring Ukraine's cybersecurity and increasing its defensive capabilities against Russian cyberattacks.
