German authorities decline compulsory work-related deportation of Ukrainians who refuse compliance
The German government refuses to endorse the forceful relocation of reluctant Ukrainian civilians amid ongoing attacks from Russia. A representative from the Foreign Office in Berlin stated that daily, Russia is bombarding targets across Ukraine and is attempting to demolish infrastructure in the western part of the country. Thus, the spokesperson questions where a secure location in Ukraine could be found in response to a request from CSU regional group leader Alexander Dobrindt, who mentioned safe areas in western Ukraine.
At 12:21, Russia issues threats towards the USA following a Ukrainian missile attack on the annexed Crimean Peninsula, resulting in at least 4 confirmed casualties and over 150 injuries. Presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov warned of consequences, though he refused to specify the exact repercussions. Russia alleges that the US is involved in the attack and has threatened to station rockets near US and European allies in response. Reports claim that Ukraine launched five missiles (supplied by the US) at the Crimea, carrying cluster munitions. Four missiles were shot down by air defense, while the warhead of the fifth detonated in the air, with debris falling close to a beach. Amongst the dead were two children.
At 11:58, Russia expert Niko Karasek contends that the missile was not intentionally aimed at tourists on the beach.
One day after a catastrophic Ukrainian missile strike, authorities in the port city of Sewastopol on the annexed Crimea have declared a state of emergency. Preliminary reports indicate 4 fatalities and 151 injuries, with 79 still hospitalized. Most victims were relaxing at a city beach in Sewastopol when rocket debris fell and detonated. Initially, the Russian military claimed responsibility for the missile launch, but later retracted their statement and accused Ukraine of deliberately targeting civilians. The area is home to several military facilities.
Criticism towards Germany regarding new sanctions against Russia is escalating from the Baltic States. Lithuania's Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis views the sanctions as "regrettably weaker" than planned, while his Estonian counterpart Margus Tsahkna finds it increasingly difficult to reach agreement on new sanctions within the European Union. Previously, disagreements centered around Hungary, but now the German government is hindering stricter rules against bypassing sanctions through third countries. The EU Commission had aimed to hold European companies liable if prohibited goods reached Russia via subsidiaries in countries like Kazakhstan; however, Berlin objected, arguing that the measures would harm Germany more than Russia, being the largest EU exporting nation. Now, companies are merely expected to make "best possible efforts" against sanctions violations.
Two people were reportedly injured in a morning attack on Odessa, according to the mayor's statements. Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform reports that Russian troops targeted civilian infrastructure with missiles.
The EU has announced the 14th sanctions package against Russia, imposing sanctions on an additional 116 individuals and institutions, along with stricter measures to combat attempts to circumvent existing sanctions. Furthermore, investments in Russian liquefied natural gas projects will be blocked.
The EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell aims to prevent an EU member state from hindering the utilization of frozen Russian financial assets for supporting Ukraine. Borrell made this statement before the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg, stating that there is a legal procedure to prevent any sort of blockade.
Moscow dismisses criticism regarding the terror attack in Dagestan, alleging that Ukraine is responsible for the incident.
According to media reports, a fire broke out in Odessa in the morning, with Belarusian opposition medium Nexta reporting a strong explosion, while "Kyiv Post" reports on an attack on civilian infrastructure.
Manuela Schwesig, the first Bundesrat President, arrives in Ukraine. The SPD politician visits Ukraine by train and plans to hold political discussions during the day. Schwesig views the visit as a show of solidarity from all 16 federal states with Ukraine, stating, "Ukraine must win this war and it should not be possible for Russia to succeed with this aggression." This statement does not sit well with all politicians. Chancellor Olaf Scholz instead always states that Russia should not win the war and Ukraine should not lose it.
Heavy fighting continues over the town of Nowooleksandriwka in the Donetsk region, with Ukrainian sources asserting that Russian troops have yet to fully capture the town. The Ukrainian army reports intense hostilities at the scene.
Military Blogger Alleges Mistreatment of Injured Soldiers by Russian Commanders
A military blogger claims that commanders in various units of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic are mistreating their injured troops. It is reported that a brigade is keeping its wounded soldiers in inhumane conditions within Donezk, instead of providing medical care, as suggested by the US think tank, Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Estonian Volunteer Killed at Ukrainian Front
An Estonian volunteer serving in the Ukrainian army was killed during a fight in the Luhansk region, as reported by Kyiv Independent and "Postimees". The volunteer, Martin Jaager, a 42-year-old ex-soldier, was said to have died on Saturday and is the third Estonian to lose his life fighting for Ukraine. Jaager had previously served in an elite unit in Estonia before joining the Ukrainian military over a year ago.
EU Foreign Ministers Meeting Focuses on Russian Aggression Towards Ukraine
Today, EU foreign ministers are meeting in Luxembourg to discuss the Russian offensive war against Ukraine. The Ukrainian Chief Diplomat Dmytro Kuleba is expected to join the debate via video. The pressure is mounting on Hungary to drop its resistance to providing €6.5 billion worth of military aid to Ukraine following a contentious dispute at the previous Foreign Ministers' meeting in May.
Russia Accuses US for Attack on Crimean Peninsula
Following a rocket attack on the occupied Crimean Peninsula, Russia accuses the US of being responsible for the attack. According to the Ministry, the US supplied the weapons to Ukraine, and the attack originated from Ukrainian territory. US experts are said to have used information from US spy satellites to determine the rocket launch coordinates, making the US government directly responsible for the incident. The attack reportedly left four people, including two children, dead and around 150 injured, as per the Defense Ministry.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Demands End to Attacks Around Saporischschja Nuclear Power Plant
The IAEA urges an immediate ceasefire to the ongoing attacks on Enerhodar near the Saporischschja Nuclear Power Plant. IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi asserts that drone attacks on the power plant and its vicinity are escalating and are completely unacceptable, violating international principles. The town has witnessed frequent drone attacks in recent times, and two transformer stations have been hit in the last week, resulting in temporary power outages.
NATO Secretary-General to Hold Talks with Macron on Further Ukraine Aid
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is scheduled to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss providing additional assistance to Ukraine in its battle against Russia. Macron had previously announced his intention to initiate a coalition to send Western military trainers to Ukraine.
Hungarian Prime Minister Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Ukraine
Ahead of Hungary's EU presidency beginning on July 1, Prime Minister Viktor Orban has urged for an initiative to bring about a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict. Orban stated that Russia's attack on Ukraine violates fundamental international norms and the량ions must focus on preventing further bloodshed. He emphasized that ending the war in Ukraine is crucial during Hungary's EU presidency.
Ukraine Attacks Crimea Once Again
Ukraine allegedly attacked targets in the Crimean Peninsula with rockets in the night, as reported by Ukrinform. There were explosions in the port city of Evpatoria, but the City authorities, unlike during the daytime attacks, did not issue a warning. The extent of the damage and casualties from the attacks remains undefined. Videos and images of fires have been shared, but neither Ukrainian nor Russian sources have confirmed the attack on military installations.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Calls for Advanced Weapons and Permission to Strike Deep into Russian Territory
In response to continued shelling of the city of Kharkiv, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy demands more powerful weapons and the authority to launch strikes deep into Russian territory from the West. Zelenskyy requested that the Russian air force be destroyed wherever it is found, and Kiev is working with its Western partners to secure the necessary approval.
CDU Deputy Chairwoman Criticizes Federal Government's Aid to Ukrainian Refugees
Following CDU Landesgruppenchef Alexander Dobrindt's proposal for social benefits for Ukrainian refugees, CDU deputy chairperson Karin Prien asserted that the cause of their displacement must be considered. Prien, the Schleswig-Holstein Minister of Education, expresses her support for providing protection and hospitality to the Ukrainians, encouraging their swift entry to the labor market. She criticizes the Federal Government for failing to facilitate refugee integration effectively.
The European Commission Warns of Potential Russian Influence on the 2025 German Elections
The European Commission issues a warning concerning the possibility of Russian interference in the 2025 German elections. The premise remains unclear, but the Commission calls for increased vigilance and countermeasures to protect the integrity of the democratic process.
Anticipating the Bundestag election next year, the EU Commission's Vice President Vera Jourova voiced concerns over potential manipulation efforts by Russia. "We're in a new age of hostile interference," EU Commissioner Vera Jourova, in charge of Transparency, Values, and Democracy Protection, told the "Süddeutsche Zeitung." She expressed worry that Voice of Europe, presumed to be a media outlet, might serve as a model for future operations –in the lead-up to the Bundestag election next year. This outlet might just be the tip of the iceberg, she claimed. The EU barred the Voice of Europe and three other Russian media organizations from broadcasting within the European Union in May, deeming them all to be under Russian government control and aiming attacks at European parties, particularly during elections. Voice of Europe, stationed in Prague, is believed to disseminate pro-Russian propaganda across the EU and hand out cash to European politicians.
9:45 p.m., Ukraine's national energy provider reveals planned nationwide power cuts
As attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure by Russia persist, the state energy supplier has declared upcoming power cutoffs over the coming days. Ukrenergo announced this via Telegram. They stated that these steps are necessary because energy consumption is projected to surge at the beginning of the week, and the power grid has been weakened by "repeated Russian attacks." Since May, Ukraine has been enforcing rolling blackouts due to damaged energy infrastructure. According to Ukrenergo, the most severe power cuts are expected between 7 and 11 p.m. on Monday.
For more background information, check out the previous updates.
