16:54 Orban probably gets Ukraine promise and gives up opposition to Rutte as NATO chief
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has given up his resistance against the appointment of outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the new Secretary General of NATO. Orban announced that Hungary is ready to support Rutte's application. This paves the way for Rutte as Stoltenberg's successor. The only hurdle left is the publicly unretracted candidacy of Romanian President Klaus Iohannis for the NATO top job. Iohannis, however, has no significant supporters left. Orban cited a letter from Rutte as the reason for his concession in the personnel matter. Among other things, it concerns Hungary's desire to ensure that it will not be pressured into participating in a planned NATO mission for the coordination of weapons deliveries to Ukraine.
16:18 Putin thanks North Korea for support against Ukraine during state visitBefore his visit to North Korea, Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked Pyongyang for its support of Russia's offensive in Ukraine in a guest article published by the state North Korean news agency KCNA and the newspaper Rodong Sinmun. "We deeply appreciate the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) for its resolute support for our military special operation in Ukraine," Putin wrote in the article. Meanwhile, South Korea reported a brief border incursion by North Korean soldiers.
15:43 Access to Soviet archives denied: European Court of Human Rights condemns RussiaThe European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has condemned Russia for its refusal to grant access to the human rights organization Memorial and other organizations regarding repressions during the Soviet era. "The search for historical truth is an integral part of the right to freedom of expression," the Strasbourg Court explained. The refusal constitutes an interference with the right to information and therefore violates the European Convention on Human Rights.
15:03 Slovakia ready to support Rutte as new NATO chiefSlovakia has declared its readiness to support Mark Rutte as the new NATO Secretary General. "After a final discussion with Mark Rutte and consultations with the Slovak government, the Slovak Republic can imagine Mark Rutte as NATO chief," Slovak President Peter Pellegrini said. However, the official support of Hungary and Romania, whose President Klaus Iohannis announced in March that he was also running for the top position, is still missing. The incumbent NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has already extended his tenure several times. He intends to step down in October after a decade at the helm of the military alliance. The NATO Secretary General is appointed in a consensus procedure and therefore needs the support of all 32 members. Numerous countries have already expressed their support for the departing Dutch Prime Minister Rutte.
14:26 Swiss Federal Office of Justice (Federal Criminal Office) investigates alleged Russian agentsSwiss authorities suspect a Russian diplomat of attempting to procure weapons and dangerous substances, according to a media report. The Federal Criminal Office in Bern confirmed that they have requested permission from the government to pursue a political crime investigation. The Federal Criminal Office and police have already conducted "preventive measures," including house searches, the department announced. Previously, the "Tages-Anzeiger" reported that a diplomat was under investigation who was accredited to the Russian embassy in Bern. The suspected agent was reportedly active a few weeks before the Ukraine summit, which took place in Switzerland without Russian participation over the past weekend. For the investigation to proceed, the Federal Criminal Office has also requested the revocation of immunity.
13:47 Italy intends to supply Ukraine with Storm Shadow missilesAccording to a report from "Il Fatto Quotidiano," Italy plans to supply Ukraine with Storm Shadow cruise missiles in the next military aid package. The state Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform reported this based on the Italian daily. The Italian Defense Ministry is expected to present the ninth military aid package to parliament at the end of June, according to the report, but the number was not mentioned.
13:02 Professor in Estonia sentenced to six years and three months in prison for spying for RussiaThe Russian political scientist Viacheslav Morozov has been sentenced to six years and three months in prison in Estonia for spying for Russia. This was reported by the Russian opposition medium Meduza, citing the Estonian public broadcaster. Morozov reportedly worked at the University of Tartu in Estonia until his arrest in January and shared his knowledge of the political situation in Estonia and its relations with the EU with Russian intelligence services.
12:19 NATO General calls for response to modern hypersonic weaponsNATO General Christian Badia considers efforts to defend against modern hypersonic weapons necessary. For a credible deterrence, both defense and the ability to attack must be established, Badia said at a conference in Berlin. Russia is already using these weapons systems against Ukraine. The warning time could shrink to only about two minutes, it was reported at the meeting. Markus Ziegler from the German Aerospace Industries Association said: "Distance Moscow-Berlin: If you're fast, five minutes from there to here. Even Beijing-Berlin, where they say Beijing is infinitely far away, only 20 minutes."
11:57 Arson at Russian fuel depot likely caused by domestic intelligenceThe nighttime attack on a fuel depot in the Russian town of Asow is believed to be the work of the Ukrainian Security Service, according to a source in the Ukrainian authorities speaking to the Kyiv Independent. According to reports from the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry, the fire covered approximately 3200 square meters. Over 200 firefighters were reportedly on the scene to extinguish the fire.
11:30 London: Russia takes control of village near AvdiivkaAccording to British intelligence assessments, Russian troops have likely taken control of the village of Novooleksandrivka, about 20 kilometers north of Avdiivka. This would bring the Russian army closer to the T0504 highway, one of Ukraine's main supply lines.
10:48 Putin and Kim Jong Un plan extensive cooperation
Russia and North Korea are planning to sign a comprehensive cooperation agreement during Putin's visit to Pyongyang. Putin has approved the draft of the agreement from the Foreign Ministry, according to the Kremlin. The document is expected to be signed at the highest level, that is, by Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. No statements have been made regarding the content of the agreement.
10:20 China rebuffs Stoltenberg's sharp criticism
The Chinese government has rejected NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg's criticism of China's stance on the Ukraine war. "We advise (NATO) to stop assigning blame to others, not to sow discord, and not to pour oil on the fire," said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian. Instead, NATO should take concrete steps "for the political resolution of the crisis." Stoltenberg criticized China's actions regarding the Russian aggression in Ukraine during a visit to Washington the previous day. China pretends to be neutral, according to Stoltenberg, in order to "avoid sanctions and keep trade going." However, "the reality is that China is heating up the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II and at the same time maintaining good relations with the West."
09:36 Twelve years in prison for anti-war symbols in Russia
A Moscow Military Court has sentenced a Ukrainian woman to twelve years in prison for playing an anti-war declaration and the Ukrainian national anthem from the window of her apartment in Moscow. This is reported by Ukrainska Pravda, citing the Russian opposition media outlet Mediazona. The 35-year-old woman also allegedly released white-blue-white balloons, a protest symbol against Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
09:00 Russian Navy trains for combat against submarines
The Russian Navy has started exercises in the Pacific Ocean directly before Putin's state visit to North Korea. Approximately 40 ships and boats, about 20 aircraft, and helicopters are involved in the maneuvers, according to the Russian Defense Ministry in Moscow. The exercises are reportedly taking place until June 28 in the waters of the Pacific Ocean, the Japanese Sea, and the Sea of Okhotsk. During the exercise, the training of combat against submarines and the defense against air attacks is planned.
08:28 Putin's portrait lines Pyongyang's streets
Putin's visit to North Korea is noticeable in the capital Pyongyang: The streets are not only lined with numerous Russian flags but also with Putin's portrait. This can be seen in videos, for example, from the Russian state news agency TASS, on social media.
08:01 Munz: Putin's visit to North Korea is mainly about weapons
Russian President Putin is visiting North Korea today and tomorrow. Munz, NTV Russia correspondent, believes Putin likely has weapons in tow. But diplomatic support is also important.
07:48 Rwanda withdraws signature from Peace Summit Declaration of Ukraine
Rwanda has withdrawn its signature from the closing declaration of the Ukraine Peace Summit in Switzerland, according to Ukrainian media reports. Rwanda's name no longer appears in the list of signatories on the Swiss government's website since Monday. Currently, 77 states and 5 organizations support the declaration.
07:22 Ukrainian military analyst confirms Russia faces issues with artillery production
According to Ukrainian military analyst Petro Chernyk, Russia is reportedly facing shortages of explosives for artillery shells, as reported by the US think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Moreover, Russia is allegedly transitioning from self-propelled to towed artillery systems, but is also experiencing issues with these, although the specific problems were not disclosed. The report suggests that Russia cannot produce more self-propelled systems, as it only has five to six such machines.
06:54 Ukraine reports destruction of all ten Russian drones in the night
The Ukrainian Air Force claims to have destroyed all ten Russian drones deployed at night over the regions of Saporischschija and Dnipropetrowsk. The Air Force made the announcement via Telegram.
06:28 Russia confirms downing of rare Russian reconnaissance aircraft
Russian authorities have confirmed that the Ukrainian Air Force shot down a rare Russian Early Warning and Control Aircraft of the type A-50 over the Azov Sea in February, resulting in the deaths of ten crew members. The Kyiv Independent reported this. The Ukrainian Military Intelligence and the Ukrainian Air Force had claimed responsibility for the downing at the time. The aircraft was reportedly crucial for detecting air defense systems and missiles, as well as coordinating targets for Russian fighter jets. Russia is believed to have fewer than ten of these aircraft, with an estimated cost of around 350 million dollars.
06:02 Oil depots in Russian Asow are on fire
According to the governor of the Russian city of Asow in the Rostov region near the Ukrainian border, oil depots in the city have caught fire following a Ukrainian drone attack. "There are no casualties reported so far," the governor, Vasili Golubev, announced via Telegram. The investigation is ongoing, and the local fire department is working to contain the blazes.
05:40 Kremlin: Leading talks with USA about potential prisoner exchange of Gershkovich
According to statements from Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, Russia has confirmed contacts with the USA regarding a possible prisoner exchange of the detained US reporter Evan Gershkovich. He referred to statements from President Vladimir Putin who, at the beginning of June, spoke in favor of such contacts. "They are continuing, but they should continue in complete silence," Peskov emphasized. "Therefore, no announcements, declarations, or information can be given about this matter." The 32-year-old reporter for the "Wall Street Journal" was arrested by the Russian domestic security service FSB in Yekaterinburg in the Ural region on March 29, 2023. He is accused of espionage.
04:50 Detained US soldier pleads partial guilty
The detained US soldier Gordon Black, who is being held in Russia among other things for suspected theft, has partially confessed to the crime. According to the Russian news agency Interfax, Black made the statement in court in Vladivostok. He said he was "partially guilty" of the theft but had not acted intentionally. He denied the accusation of threatening his girlfriend with death. Several other US citizens are already detained in Russia, including journalist Evan Gershkovich and former soldier Paul Whelan, both of whom are accused of espionage.
03:50 Fine imposed on Nord Stream 2 pipeline operator for incorrect values
The German Federal Network Agency has imposed a fine of 75,000 euros on the pipeline operator Gascade in connection with the controversial German-Russian gas pipeline Nord Stream 2. According to the agency in Bonn, Gascade published incorrect values in 2021 due to IT problems, which suggested that the inservice date of Nord Stream 2 was near. The market reacted to the false report and assumed that the pipeline's commissioning was imminent. This led to significantly lower prices.
02:58 Putin thanks North Korea for military support in Ukraine
In the run-up to his visit to North Korea, Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked Pyongyang for its military support in Ukraine in an article published by the state North Korean news agency KCNA. "We value very much that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) has resolutely supported Russia's military operation in Ukraine," Putin wrote in the article on Tuesday. Furthermore, it was stated there that both countries are working to "actively develop their multifaceted partnership".
01:57 Russia reports heavy Ukrainian attacks in Kharkiv
In parts of the northeastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv, according to Russian reports, fierce fighting has broken out. "The enemy is sending reserves and trying to launch a counter-attack, but is facing heavy resistance from our troops," says the pro-Russian governor of the Kharkiv region controlled by Moscow, Vitali Ganchev. Russian troops have reportedly repelled the latest Ukrainian counter-attacks near Vovchansk, five kilometers behind the border. Russian troops had entered parts of the region Kharkiv a month ago and had taken control of around a dozen villages according to official statements. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the Ukrainian forces will gradually drive out the Russian troops from the disputed area.
00:55 DIW Chief: Cutting social benefits for Ukrainians is populist
Marcel Fratzscher, the economist, criticizes demands for a reduction of social benefits for Ukrainian refugees as "bare populism." "Nobody will be better off, and no one will even have an extra euro if Germany treats refugees badly and cuts their benefits," says the President of the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "The German state does not need to spend less money on refugees, but more efforts for a faster and better integration of refugees into the labor market and society," Fratzscher demands.
23:55 Ukrainians see Zelenskyy as legitimate president
A large majority of Ukrainians view State Head Volodymyr Zelenskyy, despite the extended terms of office during wartime, as a legitimate president. According to a survey by the International Sociological Institute in Kiev, 70 percent of the 2011 interviewed Ukrainians believe that Zelenskyy should remain in office until the end of the war. Only 22 percent are against this. The Ukrainians contradict the view of Moscow that Zelenskyy's term of office has long expired and he is no longer a legitimate president of Ukraine.
22:55 European Parliament concerned about Finland's deportation plans
The European Parliament expresses concern over Finland's plans to return migrants from Russia, who, according to Helsinki's statements, have been deliberately sent across the common border by Moscow. The draft law must be rejected, demands the Human Rights Commissioner of the European Parliament, Michael O'Flaherty, in a letter to Finland's Parliamentary Speaker Jussi Halla-aho. The current Finnish center-right government intends to significantly tighten migration law. Among other things, they submitted a bill at the end of May, which would allow their border guards to return refugees.
23:15 Peskov: Results of the "zero-draft" Peace Conference "strive for nothing"
The Kreml continues to speak poorly of the results of the Swiss Peace Conference for Ukraine in Moscow. Without Russian participation, the summit could not have brought any results, said Dmitri Peskov, spokesperson for President Vladimir Putin. "When speaking about the results of this meeting, they of course strive for nothing", he said. The fact that a number of Russia-friendly countries such as Serbia, Turkey, or Hungary supported the final declaration does not bother Moscow. "We will certainly take into account the stance these countries have taken. It is important for us. We will continue to explain our position to them", said Peskov. The Foreign Ministry in Moscow labeled the conference as a "complete failure" according to a statement by Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova quoted by the Tass news agency.
You can read about previous developments here.
- Slovakia, like Hungary, has declared its readiness to support Mark Rutte as the new NATO Secretary General, potentially easing his path to the position.
- Amid ongoing military operations in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has given North Korea his gratitude for its resolute support of Russia's military operations in Ukraine.
- The Ukrainian conflict has also spilled over into the realm of cyberwar, with Swiss authorities investigating a suspected Russian agent for procuring weapons and dangerous substances.
- Politics continue to play a significant role in the Ukraine conflict, with the attack on Ukraine being a prominent issue in international discussions. For instance, Russia is planning to sign a comprehensive cooperation agreement with North Korea during Putin's visit to Pyongyang.
- The aftermath of the Ukraine conflict has led to various tribunals and sentencings, such as the case of a Ukrainian woman sentenced to six years and three months in prison for spying for Russia in Estonia.
