Immediate training for Mirage jets set to begin.

Immediate commencement of training for Mirage aircraft.

France will right away start training Ukrainian pilots and mechanics for the planned Mirage fighter jets. "This will commence in France in the coming days," declares French President Macron. Moreover, he announces additional deliveries of Scalp cruise missiles and a fund of more than 200 million euros that will aid the Ukrainian economy. Concretely, companies aiming to invest in the critical infrastructure of the country will be granted this support.

9:11pm French-German tank company KNDS reveals plans to open a factory in UkraineThe French-German tank company KNDS affirms its intention to establish a factory in Ukraine for producing weapons and ammunition. Company CEO Philippe Petitcollin signs an agreement in Paris in the presence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The arms manufacturer will produce grenades and spare parts for Caesar artillery in the future.

8:43pm Putin asserts "no need" for nuclear strikeRussia, as per President Putin, has no plans for a nuclear strike. His country will only employ nuclear weapons in extreme conditions, but there is currently none, says Putin at the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg. "We have no need to think about it." Russia may conduct nuclear tests, but there is also no requirement for that at the moment. The Kremlin head mentions that the Russian nuclear doctrine is a "living instrument" that can adapt based on the circumstances. In the war of aggression against Ukraine, Moscow has repeatedly cited its nuclear potential to deter Western states from supporting Ukraine.

8:21pm Macron urges "swift" coalition for military advisors in UkraineFrench President Emmanuel Macron requests the "prompt" establishment of a coalition to deploy Western military advisers to Ukraine. "To be effective, we desire a coalition, and several partners have already agreed," says Macron regarding a proposed deployment. "We're not alone, and we'll establish this coalition in the coming days," he insists.

8:09pm Paris probes explosion suspect from DonbassThe French anti-terrorist prosecutor's office is scrutinizing a Russian-Ukrainian man for possible attack intentions. The 26-year-old arrived in France a few days ago, according to the Paris prosecutor's office. In Roissy, near the international Paris Charles de Gaulle airport, he injured himself severely while producing explosives on Monday evening. The Donbass native is claimed to have assumed Russian citizenship a few years ago and partaken in pro-Russian activities. Two years ago, he is also said to have served in the Russian army. The newspaper "JDD" reports, citing security sources, that it might be a Russian spy who was interested in French military material intended for Ukraine.

20:12 USA advances "competition-oriented" nuclear weapons strategy

The US government, facing a lack of cooperation from countries like Russia or North Korea, intends to adopt a more "competition-oriented" nuclear weapons strategy in the future and does not deny an increase in their capabilities. "Without a change in direction by Russia, China, and North Korea, the United States must persist in adapting its stance and strengths to ensure its deterrence and other goals in the future," explains Pranay Vaddi from the National Security Council of the White House. It is recognized that the actions of the United States' opponents cannot be significantly influenced by showcasing a good example. Read more here.

19:54 Sweden joins NATO air surveillance

Sweden, three months after NATO membership, declares its participation in the monitoring of the airspace under NATO command. This is announced by the Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. Accordingly, Swedish combat jets will play a significant role in the "NATO Air Policing," primarily over the Baltic Sea. Kristersson highlights after a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at a military facility near Stockholm: "Sweden was determined from the outset to be an active member of NATO, and now the journey can truly begin."

19:21 French political expert detained in Moscow

A day following his detention in Moscow, a French political expert in Russia is taken into pre-trial detention. A Moscow court orders his provisional detention until at least early August. Laurent Vinatier works for the Swiss non-governmental organization Center for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD). The Russian authorities accuse him of collecting military information and failing to sign up as a "foreign agent." The law on "foreign agents" is applied by the Russian authorities to monitor and target critics. The Frenchman faces up to five years in jail if found guilty.

18:57 Ukraine imposes substantial restrictions on power supply

In Ukraine, there is a substantial shortage of power supply, as Russia has been attacking the energy infrastructure for months. The state-owned power company Ukrenergo informs that "power consumption restrictions apply throughout the day." This is to ensure that significant infrastructure facilities and companies can keep functioning. The city administration of Kiev confirms that the accessible power supply will only cover 75% of Kiev's energy consumption. Yesterday evening, power was disconnected for three hours in several regions.

18:21 Following a jet fighter agreement from Paris: Kremlin accuses Macron of provocation

French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement of delivering jet fighters to Ukraine has sparked criticism from the Kremlin, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov calling it "provocative." Macron has expressed his unwavering support for the Ukrainian regime, and France's readiness for direct military involvement in the ongoing conflict.

Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin has threatened to supply weapons to parties hostile to the West if they're attacked by Ukrainian forces armed with Western weapons. The ensuing confusion regarding which country or actor this could involve remains in the air.

Moreover, the decision to use frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's benefit is yet to be made at the upcoming G7 summit in Italy, but with Germany expecting progress.

Ukrainian President Zelensky has expressed his gratitude to France for providing Mirage fighter jets, aimed at countering Russian forces.

In Luhansk, the outcome of recent clashes is uncertain, with Ukrainian officials claiming military targets were struck, and Russian officials claiming civilians were killed in the attack.

In his address at the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg, Putin has voiced the need for increased autonomy from the West. He called for a reduction in imports, more extensive use of non-Western currencies, and a focus on domestic financial markets.

Russia has reportedly captured another village in the Donetsk region, with no substantial progress seen in the conflict for months, but recent reports suggest that dozens of settlements have been seized by Russian forces in the past week.

According to NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, Ukraine retains the right to attack military targets on Russian territory under international law.

8:51 Putin warns of supplying weapons to enemies of the West

After the French announcement of jet fighter deliveries to Ukraine, Putin warned that Russia might consider supplying weapons to "enemies of the West" if it comes under attack with Western-armed forces.

10:32 Debate over using Russian assets for Ukraine continues

Despite promises to aid Ukraine financially, no concrete decisions have been made on using Russian assets due to ongoing discussions within the EU.

15:13 Gratitude from Zelenskyy for French Mirages

In a nod of support, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked France for announcing the transfer of Mirage fighter jets to counter Russian aggression.

15:56 Luhansk Update: Mitigating civilian casualties amidst conflict

Ukrainian governor of the Luhansk region, Artem Lyssohor, acknowledged that most civilian casualties resulted from Russian airstrikes. The Russian Defense Ministry, however, insists that Ukraine had targeted civilian areas in Luhansk in this attack.

16:06 Macron Approves Delivery of Mirage Jets to Ukraine

In response to Russia's military activities, French President Emmanuel Macron has approved the delivery of Mirage fighter jets to Ukraine.

1-2:00pm: Putin Seeks More Independence from the West

Vladimir Putin, speaking at the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg, spoke about the need for Russia to minimize its reliance on imports and expand its domestic financial markets while trading more in non-Western currencies.

After weeks of stagnation, Russian forces confirmed the capture of new settlements in eastern Ukraine.

3:32 Ukraine's Right to Self-Defense

Under international law, Ukraine has the right to defend itself from aggression by attacking military targets on the territory of the aggressor, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said.

The U.S. President, Joe Biden, reveals a military aid package for Ukraine worth $225 million (€207 million). This news is shared with Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy during their meeting in Paris. They're both on a multi-day trip to France at present. The U.S. Defense Department specifies that the new bundle includes rockets for Hawk anti-aircraft systems, ammo for HIMARS launchers, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, and artillery ammo with 155 and 105 mm calibers. The U.S. is now focused on reinforcing Ukraine's air defense and supplying the nation with ammo after a lengthy provision break.

14:58 Moscow points blame at Kiev over strike on residential region: Losses

Russia alleges that Ukraine assaulted the Russian-controlled eastern Ukrainian city of Luhansk from the sky. The Russian Emergencies Ministry reports four deaths and damages, with over 40 injured, including four children. The Russian occupation authorities claim that "Ukrainian nationalists" initiated a "massive rocket assault on the civilian infrastructure of Luhansk." The Ukraine supposedly discharged "at least six ATACMS missiles" at the city earlier. The Russian Defense Ministry later announces that the Ukraine fired "five ATACMS rockets from U.S. production purposefully at residential areas of the city." Four rockets were intercepted by Russian air defense systems, while the fifth struck two residential buildings. More on this here.

14:24 Report: Bundeswehr needs tens of thousands of more soldiers for NATO plans

Germany potentially might need an additional 75,000 soldiers, according to confidential documents obtained by "Spiegel" magazine from the Defense Ministry. Plans outlined by NATO could necessitate such a rising number of soldiers in response to a Russian assault. At last year's NATO summit in Vilnius, the alliance developed plans detailing how it would react to a Russian attack. Based on these plans, calculations were made concerning the necessities for troops, arms, and other resources. There was no comment from the German Defense Ministry at the time. The Bundeswehr presently counts 180,000 soldiers and civilian staff. Learn more here.

13:50 Ukraine presumed to meet EU entry prerequisites

Ukraine and Moldova are thought to have satisfied all conditions for discussions on joining the European Union, as per the EU Commission's assessment. The information was privately disclosed to EU member state representatives in Brussels, according to diplomats. Both countries are believed to have resolved contentious situations in March. For Ukraine, this included measures to safeguard national minorities and limit oligarchs' political sway. The German government already stated in late May that it considered all requirements for EU accession negotiations with Ukraine to be fulfilled. More details here.

13:20 Biden apologizes to Zelensky for held-up weapons supply

U.S. President Joe Biden extends his regrets to Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky for the extended pause in American weapons deliveries. Biden also seeks forgiveness for the uncertainties over future support, he stated at a meeting with Zelensky in Paris. Both are presently on extended visits to France. Biden admits that some particularly conservative parliamentarians suffered from the legislation blockade. However, the issue has now been settled. Biden guaranteed Zelensky that the United States would not abandon Kiev. Ukraine serves as a barrier against Russian aggression, and America bears a responsibility to back Kiev. Read further here.

12:50 Slain Russian women and children - Moscow indicts the U.S.

Macron (r.) and his Ukrainian counterpart Selenskyj at the joint press conference in Paris.

For the first time, Russia laid the blame on the United States for the loss of women and children in Russia due to weapons sent to Ukraine. Maria Zakharova, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' spokesperson, asserts Ukraine utilized U.S.-supplied weapons throughout the past week for strikes in the Belgorod border region. Statements from U.S. officials that justified such strikes amount to "an admission ... of involvement in the murder of children and women in the Belgorod region," she stated. The spokesperson also noted that fragments from HIMARS rockets would be "direct evidence." This accusation follows Putin's warning that the West is playing with fire and risks a global conflict by allowing Ukraine to fire weapons it provides on Russian soil.

12:11: Western weapons target military objectives in Russia: Security Analyst Observes Swift Success

A western security expert views immediate, successful implementation of weapons provided to Ukraine against military targets in Russia.

A security expert named Christian Mölling has noticed positive changes in Ukraine since they're allowed to attack Russian targets using Western weapons. In this "Stern" podcast "The Situation," he mentions that the region of Kharkiv is temporarily safer now as it once was easy for Russia to prepare and launch attacks in protected areas. He believes the authorization of the bombardment of Russian troops by Western weapons on Russian territory has resulted in Ukrainian troops advancing again. However, he also points out that we need to examine where we're "still on the brakes" and take responsibility for causalities, injuries, and damaged infrastructure. He suggests it's perverse to create safe havens for the aggressors.

11:44: Zelensky cited: "Hitler crossed border after border. Putin is doing the same thing"

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warns against Russia's growing war of aggression. During a meeting with the French National Assembly's deputies, Zelensky compared Putin to Hitler who crossed borders during the 30s. He believes Russia's aggression is expanding and could destabilize Europe, adding that Russia is using its arsenal to intimidate the whole world.

11:14: US soldier goes on trial in Russia

A US soldier named Gordon Black is on trial in Russia. He went there to visit his partner but was arrested following accusations of theft. Black has agreed to testify in trial, potentially facing five years in prison. This case complicates the already strained relations between Russia and the US. Russia is currently holding several Americans, including spies Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich whom the US claims are unlawfully detained.

10:44: Atrocities prove "Russia wants to show: The real opponent in the war is America"

As Ukraine combines Russian-occupied areas into a new federal district, ntv correspondent Rainer Munz explains that Russia intends to demonstrate that the real enemy in the war is America. He also mentions Russia's attempt to assemble more warships in Cuba.

10:23: Russia claims Ukraine shot down US rockets on civilian targets

Maria Zakharova, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, has accused Ukraine of shooting down US rockets on civilian targets on Russian territory, leading to the deaths of women and children in the Belgorod region. She claims pieces of these rockets will serve as evidence.

09:55: Prosecution charges Russian General with premeditated murder and war law violations

Ukraine is charging the former Dnieper Group commander, General Oleg Makarevich, with premeditated murder and violating war laws. He's accused of ordering the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam on June 6, 2023, causing a flood disaster in the Kherson region. If found guilty, he could face life imprisonment.

09:25: Ukrainian defenses keep Russians at bay

NTV's Kavita Sharma reports on the tension in Ukraine as air raid sirens sound throughout the country. Despite the challenges, pilot training for Ukraine's promised combat aircraft is slowing down.

08:59: Ukraine says they stopped all Russian rockets

Ukraine boasts that they successfully intercepted all five rockets fired by Russia throughout the night. Out of the 53 launched drones, Ukraine claims to have shot down 48, none targeting energy infrastructure.

08:26: Ukrainian defenses thwart Russian drone attacks

Ukraine reports it stopped all Soviet-made explosive drones launched by Russia in various regions, including Kiev and Kakhovka Dam. Pilot training for the promised combat aircraft is being delayed due to the intense conflict.

Historian Heinrich August Winkler perceives Germany's unwavering adherence to the debt limit as a potential risk. He cautions in the "Sueddeutsche Zeitung," "Should there be an escalation in Ukraine, it would be dangerous if we said, 'We saved the debt limit and lost Ukraine.' This could jeopardize European peace and the liberty of European democracies." Winkler emphasizes that the historical should not be an obstacle in the face of a significant increase in conventional armament efforts. "We can't attain preeminence in Russian affairs through domestic politics."

Swiss President Viola Amherd expects the Switzerland-coordinated Ukraine peace summit in mid-June to be the start of additional negotiations. To the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung," the Swiss President stated, "We're aware that we won't sign a peace contract by the end of the conference." Peace is attainable when both sides are engaged, she stated, referring to Russia's absence from the meeting. "In a future meeting, Russia might participate." More than 80 nations have consented to participate, including Germany with Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Russia was not invited to the conference on June 15/16, but the Russian administration refused to send representatives if invited.

Many German companies in Ukraine are planning to make new investments in the Eastern European nation despite the conflict. The German-Ukrainian Industry and Trade Chamber (AHK Ukraine) found that around 43% of companies intend to continue their engagement, but only 8% are planning to reduce their investment. KPMG, a consulting firm, interviewed 142 companies. For expanding business operations, key factors include political and economic stability, as well as public funds and assurances. Almost 42% anticipate the Ukrainian economy improving in the next 12 months, while 48% predict no changes, and 10% fear a decline.

Human rights groups, including the International Federation for Human Rights, the Center for Civil Liberties, and the Kharkiv Human Rights Group, have submitted a report to the International Criminal Court accusing Russian propagandists of instigating hatred against Ukrainians. "Kyiv Independent" reported that these organizations accuse propagandists Vladimir Solovyov, Margarita Simonyan, Dmitry Kiselyov, Sergei Markov, Dmitry Medvedev, and Alexei Gromov, the first deputy head of the Russian Presidential Administration, of inciting violence. The International Criminal Court has previously issued detention warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova for forced deportations of Ukrainian children to Russia.

President Vladimir Putin is promising a buildup of Russia's war economy after more than two years of his attack on Ukraine. Putin has requested a series of instructions for the development of the defense sector to manufacture more weapons and ammunition, stated Denis Manturov, Russia's first deputy prime minister, at the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. At an event focusing on defense concerns, participants stressed that Russia manufactures weapons and ammunition quicker and at a quarter of the cost in the West. Russia is readying for a century-long war economy, it was asserted. The amount of companies, including ones in the private sector, has surged in the past two years of war. "Today, the military-industrial complex is the engine of the economy," said economist Pyotr Fradkov, chairman of Promsvyazbank, in reference to significant business deals.

NATO partners are aggrieved by the German government's reluctance to label a new assistance project for Ukraine a "NATO mission." According to diplomatic sources, Berlin's objections against using the phrase "NATO Mission Ukraine" (NMU) are considered deferential to Russia and nonsensical by almost all other NATO members. The German authorities argue that the term "NATO Mission Ukraine" could be misconstrued as if the alliance is dispatching troops to Ukraine. They are concerned that this moniker might be employed by Russia for anti-alliance propaganda. Yet, the term's proponents explain that the Kremlin would perceive the NATO project as an act of aggression and employ it for disinformation objectives. It's incomprehensible that Germany is the only nation to take this stance—especially since it backs the project in principle, according to their own statements.

Expert on Russia, Gerhard Mangott, considers the upcoming Ukraine conference in Switzerland undervalued because of the absence of important countries. The announcement of missing attendees like China, Brazil, or South Africa is a setback, says the political scientist from Innsbruck University. Surprisingly, discussions for a follow-up event are already underway before the start of the planned conference, which usually signals a lack of expected outcomes. Maintaining great disappointment, Ukraine finds the United States represented only by Vice President Kamala Harris and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. Mangott finds it hard to comprehend why US President Joe Biden chose not to join.

03:02: Russia launches drones and cruise missiles at various parts of Ukraine.

An air raid alarm is set off in many regions of Ukraine except those in the western area. The Ukrainian military reports that combat drones were deployed from the Black Sea towards Odessa, and several cruise missiles were shot down.

01:55: US plans new military aid worth approximately $225 million for Ukraine.

The US will provide an additional $225 million in military aid to Ukraine, Washington government sources claim. The new package includes ammunition to attack targets beyond Ukraine's borders for Kharkiv's protection. It may consist of HIMARS systems, mortar subsystems, and other M142 National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems artillery shells.

00:54: Multiple regions deal with power outages across Ukraine.

Ukrenergo, Ukraine's power grid operator, has declared power cuts in twelve regions throughout the country. Affected regions include Lviv, Zakarpattia, Kiev, the Kiev Region, Odessa, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia. Tool consumption restrictions exceeded in these regions, and critical infrastructure facilities may be affected. The Russian attacks on power infrastructure facilities have shut down various power plants, reducing Ukraine's power generation capacity.

23:30: US imposes visa restrictions on certain Georgians due to "Russian law" similarity.

The USA will deny entry to specific Georgian individuals participating in the legalization process in response to the "foreign influence" law. The United States Department of State revealed their decision. Tens of thousands of protesters have been demonstrating on the streets to avoid the law's passage. The law is similar to Russia's 2012 law against "foreign agents," enabling harsh crackdowns on critical media and organizations.

22:13: Russian governor: Ukrainian territories may become a federal district soon.

The Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine could be combined into a new federal district, claims Russian governor Evgeny Balizky in Zaporizhzhia. Russia illegally annexed Crimea in 2014 and occupied parts of the Donbass region. Since Russia's full-scale war, they have seized Ukrainian territories in Kherson, Donetsk, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia.

21:22: Ukrenergo shuts off power in Kiev and other regions.

The Ukrainian power grid operator, Ukrenergo, is turning off power in Kiev and twelve regions in the evening, according to a Facebook announcement by the company. Private households and industrial plants in the regions of Volhynia, Donetsk, Zhytomyr, Transcarpathia, Saporizhzhia, Lviv, Mykolaiv, Kirovohrad, Odessa, Rivne, and Kharkiv face the electricity reduction.

20:47: Zelenskyy likely to give speech in the Bundestag on Tuesday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is likely to travel to Berlin on Tuesday and address the Bundestag, BAS reports. A reconstruction conference organized by the German Foreign Office for Ukraine is set for Tuesday and Wednesday, and speculation arises that the Ukrainian president could be in attendance. This wouldn't be his first visit to Berlin since the onset of the war, but it would mark his first appearance in the Bundestag.

20:36: Macron reveals France will give Ukraine Mirage-2000 fighter jets.

French President Emmanuel Macron reveals that his country will deliver Mirage-2000 fighter jets to Ukraine. For more information, read the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung or call the outlet directly.

France is giving Mirage-2000 fighter jets to Ukraine. "They enable Ukraine to safeguard its territory and its airspace," stated French President Emmanuel Macron during an interview with French TV broadcasters. He also declared the training of 4,500 Ukrainian soldiers.

20:01 Zelenskyy recollects the dam collapse anniversary in southern Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commemorates the first year of the dam collapse in southern Ukraine. "A year ago, the Russian occupiers detonated the dam and the structures of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant," remarked the leader on social media. He characterized the deed as one of the worst ecological offenses committed by the Russian invaders since their invasion. Thousands of people experienced the catastrophe brought on by the dam collapse, according to Zelenskyy. The water supply of hundreds of thousands of people was disrupted. "The instant effects of this crime were also felt in the neighboring countries of our Black Sea region," added Zelenskyy.