India's Prime Minister, Modi, slated to arrive in Moscow.
After Narendra Modi's re-election, he is anticipated to visit Russia, according to Yuri Ushakov, foreign policy advisor to Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin. No confirmation has been received from the Indian government. According to India's news agency PTI, quoting diplomatic sources, a potential visit to Moscow is being considered in early July. However, Russian news agency Tass states that the dates have already been set for July 8 and 9.
Former US President Donald Trump has been presented with a strategy plan by two influential advisors to end the Russian conflict in Ukraine. This strategy suggests that both parties involved should be encouraged to agree to a ceasefire and start peace negotiations. For this to occur, if Trump wins the US presidential election, he is expected to inform Ukraine that it will receive additional weapons from the US only if it engages in peace talks. At the same time, Russia is to be informed that Ukraine will receive more support from the US if Moscow refuses to agree to negotiations. Russia is to be enticed with the promise of delaying Ukraine's NATO membership for a longer period. The strategy was devised by retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg and Fred Fleitz, both of whom served on the National Security Council during Trump's presidency.
The first delivery from a Czech ammunition initiative to Ukraine has been made, as per a tweet by Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala. "Some time ago, the first delivery of ammunition as part of our initiative arrived in Ukraine," wrote Fiala. "We are doing what is necessary," added the liberal-conservative politician. Ukrainian ammunition shortage is one of the significant issues in its defensive fight against Russia. The goal of the initiative is to procure up to 800,000 artillery shells for Kiev from countries outside the EU. Germany plans to participate with a three-digit million euro contribution. Other donor countries include the Netherlands, Denmark, and Lithuania. Czech Republic is one of the steadfast supporters of Ukraine in its defense against the Russian invasion.
The Ukrainian Ambassador Makeiev believes the CSU's proposal to exclude non-working Ukrainians is "depersonalized and very populist." To integrate more Ukrainian asylum seekers into the German labor market, the ambassador is in contact with Labor Minister Heil and Interior Minister Faeser, as well as with the federal states. The job centers are also involved. For Makeiev, it is a fact that "Ukrainians integrate three times better into the labor market than representatives of other nations, they want to work." In light of other countries, he notices that "Ukrainians integrate much faster" there. Unemployment of many asylum seekers, according to Makeiev, is due to both the Ukrainians and the German government, hence he calls for "recognizing vocational degrees" and "lowering language requirements a bit."
Serbian-Russian relations have been tainted, as it was discovered that Serbia sold ammunition that ended up in Ukraine via indirect routes, with President Aleksandar Vucic defending the deal as important for the domestic arms industry. Russian TV moderator and Kremlin propagandist Sergey Mardan is livid. In his opinion, Serbia behaved like the last "whore." The Serbians are no longer fraternal with the Russians, but enemies, according to Mardan.
Russia reports Ukrainian drone attacks, revealing videos of strikes that resulted in damage to several buildings and a gas pipeline for supply. Several people were injured, with at least one death reported. Kiev has yet to respond to the alleged attacks.
The EU extends the unbureaucratic protection for Ukrainian refugees for another year. The 27 EU ministers approved the extension in Luxembourg. The extension of the protective status until March 4, 2026, was already agreed upon by the EU interior ministers in mid-June. According to Brussels, the conditions for the return of the people due to the persistent Russian attacks on infrastructure throughout Ukraine are not conducive. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser welcomed the extension but also emphasized the need for a "fairer distribution" of refugees in the EU. The acceptance of nearly 1.2 million people in Germany remains a "massive effort."
China strongly opposes the new Russia sanctions imposed by the EU, which also affect Chinese companies. These sanctions are considered "unilateral sanctions without a legal basis," according to a spokeswoman for the Foreign Ministry. "We urge the European side urgently to lift the sanctions, and we will take necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies," the spokeswoman said. The West accuses China of supporting Russia in its war against Ukraine, which China denies. In the context of a new package of measures against Russia, Brussels added 61 more companies to its sanctions list on Monday, including 19 Chinese companies. Trade restrictions affect, for example, two significant players in the Chinese satellite industry. The companies are accused of conducting business worth millions with the Russian mercenary group Wagner and selling them satellites.
12:58 Arrest Warrant Issued Against Shoigu and GerasimovThe International Criminal Court puts out warrants for the arrest of the former Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and the Chief of the General Staff Valeri Gerasimov. They stand accused of bombing civilian areas in Ukraine, as announced by the ICC.
12:50 Zelenskyy Meets Schwesig in Kiev
The President of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Manuela Schwesig, is welcomed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kiev for the second day of her visit to Ukraine. The meeting in Kiev is estimated to last around an hour. Schwesig is visiting Ukraine as the Bundesrat President to affirm Kiev of the solidarity of all 16 federal states. She had previously mentioned during her train ride to the Ukrainian capital that Ukraine needs to win this war, contrasting her views with her party friend, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz who only emphasizes that Russia should not win the war and Ukraine should not lose. Schwesig's involvement in the controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in Ukraine has earned her criticism, with some stating they would never shake her hand, such as the former Ukrainian ambassador Andrij Melnyk. Following the Russian invasion nearly two years ago, she distanced herself from her connection to the project and referred to it as a mistake.
12:28 European Court Convicts Russia of Human Rights Abuses on the Crimea
Following the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula by Russia, the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg convicts Russia of human rights violations. This decision is made in a case filed by Ukraine. Russia does not accept the judgments handed down by the court.
11:52 Kiev's Ammunition Shortage Alleviated - Even with Infernal Shells
Ukrainian soldiers have been facing a shortage of ammunition against the Russian army for some time. This deficiency has become less severe with the $61 billion aid package. Vasil, a Ukrainian commander, reports that the ammunition shortage is now over.
11:25 One Hundred Ukrainians Detained Trying to Flee Overseas
Ukrainian security forces stop 100 men illegally attempting to leave the country in the Odessa region in southern Ukraine. A group of 47 men was detained in four minibuses on their way to the border, according to the state investigation bureau. Another 53 men were stopped at a "collection point." The men were intending to bypass border checks and cross the border on foot. The Odessa region shares its border with Moldova. The neighboring country Romania is bordered by the Danube River. Men aged 25 and above who are eligible for military service have been taken to the local enlistment office for the military. The human traffickers are believed to have demanded between 4,600 to over 17,000 euros from each man.
11:07 Ukraine Steps Closer: Lührmann Sees "Historic Day" for the EU
European State Secretary Anna Lührmann describes this day as "historic" for the EU at the commencement of EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. "This is a significant day because we honor the fact that both countries have made extensive reform efforts despite the extremely difficult circumstances," she remarks during a meeting with EU foreign ministers before the official start of the accession negotiations in Luxembourg. "Both countries have made substantial progress in the areas of rule of law, corruption, and press freedom." However, it may take many years for Ukraine and Moldova to meet all the requirements for EU membership. In Ukraine's case, for instance, a peace with Russia is required as a prerequisite. There is no guarantee of membership.
10:38 Retaliatory Sanctions against the EU: Moscow's Steps "may affect us as well"
Frozen EU funds intended for Ukraine's weaponry are being planned by Russia as retaliation. The Kremlin views these sanctions as "contrary to international law" and "illegitimate," according to NTV correspondent Rainer Munz. Russia is now planning to sanction the EU and strengthen relationships even more.
10:09 Money from "Putin's Briefcase": Swiss Court Convicts Banker
Four bankers have been found guilty by a Swiss appellate court in connection with managing funds from those close to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Zurich Appellate Court rules that it has been established that employees of the liquidated Swiss subsidiary of the Russian Gazprombank did not thoroughly examine whether the money deposited in accounts belonging to Russian musician Sergey Roldugin truly belonged to him. The court imposed penalties on the four bankers. In 2014, two accounts were opened at the Gazprombank in Zurich, with Roldugin listed as the beneficiary. According to media reports, the Russian cellist and conductor is the godfather of one of Putin's daughters, as specified in the indictment. Shortly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, he was added to the Swiss sanctions list. Roldugin is commonly referred to as "Putin's Briefcase" in Moscow.
21:44 A Somali Solider Speaks: "Everywhere were drones, artillery, rockets. I just ran" A Somali man named Adil, who enlisted in the military for approximately 1,900 Euro monthly income, including the promise of Russian citizenship, found himself unexpectedly sent to Ukraine and captured within four days. In an interview with NTV, Adil narrates, "I didn't come to kill. I lost my weapon. I didn't know how to hold it. There were drones, artillery, rockets everywhere. I just ran," expressing his bewilderment and fear. Adil initially thought that 2,000 dollars were average wages for regular work, indicating his initial enthusiasm for this opportunity.
20:36 Proposed Plan to End Ukraine War from Trump AdvisorsAccording to reports by Reuters, two key advisors of former US President Donald Trump have suggested a plan to end the war in Ukraine. If accepted, this plan would stipulate that Ukraine could only receive more US weapons if they engage in peace talks. The US would also issue a warning to Moscow that any lack of agreement to negotiate would result in increased US support for Ukraine, as per retired General Keith Kellogg, one of Trump's national security advisors. This is the most elaborate plan yet from Trump's allies, who believe he can bring an end to the Ukraine war in the quickest time possible. The acceptance of this proposal could potentially lead to a shift in the US stance on the war and might face resistance from European allies and Trump's own Republican Party.
20:01 Russian Drones Intercepted and Deadly ConsequenceRussia asserts it has downed 30 Ukrainian drones in the border region between the two countries. According to the Russian Defense Ministry's statement on Telegram, 29 drones were intercepted and destroyed in the Belgorod region, and one drone was taken down in the adjacent Voronezh region. Unfortunately, an elderly woman reportedly died in the Belgorod region as a result of these incidents.
19:30 Suspected Russian Spy Arrested in UkraineUkrainian security forces have reportedly apprehended a border guard soldier suspected of spying for the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). According to the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU), the man was gathering information about armaments and ammunition depots as well as Ukrainian troops in the border region with Belarus. He was remotely recruited and communicated with his FSB agent via encrypted chats on online messengers. If found guilty of high treason, the suspect faces a life sentence, the SBU noted.
18:54 ISW: Russia pursuing tactical and operational advantages before US aid arrivesThe Institute for the Study of War anticipates that US aid may not yield significant benefits at the front immediately. "The ISW believes that the Russian military is aggressively pursuing tactical and operational advantages before US military aid begins to significantly impact Ukrainian forces, and it may take time for the weapons provided by the West to become operational," the think tank writes. It also references an interview with Ukrainian military intelligence head Kyrylo Budanov in the Philadelphia Inquirer. Budanov suggested that weapons deliveries from the US and Europe would arrive more swiftly in Ukraine than before. However, he notes that the Ukrainian forces require a vast quantity of weapons, making it a question of scale. Budanov also stated that there will be no Armageddon at the front, but the situation will remain tough at least until mid-July.
18:22 Ukrainian Special Forces to Continue "Drone Sanctions" Against Russian Oil Refinery ComplexUkrainian Special Forces have reportedly placed under surveillance over 30 Russian oil refineries, terminals, and depots, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a military briefing. He specifically commends the Special Operations Center "A" of the Ukrainian Security Service for their long-range drone capabilities, which can now cover distances of up to 1,500 kilometers. The latest drone attacks have targeted areas as far as Tatarstan and Bashkortostan, and it appears that the attacks are not ending soon: "The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) will continue to impose 'Drone sanctions' on the Russian oil refinery complex and restrict the economic power of the adversary, which supplies resources for the aggression against Ukraine," as quoted by "Kyiv Independent."
17:48 Denmark Suspends Ukrainian F-16 Pilot Training ProgramDenmark will no longer continue its training program for Ukrainian F-16 pilots at the end of the year due to its conversion to F-35 aircraft. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen made the announcement at a press conference, indicating that "We will transition to the F-35, so we need to concentrate our efforts on that and cannot continue the training of Ukrainian pilots after 2024." The Western F-16 coalition must find alternative locations to maintain their activities, Poulsen added. Other training programs exist in Romania and the United States.
06:39 Huge Drone Assault Hits Belgorod: Buildings, Vehicles, Gas Line DamagedIn a series of drone attacks on Belgorod city and its surrounding areas, several buildings, vehicles, and a gas supply line were badly damaged, and at least four people suffered injuries. This information was provided by "Kyiv independent," who also cited comments from Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov, who described the drone attack as "massive." Moreover, Gladkov stated that an administrative building in Shebekino city was completely destroyed. No response has been received from Kiev concerning the attacks.
06:16 EU Implementing Sanctions on Dozens of CompaniesAs a part of further actions against Russia, the European Union has added 61 companies to the sanctions list, including 19 Chinese businesses. The newly adopted 14th sanctions package includes trade restrictions involving two essential players in the Chinese satellite industry. These companies are accused of conducting millions of dollars' worth of business with the Russian mercenary group Wagner and providing them with satellites.
05:43 ECHR to Decide on Kiev's Lawsuit against Moscow over Crimea AnnexationThe European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg is making its verdict today on Ukraine's lawsuit against Russia regarding the annexation of the Crimean peninsula. Kiev accuses Russia of multiple violations of the European Convention on Human Rights from February 2014 to August 2015 on the Crimean peninsula. The lawsuit alleges "illegal detentions," "suppression of non-Russian media," and "compensation-free seizures."
04:38 Orban Corners EU's Ukraine Membership Talks: "Hungary not Onboard"Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban expressed criticism towards the EU membership talks with Ukraine, currently ongoing in Luxembourg. Orban explained to Funke Mediengruppe newspapers, "Hungary is not in agreement with this membership process, but we are not blocking it, and we are supporting the commencement of negotiations." Orban stated that the talks are "a purely politically motivated process." Additionally, Orban added, "We need to first examine the potential consequences if we accept a nation at war, whose borders are unclear in practice," given that Hungary is set to assume the EU Council Presidency on July 1.
03:36 EU Moves Forward with Ukraine Membership TalksThe EU has initiated membership talks with Ukraine today. Ihor Zhovka, foreign policy advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stated in an interview in Kiev, "The path to full membership, which Ukraine merits, is non-reversible." Though the discussions will start once the EU has evaluated the numerous reforms Ukraine needs to implement to meet EU standards.
02:35 US: Russian Missile Interception Kills Civilians on CrimeaAccording to US reports, Ukraine did not target civilians during their recent attacks on the Crimea. Russia reportedly intercepted an Atacms missile intended to disable a missile launch pad, and debris from the missile landed on a beach. Russian media reports suggest that at least four people, including two children, were killed in the Ukrainian attack with Atacms missiles over the weekend, and 151 were injured. Russia has blamed the US for the attack. The US government responded by stating that Ukraine decides its own targets and military deployments.
01:35 US to Send Extra Ammunition to KievThe US plans to provide Ukraine with additional ammunition valued at $150 million, according to anonymous government sources. It is anticipated that this decision will be made official today. The upcoming delivery is expected to include ammunition for the Himars multiple rocket launchers provided by the US, which can launch Atacms missiles. Russia has accused the US of being a party to the war following Ukrainian Atacms attacks on the Crimea.
00:36 Moscow Views EU Sanctions as IneffectiveMoscow dismisses the newest sanctions in the EU's 14th sanctions package against Russia as ineffective. The Russian Foreign Ministry in Moscow stated this. The West is damaging itself, the ministry adds. The West isn't considering the repercussions for its own economy or the wellbeing of the EU's residents, claims Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Gruschko in Moscow. Russia anticipates an economic growth of over 3% this year, more than ten times the growth rate in Germany. "The purpose of the sanctions was to asphyxiate the Russian economy and shatter the cohesion of society. The EU has failed in achieving this objective," Gruschko says.
23:28 Schwesig Slams Dobrindt's Idea on Offering Work to Displaced UkrainiansMecklenburg-Vorpommern's Minister-President Manuela Schwesig criticizes CSU-State Group Leader Alexander Dobrindt's proposal to return displaced persons from certain areas of Ukraine if they decline work in Germany. "There are no safe areas, as Russia is attacking the entire Ukraine," asserts the SPD politician in the ZDF "heute journal update." The statement is "very populist" according to many refugees, including numerous women with children. Schwesig accuses Dobrindt of silencing critical voices in the population.
22:29 Ukrainian General Staff: Fighting with Russian Troops at the FrontlineAccording to Ukrainian reports, there have been 128 battles with Russian troops at the front since sunrise. As announced on Facebook by the Ukrainian General Staff, Russian forces are especially focusing on the area around Pokrovsk at present. One third of the Russian attacks landing today fell on this area, according to the report. The Ukrainian defense forces successfully repelled the attacks and maintained control over the frontlines.
9:57 PM - "Scandalous move" - Hungary slams EU's action on Russian funds for Ukraine aidThe Hungarian government expresses outrage over the EU nations' decision to utilize funds derived from frozen Russian assets for assistance to Ukraine. In a Facebook post, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó labels this as an unprecedented "scandalous breach of common European regulations." The government is currently investigating legal avenues to assert its rights. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is set to assume the EU presidency in a week, and maintains cordial relations with Russia's government.
9:38 PM - Ukrainian Navy: 120 Russian drones annihilated in Krasnodar Oblast operationAs reported by the Ukrainian Navy on Facebook, 120 drones were eliminated in an operation conducted in the Russian region of Krasnodar on June 21. The Ukrainian Navy and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) allegedly orchestrated the attack, according to the Navy's website report. Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform corroborates these claims. The Ukrainian armed forces reportedly targeted a training ground of the 726th Training Center of the Russian Air Defense in Jeisk, where, according to the report, drone pilots are trained.
