Kiev labels wounded civilians in Crimea as "civilian invaders"

Kiev labels injured civilians in Crimea as "civilian invaders"

Following the destructive launch of a Ukrainian rocket on a beach in the Russia-claimed Crimean Peninsula, the Ukrainian government labels the casualties as "civil invaders." A statement from Mychajlo Podoljak, an advisor in the Presidential Office, on Telegram reads, "The Crimea cannot house 'beaches,' 'tourist zones,' or other signs of peaceful coexistence." The Crimea stands as a region under Russian occupation with numerous military targets, where combat continues. The Russian administration aims to hide these targets amongst their civilians, who could then be considered civilian invaders. Two days prior, a Ukrainian rocket explosion occurred near the naval base Sevastopol on a public beach, claiming at least four lives and over 150 injuries as per local authorities.

14:18 Zelenskyy commissions investigation of the Presidential GuardUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has mandated an investigation of the Presidential Guard after potential assassination plots were discovered within the security services. At the inauguration of the new head of the Presidential Guard, Olexij Morosow, Zelenskyy expresses that his primary task is to welcome only those with a vision for Ukraine within the Guard. Conversely, anybody from the Guard who chooses a different path than Ukraine or disgraces the Guard must be dismissed. The Ukrainian Security Service SBU reported in May that they had detained two high-ranking officers of the Guard, who were accused of plotting the assassination of Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian officials.

13:52 Ukraine reports fatalities and injuries in attack on PokrovskIn the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, at least four people have died in a Russian rocket attack, as reported by local authorities. Thirty-four more were injured, including two children.

13:32 EU forces unwilling Hungarian military aid for UkraineThe EU is providing €1.4 billion in military aid to Ukraine against the resolve of the Hungarian government. At a foreign ministers' meeting in Luxembourg, the necessary procedures for this were approved, according to several diplomats from the German Press Agency.

13:16 Ukraine reports two fatalities from Russian mineIn the region of Kharkiv, two people were killed by the detonation of a Russian mine, as reported by the head of the regional military administration on Telegram, as reported by the Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform. An automobile with two occupants apparently struck a mine in the morning. A man passed away at the scene, a woman on the way to the hospital.

12:52 German government rejects expulsion of reluctant Ukrainian workersThe German government declines to expel unwilling Ukrainian men and women. A spokesperson for the Foreign Office in Berlin remarks that it's noticeable daily how Russia is targeting locations throughout Ukraine and is also attempting to demolish infrastructure in the western part of the county. "Therefore, I would not now advise a safe place in Ukraine," he emphasizes in response to a corresponding demand from CSU regional group leader Alexander Dobrindt. Dobrindt spoke of "safe areas in western Ukraine."

12:21 Russia threatens United States with repercussions after Crimea rocket attackRussia threatens the United States with repercussions for a Ukrainian rocket attack on the annexed Crimean Peninsula, in which at least 4 people were reportedly killed and over 150 others injured. Presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov stated this. "What consequences - time will tell." Russia will respond to any American involvement in this attack. Peskov refers to the Russian threat to deploy rockets near the United States and their European allies. According to Russian reports, Ukraine attacked the Crimea with five rockets supplied by the United States on Sunday, which were allegedly armed with cluster munitions. Four rockets were reportedly shot down by air defense, the warhead of a fifth rocket detonated in the air. Rockets debris landed near a beach. Among the casualties were children.

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11:58 Russia expert: Rocket on Crimea not targeting touristsIn the Ukrainian rocket attack on the annexed Crimean Peninsula, fatalities have allegedly occurred, including possibly on a beach. "The debris fell haphazardly onto the tourists," states Russia expert Niko Karasek:

11:35 Sevastopol declares emergency stateOne day following a devastating Ukrainian rocket attack, the authorities in the port city of Sevastopol on the annexed Crimea have declared a state of emergency. According to official data, 4 people were killed and 151 were wounded in the attack; 79 of whom are still in the hospital. The majority of the casualties had been sunbathing at a city beach in Sevastopol when rocket debris fell and exploded. Initially, the Russian military claimed responsibility for the rocket launch, but later retracted the statement and declared that Ukrainian flying objects had been targeted at civilians. In Russian military blogs, this claim is being questioned in some places. Located near the attack site are several military objects.

11:01 Germany under attack for weaker new Russia sanctions package

Criticism from the Baltic States towards Germany over the new sanctions against Russia is escalating. Lithuania's Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis considers the sanctions "unfortunately weaker" than planned. His Estonian counterpart Margus Tsahkna states it's becoming increasingly difficult to obtain consensus on new sanctions within the European Union. Until now, Hungary had been the main obstacle, but now the German government is blocking stricter rules against bypassing sanctions through third parties. The EU Commission aims to hold European companies liable if prohibited goods reach Russia via their subsidiaries in countries like Kazakhstan. Berlin objects, arguing that the measures would harm Germany as the largest EU export nation more than Russia. Now, companies are only expected to make "best efforts" to prevent sanctions violations.

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10:24 Casualties reported following attack on Odessa

10:44 Over a hundred new names added to the EU's sanction list against Russia

The EU has imposed the 14th round of sanctions on Russia, as announced. This round targets 116 individuals and entities, with stricter measures also being implemented to hinder attempts to bypass existing sanctions. Furthermore, investments in Russian liquified natural gas projects will be barred.

10:25 EU's Borrell pushes for use of frozen Russian funds for Ukraine support

The EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell aims to prevent any EU member state from hindering the use of funds from frozen Russian financial assets to support Ukraine. Borrell plans to present a proposal during the EU foreign ministers' meeting in Luxembourg. "We have a legal procedure to thwart any sort of blockade."

09:58 Moscow counters Dagestan terror attack criticism with Ukraine accusations

The Russian parliament leveled unfounded allegations, as reported by NTV's Rainer Munz, that Ukraine is responsible for the terror attack in Dagestan. The Kremlin is attempting to divert attention from the fact that Islamic terrorism poses a significant threat within Russia.

09:23 Alleged attack on Odessa reported

Media outlets are reporting a fire in Odessa this morning, with Belarusian opposition media Nexta reporting a strong explosion and Kyiv Post reporting an attack on civilian infrastructure.

08:51 German governor Schwesig arrives in Kyiv - "Ukraine must prevail"

As the first Bundesrat President, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's Governor Manuela Schwesig visits Ukraine. The SPD politician arrived in Kyiv by train and plans to engage in political discussions during the day. "This is a show of solidarity from all 16 federal states towards Ukraine," she said en route. "Ukraine must win this war, and it should not be possible for Russia to succeed with its aggression." Her statement is met with disagreement from some politicians. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz instead consistently advocates that Russia should not win the war, and Ukraine should not lose it.

08:36 Contested control over Nowooleksandriwka continues

Reports suggest that Russian forces have not fully taken control of the village Nowooleksandriwka in the Donetsk region, despite claims of capture. The Ukrainian army reports intense fighting at the scene.

07:52 Allegations of Russian unit holding its own wounded prisoners

A Russian military blogger claims that commanders of various units within the so-called Donetsk People's Republic are mistreating their wounded soldiers. One brigade is said to be detaining its wounded in the city of Donetsk under harsh conditions instead of treating them, as reported by the US think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

07:36 Third Estonian volunteer dies in combat

An Estonian volunteer who served in the Ukrainian army has been killed in a fight in the Luhansk region. This is reported by Kyiv Independent, citing the Estonian newspaper "Postimees". Martin Jaager, a 42-year-old professional soldier, was reportedly killed on Saturday and is the third Estonian to have died while defending Ukraine. He had been serving in an elite unit in Estonia before joining the Ukrainian army over a year ago.

06:44 EU foreign ministers' meeting under pressure over Ukraine aid

The EU foreign ministers are meeting in Luxembourg today to discuss the Russian attack on Ukraine. The Ukraine foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, will participate via video. The pressure is mounting on Hungary to withdraw its blockade of military aid worth 6.5 billion Euros to Ukraine. A heated debate about this took place at the foreign ministers' meeting at the end of May.

05:45 Moscow holds U.S. responsible for attack on Crimea

Following a rocket attack on the annexed Crimean Peninsula, Moscow alleges the U.S. is responsible. "The primary blame for the provocative rocket attack on the civilian population of Sevastopol lies with Washington, which provided these weapons to Ukraine, and with the Kiev regime, from whose territory this attack was launched," the ministry states. US specialists are said to have determined the rocket launch coordinates using information from US spy satellites, implying that the U.S. government is directly responsible. Four people, including two children, were reportedly killed, and 151 others were injured, according to the Defense Ministry.

04:42 IAEA condemns attacks near Saporischschja NPP

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is calling for an immediate end to attacks on the Ukrainian city of Enerhodar near the Saporischschja Nuclear Power Plant. "Anyone responsible for this must cease. Drone attacks on the power plant and its surroundings are growing increasingly frequent," IAEA chief Rafael Grossi says. "This is unacceptable and goes against universally agreed security principles and established practices." In the past week, drone attacks have hit two transformer stations. Power supply to the residents was occasionally disrupted. According to Grossi, the incidents did not affect the operation of the Saporischschja Nuclear Power Plant.

03:45 Stoltenberg to discuss further Ukraine aid with Macron in Paris

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is scheduled to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris today. The topic of discussion is expected to include further support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. Macron announced earlier in the month his intention to form a coalition for the deployment of Western military trainers in Ukraine.

1:43 Orban Advocates for Instant Ceasefire in Ukraine ConflictPrior to stepping into the Hungarian EU presidency, Prime Minister Viktor Orban has proposed a plan for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In response to Russia's aggression towards Ukraine, he stated to the Funke Media Group newspapers, "Russia's attack on Ukraine is unacceptable and against the core principles of international law." He emphasized the need to stop the bloodshed at the frontlines. Orban highlighted that achieving peace in Ukraine is one of the primary goals during Hungary's EU presidency that'll commence on July 1st.

00:53 Ukrainian Forces Launch Attacks on Crimea AgainIn the dead of night, Ukrainian forces attacked targets in the Crimean Peninsula, which is under Russia's control, with rockets. The Ukrinform news agency reported numerous explosions in the port city of Evpatoria, causing several fires. Local authorities issued an air raid alert, unlike during daytime attacks. The exact repercussions of the strikes remain unclear. Various media outlets shared videos and images of blazes, but neither Ukrainian nor Russian officials have confirmed claims regarding hit military targets.

23:49 Zelenskyy Calls for Advanced Weapons and Permission for Deep Strikes in Russian TerritoryIn response to the persistent shelling of Kharkiv, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is urging for enhanced weaponry and permission to launch strikes far into Russian territory. He emphasized, "The Russian air force must be destroyed wherever it is, with all effective means." Kiev is collaborating with Western partners to negotiate these conditions.

22:49 Prien on Social Benefits for Ukrainian Refugees: "Federal Government Falls Short"Following Alexander Dobrindt's request for social benefits for Ukrainian refugees, Karin Prien, the deputy chairwoman of the CDU, pointed towards the root cause of their displacement. "Ukrainians have fled Putin's tyranny and his war," she wrote on the X platform. "As a host nation, we offer protection and hospitality to them. Most Ukrainian refugees who have arrived in our country wish to find employment, settle in swiftly, and contribute to their homeland's rebuilding. Our responsibility lies in facilitating their integration into the workforce." Prien also criticized the federal government for failing to meet these expectations.

European Commission Warns of Russian Influence on 2023 Bundestag ElectionAs we approach the Bundestag election next year, EU Commission Vice-President Vera Jourova expressed concerns about possible manipulation attempts by Russia. "We find ourselves in a new era of hostile influence," she told the "Süddeutsche Zeitung." "I fear that Voice of Europe serves as a blueprint for further operations, including during the run-up to the Bundestag election next year. This media outlet is likely just the tip of the iceberg." The EU banned the broadcasting of Voice of Europe and three other Russian media organizations within the European Union in May. According to the EU, all of them were controlled by the Russian government and aimed to sway European political parties, particularly during election periods. Voice of Europe, based in Prague, is believed to disseminate pro-Russian propaganda in the EU and pay European politicians for their support.

Ukrainian Energy Company Announces Nationwide Power OutagesDue to persistent Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the national energy provider has announced power outages in the near future. Ukrenergo announced this on Telegram. Due to an expected surge in energy consumption this week and the grid already being weakened by "large-scale Russian attacks," these measures are necessary. Ukraine has been forced to impose rolling blackouts since May due to damaged energy infrastructure. According to Ukrenergo, the most significant power cuts are expected between 19 and 23 hours on Monday.

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