Kiev voices disapproval over "anti-Ukrainian" remarks from Georgia's Prime Minister.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry criticizes Georgia's Prime Minister Irakli Kobachidze for his "anti-Ukrainian" comments regarding Ukrainian history. The ministry's statement says, "The remarks made by the Georgian prime minister regarding our country, the bravery and struggle of the Ukrainian people for freedom and independence are unacceptable and repulsive." During the opening of a new bridge in Tbilisi, Kobachidze said that the 'Georgian dream' would not allow a 'Maidan' to occur in Georgia. He was referring to the EuroMaidan Revolution in Ukraine, where over 100 demonstrators were killed by security forces, and pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych fled the country. The international organization, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), found that the Ukrainian presidential elections in 2014 and 2019 were 'competitive' and that fundamental freedoms were generally respected.
19:00 Ukraine increases electricity tariffs due to Russian attacks
In response to Russian attacks on Ukrainian power plants, Ukraine has increased electricity tariffs. Energy Minister Herman Haluschtschenko explains, "The aim is to prevent blackouts and maintain the power system." Large sums of money are required for repair work in damaged power plants, substations, and high-voltage lines. "Sadly, it is clear that shelling of energy facilities by the enemy will continue, so we must use every possible resource," said the minister.
18:31 Zelenskyj states increase in conscripted soldiers
Ukraine has seen an increase in the number of conscripted soldiers since the new mobilization law came into effect at the end of May. President Volodymyr Zelenskyj mentioned this at a press conference. The Ukrainian parliament had passed an updated mobilization law in mid-April to accelerate the mobilization in light of the ongoing war against Russia. The new law simplifies the identification process for suitable conscripts and imposes additional penalties for draft dodgers. Another law signed by the president just before the passing of the mobilization law lowers the minimum age for conscription from 27 to 25 years.
18:02 Russia claims to have captured 28 Ukrainian settlements in May
Russia's advancement in its war against Ukraine is documented by its own statements. Russia's Defense Minister Andrei Belousov speaking at a meeting of the Moscow-dominated Military Alliance Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Almaty, Kazakhstan, said that 28 settlements had been captured in May. He also mentioned that the enemy had retreated by 8-9 kilometers in several important sections of the Kharkiv region. Since the beginning of the year, Russia has captured 800 square kilometers of land. If these figures are accurate, the newly occupied area would be approximately the size of Berlin. However, independent verification is not possible.
17:36: NATO Secretary General accuses China of exporting to Russia
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has criticized China in light of Russia's war against Ukraine. He claims, after consultations with the foreign ministers of the 32 NATO member countries, that "Ukraine would not be able to conduct its attack war against Russia without China's support." China supplies Russia with substantial quantities of equipment, which can have both civil and military uses. This includes advanced high-end technology and semiconductors. "Russia would not have been able to manufacture the rockets, bombs, and aircraft it has used for attacks on Ukraine without these highly advanced high-end products," says Stoltenberg. 90% of the microelectronics that Russia imported last year came from China.
17:11: Habeck: Ukraine must be able to prevent attacks from Russia
In the eyes of Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, Ukraine must have the ability to prevent attacks from Russia. The Economy and Climate Protection Minister says, in reaction to the decision of the German government to allow the use of German-supplied weapons against military targets in Russia, that the shelling of Kharkiv comes from Russian territory. "Ukraine does not possess enough defensive weapons to protect its people." He adds that supporters of Ukraine have not provided or supplied enough resources. "To prevent attacks from Russia, it is only logical for Ukraine to act. Forbidding this would mean more deaths."
16:45: Polish Intelligence Agency investigates false report on partial mobilization
Following a false report of a partial mobilization in Poland, the domestic intelligence service is investigating whether RIAS (the state news agency of Poland) has been targeted by a Russian cyber attack. "All indications point to a cyber attack that was coordinated from the Russian side," says Digitalization Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski. Through the attack, disinformation was spread before the European elections. In the erroneous and subsequently withdrawn reports, it was stated that Prime Minister Donald Tusk had ordered partial mobilization for July 1. Accordingly, 200,000 Poles, including both former soldiers and civilians, were to be deployed to Ukraine.
The recent military support for Ukraine is making a difference, claims US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at a NATO Foreign Ministers' meeting. As many as tens of thousands of artillery ammunition and thousands of anti-tank mines, alongside air defense capabilities, are already having an impact. Other NATO nations are hastening the delivery of their equipment. The Russian aggressive behavior in the east and northeast of Ukraine is apparently stabilizing, and Ukraine has been successful in pushing back against the Russian fleet in the Black Sea.
15:53 Russia and Ukraine trade 75 prisoners each
Russia and Ukraine have reportedly released a total of 150 prisoners, with each nation handing over 75 of their captives. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, "75 more of our people have returned to Ukraine." The Russian Defense Ministry has also confirmed the prisoner exchange, stating, "75 Russian soldiers were brought back from the territory controlled by the Kiev regime."
15:29 Green Party Leader Supports Ukraine's Self-Defense
Green Party leader Britta Haßelmann has emphasized Ukraine's right to self-defense in relation to Russia's aggressive actions. She references Germany's decision to allow the use of its supplied weapons to attack military targets in Russia: "Ukraine has been defending itself against a brutal, internationally illegal war of aggression by Russia for two years. It has the right to self-defense."
15:02 Zelenskyy: Ukraine to Attack Russia with Western Weapons
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy firmly believes that Ukraine will, at some point, utilize Western weapons to strike Russia's territory. "I think that the use of any weapons, no matter what type, a Western weapon, on Russian territory is only a matter of time," he said at a press conference in Stockholm.
14:35 Putin Makes Steven Seagal a Special Envoy
Appearing cheerful and smiling while presenting the award, US actor Steven Seagal has been appointed by Vladimir Putin as Russia's special envoy for its relations with the United States. He's also a Russian citizen.
14:16 Bundeswehr Assured No IRIS-T Missile is Missing
Contrary to a report from "Business Insider," the German Defense Ministry has refuted any claims of a missing IRIS-T missile. "We are not missing any missile," a spokesman asserted. "At no time has a weapon been missing." IRIS-T is a German air defense system provided to Ukraine.
13:56 Russia and Ukraine Exchange 150 Prisoners
After months of stalemate, Russia and Ukraine have finally conducted a prisoner exchange. Roughly 75 Russian soldiers were returned, with their lives in grave danger, the Russian Defense Ministry announced. In return, 75 Ukrainian military personnel and civilians were transported to the Ukrainian side. Zelenskyy affirmed the exchange on his Telegram channel. Apart from soldiers, the exchange included National Guard, Border Guard, and civilians.
13:41 China Rejects Involvement in Ukraine Peace Conference
China has discarded the idea of participating in the Switzerland-organized Ukraine peace conference. According to Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning, "China does not see the conditions met to participate in the Ukraine peace conference." Even though China expressed its concerns to the relevant parties, diplomatic sources have revealed a withdrawal. China's preconditions for participating in the conference include the acceptance by both Russia and Ukraine, equal participation of all parties, and a "fair discussion of all peace options."
13:21 Scholz Urges Caution: "We Must Avoid a Major War"
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz underscored his policy following the decision to permit Ukraine to use German-supplied weapons against Russian targets. "We must avoid a major war - a war between Russia and NATO," he said at the Catholic Day in Erfurt. "We must also ensure Ukraine's ability to maintain its autonomy and sovereignty." To avert escalations, "caution must be exercised," Scholz added, recommending attentiveness to each action's implications for potential conflicts.
A Russian court has extended the detention of American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva until early August. Her defense's request for house arrest was disregarded by the Kazan district court, as reported by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), based in Prague. Kurmasheva, who works for the Tatar program at RFE/RL, has been prevented from leaving Russia for a year. Since last October, she has been imprisoned. RFE/RL condemned her detention and claimed it was a reprisal for her journalistic work.
Medvedev Issues Nuclear Threat to the West: Russian court extends detention of US journalist
Dmitry Medvedev, a former Russian president, has threatened the West with use of nuclear weapons in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He stated that Russia could use tactical nuclear weapons, designed for use on the battlefield, not to annihilate the enemy. The conflict in Ukraine could escalate into a full-scale war, Medvedev warned, with President Vladimir Putin's ally further issuing a threat of an asymmetrical war. Medvedev's remarks came after Western countries adjusted their stance on the use of Western weapons in Ukraine. These weapons were generally prohibited from being used against targets in Russia, but according to US government sources, President Joe Biden has permitted the use of US weapons against targets in Russia involved in the Russian offensive on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, which could be aircraft shooting rockets at Kharkiv from Russian territory. Germany has also given Ukraine leeway in defending Kharkiv.
NTV reporter Sharma on Western weapons: "Russian targets have legitimate military value
US-allowed Ukrainian use of American weapons against Russian targets is generating debate among NATO countries. NTV reporter Kavita Sharma shares reactions from three separate places in Ukraine as to how the decision is affecting the country.
Pistorius: No new discussion on German Taurus missiles for Ukraine
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius explains the government's decision to allow the use of German weapons against military targets in Russia as a "strategic adaptation" to changing circumstances. The SPD politician made these comments during a meeting with his Moldavian counterpart Anatolie Nosatii in Chisinau. Pistorius also ruled out the possibility of a renewed discussion on supplying Ukraine with long-range German Taurus missiles, emphasizing that the borders have not changed.
Strack-Zimmermann Stands Firm on Taurus
Outgoing Chairwoman of the Bundestag Defense Committee, FDP's Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, remains optimistic about a possible resumption of the discussion on whether Germany should supply Taurus missiles to Ukraine. However, her hopes are limited, citing the constantly-changing situation.
Munz: Kremlin in Dilemma
Since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Putin has constantly issued threats against Europe and NATO. The same threats were repeated during the debate over the use of Western weapons. Despite these threats, Western countries have continued to support Ukraine. Munz feels Putin is in a dilemma with only one option left—the use of weapons that cannot be an option.
Zelenskyy: Russia mocks Ukrainians, "hunt" them
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed in an interview with the British newspaper "Guardian" that the undecided stance of the West on the use of Western weapons against Russian targets has prompted Russian forces to mock the Ukrainians and "hunt" them. He found it illogical that they had access to these weapons and yet were unable to strike Russian forces. Zelenskyy called the delay in their use a human cost.
NATO is edging closer to war every week, as per Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's estimation. The military alliance's plans to get more involved in the Ukrainian conflict remind him of a firefighter attempting to extinguish a fire with a flamethrower. This is ludicrous, as a NATO intervention in Ukraine could spark a global war instead of safeguarding its member states, he claims. Orban has a good rapport with the Russian government and has been at odds with Western nations for their support of Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022. Yesterday, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg discussed restrictions on the use of weapons provided to Ukraine during a gathering of the alliance's foreign ministers in Prague.
Earlier this morning, Germany allowed Ukraine to utilize their own weapons against Russia's military targets. Spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit confirmed this news in Berlin.
This weekend, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to attend a security conference in Singapore. Sources with knowledge of the matter tell Reuters that Ukraine's support will be a primary topic of discussion at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's most significant annual security conference. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun will also be present. Ukraine is currently vying for participation in a Switzerland-organized international conference aimed towards finding methods to end the war. Zelenskyy contends that Russia is trying to obstruct other countries from joining the conference.
China is advocating for a peace conference with both Russia and Ukraine's participation. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, asserts that these demands are just and impartial, not targeting any specific group. However, China will not be participating in the mid-June Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland. This event was organized at Ukraine's request, Russia has not been invited, and is boycotting it. "China values the significance of Switzerland hosting the first Ukraine peace summit and has been engaged with the Swiss side and all involved parties since the beginning of the year," Mao adds. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov proposed that China could host the peace conference.
In the early morning hours, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Beloussov announced that Ukrainian forces had retreated up to nine kilometers in critical areas in the Kharkiv region in eastern Ukraine. In May, Russian forces had seized more than 28 settlements across Ukraine, Interfax reported, citing the minister. This year, the Russians had captured a total area of 880 square kilometers.
Kyiv's energy facilities suffered damage from a Russian rocket attack earlier today. DTEK, a Ukrainian energy company, reported that a power plant was destroyed and electric infrastructure in Kyiv's Holosiyivskyi district was affected. Some residents are still without power. The Russian military attacked with drones and ballistic short-range missiles, the Ukrainian Air Force stated.
The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported an oil depot in the Russian Black Sea port of Kavkaz was struck by Ukrainian Neptune missiles overnight. There is no information on the extent of the damage. Additionally, Ukrainian forces attacked two vessels near the Kerch Strait Bridge. Kavkaz is situated off the Ukrainian Crimean Peninsula, which Russia has annexed.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg believes there's no risk of escalation from the US allowing limited strikes against Russian targets by Ukraine. "Russia escalates the situation by attacking another country" and the same applies to the battles in Kharkiv, he remarked at a NATO Foreign Ministers' meeting in Prague's sidelines. Stoltenberg further emphasized the importance of Germany and other countries permitting similar actions with their supplied weapons. "Ukraine has the right to self-defense, which entails the capacity to target legitimate military targets in Russia," Stoltenberg confirmed. This demand intensifies as fighting continues in the Kharkiv region near the Russian border.
Ukrainian air defense systems successfully intercepted four Russian Shahed drones and one Iskander-K cruise missile during the night, reports the Ukrainian Air Force commander, Mykola Oleschtschuk, via Telegram. These drones were shot down in the regions of Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipropetrovsk.
8:09 Charkiw: Fourth Civilian Body Found After a Missile Attack on a House
The death toll from a Russian missile strike in Kharkiv has increased to four individuals, with another 25 injured, as declared by Kharkiv region governor Oleh Syniehubov on Telegram. Ukrinform relayed this information. "Another victim was found in the debris of the destroyed building, bringing the total death toll to four," he stated. The authorities identified 25 injured people.
7:31 Kyiv: Russian Casualties Over 1,300 in One Day
Ukrainian officials reported that close to 1,400 Russian soldiers were either killed or incapacitated in Kyiv within a single day. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry stated on its regular updates on Russian losses that since the commencement of the war in February 2022, over 507,650 Russian soldiers have "ceased to exist." Additionally, 18 more tanks were lost (7,728 in total). According to the Ministry's daily reports, the Russians have also lost around 15,000 armored vehicles and about 10,500 drones that are no longer in the hands of the Russian military or have been destroyed. Note that these figures are unverified. Moscow has not disclosed its own losses in Ukraine.
7:14 Russia: Wounded in an Airstrike on an Oil Depot in Krasnodar
In the Russian region of Krasnodar, two individuals sustained injuries in an airstrike on an oil depot. According to local authorities and Governor Kondratyev via Telegram, the infrastructure of the oil depot in the Temryuk district was damaged. Debris from drones that were downed ignited a fire, which was later extinguished. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed it had destroyed five rockets and 29 drones fired by Ukraine on Krasnodar. Further drone attacks were reported in Voronezh, Belgorod, and Tambov.
6:48 Crimea: Explosions in Port Kavkaz
Eyewitness accounts and the Crimean Wind Telegram channel report a series of explosions in the night in the Russian-occupied Crimea. The Ukrainian General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine disclosed two ferries from Kerch were hit by ATACMS missiles. The channel claims eight to ten explosions occurred in Port Kavkaz. Reports of a fire at an oil depot in the port are circulating.
6:17 United States: Russia Using North Korean Rockets in Ukraine
US military debris analysis reveals Russia is using North Korean ballistic missiles in Ukraine, the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) declared in a formal statement. North Korean missile fragments have been discovered across Ukraine.
4:34 United States: China's Support for Russia Endangers European Security
The US government deems China's support for Russia a threat to European security, claimed US State Department Spokesperson Vedant Patel at a press conference. Washington has accused Beijing's leadership of backing Russia's war in Ukraine, imposing further penalties. "If China does not restrict support for the Russian arms industry, the United States will take further measures," Patel warned.
2:50 Rockets Hit Residential Building: Three Civilians Die in Kharkiv
Russian forces fired missiles from Belgorod at Kharkiv during the night. Five hits were documented in the city, including a five-story residential building, according to local authorities. Ukrainian news outlet Ukrayinska Pravda revealed images of these impacts. Three people succumbed to the rocket attack, and 16 others were injured. Among the injured were children.
1:46 SPD Politician Advocates Use of Western Weapons against Russian Targets
SPD foreign policy spokesperson Nils Schmid advocates for the deployment of western military equipment against Russian military targets, stating on Funke Media Group newspapers: "It makes sense to retract the restriction on targets on Russian territory." The decision would require agreement among NATO allies.
The German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, will not approve the dispatch of German troops to Ukraine or their involvement in a no-fly zone. Scholz made this clear during a meeting with readers of the Thuringian Allgemeine in Erfurt. He is also against the risky proposition of a no-fly zone, stating that this would involve shooting down aircraft of another country with one's own. According to Scholz, "then you're at war." He emphasized the importance of preventing a NATO-Russia war. His stance aligns with the views of US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron.
An insider reveals that the US government is now permitting Ukraine to use US weapons against Russia, specifically in the Kharkiv region. This decision is distinct from Biden's previous refusal to allow Ukraine to use US weapons within Russian territory. However, the use of land-based long-range missiles and other ammunition for offensive operations in Russia is still prohibited per the US government's guidelines.
The Liut Brigade, a regiment of the Ukraine's police force, is defending the city of Vovchansk close to the Kharkiv border. Videos recently released by the brigade depict street fighting conducted by the Tsunami Storm Regiment to prevent Russian soldiers from occupying a building. These fighters are part of the Liut Brigade, which is joined by other military units in protecting Vovchansk.
Read also:
- Following the escalation of cyber attacks against Ukraine's power infrastructure, there are concerns that the conflict between Ukraine and Russia may enter a new phase of cyberwarfare.
- Volodymyr Selensky, the president of Ukraine, has expressed his intention to utilize Western weapons against Russian targets in self-defense, a move that has been supported by some NATO leaders.
- Russia's Defense Minister Andrei Belousov has acknowledged that military operations in Ukraine have resulted in the capture of 28 Ukrainian settlements in May, further escalating the conflict between the two nations.
- NATO has accused China of exporting advanced technology and semiconductors to Russia, which has subsequently been used in attacks against Ukraine, potentially violating international sanctions against Russia.
