Macron calls for prompt formation of coalition for military advisors in Ukraine.
Emmanuel Macron, President of France, calls for a quick formation of a coalition to send Western military advisors to Ukraine. "To be effective, we're aiming for a coalition, and several partners have already agreed," says Macron regarding the planned deployment. "We're not alone - this coalition will be formed in the next few days," he emphasizes.
20:09 French authorities are investigating an explosion involving a Russian-Ukrainian man who may have terror plans. The 26-year-old had come to France a few days prior, and suffered severe injuries when manufacturing explosives in a hotel in Roissy near Paris Charles-de-Gaulle airport. "Le Parisien" and "Le Monde" report that the Ukrainian from the Donbass region assumed Russian citizenship several years ago and engaged in pro-Russian activities. They also claim he fought in the Russian army two years ago. "JDD" states, citing security sources, that the individual could potentially be a Russian spy interested in French military supplies bound for Ukraine.
20:12 The US government plans to adopt a more competitive nuclear weapons strategy due to the lack of cooperation from countries like Russia and North Korea. "In the absence of these countries changing course, the United States must adapt its stance and capabilities to ensure its ability to deter and achieve other goals in the future," says Pranay Vaddi from the National Security Council of the White House. It's known that the actions of US adversaries can no longer be significantly influenced by setting a positive example.
19:54 Sweden has announced three months after joining NATO that it will participate in the monitoring of NATO airspace. This is confirmed by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. Swedish fighter jets will therefore be primarily used in NATO Air Policing, mostly over the Baltic Sea. Kristersson explains following a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at a military facility near Stockholm: "Sweden has always been determined to be an active member of NATO, and the journey can finally begin."
19:21 A French political expert working in Russia has been arrested in Moscow and is currently being held in pre-trial detention. A Moscow court orders his provisional imprisonment 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 register as a "foreign agent." Laurent Vinatier could face up to five years in prison if convicted under the "foreign agents" law which is often used by the Russian authorities to target critics and opponents or monitor them.
18:57 Ukraine is experiencing significant power shortages as a result of months of Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure. Ukrenergo, the state power provider, states: "Power consumption restrictions are in place throughout the country all day to ensure that essential facilities and companies can continue to operate." The city administration of Kiev also states that the available power supply only covers 75% of Kiev's power consumption. Yesterday evening, power was cut off in several regions for three hours according to Ukrenergo.
18:21 After announcing the delivery of jet fighters to Ukraine, Kremlin reacted with criticism. "We consider these statements to be extremely provocative," says Kremlin spokesman Peskov, per Interfax news agency. "President Macron is clearly showing his support for the Kiev regime and declaring France's willingness to actively participate in the conflict," he adds. French President Macron declared on Thursday evening in a TV interview that he would send several Mirage fighter jets to Ukraine, although he avoided answering whether France would send military trainers to Ukraine. Macron highlighted that Ukraine had asked for training within its own territory and this would not entail escalation.
17:51 Putin threatens to provide weapons to enemies of the West should Ukraine use Western weapons against Russia. Putin made these comments at the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg, but his potential targets were unclear. "If they send weapons to the war zone and call for their use against our territory, why shouldn't we have the right to do the same?" he asked. He further mentioned that currently, Moscow is not supplying weapons to enemies of the West.
The German administration anticipates advances in negotiations concerning the utilization of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's benefit at the upcoming G7 summit in Italy, even though no conclusive decision has been reached. An official from the German government mentioned that discussions are underway about how a single-digit billion-dollar amount from the interest on these frozen assets could be doubled for Ukraine. The same viewpoint has also been shared by the G7 finance ministers. Nevertheless, the EU states within the G7, such as Germany, France, and Italy, must achieve an accord within the EU as well. "I expect there will be no final resolution," he said.
17:01 Zelensky expresses gratitude for French "efficient fighter jets"
The Ukrainian President, Zelensky, gives thanks to France for the imminent delivery of Mirage fighter jets to counter the Russian aggression. "Your proficient fighter jets, your efficient fighter jets, will be piloted by Ukrainian pilots to demonstrate that Europe is stronger, that Europe is stronger than the Evil that threatened it," Zelensky stated in the French parliament. Yesterday, French President Macron announced the provision of Mirage 2000-5 jet fighters to Ukraine. These jets can also be used for the execution of French-British cruise missiles like Scalp/Storm Shadow.
16:32 Luhansk governor disapproves of Moscow claims: Attack aimed at military targets
Reports emerged of a sizable Ukrainian army attack on the Russian-occupied city of Luhansk. According to the Luhansk region's governor, Artem Lyssohor, the bombardment targeted military facilities and depots on the premises of the former military aviation school in the east of the city and a fuel depot. There have been no verifications of Russian assertions that at least three civilians were killed and more than 30 suffered injuries. The Luhansk governor attributes any civilian harm to the usage of Russian air defense systems over the city. The Russian military claims to have intercepted four out of five rockets. This information cannot be independently verified. The Russian Defense Ministry states that Ukraine purposefully targeted civilian regions in Luhansk.
16:05 Putin: Reduction of Payments in 'Toxic' Currencies
Russia's president, Putin, aims to make his country less dependent on the West. Russia must lower its imports, broaden the use of non-Western currencies for trade, and enhance domestic financial markets, Putin said at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Russia's trade with Asia is currently growing, and nearly 40% of its foreign trade is now denominated in rubles. Conversely, commerce in dollars, euros, and other Western currencies is declining. Russia intends to increase the share of transactions in BRICS countries' currencies, which include nations such as Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS). "During the last year, the share of payments for Russian exports in the aforementioned 'toxic' currencies of unfriendly states was halved," Putin said in relation to mostly Western countries that have imposed sanctions on Russia due to its involvement in Ukraine.
15:45 Russians announce capture of another settlement
The Russian army has declared that it has seized another settlement in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk area. "Over the past week, soil forces of the southern military group have improved their positions along the front line and liberated the settlement of Paraskoviyiwka," the Russian Defense Ministry in Moscow stated. The settlement is situated about 25 kilometers southwest of the city of Donetsk, which Russia had already captured in 2022. After a period of inaction, the Russian forces have already reported the capture of numerous settlements this year.
15:34 Stoltenberg: Ukraine can assault military targets in Russia
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg asserts that Ukraine holds the right to strike military targets in Russia for its own defense. "The Ukraine has the right to self-defense." This encompasses attacks on valid military objectives on the territory of the aggressor state, Russia.
15:13 Meeting in Paris: Biden pledges $225 million military aid to Ukraine
US President Biden has announced a new military aid package for Ukraine worth $225 million (€207 million). Biden informed his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyj of this during a gathering in Paris. Both leaders are presently in France for extended visits. According to the US Defense Department, the new package includes rockets for Hawk air defense systems, ammunition for multiple rocket launchers of the type HIMARS, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, and artillery ammunition with calibers of 155 and 105 millimeters. The United States are currently particularly interested in fortifying the Ukrainian air defense and providing the nation with ammunition after a sustained supply interruption.
14:24 Moscow accuses Ukraine of attacking Luhansk with aid from Kiev
The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations claims four people were killed and a residential building was partially destroyed in Luhansk after Ukraine launched an air attack. Over 40 people, including four kids, were reportedly injured. Leonid Pasetschnik, the Russian-appointed leader of the region, accused "Ukrainian nationalists" of using "at least six rockets" to attack the city's civilian infrastructure. Russia's Defense Ministry later asserted that Kiev fired five ATACMS missiles at residential areas, with two buildings hit by a missile that wasn't intercepted.
14:22 Germany may need 75,000 additional troops for NATO plans
According to secret documents from Germany's Defense Ministry, NATO's plans call for an extra 75,000 personnel, both men and women. NATO leaders agreed on these plans during the Vilnius summit last year and have since calculated requirements for troops, weapons, and other resources. The German Defense Ministry hadn't responded to a request for comment when the report was published. Currently, the Bundeswehr has 180,000 soldiers and 80,000 civilian employees.
14:14 Ukraine meets EU requirements for accession talks
Ukraine and Moldova are believed to have fulfilled all conditions to initiate negotiations for joining the EU, according to the estimates of EU officials. Similarly, diplomats passed this information on to other European governments. In March, both countries still had unresolved matters like protecting national minorities and limiting oligarchs' political influence. By the end of May, the German government had revealed its approval of Ukraine's readiness for EU accession talks.
14:06 Biden apologizes to Zelensky for arms delivery hold-up
US President Joe Biden apologized to his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky for the lengthy delay in arm deliveries from the US. He also expressed regret for the uncertainty over additional aid previously. This occurred when Biden met with Zelensky in Paris. Furthermore, Biden blamed a minority of conservative members of the US Congress for holding back the funding legislation. He vowed that America would not abandon Kiev, stating that Ukraine is a "bulwark" against Russian aggression and the US must support it.
13:58 Russia points fingers at US for civilian casualties
For the first time, Russia holds the US responsible for the death of women and children caused by weapons supplied to Ukraine. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Ukraine had used American-supplied weapons in recent attacks in the Belgorod region. She viewed statements coming from the US as "admitting the murder of children and women," with fragments of HIMARS rockets set to serve as evidence. This follows recent warnings from Russian President Vladimir Putin that the West gambles with a global conflict by enabling Ukraine to use NATO-provided weaponry against Russian targets.
13:37 German expert on immediate success of permission to attack Russian military targets
Security analyst Christian Mölling notes that the decision to allow Ukraine to use Western weaponry for attacking Russian military targets is immediately effective because it hinders Russian military forces. He pointed out that this development permits Ukrainian troops to gain a tactical advantage. Mölling serves as research director at the German Council on Foreign Relations. He suggests that those who oppose this policy should also understand the implications of a reaction: sacrificing lives for a "safe haven" of the aggressor provides aid to the instigator, which paradoxically harms Ukraine's effort to defend itself.
13:19 Zelensky compares Russian aggression to Hitler's invasions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky analogized the Russian invasion to Adolf Hitler's transgressions when crossing into Poland in 1939. He said, "Hitler crossed border after border. Putin is doing the same," implying a parallel between both leaders in their disregard for international law and disregard for civilian lives. Keen to highlight the threatening nature of Russian activities on the European continent, these remarks emphasize the gravity of the threat.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warns of the escalation of the Russian war. "In the 1930s, Hitler invaded country after country. Putin is doing the same," Zelensky tells the deputies of the French National Assembly. "We can already see how aggression is spreading to the Baltic states, Poland, and the Balkans." The Russian government will "find a way to destabilize Europe," he adds. Russian President Vladimir Putin is using "the weapons of yesterday," like sea blockades and the massive abduction of children to re-educate them. "He is blackmailing the entire world, making everyone afraid of him," said the Ukrainian president.
11:14 A US soldier's trial is underway in Russia.
A US soldier's trial is beginning in Russia. The state news agency RIA Novosti reports that the 34-year-old Gordon Black has agreed to testify in the trial in Vladivostok and respond to the charges. The man had traveled to the city to visit his partner. He was arrested after she accused him of stealing from her. In the event of a conviction, he faces up to five years in prison. This trial further complicates the already strained relations between the United States and Russia. Russia currently holds several Americans as prisoners, including Paul Whelan, accused of spying, and "Wall Street Journal" reporter Evan Gershkovich. The United States claims that both men are being held unlawfully.
10:44 "Russia wants to show: The real opponent in the war is America"
The occupied territories in Ukraine may soon be merged into a new federal district. What this means and what the deployment of more warships to Cuba signifies, explains NTV correspondent Rainer Munz.
10:23 Russia accuses Ukraine of firing US rockets at civilian targets in Russia.
Russia accuses Ukraine of firing US rockets at civilian targets in Russia. "The Ukrainians are responsible for the deaths of women and children in the Belgorod region," says Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry. Remnants of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) will serve as evidence of the events.
09:55 Ukraine indicts Russian general for premeditated murder and violations of the laws of war.
Ukraine is suing Russian General Oleg Makarevich, former commander of the Dnipro Group, for premeditated murder and violations of the laws of war. The prosecutor and the Security Service of Ukraine accuse him of ordering the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam on June 6, 2023. The resulting flood disaster in the Kherson region caused a massive humanitarian and ecological catastrophe. If the general is arrested and convicted, he faces life imprisonment. "The SBU is making every effort to identify and prosecute all those involved in crimes against Ukraine," says the statement of the Security Service.
09:25 Russian military attempts to breach defenses 28 times.
Air raid alarms have been sounded in many parts of Ukraine. Russian air raids are targeting Odessa and Kiev, with the situation in Donetsk being particularly tense. However, the training of pilots for the promised combat aircraft has stalled.
08:59 Ukraine claims to have intercepted all five rockets fired by Russia.
Ukrainian authorities claim to have shot down all 48 of the 53 drones launched by Russia. The rockets were used in the Kiev region. The drones attacked in the regions of Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, South Odessa, and Kherson. No energy infrastructure was hit. No one was injured.
08:26 Historian Winkler warns of the loss of Ukraine.
The historian Heinrich August Winkler sees the stubborn adherence to the debt brake as a security risk for Germany. "If there were a worsening of the situation in Ukraine, it would be disastrous if we could say: We kept the debt brake and lost Ukraine. This would be dangerous for European peace and the freedom of European democracies," warns Winkler in the "Sueddeutsche Zeitung." "We must, together with the other NATO member states, significantly increase our conventional defense efforts. The debt brake should not be an obstacle." Winkler adds, "We can't achieve dominance in Russia's domestic politics anyway."
07:54 Swiss President considers a follow-up conference with Russia.
Swiss Federal President Viola Amherd assumes that the Ukraine peace conference organized by her country in mid-June will only be the beginning of further negotiations. "For us, it's clear that we won't sign a peace agreement at the end of the conference," says Amherd to the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung." "Both parties must be at the table for peace," she reflects on the fact that Russia is not participating in the summit. "In a possible follow-up conference, Russia could also be there." According to Switzerland, more than 80 countries have agreed to participate, including Germany with Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Russia itself has not been invited to the conference on June 15/16, but the government in Moscow had also made it clear that they would not send representatives if invited.
Numerous German businesses operating in Ukraine plan to maintain their presence in the war-torn nation, with around 43% of companies expressing intent to continue engagement, while only 8% considering divestment, according to a survey conducted by the German-Ukrainian Industry and Trade Chamber (AHK Ukraine) and analyzed by KPMG. Surveying 142 companies, the essential conditions for expanding business activities were determined to be political and economic stability, publicly-funded guarantees, and funding. Nearly 42% of firms predict an improvement in the Ukrainian economy within the following year, while around 48% forecast no change, with 10% fearing deterioration.
07:02 Human Rights Groups Submit Report to the International Criminal Court Accusing Russian Propagandists
Human rights organizations 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, alleging that Russian propagandists instigated hate crimes against Ukrainians. Vladimir Solovyov, Margarita Simonyan, Dmitry Kiselyov, Sergei Mardan, Dmitry Medvedev, and Alexei Gromov (first deputy chief of staff of the Russian presidential administration) are accused of inciting violence. The International Criminal Court has previously issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova over forced deportations of Ukrainian children to Russia.
06:31 Putin Aims to Create War Economy
Russian leader Vladimir Putin has pledged to transform his country into a war economy following over two years of the conflict in Ukraine. In a series of instructions, Putin has prioritized the defense sector's development to produce more weapons and ammunition. Denis Manturov, first deputy prime minister, disclosed this information at the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). The participants affirmed that Russia efficiently produces weapons and ammunition at a quarter of the Western cost. The nation is preparing for a war economy that could last for decades, as Manturov indicated. The number of companies — including those from the private sector — has exponentially grown in the last two years of war. "Today, the military-industrial complex is the engine of the economy," claims Pyotr Fradkov, Promsvyazbank's chairman, emphasizing significant business deals.
05:59 NATO Ally Disgruntlement over Germany's Positioning
NATO allies are showing discontent with the German government's refusal to refer to a new support project for Ukraine as a "NATO Mission." Diplomatic sources view the opposition to using the term "NATO Mission Ukraine" (NMU) as unnecessary compromise toward Russia and confusing to most NATO members. The German government asserts that the name "NATO Mission Ukraine" could be misconstrued as deploying soldiers to Ukraine, leading to the avoidance of the term. Conversely, proponents of the "mission" label argue that the Kremlin would perceive the NATO project as aggression, creating a platform for further disinformation campaigns.
05:10 Mangott Bemoans Upcoming Ukraine Conference
Russia expert Gerhard Mangott has voiced his disappointment with the upcoming Ukraine conference in Switzerland due to the anticipated absence of several key countries. The lack of representation from influential nations like China, Brazil, or South Africa is concerning, according to the Innsbruck University political scientist. Although a potential follow-up conference has already been discussed prior to the commencement of the planned conference, this signals a diminished expectancy of outcome. Conspicuously, only Vice President Kamala Harris and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will represent the United States, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meets with US President Joe Biden in Paris. Mangott finds it perplexing that Biden declined to participate.
03:02 Russia Unleashes Drones and Cruise Missiles on Ukraine
Air raid alarms are sounding across substantial regions in Ukraine, excluding western areas. Attack drones are reportedly being dispatched towards Odessa from the Black Sea, and cruise missiles have been intercepted.
01:55 United States Plans Additional Military Aid for Ukraine
The United States is set to furnish Ukraine with a new military aid package worth around $225 million. The package is believed to include ammunition relevant to targets beyond Ukrainian borders, intended to shield Kharkiv from Russian attacks. The package is expected to comprise ammunition for the HIMARS system, mortar systems, and a collection of artillery shells. Biden will brief Zelensky in Paris later today.
00:54 Extensive Power Outages Reported in Distinct Regions of Ukraine
The Ukrainian power company, Ukrenergo, discloses that there will be power outages in twelve different regions. These regions include areas like Lviv and Zakarpattia in the west, the capital city Kiev, the region of Kiev, Odessa in the south, and Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia in the east. The power company states that the consumption levels have gone beyond what is permitted, and also mentions the possibility of critical infrastructure facilities being impacted. Russian attacks on electrical facilities have reduced the country's power generation capacity considerably.
Midnight: US imposes entry ban on some Georgians
As a result of Georgia passing its "foreign influence" legislation, the United States is preventing certain individuals from entering their country. These people include participants involved with the Georgian Dream party, parliament members, security service members, and their relatives. The State Department revealed this news. Last week, the US had already announced this measure. Additionally, the relationship between Georgia and the US is under review. Tens of thousands of Georgians have been protesting for weeks, attempting to block the passage of this law. The law bears similarities to the 2012 Russian law against "foreign agents," which can be used to suppress government-critical media and organizations.
22:10 Possible creation of a Russian federal district with occupied Ukrainian territories
Russian governor Yevgen Baliskyi, who is active in the occupied region of Zaporizhzhia, mentions the likelihood of occupied Ukrainian territories being combined into a new federal district. The Russian media outlet RIA Novosti announced this information. In 2014, Russia illegally seized Crimea and part of the Ukrainian Donbas region. Following the initiation of a full-scale war in February 2022, Russian forces captured other parts of Ukraine, including the Ukrainian regions of Kherson, Donetsk, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia.
10:12 Power cuts in Kyiv and multiple Ukrainian regions
The power company Ukrenergo plans to cut power in Kyiv and twelve regions of Ukraine. The company shared this information on Facebook, as reported by Ukrinform. Households and industrial enterprises located in regions such as Volhynia, Donetsk, Zhytomyr, Transcarpathia, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv, Mykolaiv, Kirovohrad, Odessa, Rivne, Kharkiv, and the city of Kyiv itself will be impacted by these restrictions.
20:33 Zelenskyy plans to speak at the Bundestag in Berlin on Tuesday
It is anticipated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be visiting Berlin on Tuesday and delivering a speech in the Bundestag. According to information from the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, a reconstruction conference for Ukraine is taking place in the city's capital, organized by the Federal Foreign Office. Earlier, it was speculated that the Ukrainian president could be there to attend the event.
8:36 France transfers Mirage-2000 fighter jets to Ukraine
France is donating Mirage-2000 fighter jets to Ukraine. Emmanuel Macron, the French president, was interviewed by French TV broadcasters and shared, "These fighter jets allow Ukraine to protect its country and its airspace." Macron also mentioned that the training of 4,500 Ukrainian soldiers would be provided.
19:57 Zelenskyy recalls the anniversary of the dam break in Southern Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commemorates the anniversary of the dam break in Southern Ukraine. He said on social media, "Exactly one year ago, the Russian occupiers destroyed the dam and the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant buildings." Zelenskyy described it as one of the most significant environmental crimes committed by the Russian invaders since initially invading the country. Thousands of people were negatively affected by the resulting flood wave, and water supply was disrupted for around 500,000 individuals. "The immediate repercussions of this crime also affected the neighboring countries in the Black Sea region," he stated.
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Read also:
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- The US government's more competitive nuclear weapons strategy is a response to the lack of cooperation from Russia and North Korea, impacting 'Military operations' and global 'Military' dynamics.
- Volodymyr Selensky, the Ukrainian President, appreciates France's promise to send Mirage fighter jets as a show of Western support against Russian aggression in the 'Ukraine conflict'.
