"Moldova's President Sandu celebrates kickoff of EU membership negotiations: 'United, we are more powerful'."
Moldova's President Maia Sandu rejoices in the beginning of European Union membership talks with her nation, asserting that her nation is a part of the European family. "Together we are stronger," she states on social media. Today, the European Union initiates symbolic membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova.
17:54 Macron pushes for Ukraine aid significance at Orban meetingFrench President Emmanuel Macron will stress the significance of support for Ukraine during a meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Wednesday. Orban, known for raising doubts within the EU regarding Ukraine, is heading to Paris to prepare for Hungary's upcoming EU Council Presidency, as announced by the Elysée Palace. They aim to ready themselves for the next EU summit on June 27-28. Hungary will assume the EU Council Presidency from Belgium on July 1 on a rotating basis. Orban's party Fidesz is allied with the right-wing Rassemblement National (RN) in France, whose dominance in France's advanced legislative elections becomes more apparent. A meeting with RN representatives is not on the schedule, according to party statements.
17:28 Zelenskyy praises arrest warrants against Russian ex-minister Shoigu and General GerassimovUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy approves of the International Criminal Court's step to issue arrest warrants for two critical figures in the Russian military command. "I commend today's arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court against two key members of the Russian military leadership," Zelenskyy writes on social media. "Both are accused of committing atrocious crimes against civilians in Ukraine during Russia's relentless shelling."
17:04 Meeting with Laschet: Zelenskyy appreciates Germany's supportUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy greeted Manuela Schäfer (Schwesig) in her capacity as President of the German Bundesrat in Kiev today. During the conversation, Zelenskyy thanked Germany for its aid for Ukraine, humanitarian packages, and protection of Ukrainian refugees, according to the president's press service, as reported by Ukrinform. Zelenskyy discussed the situation on the front and Ukraine's top needs due to intensified Russian air raids with Schäfer. He also emphasized the importance of Germany's initiative to bolster Ukraine's air defense and the delivery of additional air defense systems.
16:42 Merz encourages quicker employment for Ukrainian refugees in GermanyThe Union encourages Ukrainian refugees in Germany to enter the workforce more promptly. "We must put in more effort to better integrate these refugees who are here to stay for a while into the labor market," said Fraktionschef Friedrich Merz in Berlin. "We need them, and the right motivators must be established for them." This is a task for politics, not primarily for the refugees. Just like the labor market overall, unemployment benefits do not provide the right incentives for them to seek employment. Therefore, there should be discussion about this matter — one that treats fairly the people who have fled the war. "Their security in Germany shouldn't be endangered," said Merz.
16:21 Ukraine: Russia launches 2277 Schahed drones this yearThe Russian military has reportedly fired 2277 Schahed drones at targets in Ukraine this year, as per Ukrainian reports. "Our air defense has destroyed approximately 86 percent of them," the Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force announced on Telegram.
16:07 Ukraine orders evacuation of children from five frontline settlements in the Donetsk regionUkraine has mandated the evacuation of all children and their parents from five frontline settlements in the eastern region of Donetsk. As Regional Governor Wadym Filaschkin clarifies, this measure also applies to other legal guardians of minors. The settlements mentioned by Filaschkin are located in areas where Russian troops have recently advanced. Since civilians have been killed and injured in increasing numbers in recent weeks during combat operations, Governor Filaschkin had previously urged civilians to leave the Donetsk region.
15:57 EU commences official accession negotiations with UkraineThe European Union has officially kicked off accession negotiations with Ukraine. Representatives of the 27 EU member states and Ukrainian representatives met in Luxembourg for the first session, during which the transfer of negotiation guidelines was discussed. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal referred to it as a "historic moment" for his country and the EU.
15:42 Billionaire donates three drone-equipped Swedish patrol boats to UkraineA Ukrainian billionaire is contributing three Swedish patrol boats to the Ukrainian navy. These boats can reach speeds of up to 74 kilometers per hour and are armed with various weapons such as machine guns and water bombs. Sweden promises Ukraine ten more boats.
15:26 Russia blocks access to 81 European media
In response to the banning of several Russian media in Europe, Russia has placed 81 European media companies on a blacklist. The broadcasting of programs and access to their websites will be blocked, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry on its homepage. Among the German media affected are "Der Spiegel," "Die Zeit," and the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung." In Austria, the public-service broadcaster ORF and media group Österreich were also affected. The French-German broadcaster Arte is also on the ban list. France has the most listed companies of any EU country, with a total of nine. The EU countries had earlier decided on sanctions against the state Russian news agency Ria Novosti, the government newspaper "Rossiskaja Gazeta," the platform "Voice of Europe" as well as the pro-Kremlin newspaper "Iswestija," which also includes a television station.
15:11 Narendra Modi, India's Prime Minister, expected in MoscowFollowing his recent re-election, Narendra Modi, India's PM, is anticipated to visit Russia. According to Yuri Ushakov, foreign policy advisor to Vladimir Putin, plans are being made for Modi's trip, although official confirmation from the Indian government remains unobtainable. Reports suggest that Modi's visit might occur in early July, but Russian news agency Tass has stated that July 8 and 9 are already scheduled for his visit.
14:52 Trump advisors present strategy for Ukraine conflict resolutionFormer US President Donald Trump has received a plan from influential advisors to end the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The strategy involves encouraging both conflict parties to agree to a ceasefire and initiate peace talks, with the provision that Ukraine will only receive additional weapons from the US if they participate in peace negotiations. Simultaneously, Russia will be informed that they will receive more US support if they refuse to engage in negotiations. The plan includes an extended postponement of Ukraine's NATO membership for Moscow's convenience. The proposed strategy was conceived by retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg and Fred Fleitz, who both served on the National Security Council during Trump's tenure.
14:38 Ukraine receives first delivery from Czech artilleries initiativeAn initiative by the Czech Republic to provide artillery shells to Ukraine yields results. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced that ammunition deliveries in accordance with the initiative have been made to Ukraine. The ammunition shortage is a significant challenge for Ukraine in its defense against Russia. The objective of the initiative is to procure up to 800,000 artillery shells for Kiev in countries outside the EU. Recent reports from Prague indicate that 18 partner countries have pledged approximately 1.6 billion Euros in financial support for the project, with Germany contributing a considerable amount. The Netherlands, Denmark, Lithuania, and other countries also offer their contributions. The Czech Republic is a strong supporter of Ukraine in its struggle against the Russian invasion.
14:20 Ukrainian Ambassador Makeiev criticizes CSU proposal as "very populist"Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeiev, has expressed his disapproval of the CSU proposal to expel unemployed Ukrainians. "It's just a generic and very populist approach," Makeiev said to Phoenix. Makeiev, in contact with Labor Minister Heil and Interior Minister Faeser, as well as the federal states, is working to better integrate Ukrainian asylum seekers into the German labor market. He notes that Ukrainians integrate exceptionally well into the labor market and, in contrast to other nations, demonstrate a strong work ethic. Unemployment among asylum seekers is not solely attributed to Ukrainians, and Makeiev urges "recognition of vocational qualifications" and "lowering language requirements."
14:01 Serbian propagandist insults Putin over ammunition salesSerbia has maintained close ties with Moscow for years, but these ties are now strained as it has been revealed that the country sold ammunition to intermediaries, who then supplied it to Ukraine. In response, Russian propagandist Sergey Mardan has expressed his disdain, referring to Serbia as the "last whore" for its actions. He also considers the Serbs no longer allies, but enemies.
13:40 Alleged Ukrainian drone attacks damage pipeline in Belgorod, RussiaReports of Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian infrastructure, including a gas pipeline in Belgorod, have emerged. Videos show evidence of damage to several buildings and the gas pipeline, resulting in injuries to several individuals and one confirmed fatality. Ukrainian authorities have yet to comment on the alleged attacks.
13:18 EU extends protective status for Ukrainian refugees for another yearThe EU extends the unbureaucratic protection for Ukrainian war refugees for an additional year, until March 4, 2026. The EU ministers have adopted the extension in Luxembourg, acknowledging that the conditions for the return of people due to ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure are not yet met. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser welcomed the extension but also called for a "fairer distribution" of refugees throughout the EU, noting that Germany has taken in nearly 1.2 million refugees, representing a "massive act of strength."
13:02 China, against new EU Russia sanctions, calls for lifting of restrictions on Chinese companiesChina strongly criticizes the latest EU sanctions against Russia, which also impact Chinese firms, deeming them "unilateral sanctions without a legal basis." A spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry urges the European side to immediately lift the sanctions and promises to enact necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies. The West accuses China of supporting Russia in its conflict with Ukraine, which Peking denies. In a recent EU sanctions package, 61 more companies were added to the sanctions list, including 19 Chinese companies, facing trade restrictions for alleged cooperation with the Russian mercenary group Wagner and selling them satellites.
Arrest Warrant Served: Shoigu and Gerasimov Facing the International CourtThe International Criminal Court slaps an arrest warrant on previous Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and General Staff Chief Valeri Gerasimov for allegedly targeting civilians in Ukraine. The court publicly pronounces the charges.
Zelenskyy Meets Schwesig in KievOn the second day of her visit to Ukraine, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Minister-President Manuela Schwesig converses with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kiev for about an hour. The conversation occurs as Schwesig fulfills her role as Federal President of the Bundesrat, reaffirming solidarity amongst the 16 federal states towards Ukraine. Schwesig had earlier stated that Ukraine must win the war, opposing her party friend, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who emphasized that Russia should not win the war, and Ukraine should not lose it. The Ukrainian populace criticizes Schwesig for her advocacy for the Nord Stream 2 pipeline within the country. Former Ukrainian ambassador Andrij Melnyk once stated that he would never shake her hand. Following the Russian attack nearly two years ago, Schwesig distanced herself from her involvement in the project and deemed it a mistake.
European Court of Human Rights Convicts RussiaThe European Court of Human Rights condemns Russia for human rights violations on the Crimea after the annexation of the Black Sea peninsula. The ruling granted a complaint from Ukraine, and although Russia denies acknowledging the court's judgments, the verdict is passed.
Ukrainian Soldiers Receive Ammunition: "Granade Hunger" EasedUkrainian soldiers have fought a prolonged battle without sufficient ammunition against the Russian army. With the $61 billion aid package, their ammunition supply has significantly improved, according to Vasil, a Ukrainian commander. He reports that the "granade hunger" has now subsided.
Over 100 Ukrainians Arrested for Illegal Immigration AttemptsUkrainian security forces thwarted 100 men attempting to illegally escape to other countries in the Odessa region in southern Ukraine last week. A group of 47 men in four minibuses were halted on their way to the border, while another 53 men were detained at a "collection point." They planned to circumvent checkpoints and cross the border on foot. The Odessa region shares a border with Moldova, with the Danube River forming the border with Romania. All men aged 25 and above, who could be conscripted for the war, have been transferred to the local military conscription office. The human traffickers allegedly charged between $4,600 and over $17,000 from each man.
Lührmann Sees Historic Moment for the EU: Ukraine and Moldova Begin EU Accession NegotiationsEuropean State Secretary Anna Lührmann proclaims a "historic day" for the EU regarding the commencement of EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. "This is a notable day because we are recognizing the effort that both countries have made despite extraordinarily challenging circumstances," Lührmann stated on the sidelines of an EU ministers' meeting before the official start of the accession negotiations in Luxembourg. "Both countries have made significant advancements in the areas of rule of law, anti-corruption, and press freedom." However, it will take years before Ukraine and Moldova meet all the criteria for EU membership. As a prerequisite for Ukraine, a peace with Russia is required. No accession guarantee exists.
EU Faces Retaliation: Moscow's Measures "Could Affect Us Too"Frozen Russian funds in the EU are earmarked for Ukraine's armament. The Kremlin considers these sanctions as "contrary to international law" and "unjust," according to NTV correspondent Rainer Munz. Russia is now planning to implement sanctions against the EU and foster relationships even further.
Court Convicts Bankers for Handling "Putin's Money"Four bankers have been found guilty by a Swiss appeals court for managing funds linked to Putin's associates. The Zurich Appellate Court deems it established that the employees of the liquidated Swiss subsidiary of the Russian Gazprombank did not thoroughly verify whether the money in accounts belonging to Russian musician Sergey Roldugin truly belonged to him. The court imposes fines on the four bankers. In 2014, two accounts were opened at the Gazprombank in Zurich for Roldugin as the beneficial owner. According to media reports, the Russian cellist and conductor is the godfather of one of Putin's daughters. He was added to the Swiss sanctions list shortly after Russia's attack on Ukraine. According to the list, Roldugin is known in Moscow as "Putin's briefcase."
A Somalian Soldier Speaks: "Everywhere were drones, artillery, rockets. I just ran"To replenish their hundreds of thousands of soldiers lost in war, the Kremlin recruits migrants and foreign students to the front. The young Somalian Adil shares his experience in an interview with ntv. He enlists himself for almost 1900 Euros a month, including the prospect of Russian citizenship and the assurance that he won't have to fight at the front. However, Adil is immediately deployed to Ukraine and has fled after four days, currently imprisoned in Ukraine. "I didn't come to kill. I lost my weapon. I didn't know how to use it. Everywhere were drones, artillery, rockets. I just ran", Adil expresses in the interview. "I thought 2000 dollars were the average wage for regular work. I thought my dream of a better future had begun for me."
23:42 Trump's Advisors Propose Strategy to Settle Ukraine ConflictTwo key advisors of former US President Donald Trump suggest a plan to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. As reported by Reuters, this plan, backed by a Trump victory, would only offer Ukraine more American weapons if it participates in peace talks. The US would also warn Russia that any failure to negotiate would result in enhanced US support for Ukraine, as stated by General Lieutenant a.D. Keith Kellogg, one of Trump's national security advisors. This detailed strategy is the most comprehensive plan presented so far by Trump's associates, who believe that Trump could solve the Ukraine conflict swiftly. Implementing this plan would represent a significant change in Washington's stance on the war and would face opposition from European allies and Trump's own Republican Party.
05:17 Russia Repels and Destroys 30 Ukrainian Drones Near BorderRussia claims to have shot down 30 Ukrainian drones in the border area between the two countries. The Russian air defense reportedly intercepted and destroyed 29 drones in the Belgorod border region and another drone in the adjacent region of Voronezh, according to the Russian Defense Ministry via Telegram. In the Belgorod region, an elderly lady apparently died due to reasons unrelated to the drone activities.
04:49 Ukrainian Security Forces Arrest Alleged Russian SpyUkrainian security forces reportedly apprehend a border guards soldier who is suspected of spying for the Russian FSB. According to the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU), the man collected information about weapons and ammunition depots and Ukrainian troops in the border region with Belarus. The suspect was allegedly recruited remotely by an FSB agent based in the occupied Luhansk region and communicated with him through anonymous chats in online messengers. The SBU threatens the man with a life sentence if found guilty on charges of high treason.
03:46 ISW: Russia Aims for "Tactical and Operational Significant Gains" Before US Aid Arrives at FrontlinesAccording to the US think tank Institute for the Study of War, US weapons deliveries may not yield immediate results on the frontlines. The ISW continues to assume that Russian forces are aiming to achieve tactical and operational significant gains before US military aid reaches Ukrainian forces in large quantities. It may take some time before the weapons provided by the West become tactically and operationally effective. This is also reflected in an interview given by Military Intelligence Chief Kyrylo Budanow to the "Philadelphia Inquirer." He states that weapons deliveries from the US and Europe, including artillery ammunition, will arrive faster in Ukraine than before. However, the Ukrainian forces require a vast quantity of weapons, and it is "a matter of scale." According to Budanow, there will not be a catastrophic battle at the front, but the situation there will remain challenging at least until mid-July.
03:12 Kiev: Intelligence Will Continue "Drone Strikes" Against Russian Oil Refinery ComplexUkrainian special forces have identified over 30 Russian oil refineries, terminals, and depots as targets, stated President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a military briefing, according to Ukrainian media reports. He particularly praised the "Center for Special Operations" of the Ukrainian Security Service and highlighted the long-range abilities of the drones, which now cover distances up to 1,500 kilometers. The most recent drone attacks have targeted facilities in Tatarstan and Bashkortostan – and an end to the attacks is not anticipated: "The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) will continue to impose 'Drone sanctions' on the Russian oil refinery complex and reduce the economic potential of the adversary who provides the aggressor with the means to wage war against Ukraine," quotes "Kyiv Independent" an unnamed source.
02:50 Denmark Ends Training of Ukrainian F-16 PilotsDenmark is terminating its training program for Ukrainian F-16 pilots at year-end due to its shift to the F-35 aircraft. This was communicated by Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen in media reports during a press conference. "We are transitioning to the F-35, so we must channel our efforts into that and cannot continue the training of Ukrainian pilots beyond 2024," the politician revealed. The western F-16 coalition must locate alternative locations to continue its activities, according to Poulsen. Alternative training programs exist in Romania and the US.
02:39 Russian Governor Expresses Concern over "Massive" Drone Attack on BelgorodIn drone attacks on the Russian city of Belgorod and settlements in the Belgorod region, several buildings, vehicles, and a gas supply line were damaged, and four people were injured. This was reported by "Kyiv independent," citing statements from Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov, who spoke of a "massive" drone attack. According to him, an administrative building in the city of Shebekino was destroyed by fire. Kiev has yet to comment on the attacks.
02:16 EU Adds Dozens of Companies to Sanctions ListIn the context of a new sanctions package against Russia, the European Union (EU) adds 61 companies to the sanctions list, which includes 19 Chinese companies. The 14th sanctions package, formally approved by EU member states, includes trade restrictions for two key actors in the Chinese satellite industry. The companies are charged with conducting millions of dollars' worth of business with the Russian mercenary group Wagner and selling satellites to them.
European Court Decision on Crimea: ECHR Rules on Ukraine's Lawsuit Against Russia
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg has made a decision today on Ukraine's lawsuit against Russia regarding the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula. Kiev accuses Moscow of various violations of the European Convention on Human Rights between February 2014 and August 2015 on the Crimean Peninsula. The lawsuit includes allegations of "illegal arrests," "suppression of non-Russian media," and "compensation-free expropriations."
Orban's Controversial Remarks on Ukraine's EU Accession
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has expressed criticism towards the EU accession talks with Ukraine, which took place in Luxembourg today. In an interview with Funke Mediengruppe newspapers, Orban stated, "Hungary doesn't align with this accession process, but we don't block it and support its initiation." Orban opines that the talks are "a purely politically motivated process." He further added, "It isn't about a Yes or No to EU membership. We must first consider the implications if we were to accept a country at war, whose borders aren't clearly defined in practice." Hungary begins accession talks with Ukraine today, with Ihor Zhovka, foreign policy advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stating in Kiev, "The road to full membership, which Ukraine deserves, is irreversible."
EU Commences Accession Talks with Ukraine
The EU begins accession talks with Ukraine today, with Ihor Zhovka, foreign policy advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, declaring in an interview in Kiev, "The path to full membership, which Ukraine deserves, is irreversible." The initial ceremony in Luxembourg focuses more on symbolism than on the specifics of the negotiations, which will begin once the EU has evaluated the various reforms Ukraine must implement to meet EU standards.
U.S. Reports of Russian Civilians Killed during Attack on Crimean Peninsula
According to US reports, Ukraine did not target civilians during its attack on the Crimean Peninsula over the weekend. Russia supposedly intercepted an Atacms missile intended to disable a launch pad. Debris from the missile allegedly landed on a beach. According to Russian reports, at least four people, including two children, were killed by Ukrainian Atacms rockets over the weekend, with 151 people reportedly injured. Russia blames the U.S. for the attack. The U.S. government responded by stating that Ukraine makes its own decisions concerning attack targets and military deployments.
USA to Provide Additional Ammunition to Ukraine Worth $150 Million
According to government sources in the USA, they will provide additional ammunition to Ukraine valued at $150 Million. The decision is expected to be officially announced today, Tuesday. The upcoming delivery is expected to include ammunition for the Himars multiple rocket launchers provided by the USA, which can fire Atacms missiles. Moscow declared after Ukrainian Atacms attacks on the Crimea that the USA is now a war party.
Moscow Deems EU Sanctions Ineffective
Moscow considers the new sanctions in the 14th sanctions package of the EU against Russia as ineffective. The Foreign Ministry in Moscow stated this. The West doesn't take into account the consequences for its own economy nor for the well-being of the people in the EU, says Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Gruschko in Moscow. Russia expects an economic growth of over three percent this year, more than ten times that of Germany. "The purpose of the sanctions was to strangle the Russian economy, to destroy the cohesion of society. The EU has achieved the opposite," says Gruschko.
German Officials Disagree on Deportation of Unemployed Ukrainians
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Minister President Manuela Schwesig criticizes the proposal by CSU regional group leader Alexander Dobrindt to return displaced persons from certain areas of Ukraine to their homeland if they do not find work in Germany. "There are no safe areas, as Russia attacks the entire Ukraine," says the SPD politician on the ZDF "heute journal update". The statement is "very populist" on the heels of many refugees, among them many women with children. She accuses Dobrindt of following critical voices in the population.
Ukrainian General Staff Reports 128 Skirmishes with Russian Troops
According to Ukrainian reports, there have been 128 skirmishes with Russian troops at the front since sunrise. The Ukrainian General Staff reported this on Facebook in their situation report. The Russian troops are currently focusing on the area around Pokrowsk. According to the report, this area accounted for a third of the Russian attacks today. The Ukrainian defense forces have managed to repel the attacks and hold the front lines.
Hungarian Government Criticizes EU Decision on Russian Assets for Ukraine
The Hungarian government has expressed outrage over the decision of the other EU states to use the profits from frozen Russian assets for Ukraine. Never before has such a "shameless violation of common European rules" occurred, declared Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto on Facebook. It is being investigated how Hungary can assert its rights legally. The government of Prime Minister Viktor Orban will take over the EU presidency in a week. Orban maintains good relations with the Russian government.
In a recent statement on Facebook, the Ukrainian Navy announced the destruction of 120 drones during an attack on the Russian region of Krasnodar. This incident occurred on June 21, and was allegedly executed jointly by the Ukrainian Navy and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), as revealed by Ukrinform, a Ukrainian news agency. The targets were reportedly objects situated on a training ground of the 726th Training Center of the Russian Air Defense, located in Yeysk. The training center is believed to be a hub for drone pilots.
For updates on prior events, check out this link.
Read also:
- Amidst the EU membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, concerns about a potential Cyberwar arise, as Russia has a history of launching such attacks.
- Following the Attack on Ukraine by Russia, President Volodymyr Selenskyy welcomes the International Criminal Court's decision to issue arrest warrants against former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and General Staff Chief Valeri Gerasimov.
- The ongoing Ukraine conflict has led to military operations in various regions, including the Donetsk region, where children are being evacuated due to intensified Russian air raids.
- International organizations, such as NATO, have been calling for stronger military support for Ukraine against Russia, highlighting the significant military implications of the conflict.
