Moscow proposes to temporarily withdraw from the OSCE Assembly
Russia is gonna pull outta the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE and stop fundin' em. Valentina Matviyenko, the big cheese in the Russian Federation Council, spilled the beans on Russian state media. They're workin' with the State Duma to make it official. Matviyenko said the OSCE-PV is all anti-Russian and influenced by Ukraine. Russia tried to dodge this move, but Romania, the host of the annual OSCE-PV assembly, refused to issue visas to the Russian delegation for participation. That's a line Russia ain't crossin' no more, Matviyenko's pal from the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin, added. And it's gonna hurt the org 'cause security issues in Europe can't be discussed without Russia's input.
Grigori Karasin, the head honcho of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Federation Council, complained earlier that Romania hadn't issued a single visa to any member of the Russian delegation because of Russia's military conflict with Ukraine. The 31st OSCE-PV annual assembly is slated for June 29 - July 3 in Bucharest.
12:47 Ukraine's about to get some kickass artillery
Ukraine's struck a deal with KNDS for the delivery of 54 RCH 155 artillery systems. It's a high-tech, movable self-propelled howitzer that can fire precise shots while movin' and reach targets up to 54 kilometers away. The system can be controlled remotely. It's already known since 2022 that Ukraine's gonna get some RCH 155, but only 36 were mentioned till now. The first deliveries are expected in 2025. KNDS also announced they're gonna produce 78 CAESAR systems for Ukraine in the same year.
12:22 Trubetsky to Putin: "North Korea's rockets ain't the best in town"
Putin's trip to North Korea's got Ukraine on edge. The weapons shipments from Pyongyang are massive, as per Ukrainian journalist Dennis Trubetsky in an ntv interview. But despite the rockets not bein' top-notch, they might get better.
12:02 "Huh-yuh"? Mutual Aid in Aggression: Putin signs agreement with Kim
According to Russian President Vladimir Putin's statement to Russian news agencies during his state visit to North Korea, the partnership agreement signed between the two countries includes mutual "aid" in case of an "aggression" against one of the parties. "The comprehensive partnership treaty signed today includes mutual aid in case of an aggression against one of the parties," Putin is reported to have said. Russia might not rule out "military-technical cooperation" with North Korea, Putin added. The treaty's a "breakthrough" that lifts the relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang to a "new level," Putin said. "Both Russia and North Korea pursue an independent foreign policy and do not accept the language of pressure and dictates," Putin noted. Both countries plan to stand against the practice of stranglin' through sanctions, an instrument the West uses to maintain its dominance. Putin added. North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un described the agreement as "peaceful and defensive in nature." Kim said the powerful treaty is "constructive" and "future-oriented." Kim referred to Putin as "the best friend of the Korean people" (see also entries at 09:00 and 07:27 am).
11:21 execution of an Ukranian soldier: Kiev points fingers at Russians
Ukrainian investigators are reported to have identified Russian commanders who might be responsible for the execution of an Ukranian soldier. This was reported by the General Prosecutor of Ukraine, Andriy Kostin, to X. The identity of the deceased soldier has also been established, according to the reports. The info's currently bein' verified. Kostin said Russia's disregardin' international law and universal morals. "Every head of state who shakes hands with Putin should be aware that they're shakin' hands with someone who tolerates barbaric murder," Kostin said. It was previously reported that Russians in the Donetsk region had beheaded an Ukranian soldier. The head was discovered on a military vehicle during an aerial reconnaissance mission. The photo was posted online.
10:54 Russian Deputy Minister: Russia's waitin' for the US response on prisoner exchange proposals
A few days before the trial starts for the US reporter Evan Gershkovich in Russia, who is charged with espionage, Moscow's talkin' about a possible prisoner exchange. "The ball's in the US's court" says the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov in an interview with the state Russian news agency TASS. "We are waitin' for their response to the proposals we've made," he adds. The Russian proposals are known to the relevant US government bodies, says Ryabkov further. "I understand that perhaps something in these proposals doesn't suit the Americans. That's their problem," he adds. In Ryabkov's view, Moscow's approach is "completely justified, reasonable, and balanced." He provided no details about it. Gershkovich was arrested in March 2023 during a reporting trip to Russia and has been in Lefortovo Prison in Moscow since then. The prosecutor accuses the Wall Street Journal reporter of workin' for the CIA and gatherin' secret information about the tank factory Uralvagonzavod in the Sverdlovsk region. The trial against him begins on June 26 in the eastern city of Yekaterinburg behind closed doors. If convicted, the 32-year-old faces up to 20 years in prison.
Naval vessels powered by nuclear energy are used by Russia for military drills in the Barents Sea, as stated in their own accounts. Ships from the Northern Fleet launched missiles at targets in the sea, as reported by Russian news outlets. The exercise was deemed a success. The Barents Sea is located off the northern coasts of Norway and Russia.
Senator Mark Warner from the US has warned of potential Russian meddling in upcoming British elections. Warner, who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, predicts that Russian interference in the upcoming July 4 vote could increase "dramatically". Warner states that Russia and its representatives are causing unrest or trying to sow discord among various groups to inflame social divisions in Britain. "The US is carefully watching the situation in Britain," Warner mentioned, and adds that the US possesses evidence of Russia's efforts to interfere in elections worldwide. "It appears that Russia dislikes the fact that Britain has remained unyielding in its support for Ukraine," so Warner.
Rainer Munz, a correspondent for ntv, explains that Russia wants to revise its atomic doctrine due to the announcement being considered "very vague". Munz also discusses Putin's first visit to North Korea in 24 years, attributing it to a significant shift in the Kremlin.
Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, thanked Kim Jong Un, the North Korean leader, during his trip to North Korea for supporting Russia's policy in Ukraine. Kim pledged Russia "full support and solidarity" in his initial statement. At the start of their talks, Putin announced the signing of an agreement aimed at fortifying Moscow-Pyongyang relations. According to Russian state news agencies TASS and Ria Novosti, Putin stated that the "new fundamental document" would serve as the foundation for relations between the two countries in the long term. The Kremlin chief praised the "close friendship" between the two states, which he said was built upon "equality and respect for mutual interests".
Colonel Reisner of the Austrian Army believes that Ukraine can now attack targets in Russia with Western weapons and that the pressure on Russian logistics is noticeable at the front. Ukrainian troops may regain the upper hand in certain battle zones, according to Reisner.
The Ukrainian military general staff estimates that Russia has lost over 529,750 soldiers since the beginning of its offensive war on February 24. This was reported in an update by the Ukrainian military general staff. Russia has also allegedly lost 7984 tanks, 15,319 armored combat vehicles, 19,078 vehicles and fuel tanks, 14,007 artillery systems, 1104 multiple rocket launchers, 857 air defense systems, 359 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 11,221 drones, 28 ships and boats, and one submarine.
Putin has announced a new "foundational document" between Russia and North Korea during his meeting with Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang. "Today, a new foundational document is ready, which will be the basis for our long-term relations," Putin said, according to Russian news agencies in Pyongyang. Moscow and Pyongyang have made notable progress in bolstering their bilateral relations, Putin added. Putin also invited North Korean leader Kim to visit Moscow, according to Russian news agencies. "I am looking forward to seeing you again," Putin said, who had previously received Kim twice in the Far East of Russia, most recently in September and earlier in April 2019. "I hope that the next meeting will take place in Russia, in Moscow," he emphasized. Putin had arrived in North Korea on Tuesday evening.
The US government has expressed serious concerns over Putin's visit to North Korea. "The intensifying alliance between Russia and North Korea is something that should worry anyone aiming to preserve peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, as well as supporting the Ukrainian people, who continue to fight against Russian aggression," said John Kirby, spokesman for the US Defense Department, in Washington.
A Russian court sentenced a US soldier, Gordon Black, to multiple years in prison for threats and theft. Black was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison by a court in Vladivostok, according to reports from the state Russian news agencies RIA Novosti and TASS. Black's lawyer intends to file an appeal against the verdict, TASS reports. Black was arrested in Vladivostok in May. He had visited a Russian woman there whom he had met during his service in South Korea. The Russian justice system accuses Black of physically assaulting Alexandra Waschtschuk and stealing 10,000 Rubles (approximately 109 Euros) from her. Black reportedly admitted to part of the crime but denied threatening Waschtschuk with death. Waschtschuk was heavily intoxicated during the altercation. The two had met in October 2022 through a dating app in South Korea and had started a relationship. Waschtschuk later invited him to come to Wladiwostok. According to the U.S. Army, the soldier had completed his service in South Korea on April 10. Instead of returning to the United States, he traveled "for personal reasons" to Wladiwostok via China.
06:31 Kazakh Activist Shot in Kiev, UkraineA Kazakh activist and renowned blogger residing in Ukraine was shot and wounded in Kiev, as reported by his wife Natalia Sadykowa and Ukrainian authorities. Aydos Sadykow was ambushed near his residence in the Ukrainian capital, according to reports. He was transported to the hospital and his condition is stated to be poor. Kiev has initiated an investigation. "Preliminary information suggests that an unidentified individual approached the car in which the victim and his wife were traveling, fired at the man, and then left the scene," the statement indicates. Sadykow was granted asylum in Ukraine in 2014. He and his wife run a well-known online channel that provides critical analysis of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Over a million users follow him on the video platform YouTube.
06:05 Moscow Discussing Long-Range Weapon Deployment with AlliesRussia is reportedly discussing the issue of long-range weapon deployment with its closest allies, according to the Russian state news agency TASS. The Russian government allegedly has "close allies" in Asia and Latin America with whom "the security situation is substantially discussed, not just at the level of exchanging assessments," as quoted by TASS from Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov. "There's nothing out of the ordinary about that." The matter of long-range weapon deployment is being explored with a diverse range of allies. These discussions are a standard part of Russia's diplomatic and security initiatives, Ryabkov added. No further details were provided on which countries these talks are being held with or which weapons are being considered.
05:43 Russian Journalist Detained AgainAnother detention of a journalism has taken place in Russia on charges of supporting organizations linked to the deceased opposition leader Alexei Nawalny. Artem Krieger will remain in custody until August 18th, as per a court in the capital Moscow. The 23-year-old works for Nawalny's extremist-designated anti-corruption organization FBK. Recently, independent media outlet Sotavision had reported on the detention of one of its employees.
04:56 Ukrainian Convicted to 15 Years in Prison for High TreasonA Ukrainian court has sentenced a Ukrainian citizen to 15 years in prison for high treason. The prosecutor's office in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk made the announcement. A resident of the city of Kostyantynivka near the battlefront had shared the locations of Ukrainian troops and movements of Ukrainian artillery in the region via the Telegram online service in May 2023. The man was found guilty of high treason, the prosecutor's office declared. The Russian contact of the individual had offered a counter-offer but failed to deliver.
03:51 Ukraine Paves Way for Joint Roaming Zone with EUIn light of its closeness with the European Union, Ukraine is preparing to establish a joint roaming zone with EU states. A corresponding law was signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "Subsequently, we must receive a positive assessment of our legislative changes from the European side and begin negotiations on joining the single roaming area with the EU," says Digital Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, as stated by his ministry. Ukraine is the first EU membership candidate to make this stride.
02:48 Lindner Admonishes East Germans: NATO and EU Could Face CollapseFinance Minister Christian Lindner calls for a clearer clarification of Germany's Ukraine policy in Eastern Germany. "We must openly explain the Ukraine policy of the German government to the people in Eastern Germany," Lindner told the "Rheinische Post." "It's not just about helping Ukraine defend itself against Russia. Our weapons deliveries, refugee aid, and economic aid also serve German interests," Lindner underscored. "If we tolerate Russia's violation of international law and aggression, NATO and the EU could collapse," Lindner cautioned. "For instance, Poland and the Czech Republic might question if we would abandon them in a crisis," so the FDP chairman.
01:48 German City Council Opposes Cutting Benefits for Ukrainian RefugeesThe German City Council discourages the reduction of benefits for refugees from Ukraine. They react to the demand of several Interior Ministers to deny future reduced payments to Ukrainian refugees according to the Asylseekers Benefits Act. "The minister presidents should not drag the Federal Chancellor into a debate about the benefit entitlement of Ukrainian women and men," says City Council President Markus Lewe to the Redaction Network Germany. The Social Code II provides the best tools to help Ukrainian refugees enter employment more frequently and quickly. "If Ukrainian women and men had to switch to the asylum system instead, access to language courses, employment agencies, or qualification would be significantly compromised. It would be much harder for them to find a job," so Lewe. In addition, the administrative burden on the cities would be enormous.
00:43 Swedish Parliament Approves Defense Agreement with USAThe Swedish Parliament approves, with an overwhelming majority, a contentious defense agreement with the United States. After a five-hour debate, 266 parliamentarians voted in favor of the agreement, 37 against. Critics fear that it could result in the deployment of atomic weapons in Sweden and permanent US military bases in the country. The agreement, signed in December by Stockholm and Washington, grants the United States access to 17 military support points and training areas in Sweden and allows for the storage of weapons, military equipment, and ammunition.
23:42 Kerner: Incorrect European map shown on live broadcast: Kerner admits TV blunder
During the live broadcast of the European Football Championship, a television slip-up showing a falsified European map led moderator Johannes B. Kerner to admit his mistake. In the collaborative broadcast between MagentaTV and RTL, prior to the match between Turkey and Georgia, a map was displayed that omitted the Crimean peninsula, belonging to Ukraine instead. "This is a massive oversight, it deeply upsets us and we genuinely apologize," says Kerner, labeling it a significant error.
22:51 Zelenskyy: Western weapons effective on Russian soil
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy considers the application of Western weapons on Russian territory to be effective. The demolition of Russian military installations and launch sites near the border is crucial, says Zelenskyy in his daily video address. "It works. Exactly as planned." The Ukrainian leader commends several unnamed units for their successes.
22:12 Fatal mine explosion in Russian border region
According to local governor Alexander Bogomas in online reports, two people were killed by a mine explosion in the Russian region of Bryansk next to the Ukrainian border. "Residents illegally entered a restricted border zone, disregarding warning signs regarding mine dangers," Bogomas reported. "Sadly, two locals died instantly due to a mine explosion." Another individual was reportedly injured at the incident site located in the Klimowski district, bordering the northern Ukrainian region of Chernihiv. Bogomas advises caution and urges people to avoid visiting areas in border regions where signs indicate mines have been deployed. Russia has arranged for fortifications in its border areas throughout the more than two-year-long conflict in Ukraine. This month has seen multiple mine accidents. In the past week, a state television journalist and three others were injured in a mine explosion in the Belgorod region, also bordering Ukraine.
You can find updates on previous events here.
Read also:
- Following Russia's withdrawal from the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, called upon NATO to strengthen its support in the face of the attack on Ukraine by Russia.
- Cyberwarfare became a significant concern as Russian hackers launched a coordinated attack on Ukraine's critical infrastructure, causing widespread blackouts and disrupting critical services during the military operations in Ukraine.
- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg expressed his concern over Russia's aggressive actions in Ukraine and urged all NATO members to increase their military readiness, including strengthening cyber defenses to protect against Russian cyberwarfare.
- In response to Russia's military operations against Ukraine, the United States and its allies announced their intention to boost military aid to Ukraine, potentially including advanced cyberwarfare capabilities to help counter Russian cyber threats.
