Peskov deems the outcomes of the peace conference as negligible.

Peace Conference Outcome Simply Nears Nonexistence, According to Peskov

The Kremlin remains critical of the outcomes of the Swiss Peace Conference for Ukraine. Dmitri Peskov, spokesperson for President Vladimir Putin, announced from Moscow that the summit was pointless without Russian participation. "Obviously, the results are nil," Peskov stated. Moscow is unfazed by the fact that several pro-Russia countries like Serbia, Turkey, or Hungary supported the final declaration. "We will certainly take note of their stance. It matters to us. We will keep advocating our views to them," Peskov added. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Moscow characterized the conference as a "total failure," according to a statement from Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, as reported by the Tass news agency.

21:47 USA shows worry regarding ties between Moscow and Pyongyang

The USA expresses concerns about the strengthening relations between North Korea and Russia. Following a visit by Kremlin Chief Vladimir Putin to North Korea, the White House in Washington commented: "We are not concerned about this visit. However, what causes our concern is the intensifying relationship between the two nations." According to previous reports, Putin was scheduled to make a two-day "friendly state visit" to the communist country commencing on Tuesday. "There will be several agreements signed," including "important, significant agreements," allegedly, as per statements from Russian state news agencies, citing Putin's diplomatic advisor Yuri Ushakov.

21:17 Over 20 NATO nations are projected to reach the 2% target by 2024

More than 20 NATO nations, as per NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in a speech at the Wilson Center think tank, will meet or exceed the 2% of GDP defense spending target by 2024. In his speech, Stoltenberg asserted that the number of NATO members meeting or surpassing the spending target is more than five years ago. At that time, less than ten members hit the mark. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine two years ago, there has been significantly more investment.

20:40 Kiev claims to have significantly weakened Russian air defense on the Crimean peninsula in the past one and a half months. Approximately 15 air defense systems were demolished, alleges the military leadership in Kiev. Numerous launchers or control systems of various S-300, S-350, or S-400 systems were reportedly incapacitated. The claims could not be independently corroborated. With fresh ammunition supplies, including from the USA, Ukrainian military personnel have repeatedly attacked unidentified targets on the Crimean peninsula with rockets and drones.

20:03 Zelenskyy views peace conference as a success

After the international Ukraine peace conference over the weekend in Switzerland, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a positive evaluation. "We have taken the initial step toward peace - in unity with countries of the world that has never existed before," he said in his evening video address. However, it's a journey, and "more steps" are necessary. Ukraine even has a preliminary work plan for the summer months. "We will not retreat, we will keep up our communication with our partners as actively as ever," Zelenskyy remarked.

19:42 Moscow brands "German Historical Institute" as an undesirable organization

The German Historical Institute in Moscow (DHI) has been labeled as an undesirable organization by Russian authorities. The Russian Justice Ministry added the institute to the list of foreign and international non-governmental organizations whose activities in the Russian Federation are deemed unwelcome, following a statement on Monday. The DHI had already ceased its operations in Russia in 2022 after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. On its website, the DHI announced that its library would remain open but could only be used with written notice. Founded in 2005, the DHI is one of eleven research institutions affiliated with the Max Weber Foundation operating abroad.

19:20 Kiev targets several objectives in Russia

In Belgorod, Russia, a warehouse caught fire, and in the Oblast Lipezk, a metal and a tractor factory were attacked. The incidents are thought to be renewed drone attacks from the Ukrainian army. The regional governors deny the damage.

18:56 Stoltenberg: China fuels conflict

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, during a visit to Washington, advocated for more weapon deliveries to Ukraine and criticized China's actions regarding the Russian aggression. "It may seem contradictory, but the path to peace lies in providing more weapons to Ukraine," Stoltenberg said before a meeting with US President Joe Biden. The Ukrainian government must be "reliable and sustainable" in its support. Regarding China's role, Stoltenberg stated, "China pretends to be neutral. It aims to avoid sanctions and maintain trade." Nonetheless, the reality is that China is escalating the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II while maintaining good relations with the West." The West should not tolerate this, Stoltenberg cautioned.

18:52 Denmark tests countermeasures against Russian "shadow fleet" in the Baltic Sea

Denmark is examining options to restrict the passage of older Russian oil tankers through the Baltic Sea. According to an email from Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen to the Reuters news agency, Denmark has established a coalition of allied nations to test measures against the so-called Russian "shadow fleet" of aging ships. "There is a broad consensus that the shadow fleet is an international issue that necessitates international solutions," the email stated. Denmark is concerned about the potential environmental hazard posed by the old tankers.

18:24 Rod Stewart Slams Putin: love for Ukraine and its peopleAfter UK vocalist Rod Stewart publicly denounced Russian President Vladimir Putin, he declared his allegiance to Ukraine and its citizens. Members of his family have donated supplies to the nation, he's leased a residence in the UK for a Ukrainian family, and two Ukrainians have been hired for his team, as reported by the British Press Association. When asked, the 79-year-old stated, "I'm on Team Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people, and I'll continue supporting them." During a performance in Leipzig, applause, jeers, and hisses erupted, as displayed the Ukrainian flag and an image of Zelenskyy, according to several news outlets. "Putin needs to be stopped. My performances here in Germany are truly enjoyable," the musician supposedly said. Remaining concerts are scheduled in Hamburg, Cologne, and Munich. Known for hits like "Sailing," "Baby Jane," and "Have You Ever Seen The Rain," Stewart dedicated his song "Rhythm Of My Heart" to Ukraine, as per Press Association reports.

18:02 Expert analyzes SIPRI stats: nuclear war threat level?Considering the latest findings from the Peace Research Institute SIPRI on growing global nuclear weapons production, Nico Lange emphasizes the enhancement of "conventional deterrence" for Germany and Europe. Yet he also takes caution.

17:39 NATO jets confront Russian airplanes in Baltic Sea eleven timesIn Lithuanian reports, NATO fighter jets took off multiple times to identify unidentified Russian military aircraft in international airspace over the Baltic Sea. Over the past week, eleven alerts have been triggered, as reported by the Defense Ministry in Vilnius. Over two dozen Russian fighter jets, bombers, reconnaissance aircraft, transport planes, along with a passenger airplane were detected and escorted. Apparently, they flew without a filed flight plan, transponder signal, or radio contact.

17:10 Ukrainian army chief: Russia intensifies attacks before F-16 jet deliveriesUkraine estimates that Russia is increasing its assaults in anticipation of announced deliveries of combat aircraft and other Western military assistance to Kiev. reportedly, Russia is making a strong push to "broadening the conflict" before the arrival of the first US F-16 fighter jets, Ukrainian Army Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi stated online.

16:42 Putin assigns relative as deputy defense ministerRussian President Vladimir Putin reportedly relieved four deputy defense ministers and appointed a relative, Anna Zivileva, to one of the vacant positions. According to Reuters, Zivileva is the daughter of one of Putin's relatives, who was appointed as the deputy defense minister. Putin removed Nikolai Pankov, Ruslan Zalikov, Tatjana Shevtsova, and Pavel Popov from their posts, as per Kremlin decrees.

16:22 Power outage in Poltawa, Ukraine, after rocket attackAccording to local reports from Poltawa, Ukraine, a Russian rocket attack caused damage to power lines, injuring nine people, and affecting approximately 55,000 households and businesses. Some high-rise buildings were also damaged.

15:58 Ralph Thiele: Western approach towards Ukraine is flawedMilitary analyst Ralph Thiele criticizes the Western approach to Ukraine. Promised aid hasn't been delivered, and weapons deliveries are constantly delayed, Thiele argued, in an interview with the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung." Putin's ceasefire proposal, however, is "provocative."

15:33 Farmers Union chief opposes EU membership for UkraineA rapid EU membership for Ukraine could bring devastating consequences to European farmers, according to Farmer President Joachim Rukwied. "If Ukraine immediately joins the EU, our family farming sector will collapse," Rukwied stated in an interview with the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung." The integration of an additional 32 million hectares of farmland would undercut the competitiveness of many EU farms. A 200-hectare farm in Germany wouldn't be able to compete with a 50,000-hectare agricultural enterprise in Ukraine. To preserve domestic agriculture, Rukwied demanded urgent import restrictions against Ukrainian agricultural products and addressed questions regarding corruption and subsidies in Ukraine before EU membership. Disregarding these issues could lead to rural disaster in future elections.

15:14 Explosion at Czech Republic's training facility for Ukrainian troops leaves nine injuredNine Ukrainian soldiers were injured by an explosion at a military facility in the Czech Republic where Ukrainian troops were undergoing training. Two of the soldiers were airlifted to a hospital in Olomouc with critical injuries, while six others were taken there by ambulance. One soldier was treated onsite. Since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the Czech army has been training Ukrainian soldiers in Libava. The soldiers were not identified as foreigners, according to Military Police spokeswoman Katerina Mlynkova. The army stated that an unspecified munition had exploded, providing no additional details.

Update 17:00 Hrs: The Czech army confirms one soldier died in the explosion.

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14:52 First Capture of Mine-resistant Armored Vehicles Reported in UkraineSince April, Ukrainian forces have noticed the utilization of so-called "Mine-resistant Armored Vehicles" by Moscow's army. These vehicles are particularly destructive and ruthless. Now, videos are circulating that suggest the capture of the vehicle and the detainment of the accompanying crew.

14:23 Putin to Travel to North Korea and VietnamSources from the Kremlin claim that Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit North Korea and Vietnam. During his visit to North Korea on Tuesday and Wednesday, Putin will follow an invitation from Chairman Kim Jong Un, as stated by the Kremlin. This visit is described as a "friendly visit." Afterward, Putin will travel to Vietnam for two days. Russia maintains close ties with North Korea, which are viewed with great suspicion from the West. The isolated communist country with nuclear aspirations is believed to supply weapons for Russia's offensive in Ukraine, according to Western intelligence. Kim Jong Un paid one of his rare overseas visits to Russia in September 2023.

13:58 Stoltenberg's Comments on Nuclear Weapons Spark ControversyRussia views NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg's comments about the potential deployment of additional nuclear weapons as a provocation. "This is simply another escalation of tensions," Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov stated. Stoltenberg informed the "Telegraph" that NATO was discussing the deployment and readiness of more nuclear weapons. "I won't go into operational details, such as how many nuclear warheads would be ready for action and which ones should be stored, but we need to discuss these issues," Stoltenberg said. These statements contradict the communique of the Ukraine conference, Peskov now adds. In it, it is stated that any threat or use of nuclear weapons in relation to Ukraine is unacceptable.

13:36 No Benefit Cuts for Ukrainian Refugees for NowThe Federal Government is rejecting demands for lower state benefits for Ukrainian war refugees. The government has no plans to replace social benefits for the people who fled the Russian attack on Ukraine with benefits for asylum seekers in the future, according to Government Spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit. A spokesperson for the Federal Labor Ministry points out that the responsibility for the integration of Ukrainian refugees into the labor market lies with the Job Centers, which can take quicker measures for their integration. FDP General Secretary Bijan Djir-Sarai had called for new arriving Ukrainian refugees to no longer receive social benefits but fall under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act in the "Bild" newspaper.

13:09 Power Outages Possible for Up to Twelve Hours in UkraineThe state energy supplier, Ukrenergo, has announced further drastic power supply restrictions due to ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. "The situation will significantly worsen in the coming weeks compared to today," said the head of the state energy supplier, Wolodymyr Kydrytsky. Ukrainians should prepare for up to twelve hours a day without power. The power supply situation will not improve before the end of July, Kydrytsky added. In addition to systematic Russian attacks on thermal and hydroelectric power plants, there may be maintenance work on nuclear power plants and unfavorable weather conditions.

12:38 Swiss Ukraine Conference Dismissed by KremlinAccording to Kreml spokesperson Peskov, the Swiss Ukraine Conference, as stated, is meaningless without Russian participation. The results of this meeting are "near zero," Peskov added. Russia remains open for dialogue with all countries that seek it and will continue to convey its position to them. At the weekend conference in Switzerland, the western powers and their allies condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, they failed to convince the major neutral countries to join their final declaration. No country expressed readiness to organize a continuation of the conference. Russia was not invited, but had signaled its intention to reject participation since the early stages of planning.

12:12 Ukrainian Debt Restructuring Negotiations Have FailedThe danger of Ukrainian payment default has not been averted: In debt negotiations with creditors, Kiev failed to reach an agreement. In talks with a group of bondholders, it was not possible to agree on the restructuring of international debts worth around 20 billion dollars. Time is running out: On August 1, a two-year payment stop agreed upon with international bond buyers will expire. This was arranged due to the Ukrainian economy being affected by the Russian military conflict. Ukrainian Finance Minister Sergey Marchenko expects negotiations to continue. He anticipates that the government will reach an agreement by August. War-torn Ukraine has been exploring plans to restructure its foreign debts with major investors since the end of 2023. Formal negotiations with bondholders have been ongoing for nearly two weeks.

11:59 European Union Warmly Welcomes Ukraine's Accession TalksManfred Weber, the Chairman of the European People's Party (EVP), welcomes the start of accession talks with Ukraine. No country stands for "our values" as much as Ukraine does, as it fights for freedom and democracy. "Therefore, the accession talks, which are now about to begin, are an extremely important psychological signal to Ukraine. You deserve to live like we do in the European Union, namely in peace, freedom, and democracy," Weber said during the early morning broadcast on ntv. Additionally, Ukraine has made progress despite the war. However, there is still much to be done. "The fight against corruption is a giant issue in Ukraine. But the will is there, and the direction is right," so Weber.

11:31 Russian Foreign Intelligence Service Warns of Tougher Peace ConditionsThe Russian Foreign Intelligence Service has issued a warning about tougher conditions for peace. The spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service stated that NATO's expansion and the deployment of military infrastructure near Russian borders would result in even harsher conditions for peace. The spokesperson emphasized that Russia is committed to peace but will respond appropriately if its security is threatened. The warning comes amidst growing tension between Russia and the West over the conflict in Ukraine.

Russian Foreign Intelligence Service chief, Sergei Naryshkin, warns tougher terms for Ukraine peace agreement if Putin's current proposals are turned down. If the peace treaty conditions offered by Putin get rejected, the next peace conditions will be even more severe, according to Naryshkin, speaking to state news agency TASS. He didn't specify who could accept or reject the proposals. Putin outlined his conditions for peace a few days ago, which, if accepted, would essentially mean Ukraine surrendering: renouncing NATO membership and returning the four regions illegally annexed by Russia - Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky calls Putin's remarks untrustworthy.

Denmark is considering limiting Russian oil tankers' passage through the Baltic Sea. The country has formed a group of partner nations to research measures against the supposed "shadow fleet" of aged Russian oil tankers. This move could lead to a conflict with Russia's leadership. Approximately one-third of Russian oil exports pass through the Danish straits, a gateway to the Baltic Sea, equivalent to around 1.5% of global oil deliveries. Interrupting these deliveries would raise oil prices and put financial strain on the Kremlin.

Moscow is reportedly "pleasantly surprised" by the peace conference in Switzerland. Russian media views the summit's outcome positively. NTV correspondent Rainer Munz summarizes a near-relieved mood in the country.

Latvia is allegedly preparing additional drone deliveries to Ukraine. Latvia has already sent the initial batch of drones and is preparing a second one, according to "Kyiv Independent," quoting Defense Minister Andris Spruds. Latvia and Great Britain are at the forefront of an international coalition supplying Ukraine with drones, which have become increasingly essential for the country during the war. Spruds mentioned in May that the Latvian government would invest around €40 million in the drone coalition and a similar amount in developing Latvian drone capabilities this year.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) asserts that Putin is not interested in proper negotiations. The US think tank states that Putin only feigns interest in negotiations to coerce concessions from the West that would weaken Ukraine's sovereignty. It's "unlikely" that Putin will show interest in genuine talks in the near future.

The Left in the German Bundestag is relying on the Pope to achieve peace. Soeren Pellmann, co-chairman of the Left-wing group in the Bundestag, speaking on ARD, suggests that Pope Francis could act as a mediator. "Pope Francis could take on the role of moderator, mediator," Pellmann said. However, the Pope has not been well-received since his latest appeal to lift the "white flag" in Ukraine. Left-wing politician Pellmann interprets Putin's demands for peace talks as an indication that he might be fatigued by war.

The trial for US reporter Evan Gershkovich, accused of espionage in Russia, will begin at the end of June. The trial, held behind closed doors in Yekaterinburg, will start on the 26th of June. Gershkovich, a "Wall Street Journal" journalist, was arrested during a research trip to Russia in March 2023 and has been in Lefortovo Prison in Moscow since then. The prosecutor's office accuses the 32-year-old of working for the CIA and gathering classified information about the tank manufacturer Uralvagonzavod in the Sverdlovsk region. If found guilty, Gershkovich faces up to 20 years in prison. He denies the charges.

The peace summit in Switzerland demonstrates Russia's political influence, according to NTV correspondent Kavita Sharma. "Several countries have not signed the final declaration," she stated, while armaments deliveries to Ukraine are becoming apparent.

Ukraine estimates Russia's daily losses to be over 1,000 soldiers, increasing the total since the large-scale attack in February 2022 to approximately 527,000. In addition, Russia lost two tanks, 18 armored personnel carriers, and 14 artillery systems within 24 hours.

23:45 Behind Putin's Ceasefire Proposal: More Military Actions Against Ukraine's Neo-Nazi Regime

As reported in TASS, Putin's confidant Viktor Medvedchuk hints that Russia's security interests require additional military actions to combat the Neo-Nazi regime in Ukraine, aiming for complete demilitarization and denazification. Medvedchuk believes the Ukrainians yearn for peace, while Zelensky and his western marionettes are clamoring for war, even if it means the annihilation of the Ukrainian people. He advocates liberating the people from this criminal Nazi power. Medvedchuk has frequently asserted that most of Ukraine resides on historically Russian territory, justifying the ongoing historical process of reunification between the inhabitants of these territories and Russia.

18:33 Over 2,750 Convicts Mobilized for Ukrainian Military

Since the implementation of the new Ukrainian conscription law, more than 2,750 prison inmates have been freed, according to the Washington Post, to join the Ukrainian military. Senya Shcherbyna, a 24-year-old convicted of drug trafficking, asserts, "I think I can rehabilitate myself." He waits for a meeting with recruiters and anticipates being deployed as soon as possible "to contribute more to society" than being in prison. The Ukrainian parliament passed a law on May 8 to facilitate the voluntary mobilization of certain prisoners. Criminal recruitment, including serious offenders, is a common practice in Russia.

17:30 NATO Ponders Extending Nuclear Weapon Deployment

NATO countries are allegedly discussing deploying additional nuclear weapons in response to the growing threats from Russia and China. According to the Telegraph, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg expressed the need for NATO to display its nuclear arsenal as a strong message to its adversaries. "I will refrain from discussing operational specifics, like which atomic warheads to deploy and how many, but discussions on these matters are essential. And we're currently engaging in them," Stoltenberg said.

15:00 Increase in Operational Atomic Weapons

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reports an increase in operational atomic weapons in their annual report. Although nuclear warheads are being decommissioned, and the global number of nuclear weapons has been decreasing for decades, more and more nuclear warheads are being maintained operational. Since the beginning of Russia's military invasion in Ukraine, transparency about nuclear weapons has decreased for both Russia and the United States. "We have not experienced such a significant role for nuclear weapons in international relations since the Cold War," states Wilfred Wan, head of SIPRI's Mass Destruction Weapons Program.

14:08 New Ukrainian Refugees Should Not Receive Social Benefits

Following a EU proposal, the FDP argues for the elimination of social benefits for Ukrainian refugees. FDP General Secretary Bijan Djir-Sarai tells the "Bild" newspaper, "Newly arriving Ukrainian refugees should no longer receive social benefits but fall under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act." This encourages people to seek employment. Previously, Brandenburg's Interior Minister Michael Stübgen and Bavaria's Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann had already expressed opposition to the payment of social benefits, particularly to Ukrainian refugees of military age.

21:20 Glide Bomb Strikes Charkiw

Charkiw was reportedly targeted by a KAB glide bomb in the evening hours, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov. A children's recreational facility is believed to have been hit, with a building destroyed. There is no information on possible casualties.

20:09 Baerbock: Ukraine Aid Prevents NATO War

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock issues a warning about severe consequences for Germany and NATO if Ukraine is not further supported. "If we do not continue to support Ukraine, we risk Putin's troops encroaching on the Polish border, making the war an issue within NATO and EU territory," says the Green politician to the "Süddeutsche Zeitung." New refugee movements would be the consequence. "If Ukraine can no longer defend itself - and I address those who reject support - then millions more people will be forced to flee. Who would choose to live voluntarily under torture and occupation?"

20:20 Ukrainians Face Worsening Electricity Crisis

Ukrainians need to prepare for even greater electricity supply problems due to Russian shelling of their energy infrastructure in the coming weeks, according to Wolodymyr Kudryzkyj, head of energy supplier Ukrenergo, on Ukrainian television. By the end of July, there will be more planned power outages and interruptions. The situation will not improve until the urgent repair of two nuclear reactors is completed, according to Kudryzkyj. People are already facing frequent power outages.

Local authorities in Charkiw report that three individuals have suffered injuries as a result of Russian air strikes. A pregnant woman, a male, and a 13-year-old boy have been transported to the hospital, according to the Regional Prosecutor's Office Charkiw. The assault allegedly took place in the afternoon in the village of Pisky-Radkiwski, where more than ten residential houses and an ambulance were damaged during the attack.

At 21:14, US Finance Minister Janet Yellen denies Russian President Vladimir Putin's claim that the freezing of Russian assets abroad and their utilization to support Ukraine constitutes "theft." On ABC's "This Week," Yellen stated, "The frozen Russian assets remain where they are." Russia has no right to the revenues generated by the frozen assets, she added. In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the US and its allies made the decision to freeze Russian state funds within their jurisdiction, Yellen explained. This totals approximately 280 billion dollars. "And a large portion, about 200 billion dollars, is held in a Belgian financial institution, where they generate income that does not belong to Russia and that has flowed to this institution," Yellen continued. The G7 nations have agreed to offer Ukraine over 50 billion dollars, which will be repaid using the interest on the frozen funds. Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine has resulted in substantial damage to regions and the destruction of assets worth billions.

At 20:40, Russian military forces reportedly intensified their attacks on Ukraine, according to information from Kiev. The Ukrainian General Staff notes, "The enemy has significantly increased the tempo of its offensive and defensive operations today and is seeking ways to either penetrate our defenses or drive Ukrainian forces from their positions." The number of engagements has allegedly risen to 88. The majority of battles occurred in the Pokrowsk area in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region, where approximately 36 encounters were reported - 25 of which were successfully repelled, while 11 continue. It is unverified information.

At 20:07, Ukraine has reportedly deployed the new over-the-horizon drone "Stalker 5.0" in defense against the Russian invasion. The Ukrainian military announced on social media that they now have access to this drone. The drone was unveiled in Odessa. It can reportedly travel at a speed of up to 75 nautical hours and carry up to 150 kilograms of explosives or another payload. Its range is approximately 600 kilometers, and its estimated cost is around 60,000 euros.

At 19:36, Russian reports suggest that a Russian journalist was killed in a drone attack in Eastern Ukraine. According to the News.Ru website on Telegram, Ukrainian military drones killed correspondent Nikita Zizagi. The attack reportedly took place near a monastery close to the city of Vugledar, where fighting has recently been intense. On Thursday, a journalist from Russian state television was killed and another was injured in a Ukrainian drone attack in Golmiwsky, a village under Russian control near the frontline in the Donetsk region.

(Note: The text has been translated directly from the given German text, preserving the original formatting and markdown links.)