Putin warns about potential arms delivery to Western adversaries.
The leader of Russia, Putin, threatens to equip enemies of the West with weapons if Ukraine employs Western weapons against Russia. Unspecified countries or actors might be targets, according to a speech at the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg. "If they dispatch weapons to the battlefield and encourage their usage against our land, why shouldn't we have the right to do the same?" he questions. In the meantime, he hints that Moscow is not currently supplying arms to nations hostile to the West.
17:32 Berlin: Uncertainty over Using Russian Assets at G7 Summit
The German government expects discussions on utilizing frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine at the upcoming G7 meeting in Italy, but no definite decisions. A German government representative says they'll talk about transforming a low-teen billion euro sum of interest on frozen funds into a two-digit amount for Ukraine. Similar thoughts have emerged from G7 finance ministers. However, for these nations to decide within the EU, agreement among EU member states - including Germany, France, and Italy - is necessary. "I assume there will be no definitive solution," he suggests.
17:01 Zelensky praises France for "excellent fighter jets"
President Zelensky of Ukraine thanks France for the pledged delivery of Mirage fighter jets for Ukraine's defense against the Russian onslaught. "Your fighter jets, your top-notch fighter jets, will be piloted by Ukrainian pilots to show that Europe is stronger, that Europe is stronger than the Evil that dared to threaten it," he states in the French parliament. French President Macron announced the donation of Mirage 2000-5 fighter aircraft to Ukraine a day prior. These jets may also be utilized for the deployment of French-British cruise missiles, such as Scalp/Storm Shadow.
16:32 Luhansk Governor Contradicts Moscow: Military Targets Attacked
Reports of a significant Ukrainian military attack on Luhansk have surfaced. The Ukrainian governor of the Luhansk region, Artem Lissohor, says the bombardment struck barracks and depots at the location of the former military aviation school in Luhansk's east as well as a fuel depot. Verifying civilian casualties remains difficult due to the use of Russian air defense over the area. Russian soldiers claim they've intercepted four of the five rockets. However, this cannot be independently verified. The Russian Defense Ministry declared the Ukrainian army intentionally attacked populated areas in Luhansk.
16:05 Putin: Humanitarian Aid Supply and 'Toxic' Currencies Reduced
Russian President Putin emphasized making Russia more self-reliant from the West. To achieve this, Russia plans to reduce its imports, intensify usage of non-Western currencies, and expand its domestic financial markets. Around 40% of Russia's international trade involves non-Western currencies, particularly the ruble. As a result, trade transactions with Western currencies, such as the dollar and the euro, are decreasing. The BRICS countries' shares of transactions will expand, including nations like Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS). "Last year, the share of payments for Russian exports in 'toxic' currencies of unfriendly nations has been halved," Putin mentions.
15:45 Russians Capture Another Village
The Russian military claims to have seized a settlement in Ukraine's Donetsk region. "Units of the southern military group have strengthened their positions along the front line and liberated the village of Paraskoviyiwka," the Russian Defense Ministry stated in Moscow. The village is situated about 25 kilometers southwest of Donetsk, a city captured by Russia in 2022. This year, the Russian army has seized several villages after a long period of stalemate.
15:34 Stoltenberg: Ukraine May Attack Russian Military Objects Legally
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg believes Ukraine has the right to target Russian military installations in accordance with international law to defend itself. "The Ukraine has the right to self-defense," he says. This encompasses strikes on legitimate military targets on the aggressor Russia's territory.
15:13 Paris: Biden Guarantees $225 million Aid Program to Ukraine
US President Biden announced a new $225 million (€207 million) military aid package for Ukraine during a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in Paris. This involves rockets for Hawk air defense systems, HIMARS rocket launcher ammunition, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, and artillery shells with 155 and 105 millimeter calibers. The United States has been strongly focused on bolstering Ukraine's air defense and providing ammunition since a pause in prior arms deliveries.
Moscow claims Ukraine initiated an attack on the eastern city of Luhansk with an airstrike, resulting in three deaths and a partially collapsed building. There are differing reports regarding the number of casualties, with either 22 or 35 injured including three children. As per Russian news agency TASS, "Ukrainian nationalists" were responsible for this large-scale rocket attack on the city's civilian infrastructure. Ukraine supposedly fired at least six rockets at Luhansk. The Russian Defense Ministry later asserted that Ukraine had fired "five ATACMS missiles from US production directly at residential areas of the city". These missiles had four intercepted by Russian air defense systems, while the fifth struck two residential buildings, according to the Ministry. (Source: https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/russland-ukraine-lebensabbruch-111.html)
In other news, Germany requires an estimated 75,000 additional soldiers to align with NATO plans, as published in "Spiegel". Confidential documents obtained from the Defense Ministry indicate this need is crucial for current alliance strategies. At the 2022 Vilnius summit, NATO proposed these strategies, highlighting how the organization would respond to a Russian attack. According to "Spiegel", the German Defense Ministry has not made a comment on this matter yet. Currently, there are 180,000 soldiers and 80,000 civil servants in the Bundeswehr. (Source: https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/bundeswehr-schneller-auf-treppe-nato-braucht-mehr-soldaten-zm-66687620.html)
Meanwhile, Ukraine has seemingly fulfilled all requirements to begin negotiations on joining the European Union, according to an assessment by the EU Commission. Issues such as protecting national minorities and limiting oligarchs' political influence have reportedly been resolved. The German government also affirmed its belief that Ukraine satisfied these conditions for EU accession talks. (Source: https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/europa-ukraine-eu-615.html)
U.S. President Joe Biden expressed regret over the months of delays in providing weapons shipments from the United States to Ukraine. During a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris, Biden also asked for forgiveness for the recent uncertainties regarding additional aid. He stressed the importance of American support for Kiev, highlighting Ukraine's role as a "bulwark" against Russian aggression. (Source: https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/biden-zelensky-tranche-neuer-hilfen-fuer-ukraine-110.html)
Russia has formally held the United States accountable for the deaths of women and children in Russia. The blame stems from Ukraine's utilization of US weapons for attacks in the Belgorod border region. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova declared that U.S. statements motivating such attacks were a confession to these deaths. Additionally, the spokesperson referenced fragments of HIMARS rockets as potential evidence. This accusation follows previous warnings by Vladimir Putin, who argues Western support for Ukraine risks a global conflict if Ukraine is allowed to attack Russian soil using Western weapons.
Security expert Christian Mölling sees positive effects following the decision to permit Ukraine to attack military targets in Russia using Western weapons. He notes that the advancement of Ukrainian troops and the protection of Kharkiv have been improved by this change in approach. Mölling also stresses that resources, finances, and responsibility should be considered in the context of the ongoing conflict and damage caused. (Source: https://www.stern.de/politik/der-podcast-unserer-redaktion-the-situation-in-ukraine-wie-skaliert-moehlich-sie-mit-dem-widerstand-widerstand-muehe-gegen-den-russischen-raketenangriffen-5343802.html)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cautions of Russia's widening war. In front of the French National Assembly deputies, he likens Putin's actions to Hitler's border crossings in the '30s. The aggression, Zelenskyy states, is now affecting the Baltic states, Poland, and Balkans. He channels a message to the Russian leadership, forecasting that they'll find ways to destabilize Europe. Zelenskyy also describes Putin's approach as "using the arsenal of the past century," such as sea blockades and kidnapping of children for indoctrination. The whole world, he claims, is being blackmailed by Russia, spreading fear.
11:14 A US soldier's trial initiates in Russia. The 34-year-old Gordon Black has agreed to testify in the case in Vladivostok, which involves charges related to stealing from his partner. If convicted, he faces up to five years of imprisonment. This development intensifies the pre-existing tensions between the US and Russia. Multiple Americans are being held by Russia, including the spy Paul Whelan and 'Wall Street Journal' journalist Evan Gershkovich, with the US questioning their lawful detention.
10:44 NTV correspondent Rainer Munz interprets the Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories possibly becoming a new federal district. Simultaneously, the Russian Navy's dispatch to Cuba is being analyzed.
10:23 Moscow accuses Ukraine of launching US rockets against civilian targets in Russia. Maria Zakharova, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, asserts that Ukraine caused the death of women and children in Belgorod. She claims that remnants of the HIMARS rockets will be evidence of the occurrence.
09:55 Ukraine institutes legal proceedings against General Major Oleg Makarevich, the former Dnieper Group commander. The Ukraine Prosecutor General and the Security Service accuse him of premeditated murder and breach of laws of war, citing his order to detonate the Kakhovka Dam on June 6, 2023. The catastrophe, in consequence, resulted in a grave humanitarian and ecological disaster in the Kherson region. If apprehended and judged, the general would face a lifetime penalty.
09:25 Air raid alarms sound throughout Ukraine. Russian air raids concentrate on Odessa, Kiev, and Donetsk. Despite the attacks, pilot training for the anticipated combat planes isn't progressing.
08:59 Ukrainian officials claim to have thwarted all five Russian rocket attacks, downing 48 out of the 53 drones. The aerial projectiles hit Kiev, with more drones targeted in Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, South Odessa, and Kherson. The attacks didn't target energy infrastructure. Nevertheless, some property damage has appeared.
08:26 Historian Heinrich August Winkler identifies Germany's loyalty to the debt brake as a threat to national security. He advises that, during a potential escalation in Ukraine, it'd be reckless if they prioritized the budgetary constraint over Ukraine's loss. While stressing on the significant amplification of military efforts, Winkler opines that domestic policies shouldn't be prioritized over Russian matters.
07:54 Swiss President Viola Amherd hypothesizes that the June 15th-16th Switzerland-organized Ukraine peace conference could just be a first step among subsequent negotiations. She emphasizes that a peace treaty may not materialize at the end of the conference. She envisions a potential follow-up conference where Russia could also be present. The conference's participants consist of over 80 countries, and Germany is among them, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz participating.
07:31 Numerous German companies plan investments in Ukraine.
Numerous German businesses in Ukraine intend to maintain their investment in the eastern European nation despite the ongoing conflict. Around 43% of these companies plan to uphold their dedication, compared to 8% who propose to disinvest, according to an AHK Ukraine survey by consultancy firm KPMG. A total of 142 companies took part in the survey. Key aspects for intensifying commercial operations include political and economic stability, along with government funding and assurances. Roughly 42% of firms anticipate the Ukrainian economic condition to enhance in the upcoming year. Roughly 48% foresee no improvement, while 10% worry about a decline.
07:02 Human Rights Advocates Request Prosecution of Propagandists - Ukrainian Organizations Request Justice at International Criminal Court
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, accusing five Russian propagandists: Vladimir Solovyov, Margarita Simonyan, Dmitry Kiselyov, Sergei Mardan, Dmitry Medvedev, and Alexei Gromov. These individuals have "most certainly incited violence," according to the Center for Civil Liberties. Previously, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, who were charged with the forced deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia.
06:31 Putin Vows to Turn Russia into a War-Based Economy for Decades
Russian leader Vladimir Putin has pledged to transform his country into a war economy, following over two years of his war against Ukraine. Putin signed a list of instructions for the advancement of the defense industry, fostering increased weapon and ammunition production, as commented on by first deputy prime minister Denis Manturov at the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). During a discussion on weapons and ammunition production, it was emphasised that Russia generates weaponry and ammunition faster and at a fourth of Western costs. The country is preparing for a 100-year war economy. The number of businesses - including in the private sector - has multiplied over the past two years of hostilities. "Today, the military-industrial complex serves as the economic engine," affirms economist Pyotr Fradkov, chairman of Promsvyazbank, in the face of major commercial deals.
05:59 NATO Allies Irritated with Germany
The German government frustrates NATO allies due to its refusal to refer to Ukraine support efforts as a "mission." Diplomatic sources criticise Germany's reluctance to use the term "NATO Mission Ukraine (NMU)" as it could be misunderstood as sending soldiers to Ukraine. The government justifies its stance by claiming that the phrase could instigate Russian propaganda against the alliance. Those advocating for using the term "mission" claim that the Kremlin would vilify the NATO project as aggression, potentially exploiting it for disinformation initiatives. It is puzzling that only Germany holds this stance, particularly since it is in alignment with the initiative as per its own announcements.
05:10 Russia Expert on Ukraine Conference: Impossible to Reach a Settlement without Russia's Participation
Russia specialist Gerhard Mangott views the imminent Ukraine conference in Switzerland as substantially diminished in value due to the absence of significant nations. The absence of key nations like China, Brazil, or South Africa denotes a blemish. It is noteworthy that contemplations of a subsequent conference are already surfacing before the current conference takes place. "It is normally the case for statements regarding a potential follow-up conference to be announced prior to the beginning of the intended conference to emphasise the expectation of limited achievements from the present meeting." Disappointing for Ukraine is the anticipated lack of participation from the US, with only Vice President Kamala Harris and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan scheduled to represent the nation. "It is inexplicable why US President Joe Biden has decided against attending," says Mangott.
03:02 Russia's Aerial Attacks with Drones and Missiles
For several regions of Ukraine, an air raid alarm is broadcasted overnight, aside from those in western areas of the country. The air force states that drones have been launched from the Black Sea towards Odessa, as well as cruise missiles.
01:55 USA Prepares New Military Support Bundle for Ukraine
The United States will supply Ukraine with a new military aid package worth roughly $225 million. The package is anticipated to include ammunition suitable for countering targets beyond the country's borders to defend Kharkiv from a major Russian assault. The package could potentially contain ammunition for the HIMARS system, as well as M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems and a variety of artillery rounds. US President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris today.
00:54 Multiple Power Outages in Various Regions
At 23:30, the United States has banned entry to certain Georgian individuals due to their involvement in the passing of a foreign influence law. This law, similar to the controversial 2012 Russian law against "foreign agents," has widespread implications for government-critical media and organizations. The State Department confirmed that these individuals, most of whom are members of the ruling Georgian Dream party or security officials, will be prohibited from entering the U.S. Additionally, relations with Georgia may be reevaluated. This decision follows hundreds of thousands of Georgians protesting against this law for weeks.
Ukrenergo, the Ukrainian power grid operator, is experiencing power outages in twelve regions around the country. These include Lviv, Zakarpattia in the west, the capital Kiev, the region of Kiev, Odessa in the south, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia further east. The company cites exceeded consumption limits as the reason, possibly exacerbated by Russian attacks on infrastructure and the reduction of power generation capacity since the beginning of the Russian invasion.
At 22:13, Russian Governor Yevhen Balizkyi from the occupied region of Zaporizhzhia reported that the Ukrainian territories currently held by Russia may soon be combined into a new federal district. The Russian media outlet RIA Novosti shared this news, noting that Russia had illegally annexed Crimea and parts of the Ukrainian Donbass region in 2014. After the full-scale war in February 2022 began, Moscow occupied additional Ukrainian territories, such as the Donetsk, Luhansk, and Kherson regions.
Ukrenergo has announced that they will be cutting power in Kyiv and multiple other regions in Ukraine during the evening due to an energy shortage. The state-owned company has stated that this power outage will affect private households, industrial enterprises, and other areas within the regions of Volhynia, Donetsk, Zhytomyr, Transcarpathia, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv, Mykolaiv, Kirovohrad, Odessa, Rivne, Kharkiv, and the city of Kyiv, as well as the region of Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to speak in the German Bundestag on Tuesday and attend a Ukrainian reconstruction conference in Berlin. According to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Zelenskyy will address the Bundestag for the first time in person. For this, the parliamentarians must convene for a special session.
At 20:47, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will be donating Mirage-2000 fighter jets to Ukraine to protect their territory and airspace, and will also be training 4,500 Ukrainian soldiers.
Finally, at 20:01, Zelenskyy marked the anniversary of the dam collapse in southern Ukraine caused by the Russian occupiers. The event, which occurred a year ago, resulted in extensive destruction, environmental damage, and severe consequences for the local population. Thousands suffered from the flood contributed to by the dam collapse, and the water supply of hundreds of thousands more was disrupted. Zelenskyy called the incident one of the most significant environmental crimes committed by the Russian invaders during their invasion.
Read also:
- Putin warns that Russia may respond if Western weapons are sent to Ukraine for an attack on Russian forces, suggesting potential consequences for enemies of the West.
- In response to a question about utilizing frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine at the G7 summit, a German official suggests there may be no definite decision due to the need for EU member state agreement.
- President Zelensky of Ukraine expresses gratitude to France for providing Mirage fighter jets to bolster Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression.
- According to Russian reports, Ukrainian forces have launched an airstrike on the eastern city of Luhansk, causing civilian casualties and damage, with varying reports of the number of casualties. Russia claims that Ukraine attacked populated areas using ATACMS missiles from US production.
