Russia analyst: Missile deployment in Crimea not intended for tourist targeting
During a Ukrainian rocket assault on the annexed Crimean peninsula claimed by Russia, numerous casualties have been reported, including at a beach. As per Russia expert Niko Karasek, "Debris fell haphazardly on sunbathers."
11:35 Sevastopol Declares Special Status
Following a tragic Ukrainian rocket attack, the authorities in the seaport city of Sevastopol, located on the annexed Crimean peninsula, have announced a special status. As per official reports, four people were killed, and 151 were injured, with 79 still hospitalized. Most of the victims were sunbathing on a city beach in Sevastopol when rocket debris landed and exploded. Originally, the Russian military took responsibility for the rocket launch, but later recanted and stated that Ukrainian missiles had been aimed at civilians. Even Russian military blogs are questioning this claim. Nearby, there are several military installations.
11:01 Germany Faces Criticism for New Sanctions Package
Following the approval of new sanctions against Russia, criticisms are pouring in from the Baltic states towards Germany. Lithuania's Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis laments that the sanctions are "unfortunately weaker" than anticipated. His Estonian counterpart Margus Tsahkna states that "it's becoming tougher in the European Union to achieve a consensus on new sanctions." So far, this has primarily been due to Hungary, but now the German government is obstructing stricter rules aimed at preventing sanctions via third parties. The EU Commission sought to hold European companies accountable if prohibited goods reached Russia via daughter companies in Kazakhstan. Berlin objected, asserting that the measures would harm Germany, the largest EU export nation, more than Russia. Now, the companies are only required to make "best efforts" to avoid sanctions violations.
10:24 Ukraine Reports Injuries after Attack on Odessa
According to the mayor's report, two people were injured in an attack on Odessa this morning, as reported by the Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform. Russian troops allegedly attacked civilian infrastructure with rockets.
09:44 EU Adds Over 110 New Names to Sanctions List
The EU states have approved a 14th sanctions package against Russia. According to a statement, 116 individuals and institutions will face sanctions. Additionally, stricter measures will be taken against attempts to evade existing sanctions. Moreover, investments in Russian liquefied natural gas projects will be blocked.
09:25 EU Aims to Prevent Use of Frozen Russian Funds for Ukraine Support
The EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell aims to prevent an EU member state from obstructing the use of funds from frozen Russian financial assets to support Ukraine. Borrell made this statement before the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg. "We have a legal procedure to prevent any kind of blockade."
08:58 Moscow Deflects Accusations towards Dagestan from Islamism in Russia
Reports from the Russian Parliament lack evidence of Ukraine's involvement in the terror attack in Dagestan, as reported by NTV correspondent Rainer Munz. The Kremlin is attempting to "divert attention from how dangerous Islamic terror is in Russia."
08:23 Attack on Odessa
Media reports indicate that a fire broke out in Odessa in the morning. Belarusian opposition media Nexta reports of a strong explosion, while "Kyiv Post" reports of an attack on civilian infrastructure.
07:51 Schleswig Arrives in Kiev - "Ukraine Must Win"
As the first Federal President of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Manuela Schlesig visits Ukraine. The SPD politician arrives in Kiev by train, where she plans to conduct political talks. "It is a sign of solidarity from all 16 federal states with Ukraine," she said on her way. "Ukraine must win this war and it should not be that Russia gets away with this aggression." This statement does not sit well with all politicians. Chancellor Olaf Scholz instead always says that Russia should not win the war and Ukraine should not lose it.
07:36 Nowooleksandriwka Continues to be Heavily Contested
According to reports of the capture of the village of Nowooleksandriwka in the Donezk region, Ukrainian sources emphasize that Russian troops have not fully occupied the village. The Ukrainian army reports heavy fighting on site.
06:52 Russian Unit Allegedly Holds Own Wounded Prisoners
A Russian military blogger reports that commanders of various units of the so-called Donetsk People's Republic are allegedly mistreating their wounded soldiers. A brigade is said to be holding its wounded prisoners in the city of Donezk under harsh conditions, instead of treating them, according to the US think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW) quoting the blogger.
06:21 Third Estonian Volunteer Dies at the Front
A volunteer from Estonia, who served in the Ukrainian army, died in a fight in the Luhansk region. This is reported by Kyiv Independent, citing the Estonian newspaper "Postimees". Martin Jaager, a 42-year-old professional soldier, was reportedly killed on Saturday and is the third Estonian to die while defending Ukraine. After serving in an elite unit in Estonia, he joined the Ukrainian army over a year ago.
23:49 Zelenskyy demands more weapons, greenlight to strike Russia deeply - In response to ongoing shelling of the city of Kharkiv, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is urging for advanced weapons and approval to launch attacks deep within Russian territory from the West. "The Russian air force must be eliminated wherever it is, using all effective means," Zelenskyy declares in his daily video address. Kiev is collaborating with western partners to make this decision.
00:53 Ukraine bombs Crimea - In the middle of the night, Ukraine targets areas in Crimea, a territory annexed by Russia, with rockets. The Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform reports several explosions in the port city of Evpatoria, and the authorities of Sevastopol, unlike daytime attacks, issue an air alert. The aftermath of the bombings is uncertain. Multiple media outlets publish videos and images of fires, but reports of supposedly hit military sites have yet to be confirmed by either the Ukrainian or Russian sides.
01:43 Orban calls for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine - Before the onset of the Hungarian EU Council Presidency, Prime Minister Viktor Orban advocates for a ceasefire initiative in the Ukraine conflict. Orban claims that Russia's attack on Ukraine is unacceptable and violates fundamental international principles, but now it's about "stopping the violence at the front." Orban states that the termination of the war in Ukraine is one of the key goals of the Hungarian EU Council Presidency, commencing on July 1.
02:45 Stoltenberg to meet with Macron in Paris about additional Ukraine aid - NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is traveling to Paris on Monday for discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron. The primary topic is anticipated to be further support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Macron announced earlier in the month his intention to form a coalition for the deployment of Western military trainers to Ukraine.
03:42 "Absolutely unacceptable": IAEA criticizes attacks around Saporischschja Nuclear Power Plant - The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) calls for an immediate halt to attacks on the Ukrainian city of Enerhodar near the Saporischschja Nuclear Power Plant. "Whoever is behind this must cease. Drone attacks on the power plant and its vicinity are becoming increasingly frequent," IAEA chief Rafael Grossi says. "This is absolutely unacceptable and contradicts the unanimously adopted security principles and specific practices." In the past week, drone attacks have struck two substations, causing power interruptions for residents at times. According to Grossi, previous incidents have had no impact on the Saporischschja Nuclear Power Plant's operations.
04:45 Moscow points finger at USA for attack on Crimea - After a rocket attack on the Crimean Peninsula, annexed by Russia, in the Black Sea, Moscow holds the USA accountable. "The primary blame for the provocative rocket attack on Sevastopol's civilian population lies with Washington, for supplying these weapons to Ukraine, and the Kiev regime, from whose territory this attack took place," the ministry states. US specialists determined the rocket launch coordinates using information from US spy satellites, which means the US government bears direct responsibility. Four people, including two children, were killed, and 151 others were injured, according to the Defense Ministry.
22:49 Prien on social benefits for refugees: "Federal government falls short" - In response to a call from CSU regional group leader Alexander Dobrindt for social benefits for Ukrainian refugees, Schleswig-Holstein's Education Minister Karin Prien addresses the reason for their flight. "Ukrainians flee Putin's terror and Putin's war. Of course, they enjoy our protection and hospitality," writes Prien on the platform X. "The overwhelming majority of Ukrainian refugees who have come to us aspire to get back on their feet quickly, work and prepare for the rebuilding of their homeland. Our mission is to facilitate their integration into the job market." She also criticizes the federal government for not living up to this task.
22:17 EU Commission issues warning about Russian influence on the 2025 Bundestag election - As the Bundestag election in 2025 approaches, EU Commission Vice President Vera Jourova expresses concern about potential manipulation attempts by Russia. "We are in a new era of hostile influence," says the EU Commissioner for Transparency and Values and the Protection of Democracy to the "Süddeutsche Zeitung." "I'm afraid that Voice of Europe serves as a blueprint for future operations - also in preparation for the Bundestag election next year. This supposed medium is probably just the tip of the iceberg." It could be replicated as a method. The EU banned Voice of Europe and three other Russian media organizations from broadcasting within the European Union in May. According to the EU, all were controlled by the Russian government and targeted parties in Europe, "particularly during election periods." Voice of Europe, based in Prague, is accused of propagating pro-Russian propaganda in the EU and paying money to European politicians.
21:45 Ukrainian power company announces nationwide power outages - Due to Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the state power provider has announced power disruptions for the near future. Ukrenergo made this announcement via Telegram. The measures are necessary due to increasing energy consumption at the beginning of the week and weakening of the power grid by "massive Russian attacks." Ukraine has been forced to impose temporary power cuts since May due to damaged energy infrastructure. On Monday, the largest power outages are forecasted between 19 and 23 hours, Ukrenergo announces.
Read also:
- In response to the attack on Ukraine, Volodymyr Selensky, the Ukrainian president, has called for advanced weapons and approval to launch attacks deep within Russian territory from the West.
- The attack on Ukraine has led to international condemnation and sanctions, with Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg traveling to Paris to discuss further support for Ukraine.
- The Ukraine conflict has also led to tensions within the EU, with Germany facing criticism for not supporting stricter sanctions against Russia.
- The attack on Ukraine has also resulted in a cyberwar, with Russia accused by experts of launching cyberattacks against Ukraine, including the targeting of critical infrastructure.
