Europe's Media in Russia's Crosshairs: 81 Media Entities Blacklisted
Russia imposes restrictions, denying access to 81 European news sources.
In response to the restriction on airing numerous Russian media in Europe, Russia has retaliated by blacklisting 81 European media entities. This move will prohibit the broadcasting of these media's programs and restrict access to their websites, as announced by the Russian Foreign Ministry on its website. German outlets like "Der Spiegel", "Die Zeit", and the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung" are among the affected, as well as Austria's ORF, Mediengruppe Österreich, and France's Arte. Russia seems to be particularly upset with France, being the EU country hit hardest by their sanctions. The EU had imposed sanctions on the state Russian news agency RIA Novosti, the government newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta, the platform "Voice of Europe", and the pro-Kremlin newspaper Izvestia, which includes a television station back in May.
Indian PM Modi Heads to Moscow Soon
Following his re-election, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Russia shortly. Yuri Ushakov, Vladimir Putin's foreign policy adviser, confirmed the preparations for Modi's visit. However, the Indian government has yet to make an official statement on the matter. According to India's Press Trust of India news agency, sources suggest that Modi's visit could take place as early as July. Russian news agency Tass reported that the dates of July 8 and 9 have already been set.
Proposed Ukrainian Ceasefire Strategy Circulating
Former US President Donald Trump has reportedly received a plan from two key advisors to end the Russian-Ukraine conflict. The strategy aims to persuade both parties to agree to a ceasefire and initiate peace talks by threatening to withhold further US military aid from Ukraine if they refuse to engage in negotiations. Simultaneously, Russia would be promised longer delays in Ukraine's NATO membership in the event of their participation in negotiations. This plan was designed by retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg and Fred Fleitz, who both served in the National Security Council during Trump's presidency.
Czech Initiative for Ukraine's Artillery Shells Off to a Good Start
A Czech initiative aimed at supplying artillery shells to Ukraine has shown some promising results so far. According to Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, the first delivery of ammunition under this initiative has been sent to Ukraine. The ongoing munitions shortage is a significant issue for Ukraine in its struggle against Russia. The goal of this initiative is to supply Ukraine with up to 800,000 artillery shells from countries outside the EU. So far, 18 partner countries have offered financial support totaling around 1.6 billion euros for this project. Germany intends to contribute a substantial amount in the millions. Other donor countries include the Netherlands, Denmark, and Lithuania.
14:20 Ukrainian Ambassador's Take on the CSU's Exclusion Proposal
Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeiev, has dismissed the CSU's proposal to expel non-working Ukrainians as "very populist." Makeiev is collaborating with Labor Minister Heil and Interior Minister Faeser, as well as federal states and Job Centers, to facilitate the integration of more Ukrainian asylum seekers into the German labor market. Makeiev believes that Ukrainians integrate three times better into the labor market compared to other nations and integrate faster in other countries. He attributes the high unemployment rate among asylum seekers to the governments of both Ukraine and Germany and demands the recognition of vocational diplomas and lowering language requirements.
14:01 Serbia Accused of Selling Ammo to Russia's Enemies
Despite maintaining close ties with Moscow for years, Serbia has found itself in hot water due to selling ammunition to intermediaries, which subsequently ended up in Ukraine. Russian TV moderator and Kremlin propagandist, Sergey Mardan, has criticized Serbia, labeling them as disloyal and a "prostitute."
13:40 Suspected Drone Attacks on Gas Pipeline in Belgorod
Russia claims to have detected Ukrainian drone attacks, resulting in damaged buildings, a gas pipeline for supply, injuries, and even fatalities. Kiev has remained silent about these alleged attacks.
EU Extends Refugee Protection for Ukrainians by Another Year
It's been reported that the EU has extended the unburdened refugee protection for citizens from Ukraine for yet another year. This decision was made by the 27 EU ministers during a meeting in Luxembourg, making the protective status valid until March 4, 2026. The ministers had agreed on this extension back in mid-June. The EU claims that the current conditions for the return of people due to ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure are not yet met. Germany's Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser welcomed the extension but also called for a "more equitable distribution" of refugees within the EU. The acceptance of nearly 1.2 million people in Germany remains a "massive effort."
13:02 China Speaks Out Against New Russia Sanctions
China has criticized the latest Russia sanctions imposed by the EU, which negatively impact Chinese companies. A spokesperson from China's Foreign Ministry stated, "These one-sided sanctions lack a legal basis under international law." China urged the European side to lift the sanctions immediately and will take necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies. The West accuses China of supporting Russia in its war against Ukraine, but Beijing denies this allegation. In a new round of measures against Russia, Brussels added 61 more companies to its sanctions list on Monday, including 19 Chinese companies, two of which are major players in the Chinese satellite industry. These companies are accused of conducting business worth millions with the Russian mercenary group Wagner and selling them satellites.
12:58 Arrest Warrants Issued for Shoigu and Gerasimov
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants against former Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu and General Staff Chief Valeri Gerasimov. They are charged with attacking civilian targets in Ukraine.
12:50 Zelensky Meets with Schwesig in Kiev
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Minister-President Manuela Schwesig met with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kiev on the second day of her Ukraine visit. The conversation lasted for approximately an hour. Schwesig visited Ukraine in her capacity as Federal President to show solidarity with Kiev. She stated that Ukraine must win this war, in contrast to her party friend, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who only emphasizes that Russia should not win the war and Ukraine should not lose it. Schwesig has faced criticism for her engagement with the Nord Stream 2 pipeline in Ukraine. After the Russian attack almost two years ago, Schwesig distanced herself from her involvement in the project and called it a mistake.
12:28 Human Rights Violations by Russia on the Crimean Peninsula Confirmed
The European Court of Human Rights has confirmed that Russia has violated human rights on the Crimean Peninsula following its annexation. The judges in Strasbourg made this decision and granted Ukraine's complaint. Russia does not recognize the judgments of the Court.
11:52 Ukrainian Soldiers Receive Needed Ammunition
Ukrainian soldiers have been fighting against the Russian army for a long time without sufficient ammunition. With the $61 billion aid package, the supply situation has improved. Vasil, a Ukrainian commander, reports that the "grenade hunger" is now over.
11:25 Attempts to Flee Ukraine Thwarted
Ukrainian security forces have prevented 100 men from illegally leaving the country in the Odessa region in southern Ukraine. A group of 47 men were stopped in four minibuses on their way to the border last Friday, according to the state investigation bureau. Another 53 men were intercepted on their way to a "collection point," intending to bypass checkpoints and cross the border on foot. The Odessa region borders Moldova. The Danube River forms the border with Romania. All men over 25, who are eligible for military service, have been transferred to the local military enlistment office. The human traffickers reportedly demanded between €4,600 and over €17,000 from each man.
11:07 Historic Day for the EU: EU to Begin Accession Talks with Ukraine and Moldova
European State Secretary Anna Lührmann considers the official start of EU accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova a "historic day" for the EU. "This is a good day because we are recognizing that both countries have made enormous reform efforts despite difficult circumstances," Lührmann said on the sidelines of an EU Foreign Ministers meeting before the official start of accession talks in Luxembourg. "Both countries have made significant progress in the areas of the rule of law, anti-corruption, and press freedom." However, it could take years before Ukraine and Moldova meet all the conditions for EU membership. In the case of Ukraine, a peace agreement with Russia is a prerequisite. No membership guarantee is in place.
10:38 Possible Retaliation from Russia against EU
Funds frozen by the EU for Russia's defense are intended to be used by Ukraine. The Kremlin considers these sanctions "illegal" and "contrary to international law," according to NTV correspondent Rainer Munz. Russia now plans to sanction the EU and strengthen other relationships.
23:09 "Putin's Briefcase" Cash: Swiss Court Convicts BankersFour bank workers are found guilty by a Swiss appeals court regarding the management of funds linked to Russian President Vladimir Putin's circle. The Zurich Appellate Court establishes that employees of the dissolving Swiss branch of the Russian Gazprombank did not sufficiently verify if the money on accounts attributed to Russian cellist and conductor 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, with Roldugin listed as the beneficial owner. According to media reports, Roldugin is Putin's godson and the godfather of one of his daughters. He was added to the Swiss sanctions list shortly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In Moscow, Roldugin is known as "Putin's briefcase."
00:44 A Somalian Soldier Shares His Story: "Everywhere there were drones, artillery, rockets. I just ran"To replace the lost soldiers in war, the Kremlin is conscripting migrants and foreign students into the military. The young Somalian Adil shares his experience in a conversation with ntv. For approximately 1900 Euro per month, he enlists in the military, which includes the prospect of Russian citizenship and the promise that he won't have to fight at the front. However, Adil is immediately sent to Ukraine and is now in a Ukrainian prison. "I didn't come to kill. I lost my weapon. I didn't know how to hold it. Everywhere there were drones, artillery, rockets. I just ran", Adil recounts in an interview with ntv. "I thought 2000 dollars were the average wage for regular work. I thought a big opportunity had started for me."
00:17 Trump Advisor Proposes a Plan to End Ukraine WarKey advisors of former US President Donald Trump propose a plan to end the war in Ukraine. According to the news agency Reuters, if accepted, this plan would only allow Ukraine to receive more US weapons if it enters peace talks. The US would simultaneously warn Moscow that any refusal to negotiate would result in increased US support for Ukraine, as stated by General Lieutenant a.D. Keith Kellogg, one of Trump's national security advisors. The outlined strategy is the most comprehensive plan presented by Trump's associates, who claim that he can end the war in Ukraine in the shortest time. If adopted, this proposal would represent a significant change in Washington's stance on this war and could face opposition from European allies and from Trump's own Republican Party.
00:49 Russia: Multiple Drones Intercepted and Destroyed in Border RegionRussia claims to have shot down 30 Ukrainian drones in the border area between the two countries. The Russian air defense intercepted and destroyed 29 drones in the Belgorod border region and one drone in the adjacent region of Voronezh, as announced by the Russian Defense Ministry via Telegram. An elderly woman is reportedly killed in the Belgorod region, according to official reports.
00:18 Ukrainian Security Services Arrest Suspected SpyUkrainian security forces arrest a border guard soldier, who is suspected of spying for the Russian FSB. According to the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU), the man gathered information about weapons and ammunition depots and Ukrainian troops in the border region with Belarus. The suspect was allegedly recruited remotely by an FSB officer based in the occupied Luhansk region and communicated with him anonymously through online messengers. If convicted of high treason, the man faces a life sentence, according to the SBU.
00:46 ISW: Russia is pursuing "tactical and operational significant gains" before US aid reaches the frontlinesAccording to the US think tank Institute for the Study of War, US weapon deliveries are not expected to bring significant results at the frontlines immediately. The ISW continues to assume that Russian forces are trying to achieve tactical and operational significant gains before US military aid reaches Ukrainian forces in large quantities and that it will take some time for the weapons provided by the West to be effective at the frontlines. It also refers to an interview of the military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanow with the "Philadelphia Inquirer". According to Budanow, weapons deliveries from the US and Europe, including artillery ammunition, are expected to reach Ukraine faster than before. However, the Ukrainian forces need a large amount of weapons, and it's a matter of scale. Budanow also stated that "there won't be an Armageddon at the front, but the situation there will remain challenging at least until mid-July."
06:12 Kyiv: Intelligence will continue "Drone sanctions" against Russian oil refinery complexUkrainian special forces have identified more than 30 Russian oil refineries, terminals, and depots as targets, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky, as reported by Ukrainian media at a military briefing. He particularly praises the Special Operations Center "A" of the Ukrainian Security Service and highlights the long-range capabilities of the drones, which can now cover distances of up to 1,500 kilometers. The latest drone attacks have targeted facilities in Tatarstan and Bashkortostan – and there's no end in sight: "The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) will continue 'Drone sanctions' against the Russian oil refinery complex and reduce the economic potential of the adversary that supplies the means for waging war against Ukraine," quotes "Kyiv Independent" a source.
06:50 Denmark halts training of Ukrainian F-16 pilots due to shift to F-35 aircraftDenmark has stopped training Ukrainian F-16 pilots because it's embracing the F-35 instead, Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen revealed in a press conference. "Given our transition to the F-35, we need to concentrate our efforts there and cannot prolong the training of Ukrainian pilots beyond 2024," according to Poulsen. The coalition operating the western F-16s needs to relocate their activities elsewhere, per Poulsen's statements. Training alternatives exist in Romania and the US.
06:39 Governor of Belgorod lands complaint about significant drone attack on cityDrone attacks on Belgorod city and neighboring settlements left several structures, vehicles, and a gas pipeline damaged, injuring four people. Belgorod governor Wjatscheslaw Gladkow described the drone assault as "significant." Kiev has yet to address the attacks. According to Gladkow, a city hall in Shebekino was wiped out by fire due to this attack.
06:16 European Union slaps sanctions on dozens of companiesIn conjunction with a new anti-Russia package, the European Union (EU) adds 61 companies to the sanctions list, including 19 Chinese companies. The 14th round of sanctions, sanctioned by EU member states, includes restrictions on trade for two major players in the Chinese satellite industry. The companies are accused of conducting business worth millions with the Russian mercenary group Wagner and providing them with satellites.
05:43 European Court of Human Rights adjudicates Kiev's lawsuit against Moscow regarding Crimean Peninsula annexationThe European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) is ruling today on Ukraine's lawsuit against Russia regarding the Crimean Peninsula's annexation by Moscow. Kiev accuses Russia of numerous violations of the European Convention on Human Rights between February 2014 and August 2015 on the Crimean Peninsula, such as "unlawful detentions," "suppression of non-Russian media," and "compensation-free seizures."
04:38 Orban expresses dissent over Ukraine's EU accession negotiationsHungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban voices disapproval towards the EU accession talks with Ukraine, happening today in Luxembourg. In an interview with Funke Mediengruppe newspapers, Orban remarks, "Hungary is not in alignment with this accession process, but we do not stand in its way and support the commencement of negotiations." Orban sees this process as politically motivated, stating, "We first need to evaluate the repercussions if we were to onboard a war-torn country with unclear borders." Orban's country takes the helm of the EU Council Presidency on July 1.
03:36 EU starts accession talks with UkraineThe EU kicks off accession negotiations with Ukraine today. Ihor Zhovka, foreign policy advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, states in an interview in Kiev, "The path to full membership, which Ukraine merits, is unchangeable." The proceedings in Luxembourg focus more on symbolism than on the specifics of the negotiations at first. The meetings will get underway once the EU has evaluated the numerous reforms Ukraine needs to implement to meet EU standards.
02:35 USA reports no intentional civilian casualties in Crimean Peninsula strikesAs per US reports, Ukraine did not target civilians during its attack on the Crimean Peninsula over the weekend. Russia claims that an Atacms missile meant to neutralize a launchpad was intercepted, creating debris that landed on a beach. Russian sources claim that at least four individuals, including two children, were killed by Ukrainian Atacms missile strikes, while 151 civilians were wounded. Russia asserts that the US is to blame for the attack. The US government responded by claiming that Ukraine makes its own decisions regarding attack targets and military activities.
01:35 USA prepares to supply Kiev with further ammunition worth 150 million DollarsGovernment sources in the USA predict a new delivery of ammunition to Ukraine, worth 150 million Dollars. This decision is expected to be officially announced today, Tuesday. The upcoming cargo is likely to comprise ammunition for the Himars multiple rocket launchers provided by the USA, capable of firing Atacms missiles. Moscow asserts, following Ukrainian Atacms attacks on the Crimea, that the USA are now a party to the conflict.
00:36 Moscow dismisses EU sanctions as ineffectiveMoscow views the new sanctions in the EU's 14th sanctions package against Russia as ineffective. The Russian Foreign Ministry expresses this sentiment. Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Gruschko in Moscow remarks, "The West doesn't care about the consequences for its own economy nor the well-being of people in the EU." Russia estimates an economic growth of over three percent this year, surpassing ten times that of Germany. "The purpose of the sanctions was to strangle the Russian economy, to disrupt Russian society. The EU has achieved the opposite," Gruschko comments.
23:28 Unemployed Ukrainians ousted: Schwesig disagrees with Dobrindt's plan The Leader of CSU, Alexander Dobrindt, proposes to send displaced Ukrainians back to their home country if they refuse to work in Germany. However, Manuela Schwesig, the Minister President of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, criticizes this as unsafe since Russia attacks Ukraine altogether. She describes Dobrindt's move as "very populist" towards an influx of refugees, many of them women with kids. Schwesig accuses Dobrindt of following negative voices in the populace.
22:29 Ukrainian Army: 128 clashes with Russian forces Since dawn, Ukrainian officials report 128 conflicts with Russian forces at the front. The Ukrainian General Staff shares on their Facebook update that the Russian troops are focusing their attacks on the area around Pokrowsk. This area accounted for a third of the Russian attacks today. The Ukrainian defense forces successfully repel the attacks, maintaining the front lines.
21:57 "Disgraceful violation" - Hungary protests EU decision on Russian assets for Ukraine In response to the decision of other EU countries to use the proceeds from frozen Russian assets for Ukraine, the Hungarian government expresses indignation. The Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó deems it as an "unprecedented shameless violation of common European rules" on Facebook. They are investigating ways to legally protect Hungary's rights. As the Hungarian government prepares to take over the EU presidency in a week, the Prime Minister Viktor Orbán maintains good relations with Russia.
21:38 Ukrainian Navy: 120 drones destroyed in Krasnodar region strike
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