At 22:12, two individuals lose their lives due to a Russian border landmine explosion

Russian border mine claims lives of two individuals at 22:12.

In the Russian region of Bryansk close to the Ukrainian frontier, two individuals met a fatal end from a mine blast, as announced by the local governor Alexander Bogomas over online networks. Locals disregarded risk indicators for mining hazards and trespassed into a restricted zone, leading to the tragic explosion, Bogomas explained. Two residents were immediately killed, while another sustained injuries. This unfortunate incident occurred in the Klimowski district, sharing a border with the north Ukrainian region of Chernihiv. Bogomas urges the public to stay vigilant and avoid areas in border regions where mining danger signs are displayed. Due to the prolonged conflict in Ukraine, Russia has intensified border area fortification. This month alone has witnessed multiple mining accidents, with four individuals incurring injuries from a mine blast in the bordering Ukrainian region of Belgorod over the past week.

21:42 Estonia: A six-year and three-month prison sentence has been handed to a University of Tartu professor for spying on behalf of Russia

A former professor of the University of Tartu has been convicted and imprisoned for six years and three months for espionage activities in favor of Russia. A court based in Tallinn found him guilty of performing duties in the interest of a foreign intelligence agency against the Republic of Estonia. The accused is accused of gathering information regarding Estonia's domestic, military, and security policies, along with relevant individuals and infrastructure. He was arrested by the Estonian Security Police in January and has been held in pre-trial detention since then.

21:08 The Latvian government plans to fortify its border with Russia, including the addition of tank barriers

Latvia has proposed further border security enhancement with Russia, including heavy tank barriers. The government has assigned an additional 300 million euros for securing the border over the next five years, according to the Defense Ministry. This announcement was made during the visit of Latvian President Raimonds Vējonis to a construction site for a border fence. Vējonis noted that reinforcements will primarily include the so-called Hedgehog or Dragon's teeth barriers. "Our policy is unequivocal: Not a single inch of Latvian territory will go unprotected." Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, all border guards are armed with assault rifles, in addition to their pistols, for potential confrontations with Russia and Belarus, as mentioned by the head of the Latvian Border Guard, Guntis Puodžotājs.

20:42 Putin welcomed by Kim Jong Un at Pyongyang airport

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in North Korea for a two-day state visit. North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un greeted Putin at Pyongyang airport, as reported by the Russian news agency Interfax. During this visit, it is speculated that negotiations regarding further arms deliveries from Pyongyang to Moscow for use in Russia's conflict in Ukraine may be on the agenda.

20:00 US Secretary of State Blinken calls on China to cease its support for Russia's military industry

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken requested China to halt its support for Russia's military manufacturing sector. China provides vital support, enabling Russia to maintain its defense industry, sustain its military machinery, and continue the conflict in Ukraine, Blinken explained. "Therefore, it must cease," he added during his appearance alongside NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. Approximately 70 percent of the machining tools and 90 percent of the microelectronics that Russia imports originate from China, Blinken stated, thus significantly supporting Russia's defense industry.

19:30 A fire broke out at a Russian oil depot following an air raid from Ukraine

A Russian oil depot has caught fire following a drone attack by Ukraine in the Rostov Oblast. The blaze is spreading, but there have been no reports of casualties. Russia has shared footage of the firefighting attempts, while Ukraine views the attack as a victory.

19:08 Moscow has announced amendments to its nuclear doctrine due to current military conflicts

In the midst of its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, Russia has planned to revise its nuclear doctrine, as suggested by information from the Foreign Ministry. Past experiences from the "military special operation" and the West's behavior have shown the need for adjustments in the military doctrine, including nuclear deterrence policy, as reportedly stated by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov to Russian news agencies. Ryabkov did not provide further details.

18:34 The Swedish embassy has summoned the Russian ambassador over a possible violation of Swedish airspace by a Russian military plane close to the island of Gotland

Following a suspected incursion of Swedish airspace by a Russian military aircraft, Sweden has summoned the Russian ambassador. The matter involved the apparent Russian violation of Swedish airspace on June 14, as claimed by the Swedish Foreign Ministry. Swedish authorities assert that a Russian SU-24 bomber flew over the Baltic Sea island of Gotland, approximately 350 kilometers east of the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. The Swedish Air Force issued warning to the aircraft before it entered Swedish airspace, but the aircraft disregarded the warning and was intercepted by two JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets from the Swedish Air Force.

17:23 Air Surveillance alleges Kyiv of implicating Russian soldiers for decapitating a Ukrainian soldier near the front in eastern Ukraine. "We've received intel that the commanders of the Russian occupied forces in the Wolnowacha area of the Donetsk region ordered their troops not to capture Ukrainian prisoners," the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office stated in a Telegram post. During an aerial reconnaissance, the head of a Ukrainian soldier was discovered in a military vehicle. Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin mentioned a blatant breach of the Geneva Convention and warned that the incident won't be tolerated. He appealed to "the whole civilized world to isolate and punish the terrorist nation." There was no response from Moscow concerning the accusation. The news agency AFP couldn't independently authenticate the Ukrainian allegations.

16:54 Orban might back down against Rutte as NATO chief with Hungary's backing
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has apparently renounced his opposition to the appointment of the outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the new Secretary General of NATO. Orban announced Hungary's readiness to back Rutte's candidacy. This paves the way for Rutte as Stoltenberg's successor. The only hurdle remaining is the unwithdrawn public candidacy of the Romanian President Klaus Iohannis for the NATO top position. Iohannis, however, seems to have no significant supporters left. Orban attributed his concession in the personnel matter to a letter from Rutte addressing Hungarian demands, including Hungary's desire to avoid being forced to participate in a planned NATO mission to coordinate weapons deliveries to Ukraine.

16:18 Putin acknowledges North Korea's support against Ukraine during state visit
Before his visit to North Korea, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to Pyongyang for its support of Russia's military operation in Ukraine. "We greatly appreciate the fact that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) firmly supports Russia's military special operation in Ukraine," Putin wrote in a guest article published by the state North Korean news agency KCNA and the newspaper Rodong Sinmun. Meanwhile, South Korea reported a temporary border crossing by North Korean soldiers.

15:43 Access to Soviet archives denied: European Court of Human Rights reprimands Russia
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has reproached Russia for refusing to grant access to archives to the human rights organization Memorial and other organizations concerning repressions during the Soviet era. "The pursuit of historical truth is an essential component of the right to freedom of expression," the Strasbourg Court declared. The refusal constitutes an interference with the right to information and therefore breaches the European Convention on Human Rights.

15:03 Slovakia endorses Rutte as new NATO Chief

The Slovak Republic has expressed its readiness to support Mark Rutte of the Netherlands as the new NATO Secretary-General. "After a final discussion with Mark Rutte and consultations with the Slovak government, the Slovak Republic can picture Mark Rutte as NATO Chief," said Slovak President Peter Pellegrini. However, the official backing of Hungary and Romania is still pending. In March, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis announced that he was also running for the top position. The incumbent NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has already extended his tenure on several occasions. In October, Stoltenberg intends to resign after a decade at the helm of the military alliance. The NATO Secretary-General is appointed through the consensus process and therefore requires the support of all 32 members. Several countries have already pledged their support for the outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Rutte.

14:26 Swiss Federal Prosecutor probes alleged Russian agents

Swiss authorities suspect, according to a media report, a Russian diplomat of trying to obtain weapons and hazardous substances. The Federal Prosecutor's Office in Bern confirmed that it had requested authorization from the government to probe a political crime in this matter. The Federal Prosecutor's Office and the police have already carried out "proactive measures" in the form of property searches, the authority announced. Previously, the "Tages-Anzeiger" had reported that a diplomat was under scrutiny who was accredited to the Russian embassy in Bern. The alleged agent appeared a few weeks before the Ukraine summit, which took place in Switzerland without Russian participation over the weekend. For the investigation to proceed, the Federal Prosecutor's Office has also requested the lifting of immunity.

13:47 Italy intends to equip Ukraine with Storm Shadows

According to a report in "Il Fatto Quotidiano," Italy plans to supply Ukraine, in the next military package, among other things, Storm Shadow cruise missiles. The state Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform reports this, citing the Italian daily. The Italian Defense Ministry is expected to present the ninth military package to parliament at the end of June, according to the report, which does not mention the quantity.

13:02 Professor in Estonia jailed for six years and three months for spying for Russia

The Russian political scientist Viacheslav Morozov has been sentenced to six years and three months in prison in Estonia for spying for Russia. This was reported by the Russian-language opposition medium Meduza, citing the Estonian public broadcaster. Morozov had worked at the University in Tartu, Estonia, until his arrest in January, and shared his insights on the political situation in Estonia and its relations with the EU with Russian intelligence services.

22:19: NATO Chief Pushes Back Against Emerging Hypersonic Arms
NATO's top brass, General Christian Badia, is urging a response to the growing threat of Hypersonic weapons, emphasizing the need for both offensive and defensive capabilities for effective defense. At a recent gathering in Berlin, Badia expressed his concerns. Russia is currently deploying these weapon systems against Ukraine, with warning times potentially shrinking to just a couple of minutes. Markus Ziegler, a representative from the German Aerospace Industries Association, vouched for the urgency, stating: "Distance Moscow-Berlin: In a fast car, it's about five minutes from there to here. Even Beijing-Berlin, which seems far away, around 20 minutes."

10:03: Arson at Russian Oil Depot Suspected to be Work of Intelligence Service
A fuel depot in Asow, Russia, was engulfed in flames during the night, and the Ukrainian domestic intelligence service is thought to be the perpetrator, according to a source within the agency speaking to The Kyiv Independent. The fire spread over about 3200 square meters, with more than 200 firefighters summoned to counteract the blaze.

09:33: London: Russian Troops Secure Village Near Avdiivka
According to British intelligence assessments, Russian soldiers have likely seized control of the village of Novooleksandrivka, approximately 20 kilometers north of Avdiivka. This places the Russian army closer to the T0504 highway, one of Ukraine's primary supply lines.

09:15: Putin and Kim Jong Un Agree on Comprehensive Cooperation
Russia and North Korea aim to sign a treaty outlining comprehensive cooperation during Putin's upcoming visit to Pyongyang. Putin has given his approval to the treaty drafted by the Foreign Ministry, with the announcement coming from the Kremlin. The document is expected to be signed by Putin and Kim Jong Un. Information about the treaty's contents has not been disclosed.

09:00: China Delivers Sharp Rebuke to Stoltenberg
The Chinese government has condemned criticism from NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg regarding China's stance on the Ukraine conflict. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian said, "We advise NATO to refrain from attributing fault to others, avoid stirring up trouble, and refrain from fueling the flames." Instead, NATO should take concrete steps towards resolving the crisis. Stoltenberg had chastised China's actions regarding Russian aggression in Ukraine during a visit to Washington. According to Stoltenberg, China is maintaining neutrality, allowing trade to continue uninterrupted, while simultaneously exacerbating the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II.

08:30: Twelve-Year Sentence for Anti-War Protests in Russia
A Ukrainian woman has been sentenced to twelve years in prison by a Moscow Military Court after displaying anti-war declarations and the Ukrainian national anthem from her apartment window in Moscow. This was reported by Ukrainska Pravda, citing Russian opposition media outlet Mediazona. The woman, who is 35, also released white-blue-white balloons, a symbol of protest against Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

07:45: Russian Navy Prepares for Submarine Warfare
The Russian Navy is gearing up for exercises in the Pacific Ocean ahead of Putin's state visit to North Korea. Approximately 40 ships and boats, about 20 aircraft and helicopters are participating in the maneuvers, according to the Defense Ministry in Moscow. The training is set to last until June 28 in the waters of the Pacific Ocean, the Japanese Sea, and the Sea of Okhotsk. The exercises include simulated battles against submarines and defense against air attacks.

07:15: Putin's Portrait Gracefully Adorns Pyongyang's Streets
Putin's visit to North Korea is evident in Pyongyang: The city streets have been decked out not only with Russian flags, but also with Putin's portrait. This can be observed in videos, including those from the Russian state news agency TASS, on social media platforms.

07:00: Munz: Weapons Take Center Stage in Putin's North Korea Visit
Russian President Putin is in North Korea today and tomorrow, according to Munz, an NTV Russia correspondent. Putin's main objective, according to Munz, is weapons procurement. However, diplomatic support is also essential.

06:30: Rwanda Withdraws Support from Ukraine Peace Summit Declaration
Rwanda has withdrawn its endorsement of the Ukraine Peace Summit closing statement, as reported by Ukrainian media. Rwanda's name no longer appears on the list of signatories on the Swiss government's website. Currently, 77 countries and 5 organizations support the declaration.

06:00: Ukrainian Military Expert Claims Russia's Artillery Production Struggles
Ukrainian military analyst Petro Chernyk believes that Russia is encountering difficulties in sourcing explosives for artillery shells, as reported by the US think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Furthermore, Russia supposedly is moving towards towed artillery systems, but they're facing issues with this transition. However, Russia cannot boost self-propelled artillery production.

05:30: Ukraine Reports Destruction of All Ten Russian Drones
The Ukrainian Air Force claims to have destroyed all ten Russian drones launched during the night over the regions of Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk. The Air Force shared the news on Telegram.

05:00: Russia Confirms Loss of Rare Reconnaissance Aircraft
Russian authorities have acknowledged that the Ukrainian Air Force shot down a rare Russian Early Warning and Control Aircraft of the type A-50 over the Azov Sea in February, resulting in the loss of ten crew members. The Kyiv Independent reported this. The Ukrainian Military Intelligence and the Ukrainian Air Force had claimed responsibility for the downing at the time. The aircraft was critical for detecting air defense systems and missile guidance and targeting for Russian fighter jets. Russia is believed to have fewer than ten of these aircraft, with each estimated to cost around 350 million dollars.

Russian Prisons on Fire After Drone Attack from Ukraine

Reports from the Russian city Asow in the Rostov region near the Ukrainian border confirm that prisons have caught fire following a Ukrainian drone strike. No casualties have been reported as of yet, according to the governor of the southern region, Vasili Golubev, who announced the news on Telegram. Investigations are ongoing, and local firefighters are working around the clock to bring the fires under control.

Kremlin in Talks with USA Over Possible Prisoner Exchange for Gershkovich

Russia has confirmed that it is in talks with the USA over a potential prisoner exchange for detained US journalist Evan Gershkovich. According to the Presidial Press Secretary Dmitri Peskov, these talks are continuing, but any announcements, declarations, or information on this matter cannot be given. The 32-year-old "Wall Street Journal" reporter was arrested in Yekaterinburg, in the Ural region, by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) on March 29, 2023. He is charged with espionage.

Detained US Soldier Partially Confesses to Crime

The US soldier Gordon Black, who is being held in Russia for suspected theft, has partially confessed to his crime. According to the Russian news agency Interfax, he made the statement in court in Vladivostok. He admitted to being "partially responsible" for the theft but did not act with premeditation. He denied threatening to kill his girlfriend. Several other US citizens are already detained in Russia, including journalist Evan Gershkovich and former soldier Paul Whelan, who are both charged with espionage.

Fine Imposed for Incorrect Data Presentation by Nord Stream 2 Pipeline Operator

The German Federal Network Agency has fined the Nord Stream 2 pipeline operator Gascade €75,000 for publishing incorrect data in 2021 due to IT problems, which suggested that the Nord Stream 2 pipeline was about to be commissioned. The market reacted to the false information and assumed that the pipeline’s commissioning was imminent, leading to significantly lower prices.

Putin Thanks North Korea for Military Support in Ukraine

In an article published by the state North Korean news agency KCNA, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his gratitude to Pyongyang for its military support of Russia's offensive in Ukraine. "We greatly appreciate that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) has resolutely supported the military special operation in Ukraine," Putin wrote. Both countries are reportedly working to "actively develop their multifaceted partnership."

Heavy Ukrainian Attacks Reported in Kharkiv

According to reports, fierce fighting has broken out in parts of the northeastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv. "The enemy is sending reserves and trying to launch a counter-attack, but is facing heavy resistance from our troops," says the pro-Russian governor of the occupied territories in the Kharkiv region, Vitali Ganchev. Russian troops have reportedly repelled the latest Ukrainian counter-attacks near Vovchansk, five kilometers behind the border. Russian forces had entered parts of the Kharkiv region a month ago and had taken control of around a dozen villages according to official statements.

Marcel Fratzscher, the President of the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), criticizes demands for a reduction of social benefits for Ukrainian refugees as "bare populism." "Nobody will be better off, and no one will even have an extra Euro if Germany treats refugees poorly and cuts their benefits," Fratzscher told Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). Fratzscher instead demands more efforts for a faster and better integration of refugees into the labor market and society.

Most Ukrainians See Zelenskyy as Legitimate President

A large majority of Ukrainians view State Leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy, despite the extended terms of office during wartime, as a legitimate president. According to a survey by the International Sociological Institute in Kyiv, 70 percent of the 2011 interviewed Ukrainians believe that Zelenskyy should remain in office until the end of the war. Only 22 percent are against it.

European Parliament Concerned about Finland's Deportation Plans

The European Parliament has expressed concern over the Finnish government's plans to return migrants from Russia, who, according to Helsinki's statements, have been deliberately sent across the common border by Moscow. The draft law must be rejected, demands the Human Rights Commissioner of the European Parliament, Michael O'Flaherty, in a letter to Finland's Parliamentary Speaker Jussi Halla-aho. The current Finnish center-right government intends to significantly tighten migration law and has submitted a bill that would allow its border guards to turn back refugees.

The Russian authorities continue to express dissatisfaction with the outcomes of the Peace Conference in Moscow concerning Ukraine, held without Russian involvement. As stated by Dmitri Peskov, the presidential spokesperson for Vladimir Putin, this summit, devoid of Russian participation, bore no fruitful results. "Naturally, they aim for nothing with their alleged results," Peskov commented. Unperturbed by this, Moscow acknowledges the support shown by Russia-aligned nations such as Serbia, Turkey, and Hungary towards the final declaration. "We'll definitely factor in the views of these countries. They're crucial to us. We'll keep on clarifying our stance to them," Peskov continued. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs deemed the conference as an utter failure, according to Maria Zakharova, the ministry spokeswoman, as reported by Tass news agency.

To catch up on the prior events, click here.