Russian drones under attack: 120 destroyed in Ukrainian navy's offensive in Krasnodar region

In a strike on the Russian region of Krasnodar, as reported by the Ukrainian Navy, approximately 120 drones were annihilated. This incident occurred on June 21 and was executed by the Ukrainian Navy and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), according to the Navy's Facebook page, as reported by Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform. The Ukrainian military allegedly targeted objects at a training ground of the 726th Training Center of the Russian Air Defense in Jeisk. The drone pilots are said to be trained there.

Hunter on Terror in Dagestan: "Putin must adopt the role of the victim"The Kremlin suspects American influence behind the series of attacks in the republic of Dagestan, trying to make these attacks appear as American assaults. Political expert Thomas Hunter explains the significance of these allegations in Russian war propaganda.
Macron assures Ukraine of France's "unwavering support"French President Emmanuel Macron expressed Ukraine's permanent support. After a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in Paris, Macron reaffirmed France's "unwavering support" for Ukraine in its battle against Russia. Macron's support for Kiev remains unyielding, he said, addressing concerns in Kiev regarding the outcome of France's upcoming election potentially influencing Ukraine's stance on the country.
Finnish Foreign Minister: Work on the 15th sanctions package against Russia will "immediately commence"The EU states have initiated the 14th sanctions package against Russia today - and the 15th sanctions package is already in development: The work on it will "immediately commence," said Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen in a report from "Kyiv Independent". The new EU package adds 116 persons and organizations to the sanctions list and includes several additional measures, such as the prohibition for EU institutions to participate in the transshipment of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) in third countries.
Zelenskyy removes General Yuri SodolUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed General Leytenant Yuri Sodol, the commander of the United Forces, replacing him with Brigadier General Andrij Hnatov. Zelenskyy made the announcement in his evening video address. No reasons were given for the dismissal. Previously, the chief of staff of the controversial Azov Brigade, Bohdan Krotovytsch, reportedly filed a complaint against Sodol. He accused the commander of negligent orders that led to heavy losses. "He has caused more Ukrainian soldier casualties than any Russian general," Krotovytsch wrote on Facebook without mentioning Sodol's name.
Ukraine receives 1.4 billion Euro from the EU using frozen Russian assetsAs of July, the European Union (EU) will grant Ukraine additional military aid amounting to 1.4 billion Euro. The EU foreign ministers made the way clear for this in Luxembourg, as EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell announced. The EU is making available to Kiev the earnings from frozen Russian assets for the first time. Hungary had previously blocked the release of these funds. The foreign ministers reportedly agreed on a method to bypass the Russia-friendly Hungarian government. Borrell reportedly presented the foreign ministers with a legal assessment. According to him, Hungary no longer needs to explicitly approve the payment of the first tranche. Previously, there had already been resolutions on the use of the funds, in which the Orban government had constructively abstained. "The (EU) treaty provides legal means to move forward," Borrell emphasized.
Germany delivers more than 40 trucks to Ukraine for border protectionGermany is delivering more than 40 trucks to Ukraine for border protection. "Germany stands with Ukraine. Forty-one Mercedes Arocs trucks will aid the units of the state border guard in their logistical support at the front," said the German ambassador to Ukraine, Martin Jäger, according to a report by the Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Independent." "In this way, Germany is making another contribution to the defense of Ukraine against the Russian aggressor," the German diplomat reportedly added.
Ukraine: Death toll in Pokrovsk after Russian attack increases to fiveThe authorities in the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk now state that the death toll after a Russian rocket attack is five. The number of injured is now 41, including four children. Earlier reports from Ukraine stated that Russia fired two rockets at the city. A private house was destroyed, and 16 other buildings were damaged.
USA: Ukraine acts independently on its own targets, not under US controlThe US government is not controlling the attacks of Ukraine, according to its own statement. "Ukraine makes its own decisions regarding targets and conducts its own military operations," said a spokesperson for the Defense Ministry. This statement was made in response to Russia's accusation over the weekend that a Ukrainian attack using ATACMS missiles on the Crimea was orchestrated by the US. According to Russian reports, at least four people were killed, and 151 were injured. Russia had annexed the Crimea in 2014.
Scholz: German companies are driving the rebuilding of UkraineGerman companies are thanked by Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz for their support of Ukraine, including in its reconstruction. This was stated by the SPD politician in his speech to the participants of the "Industry Day" conference in Berlin. "German entrepreneurs are already playing a crucial role in supporting and rebuilding Ukraine and its European continent," said the Chancellor accordingly.

Expected Politics in Brussels: Zelenskyy to Discuss Security Cooperation with EU

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to engage in political discussions in Brussels, mid-week. Multiple EU officials conveyed to the German Press Agency that a security cooperation agreement between Ukraine and the EU will be inked during these talks. These negotiations have been ongoing for months. Additionally, Zelenskyy might attend the EU leaders' summit on Thursday as a guest, though official confirmation is yet to come.

The security accords are a result of an initiative by the G7 member countries. Last year at the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, they agreed that individual nations should sign bilateral agreements with Ukraine to ensure its long-term security. The EU has now joined in. With these accords, Ukraine expects weapons deliveries, financial aid, and political cooperation. These agreements aim to bridge the time until the desired NATO membership of the country.

16:55 Rejection to Safe Zones in Ukraine by Foreign Ministry

The demand by CSU regional group leader Alexander Dobrindt to return jobless refugees from Ukraine to safe areas in their homeland has been rejected by the Foreign Ministry. A spokesperson stated in Berlin, "Russia is targeting areas both in the east and the west of Ukraine." Moscow is carrying out an illegal war of aggression against the entire Ukraine. "I wouldn't know where a safe place in Ukraine would be right now," the spokesperson added. Dobrindt had requested employment as a condition for asylum seekers from Ukraine. "Employment in Germany or return to safe areas in western Ukraine," he said to "Bild am Sonntag". Representatives of the traffic light coalition parties SPD, Greens, and FDP criticized the proposal and accused Dobrindt of populism.

16:36 Threat of Retaliation for New EU Sanctions by Russia

Russia has threatened retaliation for new EU sanctions. The Foreign Ministry in Moscow declared that for every hostile action from the West, "there will be a necessary response." The sanctions are illegal. The list of individuals prohibited from entering Russia has been significantly expanded, according to the statement. No further details were provided. Previously, the EU states had prepared a 14th sanctions package against Russia. Included are the blocking of investment in Russian oil and gas projects.

16:20 Zelenskyy: Ukraine Targeted More Than 30 Russian Oil Facilities

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine has targeted more than 30 facilities in the Russian oil industry, including refineries, terminals, and storage facilities. He did not specify a time frame or provide further details. A Russian response has not been issued yet. Ukraine has escalated its attacks on Russian oil facilities this year. The Russian government generates a substantial portion of its revenue from these facilities.

16:01 Retired Colonel Warns Against Euphoria: Kiev's Negotiating Position Worsened

Despite the latest Ukrainian successes in the Black Sea, Wolfgang Richter from the Geneva Center for Security Policy cautions against excessive optimism. Russia can rely on "substantial resources." In addition to military aid, it requires an exit strategy, according to the expert.

15:34 Casualties and Injuries in Russian Attacks in Ukraine

At least eight people were killed and numerous others injured in Russian attacks on targets in eastern Ukraine and the southwestern Black Sea port city of Odessa, as per Ukrainian reports. In the eastern region of Donetsk, Governor Wadym Filaschkin reported that at least four people were killed and 34 others injured, including two children, in rocket attacks on the city of Pokrowsk. Filaschkin stated that the Russian troops fired two Iskander-M missiles at the city and destroyed several buildings. This was one of the largest enemy attacks on civilians in recent times, according to his statement. Furthermore, a man was reportedly killed by Russian fire in the city of Kurachowe to the south. "The Russians attacked the city of Kurachowe with a guided missile and damaged an infrastructure facility," the governor said without providing additional details.

15:11 Plans for Long-Range Weapons Coalition by Germany, France, and Poland

Germany, France, and Poland are planning to form a coalition of European states for the development of long-range weapons. "Long-range weapons represent a significant capability gap in Europe," explained German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius of the SPD in Paris. Several countries should come to an agreement on this issue before the NATO summit in July, he emphasized. A corresponding declaration could then be signed at the NATO summit in Washington. "We will show in Washington how powerful and reliable the Europeans are," Pistorius said at a meeting with his French and Polish colleagues, Sébastien Lecornu and Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz. "We will demonstrate in Washington how effectively the Europeans can contribute," Pistorius added, referring to the fact that already 23 European allies, including Germany, had reached or exceeded the two-percent NATO target for defense spending.

Following the destructive Ukrainian rocket explosion on a Russian-annexed Crimean coastline, the government of Kiev refers to the casualties as "local inhabitants". Mychajlo Podoljak, an advisor in the Presidential Office, posted on Telegram, "There's no signs of tranquility or recreational spaces on Crimea." The Crimean Peninsula is under Russian occupation, riddled with hundreds of military targets, host to ongoing conflicts. The Kremlin attempts to conceal these military objectives by utilizing civilians, who inadvertently become civilian casualties themselves. Just a day prior, a Ukrainian rocket blast occurred over a public beach near the naval base in Sevastopol, resulting in at least four deaths and over 150 injuries, as reported by local authorities.

14:18 Zelensky orders inquiry into the Presidential GuardUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has demanded an investigation of the State Guard, as alleged assassination plans were allegedly uncovered within the security services. At the introduction of the new head of the Presidential Guard, Olexij Morosov, Zelensky remarked that his main objective would be to attract individuals who envision their future with Ukraine to the Guard. Those from the Guard who choose an alternative path than Ukraine or tarnish the Guard's reputation must be dismissed, stated Zelensky. The Ukrainian Security Service SBU claimed in May they had apprehended two high-ranking officers of the Guard, charged with plotting the assassination of Selenskyj and other Ukrainian officials.

13:52 Ukraine reports deaths and injuries in attack on PokrovskFour Individuals have died, and 34 others have been wounded in a Russian rocket attack on the eastern Ukrainian town of Pokrovsk, as per local authorities. Two children were among the wounded. The town sustained damage from two rockets, leveling a private house, and damaging another 16 structures.

13:32 EU imposes military aid on Hungary for UkraineThe EU is enforcing military aid for Ukraine against the wishes of the Hungarian government. At a foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg, approximately 1.4 billion Euros for military aid for Ukraine was approved, as reported by several German Press Association diplomats.

13:16 Ukraine reports fatalities from a Russian mine in LypziTwo people have perished due to a Russian landmine explosion in Lypzi, Charkiw region. The regional military administration's head announced the news via Telegram, as reported by Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform. An automobile with two occupants supposedly drove over a mine, perhaps in the morning. One man died instantly, a woman succumbed to her injuries on her way to the hospital.

12:52 German government dismisses expulsion of unwilling Ukrainian refugeesThe German government has declined the expulsion of unwilling Ukrainian citizens. A Foreign Office spokesperson in Berlin argued that it's been daily observable how Russia threatens targets across Ukraine and tries to annihilate the infrastructure in the west of the country. "I am unsure where a safe location in Ukraine would be," he emphasized in response to a request from CSU regional group leader Alexander Dobrindt, who proposed "safe areas in western Ukraine."

12:21 Russia threatens retaliation against the USA for the Crimean rocket attack on civilians

Russia has threatened retaliation against the USA following a reported Ukrainian rocket attack on the annexed Crimean Peninsula, leaving at least four individuals dead and over 150 more injured. Presidential spokesman Dmitri Peskov warned, "There will be consequences." The specific repercussions—time will reveal them. Russia promises retaliation for any US involvement in this attack. Peskov refers to the Russian threat to station rockets within striking distance of the US and their European allies. According to Russian reports, Ukraine allegedly deployed five US-supplied ATACMS rockets, armed with cluster munitions, onto the Crimean Peninsula. Four rockets were intercepted by air defenses, while the warhead of the fifth rocket detonated in mid-air. Debris from the rocket fell near a beach. Among the fatalities, two minors died.

More information available here.

11:58 Russia expert: Rocket on Krim not targeting touristsFollowing the Ukrainian rocket attack on the annexed Crimean Peninsula, several casualties have been reported, including at a tourist location. According to Russia expert Niko Karasek, the debris landed haphazardly among the tourists.

11:35 Sewastopol declares a state of emergencyA day after the devastating Ukrainian rocket attack, the authorities in the port city of Sewastopol on the annexed Crimea have declared a state of emergency. As per official reports, four individuals were killed and 151 were injured in the attack, with 79 of them still receiving treatment in the hospital. Most of the victims were sunbathing on a beach in Sewastopol when rocket debris fell and detonated. Initially, the Russian military claimed responsibility for the rocket launch, but eventually retracted the claim and accused the Ukrainian military of deliberately targeting civilians. However, the claim's validity is questioned by some Russian military blogs. Besides the beach, there are numerous military installations nearby.

Amid new EU sanctions against Russia, Baltic states express disapproval towards Germany. Lithuania's Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis remarks that the sanctions are "unfortunately inadequate" compared to expectations. His Estonian counterpart Margus Tsahkna states that "it's becoming increasingly tough in the EU to reach a consensus on new sanctions." Previously, Hungary was the main hurdle, but now the German government is blocking stricter sanctions evasion regulations through third countries. The EU Commission aimed to penalize European companies if prohibited goods reached Russia via subsidiaries in countries like Kazakhstan. However, Berlin disputed this, arguing that the measures would negatively impact Germany, the biggest EU export nation, more than Russia. Now, companies are just expected to make "maximum feasible efforts" against sanctions violations.

More details here.

10:24 Odessa under attack, two injured

Per reports from the mayor's office, two people were wounded in an attack on Odessa this morning. This was reported by Ukraine's state news agency Ukrinform. Russian troops reportedly targeted civilian infrastructure with rockets.

09:44 Expanded EU sanctions list with 116 individuals and organizationsThe EU has approved the 14th sanctions package against Russia. According to the announcement, sanctions will be imposed on an additional 116 persons and institutions. Stricter measures will also be taken against efforts to bypass existing sanctions. Moreover, investments in Russian liquefied gas projects will be blocked.

09:25 EU seeks to use frozen Russian funds for Ukraine supportThe EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell aims to prevent a EU member state from blocking the use of funds from frozen Russian financial assets for Ukraine's support. Borrell will propose a plan at the EU foreign ministers' meeting in Luxembourg. "We have a legal procedure to prevent any kind of blockade."

08:58 Accusations towards Dagestan from Islamism in Russia without evidenceFrom the Russian parliament come, without evidence, accusations that Ukraine is behind the terror attack in Dagestan, as reported by NTV correspondent Rainer Munz. The Kremlin is trying to "shift the blame from the growing Islamic terror in Russia."

08:23 Odessa attack reported, heavy explosion in the cityAccording to media reports, 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 Schwerin visits Kiev - "Ukraine must triumph"As the first Federal President of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Manuela Schwesig visits Ukraine. The SPD politician arrives in Kiev by train and intends to hold political talks there. "It's a show of solidarity with all 16 federal states with Ukraine," she said on her way. "Ukraine must win this war and it should not be possible for Russia to succeed 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 still heavily contestedAccording to reports, the village of Nowooleksandriwka in the Donetsk region is still not completely under Russian control. Ukrainian sources emphasize that Russian troops have not fully taken the village. The Ukrainian army reports heavy fighting there.

06:52 Russian unit accused of mistreating wounded prisonersA Russian military blogger reports that commanders of various units of the so-called Donetsk People's Republic are mistreating their wounded subordinates. A brigade is said to be holding its wounded in the city of Donezk instead of treating them, as cited by the US think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

06:21 Third Estonian volunteer dies at the frontA 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.

05:44 EU Foreign Minister Meeting: Intensifying Pressure on HungaryThe EU Foreign Ministers and Ministers are discussing the Russian aggression war against Ukraine at a meeting in Luxembourg on Monday. A debate with the Ukrainian Chief Diplomat Dmytro Kuleba is planned, who will be connected via video. Hungary is expected to give up its blockade of military aid worth 6.5 billion Euro, which was a contentious issue during the Foreign Ministers' meeting at the end of May.

03:42 "Unjustifiable": IAEA Condemns Attacks Surrounding Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power PlantThe International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is demanding an immediate halt to assaults on the Ukrainian city of Enerhodar, neighboring the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. "Anyone responsible for this must cease. Drone attacks on the power plant and its vicinity are escalating," IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi stated. "This behavior is totally unjustifiable and goes against the universally agreed security principles and specific guidelines." In the past week, drone assaults hit two transformer stations. The power supply to the residents was occasionally disrupted. According to Grossi, the prior incidents had no impact on the operations of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

02:45 Stoltenberg Meets with Macron to Discuss Additional Aid for UkraineNATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is heading to Paris on Monday for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. During the meeting, discussions about further support for Ukraine during its war with Russia are anticipated. Macron announced earlier in the month his intent to spearhead a coalition for the deployment of Western military training in Ukraine.

01:43 Orban Calls for an Immediate Truce in the Ukraine WarBefore the start of the Hungarian EU Presidency, Prime Minister Viktor Orban called for an initiative for an immediate ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict. "Russia's assault on Ukraine is completely unacceptable and breaches the fundamental principles of international relations," Orban stated to the Funke Media Group newspapers. "Now, it's about stopping the killing at the front." Orban stated that the end of the war in Ukraine is one of the key points of the Hungarian EU Presidency, which commences on July 1.

00:53 Ukraine Repetitively Attacks Crimean PeninsulaUkraine continues to attack targets on the annexed Crimean Peninsula with rockets at night, reports Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform. In the seaport of Evpatoria, there have been several explosions, the city's authorities have issued an air alarm. The outcomes of the attacks are uncertain. Various media outlets share videos and images of fires. No confirmation about allegedly hit military installations as yet has been received from either the Ukrainian or Russian sides.

23:49 Zelenskyy Requests Expanded Weapons and permission to Strike Deep into Russian TerritoryIn response to continued shelling of the city of Kharkiv, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy demands extensive weapons from the West and permission to strike deep into Russian territory. "The Russian air force should be destroyed wherever it is and with all viable means," states Zelenskyy in his daily video address. Kiev is collaborating with its Western partners to make a corresponding decision.

22:49 Prien on Social Benefits for Refugees: "Federal Government Falters"Following a proposal by CSU regional group leader Alexander Dobrindt for social benefits for Ukrainian refugees, Schleswig-Holstein's Education Minister Karin Prien refers to the cause of the exodus. "Ukrainians are fleeing Putin's terror and Putin's war. Of course, they deserve our protection and our hospitality," writes Prien on the platform X. "The majority of Ukrainian refugees wish to quickly establish a foothold here, work, and prepare for the reconstruction of their homeland. Our mission should be to facilitate their entry into the workforce." She also accuses the Federal Government of failing in this respect.

22:17 EU Commission Warns of Russian Influence on the 2025 Bundestag ElectionLooking ahead to the Bundestag election next year, EU Commission Vice President Vera Jourova warns of potential manipulation attempts by Russia. "We live 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 concerned Voice of Europe may serve as a blueprint for further operations - also in preparation for the Bundestag election next year. This fake medium is likely just the tip of the iceberg." It could be replicated as a method. The EU had 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 political parties in Europe, "particularly during election seasons." Voice of Europe, based in Prague, is suspected of spreading pro-Russian propaganda in the EU and providing monetary incentives to European politicians.

Ukrainian energy supplier announces nationwide power outages

In response to Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the state energy supplier has announced additional power outages for the upcoming days. This was announced by Ukrenergo on Telegram. The measures are necessary because energy consumption is expected to increase at the start of the week, and the power grid has been weakened "by the numerous Russian attacks." Ukraine has been implementing rolling blackouts since May due to damaged energy infrastructure. According to Ukrenergo, the largest power cuts are expected between 19 and 23 hours on Monday.

You can read about previous developments here.

Russian drones under attack: 120 destroyed in Ukrainian navy's offensive in Krasnodar region