Russian Journalist Reportedly Slain by Drone Strike, As claimed on Medium
In Eastern Ukraine, a reported drone attack by Ukrainian forces resulted in the death of Russian journalist Nikita Zizagi, as per News.Ru's Telegram post. The attack reportedly happened near a monastery near Vugledar, a city witnessing intense fighting. Previously, a journalist from Russian state television was killed, and another was injured in a Ukrainian drone attack in Golmiwsky. The Russian Foreign Ministry alleges Ukraine deliberately targeted journalists.
19:03 Zelensky: First Danish F-16 jets to be delivered swiftlyUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated during a meeting with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen at a peace summit in Switzerland that the first Danish F-16 combat aircraft will be delivered quickly for Ukraine. The Netherlands have also announced they will deliver F-16 jets this summer, but after Denmark.
18:24 Queer soldiers and soldiers protest for more rightsA crowd of Ukrainian military personnel representing the LGBTQ+ community, along with their supporters, participated in the Pride March in Kiev, calling for official rights for same-sex partnerships. The demonstrators, with rainbow- and unicorn-emblems on their uniforms, expressed their desire to fight on equal terms while emphasizing the unfairness of their situation. Employees of the US Embassy and European embassies also participated. The demonstration took place under heavy police presence amid threats from counter-demonstrators. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church criticized the event.
17:52 Ukrainian army reports progress in Serebrjansker WaldThe Ukrainian military reported further advancement of their troops in Serebrjansker Wald in the Luhansk region. The "Asow" and "Burewij" brigades advanced one kilometer deep and two kilometers wide into the forest, as stated on the Telegram page of the Ukrainian armed forces. Earlier, the "Asow" brigade announced that the Russian troops had lost their positions in that area.
17:18 Trump ridicules Zelensky as "the best salesman ever"At a campaign rally in Detroit, Trump reiterated his rejection of Ukrainian aid, mocking Zelensky as "the best salesman ever" and falsely claiming that Zelensky consistently asks for "60 billion every time."
16:47 Kremlin advises Ukraine to thoroughly consider Putin's proposal for troop withdrawalThe Kremlin encouragingly suggested that the leadership in Kiev should carefully consider a troop withdrawal from the east and south of Ukraine to facilitate peace talks, as the current situation at the front appears to be worsening for the Ukrainians. Kremlin spokesman Peskov added that such a proposal caters to a politician prioritizing their country's interests over their own and their masters'. Moscow previously proposed a ceasefire and peace negotiations in exchange for Ukraine relinquishing occupied territories in the east and south and renouncing NATO membership.
16:23 Zelensky routes peace negotiations to Russia's withdrawal from Ukrainian territoryUkrainian President Zelenskydomandes a Russian troop withdrawal as a prerequisite for the commencement of peace negotiations. He told reporters at the end of the Ukraine conference in Switzerland that Russia and its leadership are not ready for a fair peace.
16:14 von der Leyen perceives no sincere desire from Putin to end the warEuropean Commission President Ursula von der Leyen opined that the conference in Switzerland was rightfully named "Way to Peace," as peace is not achieved in one step. She clarified that the meeting was not about peace negotiations since Russian President Vladimir Putin exhibits no genuine urge to end the conflict. Instead, Putin insists on Ukraine's capitulation and land-grab, desires Ukraine to be disarmed, and renders such conditions unacceptable.
16:06 Zelensky aims for another international conference; special groups to work on "peace plans"Ukrainian President Zelensky intends to organize another international conference following the Ukraine summit in Switzerland. The participants agreed to continue working in special groups, and as soon as "peace plans" are prepared, the way to a second summit will be opened, according to Zelensky. They have consented to "work in special groups after the summit on concrete ideas, proposals, and developments that can restore security in various aspects."
3:58 PM: President Zelenskyy urges fast second gathering for Ukraine talksAs per Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, a quick second round of discussions on Ukraine should happen soon. He stated this after a two-day meeting attended by approximately 100 countries and organizations, indicating that preparations won't take years, but just months. Several nations have expressed their willingness to host such a summit. To participate, Russia must admit the UN Charter, according to EU Commission President von der Leyen. The final statement didn't mention a follow-up conference, and some countries didn't sign it. Despite diverse viewpoints, Swiss President Amherd stated that this conference marked the first time a high-ranking, widely supported gathering had discussed a peace process.
3:50 PM: Declaration cautions against nuclear weapons usageMost conference participants in Switzerland, discussing Ukraine, agreed on a declaration stating that any threats or uses of nuclear weapons during the Ukraine conflict are unacceptable. Nuclear energy and facilities need to be secure, protected, monitored, and eco-friendly. Ukrainian nuclear power plants and facilities, such as the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, must be under Ukrainian control, meeting the IAEA's principles and under its supervision.
3:32 PM: Drone strike on Russian military vehicle in Belgorod regionA Ukrainian kamikaze drone targeted a Russian military truck in Belgorod, Russia, but no injuries were reported. This attack is part of a growing trend. According to the district governor, Gladkov, there were over 50 air strikes on Saturday alone.
3:21 PM: Prisoners of war and deported children should be returned, states declarationThe conclusion of the Ukraine conference in Switzerland appeals for food security to be maintained instead of being used as a weapon. They called for safe and free shipping and access to seaports in the Black and Azov Seas. Attacks on cargo ships and ports are unacceptable. All prisoners of war should be exchanged. All forcibly displaced and illegally deported Ukrainian children, along with other unlawfully detained Ukrainian civilians, should be returned to Ukraine.
3:17 PM: All sides should participate in peace talks, declares summitMost conference participants advocate for including Russia in future peace negotiations, as indicated in the closing statement. However, no clear instructions were given regarding a follow-up conference. No date or location for a Russian summit has been specified. Prior to this conference, several attendees, including Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, had suggested inviting Russia to future gatherings. Russia and China were not present at this Swiss meeting. The goal is to reach a global consensus for potential peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. For more information, click here.
3:02 PM: Disagreement at peace summit: Not all countries endorse declarationThe closing statement of the peace summit in Switzerland wasn't supported by all countries. It was only approved by 80 of the 93 countries present. According to the declaration, the principles of the UN Charter and "respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty" would form the foundation for bringing peace to Ukraine. The document also addresses nuclear security, food security, and prisoner exchange. Some countries that didn't endorse the declaration are six members of the G20 group: Brazil, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, India, and Indonesia. Additionally, Armenia, Bahrain, Thailand, Libya, the United Arab Emirates, Colombia, and the Vatican didn't sign the statement.
2:53 PM: Union pushes for end to aid for Ukrainian refugeesThorsten Frei, the parliamentary leader of the Union faction in the German Bundestag, has called for an end to financial aid for Ukrainian refugees. He claims that such aid sets unfavorable incentives for Ukraine facing Russian aggression, as many Ukrainian soldiers are hesitant to come forward. Frei also suggested adjusting aid for Ukrainian women, as surprisingly low numbers of Ukrainian women are seeking jobs in Germany. The urgent need for assistance to war refugees is clear since their numbers are increasing rapidly.
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13:50 Talks with Ukraine not off the table for Putin: ReportsAccording to recent reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin is not discarding the idea of negotiations with Ukraine. However, guarantees are needed to guarantee the sincerity of any potential discussions, as per Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, citing Russian media. A few days earlier, Putin made a peace proposition that many observers viewed as the equivalent of Ukraine surrendering parts of the country to Russia and potentially tainted with a foul intent to influence talks in Switzerland. Kiev promptly rejected this supposed offer.
13:23 Ways out of the conflict: Trubetskoy says talks with Moscow are essentialAs representatives from 92 countries brainstormed a peace plan for Ukraine at the Swiss Bernese Oberland, combat continued in the beleaguered nation. In an interview with ntv, Ukrainian journalist Dennis Trubetskoy speaks about the slim chances of a negotiated solution and the viewpoints of Zelensky and Putin.
12:49 Ukraine summit in Switzerland unlikely to gain unanimous backingThe final statement at the Ukraine summit in Switzerland is projected to not receive universal support, according to Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer. Some countries have been grappling with the wording of the statement, Nehammer revealed to the press at Bernese Oberland. A follow-up conference on Ukraine is desired, but it remains uncertain how the format will play out. At this point, it's too early to determine whether Russia will participate, and there could potentially be an interim conference first, according to Nehammer.
12:23 Ukrainian troops weigh in on Putin's peace offeringPutin declares that Russia is prepared for a ceasefire and talks with Ukraine under given conditions. Kiev declines the overture, perceiving it as capitulation. Soldiers risking their lives daily on the frontlines share their perspectives on this peace offering.
12:02 Ukrainian Foreign Minister welcomes declaration of Ukraine summit in Switzerland
In a statement to journalists at Bürgenstock, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba describes the declaration of the Ukraine summit in Switzerland as complete and "balanced." Ukraine's government positions have been taken into account. No alternative peace plans were discussed during the gathering. Ukraine will not tolerate Russia speaking in the language of ultimatums.
11:23 British intelligence: Increased taxes to subsidize growing financial obligations for Russia, including war in Ukraine
Recently, Russia announced increased taxes, according to British intelligence. These taxes are expected to be used with high certainty to finance growing financial commitments, including the ongoing war in Ukraine. London anticipates an additional $29 billion in revenue for the Kremlin by 2025 as a result of the rise in the corporate tax rate from 20 to 25 percent, the introduction of new tax classes, and raising the highest income tax rate of 15 percent to 22 percent within the new income tax system. The higher tax burden for companies may impede future investments and growth in non-military sectors, the British intelligence service suggests.
11:04 Ongoing discussions at Ukraine conference - Nuclear security, grain exports, humanitarian issues, and a potential final declaration
Delegates are still in discussions today at the international Ukraine conference in Switzerland. In larger groups, they talk about nuclear security, exports of grain from Ukraine, and humanitarian issues such as the fate of kidnapped Ukrainian children. Expectations are that the results from these aspects will form part of a final declaration. Press conferences are scheduled for the afternoon with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, among others, marking the end of the two-day summit. The goal of the conference is to launch a peace process, with a long-term aim of incorporating Russia. Moscow has not been invited and has not expressed a desire to attend.
10:23 Interview with Putin's "Puppet" in Ukraine: Bizarre claimsHistorian Matthäus Wehewski from the Hannah-Arendt Institute for Totalitarianism Research deems it naive to hope that Putin is open to any compromise or negotiation. As evidence, Wehewski points to X, the head of the movement "Another Ukraine": "Putin's 'peace offering' Phase 2 is an 'Interview' with Viktor Medvedchuk, set up as Russia's puppet in Ukraine." In a recent interview published by Kremlin propagandist TASS, Medvedchuk puts forth baseless assertions like the idea that Zelenskyy does not represent the interests of the Ukrainian people. Additionally, he states that Russia and the Ukrainian people's interests are "the liberation of Odessa and other cities" following the rejection of Putin's peace offer. Medvedchuk also repeats common Kremlin narratives, such as emphasizing the need for "complete denazification and demilitarization" of Ukraine. According to Historian Wehewski, the movement "Another Ukraine" consists of former pro-Russian politicians in Ukraine. "Putin has already constructed an 'alternative' Ukrainian government, with which he plans to engage in 'negotiations' for the dissolution and political/cultural subservience of Ukraine. This strategy was previously employed by Stalin in 1939/40 against the Baltics and Finland."
09:49 Switzerland Conference without Russia: "Scholz addresses the crux of the matter"In Switzerland, heads of state and government are looking for ways out of the conflict in Ukraine. A significant player is absent from the gathering. Russia is missing from the conference, but not because it did not receive an invitation. NTV reporter Jürgen Weichert explains:
Ukraine is still experiencing heavy losses on the Russian side, although not as severe as in May following Kremlin troops' offensive at the new third front in the Kharkiv region. As per reports, 1160 soldiers were eliminated in the last day, along with six infantry fighting vehicles and 58 artillery pieces being destroyed. Unfortunately, no tank destruction was reported. The reported numbers cannot be independently verified.
Ukraine is still awaiting the significant portion of the $61 billion aid package from the US, as stated by General-Leutenant Iwan Hawriljuk, the first deputy Ukrainian defense minister. Although a limited amount has arrived, it has alleviated the shortage of artillery ammunition. The Russian force advantage in available shells has reduced from seven to five to one, according to Hawriljuk. However, until sufficient Western aid arrives to make a substantial impact on the battlefield, it could take several weeks or months, he says.
Coal power plants in Ukraine have experienced a significant drop in capacity from 5 Gigawatts to 500 Megawatts due to Russian attacks. For the upcoming heating season, this situation is disastrous. Ukrainian authorities are working to reassemble the power plants to regain some capacity but require parts such as turbines or generators, which aren't easily obtainable. Dmytro Sakharuk of the Ukrainian energy conglomerate DTEK likened the situation to "Frankenstein units," stating that they might get material from power plants built in countries like Poland, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Romania, and Greece during the Soviet era to restore some capacity.
Christian Dörre, a cybersecurity expert at the Hasso-Plattner-Institut (HPI) in Potsdam, views Germany as underprepared against foreign disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks. According to the researcher, "Unfortunately, we are not well-prepared when it comes to hybrid threats," and the Ukraine conflict over the past two years has shown that society is ineffective in dealing with these threats.
The Ukrainian General Staff reports that Russian forces have substantially increased their activities in the Wremiwka sector, between Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia cities. Russian forces have allegedly stormed the frontlines ten times in the Vodjane, Uroschajne, and Staromajorsk areas. The situation remains tense, according to the General Staff.
The Ukrainian Asow Brigade claims that Russian invaders have lost positions in the Serebryansky Forest. Swjatoslaw Palamar, the deputy commander of the 12th Brigade of the Asow National Guard, and Nasar Voloshyn, a spokesperson for the Chortyzja grouping, made these announcements on social media. According to the military-affiliated channel Deepstate, there have been recent advances. The frontline in the Luhansk region runs through the Serebryansky Forest.
The chairman of the Interior Minister Conference, Brandenburg's Interior Minister Michael Stübgen, supports his Bavarian colleague's demand to withdraw citizens' benefits from Ukrainian refugees in Germany, stating that it doesn't make sense to support Ukraine and, simultaneously, provide benefits to flag-fugitive Ukrainians. Stübgen believes the immediate decision to pay citizens' benefits to refugees from Ukraine was a fundamental error, as the employment rate of Ukrainians is low due to benefits acting as a barrier to employment. The federal government needs to reconsider its policies.
US President Biden was unable to attend the Ukraine Conference in Switzerland due to other engagements, notably a gala dinner with Hollywood stars like Julia Roberts and George Clooney to boost his campaign funds. Vice President Kamala Harris represented the US at the conference in his stead.
02:50 Von der Leyen: Ceasefire isn't the solution, restore Ukraine's borders
Eu Commission President Ursula von der Leyen believes that the current stalemate on the battlefield isn't the answer. She stated at the Ukraine Summit in Switzerland, "Freezing the conflict today with foreign forces occupying Ukrainian territory is not the solution, it's inviting more conflict in the future." Instead, the summit attendees should support a lasting, just, and sustainable peace for Ukraine, a peace that also restores the nation's autonomy and territorial integrity.
01:28 Prepare for emergencies: Latvia conducts readiness drills
In Latvia, a nationwide civil defense awareness day called "Equipped with Knowledge" took place across 14 cities and municipalities. The populace learned how to respond in emergency situations. Knowledge was imparted on first aid, stockpiling emergency supplies, and dealing with explosives, radiation, or chemical hazards. This is to boost civil defense amidst Russia's ongoing onslaught in Ukraine. "We all need to take responsibility, contribute so that, as a society, a country, and individuals, we know how to act in a crisis situation," says Defense Minister Andris Spruds. It's crucial to inform the public about what to do during emergencies.
00:54 Zelenskyy: Russia targets civilians indiscriminately
As per Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, Russia induced around 3,500 rockets on civilian targets and Ukrainian infrastructure monthly. In an interview with the Italian television channel Sky TG24, Zelenskyy claims that these rockets are solely aimed at civilian targets to force people to abandon cities and villages, paving the way for Russian occupation. Russia lied if it claims to focus solely on military objectives.
23:23 Human rights activists: Russia brainwashes kidnapped children
Ukrainian human rights activists accuse Russia of brainwashing kidnapped children from Ukraine. Mykola Kuleba, head of the charity organization Save Ukraine, states that children are prohibited from speaking Ukrainian or displaying any Ukrainian symbols. Children are severely punished if they refuse to sing the Russian anthem. The names and birthdates of the children are altered by Russian authorities. Save Ukraine has so far rescued 373 children, according to Kuleba. Many of them exhibited signs of trauma. The Ukrainian government reports that since the beginning of the conflict, approximately 20,000 children have been kidnapped and shifted to Russia or Russian-occupied territories. Russia refuses the kidnapping claims and alleges to have taken children out of the conflict zone for their safety.
22:12 Ukrainian investigators: Civilians killed, injured by Russian debris in the east
According to Ukrainian investigators, civilians have been killed and wounded in eastern Ukraine due to the usage of Russian debris. The Russian army is said to have shelled the village of Ulakly in the Wolnowacha district with rocket launch systems loaded with debris, striking a residential area. Two men and a woman were reportedly killed, and five more civilians were injured.
21:46 Sunak castigates Russia's supporters
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sharply rebukes Russia's allies and supporters. "They ally themselves with the aggressor - and are on the wrong side of history," Sunak reportedly said at the peace summit in Switzerland. "Those who support Russia by providing weapons or components for these weapons should look at these summits today. They should look at Bucha, Mariupol, and Kharkiv and re-evaluate their decisions," Sunak added, referring to alleged Russian war crimes in Ukraine. "Putin doesn't want genuine peace." Russian President Vladimir Putin is misrepresenting his willingness to negotiate, according to Sunak further.
21:24 Saudi Arabia: Russia's participation essential for credible peace talks
Credible peace talks to bring about peace hinge on Russia's involvement, as per Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prinz Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud at the Ukraine conference in Switzerland. Moreover, a road map for peace requires challenging compromises, as Saudi Arabia stated. Saudi Arabia is a leading contender to host a follow-up conference.
20:51 Advance on the Eastern Front: Ukrainians claim victories
The Ukrainian military reports successes on the Eastern Front in the areas of Klischtschijiwka and Serebrjansker Wald. It seems that Ukrainian forces overran Russian troops from their positions, according to the Ukrainian army's Telegram page. The victory is attributed to the 12th Special Brigade Asow. Its deputy commander, Sviatoslav Palamar, announced on Facebook that Russian troops were driven off from their positions in the Serebrjansker Wald area.
20:16 Ukraine reports new attacks near Wowtschansk
Despite numerous attempts at diplomacy by a significant portion of the international community, Russian forces continue their attacks on various frontlines. Backed by their air force, Russian units carry out another assault in eastern Ukraine near Wowtschansk, as reported by the General Staff in Kiev in their daily report. Unusually strong advances were also communicated from the Pokrowsk region in southeastern Ukraine. Almost a third of the 74 Russian attacks documented daily were recorded in Pokrowsk. All attacks were thwarted, it is said.
20:02 Chancellor Scholz: Let Russia Join Peace Talks for UkraineGerman leader Olaf Scholz advocates for Russia's participation in the peace negotiations concerning Ukraine. During the peace summit in Switzerland, Scholz asserts, "Look, peace in Ukraine can't happen without Russia being part of the solution." He also pushes for a full withdrawal of Russian military presence from the territories of Ukraine under pinch. "This war could come to an end today, or any day if Russia stops its aggression and vacates Ukraine," states Scholz.
Feel free to catch up on past events here.
Read also:
- The Russian Foreign Ministry has accused Ukraine of deliberately targeting journalists in cyberwar attacks, such as the one that resulted in the death of Nikita Zizagi near a monastery in Eastern Ukraine.
- As tensions continue in the Ukraine conflict, a group of Ukrainian military personnel representing the LGBTQ+ community and their supporters participated in the Pride March in Kiev, calling for official rights for same-sex partnerships and fighting on equal terms despite unfair circumstances.
- Amid ongoing military operations in the Ukraine conflict, the Kremlin has encouraged Ukraine to thoroughly consider Putin's proposal for a troop withdrawal from the east and south of Ukraine as a way to facilitate peace talks, given the worsening situation at the front for the Ukrainians.
- In the face of intensifying military operations and the ongoing Ukraine conflict, NATO has provided Ukraine with defensive weapons, including anti-tank systems, as part of its commitment to supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russian aggression.
