Russians plan a massive 15 million-strong campaign targeting Kiev's military leadership.
The Ukrainian military intelligence service, HUR, states that Russia plans to launch a negative propaganda campaign against the Ukrainian military leadership. An alleged investment of 15 million euros is being poured into articles and films that portray the Ukrainian special units and military leadership negatively. Russian military personnel have been instructed to distribute these materials in Ukrainian and Western media to escalate tensions within Ukraine.
German security authorities view the security situation before the upcoming European Football Championship as "tense." They are particularly concerned about potential devastating cyber-attacks due to Russia's war on Ukraine, and the national team's participation in the EM. The protection of stadiums and other event venues from drone assaults could pose a significant challenge. Drones have previously been spotted over Bundeswehr bases where Ukrainian soldiers are undergoing training with German devices. It's also possible that Islamic attacks on one of the 51 matches or major fan festivals could occur. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has announced a strong police presence at stadiums and fan zones, calling it a "power play."
Residents of Balaklava, a settlement in Sevastopol on the occupied Crimean Peninsula, reported hearing explosions during the night. The Kyiv Independent, citing reports on the Crimean Wind Telegram channel, claims that a drone attack could be responsible as there were reports of large-caliber guns noise before the explosion. Two explosions were reported, one near a power plant and another near the Sevastopol port. The Kyiv Independent couldn't yet verify the information. The Ukrainian military aims to disrupt Russian war logistics and supply lines by carrying out targeted attacks on infrastructure.
The Ukrainian Air Force appreciates the Mirage combat jets that France is donating to Ukraine, praising them as modern and versatile for various combat missions. However, F-16 fighter jets still hold priority for Ukraine. The training of F-16 pilots is ongoing, and Mirage fighters are expected to take six more months to train. The French Mirage, developed in France during the 1970s, was exported to various countries and served as the most important combat aircraft of the French army before about 20 years ago.
Eight more settlements in the Ukrainian-Russian border region of Sumy are being evacuated due to the daily Russian attacks. The governor of the region shared this information on state television. In the past 24 hours, over 50 explosions were reported from Sumy. In the beginning of the week, the Russian shelling killed three people and injured three others. The number of civilian casualties in the region this year has now reached 50, caused by artillery, mortars, and kamikaze drones.
Ukraine has purchased an air defense system from the French arms manufacturer, Thales. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry is obtaining a second system, following a delivery of a first air defense system last year. With the absence of sufficient defense weapons, air defense poses a significant problem in Ukraine.
According to a report by Bloomberg, Germany is contemplating sending another Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine, which would be the fourth Patriot system provided. This development coincides with the relaxation of German rules for the use of Patriots against Russian aircraft in Russian airspace. This would allow Ukraine to potentially shoot down Russian planes that attack targets in the Kharkiv region with rockets or glide bombs outside the Russian airspace.
In response to Russian president Vladimir Putin's claims about Zelensky's illegitimacy, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky declared that only the Ukrainian people can recognize his legitimacy. Zelensky added that Putin is the only one who recognizes Putin himself, with the Russians simply serving as a backdrop. During a press conference with French President Macron, Zelensky concluded, "The legitimacy of Mr. Putin is only recognized by Mr. Putin himself. Only Putin chooses Putin. The Russians are just a backdrop."
02:05 Berlin Conference to Provide Ukraine With Long-Term Outlook
Germany aims to give Ukraine a long-term vision that goes beyond military assistance through the Ukraine Reconstruction Conference next week. This initiative focuses on creating opportunities for civil society, the economy, municipalities, and regions, according to a senior official from the German government. Discussions will also cover reforms and employment. At the conference in Berlin on Tuesday and Wednesday, besides Chancellor Scholz and various German ministers and officials, a high-ranking Ukrainian delegation is expected to attend. The representative of the German government highlighted that this meeting isn't solely about raising funds, but rather networking.
00:45 Russian Occupation Claims 22 Killed Villagers Revealed by Russian-Appointed Official
The Russian occupation administration alleges that 22 people were killed in a village under occupation in the southern region of Kherson due to Ukrainian shelling. The Russian-appointed administrator for the region, Vladimir Saldo, posted on Telegram that a village store packed with people was targeted in Sadowe Village. Additionally, 15 people were injured. The administrator described this as a "direct murder of civilians," attributing it to Western weapons delivered to Ukraine. Photos shared in his post, though, don't provide a clear understanding of the level of damage. No independent verification of the incident is available at present.
23:45 Macron Claims EU Membership Talks With Ukraine "By the End of the Month"
French President Emmanuel Macron has urged for the beginning of EU membership negotiations with Ukraine "by the end of the month." Speaking at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Zelenskyj in Paris, Martin stated, "France supports Ukraine in all areas, including at the European level, where we are attempting to achieve a true start of membership negotiations by the end of the month." Zelenskyj underscored that there were nearly achieved decisions on Ukraine's integration into the EU. However, Hungary, which will assume the presidency of the EU Council on July 1st, is hampering the process.
22:54 Support for Zelenskyj at Lowest Point
After more than two years of war, President Zelenskyj's support in Ukraine has reached an all-time low, but still commands trust from over half the population. The KIIS Institute conducted a survey and found that Zelenskyj's approval rating has fallen below 60% for the first time. Following the start of the Russian attack in May 2022, his support was at 90%. Since the commencement of the war, his approval rating has been continuously decreasing. Zelenskyj's presidency was meant to end in May, but under martial law, he's remained the president. Ukrainian officials confirm that elections will not take place for now, mainly since 20% of the country is under Russian control and several million Ukrainians have fled abroad.
22:04 US Refuses Engagement In Macron's Proposal to Send Military Trainers to Ukraine
The US administration has no plans to be involved in French President Emmanuel Macron's suggestion to send military trainers to Ukraine. John Kirby, the communications director of the National Security Council, commented on the sidelines of a visit from US President Joe Biden to France that Biden respects Macron's opinion. Kirby reiterated that the US has not wavered from its position of not sending American soldiers to Ukraine. "That has been the case until now, and it will also be the case in the future," Kirby emphasized. The decision to disclose information about the proposal, as well as clarity on the matter, remains Macron's prerogative. Biden himself has clarified his stance since the start of the Ukraine War. Among his points were, "we don't want a third world war and we don't want a war with Russia."
The recent developments can be found here.
Read also:
- The Ukrainian government has expressed concerns about potential Russian cyber-attacks on its infrastructure, following Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
- In response to the escalating conflict in Ukraine, NATO has increased its support for Ukraine's military operations, providing new weapons and training.
- According to Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, Russia's attack on Ukraine is an illegal violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- The Russian government has been accused of engaging in a form of military conflict against Ukraine through cyberwarfare and disinformation campaigns.
