The Kremlin defends assaults on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine.
The Kremlin justifies the shelling of energy facilities in Ukraine by suggesting they could be powering military factories. "In some cases, the power grid is linked to the military infrastructure," says Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov to Russian news agencies in relation to whether he views Ukraine's energy supply system as a legal military target. Russia has been attacking Ukraine for over two years, repeatedly targeting energy facilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky estimates that 80% of thermal power plant capacity and a third of hydroelectric power plant capacity have been destroyed. The human rights organization Amnesty International accuses Russia of committing war crimes for disrupting the population's access to heating, electricity, and water.
11:35: Russia's Nuclear Strategy Shift
The Russian government is contemplating modifying its nuclear strategy, according to their own statements. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov expressed this opinion in a report by the Russian news agency Tass. The specific changes to the nuclear deterrence strategy are unclear.
11:25: Zelensky Urges Patriot Air Defense Systems
Ukraine requires at least seven Patriot air defense systems to defend against Russian attacks, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. "Air defense is the answer to everything," Zelensky said at the reconstruction conference in Berlin. He thanks Germany especially for providing three Patriot systems. Zelensky also stated that it's a horrible opportunity to continually attack Ukraine, which happened at the reconstruction conference for the country in Berlin. Prior to that, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz recommended strengthening Ukraine's air defense to counter Russian attacks. (See entry at 11:15 am)
11:15: Scholz Urges Increased Air Defense for Ukraine
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz urged further support for Ukraine's air defense during the international reconstruction conference for Ukraine. Scholz calls on allies to back a German initiative to supplement Ukraine's air defense. "The best reconstruction is the one that doesn't have to happen," he said in the two-day conference's opening speech. Scholz is planning to advocate for far-reaching, long-term state commitments for Ukraine's reconstruction at the G7 summit of the leading Western economic powers in Italy, set to begin on Thursday. He also requested private companies to participate in investments. "Given the scale, private capital must also be involved," Scholz explained, as there are still 35,000 workers from German automotive companies in Ukraine. Although there have been no investment withdrawals and trade volume has significantly increased compared to pre-war levels, Scholz claimed, "This demonstrates the potential of Ukraine."
10:59: Desperation and Determination: Life in Isjum's Ruins
At the international reconstruction conference for Ukraine in Berlin, President Zelenskyy has joined other attendees. The inhabitants of Isjum can testify to the harsh reality of living in rubble. NTV reporter Kavita Sharma spoke with a house owner and a power plant manager, seeking assistance.
10:41: Emphasizing Ukraine's European Perspective
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stressed Ukraine's European perspective in her arrival at the reconstruction conference in Berlin. "We make it clear here that we are not only fighting the brutal Russian attack together, but are paving the way for Ukraine to join our European Union," Baerbock stated. Russian President Vladimir Putin's objective is to "destroy Ukraine's lifeblood" with his war of aggression, she criticized. "That's why we stand together and united," said Baerbock. "Not just in terms of defense and economic reconstruction, but primarily on the pathway into the European Union." Baerbock noted that the people in Ukraine need assistance with their lifeblood during the attack on their country's infrastructure the most. Therefore, it's crucial that the conference includes not only politicians but also mayors, businesses, and organizations that support life in Ukraine. "Our goal is for Ukraine to be not only free after winning this war but to have a strong foundation in a united, common Europe," she concluded.
In anticipation of the Ukraine rebuilding conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stopped by Berlin for a meeting with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Steinmeier will also participate in the upcoming conference and will listen attentively to Zelensky's speech in the Bundestag. Although the specifics of their private meeting were unknown, the two presidents had previously encountered each other at Schloss Bellevue in May of the previous year. Their relationship had been strained at the outset of the Ukraine conflict when Steinmeier was asked to visit Kiev accompanied by officials from Poland and the three Baltic states. Eventually, Steinmeier went to Kiev on his own, leading to a relaxed rapport between the two leaders.
10:29 S-Bahn cessation in Berlin: Public transportation disrupted for Ukraine conference
The Ukraine reconstruction conference has disrupted public transportation in Berlin, prompting the S-Bahn to stop operations between Friedrichstraße and Tiergarten on the directive of the police. Numerous S-Bahn lines are affected, as stated in a notice from the railway. In addition to the S-Bahn, regional trains are also prohibited from operating and are being diverted. The main goal of the two-day reconstruction conference hosted by the German government is to give Ukraine a long-term development perspective. The event, launched at the City Cube congress center in Charlottenburg's exhibition grounds by Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Zelensky, includes the participation of approximately 2000 participants.
09:51 Russia and Belarus initiate second stage of nuclear weapons exercise
Russia and Belarus have embarked on the second phase of their defensive atomic weapons exercise. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, this exercise ensures that their armed forces and equipment are prepared to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both nations. It involves the joint training of troops from both countries to ready them for the deployment of non-strategic nuclear weapons. In response to threats from France, Great Britain, and the United States in relation to the Ukraine conflict, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the atomic weapons exercise. Western allies recently sanctioned Ukraine's utilization of weapons acquired from them against Russian military targets.
09:31 Sharma discusses "Race against Time": Ukrainians' aspirations for the reconstruction conference
At the Ukraine reconstruction conference in Berlin, the primary focus is on fostering interconnections among relevant actors. NTV journalist Kavita Sharma provides insight into the Ukrainians' expectations and the timely controversy.
09:05 Hofreiter urges more robust air defense for Ukraine
The Chairman of the European Affairs Committee in the German Parliament, Anton Hofreiter, advocates for a more robust air defense system for Ukraine during the Ukraine reconstruction conference. "A prerequisite for reconstruction in Ukraine is dependable air defense. Only then can Ukrainian energy infrastructure be safeguarded, which was significant damaged by Russian air forces." Privately-funded investments in Ukraine will only be significant if they are guaranteed protection from Russian air strikes, Hofreiter told the Rheinische Post. "Therefore, there is an urgent need for a robust European initiative in the field of air defense."
Defense expert from the Free Democratic Party, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, also demands additional weaponry deliveries from Germany. "I assume that the Federal Chancellor will promise the Ukrainian president concrete, swift German support and express his unequivocal backing for the president's wishes during his Berlin visit," she declared. Union Deputy Chairman, Johann Wadephul, also calls on the German government to provide further support to Zelensky in Berlin, while advocating for the provision of Taurus-Cruise Missiles to Ukraine. (See 07:18 am entry.)
08:27 Former CDU General Secretary Czaja: German government may escalate conflict in Ukraine
The scarcity of East Germans in the CDU leadership has diminished the representation of perspectives that are less prevalent among West Germans on matters of Russia and weapons delivery to Ukraine. This is what former CDU General Secretary, Mario Czaja, shares in an interview with the Tagesspiegel. "I believe that East Germans bring unique experiences when dealing with Russia that West Germans have yet to accumulate." Czaja opines that the current authorization of the German government to target Russian assets with Western weapons presents the potential for the conflict's escalation in Ukraine. "This will be closely watched and scrutinized by many in East Germany." Czaja does not envision German attack weapons decimating Russian populations or hitting civilians.
The aim, according to Czaja, should be to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin, who commenced the bloody war of aggression, back to the negotiating table. "However, it must be done with caution. The war should not continue to grow, causing more and more civilian casualties." The viewpoints of Czaja and Michael Kretschmer, who do not support providing Taurus-Cruise Missiles to Ukraine, constitute a minority opinion in the CDU and are not as frequently heard as they should be, according to Czaja. (See also 07:18 a.m.)
Mike Pompeo, a previous US Secretary of State and CIA Director, is urging for more European support for Ukraine, specifically by way of large-scale investments from the private sector. This can be likened to the reconstruction of Germany following World War II. Pompeo advocates for this in a piece he composed for the Tagesspiegel. Ukraine's capacity to maintain its individual infrastructure and economy is essential to its recovery from the current conflict. In order to rebuild, the nation requires an environment that invites more private investors to engage in the reconstruction process. "If this doesn't happen, Putin has reached his goal–to devastate Ukraine–even if he doesn't profitably capture Kiev," the former American Secretary of State contends.
07:51 Ukraine has incurred 520,850 Russian casualties since the start of the conflict
The Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff has revealed that Russia has lost 520,850 soldiers since the beginning of its assault on Ukraine. This includes 1,100 casualties Russia experienced in the last few days. Additionally, the General Staff has provided an account of Russian losses since February 24, 2022: 7,902 tanks, 15,176 armored combat vehicles, 18,676 vehicles and fuel tanks, 13,690 artillery systems, 1,099 multiple rocket launchers, 842 air defense systems, 359 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 11,023 drones, 28 ships and boats, and a submarine.
07:36 KSE study displays €52 billion in damages to Ukraine's energy infrastructure
A research conducted by the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE) reveals that Russia's aerial bombardment of Ukraine's energy infrastructure inflicted €52 billion in damages. This figure contains both financial losses endured by energy corporations as a consequence of lost revenues and requires €50.5 billion to rectify the harmed or eradicated infrastructure. As per the KSE report, direct losses resulting from the destruction of energy infrastructure total 16.1 billion US dollars. The most damaged infrastructures were power plants, power lines, as well as facilities in the oil and gas sector. The revenue losses for energy companies are approximated to be around €40 billion.
07:18 Union deputy faction leader requests Taurus missiles from Germany for Ukraine again
Further to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Berlin, Johann Wadephul, who heads the Union deputy faction, renews his demand for Germany to provide Taurus missiles to Ukraine. "I yearn for the President not to be required to address an emotional plea in the German Parliament once more and then return empty-handed," Wadephul communicates to the "Rheinische Post." Wadephul adamantly maintains that Ukraine needs "any support" during a particularly pivotal phase of fighting Russia. Germany, in Wadephul's opinion, hasn't furnished Ukraine with the necessary support. If this persists, it'll be "dire" in terms of the ongoing war and European security's prospects.
06:52 Russian Su-34 bomber crashes during a training flight in the Caucasus: Crew deceased
A Russian Su-34 bomber is claimed to have crashed while training in the Caucasus, according to a statement from the government. The crew is stated to have perished, verified by Russian news organizations from the Defense Ministry. The accident is presumed to be caused by a defect. The crash took place in the Russian Republic of North Ossetia-Alania. It's indeterminate how many individuals were aboard.
06:37 CDU foreign policy politician applauds Ukraine reconstruction conference as a sign of solidarity
Jürgen Hardt, a CDU foreign policy politician, hails the international Ukraine reconstruction conference as a "striking political and economic indication of solidarity." The conference, which commenced at 9:00 a.m., represents a "powerful common political and economic statement of solidarity" for the people of Ukraine, Hardt remarks to the German Press Agency (see also entry 06:10 a.m.). "The conference demonstrates that the free world is capable and inclined to transform Ukraine into a contemporary and free nation. The possibilities of Ukraine are formidable. A prosperous Ukraine will also be a boon for Germany," says Hardt. Ukraine's journey towards both NATO and the EU is projected to receive affirmation via the conference. Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz will start the conference with a talk at 10:00 a.m. The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is also scheduled to make an appearance (see also entry 23:46 p.m.).
06:10 Schulze before reconstruction conference: Strong alliance for Ukraine
Germany's Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, Robert Habeck, emphasizes the unity within the European Union with respect to its support for Ukraine. "We have made it clear that we stand on Europe's side in this war," Habeck remarks to the German Press Agency. Habeck also highlights the crucial role of the reconstruction conference in Berlin for Ukraine's future. "The wonderful thing about this conference is that it goes from assistance to east Germany to Ukraine. With the change from East to West. And with it the great message that this war cannot be won without us–friends." Scholz will inaugurate the conference at 10:00 a.m. with a speech, with the anticipation of Zelensky's appearance (see also entry 23:46 p.m.).
Development Minister Svenja Schulze believes the one-day Ukraine reconstruction conference in Berlin will send out a powerful message of collaboration. Schulze declared, "This event will gather people from all corners of the globe over the course of two days who not only hold high hopes for a better future for Ukraine but are actively taking steps towards making it a reality. It demonstrates the power of the solidarity pact backing Ukraine: some 60 nations, numerous businesses, municipalities, and civil society representatives." She adds, "Russia's unlawful aggression against Ukraine necessitates unwavering support." She also emphasizes Ukraine's fight for our security and freedom. The conference aims to initiate reconstruction even during wartime; Ukrainians need shelter, electricity, running water, and hospitals at the moment. Civilian assistance is indispensable in enabling the country to endure the turmoil. More than 2,000 participants from politics, business, and international organizations are forecasted to participate in the reconstruction conference until Wednesday. This event is a networking-focused endeavor, not a fundraising platform for reconstruction funds.
05:24 12:04 USA lifts arms embargo on the Azov Regiment
The US government is said to have lifted a ten-year arms and training embargo on the Ukrainian Azov Brigade. "Following a comprehensive assessment, the 12th Special Unit of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the Azov Brigade, has passed the Leahy Amendment review by the US State Department," says a statement shared with the Washington Post. An updated examination yielded no evidence of human rights violations by the outfit. The Leahy Law bars the supply of military assistance to foreign forces implicated in such breaches. The Azov Brigade originates from right-wing and ultra-nationalist roots and is now a part of the Ukrainian National Guard. Established in 2014, it exists to combat the pro-Russian separatists who proclaimed independence in eastern Ukraine.
02:34 "Admiral Levchenko" Russian destroyer catches fire in the Barents Sea
In the Barents Sea, the Russian destroyer "Admiral Levchenko" has caught fire. Section: A Ukrainian Navy spokesperson provided this information. The fire's status could not be independently verified at this time. With several hundred crew members on board, the vessel desperately fights for its survival. As stated by Dmytro Pletenchuk on Facebook, an overheated engine is thought to have precipitated the fire. The "Admiral Levchenko," commissioned in the Soviet Navy in 1988, is equipped with engines built in Mykolaiiv, Ukraine. They can only be maintained there. "This happens when the Russian state faces sanctions from Ukraine," he adds.
00:37 Rheinmetall and Ukraine open tank repair workshop
The German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall and Ukraine are launching a joint tank repair workshop and production facility. Per the Ukrainian Ministry of Strategic Industries, keys to the repair and maintenance of the infantry fighting vehicle Marder have been presented. The inaugural joint service center will enable efficient repair and maintenance of German equipment directly in Ukraine, a move anticipated to greatly augment the armed forces' efficiency. In the joint production facility, Ukrainian technicians will operate, while Rheinmetall representatives will cover the technical aspect.
23:46 Zelensky reaches Berlin
Ukrainian President Zelensky has arrived in Berlin. Thursday evening, he indicated this on X. He's participating in the Ukrainian reconstruction conference in the German capital. "I'll discuss additional defense aid, the expansion of the Ukrainian air defense system, and joint arms production with Chancellor Scholz," Zelensky stated. Tuesday afternoon, he'll address the German parliament.
22:15 Russia expels ORF journalist
The Russian Foreign Ministry has withdrawn the accreditation of an Austrian journalist and mandated her departure from the country. The ministry claimed this as a reaction to the recall of a Russian Tass correspondent's permanent accreditation in Austria. The Tass correspondent had to vacate Vienna on June 7, with her accreditation withdrawn on April 30; the Ukrainian counterpart failed to justify the discriminatory action.
21:44 Poland creates a buffer zone at border with Belarus
Poland has opted to establish a buffer zone at its border with Belarus. The Polish cabinet, led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, directed the Interior Ministry to issue an appropriate decree during a meeting in Bialystok, situated in the country's east. The goal entails improving the migration management process across the Polish-Belarusian border and enhancing working conditions for border guards, the military, and the police. This buffer zone will span 200 meters, but in some locations, it will measure up to two kilometers. Poland possesses a 400-kilometer-long boundary with Belarus. Poland and the EU accuse Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko of masterminding the illegal conveyance of migrants to the EU's external frontier to exert pressure on the West.
21:14 DIHK: Guarantees are critical for German companies' involvement in Ukraine
The German Industry and Commerce Chamber (DIHK) is encouraging the expansion of specific security measures to aid in Ukraine's rebuilding efforts. DIHK Managing Director Martin Wansleben noted, "We agree with the federal government's decision to uphold significant tools for German foreign trade promotion in Ukraine during this conflict." Particularly relevant is the widening of German investment guarantee coverage. Wansleben proposes that forthcoming reconstruction conference in Berlin sets the stage for risk and cost evaluations to be balanced out with reinsurance schemes, ultimately facilitating financing opportunities. Additionally, German firms need a comprehensive understanding of internationally available options for investments, export guarantees, and various insurance options. DIHK mentioned that investment guarantees were provided for over 40 projects in 2022 and 2023.
In western Ukraine, three dozen men reportedly left Ukraine by truck to seek refuge in Hungary. Andrij Demtschenko, a Ukrainian Border Guard representative, spoke with Ukrajinska Prawda and divulged, "The neighboring country reported discovering a vehicle and detaining 32 Ukrainian citizens." Military-aged men are permitted to leave Ukraine only under a handful of circumstances. Many people try sneaking across the green border into EU nations or Moldova. Tragically, the remains of those attempting to flee have been found in the Tisza (Theiss) river and the Carpathians.
Germany and the EU are set to enhance funding for a project of the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) supporting Ukraine at an imminent international reconstruction conference in Berlin. The spokesperson for the German Foreign Office revealed, "Germany will raise its contribution from the present 27 million euros to 39 million euros, while the EU Commission will raise its support from 38 million euros to 54 million euros." This project form part of the Foreign Office's stabilisation platform. It serves to bolster state and civil society players in regions affected the most by the war.
Previous events are recounted here. https://www.dailynews.rainford.house/b/Ukraine/p/2dd48339
Read also:
- The Kremlin maintains that military facilities in Ukraine could be powered by Ukraine's civilian infrastructure, justifying the attacks on energy facilities by Russia during the Ukraine conflict.
- Volodymyr Selensky, the President of Ukraine, has urged for at least seven Patriot air defense systems to protect Ukraine against Russian attacks, emphasizing the importance of air defense in the ongoing conflict.
- Russia's nuclear strategy is under contemplation, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, as NATO continues to monitor the situation in Ukraine and potential threats from Russia.
- There have been repeated attacks on Ukraine's energy facilities, leading to the destruction of 80% of thermal power plant capacity and a third of hydroelectric power plant capacity, allegedly committed as a cyberwar tactic by Russia against Ukraine.
