Two individuals perished due to a mine explosion along the Russian border.
In the region of Bryansk, Russia, close to the Ukrainian border, two locals were confirmed dead following a mine explosion. The fatalities occurred when local residents disregarded warning signs and entered a restricted border zone with mining hazards, as stated by Governor Alexander Bogomas. An additional individual was reportedly injured. The explosion took place in Klimowski district, bordering Chernihiv in northern Ukraine. Bogomas issued a warning for the public to remain vigilant and avoid visiting regions in border areas marked with mine warning signs due to the ongoing reinforcement of Russia's border regions since the beginning of the two-year-long Ukrainian offensive.
In Estonia, a former University of Tartu professor has been sentenced to six years and three months in prison for spying for Russia. The Russian national was found guilty by a Tallinn court of acting on behalf of a foreign intelligence service against the Republic of Estonia, allegedly gathering details about Estonia's domestic, defense, and security policies, as well as relevant individuals and infrastructure. The professor was apprehended by Estonian Security Police in January and has been in pre-trial detention since then.
The Lettish Government announced plans to reinforce its border with Russia, including the implementation of tank barriers. The decision was made to allocate an additional 300 million euros over the next five years for border reinforcements, primarily consisting of hedgehog or dragon's teeth barriers, according to the Defense Ministry. The Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics confirmed this during a visit to the construction site of a border fence, stressing that no part of Latvian territory would be left unprotected. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, all Latvian border guards have been armed with assault rifles in addition to their handguns.
Vladimir Putin kicked off a two-day state visit to North Korea, where he was welcomed by Kim Jong Un at Pyongyang Airport. Discussions are expected to include potential weapons deliveries from North Korea to aid Russia's war effort in Ukraine.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on China to halt its support for Russia's military industry. China's assistance enables Russia to sustain its defense industry, military machinery, and prolong the Ukrainian conflict, according to Blinken. He reiterated that China must cease its support. Approximately 70 percent of Russia's machining tools and 90 percent of its microelectronics originate from China, significantly supporting Russia's defense industry.
A Russian oil depot in the Rostov Oblast was set ablaze after another drone attack by Ukraine. Despite the fire spreading, no casualties have been reported. Both Russia and Ukraine have shared surveillance footage of the event, with Ukraine viewing the attack as a success.
In an announcement by Moscow, changes to Russia's nuclear doctrine are on the horizon. The adjustments are reportedly in response to the "military special operation" and the West's behavior, including parameters regarding nuclear deterrence policy, as stated by Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov. The specifics of the changes have not been disclosed.
Following an alleged Russian military aircraft violation of Swedish airspace over the Baltic Sea island of Gotland, the Swedish embassy has summoned the Russian ambassador. Swedish authorities claim that a Russian SU-24 bomber flew over Gotland, approximately 350 kilometers east of the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, despite warnings from the Swedish Air Force. Swedish JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets were deployed to intercept and escort the Russian aircraft out of Swedish airspace.
17:23 Air Surveillance alleges Kiev of accusing Russian forces of decapitating a Ukrainian soldier near the frontline in eastern Ukraine. "We've heard rumors that the commanders of the Russian occupation forces in the Wolnowacha region of Donetsk have ordered not to take prisoners among Ukrainian soldiers," explained the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office via a Telegram service. A Ukrainian soldier's head was found during an air surveillance in a military vehicle. Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin referred to a blatant breach of the Geneva Convention and vowed that the incident wouldn't go without punishment. He urged "the entire civilized world to isolate and punish the terrorist nation". No response was received from Moscow regarding the accusation. The news agency AFP could not independently verify the Ukrainian claims.
16:54 Orban yields resistance against Rutte as NATO chief, Hungary backs his bid
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has halted his resistance against the appointment of the outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the new Secretary General of NATO. Orban announced that Hungary is ready to support Rutte's candidacy. This paves the way for Rutte as Stoltenberg's successor, with only one obstacle remaining - the publicly unwithdrawn candidacy of the Romanian President Klaus Iohannis for the NATO top job. Iohannis, however, has no significant supporters left. Orban stated the reason for his concession in the personnel matter as a letter from Rutte, in which he addressed Hungarian demands. Among other things, it involves Hungary's wish to ensure it won't be compelled to participate in a planned NATO mission to coordinate weapons deliveries to Ukraine.
16:18 Putin acknowledges North Korea for support against Ukraine during state visit
Before his visit to North Korea, Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked Pyongyang for its support of Russia's offensive in Ukraine. "We appreciate the fact that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) resolutely backs 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 brief border crossing by North Korean soldiers.
15:43 Access to Soviet archives declined: European Court of Human Rights reproaches Russia
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has reprimanded Russia for its refusal to grant access to archives to the human rights organization Memorial and other organizations regarding repressions during the Soviet era. "The search for historical truth is an integral part 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 backs Rutte as new NATO Chief
Slovakia has declared its readiness to support Mark Rutte of the Netherlands as the new NATO Secretary-General. "Following a final discussion with Mark Rutte and consultations with the Slovakian government, Slovakia can envision Mark Rutte as NATO-Chief," said the Slovakian President Peter Pellegrini. However, the official support of Hungary and Romania is still lacking. In March, Romania's 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 several times. In October, Stoltenberg intends to step down after a decade at the helm of the military alliance. The NATO Secretary-General is appointed through the consensus procedure and therefore requires the support of all 32 members. Several countries have already expressed their support for the outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Rutte.
14:26 Bern Federal Prosecutor examines alleged Russian agents
Swiss authorities suspect, according to a media report, a Russian diplomat of attempting to purchase weapons and dangerous substances. The Federal Prosecutor's Office in Bern confirmed that it had requested permission from the government to pursue a political crime in this matter. The Federal Prosecutor and the police had already carried out "precautionary measures" in the context of the investigation, the authority announced. Previously, the "Tages-Anzeiger" had reported that a diplomat was under investigation who was accredited to the Russian embassy in Bern. The suspected agent had allegedly come to light a few weeks before the Ukraine summit, which took place in Switzerland without Russian participation over the past weekend. For the investigation to progress, the Federal Prosecutor has also requested the lifting of immunity.
13:47 Italy plans to supply Ukraine with Storm Shadows
According to a report in "Il Fatto Quotidiano," Italy plans to provide Ukraine, in another military aid 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 said to present the ninth military aid package to parliament at the end of June, according to the report, which does not mention the number.
13:02 Professor in Estonia sentenced to six years and three months in prison 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 is reported by the Russian-language opposition medium Meduza, citing the Estonian public broadcaster. Morozov worked at the University in Tartu, Estonia, until his arrest in January, and shared his knowledge of the political situation in Estonia and its relations with the EU with Russian intelligence services.
22:19: NATO Chief advocates countermeasures against contemporary Hypersonic armamentsNATO Chief Christian Badia is urging action to counter modern Hypersonic weapons, highlighting the necessity of both defense and offense for effective deterrence, as stated at a Berlin conference. Russia is reportedly deploying these weapon systems against Ukraine. The warning time may shrink down to merely two minutes, according to reports at the meeting. Markus Ziegler from the German Aerospace Industries Association observed: "Distance Moscow-Berlin: If you're quick, you can make it here in five minutes. Even Beijing-Berlin, where it's said Beijing is far, it would take just 20 minutes."
10:07: Arson at Russian fuel depot suspected by intelligence agencyThe nighttime arson at a fuel depot in the Russian town of Asow is believed to be the work of the Ukrainian Security Service, according to a source in the agency speaking to The Kyiv Independent. As per the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry, the fire spread over approximately 3,200 square meters. Over 200 firefighters were on site to extinguish the blaze.
09:30: British intelligence reports Russian control over village near AvdiivkaBritish intelligence suggests that Russian troops have likely taken control of the village of Novooleksandrivka, about 20 kilometers north of Avdiivka. This puts the Russian army closer to the T0504 highway, one of Ukraine's main supply lines.
08:58: Russia and North Korea plan comprehensive cooperation treatyRussia and North Korea aim to sign a comprehensive cooperation treaty during Putin's visit to Pyongyang. Putin has approved the draft treaty from the Foreign Ministry, according to the Kremlin. The document is expected to be signed by Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, with no details about the treaty's content revealed yet.
08:30: China responds sharply to Stoltenberg's criticismThe Chinese government has dismissed NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg's criticism of China's stance on the Ukraine conflict. "We advise (NATO) to stop accusing others, not to stir up trouble, and not to fan the flames," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian. Instead, NATO should take concrete steps "for the political resolution of the crisis." Stoltenberg had criticized China's actions regarding the Russian aggression in Ukraine during a visit to Washington. China portrays itself as neutral, Stoltenberg speculated. "But the reality is that China is escalating the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II and at the same time keeping friendly relations with the West."
07:16: Twelve-year prison sentence for anti-war symbols in RussiaA Moscow Military Court has sentenced a Ukrainian woman to twelve years in prison for playing an anti-war declaration and the Ukrainian national anthem from her apartment window in Moscow. Ukrainska Pravda reports, citing the Russian opposition media outlet Mediazona. The 35-year-old woman also released white-blue-white balloons, a protest symbol against Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
06:54: Russian Navy exercises against submarinesThe Russian Navy has started exercises in the Pacific Ocean directly before Putin's state visit to North Korea. Approximately 40 ships and boats, as well as about 20 planes and helicopters, are involved in the maneuvers, according to the Defense Ministry in Moscow. The exercises are reportedly taking place in the waters of the Pacific Ocean, the Japanese Sea, and the Sea of Okhotsk until June 28. During the training, underwater combat and air defense are to be practiced.
06:28: Putin's portrait lines Pyongyang's streetsPutin's visit to North Korea is evident in the capital Pyongyang: The streets are not only adorned with numerous Russian flags but also with Putin's portrait. This can be seen in videos, for example on the Russian state news agency TASS, on social media platforms.
06:01: Munz: At Putin's North Korea visit, it's mostly about weaponsRussian President Putin is visiting North Korea today and tomorrow. According to NTV Russia correspondent Rainer Munz, he likely has weapons in his luggage. Diplomatic support is also important:
05:48: Rwanda withdraws signature from Peace Summit declarationRwanda has withdrawn its signature from the closing declaration of the Ukraine Peace Summit in Switzerland, according to Ukrainian media reports. Rwanda's name no longer appears on the list of signatories on the Swiss government's website since Monday. Currently, 77 states and 5 organizations support the declaration.
05:22: Ukrainian military analyst attests Russia problems with artillery productionAccording to Ukrainian military analyst Petro Chernyk, Russia is experiencing shortages of explosives for artillery shells, as reported by the US think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Russia is also reportedly transitioning from self-propelled to towed artillery systems, but it encounters problems with these as well. However, Russia cannot produce more self-propelled systems, as it only has five to six such machines.
04:54: Ukraine claims destruction of all ten Russian drones in the nightThe Ukrainian Air Force claims to have destroyed all ten Russian drones used at night over the regions of Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk. The Air Force announced this via Telegram.
04:28: Russia confirms destruction of rare Russian reconnaissance aircraftRussian authorities have confirmed 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 deaths of ten crew members. The Kyiv Independent reported this. The Ukrainian Military Intelligence and the Ukrainian Air Force had claimed responsibility for the shootdown at the time. The aircraft was reportedly crucial for detecting air defense systems and missile guidance, as well as coordinating targets for Russian fighter jets. Russia reportedly has fewer than ten of these aircraft, with an estimated cost of around 350 million dollars each.
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06:02 Russian Prisons Burning After Ukrainian Drone Attack Prisons located in the Russian city of Asow, a locale in the Rostov region close to the Ukrainian border, suffered fires following a drone attack of Ukrainian origin. According to Governor Vasili Golubev's announcement via Telegram, no casualties have been reported. Authorities are still investigating the matter, and local firefighters are diligently working to extinguish the fires.
05:40 Russia Holds Talks with USA Over Possible Gershkovich Exchange Russia has confirmed discussions with the United States regarding a potential exchange of Evan Gershkovich, a US reporter detained in Russia. Dmitry Peskov, the Press Secretary of the Presidential Administration, made this statement, citing President Vladimir Putin's desire for such talks at the onset of June. Peskov stressed that talks should continue discreetly, meaning no public statements, proclamations, or disclosures about the matter will be given. The 32-year-old reporter from the "Wall Street Journal" was taken into custody by the Russian domestic security service FSB on March 29, 2023, and stands accused of espionage.
04:50 US Soldier Admits Partial Responsibility for Theft The US soldier, Gordon Black, arrested for suspected theft in Russia, has confessed to some involvement in the theft but insists his actions were not intentional. According to Russian news agency Interfax, Black made this statement during a court hearing in Vladivostok. He also denies any threats to kill his girlfriend. The detention of various US citizens, such as journalist Evan Gershkovich and former soldier Paul Whelan, accused of espionage, is also a concern.
03:50 German Regulatory Body Imposes Fine for Incorrect Nord Stream 2 Values The German Federal Network Agency has slapped a €75,000 fine on Gascade for publishing incorrect values related to the controversial German-Russian gas pipeline, Nord Stream 2, in 2021 due to IT issues. According to the agency based in Bonn, incorrect values were published, which suggested that the commissioning of Nord Stream 2 was imminent. The market responded to the false report and believed that the pipeline's commissioning was about to happen, leading to lower prices as a result.
02:58 Putin Praises North Korea for Military Support in Ukraine Prior to his visit to North Korea, Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly thanked Pyongyang for its military support for Russia's military operations in Ukraine in a piece published by the state North Korean news agency KCNA. Putin expressed his gratitude for North Korea having "resolutely supported" Russia's military actions in Ukraine. He further stated that both countries are working to strengthen their comprehensive partnership.
01:57 Intense Battle in Northeastern Ukrainian Region Kharkiv Reports indicate that parts of the northeastern Ukrainian region Kharkiv are experiencing heavy combat. According to the pro-Russian governor of the occupied territories in the Kharkiv region, Vitali Ganchev, forces are sending reinforcements and attempting a counter-attack, facing strong opposition from Ukrainian troops. Russian forces are said to have repelled the latest Ukrainian counter-attacks near Vovchansk, approximately five kilometers from the border. Russian troops have allegedly taken control of several villages in Kharkiv last month, according to official statements, and are gradually being driven out by Ukrainian forces, as per Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
00:55 DIW President Criticizes Benefits Reduction for Ukrainians as Empty Populism Marcel Fratzscher, an economist, deems demands to decrease social benefits for Ukrainian refugees as "empty populism." Fratzscher contends that neither Ukrainians nor Germans will financially benefit from treating refugees unfairly by reducing their benefits. Instead, the German government should focus on integrating refugees into the labor market and society more swiftly, rather than decreasing spending on refugee welfare.
23:55 Majority of Ukrainians View Zelenskyy as a Legitimate President Despite the length of Zelenskyy's term during wartime, an overwhelming majority of Ukrainians - 70% - believe he should remain in office until the war ends. Only 22% oppose this view. This perspective contradicts Moscow's stance that Zelenskyy's term has expired, and he is no longer the legitimate president of Ukraine.
22:55 European Parliament Warns Against Deporting Russian Migrants to Finland The European Parliament raises concerns about Finland's intent to return migrants, whom they claim have been intentionally sent to the common border by Moscow. The European Parliament's Human Rights Commissioner, Michael O'Flaherty, sends a letter to Finland's Parliamentary Speaker Jussi Halla-aho, urging the rejection of the draft law allowing border guards to return refugees. The ruling Finnish Center-Right Government is pushing to tighten the immigration laws, which includes a bill presented at the end of May that would enable their border guards to send back refugees.
Russia's Kremlin continues to criticize the outcomes of the Swiss Peace Conference for Ukraine, held in Moscow. As stated by Dmitri Peskov, the official spokesperson for President Vladimir Putin, the conference's lack of Russian participation rendered it incapable of delivering results. In Peskov's words, "Naturally, they aim for nothing in discussing the results of this gathering." Moscow remains unperturbed by the support shown by Russia-friendly nations such as Serbia, Turkey, and Hungary towards the final declaration. Peskov further stated, "We'll definitely consider the stance of these countries. It holds significance for us. We'll carry on explaining our stance to them." A spokeswoman from the Moscow Ministry of Foreign Affairs referred to the conference as a "total collapse," as reported by the Tass news agency.
For more context on past events, check here.
Read also:
- The ongoing Ukrainian conflict has prompted concerns about potential cyberwarfare, with Ukraine accusing Russia of conducting a cyberattack that led to a power outage in several Ukrainian cities. (Ukraine conflict, Militray operations, Ukraine, Russia)
- In response to the escalating tensions, NATO has announced plans to bolster its cyberdefense capabilities, with a focus on enhancing their collaboration with partner countries, including Ukraine and Estonia, who have been at the forefront of Russian cyberattacks. (Military, Nato, Cyberwar, Russia)
- Meanwhile, Volodymyr Selensky, the President of Ukraine, has highlighted the importance of strengthening Ukraine's cybersecurity infrastructure, calling for international support to safeguard Ukraine's digital infrastructure and ensure its resilience against cyber threats. (Cyberwar, Volodymyr Selensky, Ukraine)
- Amidst the intensifying tensions, cybersecurity experts in Ukraine and Europe have warned about the growing risk of a full-scale cyberwar, emphasizing the need for increased cooperation and preparedness among nations to safeguard their critical digital infrastructure. (Military operations, Cyberwar, Europe, Ukraine)
