U.S. Pursues Further Arms Delivery to Kiev

U.S. Contemplates Providing Additional Munitions to Kiev

The United Statesintends to supply Ukraine with $150 million worth of ammunition, according to internal sources. The announcement is set for today, Tuesday. The upcoming shipment is speculated to contain ammunition for the multiple rocket launchers gifted by the U.S., capable of launching Atacms-Rockets. Following the Ukrainian Atacms-strikes on Crimea, Russia labeled the U.S. a warring party.

00:36 Moscow frustrates EU sanctions as "ineffective".Moscow perceives the new penalties in the 14th EU sanctions package against Russia as ineffectual. The Foreign Ministry in Moscow voices this in a press release. The West disregards the economic repercussions for its own economy and the well-being of EU citizens, claims Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Gruschko in Moscow. Russia predicts an economic growth exceeding 3% this year, surpassing Germany's growth rate by more than tenfold. "The purpose of the sanctions was to strangle the Russian economy, to fracture society. The EU has accomplished the opposite", says Gruschko.

23:28 Ukrainian authorities deny asylum seekers: Schwesig contradicts DobrindtThe Minister-President of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Manuela Schwesig, criticizes the suggestion by CSU regional group leader Alexander Dobrindt to return refugees from certain regions of Ukraine to their homeland if they fail to secure employment in Germany. "There are no safe areas, as Russia attacks the entire Ukraine," says the SPD politician on ZDF "heute journal update". Schwesig claims that Dobrindt exploits many refugees, including women with children, by stoking popular resentment.

22:29 Ukrainian General Staff: Approximately 130 skirmishes with Russian troopsAt the front, a total of 128 skirmishes have taken place with Russian troops since daybreak, according to Ukrainian reports. The Ukrainian General Staff shared this information on Facebook. The Russian forces are primarily focusing on the Pokrowsk area. The General Staff's report indicates that this region accounted for approximately a third of the Russian attacks today. The Ukrainian defense forces have successfully thwarted the attacks and maintained the front lines.

21:57 "Shameless infringement" - Hungary condemns EU decision on Russian assets for UkraineThe Hungarian government reacts with indignation to the decision of other EU states to utilize the gains from frozen Russian assets for Ukraine. In the eyes of Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, this is the "most shameful breach of common European rules" ever. Hungary is currently investigating legal options to safeguard its rights. The government of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is set to assume the EU presidency in a week. Orbán maintains friendly relations with the Russian government.

21:38 Ukrainian Navy: 120 Russian drones destroyed in attack on Krasnodar oblast According to the Ukrainian Navy's statement on Facebook, an attack on the Russian Krasnodar region resulted in the destruction of 120 drones. The attack on June 21 was carried out jointly by the Ukrainian Navy and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), as reported by Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform. The military reportedly targeted objects on a training ground of the 726th Training Center of the Russian Air Defense in Yeysk. The report indicates that drone pilots are trained there.

21:04 Hunter on Terror in Dagestan: "Putin needs to maintain the role of victim".The Kremlin suspects intervention from the U.S. behind the series of attacks in the Republic of Dagestan, seeking to frame the attacks as an American operation. The role of these accusations in Russian war propaganda is examined by political expert Thomas Hunter.

20:42 Macron guarantees Ukraine of France's "unwavering commitment". French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged Ukraine's ongoing support. After a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in Paris, Macron reiterated France's "unwavering commitment" to Ukraine in its battle against Russia. Macron reaffirmed that France's support for Kiev "remains undeterred," addressing concerns in Kiev that a victory for the right-wing populists in France could influence Ukraine's stance towards the country.

20:16 Finnish Foreign Minister: Work on 15th EU sanctions package against Russia to commence "immediately".The EU states initiate the 14th sanctions package against Russia today, and work on the 15th sanctions package is reportedly already underway: The work on it will "begin immediately" according to Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, as reported by "Kyiv Independent." The new EU package adds 116 individuals and organizations to the sanctions list and includes additional measures, such as the prohibition of EU institutions from participating in the transshipment of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) in third countries.

19:44 Zelenskyy dismisses General Yuri Sodol Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has relieved General Yuri Sodol of his post as the head of the United Forces. Brigadier General Andrij Hnatov has been named the new commander of the United Forces of Ukraine, Zelenskyy announced in his evening video address. The reasons behind the dismissal were not disclosed. Previously, the head of the controversial Azov Brigade, Bohdan Krotovytsch, had reportedly filed a complaint against Sodol. He alleged that the commander issued negligent orders, resulting in significant losses. "He has caused more casualties among Ukrainian soldiers than any Russian general," Krotovytsch stated on Facebook, without mentioning Sodol's name.

19:16 EU to Furnish Ukraine with 1.4 billion Euro in Military Aid via Russian Assets

By July, the European Union (EU) will provide an additional 1.4 billion Euro in military aid to Ukraine. This move was facilitated by EU foreign ministers during a meeting in Luxembourg, as reported by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. For the first time, the EU will utilize interest gains from frozen Russian assets to fund Kiev, as Hungary had previously blocked such aid. The foreign ministers reportedly agreed on a method to bypass the Russia-friendly Hungarian government, with Borrell presenting them with a legal assessment. According to Borrell, Hungary no longer requires explicit approval for the initial payment tranche, as related resolutions on the use of funds had already been established, with the Orban government constructively abstaining.

18:52 Germany Dispatches Over 40 Trucks for Ukraine's Border Security

Germany is delivering more than 40 trucks to bolster logistical support for Ukraine's border guards. The German ambassador to Ukraine, Martin Jäger, confirmed this in a statement to the Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Independent". He added that this move would reinforce Germany's stance in aiding Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.

18:14 Death Toll Rises to Five in Pokrovsk Following Russian Attack

The city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine now reports five fatalities and 41 injuries, including four children, following a Russian rocket attack. Initial reports indicated that Russian forces had fired two rockets at the city, resulting in a destroyed private home and damaged properties.

18:02 Ukraine Acts Independently in Military Operations

Contrary to Russian allegations, the Ukrainian forces do not operate under U.S. control. According to a Defense Ministry spokesperson, Ukraine makes its own decisions concerning targets and manages its military operations independently. This statement comes in response to Russia's accusation that a Ukrainian attack on Crimea was orchestrated by the U.S., resulting in several deaths and injuries.

17:46 German Companies Pivotal in Ukraine's Rebuilding

German companies are playing a crucial role in supporting and rebuilding Ukraine, according to Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz during his speech at the "Industry Day" conference in Berlin.

17:18 Zelenskyy Anticipates Completion of Security Accords in Brussels

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is slated to finalize political talks in Brussels by midweek. Reports suggest that an agreement on Ukraine-EU security cooperation will be signed during these talks, with ongoing work on the text for this having spanned months. Zelenskyy may also attend the EU leaders' summit as a guest on Thursday.

16:55 CSU's Dobrindt Rejected on Safe Areas Demand

CSU regional chairman Alexander Dobrindt's call for the return of jobless refugees from Ukraine to safe areas in their homeland has been met with rejection by the Foreign Office. The Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that Russia is targeting areas in both the east and the west of Ukraine, making it uncertain where safe zones might exist.

16:36 Russia Threatens Retaliation for New EU Sanctions

Russia has threatened retaliation in response to the new EU sanctions. The Foreign Ministry in Moscow declares that for each hostile action from the West, "the appropriate response" will be delivered. The expanded list of individuals prohibited from entering Russia was also announced.

16:20 Zelenskyy: Ukraine has Struck Over 30 Russian Oil Facilities

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine has targeted more than 30 sites in the Russian oil industry, including refineries, terminals, and storage facilities. Further details, such as the timeframe of these attacks, remain unspecified. No response from Russia has been issued thus far. Ukraine has escalated its attacks on Russian oil facilities this year, as these facilities significantly contribute to the Russian government's revenues.

Veteran Colonel (Retired A.D.) issues caution against triumphalism: Kiev's negotiating stance deteriorates significantly

Despite recent triumphs by Ukraine in the Black Sea, Wolfgang Richter from the Geneva Center for Security Policy advises against overconfidence. Russia can draw upon "substantial reserves." In addition to military assistance, it is crucial for Russia to devise an exit strategy, according to the expert.

14:55 Fatalities and Casualties in Russian Assaults across Ukraine

At least eight lives were claimed and many more wounded in Russian attacks on targets in eastern Ukraine and the southwestern seaport city of Odessa, as per Ukrainian sources. In the eastern region of Donetsk, Governor Wadym Filaschkin reported that at least four lives were lost and 34 others injured, including two children, in rocket attacks on the city of Pokrowsk. Filaschkin claimed that Russian troops rained rockets upon the city of Pokrowsk, obliterating several homes with two Iskander-M missiles. This was one of the most significant enemy attacks on civilians in recent times, according to his statements. Furthermore, a man was reportedly slain by Russian fire in the city of Kurachowe to the south. "The Russians assaulted the city with a guided missile and damaged an infrastructure facility," the governor said without offering additional details.

14:09 Germany, France, and Poland to establish coalition for long-range weaponry

Germany, France, and Poland aim to establish a coalition of European states for the development of long-range weaponry. "Long-range weapons constitute a significant gap in capability within Europe," noted German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius of the SPD in Paris. Several countries must reveal their intentions by the NATO summit in July to close this gap mid- to long-term, Pistorius affirmed. A corresponding declaration could then be signed at the NATO summit in Washington. "We will show in Washington our strength and reliability," Pistorius said at a meeting with his French and Polish colleagues, Sébastien Lecornu and Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz. "We will demonstrate in Washington our ability to contribute effectively," Pistorius added, referring to the fact that 23 European allies, including Germany, have already achieved or surpassed the two-percent NATO target for military spending.

13:44 Kiev labels victims on occupied Crimea as "civil occupiers"

Following the catastrophic explosion of a Ukrainian rocket over a Crimean Peninsula beach annexed by Russia, the Kiev government brands the victims as "civil occupiers." "There exists no 'coast,' 'tourist zones,' or other signs of 'peaceful existence' on the Crimea," writes advisor Mychajlo Podoljak in the Presidential Office on Telegram. The Crimea serves as an occupied territory with hundreds of military targets, where clashes are ongoing. The Kremlin is attempting to conceal these targets by employing its own civilians, who subsequently become "civil occupiers." The day prior, a Ukrainian rocket had exploded over a public beach near the naval base in Sevastopol. According to local authorities, at least four lives were lost and over 150 were injured.

12:58 Zelensky orders investigation of the Presidential Guard

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has ordered an investigation of the State Guard following the unearthing of suspected assassination plots within the security services. At the unveiling of the new head of the Presidential Guard, Olexij Morosow, Zelensky stated that his primary task would be to ensure that those who envision their future with Ukraine join the Guard. And anyone from the Guard who chooses a differing option or besmirches the State Guard must be removed, Zelensky added. The Ukrainian Security Service SBU reported in May that they had arrested two high-ranking officers of the Guard, who were accused of planning the assassination of Zelensky and other state representatives of Ukraine.

12:30 Ukraine reports casualties in attack on Pokrovsk

At least four lives have been taken and 34 others injured, including two children, in a Russian rocket assault on the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, as per local authorities. The city was hit by two rockets. A private residence was demolished, and 16 others were damaged.

12:06 EU implements unwilling Hungary's military aid for Ukraine

The EU is providing 1.4 billion Euros for military aid to Ukraine against the wishes of the Hungarian government. The planned procedure for this was approved at a foreign ministers' meeting in Luxembourg, according to several diplomats from the German Press Agency.

11:45 Ukraine reports two fatalities from a Russian mine

Two lives were lost due to a Russian mine explosion in Lypzi, in the Charkiw region. The regional military administration chief reported this on Telegram, according to the Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform. An automobile with two occupants reportedly drove over a mine in the morning. One man passed away on the scene, a woman perished en route to the hospital.

11:20 German government opposes expulsion of unwilling Ukrainians

The German government rejects the expulsion of unwilling Ukrainian men and women. A spokesperson for the Foreign Office in Berlin stated that it was apparent that Russia was targeting objectives throughout Ukraine and also attempting to destroy the infrastructure in the western portion of the country. "I wouldn't know now where a safe place in Ukraine would be," he emphasized in response to a corresponding demand from CSU regional group leader Alexander Dobrindt. Dobrindt spoke of "safe areas in western Ukraine."

Russia warns of retaliation after Ukraine attack on Crimean peninsula, killing at least 4 and injuring over 150. Presidential spokesperson Dmitri Peskov says, "There will be consequences." The exact implications are yet to be seen. Russia alleges US involvement in the attack, with Russian reports suggesting Ukraine fired 5 rockets, armed with cluster munitions, provided by the US. Four were intercepted, while the warhead of the fifth exploded mid-air, scattering debris near a beach. Two children were among the deceased.

11:58 Russia expert: Crimean rocket attack not aimed at tourists

Post the Ukraine attack on Crimea, several casualties have been reported, including beachgoers. Russia expert Niko Karasek explains:

11:35 Sewastopol declares emergency state

Following the devastating attack, the authorities in the Crimean port city of Sewastopol have declared a state of emergency. Preliminary reports state 4 fatalities and 151 injuries. 79 victims are still hospitalized, many having been sunbathing at a city beach when debris fell and exploded. Initially, the Russian military took responsibility for the launch, but later retracted the statement, accusing the Ukrainian forces of deliberately targeting civilians. Military blogs question this claim, given the proximity of several military installations.

11:01 Germany criticized for weak new sanctions package

Criticism is mounting against Germany following the formal adoption of new sanctions against Russia. Lithuania's Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis laments the sanctions as "unfortunate weaker" than planned. Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna finds it increasingly difficult to find a consensus on new sanctions within the EU. Until now, this was mainly due to Hungary, but Germany is now obstructing stricter regulations against circumventing sanctions through third parties. The EU Commission intended to hold European companies responsible for sanctions violations if prohibited goods reached Russia via daughter companies, for example, in Kazakhstan. However, Berlin opposes this, arguing that the measures would harm Germany as the largest EU export nation more than Russia. Companies are now only required to make "best efforts" against sanctions violations.

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10:24 Ukraine reports injuries in Odessa attack

The mayor's office reports two injuries in an attack on Odessa this morning. According to the Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform, Russian troops targeted civilian infrastructure with rockets.

09:44 116 new names added to EU sanctions list

The EU has adopted a 14th sanctions package against Russia. Stricter measures will be imposed on an additional 116 persons and institutions, and greater efforts will be made to combat attempts to bypass existing sanctions. The EU will also block investments in Russian liquefied gas projects.

09:25 EU calls for frozen Russian funds for Ukraine aid

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell aims to prevent a member state from obstructing the use of frozen Russian financial assets for Ukraine's support. Borrell will present a proposal at the EU foreign ministers' meeting in Luxembourg, emphasizing a legal procedure to prevent any blockade.

08:58 Moscow fingers Dagestan and Islamism in Russia

From the Russian Parliament come, without evidence, allegations that Ukraine is behind the terrorist attack in Dagestan, as reported by NTV correspondent Rainer Munz. The Kremlin is accused of deflecting attention from the danger of Islamic terrorism within Russia.

08:23 Attack reports in Odessa

Reports suggest a fire in Odessa this morning, with some media outlets reporting a strong explosion and an attack on civilian infrastructure.

07:51 Schwerin visits Ukraine - "Ukraine must win"

As the first Federal President of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Manuela Schwesig visits Ukraine. She arrives in Kiev by train, intending to engage in political talks. "It's a show of solidarity with all 16 federal states supporting Ukraine," she said on her journey. "Ukraine must win this war and it should not be possible for Russia to succeed with this aggression." This statement is not easily made by all politicians. Chancellor Olaf Scholz instead says that Russia should not win the war, but Ukraine should not lose it.

07:36 Nowooleksandriwka reportedly still contested

Reports indicate that the village of Nowooleksandriwka in the Donezk region is not fully occupied by Russian troops. Ukrainian sources stress ongoing heavy fighting there.

06:52 Russian unit reportedly holding own wounded prisoners

A Russian military blogger claims that commanders of various units in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic are mistreating their wounded soldiers. A brigade is said to be holding its wounded prisoners in the city of Donezk under harsh conditions, rather than providing them medical treatment, according to the US think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW), citing the blogger.

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A soldier from Estonia who served in the Ukrainian army dies in combat in the Luhansk region. This news comes from Kyiv Independent, citing the Estonian newspaper "Postimees". The deceased, 42-year-old Martin Jaager, a seasoned soldier, is reported to have been killed on Saturday, making him the third Estonian soldier to lose his life while defending Ukraine. Following his service in an elite unit in Estonia, he joined the Ukrainian army over a year ago.

05:44 EU Foreign Ministers are meeting in Luxembourg today to discuss the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. A debate with Ukrainian Chief Diplomat Dmytro Kuleba is expected via video conference. The focus is on increasing pressure on Hungary to lift its blockade on military aid worth €6.5 billion. A heated argument about this issue occurred during the Foreign Council at the end of May.

04:45 Following a missile attack on the annexed Crimean Peninsula, Russia accuses the US of being responsible. The attack on the civilian population of Sevastopol, according to the Ministry, can be traced back to US-supplied weapons and the Kiev regime, the launchpoint for the attack. US specialists used data from US spy satellites to determine the rocket launch coordinates, implicating the US government directly in the attack. The Defense Ministry reports that four people, including two children, were killed, and 151 more were injured.

03:42 The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is calling for an immediate halt to the attacks around Saporischschja Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine. The IAEA Chief, Rafael Grossi, states that drone attacks on the plant and its surroundings are becoming increasingly frequent. He classifies these attacks as "unacceptable and contradictory to the unanimously adopted security principles and specific principles". Over the past week, drone attacks caused interruptions in power supply for the residents, but the plant's operations were unaffected.

02:45 NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is set to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday in Paris. Their discussion is expected to cover, among other things, additional support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. Macron had previously expressed his intention to form a coalition for the dispatch of Western military trainers to Ukraine.

01:43 Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary has called for an initiative for an immediate ceasefire in the Ukraine war before his country takes over the EU Council Presidency on July 1. Orban reiterates that Russia's attack on Ukraine is unacceptable and a violation of fundamental international principles. He emphasizes the importance of ending the war in Ukraine during Hungary's EU Council Presidency.

00:53 Reports indicate that Ukraine targeted the annexed Crimean Peninsula with rockets again last night. Several explosions were reported in the seaport of Evpatoria. The authorities of the seaport of Sevastopol issued an air alarm, unlike previous daytime attacks. The consequences of the attacks remain unclear. Media outlets are publishing videos and images of fires, but no confirmations have been received from either the Ukrainian or Russian sides regarding allegedly hit military installations.

23:49 Ukrainian President Zelenskyy calls for extended weapons from the West and permission to strike deep into Russian territory. With the continued shelling of the city of Kharkiv, Zelenskyy advocates for the destruction of the Russian air force wherever it is, using all effective means. Kiev is collaborating with its Western partners to make a decision on this matter.

22:49 In response to a proposal by CSU state group leader Alexander Dobrindt for social benefits for Ukrainian refugees, Schleswig-Holstein's Education Minister Karin Prien highlights Ukraine's cause for flight. She supports Ukrainian refugees seeking employment and preparing for the rebuilding of their homeland. Prien criticizes the Federal Government, claiming that they are failing in facilitating their participation in the labor market.

EU Commission Warns of Potential Russian Meddling in Bundestag Election 2025

As we edge closer to the Bundestag election next year, EU Commission Vice President Vera Jourova issues a stark warning about potential manipulation by Russia. She remarkably notes, "we're in a brand new age of malicious influence." She, who is the EU Commissioner for Transparency and Values and Defender of Democracy, expressed her concerns to the "Süddeutsche Zeitung." She fears that Voice of Europe could be used as a model for future operations, not just in the run-up to the Bundestag election in 2025, but also beyond. This allegedly dishonest media outlet probably just scrapes the surface of the issue. The EU prohibited Voice of Europe and three other Russian media groups from broadcasting within the EU in May, alleging they were all government-controlled and aimed at influencing European political parties, particularly during election periods. Voice of Europe, based in Prague, is accused of disseminating pro-Russian propaganda in the EU and offering cash to European politicians.

Ukrainian Power Shutoffs Announced

With ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the state energy provider has announced more power interruptions for the upcoming days. Ukrenergo made the announcement via Telegram. The necessity of these measures is due to the projected increase in energy consumption at the start of the week and the energy grid being compromised by "massive Russian attacks." Ukraine has been imposing rotating power outages since May due to damaged energy infrastructure. According to Ukrenergo, the most significant power cuts are expected between 7pm and 11pm on Monday.

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