U.S. Defense Secretary engages in conversation with Russian counterpart following threats from Moscow.
Late-night discussions with Andrey Beloussov, a Russian acquaintance. Austin brought up the importance of maintaining open lines of communication amidst the ongoing Russian military operations in Ukraine, as confirmed by Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder. Details concerning their phone call remain scarce, with Austin being the one to initiate the conversation. Previous contact between the two occurred on March 15, 2023, while Sergei Shoigu was still in office as Russian Defense Minister. The day before, a Ukrainian rocket strike on Sevastopol in the Crimean Peninsula had stirred tensions between the two nations.
10:15 PM: Pistorius contemplating billion Euro ammo contractGerman Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, affiliated with the SPD, is considering expanding a procurement framework agreement for artillery ammunition up to 15 billion Euro. Germany's Finance Ministry has submitted a proposal for such an expansion to the country's Bundestag Budget Committee, as reported by Reuters sources. The contract volume for 155-millimeter ammunition aimed at the Panzerhaubitze 2000 is slated to increase by approximately two million rounds, to around 2.35 million rounds. Initial reports of a draft contract between Diehl Defence and Nammo Raufoss for the framework agreement were made public by "Der Spiegel."
9:56 PM: Nepalese captive expressing remorsePrisoners taken by Ukraine consist of combatants hailing from various regions. One such combatant, according to "Kyiv Independent", admitted that he enlisted in the Russian armed forces due to financial issues. At the time, he owed around 20,000 to 25,000 dollars in Nepal. In Moscow, he was promised a three-month training program, but it never occurred. He was apprehended during his first mission. Ridden with guilt, he now regrets his decision, admitting, "I deeply regret it. I deeply regret it." Several hundred Nepalese soldiers served in his battalion, he claimed.
9:34 PM: Russia Orders EU Media Crackdown due to Fear of TruthThe Russian government, as declared by US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, is tightening its grip on journalism owing to its anxiety about the public becoming aware of Russia's skeptical actions. Moscow has vowed to prohibit access to more than 80 media outlets across 25 European Union countries. Affected organizations include "Spiegel" news magazine, Spanish newspapers "El Mundo" and "El País", numerous French and Italian media, and the news agency AFP.
21:05 Moscow: Russia and Ukraine Swap 90 Prisoners EachRussia and Ukraine exchanged 90 prisoners each via mediation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as reported by the Russian Defense Ministry via Telegram. 90 captured Russian military personnel, reportedly facing life-threatening captivity, were returned, while 90 Ukrainian soldiers were handed over in return. According to the ministry, the exchange transpired under the UAE's facilitation. The UAE has been instrumental in the recovery of Ukrainian children from Russia as well.
20:42: Ukrainian Reports of 128 Skirmishes with Russian TroopsUkrainian reports indicate almost 130 clashes with Russian military forces throughout the day. The Ukrainian General Staff's situation report states that most of the 128 conflicts took place in the Pokrovsk area.
20:02: Zelenskyy Heading to EU Summit in Brussels to Discuss Security GuaranteesUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to attend the EU summit in Brussels on Thursday, according to the Elysée in Paris. Zelenskyy will be a part of the meeting's initial session with heads of state and government, as EU members are anticipated to sign a security agreement for Kiev that was pre-approved.
19:22: No Concrete Evidence of Sabotage Regarding Berlin Diehl Plant FireSpeculation about Russian sabotage aggravated the major fire at Diehl Metal's Berlin facility. German investigative authorities, however, assert that they have found no evidence of arson that caused the May incident in the technology company's plant. Both the Federal Prosecutor's Office in Karlsruhe and the Berlin Public Prosecutor's Office have dismissed such claims, with neither authority actively investigating the matter. The Berlin police continue to probe the case, deeming it an accident. Diehl has also denied media allegations of a Russian arson attack.
18:47: Four Civilians Injured in Charkiv Region Due to Russian Air RaidA Charkiv region air raid carried out by Russian forces injured four civilians, according to Ukrinform. The affected village is Bobrivka within the Charkiv district, which was targeted by airbombs.
18:16: "Together We Are Stronger" - Moldova's President Sandu Greets EU Accession Talk StartIn response to the EU's commencement of accession talks with Moldova, President Maia Sandu expressed her gratitude and emphasized her country's membership within the European family: "Together we are stronger." The European Union initiated negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova today.
Macron Plans Discussion with Orban, Stressing Aid for Ukraine
French president Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to have a chat with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on the following Wednesday. The main focus will be on supporting Ukraine throughout their conversation. Orban, who stands among the EU's doubters regarding Ukraine, is visiting Paris in preparation for Hungary's upcoming EU Council Presidency, according to the Elysée Palace. The meeting's objective is to prep for the upcoming EU summit scheduled for June 27th and 28th. Hungary is set to assume the EU Council Presidency from Belgium on July 1st. It's worth noting that Orban's Fidesz party is in alliance with the right-wing Rassemblement National (RN) in France, with predictions of their potential election victory in France's upcoming legislative elections. However, a meeting with RN representatives isn't on the agenda as per the party.
Zelenskyy Welcomes Arrest Warrants Against Russian Ex-Minister Shoigu and General Gerassimov
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the International Criminal Court's decision to issue arrest warrants for two crucial figures in the Russian military hierarchy. "I give a thumbs up to today's arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court against two significant individuals within the ranks of the Russian military." This statement was shared on Twitter by Zelenskyy, who accused them of committing appalling atrocities against civilians in Ukraine during Russia's random bombings.
Zelenskyy Thanks Germany for Support
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a powwow with Manuela Schreiber-Schaulo, in her role as President of the German Bundesrat, in Kiev today. During their talks, Zelenskyy thanked Germany for supporting Ukraine, providing aid packages, and safeguarding Ukrainian refugees. According to Zelenskyy's press team, he discussed the situation at the front and highlighted Ukraine's critical needs in light of escalated Russian air raids, as well as the need for increased air defense and the delivery of additional air defense systems supported by Germany.
Merz Advocates for More Job Incentives for Ukrainian Refugees in Germany
The EU is pushing for quicker job opportunities for refugees from Ukraine in Germany. "We need to up the ante in integrating these refugees, who are here to stay, into the workforce," said Friedrich Merz, the leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) faction in Berlin. "We need them, and the right rewards must be put in place." Merz made it clear that this is a responsibility for politics instead of the refugees themselves. He pointed out that employment benefits don't offer the proper motivation for them to seek employment. Thus, discussions on this issue are necessary, Merz emphasized, with the protection of refugees in Germany not compromised.
Ukraine Reports 2277 Shahed Drones Fired by Russia This Year
According to Ukrainian reports, the Russian military has launched 2277 Shahed drones at targets in Ukraine. "Our air defense has successfully neutralized approximately 86 percent of them," announced the commander of the Ukrainian Air Force on Telegram.
Ukraine Orders Evacuation of Children from Five Settlements in Donetsk Region
Ukraine has issued evacuation orders for all children and their parents from five settlements nearby the front lines in the eastern Donetsk region. The evacuation applies to other guardians of minors as well. The mentioned settlements are located in areas where Russian forces have recently gained ground. Due to the escalating number of civilian casualties during combat operations in recent weeks, Governor Wadym Filaschkin had earlier requested civilians to leave the Donetsk region.
EU Begins Accession Negotiations with Ukraine
The European Union has commenced accession negotiations with Ukraine. Delegates from the 27 EU member states and Ukrainian representatives gathered in Luxembourg for the first session, where they were set to discuss the framework for the talks. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal described it as a "historic moment" for his nation and the EU.
Ukrainian Billionaire Donates Three Armed Fast Boats to Ukraine's Navy
A Ukrainian billionaire is donating three Swedish fast boats to Ukraine's navy, capable of reaching speeds of up to 74 kilometers per hour, equipped with weapons such as machine guns and water bombs. Sweden is also offering the Ukrainian navy ten more boats.
Russia Blocks Access to 81 European Media Outlets
In response to the ban of several Russian media outlets in Europe, Russia has blacklisted 81 European media companies. The broadcasting of their programs and access to their websites will be restricted, as announced on the Russian Foreign Ministry's website. The affected German media outlets include "Der Spiegel," "Die Zeit," and the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung." In Austria, the public broadcaster ORF and the media group Österreich were targeted. The French-German broadcaster Arte is also on the blacklist. France has the most EU countries sanctioned by Moscow, with a total count of nine listed entities.
15:11 Narendra Modi, Indian Prime Minister, Heads to Moscow Soon
Following his recent re-election, it seems that India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, is due for a visit to Russia soon. According to Yuri Ushakov, foreign policy advisor to the Kremlin's leader, Vladimir Putin, preparations for Modi's visit are underway, although no official confirmation has been provided by the Indian government as of yet. Sources suggest that the prime minister may be visiting as early as July, but the specific dates are yet to be confirmed.
14:52 Plan for Trump to Settle Ukraine-Russia Conflict
Ex-US President Donald Trump has been presented with a plan to end the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This strategy, proposed by two influential advisors, suggests that both parties should be persuaded to agree to a ceasefire and initiate peace negotiations. To achieve this, Trump would inform Ukraine that they will only receive additional U.S. weapons if they agree to peace talks. Simultaneously, Russia would be made aware that Ukraine will receive increased support from the U.S. if Moscow refuses to agree to negotiations in any way. In a bid to delay Ukraine's potential NATO membership, Moscow is also to be offered a longer deferment. The strategy was developed by retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg and Fred Fleitz, both members of the National Security Council during Trump's presidency.
14:38 Ammunition Aid for Ukraine from Czech Republic
An initiative by the Czech Republic to supply artillery shells to Ukraine has produced results. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala revealed that the first delivery of ammunition in support of the initiative has been sent to Ukraine. "We are doing what is necessary," he added. The ammunition shortage has been one of Ukraine's major problems in its defense against Russia. The goal of the initiative is to secure up to 800,000 artillery shells for Ukraine by sourcing them from countries outside the EU. As per the latest information from Prague, 18 partner countries have already pledged financial support totaling around 1.6 billion Euros for the project, with Germany planning to contribute hundreds of millions. Other countries providing support include the Netherlands, Denmark, and Lithuania.
14:20 Ukrainian Ambassador Dismisses CSU Proposal as Populist
Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeiev, has expresses his displeasure towards the CSU proposal to exclude working Ukrainians from Germany. In an interview with Phoenix, Makeiev called the proposal "depersonalized and very populist." Makeiev is currently in contact with German Labor Minister Heil and Interior Minister Faeser, as well as with the federal states and job centers to facilitate the integration of more Ukrainian asylum seekers into the German labor market. Makeiev emphasized that Ukrainians have a better integration rate in the labor market compared to other nationalities, and he has observed faster integration in other countries. He attributed the high unemployment rate among asylum seekers to factors including the Ukrainians and the German government, and requested recognition of vocational qualifications and lowering language requirements.
14:01 Putin Propagandist Criticizes Serbia
Serbia's close relationship with Moscow has become strained due to the revelation that the country sold ammunition that later ended up in Ukraine. Russian TV moderator and Kremlin propagandist Sergey Mardan has expressed his displeasure, calling Serbia the last "whore" and accusing them of behaving like enemies instead of brothers.
13:40 Ukraine Accused of Attacking Gas Pipeline in Belgorod
Russia has reported an attack on a gas pipeline in Belgorod by Ukrainian drones. Videos show the strike, during which several buildings and the pipeline were damaged, resulting in injuries and at least one death. However, Ukraine has yet to comment on the alleged attacks.
13:18 Protection Status for Ukrainian Refugees Extended by EU
The EU has extended the uncomplicated protection for Ukrainian refugees for another year. The 27 EU ministers reached this decision in Luxembourg. The extension of the protection status until March 4, 2026, was previously agreed upon by the EU interior ministers in mid-June. According to Brussels, the current conditions do not allow for the return of these refugees due to the ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser welcomed the extension but also emphasized the need for a more fair distribution of refugees within the EU. She stated that Germany's acceptance of nearly 1.2 million refugees remains a "massive act of strength."
13:02 China Opposes New Russia Sanctions by the EU
China strongly criticized the new Russia sanctions imposed by the EU, claiming that they are without a legal basis and adversely affect Chinese companies. A spokeswoman for the Foreign Ministry stated, "We urgently call on the European side to lift the sanctions and will take necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies." The West accuses China of supporting Russia in the war against Ukraine, which China denies. Two major Chinese satellite companies were added to the EU's sanctions list in a new package of measures against Russia, on Monday. These companies are accused of conducting business worth millions with the Russian mercenary group Wagner and selling them satellites.
12:58 Arrest Order for Shoigu and Gerasimov by ICC 🔵 The International Criminal Court places an arrest order on former Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu and Chief of General Staff Valeri Gerasimov. They're accused of launching attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine, the ICC reveals.
12:50 Zelenskyy welcomes Schwesig in Kiev 🔵 German Minister-President Manuela Schwesig is welcomed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kiev for the second day of her Ukraine visit. The meeting in Kiev is expected to last approximately an hour. Schwesig is in Ukraine as Bundesrat President to demonstrate solidarity with Kiev from all 16 federal states. "Ukraine needs to win this war," Schwesig had previously stated on her way to the Ukrainian capital - a stance contrasting her party friend, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who emphasizes that Russia should not win the war, while Ukraine should not lose. Schwesig is criticized for her involvement in the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in Ukraine. Former Ukrainian ambassador Andrij Melnyk once declared that he would never shake her hand. Following the Russian attack around two years ago, Schwesig distanced herself from her support for the project and deemed it a mistake.
12:28 European Court of Human Rights Condemns Russia for Human Rights Violations on Crimea 🔵 The European Court of Human Rights finds Russia guilty of human rights violations on the Crimea after the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula. The judges in Strasbourg rule in favor of a Ukrainian complaint. Russia refuses to acknowledge the judgments of the Court.
11:52 Ukrainian Soldiers Receive Ammunition to combat Russian Army 🔵 Ukrainian soldiers have been combating the Russian army without sufficient ammunition for a long time. However, with the 61 billion dollar aid package, the ammunition stock is improving. Vasil, a Ukrainian commander, reports that the "shell shortage" is now alleviated.
11:25 100 Ukrainians Arrested Trying to Flee the Country 🔵 Ukrainian security forces prevent 100 men from illegally leaving the country in the Odessa region in southern Ukraine. Last Friday, a group of 47 men in four minibuses was stopped on their way to the border, as stated by the state investigation bureau. Another 53 men were stopped on their way to a "collection point." They were planning to bypass border controls and cross the border on foot. The Odessa region borders Moldova. The neighboring country Romania is bordered by the Danube River. All men over 25 who are liable for military service have been transferred to the local military replacement office. The human traffickers are said to have collected between 4,600 and over 17,000 euros from each man.
11:07 Ukraine Stepping Closer: Lührmann Sees "Historical Day" for the EU 🔵 European State Secretary Anna Lührmann describes a "historical day" for the EU at the beginning of EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. "This is a good day because we're acknowledging the fact that both countries have made significant efforts in reform despite extremely challenging circumstances," Lührmann says at the sidelines of a meeting of EU foreign ministers before the official start of the accession negotiations in Luxembourg. "Both countries have made considerable advancements in the areas of rule of law, corruption, and press freedom." However, it will take years until Ukraine and Moldova satisfy all the conditions for EU membership. As a prerequisite for Ukraine, a peace with Russia is necessary. There is no accession guarantee.
10:38 Retaliatory Sanctions against EU: Moscow's Measures "may impact us as well" 🔵 Frozen EU funds from Russia are meant for Ukraine's armament. Russia considers these sanctions "illegal" and "against international law," according to NTV correspondent Rainer Munz. Russia now intends to sanction the EU and strengthen relationships further.
10:09 Money from "Putin's Briefcase": Swiss Court Finds Banker Guilty 🔵 Four bankers have been found guilty by a Swiss appellate court in association with the management of funds from Putin's associates. The Zurich Appellate Court finds it proven that the employees of the dissolving Swiss subsidiary of the Russian Gazprombank failed to properly verify whether the money labeled as belonging to Russian musician Sergey Roldugin truly belonged to him. The court imposes fines on the four bankers. In 2014, two accounts were opened at the Gazprombank in Zurich, with Roldugin listed as the beneficial owner. According to media reports, the Russian cellist and conductor is the godfather of one of Putin's daughters, as stated in the indictment. Shortly after Russia's attack on Ukraine, he was placed on the Swiss sanctions list. According to the list, Roldugin is widely known in Moscow as "Putin's Briefcase."
21:44 A Somali Soldier Speaks Out: "Everywhere were drones, artillery, rockets. I just ran" A Somali man named Adil, who served in the Russian military, shares his experiences in an interview with NTV. He was lured into the military for nearly €2000 a month, including the promise of Russian citizenship, but was immediately deployed to Ukraine. Now, he finds himself in a Ukrainian prison. "I didn't come to kill. I lost my weapon. I didn't know how to hold it. Everywhere there were drones, artillery, rockets. I just ran," Adil confessed. "I thought 2000 dollars were the average wage for normal work. I thought a big dream had begun for me."
10:17 Proposal for Ending the War in Ukraine from Former US President Trump's AdvisorsAccording to Reuters, two influential advisors of former US President Donald Trump have proposed a plan to end the war in Ukraine. The plan suggests that Ukraine will only receive more US weapons if it enters peace talks. The US would simultaneously warn Moscow that any refusal to negotiate would result in increased US support for Ukraine, according to retired General Keith Kellogg, one of Trump's national security advisors. This proposed strategy is the most detailed plan from Trump's associates, who claim that he can end the war in Ukraine in the shortest time. The proposal, if accepted, would mark a significant shift in Washington's stance on this war and could face opposition from European allies and Trump's own Republican Party.
08:49 Multiple Drones Downed in Russian Border RegionAccording to the Russian Defense Ministry via Telegram, Russia claims to have shot down 30 Ukrainian drones in the border area between the two countries. The Russian air defense system reportedly intercepted and destroyed 29 drones in the Belgorod region and one drone in the adjacent region of Voronezh. In the Belgorod region, an elderly woman was reportedly killed by the authorities.
08:18 Russian Spy Arrested by Ukrainian Security ServicesUkrainian security forces have arrested a soldier from the border guards, who is suspected of spying for the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). According to the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU), the man gathered information about weapons and ammunition depots and Ukrainian troops in the border region with Belarus. The suspect is alleged to have been recruited remotely by an FSB agent based in the occupied Luhansk region and communicated with them through anonymous chats on online messengers. If convicted of high treason, the man faces a life sentence, according to the SBU.
07:46 ISW: Russia Seeks Tactical and Operational Advantages Before US Aid ArrivesThe US think tank Institute for the Study of War expects that US aid deliveries will not lead to significant results on the front lines immediately. The ISW continues to believe that the Russian military is trying to achieve tactical and operational significant gains before US military aid reaches Ukrainian forces in large quantities and that it will take some time for the weapons provided by the West, including artillery ammunition, to become tactically and operationally effective. The Ukrainian forces need a large quantity of weapons and it is "a matter of scale." According to Budanow, weapons deliveries from the US and Europe, including artillery ammunition, will arrive faster in Ukraine than before, but the Ukrainian forces still need a large amount of weapons. Budanow also stated that there will be "no Armageddon" at the front, but the situation there will remain difficult at least until mid-July.
07:12 Ukrainian Special Forces to Continue "Drone Sanctions" on Russian Oil RefineriesUkrainian Special Forces have identified over 30 Russian oil refineries, terminals, and depots as targets, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated during a military briefing, according to Ukrainian media reports. He particularly praised the Special Operations Center "A" of the Ukrainian Security Service and highlighted the long-range capabilities of the drones, which can now cover distances of up to 1,500 kilometers. The latest drone attacks have targeted areas as far as Tatarstan and Bashkortostan – and an end to the attacks is not in sight: "The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) will continue to impose 'Drone sanctions' on the Russian oil refinery complex and reduce the economic potential of the adversary, which provides the aggressor with the means to wage war against Ukraine," quoted "Kyiv Independent" a source.
06:50 Denmark Drops Training of Ukrainian F-16 PilotsDenmark is ending its training program for Ukrainian F-16 pilots due to its transition to F-35 aircraft. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen made the announcement at a press conference, according to media reports. "We are transitioning to the F-35, so we need to focus our energy on that and cannot continue the training of Ukrainian pilots after 2024," the politician said. The western F-16 coalition must find alternative locations to continue their activities, Poulsen added. Alternative training programs exist in Romania and the United States.
06:39 Governor of Belgorod Complains about "Massive" Drone Attack on BelgorodMultiple buildings, vehicles, and a gas supply line were damaged, and four people were injured in drone attacks on the Russian city of Belgorod and settlements in the Belgorod region. This was reported by "Kyiv independent" and cited statements from Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov, who described the attacks as "massive." A administrative building in the city of Shebekino was reportedly completely destroyed by fire. Kiev has not commented on the attacks.
EU slaps new sanctions on 61 firms, including 19 Chinese companies, over Russia ties:The European Union has imposed fresh sanctions on 61 businesses, including 19 Chinese companies, as part of a raft of measures against Moscow. These sanctions, which make up the 14th package, impose trade restrictions on two significant players in China's satellite industry, accused of dealing with the Russian mercenary group Wagner and selling them satellites worth millions.
European Court rules on Ukraine's lawsuit against Russia over Crimea Annexation:The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg is rendering its judgment today on Ukraine's lawsuit against Russia regarding the annexation of the Crimean peninsula. Kiev alleges numerous violations of the European Convention on Human Rights between February 2014 and August 2015 on the Crimean peninsula, including "illegal arrests," "suppression of non-Russian media," and "compensation-free expropriations."
Orban criticizes EU membership talks with Ukraine:Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has expressed reservations about the EU membership negotiations with Ukraine, currently underway in Luxembourg. Orban remarks that Hungary isn't in favor of this membership process but won't block it either, and supports its initial commencement. He feels the process is politically motivated and questions the implications if Ukraine, a country at war with undefined borders, is taken into the EU.
EU kick-starts membership talks with Ukraine:The EU is starting membership negotiations with Ukraine today. Ihor Zhovka, foreign policy advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expresses his view in an interview from Kiev that the path to full membership, which Ukraine deserves, is irrevocable. The emphasis in the negotiations' ceremonial start is more on symbolism rather than the intricate details of the negotiations at present. The real negotiations will begin after the EU evaluates the numerous reforms Ukraine needs to implement to conform to EU standards.
US suggests Ukraine didn't target civilians in Crimea attack:Based on US reports, Ukraine is claimed to have not targeted civilians during its attack on the Crimean peninsula over the weekend. However, Russia is said to have intercepted a Tochka-U missile intended to disable a launch pad, causing debris to land on a beach. Russian reports allege that at least four people, including two children, were killed in the Ukrainian attack. The US denies any responsibility for the attack and clarifies that Ukraine makes its own decisions about attack targets and military deployments.
US set to provide additional ammunition to Ukraine:According to US government sources, the US plans to provide Ukraine with additional ammunition worth $150 million, an announcement that is expected to be made public today. This new supply is hoped to include ammunition for Himars multiple rocket launchers provided by the US, which can fire Atacms missiles as well. Russia reaction to Ukrainian Atacms attacks on the Crimean peninsula suggests the US is now a part of the conflict.
Russia characterizes EU sanctions as ineffective:Russia views the new EU sanctions in its 14th sanctions package against Russia as ineffective. The Russian Foreign Ministry in Moscow asserts this stance. The ministry criticizes the West for hurting itself, pointing out that it neither considers the economic consequences nor the well-being of people in the EU. Moscow anticipates an economic growth of over 3% this year, more than ten times Germany's rate. "The purpose of the sanctions was to strangle the Russian economy and destroy the cohesion of society. The EU has achieved the opposite," states Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Gruschko.
German official opposes Dobrindt's proposal on Ukrainian refugees:Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's Minister-President Manuela Schwesig opposes CSU-Regional Group Leader Alexander Dobrindt's suggestion to send displaced people from Ukraine back to specific areas if they refuse work in Germany. "There are no safe areas, as Russia is attacking the entire Ukraine," says Schwesig in a statement to ZDF "heute journal update." Many refugees, including women with children, view Dobrindt's proposal as "very populist" and accuse him of catering to emotional sentiment among the population.
Ukraine reports nearly 130 skirmishes with Russian troops:Since sunrise, 128 skirmishes have been reported between Ukrainian forces and Russian troops. The Ukrainian General Staff claims, via a Facebook post, that Russian forces are focusing their efforts on the area around Pokrovsk. This location constituted a third of the Russian attacks today, according to the statement. The Ukrainian defense forces are said to have managed to repel the attacks and hold the front lines.
9:38 PM Ukrainian Forces: 120 Enemy Drones Obliterated in Attack in Krasnodar Oblast
Following reports from the Ukrainian Navy, an attack on June 21 has led to the destruction of 120 drones in the Russian region of Krasnodar. This operation was allegedly carried out by the Ukrainian Navy and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), as stated on their official Facebook page. This news was also confirmed by Ukrinform, a Ukrainian news agency. The Ukrainian military reportedly targeted the training ground of the 726th Training Center of the Russian Air Defense in Jeisk, where it's believed drone pilots are trained.
Read also:
- Following threats from Moscow, U.S. Defense Secretary had a conversation with his Russian counterpart about maintaining open lines of communication and discussing the ongoing NATO's concerns regarding the Ukraine conflict and Russian military operations.
- Volodymyr Selensky, the Ukrainian President, is expected to attend the EU summit to discuss security guarantees, as Ukraine continues to face attacks from Russia and faces a shortage of military supplies, including ammunition.
- The Russian government is tightening its grip on journalism, prohibiting access to more than 80 media outlets across 25 European Union countries, citing its fear of the public becoming aware of Russia's skeptical actions against Ukraine.
- Russia and Ukraine have swapped 90 prisoners each via mediation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as both nations continue to engage in military operations and cyberwar activities against each other, with potential escalations and diplomatic engagements taking place.
