U.S. exhibits apprehension over Moscow's tight bond with Pyongyang
The Yanks are acting all concerned about the cozying up between North Korea and Russia. The White House in D.C. spoke up before Putin's trip to Pyongyang: "We ain't worried 'bout this jaunt. What we are worried 'bout is the closeness between these two countries." The Kremlin and North Korean propaganda outlets had spilled the beans that Putin was gonna make a friendly two-day visit to the commie state, starting on Tuesday. "Several documents will get signed", among them "important, significant documents", informed state Russian news agencies, Putin's diplomatic advisor Yuri Ushakov.
21:17 Over 20 NATO countries gonna hit the two-percent mark by 2024NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg, speaking at the Wilson Center think tank, predicts that more than 20 NATO members will hit the defense spending target of at least two percent of GDP this year. In his speech, Stoltenberg stated that the number of NATO members meeting the spending goal is higher than five years ago. Back then, fewer than ten members reached the goal. Since Russia's sneak attack on Ukraine two years ago, there's been a significant uptick in spending.
20:40 Ukraine claims to have messed up the Russian air defense on the occupied CrimeaIn the past one and a half months, the Ukrainian military says they've done some serious damage to the Russian air defense on the occupied Crimean Peninsula. Around 15 air defense systems are said to be destroyed, according to the military brass in Kiev. Numerous launchers or control systems of various S-300, S-350, or S-400 systems were hit. The claims couldn't be independently verified. With fresh ammo supplies, including from the Yanks, the Ukrainian military has been launching attacks, using rockets and drones, on previously unnamed targets on the Crimea.
20:03 Zelensky thinks the peace conference was a winAfter the international Ukraine peace conference over the weekend in Switzerland, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gave the conference a thumbs-up. "We took the first real step towards peace - in a unity of the countries of the world that's never happened before", Zelensky said in his evening video address. But it's just a start, and "more moves" are needed. Even before the summer's done, Ukraine has already drafted a preliminary action plan. "We won't back down, we'll keep in touch with our partners as actively as ever", Zelensky said.
19:42 Moscow labels the "German Historical Institute" an unwelcome organizationThe German Historical Institute in Moscow (DHI) has been branded an unwelcome organization by Russian authorities. The Russian Justice Ministry added the Institute to the list of foreign and international non-gov organizations whose activities in Russia are considered unwelcome, according to a statement on Monday. The DHI had already hung up its operations in Russia in 2022, following Russia's attack on Ukraine. On its website, the DHI announced that its library would remain open, but could only be used with written notice. The DHI, founded in 2005, is one of eleven research institutions affiliated with the Max Weber Foundation that operate abroad.
19:20 Ukraine's military attacks several targets in RussiaIn the Russian regions of Belgorod and Lipezk, warehouses are on fire, and a Metal- and a Tractor factory are being attacked. It's believed to be a fresh wave of drone attacks from the Ukrainian army. The regional governors deny any damages.
18:56 Stoltenberg: China's actions fuel the conflictNATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg, during a visit to Washington, advocated for more weapons deliveries to Ukraine and criticized China's role in the Russian aggression war. "It may seem paradoxical, but the path to peace is through more weapons for Ukraine," said Stoltenberg before a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden. The government in Kiev must be "trustworthy and sustainable" supported. Regarding China's role, Stoltenberg stated, the People's Republic pretends to be neutral. Beijing wants "to avoid sanctions and keep trade running," speculated Stoltenberg. "But the reality is, China is stoking the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II and at the same time keeping friendly relations with the West." The West shouldn't put up with this, warned Stoltenberg.
18:52 Denmark looks into measures against Russian "shadow fleet" in the Baltic SeaDenmark is investigating possibilities to limit the passage of older Russian oil tankers through the Baltic Sea. The country has formed a group of allied states to test measures against this so-called "shadow fleet" of aging ships, according to an email from Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen to the news agency Reuters. "There is a broad consensus that the shadow fleet is an international problem that requires international solutions." Denmark is worried about the old tanks posing a threat to the environment.
Rod Stewart Slams Putin, Offers Support to Ukraine
Singer Rod Stewart has voiced his opposition to Russian President Vladimir Putin and pledged his support to the people of Ukraine. His kin have delivered supplies to the republic, he's taken in a Ukrainian family in the UK, and he's hired two Ukrainians for his team, as reported by the British Press Association. "Yeah, I'm with Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian folks, and I'll keep it up," the 79-year-old stated to the British Press Association. During a concert in Leipzig, cheers, boos, and hisses erupted when the Ukrainian flag and an image of Zelenskyy were displayed, as mentioned by several news sources. "Putin needs to be stopped. I'm gonna put on a hell of a show for the German crowd," Stewart told the British Press Association, looking forward to his upcoming appearances in Hamburg, Cologne, and Munich. Stewart is renowned for hits such as "Sailing," "Baby Jane," and "Have You Ever Seen The Rain." He dedicated his song "Rhythm Of My Heart" to Ukraine, as reported by the Press Association.
Nuclear Escalation Risk increasing?
Following the latest results from the Peace Research Institute SIPRI regarding global nuclear rearmament, Nico Lange advocates for the enhancement of "conventional deterrence" for Germany and Europe. At the same time, he urges caution.
NATO Jets Intercept Russian Aircraft over Baltic Sea
NATO fighter jets have allegedly taken off numerous times, according to Lithuanian reports, to identify unmarked Russian military planes in the international airspace above the Baltic Sea. Over the course of last week, eleven alarm takeoffs were documented, as announced by the Defense Ministry in Vilnius. Approximately two dozen Russian fighter jets, bombers, reconnaissance and transport planes, as well as a civilian aircraft were reportedly intercepted and escorted. The majority of them were said to be flying without a declared flight plan, transponder signal, or radio contact.
Ukraine Faces Increased Attacks before F-16 Jet Deliveries
Anticipating announced deliveries of combat aircraft and other Western military aid for Kiev, Russia is reportedly intensifying its attacks, according to Ukrainian estimates. Moscow is claimed to be "fully aware" that after the arrival of the first US F-16 fighter jets, "the advantage will be on our side," as stated by Ukrainian Army Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi via online services. Consequently, Russia is reportedly making every effort to broaden the conflict.
Putin Promotes Relative as Deputy Defense Minister
Russian President Vladimir Putin has allegedly dismissed four deputy defense ministers and appointed a relative, Anna Zivileva, to one of the vacated positions. According to Reuters, Putin relieved Deputy Defense Ministers Nikolai Pankov, Ruslan Zalikov, Tatjana Shevzova, and Pavel Popov via Kremlin decrees. He appointed Zivileva, who is believed to be the daughter of one of Putin's cousins, as deputy defense minister.
Power Outages in Ukraine after Rocket Attack on Poltava
As a result of a Russian rocket attack on the Ukrainian region of Poltava, nine people reportedly sustained injuries and power lines were damaged. Approximately 53,000 private and 2,400 industrial consumers were affected by power outages, as stated by Governor Filip Pronin. Several high-rise buildings were also damaged, according to local reports.
Military Expert Criticizes Western Approach to Ukraine
Military expert Ralph Thiele criticizes the Western response to Ukraine. Promised weaponry deliveries are allegedly delayed, and success reports cannot conceal this, Thiele, a retired colonel, believes. Putin's ceasefire proposal is "provocative."
Ukraine's Potential EU Membership Posed Threat to European Farmers
According to Farmer President Joachim Rukwied, a sudden EU membership of Ukraine could have disastrous consequences for European farmers. "If Ukraine joins the EU immediately, our family-run agriculture will perish," Rukwied stated in the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung." The integration of 32 million hectares of additional arable land would significantly compromise the competitiveness of numerous EU farms. A 200-hectare farm in Germany is incapable of competing with a 50,000-hectare agricultural enterprise in Ukraine. To protect domestic agriculture, "urgent import restrictions on Ukrainian agricultural products are essential," Rukwied demanded. In addition, issues such as subsidies and corruption in Ukraine need to be addressed before EU membership. Refusing to address these issues could result in future political disasters in rural areas.
Ukrainian Troops Injured in Czech Republic Training Site Explosion
Nine soldiers have been injured in an explosion at a military training site for Ukrainian troops in the Czech Republic. Two of the soldiers were evacuated to the University Hospital in Olomouc, about 200 kilometers east of Prague, with severe injuries, as reported by hospital spokesman Adam Fritscher speaking to the AFP news agency. Six were transported to the Military Hospital in Olomouc by ambulance, and one was treated on site. Since the end of 2022, the Czech army has been training Ukrainian soldiers in Libava, east of Olomouc. However, Military Police spokeswoman Katerina Mlynkova clarified that the injured were "not foreigners." The army revealed via X that "unspecified ammunition" had exploded without providing additional details.
Update 17:00 hours: The Czech army announces that one soldier has died in the explosion.
14:52 Ukraine Confirms First Capture of 'Armored Tortoises' from Moscow's ArmySince April, Ukrainian forces have noticed the utilization of so-called "Armored Tortoises" by Russia's military. These vehicles are known for their brutal and destructive nature. Recently, footage has surfaced purportedly showing the seizure of the weapon and the arrest of the accompanying crew.
14:23 Putin Heads to North Korea and Vietnam for Multiday VisitAs per Kremlin declarations, Russian President Vladimir Putin is traveling to North Korea and Vietnam. Putin accepted an invitation from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his visit to North Korea on Tuesday and Wednesday, as per the Kremlin. The visit is described as a "friendly state visit". Post Vietnam, Putin is expected to stay for two days. Russia maintains close ties with North Korea, which the West views with great suspicion. The isolated communist country with nuclear aspirations is believed to have supplied Russia with ammunition for its attack on Ukraine. Kim Jong Un made a rare overseas visit to Russia in September 2023.
13:58 "Further Provocation": Peskov Slams Stoltenberg's Nuclear Weapons RemarksRussia perceives the assertions of NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg regarding the potential deployment of additional nuclear weapons as provocation. "That's nothing but another escalation of tensions," explained Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov. Stoltenberg told "The Telegraph" that NATO was in discussions about the deployment and readiness of more nuclear weapons. "I won't go into operational details, such as how many atomic bombs would be ready for action and which ones should be stored, but we need to discuss these issues," so Stoltenberg [(source 06:05)]. These statements conflict with the communique of the Ukraine conference, Peskov now says. In it, it is stated that any threat or use of nuclear weapons in relation to Ukraine is unacceptable.
13:36 No Social Assistance for Ukrainian Refugees? Federal Government RespondsThe federal government refutes demands for reduced social aid for Ukrainian war refugees. The government has no plans to replace social aid for people who fled the Russian assault on Ukraine in Germany with benefits for asylum seekers, says Government Spokesperson Steffen Sebestreit. A spokesman for the Federal Labor Ministry points out that with the responsibility of the Job Centers for the integration of refugees from Ukraine, faster measures for their integration into the labor market can be taken. FDP General Secretary Bijan Djir-Sarai had demanded in the "Bild" newspaper: "Newly arriving war refugees from Ukraine should no longer receive social aid, but fall under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act."
13:09 Kiev Looks at Up to Twelve Hours Without Power Each DayIn light of the continuous Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the state energy supplier warns of significant power supply restrictions. "The situation will significantly worsen in comparison to today in the coming weeks," says the head of the state energy supplier Ukrenergo, Volodymyr Kydrytsky. The Ukrainians will have to adapt to the fact that they may not have power for up to twelve hours a day. The power supply situation will not improve before the end of July, Kydrytsky further stated. In addition to systematic Russian attacks on heating and water power plants, there may also be maintenance work on nuclear power plants and unfavorable weather conditions.
12:38 Kremlin Dismisses Swiss Conference ResultsThe Swiss Ukraine conference, as per Kremlin spokesman Peskov, demonstrates that talks without Russian participation are meaningless. The results of this meeting were "nearly zero," so Peskov. Russia remains open for dialogue with all countries that seek it and will continue to convey its position to them. At the weekend conference in Switzerland, the western powers and their allies condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, they failed to convince the major neutral countries to join their final declaration. No country was willing to organize a continuation of the conference. Russia was not invited, but had already signaled in the early planning stages that it would reject participation.
12:12 Ukrainian Debt Restructuring Fails to Prevent DefaultThe danger of Ukrainian debt default has not been avoided: Kiev could not reach an agreement in negotiations with creditors. In talks with a group of bondholders, no consensus could be reached on a restructuring of international debts worth around 20 billion dollars, it is reported. Time is running out: A two-year payment suspension agreed upon with international bond buyers expires on August 1. This was arranged due to the country's economic situation caused by the Russian armed conflict. Ukrainian Finance Minister Sergei Marchenko expects negotiations to continue. He anticipates that the government will reach an agreement by August. War-torn Ukraine has been exploring plans to restructure its foreign debts with major investors since the end of 2023. Formal talks with bondholders have been ongoing for nearly two weeks.
11:59 Weber: Start of Accession Talks "Extremely Important Psychological Signal"The Chairman of the European People's Party (EPP), Manfred Weber, welcomes the start of accession talks with Ukraine. No country will fight for "our values" as much as Ukraine, as it battles for freedom and democracy. "Therefore, the accession talks, which are about to begin, are an extremely important psychological signal to Ukraine, allowing them to live like us in the European Union, namely in peace, freedom, and democracy," Weber said in an early-morning interview with ntv. In addition, Ukraine has made progress despite the war. However, there is still much to be done. "The fight against corruption is a major issue in Ukraine. But the will is there, and the direction is right," so Weber.
11:31 Russian intelligence service chief warns tougher peace terms for UkraineThe head of Russia's foreign intelligence service, Sergei Naryshkin, warns of harsher peace terms if a peace treaty with Ukraine is not agreed upon. Naryshkin tells state news agency TASS that if President Vladimir Putin's peace proposal is declined, the next offer will be even tougher. He does not clarify who will decide on accepting or rejecting the offers. Putin outlined his conditions for peace a few days prior, which largely resemble a surrender by Kiev: renouncing NATO membership and returning the regions illegally annexed by Russia - Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismisses Putin's statements as untrustworthy.
11:02 Denmark eyes limiting older Russian oil tankers in the Baltic SeaDenmark plans to restrict the passage of older Russian oil tankers in the Baltic Sea. The country has formed a partnership with other nations to test measures against what they call a "shadow fleet" of aging ships transporting Russian oil. This action may lead to conflict with Russian leadership. Approximately one third of Russian oil exports navigate through the Danish straits, which gateway to the Baltic Sea. This equates to about 1.5% of global oil deliveries. Any attempt to block these deliveries could increase oil prices and strain the Kremlin's finances.
10:30 Moscow calls peace conference "ridiculous event", but sees positive vibes after the summitBefore the peace conference in Switzerland, the Kremlin considered it a "joke". Russian media, however, reports a relieved mood in the country following the summit, according to NTV correspondent Rainer Munz.
10:06 Latvia plans additional drone deliveries to UkraineLatvia has already sent a batch of drones to Ukraine and is preparing for another delivery. This follows comments from Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds, reported by "Kyiv Independent". Latvia and Great Britain lead an international coalition supplying Ukraine with drones, which have become crucial to the country's war effort. Spruds announced in May that the Latvian government would invest around 20 million euros in the drone coalition and a similar amount in developing Latvian drone capabilities this year.
09:32 US think tank suggests Putin is not interested in genuine negotiationsThe Institute for the Study of War believes that Russian President Vladimir Putin is uninterested in serious negotiations. The US think tank writes that Putin only pretends interest in negotiations to lure the West into making concessions that would compromise Ukraine's sovereignty. It is "unlikely" that Putin will be interested in genuine talks in the foreseeable future. Lately, Putin has outlined a victory scenario in Ukraine that relies on the assumption that Russian forces can make continuous, expansive gains on the battlefield. Putin recently demanded the complete withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the regions of Kherson, Donetsk, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia as a condition for negotiations.
09:01 German Left sets hopes on Pope in peace effortsThe Left in the German Bundestag also trusts the Pope in peace efforts. According to the co-chairman of the Left group in the Bundestag, Soren Pellmann, China, India, and the Pope could potentially act as mediators due to their integrity. Pope Francis could take on the role of moderator, mediator. In fact, the Pope has not been well-received there since his most recent appeal to Ukraine to lay down arms. The conditions Putin recently formulated for peace negotiations are viewed by Left-wing politician Pellmann as signs that he is open to talks. "This offer, which reeks of poison, shows that he is obviously tired of war," says Pellmann. At the same time, Putin has signaled openness to talks.
08:37 Trial date for US reporter Evan Gershkovich setThe trial of US reporter Evan Gershkovich, charged with espionage in Russia, is scheduled to start at the end of June. The trial will take place behind closed doors in Yekaterinburg, according to the responsible court. The Wall Street Journal reporter was arrested during a research trip to Russia in March 2023 and has been in Lefortovo Prison in Moscow since then. The prosecutor's office accuses the 32-year-old of working for the CIA and of gathering secret information about the tank manufacturer Uralvagonzavod in the Sverdlovsk region. If convicted, Gershkovich faces up to 20 years in prison. He is the first Western journalist since the end of the Cold War to be arrested in Russia on espionage charges. Gershkovich denies the allegations.
08:05 Peace summit shows Russia's political influenceThe peace summit in Switzerland ended, with discord emerging, according to ntv correspondent Kavita Sharma. "Several countries have refused to sign the final declaration," she says. Meanwhile, signs of weapons deliveries in Ukraine are becoming apparent.
07:15 Medvedchuk, Putin's confidant, discusses continued military action and potential reunification with Ukraine: "National security compels Russia to take further military steps to combat the Neo-Nazi regime, achieving full demilitarization and denazification. The Ukrainians crave peace, while Zelensky and his Western masterminds opt for conflict, even at the expense of exterminating Ukrainians. It's time they break free from this criminal, Nazi regime. Historically speaking, Ukraine primarily comprises Russian territory, thus the peaceful reunification of its inhabitants with Russia is a historical process that's already begun and will persist."
06:33 Rise of criminal recruitment for Ukrainian Military: Since conscription law enactment, an estimated 2,750 prisoners have been discharged to join the Ukrainian armed forces. Senya Shcherbyna, a former drug trafficker who served six years, shares, "I might redeem myself." He's awaiting discussions with recruiters, eager to deploy promptly "to serve society," as he feels he'd be more productive outside prison. Amidst Ukraine's depleted and fatigued forces, this trend marks an indicator of Kiev's desperation to bolster its ranks. In Russia, this practice of enlisting criminals, including serious offenders, is a common strategy.
06:05 NATO deliberates additional nuclear weapon deployment: Facing escalating threats from Russia and China, NATO nations are considering additional nuclear weapons deployment. NATO Secretary-General Stoltenberg underlined the necessity to exhibit the alliance's nuclear arsenal to reinforce the message to its adversaries. "I won't elaborate operational details, such as the number of nuclear warheads to be deployed or the ones to be stored, but discussions on such issues are essential," Stoltenberg disclosed.
05:00 SIPRI: Rise in operational atomic weapons: The count of operational atomic weapons has once again climbed. Despite nuclear warheads being decommissioned and a global decrease in nuclear weapons over time, SIPRI reports a surge in operable weapons. Transparency regarding nuclear arms has waned since the onset of Russia's aggression in Ukraine, affecting both Russia and the US. "We've not experienced such a significant nuclear arms role in international affairs since the Cold War," says Wilfred Wan, head of SIPRI Disarmament, Arms Control, and Conventional Arms Programme.
03:08 FDP advocates embrace of Asylum Seekers Benefits Act for Ukrainian Refugees: The FDP calls for changes to the welfare system for refugees from Ukraine, proposing that they fall under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act instead of receiving traditional social benefits. This move, according to FDP General Secretary Bijan Djir-Sarai, would encourage work-seeking amongst refugees. Previous comments from regional interior ministers expressing opposition to benefits payments to war-aged Ukrainian refugees have also emerged.
01:20 Charkiw receives KAB glide bomb attack: As per Mayor Ihor Terekhov's reports, Charkiw faced an attack with a KAB glide bomb late in the evening. A children's recreational facility was hit, leaving one building destroyed. Further details on casualties are currently unavailable.
00:09 Baerbock issues warning on potential NATO impact if Ukraine support wanes: Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock cautions Germany and NATO concerning grave consequences if Ukraine isn't further backed. "If we cease supporting Ukraine, it leaves the door open for Putin's troops to position themselves at the Polish border, triggering war within EU and NATO territories," remarks Baerbock to the "Süddeutsche Zeitung." This scenario would result in additional refugee waves. "If Ukraine can no longer safeguard itself - and I address those against support - then millions more will be compelled to flee, living under barbaric occupation voluntarily."
22:20 Facing electricity scarcity, Ukrainians brace for increased power outages: Amid systematic Russian shelling of the Ukrainian energy infrastructure, electricity issues will become more severe in the coming weeks. "Conditions will worsen in the coming weeks compared to today," asserts Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, Ukrenergo head, on Ukrainian television.There will be more pre-planned outages and power cuts ahead. Repairs to two nuclear reactors are imperative for restoring adequate electricity supply, according to Kudrytskyi. The public continues to endure power outages already.
21:55 Three injured in Charkiw air raids: The Charkiw region has reported incidents of air raids injuring three individuals, including a pregnant woman. No additional details are available at this time.
Local authorities in Charkiw confirm three individuals have been wounded in Russian aerial bombardments. A pregnant woman, a male, and a teenage boy were transported to the hospital, as indicated by the Regional Prosecutor's Office in Charkiw. The village of Pisky-Radkiwski purportedly experienced Russian troop assaults in the afternoon. Over ten houses and an ambulance were damaged due to the attack.
21:14 Yellen Dismisses Putin's "Theft" Accusations
Janet Yellen, U.S. Treasury Secretary, refutes Vladimir Putin's labeling of seizing Russian assets abroad for aid to Ukraine as "theft." During an interview on ABC's "This Week," Yellen declared, "The frozen Russian assets remain in their current location." Russia has no claim to the revenues generated by the assets, she added. In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. and its allies decided to restrict Russian state funds within their territories, Yellen explained. The estimated total frozen sum is around 280 billion dollars. "Approximately 200 billion dollars of this amount is sheltered in a Belgium-based financial institution, where they produce income that doesn't belong to Russia, which has been redirected to this institution," Yellen stated. The G7 nations have pledged to lend Ukraine more than 50 billion dollars, which will come from the interest on the frozen assets. Russia's warfare in Ukraine - in addition to the human casualties - has caused destruction worth billions in various regions.
20:40 Russians Escalate Assaults, Says Ukrainian Military
During negotiations in Switzerland, Russia reportedly has intensified its attacks on Ukraine, according to information from Kiev. "The enemy has increased the frequency of their offensive and assault operations today and is attempting to breach our defenses or drive Ukrainian units from their positions," the Ukrainian General Staff reported. Engagements have allegedly grown to 88. Most of the clashes took place near Pokrovsk in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk. There, over 36 engagements occurred - 25 of which were repelled, while 11 were still ongoing. These claims cannot be verified independently.
20:07 Ukrainian Navy Introduces New Overwater Drone "Stalker 5.0"
In the defense against the Russian invasion, Ukraine is also utilizing overwater drones. The Ukrainian military announced on social media that they now possess the new overwater drone "Stalker 5.0." The drone was debuted in Odessa. It is said to travel at top speeds of 75 nautical miles per hour and carry up to 150 kilograms of explosives or other cargo. Its range is approximately 600 kilometers. The estimated value is around 60,000 euros.
19:36 Russian Journalist reportedly killed by a Drone Attack
Russian reports claim a Russian journalist was killed in a drone attack in Eastern Ukraine. "Nikita Zizagi, our correspondent, was killed in a drone attack by the Ukrainian military," writes the News.Ru website on Telegram. The attack is said to have taken place near a monastery close to the city of Vugledar, which has recently experienced intense fighting. On Thursday, a journalist from Russian state television was killed, and another was injured in a Ukrainian drone attack in Golmiwsky, a village under Russian control near the frontline in the Donetsk region.
*For more developments, click here.
A recap of earlier events can be found here.
Read also:
- NATO expresses concern over the growing military operations between Russia and Ukraine, with NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg stating that several NATO members will reach the defense spending target of at least 2% of GDP this year, partly due to Russia's attack on Ukraine two years ago.
- The Ukrainian military claims to have successfully launched cyber warfare attacks against Russia, targeting the Russian air defense on the occupied Crimean Peninsula, resulting in the alleged destruction of 15 air defense systems.
- Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, praises the international peace conference in Switzerland as a significant step towards peace, but warns that more actions are needed to ensure a lasting resolution to the conflict.
- The Russian government labels the German Historical Institute in Moscow as an unwelcome organization, following Russia's attack on Ukraine, citing the Institute's support for Ukraine as a reason for its designation.