U.S. senator issues alarm on potential Russian meddling in UK polls
Russian meddling in the upcoming UK elections is projected to escalate significantly before the voting day on July 4th, as per US Senator Mark Warner, reported by Kyiv Independent. Warner, head of the Senate Intelligence Committee, stated that Russia and its associates are causing discord or aiming to broaden rifts within UK society to escalate social tensions in Britain. The US is actively monitoring the situation in the UK, Warner noted, and has evidence of Russia's large-scale attempts to interfere in elections around the globe. Warner commented, "Apparently, Russia doesn't appreciate Britain's persistent support for Ukraine's defense."
09:31: Russia considering revising Nuclear DoctrineRussia might be revising its Nuclear Doctrine. correspondent Rainer Munz discusses the potential causes for this announcement and examines Putin's first visit to North Korea in 24 years. The visit indicates a significant shift in the Kremlin, according to Russia experts.
09:00: Putin thanks Kim for support of Russia's actions in UkraineRussian President Vladimir Putin thanked Kim Jong Un during his visit to North Korea for his backing of Russia's actions in Ukraine. Kim pledged "complete support and solidarity" to Russia in his initial statement. At the outset of discussions, Putin announced the signing of an agreement aimed at strengthening relations between Moscow and Pyongyang. According to Russian state news agencies Tass and Ria Novosti, Putin stated that the "new fundamental document" will serve as the foundation for relations between the two nations for the long term. The Kremlin leader praised the "close friendship" between the two states, which he said was based on "equality and respect for each other's interests."
08:31: Ukraine capitalizing on Western weaponryUkraine can now attack Russian targets with Western weaponry. The pressure on Russian logistics is also observable on the battlefield. Ukrainian troops can seize the initiative in certain war zones, as demonstrated by Colonel Reisner of the Austrian Army.
08:08: Estimated Russian losses exceed 529,000 soldiers since the start of the offensiveSince the beginning of the offensive on February 24, Russia has allegedly suffered more than 529,750 casualties in Ukraine. This was reported by the Ukrainian military general staff in their update. Russia is also said to have lost 7984 tanks, 15,319 armored combat vehicles, 19,078 vehicles and fuel tanks, 14,007 artillery systems, 1104 multiple rocket launchers, 857 air defense systems, 359 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 11,221 drones, 28 ships and boats, and one submarine.
07:27: Putin announces new "foundational document" between Russia and North KoreaRussian President Vladimir Putin announced during his meeting with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang a new "foundational document" between the two countries. "Today, a new foundational document is ready, which will serve as the basis for our long-term relations," Putin said, according to Russian news agencies in North Korea. Moscow and Pyongyang have made substantial progress in strengthening their bilateral relations, Putin added. Furthermore, Putin, according to Russian news agencies, invited Kim to visit Moscow. "I look forward to seeing you again," Putin said, who had already received Kim twice in the Far East of Russia, the last time in September and previously in April 2019. "I hope that the next meeting will take place in Russia, in Moscow," he emphasized. Putin arrived for a visit in North Korea the previous day.
Previously, the US government expressed alarm over Putin's visit to North Korea. "The intensifying collaboration between Russia and North Korea should be a cause for concern for anyone aiming to preserve peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, as well as those supporting the Ukrainian people, who are still engaged in a struggle against Russian aggression," said John Kirby, spokesperson for the US Defense Department, in Washington.
07:06: US soldier sentenced to a lengthy prison term by a Russian courtA Russian court sentenced a US soldier to a multi-year prison term for threats and theft. Gordon Black was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison by a court in Vladivostok, according to reports from Russian state news agencies RIA Novosti and Tass. Black's defense plans to appeal the verdict, Tass stated. Black was arrested in Vladivostok in May. He had visited a Russian woman there whom he had met during his service in South Korea. The Russian legal system accuses Black of physically battering Alexandra Waschtschuk and stealing 10,000 Rubles (around 109 Euros) from her. Black claimed to have admitted to some of the charges but denied threatening Waschtschuk with death. Waschtschuk was heavily intoxicated during the altercation.
According to Black's statements, they had met in October 2022 through a dating app in South Korea and had entered into a relationship. Waschtschuk later invited him to Vladivostok. According to the U.S. Army, the soldier had completed his service in South Korea on April 10. Instead of returning to the United States, he traveled "for personal reasons" over China to Vladivostok.
06:31 Kazakh Activist Shot in Kiev, Ukraine: A prominent Kazakh opposition figure and blogger, Aydos Sadykow, was shot and injured in Kiev, as reported by his wife Natalia Sadykova and Ukrainian authorities. The incident reportedly occurred near his apartment in the Ukrainian capital. Sadykow was rushed to the hospital and is said to be in a precarious condition. Kiev has initiated an investigation into the matter. Preliminary reports suggest that an unknown individual armed with a weapon approached the car carrying Sadykow and his wife, fired at him, and then fled. Sadykow was granted asylum in Ukraine in 2014 and runs a popular online channel in partnership with his wife that critically examines the Kazakh president Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Over a million users follow him on the video platform YouTube.
06:05 Russia Discussing Long-Range Weapons Deployment with Partners: According to the state news agency Tass, Russia is engaging in discussions about the deployment of long-range weapons with its closest allies. Russia is believed to have "close partners" across Asia and Latin America with whom the security situation is not only discussed but also assessed at high levels, as per Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov. "There's nothing unusual about that," Ryabkov mentioned. Discussions regarding long-range weapons are being held with several partners. These discussions are considered a standard part of Russia's diplomatic and security policy endeavors, as per Ryabkov. No further specifics were disclosed regarding the countries involved or the types of weapons under discussion.
05:43 Another Journalist Detained in Russia for Navalny Support: Another journalist has been detained in Russia on allegations of supporting opposition leader Alexei Navalny. As per a court in Moscow, Artem Kiger will remain in custody until August 18. Kiger works for Navalny's labeled extremist anti-corruption organization FBK. Previously, an employee from the independent media outlet Sotavision was also arrested.
04:56 Ukrainian Man Sentenced for Treason: A Ukrainian man was sentenced to 15 years in prison by a court in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk for handing over military information to Russian troops. According to the prosecutor's office in Kostyantynivka near the front line, the defendant had disclosed the locations of Ukrainian troops and the movements of Ukrainian artillery in the region in May 2023 through the Onlinedienst Telegram. This act was deemed an act of treason, as stated by the prosecutor's office. The Russian contact person had promised a counter-offer but failed to deliver it.
03:51 Ukraine Readying for Joint Roaming Zone with EU: As Ukraine moves closer to European Union membership, it is preparing to establish a joint roaming zone with EU countries. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a corresponding law. "Once we receive positive feedback on our legislative changes from the European side, we can start negotiations on joining the single roaming area with the EU," says Digital Minister Mykhailo Fedorov according to a statement from his ministry. Ukraine would become the first EU membership candidate to take this step.
02:48 Lindner Warns Eastern Germans: Finance Minister Christian Lindner calls for greater transparency in the Ukraine policy of the German government in Eastern Germany. "We must openly communicate the Ukraine policy of the German government to the people in Eastern Germany," says Lindner to the "Rheinische Post". "Helping Ukraine in its struggle against Russia isn't just about defense, our weapons deliveries, refugee aid, and economic aid also serve German interests," emphasizes Lindner. "If we ignore human rights violations and Russian aggression, NATO and the EU could collapse," warns Lindner. "For example, Poland and the Czech Republic might question our commitment if we abandon them in emergency situations," adds the FDP chairman.
01:48 City Council Opposes Reduction of Citizen's Benefits for Ukrainian Refugees: The German City Council cautions against reducing financial assistance for refugees from Ukraine. They respond to calls from several interior ministers to deny lower payments according to the Asylseekers Benefits Act to Ukrainian refugees in the future. "The minister presidents should not engage in a debate with the Federal Chancellor about the citizen's pension for Ukrainian women and men," says City Council President Markus Lewe to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland. The Social Code II provides the most effective tools to bring Ukrainian refugees more frequently and quickly into employment through the citizen's pension. "If Ukrainian women and men had to switch to the asylum system instead, access to language courses, employment agencies, or qualification would be significantly impeded. It would be much harder for them to find work," says Lewe. Additionally, the administrative burden on the cities would increase significantly.
00:43 Swedish Parliament Approves Defense Agreement with the USA: The Swedish Parliament approves a contentious defense agreement with the USA, with a substantial majority. After a five-hour debate, 266 deputies voted in favor, while 37 voted against. Critics fear that the agreement could lead to the presence of atomic weapons in Sweden and permanent US military bases in the country. The agreement, signed in December by Stockholm and Washington, grants the USA access to 17 military support points and training areas in Sweden and allows for the storage of weapons, military equipment, and ammunition.
11:42 Faulty EURO Card with IN Accuracy: Kerner Regrets TV GlitchA glitch with a faulty Europa Card made TV moderator Johannes B. Kerner apologize during the live streaming of the Football-EM. In the combined broadcast of MagentaTV and RTL, a card was shown before the match between Turkey and Georgia, which inaccurately depicted the Crimean Peninsula as being part of Russia. "This was a genuine oversight, it truly disappoints us, and we genuinely apologize for it", Kerner stated and described the mistake as a severe error.
20:51 Zelenskyy: Strategic Weapon Usage on Russian TerritoryUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes the deployment of Western weapons on Russian territory to be strategic. The destruction of Russian fortifications and launch sites near the border is critically essential, Zelenskyy stated in his daily video update. "It's working. Exactly as we anticipated." The Ukrainian leader approved several units for unspecified successes.
20:12 Two Casualties Due to Russian Border MineTwo individuals were killed by a mine explosion in the Russian region of Bryansk near the Ukrainian border, as per local governor Alexander Bogomas' statements on social media. "Locals ventured into a forbidden border zone, despite signs warning of mine danger", Bogomas clarified on social media. "Sadly, two locals perished instantly from the mine explosion." Another person was reportedly injured. The incident took place in the Klimovsky district, which neighbores the northern Ukrainian region of Chernihiv. Bogomas advised people to "remain cautious and avoid visiting areas near borders where signs indicate that mines have been laid". Russia has been reinforcing its border areas during the over two-year-long offensive in Ukraine. This month alone, there have been several mine accidents. In the past week, four individuals, including a journalist from the state television, were injured by a mine explosion in the Belgorod region, which also borders Ukraine.
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Read also:
- The US and its allies are providing military aid to Ukraine to counter Russia's attacks, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stating that Ukraine can now attack Russian targets with Western weaponry.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un for his backing of Russia's actions in Ukraine during Putin's visit to North Korea, with Kim pledging "complete support and solidarity" to Russia.
- The Cyberwar in the Ukraine conflict has been intensifying, with Ukrainian authorities reporting numerous cyberattacks against critical infrastructure and government institutions.
- In response to Russia's aggression in Ukraine, Nato has increased its military operations in Eastern Europe, with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stating that "NATO will continue to protect and defend all Allies, including Ukraine."
