Ukraine grieves over casualties following assault on Pokrovsk
In the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, at least four individuals lost their lives due to a Russian missile strike, as per regional officials. Thirty-four more people, including two minors, were wounded. Two houses were demolished, and sixteen others were damaged.
The European Union is transporting 1.4 billion Euros for military aid to Ukraine, against the wishes of the Hungarian government. This move was approved during an external ministers meeting in Luxembourg, according to various German Press Agency diplomats.
In Lypzi, the Charkiw region, two people were killed by the detonation of a Russian landmine. The regional military administration head reported this on Telegram, according to Ukrinform, Ukraine's state news agency. An automobile with two occupants supposedly ran over a landmine in the morning. One man expired on the spot, a woman died during transport to the hospital.
The German government opposes the expulsion of unwilling Ukrainian females and males. A Foreign Office spokesperson in Berlin confirmed that it's daily observable how Russia attacks targets across Ukraine and attempts to destroy infrastructure in western regions of the country. In response to a demand from CSU-state group leader Alexander Dobrindt about "safe areas in western Ukraine," the spokesperson stated that he wouldn't know now where a secure location in Ukraine would be.
Russia has issued threats towards the USA for their involvement in a Ukrainian rocket attack on the annexed Crimean Peninsula. According to Russian press secretary Dmitry Peskov, this attack led to the deaths of at least four people and over 150 injuries. Russia will counteract the US involvement in this attack, according to Peskov. Additionally, Russia has threatened to station rockets in close proximity to the US and their European allies. Russian reports suggest that Ukraine attacked the Crimea with five US-supplied rockets on Sunday, which were equipped with cluster munitions. Four rockets were intercepted by the air defense, while the munition of a fifth rocket detonated in the air. Debris from the rocket landed near a beach. Among the fatalities were two children.
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A Russian expert stated that the debris from the Ukrainian rocket attack on the annexed Crimean Peninsula fell randomly among tourists.
Following a devastating Ukrainian rocket attack, the authorities in the port city of Sewastopol, located on the annexed Crimean peninsula, have declared a state of emergency. Official reports reveal that four people were killed and 151 were injured in the attack, with 79 still hospitalized. Most of the victims were enjoying the city's beaches when debris from the rocket landed and exploded. Initially, the Russian military claimed responsibility for the rocket launch, but later retracted their statement and declared that Ukrainian flying objects had targeted civilians. However, this claim is being questioned in Russian military blogs. Nearby, there are several military objectives.
Criticism is being directed towards Germany from the Baltic states in response to the new sanctions package. Lithuania's Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis laments that the sanctions are "regrettably weaker" than planned, while his Estonian counterpart Margus Tsahkna states that "it is increasingly difficult to find a consensus on new sanctions in the European Union." The German government is currently obstructing stricter regulations against circumventing sanctions through third parties. The EU Commission wished to hold European companies liable if prohibited goods reached Russia via daughter companies in Kazakhstan. Berlin objected, stating that these measures would harm Germany as the largest EU export nation more than Russia.
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The attack in Odessa has resulted in the injury of two people, as reported by the mayor, according to Ukrinform. Russian troops supposedly targeted civilian infrastructure with rockets.
The EU has initiated the 14th sanctions package against Russia. According to a statement, 116 individuals and institutions will face sanctions, as well as stricter measures against attempts to bypass existing sanctions. Additionally, investments in Russian liquefied gas projects will be blocked.
The EU Foreign Policy Chief, Josep Borrell, aims to prevent a EU member state from blocking the usage of funds from frozen Russian financial assets for Ukraine's support. Borrell made this statement before the EU Foreign Ministers' meeting in Luxembourg. "We have a legal procedure to prevent any kind of blockade," according to Borrell.
Moscow deflects criticism of the terror attack in Dagestan by accusing Ukraine, without evidence. The Kremlin is attempting to "divert attention from how dangerous Islamic terror is in Russia," according to NTV correspondent Rainer Munz.
10:23 Assault on Odessa Confirmed: Reports indicate a blaze erupted in Odessa earlier today. Belarusian opposition media Nexta states a powerful explosion occurred, whereas "Kyiv Post" claims an attack on civil infrastructure.
09:51 Schwesig Arrives in Kiev - "Ukraine Must Prevail": The first Bundesrat President, Manuela Schwesig of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, visits Ukraine today. She reached Kiev via train and intends to engage in political discussions. "It signifies solidarity with all 16 federal states standing by Ukraine," she commented during her journey. "Ukraine must overcome this war, and it shouldn't be that Russia triumphs with this aggression." Such remarks might be tough for many politicians to voice. Unlike Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who consistently asserts that Russia should not prevail in the war and Ukraine should not succumb, Schwesig has taken a firmer stance.
09:36 Conflict over Nowooleksandriwka Persists: Ukrainian sources claim that Russian troops have yet to fully seize control of the village of Nowooleksandriwka in the Donetsk region. The Ukrainian military is reporting intense skirmishes at the location.
08:52 Suspected Maltreatment of Injured Soldiers by Russian Commanders: A Russian military blogger alleges that commanders of various Russian units within the so-called Donetsk People's Republic are mistreating their wounded soldiers. A brigade is believed to have kept their wounded soldiers in the city of Donetsk under harsh conditions instead of treating them, according to the US think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW), who relayed the blogger's information.
08:21 Third Estonian Volunteer Killed in Action: An Estonian volunteer serving in the Ukrainian army died in battle in the Luhansk region. The Kyiv Independent reports this based on Estonian newspaper "Postimees." Martin Jaager, a 42-year-old former soldier, was reportedly killed on Saturday and is now the third Estonian to have perished while defending Ukraine. Having previously served in an elite unit in Estonia, Jaager joined the Ukrainian army over a year ago.
07:44 EU Foreign Ministers Meeting: Pressure on Hungary Escalates: The EU Foreign Ministers gather in Luxembourg today to discuss the Russian attack on Ukraine. Planned is a debate with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, who will join remotely. The pressure on Hungary is expected to heighten, to abandon its blockade of military aid worth 6.5 billion Euros. At the Foreign Ministers' Meeting in May, there was a contentious debate about this.
06:45 Moscow Accuses US of Responsibility for Attack on Crimea: Following a rocket attack on the annexed Crimean Peninsula, Moscow accuses the U.S. "The blame for the provocative rocket attack on the civilian population of Sevastopol lies primarily with Washington, which has supplied these weapons to Ukraine, and with the Kiev regime, from whose territory this attack was launched," states the Ministry. US experts are believed to have determined the rocket launch coordinates using information from US spy satellites, suggesting that the U.S. government bears direct responsibility. Four deaths, including two children, were reported, and 151 others were injured, as per the Defense Ministry.
05:42 IAEA Criticizes Attacks on Saporischschja Nuclear Power Plant AEU: The International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA demands an immediate halt to attacks on Enerhodar, the Ukrainian city near the Saporischschja Nuclear Power Plant. "Those responsible must stop," IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi says. "Drone attacks on the power plant and its surroundings are becoming increasingly frequent." Grossi adds that such actions are "completely unacceptable and contrary to the unanimously approved security principles and specific practices." Over the past week, drone attacks have struck two power substations, resulting in sporadic power disruptions for residents. According to Grossi, these incidents had no impact on the Saporischschja Nuclear Power Plant's operations.
04:45 Stoltenberg to Consult with Macron in Paris about Additional Ukraine Aid: NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is scheduled to visit Paris on Monday for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. Discussions are expected to focus on further support for Ukraine against Russia. Macron declared earlier in the month his intention to establish a coalition to send Western military trainers to Ukraine.
03:43 Orban Calls for an Immediate Ceasefire in Ukraine: Prior to the commencement of the Hungarian EU Council Presidency, Prime Minister Viktor Orban has proposed an initiative for an immediate ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict. "Russia's invasion of Ukraine is completely unacceptable and violates the fundamental principles of international relations," Orban told Funke Media Group newspapers. "But now the goal is to halt the conflict at the frontlines." Orban emphasized that ending the war in Ukraine is among the key objectives of the Hungarian EU Council Presidency, which begins on July 1.
02:43 Ukraine Strikes Targets on Crimean Peninsula Once More: Ukraine struck targets on the annexed Crimean Peninsula with rockets during the night, according to Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform. Multiple explosions were reported in the city of Evpatoria. The city's authorities, however, only activated the air raid sirens during the daytime attacks. The aftermath of the bombardment remains unclear. Several media outlets published videos and images of fires, but neither the Ukrainian nor the Russian side has confirmed reports of allegedly hit military installations.
23:49 Zelenskyy requests authorization to strike Russian heartlandAmid persistent bombardment of Kharkiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pleads for longer-range weapons and the go-ahead to attack Russian territory extensively. "Our air force needs to be obliterated wherever it may be, with every effective means available," Zelenskyy declares in his daily video address. Kiev is partnering with its international allies to reach a decision on this matter.
22:49 Prien discusses social assistance for refugees: "German government falters"
In response to Alexander Dobrindt's proposal concerning social benefits for Ukrainian refugees, Karin Prien, deputy chair of the CDU, highlights the reason for their exodus. "Ukrainians are fleeing from Putin's tyranny and Putin's war. Of course, they deserve our protection and our hospitality," writes Schleswig-Holstein's Education Minister on the platform X. "Most Ukrainian refugees aim to swiftly establish themselves here, find jobs, and prepare for their homeland's reconstruction. Our goal should be to make their integration into the labor market smoother," emphasizes Prien. She also criticizes the federal government for falling short in this area.
22:17 EU Commission alerts on potential manipulation of the 2025 Bundestag election by Russia
In anticipation of the Bundestag election next year, EU Commission Vice President Vera Jourova points out the potential for meddling by Russia. "We're living in an era of hostile influence," says the EU Commissioner for Transparency and Values and the Protection of Democracy to the "Süddeutsche Zeitung." "I fear that Voice of Europe may serve as a blueprint for further operations – also in the run-up to the Bundestag election next year. This supposed media outlet might just be the tip of the iceberg." It could be replicated as a method. The EU had prohibited Voice of Europe and three other Russian media organizations from airing within the European Union in May. According to the EU, they were all under Russian government control, and they targeted parties in Europe, "particularly during election periods." Voice of Europe, based in Prague, is suspected of disseminating pro-Russian propaganda within the EU and providing funds to European politicians.
21:45 Ukrainian power distributor forecasts nationwide power outagesIn light of Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the state power supplier predicts power outages for the upcoming days. This information comes from Ukrenergo via Telegram. These measures are necessary because energy consumption at the start of the week is surging, and the power grid is suffering from "extensive Russian attacks." Since May, Ukraine has had to enforce temporary power cuts due to damaged energy infrastructure. For Monday, the most significant power cuts are expected between 19 and 23 hours, Ukrenergo announces.
Take a gander at all previous updates here.
Read also:
- In response to the ongoing Russian military operations in Ukraine, Volodymyr Selensky, the Ukrainian president, has requested longer-range weapons and the authorization to attack Russian territory extensively.
- NATO is preparing to provide additional military aid to Ukraine, following Russia's threats towards the USA for their involvement in the conflict and the Ukrainian rocket attack on the annexed Crimean Peninsula.
- The Ukrainian military has reported intense skirmishes in the village of Nowooleksandriwka in the Donetsk region, which remains under contention between Ukrainian and Russian forces.
- Russian experts have accused Ukraine of responsible for the debris from a Ukrainian rocket attack on the annexed Crimean Peninsula, which fell randomly among tourists and resulted in several casualties, including two children.
