Ukraine has targeted over thirty Russian oil structures, asserts President Selenskyj.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy allegedly struck over 30 targets in Russia's oil sector, including refineries, terminals, and storage facilities. No specific timeline or additional details about the attacks were provided. As of yet, no Russian response has been made public. This year, Ukraine has stepped up its assaults on Russian oil facilities. These oil facilities are crucial sources of income for Moscow.
16:01 Former Colonel issues caution against triumphalism: Kiev's bargaining position is "noticeably compromised"Despite recent Ukrainian victories in the Black Sea, Wolfgang Richter from the Geneva Center for Security Policy advises against excessive celebration. Russia might respond with "substantial means." In addition to military reinforcements, a clear exit strategy is also crucial, Richter noted.
15:34 At least eight deaths and numerous injuries reported in Russian attacks in UkraineAccording to Ukrainian sources, at least eight people have been killed and several dozen more injured in Russian attacks on targets in eastern Ukraine and the southern port city of Odessa. In the eastern region of Donetsk, Governor Wadym Filaschkin reported that at least four people were killed and 34 others injured, including two children, in rocket attacks on the city of Pokrowsk. Two Iskander-M missiles were reportedly fired by Russian troops at the city, destroying multiple residential buildings. This was one of the largest civilian attacks in recent memory, Filaschkin stated. Additionally, a man was reportedly killed by Russian fire in the city of Kurachowe further south. "The Russians attacked the city of Kurachowe with a guided missile and damaged an infrastructure facility," the governor said without providing further details.
15:11 Germany, France, and Poland plan alliance for long-range weaponsGermany, France, and Poland aim to form a coalition of European states for the development of long-range weapons. "Long-range weapons represent a significant capability gap in Europe," explained German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius of the SPD in Paris. Several countries need to express their interest in closing this gap medium- to long-term before the NATO summit in July, Pistorius stressed. A corresponding declaration could then be signed at the NATO summit in Washington. "We will exhibit in Washington the strength and dependability of the Europeans," Pistorius said during a meeting with his French and Polish colleagues, Sébastien Lecornu and Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz. "We will demonstrate in Washington the effectiveness with which the Europeans can contribute," Pistorius repeated. He referenced the fact that already 23 European allies, including Germany, had either reached or surpassed the two-percent NATO target for defense spending.
14:42 Kiev terms civilians on the Crimea "civil occupiers"
Following the catastrophic explosion of a Ukrainian rocket over a beach on the annexed Crimean Peninsula, the Kiev government labels the victims as "civil occupiers." "On the Crimea there cannot be 'beaches,' 'tourist zones,' or any other signs of 'peaceful living,'" writes the advisor in the Presidential Office, Mychajlo Podoljak, on Telegram. The Crimea is an occupied territory with hundreds of military targets, where combat operations are ongoing. The Kremlin is attempting to mask these targets with its own civilians, who would then be labeled as "civil occupiers." Two days prior, at a public beach near the naval base Sevastopol, a Ukrainian rocket exploded. Local authorities claim that at least four people were killed and over 150 were injured.
14:18 Zelenskyy orders investigation of the Presidential GuardUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy orders an investigation of the Presidential Guard following the discovery of suspected assassination plots within the security services. At the unveiling of the new head of the Presidential Guard, Olexij Morosow, Zelenskyy states that his primary task is to ensure that only those who envision their future with Ukraine join the Guard. Naturally, anyone in the Guard who chooses a different path than Ukraine or brings shame to the Guard must be removed. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) announced in May that it had apprehended two high-ranking officers of the Guard, who were accused of plotting the assassination of Zelenskyy and other state representatives of Ukraine.
13:52 Ukraine reports deaths and injuries in attack on PokrovskIn the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, at least four people have been killed and 34 others injured in a Russian rocket attack, according to regional authorities. Two children were among the injured.
13:32 EU imposes unwanted military aid for Ukraine against Hungarian government's willThe EU is providing 1.4 billion Euros for military aid to Ukraine against the wishes of the Hungarian government. At a Foreign Ministers meeting in Luxembourg, the planned procedure for this was approved, according to several diplomats of the German Press Agency.
13:16 Ukraine reports two fatalities from Russian mineIn Lypzi, in the region of Kharkiv, two people have been killed by the explosion of a Russian mine. This was reported by the head of the regional military administration via Telegram, as reported by the state Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform. An car with two occupants reportedly drove over a mine in the morning. One man died at the scene, a woman on the way to the hospital.
12:52 German government denies expulsion of unwilling UkrainiansThe German government dismisses the expulsion of unwilling Ukrainian women and men. A spokesperson for the Foreign Office in Berlin states that it is evident daily how Russia is attacking targets throughout Ukraine and is also attempting to destroy infrastructure in the western part of the country. "Therefore, I would not now know where a safe place in Ukraine should be," he emphasizes in response to a corresponding demand from CSU state group leader Alexander Dobrindt. Dobrindt spoke of "safe areas in western Ukraine."
12:21 Tensions escalate between Russia and USA over Crimea incidentRussia workers threats repercussions for Ukrainian missile strike on the occupied Crimean Peninsula, reportedly killing at least four individuals and injuring over 150 others. Dmitri Peskov, Presidential press secretary, hinted at these consequences. "The details will be revealed in due time." Russia plans to act upon the US part in this incident. Peskov mentions the Russian threat to position missiles within striking distance of the USA and their European allies. According to Russian accounts, Ukraine launched five ATACMS missiles, supplied by the USA, against Crimea on Sunday. Four of these missiles were brought down by air defense, while the munition of the fifth missile exploded mid-air. Debris from the missile fell near a beach, resulting in the death of two children.
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11:58 Russia analyst: Missile aimed at tourists, states Niko KarasekIn this Ukrainian missile assault on the annexed Crimean Peninsula, several lives were reportedly lost, including at a beach. "The debris landed indiscriminately on the vacationers," says Russia expert Niko Karasek.
11:35 Sewastopol declares emergency stateFollowing the destructive Ukrainian missile assault, the authorities in the port city of Sewastopol, situated on the annexed Crimean Peninsula, have declared a state of emergency. As per official records, four people perished, and 151 were injured in the strike, 79 of whom are still admitted in hospitals. Most of the casualties had been lounging at a city beach in Sewastopol when missile debris fell and exploded. In initial reports, the Russian military asserted responsibility for the missile launch, but later retracted the statement and claimed that Ukrainian targets had been aimed at civilians. This claim is being questioned in some Russian military blogs. Nearby, there are several military facilities.
11:01 Germany faces backlash for new Russia sanctionsAfter the ratification of new sanctions against Russia, criticism from the Baltic states towards Germany is increasing. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis declares the sanctions as "regrettably unambitious." His Estonian counterpart Margus Tsahkna states that "it will become increasingly difficult in the European Union to achieve consensus on new sanctions." Originally, this was primarily due to Hungary, but now the German government is obstructing stricter measures against bypassing sanctions through third parties. The EU Commission meant to hold European companies accountable if prohibited goods reached Russia via their subsidiaries in countries such as Kazakhstan. Berlin objected, stating that the measures would burden Germany, the largest EU exporting country, more than Russia. Now, companies are only required to make "best efforts" in preventing sanctions violations.
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10:24 Reports of attacks on OdessaAs per the mayor's reports, two individuals were injured during the morning assault on Odessa. This information was made known by the Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform. Russian forces allegedly bombarded civilian infrastructure with rockets.
09:44 Over 110 new names added to EU sanctions listThe EU countries have initiated the 14th sanctions package against Russia. According to an announcement, sanctions will be imposed on an additional 116 persons and institutions. Furthermore, stricter measures will be taken against attempts to evade existing sanctions. In addition, investments in Russian liquid gas projects will be prohibited.
09:25 EU insists on using frozen Russian funds for UkraineEU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell aims to prevent any EU member state from blocking the use of frozen Russian financial assets to aid Ukraine. Borrell is set to propose this at the EU Foreign Ministers' meeting in Luxembourg. "We have a legal process to prevent any kind of blockade."
08:58 Moscow deflects criticism on Dagestan terror attack by accusing UkraineFrom the Russian Parliament come, without evidence, allegations that Ukraine is responsible for the terrorist attack in Dagestan, as reported by NTV correspondent Rainer Munz. The Kremlin is trying to "divert attention from the existence of Islamic terrorism in Russia."
08:23 Reports of Odessa attackAccording to media reports, a fire erupted in Odessa in the morning. The Belarusian opposition medium Nexta reports of a massive explosion, while "Kyiv Post" reports of an attack on civilian infrastructure.
07:51 Schwesig arrives in Kiev - "Ukraine must win"As the first Bundesrat President, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's Governor Manuela Schwesig visits Ukraine. The SPD politician arrived in Kiev by train and plans to engage in political talks during the day. "It's a sign of solidarity from all 16 federal states with Ukraine," she said during her journey. "Ukraine must win this conflict, and it should not be possible for Russia to emerge victorious with this aggression." This statement is met with opposition from certain politicians. Chancellor Olaf Scholz instead consistently states that Russia should not win the conflict and Ukraine should not lose it.
07:36 Conflict continues in NowooleksandriwkaReports suggest that Russian troops have yet to fully seize control of the village Nowooleksandriwka, located in the Donetsk region. The Ukrainian army reports heavy fighting on the scene.
06:52 Russian unit allegedly detains own wounded soldiersA Russian military blogger claims that commanders of various units of the so-called Donetsk People's Republic are mistreating their wounded soldiers. A brigade is said to be holding its wounded in the city of Donezk under harsh conditions instead of caring for them, as reported by the US think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
06:21 Third Estonian Soldier Dead in Ukraine ConflictA 42-year-old Estonian soldier serving in the Ukrainian military has been killed in combat in the Luhansk region. This was reported by Kyiv Independent, citing the Estonian newspaper "Postimees." Martin Jaager, who previously served in an elite unit in Estonia, joined the Ukrainian army over a year ago. He is the third Estonian to die in the defense of Ukraine.
05:44 EU Foreign Ministers Meeting: Pressure on Hungary IncreasesThe EU Foreign Ministers are meeting in Luxembourg today to discuss the ongoing Russian offensive against Ukraine. Ukrainian Chief Diplomat Dmytro Kuleba is scheduled to connect via video. Hungary is being pressured to lift its blockade on the delivery of 6.5 billion Euros worth of military aid to Ukraine. A heated dispute took place at the Foreign Ministers' Meeting at the end of May.
04:45 Russia Blames U.S. for Attack on CrimeaFollowing a rocket attack on the annexed Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, Russia has accused the U.S. of being responsible. The U.S. is said to have provided the weaponry used in the attack and US spy satellites are believed to have provided launch coordinates. Four people, including two children, were killed and 151 others injured in the attack, according to the Defense Ministry.
03:42 IAEA Condemns Attacks Around Saporischschja Nuclear Power PlantThe IAEA has demanded an immediate end to attacks on the Ukrainian city of Enerhodar near the Saporischschja Nuclear Power Plant. These attacks, which involve drone attacks on the power plant and its surroundings, are increasing in frequency and are considered completely unacceptable by the IAEA. In the past week, drone attacks have hit two transformer stations, disrupting power supply to residents. However, the Saporischschja Nuclear Power Plant's operation has remained unaffected.
02:45 Stoltenberg to Discuss Further Ukraine Aid with MacronNATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is traveling to Paris for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday. The discussions are expected to focus on providing further support to Ukraine in its war against Russia.
01:43 Orban Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in UkrainePrime Minister Viktor Orban has called for an initiative towards an immediate ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict. Orban noted that Russia's attack on Ukraine is unacceptable and opposes fundamental principles of international relations. He emphasized the need to stop the killing at the front and added that ending the war in Ukraine is a key point in Hungary's upcoming EU presidency which begins on July 1.
00:53 Ukraine Attacks Crimea AgainUkraine is reported to have conducted nighttime attacks on targets in the annexed Crimean Peninsula using rockets. The city of Evpatoria has experienced multiple explosions. The consequences of these attacks are currently unclear. However, videos and images of fires have been published by several media outlets. The authenticity of reports claiming hit military installations has yet to be confirmed by either the Ukrainian or Russian sides.
23:49 Zelenskyy Demands Advanced Weapons and Strikes into Russian TerritoryFollowing continued shelling of Kharkiv, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has called for more advanced weapons and permission to launch strikes deep into Russian territory from the West. He insisted, "The Russian air force must be destroyed wherever it is, with all effective means." Zelenskyy is working with Western partners to make a corresponding decision.
22:49 Prien on Social Benefits for Ukrainian Refugees: "German Government Fails"Following a call from CSU regional group leader Alexander Dobrindt for social benefits for Ukrainian refugees, CDU deputy chairwoman Karin Prien called attention to their cause of flight from Putin's terror and war. She emphasized the need to facilitate their participation in the labor market. Prien accused the federal government of failing in this regard, arguing that Ukrainians want to quickly get back on their feet and work to prepare for rebuilding their homeland.
EU Commision Vice-President Vera Jourova forewarns potential election manipulation attempts by Russia ahead of next year's Bundestag election, stating "We're living in a new age of hostile influence." The EU Commissioner for Transparency and Values, and the Protection of Democracy spoke to "Süddeutsche Zeitung," suggesting that "Voice of Europe" could serve as a model for further Russian operations, including the upcoming Bundestag election. The supposed media outlet, thought to be just the tip of the iceberg, was banned by the EU in May, citing control by the Russian government targeting European parties, particularly during election periods. Allegations claim Voice of Europe, headquartered in Prague, spread pro-Russian propaganda within the EU and paid off European politicians.
On a different note, Ukraine's state energy supplier, Ukrenergo, announced power outages for the coming days due to Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The announcement was made on Telegram, necessitating the measures since the beginning of the week energy consumption is anticipated to rise and the power grid is reportedly weakened by Russian attacks. Since May, Ukraine has been subjecting rolling blackouts due to damaged energy infrastructure. According to Ukrenergo, the largest power cuts are expected between 19 and 23 hours on Monday.
You can catch up on previous developments here.
Read also:
- Following President Zelenskyy's assertion of over 30 attacks on Russian oil structures, Russia has remained silent, potentially planning a substantial response due to the compromised bargaining position of Ukraine, according to a former colonel.
- Amidst the ongoing Ukraine conflict, Russia launched attacks on Ukrainian targets in the cities of Pokrovsk and Odessa, resulting in several deaths and injuries.
- In response to Russian attacks on Ukraine, Germany, France, and Poland are aiming to form a coalition for the development of long-range weapons, aiming to close the significant capability gap in Europe medium- to long-term.
- The ongoing Ukraine conflict has escalated tensions between Russia and the USA, with Russia threatening repercussions after the US-supplied missiles were used in an attack on the Crimean Peninsula, killing at least four individuals and injuring over 150 others.
