Ukraine: In the year so far, Russia has launched 2277 Shahed drones.
Russian forces have launched 2277 Iranian-made Shahed drones at targets in Ukrainian territory, as reported by Ukrainian sources. The Ukrainian Air Force's commander announced on Telegram that approximately 86% of these drones have been destroyed by their air defense.
At 16:07, the Ukrainian authorities ordered the evacuation of children and their families from five settlements near the front line in Donetsk, a region in the east. This order also applies to other legal guardians of minors. The specified settlements are in areas where recent Russian advances have been made. Owing to the increased number of civilian casualties in recent combat engagements, the Governor of Donetsk had previously urged civilians to evacuate the region in the past few weeks.
At 15:57, the European Union kick-started accession talks with Ukraine. Officials from the 27 EU member states and Ukrainian delegates gathered in Luxembourg for the inaugural session, where they would discuss the framework for the negotiations. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal described this as a "historic moment" for his country and the EU.
At 15:42, a Ukrainian billionaire is donating three speedboats, equipped with guns, to the Ukrainian navy. These boats can reach speeds of up to 74 kilometers per hour and are also armed with weapons such as machine guns and water bombs. Sweden is offering an additional ten boats to Ukraine.
At 15:26, Russia blocked access to 81 European media outlets in response to the broadcasting ban on several Russian media in Europe. The Russian Foreign Ministry announced on its website that these companies would have their programs blocked and their websites inaccessible. Among the affected German media are "Der Spiegel," "Die Zeit," and the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung." In Austria, the public-service broadcaster ORF and the media group Österreich were affected. The German-French channel Arte is also on the list of prohibited media. France is the EU country most heavily sanctioned by Russia, with a total of nine listed entities.
At 15:11, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to travel to Russia following his re-election. Yuri Ushakov, the foreign policy advisor to Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, confirmed that preparations for Modi's visit are underway. However, there has been no confirmation from the Indian government. According to reports, Modi's visit to Moscow is scheduled for July 8 and 9.
At 14:52, a plan by two former advisors of ex-US President Donald Trump to end the Russian war in Ukraine has been presented to Trump. The aim is to convince both parties to agree on a ceasefire and peace negotiations. Trump is to tell Ukraine that they will only receive more weapons from the US if they engage in peace talks. At the same time, Russia is to be informed that Ukraine will receive more support from the US if Moscow refuses to agree to negotiations. Moscow is to be lured with the promise of delaying Ukraine's possible NATO membership for a longer period. The strategy was devised by retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg and Fred Fleitz, who both served in the National Security Council during Trump's presidency.
At 14:38, Ukraine has received the first delivery from a Czech ammunition initiative. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced on Twitter that the first batch of ammunition in the framework of this initiative has arrived in Ukraine. "We are doing what is necessary," added Fiala. The ammunition shortage is one of Ukraine's biggest problems in its defense against Russia. The goal of the initiative is to procure up to 800,000 artillery shells for Kiev in countries outside the EU. So far, 18 partner countries have pledged financial support worth approximately 1.6 billion euros for the project. Germany is reportedly planning to contribute with a three-digit million amount. Other donor countries include the Netherlands, Denmark, and Lithuania. The Czech Republic is a strong supporter of Ukraine in its defense against the Russian invasion.
At 14:20, the Ukrainian Ambassador Makeiev criticized the CSU's proposal to exclude non-working Ukrainians. Makeiev told Phoenix that this proposal is "depersonalized and very populist." To help more Ukrainian asylum seekers enter the German labor market, Ambassador Makeiev is in contact with Labor Minister Heil, Interior Minister Faeser, as well as the federal states, and the job centers. For Makeiev, it is a fact that "Ukrainians integrate three times better into the labor market than representatives of other nations, they want to work." In comparison to other countries, he notices that "Ukrainians integrate much faster" there. Unemployment among asylum seekers, therefore, is not only due to the Ukrainians but also to the Ukrainians and the German government, according to Makeiev. He, therefore, demands "recognition of vocational qualifications" and "lowering language requirements."
14:01 Russian Broadcast Host Lambasts Serbia as Last "Mistress": Supporter of Putin Chastises SerbiaFor several years, Serbia has maintained intimate ties with Moscow. However, these relationships have been tarnished, as it was recently uncovered that the country sold weapons which ended up in Ukraine via indirect routes – and President Aleksandar Vucic defended the deal as crucial for the domestic artillery industry. In Russia, television personality and Kremlin spokesperson Sergey Mardan is fuming. The weapons were deployed across all battlefronts, Serbia has assumed the role of the last "mistress," he raves. The Serbs are no longer brothers of the Russians, but adversaries.
13:40 Ukrainian Drones Reportedly Strike Gas Pipeline in BelgorodReports are emerging of Ukrainian drone attacks in Russia. Videos show the strikes, during which several buildings and a gas pipeline were affected. Several people were injured, and at least one person died. Kiev has yet to comment on the alleged attacks.
13:18 EU Extends Temporary Protection for Ukrainian RefugeesThe EU extends temporary asylum for Ukrainian refugees for another year. The 27 EU ministers adopted the extension in Luxembourg. The extension of the protective status until March 4, 2026, was agreed upon by the EU interior ministers on the Commission's proposal in mid-June. According to Brussels estimates, the conditions for the return of the people due to the ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure are not met. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser welcomed the extension but also called for a "fairer distribution" of refugees in the EU. The acceptance of nearly 1.2 million people in Germany remains a "major accomplishment."
13:02 Beijing Calls for Repeal of Recent EU Sanctions Against RussiaChina strongly criticizes the new EU sanctions against Russia, which also affect Chinese companies. It is about "unilateral sanctions without legal basis," says a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry. "We urge the European side urgently to repeal the sanctions, and we will take necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies." The West accuses China of supporting Russia in its war against Ukraine, which China denies. In the context of a new package of measures against Russia, Brussels added 61 more companies to its sanctions list on Monday, including 19 Chinese companies. Two major players in the Chinese satellite industry are affected by trade restrictions. The companies are alleged to have conducted business worth millions with the Russian mercenary group Wagner and sold them satellites.
12:58 Arrest Warrant Issued against Shoigu and GerasimovThe International Criminal Court issues an arrest warrant against former Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and General Staff Chief Valeri Gerasimov. They are accused of attacking civilian targets in Ukraine, the ICC announces.
12:50 Zelenskyy meets Schwesig in KievMecklenburg-Vorpommern Minister-President Manuela Schwesig is to be greeted by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kiev on the second day of her Ukraine visit. The meeting in Kiev is expected to last about an hour. Schwesig is visiting Ukraine in her capacity as Federal President, to assure Kiev of the solidarity of all 16 federal states. "The Ukraine must win this war," she had already said on the train journey to the Ukrainian capital - in contrast to her party friend, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who only emphasizes that Russia should not win the war and Ukraine should not lose. Schwesig is criticized for her commitment to the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in Ukraine. The former Ukrainian ambassador Andrij Melnyk once said that he would never give her his hand. After the Russian attack almost two years ago, Schwesig distanced herself from her engagement for the project and called it a mistake.
12:28 Court convicts Russia of human rights violations on the CrimeaThe European Court of Human Rights convicts Russia of human rights violations on the Crimea after the annexation of the Black Sea peninsula. The judges in Strasbourg grant the Ukrainian complaint. Russia does not recognize the judgments of the Court.
11:52 Kiev's "ammunition shortage" eased - also with foreign ammunitionUkrainian soldiers have been fighting without sufficient ammunition against the Russian army for a long time. With the 61 billion dollar aid package, the ammunition stock is improved. Vasil, a Ukrainian commander, reports that the "ammunition shortage" is now over.
11:25 Hundreds of Ukrainians arrested while attempting to flee to other countriesUkrainian security forces prevent 100 men from illegally fleeing 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, according to the state investigation bureau. Another 53 men were stopped on their way to a "collection point." They were to evade control points and cross the border on foot. The Odessa region borders the Republic of Moldova. The neighboring country Romania is bordered by the Danube. All men aged 25 or over, who can be conscripted for the war, have been transferred to the local military conscription office. The human traffickers reportedly demanded between 4600 and over 17,000 euros from each man.
historic EU day: Anna Luhrmann on talks with Ukraine, Moldova
The EU's State Secretary Anna Luhrmann declares a historic day as EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova commence. She appreciates the immense efforts made by the two countries in the face of challenging circumstances, focusing on substantial advancements in rule of law, anti-corruption, and media freedom. However, both nations must still meet all the requirements for EU membership, potentially taking years. For instance, a peace agreement with Russia is a prerequisite for Ukraine. The EU accession is not guaranteed.
10:38 Retaliatory sanctions from Moscow: Affecting all sides?
Frozen EU funds destined for Ukraine's military are deemed illegal and against international law by Russia, according to NTV correspondent Rainer Munz. Russia plans to impose sanctions on the EU and develop further relationships.
10:09 Money from "Putin's portfolio": Swiss Court convicts banker
Four Swiss bankers have been found guilty for managing funds associated with the inner circle of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Zurich Appellate Court determines that the employees of the liquidated Swiss branch of the Russian Gazprombank did not clarify whether funds on accounts 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. Roldugin, known as "Putin's Briefcase" in Moscow, was added to the Swiss sanctions list following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
09:44 Somali Soldier Speaks: "I just ran"
Adil, a young Somali, describes his experience as a mercenary hired by the Kremlin for almost 1900 Euro per month to fight in Ukraine. In exchange, he was promised Russian citizenship and assured that he would not have to fight at the front. Instead, Adil was sent to Ukraine immediately and ended up fleeing after four days and being incarcerated in an Ukrainian prison. Adil explains that he didn't come to kill and lost his weapon. He was overwhelmed by drones, artillery, and rockets.
09:17 Two Advisors of former US President Trump propose Ukraine war-ending strategy
Two important advisors of former US President Donald Trump have presented a plan to end the war in Ukraine. The proposal states that Ukraine can only receive more US weapons if it agrees to peace talks. Simultaneously, the US would issue a warning to Moscow about potential increased US support if there is any refusal to negotiate. This plan, if accepted, would represent a significant shift in Washington's stance on the war and may face opposition from European allies and Trump's own Republican Party.
08:49 Russia: Multiple drones intercepted and destroyed near border
Russia asserts that it has shot down 30 Ukrainian drones in the border area between the two countries. The Russian air defense is responsible for intercepting and destroying 29 drones in the Belgorod region and one in the adjacent Voronezh region, according to the Russian Defense Ministry via Telegram. In Belgorod, an older woman was reportedly killed, as per local authorities.
08:18 Ukrainian security services apprehend a suspected Russian spy
Ukrainian security forces have captured a border guard soldier suspected of spying for the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), according to their own statements. The man is said to have gathered information about weapons and ammunition depots and Ukrainian troops in the border region with Belarus, according to the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU). The suspect was allegedly recruited by an FSB agent based in the occupied Luhansk region and communicated with him anonymously through online messengers. If convicted of high treason, the man faces a life sentence, according to the SBU.
07:46 ISW (Institute for the Study of War) Forecasts Russian Military Advance Before US Aid Arrives: The ISW anticipates that the Russian military is seeking to make substantial strategic and operational advancements before a substantial quantity of US military aid reaches Ukrainian forces. The ISW suggests that it might take some time for the weapons delivered by the West to be effective on the battlefield. They also mention an interview with Kyrylo Budanov, military intelligence chief, with the "Philadelphia Inquirer". According to this interview, weapons deliveries from the US and Europe, including artillery ammunition, will arrive quicker than before. However, Budanov emphasizes the need for a large quantity of weapons, stating it's a matter of scale. He predicts that the situation at the front will remain challenging at least until mid-July, but there won't be an 'Armageddon'.
07:12 Kiev: Intelligence Service to Continue "Drone Sanctions" Against Russian Oil Refinery Complex: Ukrainian Special Forces have placed more than 30 Russian oil refineries, terminals, and depots under surveillance, as stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a military briefing. He particularly commends the Special Operations Center "A" of the Ukrainian Security Service for their long-range drone capabilities, which can now cover distances of 1,500 kilometers. The latest drone attacks have targeted areas as far as Tatarstan and Bashkortostan, and the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) plans to continue imposing "Drone sanctions" on the Russian oil refinery complex, aiming to reduce the adversary's economic potential and hamper their ability to wage war against Ukraine.
06:50 Denmark Cancels Training of Ukrainian F-16 pilots: Denmark is terminating its training program for Ukrainian F-16 pilots at the end of the year due to its transition to F-35 aircraft. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced this at a press conference. As Denmark moves to the F-35, it needs to focus on that, and cannot continue the training of Ukrainian pilots after 2024. The western F-16 coalition must seek alternative locations for the training activities, with options available in Romania and the US.
06:39 Russian Governor Concerned About "Extensive" Drone Attack on Belgorod: Multiple buildings, vehicles, a gas supply line, and four individuals were injured in drone attacks on the Russian city of Belgorod and neighboring settlements in the Belgorod region. This was reported by "Kyiv independent," citing statements from Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov, who characterized the attacks as "extensive". A key administrative building in the city of Shebekino was purportedly completely destroyed by fire. Kiev has yet to comment on the attacks.
06:16 EU Impose Sanctions on Dozens of Companies, Including Chinese Firms: In the context of a new round of measures against Russia, the European Union is adding 61 companies to the sanctions list, including 19 Chinese companies. The 14th sanctions package formally adopted includes trade restrictions for two significant actors in the Chinese satellite industry, who are accused of conducting business worth millions with the Russian mercenary group Wagner and supplying them with satellites.
05:43 European Court of Human Rights Ruling on Kyiv's Lawsuit Against Moscow: The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg is ruling on Ukraine's lawsuit against Russia, related to the annexation of the Crimean peninsula. Kiev accuses Moscow of numerous violations of the European Convention on Human Rights, including "illegal detentions", "suppression of non-Russian media", and "compensation-free expropriations".
04:38 Orban on Ukraine's EU Membership: "Hungary is not in agreement": Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban expresses reservations towards the EU's accession talks with Ukraine, taking place in Luxembourg today. Orban tells newspapers of the Funke Mediengruppe: "Hungary is not in agreement with this accession process, but we are not obstructing it and are supporting the commencement of negotiations." Orban asserts that the talks are "entirely politically motivated". He questions the potential consequences of accepting a country at war into the EU, particularly when its borders are not clearly defined in practice. As Hungary takes over the EU Council Presidency on July 1, Orban expresses concern about the potential implications for the EU.
03:36 EU Commences Accession Talks with Ukraine: The EU begins accession talks with Ukraine today. "The path to full membership, which Ukraine deserves, is irreversible," says Ihor Zhovka, foreign policy advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in an interview in Kiev. The negotiations will start once the EU has evaluated the numerous reforms Ukraine needs to implement to meet EU standards. The ceremony in Luxembourg is largely symbolic at this stage.
02:35 US: Russian interception of Tochka-U missile results in civilian casualties on Crimean peninsulaReports from the US indicate that during Ukraine's weekend attack on the Crimean peninsula, they did not target civilians. However, it seems that Russia intercepted a Tochka-U missile meant to disable a launch pad, and debris from the intercepted missile fell onto a beach. According to Russian reports, at least four individuals, including two children, lost their lives in the Ukrainian attack using Tochka-U missiles over the weekend, with 151 people reportedly injured. Russia alleges the US is accountable for the attack. The US government countered by asserting that Ukraine makes its own decisions concerning attack targets and military deployment.
01:35 US to furnish Kiev with extra ammunition worth $150 millionAs per government sources, the US intends to supply Kiev with an estimated $150 million worth of additional ammunition. According to the sources, this decision is expected to be made public soon. The upcoming supply is anticipated to encompass ammunition for the Himars multiple rocket launchers provided by the US, which can launch Atacms missiles. Following Ukrainian Atacms missile strikes on the Crimean peninsula, Moscow asserted that the US is now a part of the conflict.
00:36 Moscow labels EU sanctions as ineffectiveThe Russian Foreign Ministry deems the latest sanctions in the EU's 14th sanctions package against Russia as ineffective. The West is inflicting harm upon itself, the ministry adds. The West disregards the repercussions for its own economy and the well-being of people within the EU, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Gruschko in Moscow. Russia foresees an economic growth of over 3% this year, more than ten times the growth rate in Germany. "The purpose of the sanctions was to throttle the Russian economy and disrupt the unity of society. The EU has achieved the opposite," Gruschko says.
23:28 Displaced Ukrainians: Schwesig disagrees with DobrindtMecklenburg-Vorpommern's Minister-President Manuela Schwesig criticizes CSU-State Group Leader Alexander Dobrindt's proposition to relocate displaced persons from certain areas of Ukraine if they do not accept work in Germany. "There are no safe areas, as Russia attacks the entire Ukraine," says the SPD politician in the ZDF "heute journal update." The statement is described as "very populist" by many refugees, including women with children. She accuses Dobrindt of bowing to critical voices within the population.
22:29 Ukrainian General Staff: 128 battles with Russian troops since dawnAccording to Ukrainian reports, there have been 128 battles with Russian troops at the front since dawn. As reported by the Ukrainian General Staff on Facebook, Russian troops are currently focusing on the area around Pokrovsk. The area reportedly accounted for a third of the Russian attacks today. The Ukrainian defense forces have purportedly managed to repel the attacks and hold the front lines.
21:57 Hungary condemns EU decision on Russian assets for UkraineThe Hungarian government reacts with disdain to the decision of other EU countries to use the proceeds from frozen Russian assets for Ukraine. "There has never been such a shameless violation of common European rules," says Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó on Facebook. The government is currently investigating how Hungary can legally assert its rights. The government of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will take over the EU presidency in a week and still maintains good relations with the Russian government.
21:38 Ukrainian Navy: 120 drones destroyed in attack in the Krasnodar OblastReports from the Ukrainian Navy indicate that 120 drones were destroyed in an attack on the Russian region of Krasnodar on June 21. The attack was allegedly conducted by the Ukrainian Navy and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), according to a report on the Navy's website on Facebook. The Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform reports this. The Ukrainian forces reportedly targeted objects on a training ground of the 726th Training Center of the Russian Air Defense in Yeysk, where drone pilots are reportedly trained.
Read also:
- The ongoing 'Attack on Ukraine' by Russia has seen Russian forces launch 2277 Iranian-made Shahed drones at Ukrainian territory, with 86% being destroyed by Ukrainian air defense.
- The 'Ukraine conflict' has led to increased tensions, with Russia blocking access to 81 European media outlets in response to the broadcasting ban on several Russian media in Europe.
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, is currently engaged in 'Military operations' against Russian forces, with support from NATO and other international allies.
- Cyberwarfare is also a concern in the 'Ukraine conflict', with reports of Ukrainian drones reportedly striking a gas pipeline in Belgorod, Russia.
