Ukraine Evacuates Families and Minors from Five Warsquipped Towns in Donetsk Region
Ukraine initiates mandatory evacuation of children from five settlements in the Donetsk district
Evacuation orders have been issued by Ukraine for families and minors in five towns close to the Donetsk region's frontlines, where Russian forces have recently made advances. As per the regional governor, Wadym Filaschkin, this measure includes other legal guardians of minors. These towns are situated in areas witnessing increased vigor in Russian attacks. Filaschkin had previously urged civilians to evacuate from the Donetsk region due to the rising number of civilian casualties.
European Union Commences Discussion with Ukraine for Membership
The European Union has initiated membership discussions with Ukraine. Representatives from the 27 EU member-states and the Ukrainian delegation gathered in Luxembourg for the initial session, where topics such as negotiation guidelines were discussed. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal declared this as a historic moment for both his country and the EU.
Ukrainian Billionaire Donates Naval Speedboats
A Ukrainian billionaire is sponsoring the Ukrainian navy by donating three gunboat-equipped speedboats. These boats, hailing from Sweden, can attain speeds of up to 74 kilometers per hour and come armed with machine guns, water bombs, and other weapons. Sweden has also pledged an additional ten boats to Ukraine.
Russia Censors European Media Outlets
In response to the ban on several Russian media outlets within Europe, Russia has blacklisted 81 European media corporations. Access to their programs and websites will be prohibited, as confirmed by the Russian Foreign Ministry. Among the affected German media companies are "Der Spiegel", "Die Zeit", and the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung". In Austria, ORF and the media group Austria also fall under the ban. The German-French channel Arte and several other European media entities are also on the blacklist. France is the EU country with the most sanctions imposed by Moscow, with a total of nine listed entities.
Indian Prime Minister Modi Set to Visit Russia
Following his re-election, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to pay a visit to Russia. Yuri Ushakov, foreign policy advisor to Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, has confirmed the forthcoming visit. However, there has been no official confirmation from the Indian government. According to the Russian news agency Tass, Modi's visit is scheduled for July 8 and 9.
Trump Advisors Propose Plan for Ukraine Strategy
Former US President Donald Trump has received a proposal from two influential advisors on bringing an end to the Russian conflict in Ukraine. This strategy involves encouraging both parties to agree to a ceasefire and engage in peace talks. To achieve this, Trump is expected to convince Ukraine to negotiate in exchange for additional US weapons. In parallel, Russia is to be informed that continued support from the US will be contingent on its agreement to negotiations. Moscow is to be enticed with the prospect of postponing Ukraine's potential NATO membership for an extended period. The strategy was conceived by retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg and Fred Fleitz, who both served on the National Security Council during Trump's tenure.
First Delivery of Czech Artillery Shells Arrives in Ukraine
Initiatives to supply artillery shells to Ukraine by the Czech Republic are bearing fruit. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala shared on social media that the first delivery in the framework of this initiative has been sent to Ukraine. Fiala believes this move serves to address the ongoing ammunition shortage issues in Ukraine. The initiative aims to provide up to 800,000 artillery shells to Ukraine from countries outside the EU. Germany has reportedly committed to contributing a considerable sum, as have several other countries, including the Netherlands, Denmark, and Lithuania. The Czech Republic supports Ukraine in its defense against the Russian invasion.
Ukrainian Ambassador Criticizes CSU Proposal
The Ukrainian ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeiev, has expressed disapproval of the CSU's proposal to exclude non-working Ukrainians. "It's an irresponsible and narrow-minded stance," commented Makeiev in a statement to Phoenix. Makeiev is working closely with Germany's Labor Minister Heil and Interior Minister Faeser, as well as federal states and job centers, to further integrate Ukrainian asylum seekers into the German workforce. Makeiev emphasizes that "Ukrainians integrate three times better into the labor market than other immigrants, and have a strong work ethic." In light of the challenges faced by other countries in employing asylum seekers, Makeiev feels it is important to "streamline the recognition of vocational training certificates" and "loosen language requirements slightly."
14:01 "Last Ally": Putin Agitator Criticizes Serbia's DecisionFor years, Serbia has been tightly allied with Moscow. However, this relationship has soured due to recent revelations: Serbia allegedly sold munitions that ended up in Ukraine through indirect routes, and President Aleksandar Vucic justified the deal as necessary for the domestic arms industry. Russian TV moderator and Kremlin propagandist Sergey Mardan is up in arms. The munitions landed in various conflict zones, he rants, branding Serbia as the last "prostitute." The Serbians are no longer brothers of the Russians, but enemies.
13:40 Ukrainian Drones Strike Gas Pipeline in BelgorodRussia reports drone attacks from Ukraine. Videos depict the assaults, where several buildings and a gas pipeline were damaged. Several people were reportedly injured, and at least one died. Kiev has yet to comment on the purported attacks.
13:18 EU Extends Protection Status for Ukrainian RefugeesThe EU extends the streamlined protection for Ukrainian refugees for another year. The 27 EU ministers approved the extension in Luxembourg and is valid until March 4, 2026. The EU interior ministers has already agreed on the extension in mid-June. According to Brussels estimations, the conditions for the return of 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 "more equitable distribution" of refugees within the EU. The acceptance of nearly 1.2 million people in Germany remains a "massive effort."
13:02 Beijing Calls for Lifting of Recent Russia SanctionsChina strongly reprimands the new EU sanctions against Russia which impact Chinese companies. It's about "unjustified sanctions without legal basis," says a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry. "We urge the European side to swiftly lift 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 conflict against Ukraine, which China denies. As part 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 accused of conducting business worth millions with the Russian mercenary group Wagner and selling them satellites.
12:58 Warrant Issued for Shoigu and GerasimovThe International Criminal Court issues an arrest warrant for former Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and General Staff Chief Valeri Gerasimov. They are accused of attacking civilian targets in Ukraine, the ICC reports.
12:50 Zelenskyy receives Schwesig in Kiev
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Minister President Manuela Schwesig meets with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kiev for the second day of her Ukraine visit. The meeting in Kiev lasts roughly an hour. Schwesig is visiting Ukraine as Federal President to express solidarity with Kiev. "The Ukraine must win this war," she had already stated during her train ride to the Ukrainian capital - differing from her party friend, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who emphasizes that Russia should not win the war and Ukraine should not lose. Criticism of Schwesig comes from her past involvement in the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project in Ukraine. The former Ukrainian ambassador Andrij Melnyk once claimed that he would never shake her hand. After the Russian attack nearly two years ago, Schwesig disassociated herself from her involvement in the project and called it a mistake.
12:28 Court Upholds Russia for Human Rights Violations on the CrimeaThe European Court of Human Rights upholds Russia for human rights violations on the Crimean Peninsula after the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula. The judges in Strasbourg make this decision in response to a lawsuit by Ukraine. Russia refuses to recognize the court's judgments.
11:52 Kiev's "munitions deficit" alleviated – also with incendiary munitionsUkrainian soldiers have been fighting without sufficient munitions against the Russian army for a long time. With the 61 billion dollar aid package, the munitions stock improves. Vasil, a Ukrainian commander, reports that the "munitions deficit" is now resolved.
11:25 One hundred Ukrainians arrested while attempting to leave for other countriesUkrainian security forces prevent 100 men from illegally leaving for other countries in the Odessa region in southern Ukraine. Last Friday, a group of 47 men in four minibuses were stopped on their way to the border, report the state investigative committee. Another 53 men were stopped at a "collection point." They were planning to evade checks at control points and cross the border on foot. The Odessa region shares a border with the Republic of Moldova. The neighboring country Romania is bordered by the Danube River. All men over 25, who can be conscripted for military service, have been transferred to the local military replacement office. The human traffickers reportedly demanded between 4600 and over 17,000 euros from each man.
12:08: Notable Days for the EU: Negotiations Kick off with Ukraine and MoldovaAnna Lührmann, EU State Secretary, hails a significant day for the EU, marking the commencement of EU accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova. Lührmann applauds the stringent reform efforts made by both countries amid challenging circumstances during a chat on the sidelines of an EU foreign ministers' meeting, prior to the official start of the accession talks in Luxembourg. The appreciations extend to the substantial advances made by these nations in judicial integrity, anti-corruption, and press freedom. Yet, it may take years for Ukraine and Moldova to meet all prerequisites for EU membership. For Ukraine, a peace treaty with Russia is crucial before entry. No guarantees are promised.
11:38: Potential EU Sanctions from Russia: A Possible ImpactSanctions against Russia from the EU, intended for arming Ukraine, are deemed "contrary to international law" and "illicit" by the Kremlin, as stated by NTV correspondent Rainer Munz. Russia now intends to retaliate against the EU and intensify relationships even more.
11:09: Funds from Putin's Associates: Swiss Court Holds Bankers AccountableFour Swiss bankers have been held accountable by a Swiss appellate court over the handling of funds from Putin's inner circle. The Zurich Appellate Court affirmatively insists that staff from the Swiss branch of the Russian Gazprombank did not adequately investigate 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 established at the Gazprombank in Zurich, with Roldugin listed as the beneficial owner. According to media reports, the Russian cellist and conductor is the godfather of one of Putin's daughters. He was added to the Swiss sanctions list shortly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Following the list, Roldugin is known as "Putin's Briefcase" in Moscow.
09:44: Somali Soldier Recounts: Warfare Chaos on the FrontWith the objective of replacing its lost soldiers during the war, the Kremlin is compelling migrants and foreign students to the frontlines. A young Somali named Adil narrates his experiences to NTV. For approximately 1,900 Euro a month, he enlists in the military, with the prospect of gaining Russian citizenship and the assurance that he will avoid frontline combat. Adil, however, is immediately deployed to the Ukraine front. After four days, he escapes and is now imprisoned in a Ukrainian jail. "I didn't sign up to kill. I misplaced my weapon. I was inexperienced with how to handle it. Everywhere there were drones, artillery, rockets. I just fled," Adil tells NTV in an interview. "I believed 2,000 dollars were the average wage for regular work. I thought a big dream had begun for me."
09:17 Proposed Strategy to End Ukraine War: Trump's Advisors Speak OutAccording to news agency Reuters, two significant advisors of former US President Donald Trump have suggested a strategy to end the war in Ukraine. The strategy, as reported by Reuters, involves granting additional US weapons to Ukraine only if they engage in peace talks. Simultaneously, the US would caution Moscow regarding the repercussions of refusing to negotiate, as expressed by retired General Keith Kellogg, one of Trump's national security advisors. This proposed strategy represents the most comprehensive plan put forward by Trump's associates, who claim that he can end the war in Ukraine in the shortest time. The proposal, if accepted, would mark a significant shift in Washington's stance on this war and could face opposition from European allies and Trump's own Republican Party.
08:49 Escalating Tension near Russia-Ukraine Border: Multiple Drone InterceptionsRussia, according to its reports, shoots down 30 Ukrainian drones in the border area between the two countries. The Russian air defense allegedly intercepted and destroyed 29 drones in the Belgorod region and one drone in the neighboring region of Voronezh, as reported by the Russian Defense Ministry on Telegram. In the Belgorod region, an older woman reportedly perished, as stated by local authorities.
08:18 Suspected Russian Spy Arrested in UkraineUkrainian security forces supposedly apprehend a border guard soldier, who is suspected of spying for the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) accuses the man of collecting information regarding weapons and ammunition depots and Ukrainian troops in the border area with Belarus. The suspect was reportedly recruited remotely by an FSB agent based in the occupied Luhansk region and communicated with him anonymously through online messengers. If found guilty of treason, the man faces a life sentence, as per the SBU.
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7:46 AM ISW: Russia Trying to Secure Advantages on the Battlefield Before Aid ArrivesThe US think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW) expects that US military aid may not lead to significant results initially. The ISW believes that Russia is strategically attempting to achieve tactical and operational advantages on the front lines, prior to substantial availability of military aid from the West to Ukrainian forces. It may take time for the provided weapons to become effective on the battlefield. Additionally, according to an interview with military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov with the "Philadelphia Inquirer," weapons deliveries from the US and Europe, including artillery ammunition, will arrive faster than before. However, Ukrainian forces require a large quantity of weapons, making it a question of scale. According to Budanov, there will not be a catastrophic scenario on the front, but the situation will remain challenging at least until mid-July.
7:12 AM Kiev: Intelligence Service to Maintain "Drone Penalties" on Russian Oil Refinery ComplexUkrainian Special Forces have placed more than 30 Russian oil refineries, terminals, and depots under surveillance, as announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a military briefing, according to Ukrainian media reports. The Special Operations Center "A" of the Ukrainian Security Service is specifically praised for their long-range drones, which can now cover distances up to 1,500 kilometers. The latest drone attacks have targeted areas as far as Tatarstan and Bashkortostan – with no cease in sight. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) plans to continue imposing "Drone penalties" on the Russian oil refinery complex and limit the economic potential of the adversary, thereby hindering their war efforts against Ukraine.
6:50 AM Denmark Halts Training of Ukrainian F-16 PilotsDenmark is letting its training program for Ukrainian F-16 pilots expire at the end of the year due to its transition to F-35 aircraft. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen revealed this in media reports at a press conference. As Denmark switches to the F-35, it needs to redirect its efforts, and thus cannot continue the training of Ukrainian pilots beyond 2024. It is the responsibility of the western F-16 coalition to find alternative locations for continued activities, according to Poulsen. Alternative training programs exist in Romania and the USA.
6:39 AM Russian Region Suffers "Extensive" Drone Attack on BelgorodIn drone attacks on the Russian city of Belgorod and settlements in the Belgorod region, several buildings, vehicles, and a gas supply pipeline were damaged, and four people were injured. The governor of Belgorod, Vyacheslav Gladkov, described the attacks as "extensive." An administrative building in the city of Shebekino was reportedly completely destroyed by fire. Kiev has not commented on the attacks.
6:16 AM European Union Adds Multiple Companies to Sanctions ListAs part of a new sanctions package against Russia, the European Union is adding 61 companies to the sanctions list, including 19 Chinese companies. Accused of engaging in business worth millions with the Russian mercenary group Wagner and selling them satellites, the companies have been included in the 14th sanctions package.
5:43 AM European Court of Human Rights to Rule on Crimea Annexation LawsuitThe European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg will be deciding today on Ukraine's lawsuit against Russia regarding the annexation of the Crimean peninsula. Kiev accuses Moscow of violation of the European Convention on Human Rights between February 2014 and August 2015 on the Crimean peninsula, including "illegal detentions," the "suppression of non-Russian media," and "compensation-free expropriations."
4:38 AM Orbán on Ukraine's EU Membership: "Hungary Disagrees"Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán holds critical views on EU membership talks with Ukraine, scheduled for this Tuesday. Orbán said, "Hungary does not agree with this membership process, but we are not blocking it and are supporting its start." He considers the process to be politically motivated. Orbán questions the implications of admitting a country that is at war and whose borders are not clearly defined in practice while Hungary takes over the EU Council Presidency on July 1st.
3:36 AM EU Begins Membership Talks with UkraineThe EU begins membership talks with Ukraine on this Tuesday. Ihor Zhovka, foreign policy advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said, "The path to full membership, which Ukraine deserves, is irreversible." At the ceremony in Luxembourg, the focus will be more on symbolism rather than fine-tuning the negotiations for now, as the EU assesses the numerous reforms Ukraine needs to implement to meet EU standards.
02:35 Crimea: Intercepted Missile CasualtiesAs per US reports, Ukraine didn't target civilians during their weekend raid on Crimea. However, Russia appears to have intercepted an Atacms missile meant for disabling a launchpad. Debris from this intercepted missile fell on a beach, resulting in the death of at least four civilians, including two children. A total of 151 people were injured, as per Russian reports. Russia has blamed the US for the attack, while the US government claims that Ukraine makes its own decisions about targets and military operations.
01:35 Additional Ammunition for KievThe US is rumored to supply Ukraine with extra ammunition worth $150 million, according to anonymous government sources. This decision is expected to be made public on Tuesday. The forthcoming supply is said to include ammo for Himars multiple rocket launchers, which can also launch Atacms missiles, given by the US earlier. Russia has accused the US of being a war instigator in response to the Ukrainian Atacms attacks on Crimea.
00:36 Ineffective EU SanctionsMoscow considers the new sanctions in the EU's 14th sanctions package against Russia as ineffective. The Russian Foreign Ministry in Moscow expressed this view. The West is damaging itself, the ministry added. The West neglects the consequences for its own economy and people in the EU, states Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Gruschko in Moscow. Russia predicts an economic growth of over three percent this year, which is more than ten times the growth rate in Germany. "The purpose of the sanctions was to strangle the Russian economy and destroy the cohesion of society. The EU has accomplished the opposite," Gruschko said.
23:28 Ukrainians Unemployed: Schwesig Opposes DobrindtMecklenburg-Vorpommern Minister-President Manuela Schwesig criticizes Alexander Dobrindt's proposal to relocate displaced people from certain parts of Ukraine if they refuse to work in Germany. "There are no safe zones, as Russia is attacking the entire Ukraine," says the SPD politician in the ZDF "heute journal update." The statement is "very populist" according to many refugees, including many women with children. She accuses Dobrindt of catering to critical voices in the population.
22:29 Battles at the Ukrainian Front with Russian TroopsThere have been 128 battles with Russian troops along the front since dawn, as per Ukrainian reports. According to the Ukrainian General Staff's report on Facebook, the Russian troops are currently focusing on the area around Pokrowsk. One third of the Russian assaults were reportedly directed towards this area today. The Ukrainian defense forces have managed to repel the attacks and maintain the front lines.
21:57 Hungary Criticizes EU Decision on Russian Assets for UkraineThe Hungarian government expresses indignation over the decision of other EU states to utilize the proceeds from frozen Russian assets for Ukraine. No such "shameless disregard for common European rules" has ever happened, explains Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó on Facebook. They are now 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 Orbán still maintains friendly relations with the Russian government.
21:38 Ukrainian Navy: 120 Russian Drones Destroyed in Krasnodar Oblast AttackAccording to the reports of the Ukrainian Navy and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), 120 drones were destroyed in an attack on the Russian region of Krasnodar on June 21. This attack was carried out by the Ukrainian Navy and the SBU, as reported on the Navy's website on Facebook. The Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform reports this. The Ukrainian military reportedly targeted objects on a training ground of the 726th Training Center of the Russian Air Defense in Yeysk. There, according to the report, drone pilots are trained.
