14:38 Ukraine receives initial shipment from Czech ammunition aid program

Ukraine obtains initial shipment from Czech Republic's ammunition program

Artillery shell deliveries to Ukraine by a Czech initiative yield fruits. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala shared on X that the initiative's first shipment of munitions arrived in Ukraine some time ago, saying, "We are doing what needs to be done." The munitions scarcity is a significant issue for Ukraine in its fight against Russia. The goal of the initiative is to procure around 800,000 artillery shells for Kiev from nations outside the EU. Recent reports from Prague suggest that 18 partner states have promised financial support in the amount of approximately 1.6 billion Euros for the project. Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Lithuania are among the donor countries. The Czech Republic stands as a resolute backer of Ukraine in its defense against the Russian invasion.

CSU's proposal to deport non-working Ukrainians is considered "depersonalized and very populist" by Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksii Makeiev. To facilitate the integration of more Ukrainian asylum seekers into the German labor market, Makeiev is in talks with Labor Minister Heil, Interior Minister Faeser, as well as federal states and job centers. Makeiev believes that Ukrainians integrate three times better into the labor market than representatives of other nations, and he has observed that in other countries, the integration rate of Ukrainians is "much faster." Unemployment among asylum seekers, therefore, is "not only their fault, but also the fault of the Ukrainians and the German government." He demands "recognition of vocational degrees" and "lowering language requirements."

TV moderator and Kremlin propagandist Sergey Mardan is livid about Serbia, as it was revealed that the country sold ammunition that ended up in Ukraine via intermediaries. Mardan called Serbia the "last 'whore'" and accused it of turning against the Russians.

Russia reports possible drone attacks from Ukraine, which hit a gas pipeline in Belgorod. Several people were injured, with at least one death reported. Ukraine has yet to comment on the alleged attacks.

The EU extends the unbureaucratic protection for war refugees from Ukraine for another year. The 27 European ministers extend the protective status until March 4, 2026, due to the continuing Russian attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser welcomed the extension but also called for "a fairer distribution" of refugees in the EU. The intake of nearly 1.2 million people in Germany remains a "massive act of strength."

China strongly criticizes the new Russia sanctions from the EU that also affect Chinese companies. The West accuses China of supporting Russia in its war against Ukraine, which Beijing denies. In 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 due to their business with the Russian mercenary group Wagner and the selling of satellites.

The 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.

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's Minister-President Manuela Schwesig receives President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kiev on her Ukraine visit. Schwesig visits Ukraine as the Federal President of the Bundesrat, to express solidarity with Kiev from all 16 federal states. Schwesig had previously been criticized in Ukraine for her engagement for the Nord Stream 2 pipeline in the country. After the Russian attack almost two years ago, Schwesig distanced herself from her involvement in the project and called it a mistake.

12:28 European Court Punishes Russia for Violating Crimean Human RightsFollowing the annexation of Crimea by Russia, the European Court of Human Rights shows Russia to be in breach of human rights. The court in Strasbourg makes this decision and thus accepts a complaint from Ukraine. However, Russia refuses to acknowledge the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights.

11:52 Granade Crisis in Ukraine Addressed - Even with Stream AmmoUkrainian soldiers undergo lengthy battles against the Russian military without sufficient ammunition. An aid package worth $61 billion addresses the issue, allowing the supply to improve. Vasil, a Ukrainian commander, mentions that the "granade crisis" has been quashed.

11:25 Hundreds of Ukrainian Citizens Detained While Trying to Flee AbroadUkrainian border security detains 100 men in the Odessa region in southern Ukraine who were illegally trying to escape the country. Previously, a group of 47 men were stopped in four vans as they headed towards the border, according to the state investigation bureau. A further 53 men were stopped at a rendezvous point. The men intended to circumvent checkpoints and cross the border on foot. The region shares a border with the Republic of Moldova, while the Danube River marks the border with Romania. All men aged 25 or older, who may be conscripted for the war, have been transferred to the local recruiting station. Human traffickers reportedly charged between $4600 and over $17,000 for each man.

11:07 Ukraine Steps Closer: Lührmann Sees "Historic Moment" for the EUEU accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova officially begin, as indicated by EU State Secretary Anna Lührmann. Lührmann considers this a "historic moment" for the EU. "This is a good day because we recognize the fact that both countries have made tremendous reform efforts despite the extremely unfavorable circumstances," Lührmann states at an EU ministers' meeting before the official commencement of the accession talks in Luxembourg. "Both countries have made significant progress in the areas of the rule of law, corruption, and press freedom." However, it will take years for Ukraine and Moldova to meet all criteria for EU membership. As a prerequisite for Ukraine, for instance, peace with Russia is necessary. No accession guarantee is given.

10:38 Europe Faces Sanctions: Moscow Responds to Frozen Funds with Counter-SanctionsFrozen EU funds from Russia are planned to be used for Ukraine's armament. Russia regards these sanctions as "against international law" and "illegitimate," according to NTV correspondent Rainer Munz. Russia now seeks to sanction the EU and establish new relations even more.

10:09 Alleged Bankers Implicated in Fund Management from Putin's Environment Convicted in SwitzerlandFour bankers have been found guilty by a Swiss appeals court in connection with managing funds from the circle of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Zurich Appellate Court determines that it is proven that the employees of the liquidated Swiss subsidiary of Russian Gazprombank did not make adequate inquiries into whether the money in accounts for Russian musician Sergey Roldugin actually belonged to him. The court imposes fines on the four bankers. In 2014, two accounts were opened at Gazprombank Zurich for Roldugin as the beneficiary. 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. According to the list, Roldugin is known in Moscow as "Putin's briefcase."

09:44 Somalian Soldier's Account: "Nowhere but Drones, Artillery, Rockets. I Just Ran"The Kremlin compels migrants and foreign students to join the military to replace the mass casualties in war. The young Somalian Adil shares his experience in a conversation with ntv. For almost $1900 per month, he enlists in the military with the expectation of obtaining Russian citizenship and the assurance that he won't have to fight in frontline battles. Adil is instantly deployed to Ukraine and is currently in a Ukrainian prison. "I didn't come here to kill. I lost my weapon. I didn't even know how to use it. Everywhere there were Drones, Artillery, Rockets. I just ran", Adil recounts in an interview with ntv. "I believed that a $2000 salary was the typical wage for ordinary work. I thought a big dream was coming true for me."

09:17 Trump Advisor Presents Plan to End Ukraine WarPractical advisors to former US President Donald Trump present a plan to end the war in Ukraine, according to news agency Reuters. This plan could be adopted, which would allow Ukraine to only receive more US weapons if it agrees to peace talks. The US would also warn Russia that a refusal to negotiate would result in a greater increase in US support for Ukraine, as General Lieutenant a.D. Keith Kellogg, one of Trump's national security advisors, states. This proposed strategy is the most detailed presented by Trump's associates, who claim that he can end the Ukraine war in record time. If adopted, this plan would represent a significant change in the US' stance on this war and could face resistance from European allies and from Trump's own Republican Party.

08:49 Multiple Drones Shot Down and Eliminated by Russian Forces in Border AreaAccording to its self-reported information, Russia downs and destroys 30 Ukrainian drones in the border region shared by the two countries. The Russian air defense is alleged to have intercepted and eradicated 29 drones in the Belgorod border region and another drone in the adjacent Voronezh region, as stated by the Russian Ministry of Defense via Telegram. An elderly woman reportedly dies due to an incident in the Belgorod region, according to official reports.

08:18: Ukrainian Intelligence Service apprehends a potential Russian spyThe Ukrainian Intelligence Services detain a border guard soldier, who is alleged to have been spying for the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). The Intelligence Services assert that the man was collecting information about weapons depots and Ukraine's military forces in the border region with Belarus. Accusations point towards remote recruitment by an FSB operative based in the occupied Luhansk region, with anonymous communication through online messaging platforms. If found guilty of high treason, the individual might face life imprisonment, as stated by the Intelligence Services.

07:46: ISW: Russia seeks "tactical and operational significant victories" prior to US aid reaching the battlefrontThe US-based think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW) indicates that US weaponry deliveries will not likely yield immediate success on the battlefront. The ISW continues to posits that Russian forces are attempting to gain tactical and operational substantial victories before US military aid reaches Ukrainian forces in significant quantities, and it will take some time for the West-provided weapons to exert influence at the front. This claim is also echoed in an interview with Military Intelligence Chief Kyrylo Budanow with the "Philadelphia Inquirer". Budanow notes that expected weaponry deliveries from the US and Europe, including artillery ammunition, will arrive in Ukraine faster than previously, but the Ukrainian forces require a substantial quantity of weapons. Budanow also stated that "there will be no Armageddon at the front, but the situation there will remain challenging at least until mid-July".

07:12: Kyiv to maintain "Drone sanctions" against Russian oil refinery complexUkrainian special forces have reportedly identified over 30 Russian oil refineries, terminals, and depots as targets, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a military briefing reported by Ukrainian media. He lauds the "Center for Special Operations" of the Ukrainian Security Service, and emphasizes that the drones now have long-range capabilities, reaching distances up to 1,500 kilometers. The recent drone attacks have targeted facilities in Tatarstan and Bashkortostan, and there seems to be no end in sight - "The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) will continue to impose 'Drone sanctions' on the Russian oil refinery complex and diminish the economic power of the adversary, which subsidizes the aggressor in waging war against Ukraine", quotes "Kyiv Independent".

06:50: Denmark discontinues training of Ukrainian F-16 pilotsDenmark is terminating its training program for Ukrainian F-16 pilots due to its transition to F-35 fighter jets by the end of the year. Minister of Defense Troels Lund Poulsen revealed this at a press conference, stating, "We are transitioning to the F-35, and we need to concentrate our resources there, and as a result, we cannot extend the training of Ukrainian pilots beyond 2024." The western F-16 coalition must locate alternative training locations, as informed by Poulsen. Options for training can be found in Romania and the US.

06:39: Russian governor laments "massive" drone attack on BelgorodDrone attacks on the Russian city of Belgorod and settlements in the Belgorod region have caused damage to buildings, vehicles, and a gas supply line, injuring four people. This is reported by "Kyiv Independent" and based on statements by Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov, who characterizes the attacks as "massive". An administrative building in Shebekino was destroyed by fire as a result of the attack. Kiev remains quiet on the subject of the attacks.

06:16: EU places numerous companies on sanctions listIn the context of a new round of sanctions against Russia, the European Union (EU) adds 61 companies to the sanctions list, including 19 Chinese companies. The 14th sanctions package, which member states have formally approved, includes trade restrictions for two key actors in the Chinese satellite industry. The companies are believed to have conducted multimillion-dollar deals with the Russian mercenary group Wagner and supplied them with satellites.

05:43: European Court of Human Rights to decide on Kiev's lawsuit against MoscowThe European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg will determine today on Ukraine's lawsuit regarding Russia's annexation of the Crimean Peninsula. Kiev accuses Moscow of numerous infringements of the European Convention on Human Rights between February 2014 and August 2015 on the Crimean Peninsula. These allegations include "illegal arrests," "suppression of non-Russian media," and "uncompensated expropriations."

04:38: Orban on Kiev's EU membership: "Hungary is not in agreement"Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban articulates criticisms towards EU accession negotiations with Ukraine, which are currently underway in Luxembourg. Orban tells Funke Media Group newspapers, "Hungary is not in agreement with this accession process, but we do not block it, and we support its commencement." The talks are "a purely politically motivated process." It's not about a Yes or No to EU membership. "But we need to first evaluate the consequences if we were to accept a country in conflict with unclear borders into the EU," Orban declares, whose country will assume the EU Council Presidency on July 1.

European Union Commences Accession Discussions with UkraineThe EU initiates discussions regarding Ukraine's accession today. Ihor Zhovka, foreign policy advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in an interview in Kiev, remarks, "The path to full membership, which Ukraine warrants, is irrevocable." The ceremony in Luxembourg places more emphasis on symbolism than the intricacies of the negotiations at first. The negotiation process will commence when the EU assesses the numerous reforms Ukraine must implement to align with EU standards.

American Reports Claim Russian ATACMS Strike in Crimea Kills CiviliansReports from the United States suggest that Ukraine did not intentionally target civilians during their weekend attack on the Crimean Peninsula. It is assumed that Russia intercepted an ATACMS missile intended to disable a rocket launch pad. Allegedly, debris from the missile landed on a beach. According to Russian sources, at least four people were killed by Ukrainian ATACMS missiles over the weekend, including two children. 151 people were reportedly injured. Russia holds the United States accountable for the attacks. The United States government retaliated by stating that Ukraine has autonomy in deciding attack targets and military deployments.

United States to Deliver Additional Ammunition to Kiev Worth 150 Million DollarsAccording to American government sources, they will supply additional ammunition to Ukraine, valued at 150 Million Dollars. It is expected that the decision will be publicly announced today, on Tuesday. The upcoming delivery is expected to include ammunition for the multiple rocket launchers provided by the United States, capable of firing Atacms-Rockets. Moscow declared that Ukraine is now a party to the conflict following Ukrainian Atacms attacks on the Crimea.

Moscow Labels EU Sanctions "Ineffective"Moscow views the new sanctions in the 14th EU sanctions package against Russia as ineffective. The Foreign Ministry in Moscow expresses this opinion. The West disregards the consequences for their own economy or the well-being of citizens in the EU, says Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Gruschko in Moscow. Russia predicts an economic growth of over three percent this year, more than ten times higher than in Germany. "The intention of the sanctions was to stifle the Russian economy, to disrupt the cohesion of society. The EU has accomplished the exact opposite," says Gruschko.

Unemployed Ukrainians Face Eviction: Schwesig Opposes DobrindtMecklenburg-Vorpommern Minister President Manuela Schwesig criticizes the proposal by CSU regional leader Alexander Dobrindt to relocate displaced persons from certain regions of Ukraine to their homes if they do not find employment 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 "very populist" in light of many refugees, including numerous women with children. She accuses Dobrindt of paving the way for critical voices in the population.

Ukrainian General Staff: Almost 130 Skirmishes with Russian TroopsAccording to Ukrainian reports, there have been 128 skirmishes with Russian troops at the front since dawn. The Ukrainian General Staff reports this in their Facebook status update. The Russian troops are currently focusing on the area around Pokrowsk. According to the report, this area accounted for a third of the Russian attacks today. The Ukrainian defense forces have succeeded in repelling the attacks and maintaining the front lines.

Hungary Criticizes EU Decision on Russian Assets for UkraineThe Hungarian government expresses indignation over the decision of other EU states to utilize the profits from frozen Russian assets for Ukraine. Never before has such a "shameless violation of common European rules" occurred, declares Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó on Facebook. Legal measures are being investigated to assert Hungary's rights. The government of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will assume the EU presidency in a week. Orbán still maintains good relations with the Russian government.

Ukrainian Navy: 120 Drones Destroyed in Krasnodar Region AttackAccording to the Ukrainian Navy's statement on their Facebook page, as reported by Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform, an attack occurred in the Russian region of Krasnodar on June 21st, resulting in the destruction of approximately 120 drones. The operation was executed by the Ukrainian Navy and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), as stated in the post. The targets of the attack were reportedly objects on a training ground of the 726th Training Center of the Russian Air Defense in Yeysk. The training center is known to train drone pilots, according to the report.

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