Ukraine suffers two deaths due to a Russian landmine
In Lypzi, located within the Charkiw region, two individuals met an unfortunate end following the detonation of a Russian landmine. The local military chief relayed this news via Telegram, as reported by Ukraine's national news agency, Ukrinform. The incident took place when a vehicle carrying two passengers apparently hit a mine in the morning. A male perished instantly, while a female succumbed to her injuries en route to the hospital.
Meanwhile, the German government has dismissed the idea of forcibly removing unwilling Ukrainians. A representative from the Foreign Office in Berlin commented that Russia's relentless attacks on various Ukrainian targets and attempts to destroy western infrastructure make determining a safe location in Ukraine challenging. This statement was made in response to a proposal from CSU regional leader Alexander Dobrindt for safe zones in western Ukraine.
Russia is issuing veiled threats towards the U.S., hinting at repercussions following a reported Ukrainian rocket attack on the annexed Crimean Peninsula. At least four people are said to have been killed, and over 150 more were injured. Russian presidential press secretary Dmitri Peskov stated that there would be consequences for U.S. involvement in this attack. It is claimed that Ukraine, with rockets allegedly provided by the U.S., fired five rockets equipped with cluster munitions towards Crimea on Sunday. Four were supposedly shot down by air defense, while the warhead of the fifth detonated mid-air, scattering debris near a beach. Tragically, two children are among the fatalities.
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Russia expert Niko Karasek suggests that the rocket attack debris fell indiscriminately among tourists.
One day after the attack, the authorities in Sewastopol, a port city on the annexed Crimean Peninsula, declared a state of emergency. Official records show that four people were killed and 151 injured in the attack. Seventy-nine of the injured are still receiving treatment in hospitals. Most of the victims had been relaxing on a city beach in Sewastopol when rocket debris landed and exploded. Initially, Russian military officials claimed responsibility for the rocket launch, but they later retracted their statement, stating that their targets were civilian populations. Several military objects are located nearby.
Criticism is mounting against Germany, particularly from the Baltic States, following the announcement of new sanctions against Russia. Lithuania's Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis considers the sanctions "regrettably weaker" than initially planned. His Estonian counterpart, Margus Tsahkna, expressed concern about reaching a consensus within the European Union on new sanctions. Germany has allegedly been acting as a barrier to the implementation of stricter rules regarding the bypassing of existing sanctions through third countries. The EU Commission wishes to hold European companies accountable if they facilitate the delivery of prohibited goods to Russia via subsidiaries in countries such as Kazakhstan. However, Germany has objected to these measures, arguing that they would cause undue harm to Germany as the largest EU export nation compared to Russia. Now, companies are only expected to make "reasonable efforts" to prevent sanctions violations.
According to mayoral reports, two people were injured in a morning attack on Odessa. Russian troops are believed to have used rockets to target civilian infrastructure in the city.
The EU has introduced a 14th sanctions package against Russia, targeting 116 individuals and organizations. Additionally, there will be tougher measures introduced to combat attempts to circumvent existing sanctions. Furthermore, investments in Russian liquefied gas projects will be prohibited.
The EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, is working to prevent a EU member state from obstructing the use of frozen Russian financial assets to support Ukraine. Borrell will present a proposal at the EU foreign ministers' meeting in Luxembourg. "We have the legal means to prevent any kind of blockade," he stated.
Russian authorities have been spreading unfounded accusations linking Ukraine to a recent terrorist attack in Dagestan, as a means to shift attention away from Islamic terrorism within Russia itself.
Reports indicate that a fire broke out in Odessa in the morning, with some media outlets suggesting an attack on civilian infrastructure.
Contest for Nowooleksandriwka in Donezk region remains intenseAs reported, Russian troops haven't gain complete control over the town of Nowooleksandriwka, with Ukrainian forces witnessing fierce clashes at the site.
Wounded prisoners mistreated by Russian unit revealed by military bloggerAccording to a Russian military blogger, commanders of various units in the so-called Donetsk People's Republic are allegedly abusing their injured subordinates. It is said that a Russian brigade is keeping its wounded in the city of Donetsk under harsh conditions, instead of treating them, as reported by the US think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Third Estonian volunteer dies in Luhansk region fightingAn Estonian volunteer serving with the Ukrainian army has been killed in a battle in Luhansk region, as reported by Kyiv Independent, citing Estonian newspaper "Postimees". Martin Jaager, a 42-year-old professional soldier, was reportedly killed on Saturday, making him the third Estonian fatality while defending Ukraine. He joined the Ukrainian army over a year ago, after serving in an elite unit in Estonia.
Foreign ministers of EU meet to discuss aid for Ukraine, pressure on Hungary amplifiesThe EU foreign ministers are meeting in Luxembourg today to discuss the ongoing Russian military offensive against Ukraine and potential military aid worth €6.5 billion. They will also engage in a debate with Ukraine's chief diplomat Dmytro Kuleba via video link. The heat is on for Hungary to lift its blockade on the military aid following a dispute during the Foreign Council at the end of May.
Moscow blames US for attack on CrimeaAfter a rocket attack on the annexed Crimean Peninsula, Moscow alleges the US to be responsible. The US is accused of supplying weapons to Ukraine, and the Kiev regime of launching the attack from their territory. US specialists are said to have used data from US spy satellite information to pinpoint rocket launch coordinates. The attack resulted in four fatalities, including two children, and 151 injuries, as per the Defense Ministry.
IAEA condemns attacks near Saporischschja NPPThe International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has issued a strong condemnation of ongoing drone attacks on the city of Enerhodar near the Saporischschja Nuclear Power Plant. The IAEA calls for an immediate halt to the attacks, stating that they are dangerous, contravene international security principles, and pose a threat to global safety.
NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg meets with Macron in Paris to discuss further aid for UkraineNATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is visiting Paris for talks with President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, where the topic of assistance for Ukraine in its battle against Russia is expected to be discussed. Macron has previously announced his intentions to form a coalition for the deployment of western military trainers to Ukraine.
Orban calls for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine ahead of Hungary's EU presidencyPrime Minister Viktor Orban has proposed an initiative for an immediate truce in the Ukraine conflict, ahead of Hungary's EU presidency commencing on July 1. Orban considers Russia's attack on Ukraine as unacceptable, yet stresses the necessity to halt the fighting.
Ukraine attacks targets on Crimean peninsula againAccording to Ukrinform, Ukraine bombarded targets on the annexed Crimean peninsula with missiles in the night. Multiple explosions were reported in the port city of Evpatoria, although the extent of the damage remains uncertain.
Zelenskyy demands authorization for strikes deep into Russian territoryIn response to persistent shelling of the city of Kharkiv, President Zelenskyy seeks more advanced weapons and approval to launch strikes into the heart of Russian territory. Zelenskyy emphasizes the need to destroy Russian air forces wherever they are, using every available means. Kiev is working with western allies to arrive at a decision on this matter.
Prien criticizes Federal government for failure to provide social benefits to Ukrainian refugeesFollowing a call from the CSU regional group leader Alexander Dobrindt for social benefits for Ukrainian refugees, CDU deputy chairwoman Karin Prien highlighted the reasons for their flight. Prien emphasizes the need to facilitate the participation of Ukrainian refugees in the job market and criticizes the federal government for failing to meet this requirement. The European Commission has also expressed concerns regarding Russian influence on the 2025 Bundestag election.
EU Commission Vice-President Vera Jourova has cautioned about potential manipulation attempts by Russia ahead of next year's Bundestag election. She stated, "We're now in a time of hostile intervention." The EU Commissioner for Transparency and Values, who also safeguards democracy, made these comments to the "Süddeutsche Zeitung." She expressed her concerns that Voice of Europe could be a template for future operations - also during the forthcoming Bundestag election. This so-called media platform might just be the tip of the iceberg. The EU prohibited the broadcasting of Voice of Europe and three other Russian media organizations within the EU in May, as they were allegedly controlled by the Russian government and aimed at influencing European parties, primarily during election periods. Voice of Europe, headquartered in Prague, is believed to disseminate pro-Russian propaganda in the EU and offer money to European politicians.
Ukraine's national energy supplier, Ukrenergo, has announced power cuts across the country due to Russian assaults on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The announcement was made on Telegram. These measures are essential because the energy consumption at the onset of the week is projected to surge, and the power grid is already fragile as a result of "massive Russian attacks." Since May, Ukraine has been subjected to rolling power cuts due to damaged energy infrastructure. According to Ukrenergo, the largest power cuts are expected between 7 and 11 PM on Monday.
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