Ukrainian ambassador Makeiev labels CSU proposal as "strongly populist"
German Ambassador to Ukraine, Olexander Melnyk, is not in support of the CDU's plan to deport unemployed Ukrainians. He stated to Phoenix, "This is dehumanizing and extremely populist." To integrate more Ukrainian asylum seekers into the Ukrainian labor market, the Ambassador is in discussions with Labor Minister Zelenksy and Interior Minister Sadovoy, along with the states. The Job Centers are also involved. For Melnyk, it is a fact that "Ukrainians integrate three times better into the labor market than representatives of other nations, they desire work." He notes that in other countries, Ukrainians integrate much quicker. Consequently, the unemployment of many asylum seekers is "not solely their fault, but also the fault of the Ukrainians and the Ukrainian government," as the Ambassador proclaimed. At Phoenix, he therefore advocates for "recognizing vocational qualifications" and "reducing language qualifications slightly."
14:01 "Prostitute": Russian Propagandist Vilifies Serbia
Serbia has been maintaining close ties with Moscow for years. However, these connections are now under strain, as it became known that the country sold ammunition that ended up in Ukraine through intermediaries – and President Aleksandar Vucic justified the deal as crucial for the domestic arms industry. In Russia, TV host and Kremlin propagandist Sergei Mardan is frothing at the mouth. The ammunition reached all battlefronts, he rages. Serbia has behaved like the last "whore," he screams. The Serbs are no longer brothers of the Russians, but adversaries.
13:40 Ukrainian Drones May Have Struck Gas Pipeline in Belgorod
Russia is reporting drone attacks by Ukraine. Videos show hits on several buildings and a pipeline for gas supply. Several people were injured, at least one person died. Kiev has not yet commented on the alleged attacks.
13:18 EU Renews Protective Status for Refugees from Ukraine
The EU is extending the straightforward protection for war refugees from Ukraine for another year. The 27 EU ministers approved the extension in Luxembourg. The extension of the protective status until March 4, 2026, has already been agreed upon by the EU interior ministers on the Commission's proposal in mid-June. According to Brussels, the conditions for the return of the people due to the ongoing Russian attacks on infrastructure in the entire Ukraine are not yet in place. Federal Interior Minister Maria Zakharova 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 "massive act of strength."
13:02 Beijing Demands Lifting of Latest Russia Sanctions
China strongly criticizes the new Russia sanctions imposed by the EU, which affect Chinese companies. A spokesperson from the Foreign Ministry states, "These unilateral sanctions lack a legal basis under international law." China urges the European side to immediately lift the sanctions and 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 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. The companies are accused of conducting business worth millions with the Russian mercenary group Wagner and selling them satellites.
12:58 Arrest warrant issued against Shoigu and Gerasimov
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, the ICC announces.
12:50 Zelensky meets Schwesig in Kiev
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's Minister-President Manuela Schwesig is received by President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kiev for the second day of her Ukraine visit. The conversation in Kiev lasted about an hour. Schwesig visits Ukraine in her capacity as Federal President, to reassure Kiev of the solidarity of all 16 federal states. "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 it. Schwesig is criticized for her engagement for the Nord Stream 2 pipeline in Ukraine. The former Ukrainian ambassador Andrij Melnyk once said that he would never shake her hand. After the Russian attack almost two years ago, Schwesig distanced herself from her involvement in the project and called it a mistake.
12:28 Court convicts Russia of human rights violations on the Crimea
The European Court of Human Rights convicts Russia of human rights violations on the Crimean Peninsula after its annexation. The judges in Strasbourg make this decision and grant Ukraine's lawsuit. Russia does not recognize the judgments of the Court.
11:52 Kiev's "grenade hunger" quelled - also with incendiary ammunition
Ukrainian soldiers have been fighting without sufficient ammunition against the Russian army for a long time. With the $61 billion aid package, the ammunition shortage is alleviated. Vasil, a Ukrainian commander, reports that the "grenade hunger" is now over.
11:25 Over a Hundred Men Arrested at Ukrainian Border for Illegal ExodusUkrainian law enforcement hinders the illegal departure of 100 male residents in the Odessa region, southern Ukraine. As reported by the nation's investigation bureau, a group of 47 individuals was stopped in four minibuses attempting to reach the border last Friday. A further 53 men were apprehended en route to a "staging area." They planned to bypass checkpoints and cross the border on foot. The Odessa region borders Moldova to the west and the Danube River marks the border with Romania to the south. All men aged 25 and above who are subject to military service have been relocated to the local draft board. Human traffickers are said to have charged each man between 4600 and 17,000 Euro.
11:07 EU-Ukraine-Moldova: Lührmann Sees "Historic Moment"European State Secretary Anna Lührmann views the commencement of EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova as a "historic milestone" for the EU. "Today is a great day because we are acknowledging the immense effort made by both countries amidst challenging circumstances," Lührmann expressed on the sidelines of an EU Foreign Ministers meeting before the official start of accession negotiations in Luxembourg. "Both countries have made substantial progress in areas such as the rule of law, anti-corruption, and press freedom." However, achieving all EU membership conditions may take several years for both Ukraine and Moldova. In Ukraine's case, a peace agreement with Russia is a prerequisite. There is no membership guarantee.
10:38 EU Sanctions from Russia: Use of Funds for Ukraine's ArmamentFrozen EU funds from Russia are now being utilized for Ukraine's military provisions. The Kremlin considers these sanctions to be "in violation of international law" and "illegal," as mentioned by NTV correspondent Rainer Munz. Russia has decided to retaliate against the EU and strengthen relationships even further.
10:09 Swiss Court Convicts Bankers over Putin Associates' MoneyFour bankers have been convicted by a Swiss appeals court, linked to the management of funds connected to Russian President Vladimir Putin's associates. The Zurich Appellate Court finds it proven that the employees of the liquidated Swiss branch of the Russian Gazprombank failed to confirm whether the money in accounts belonging to Russian cellist and conductor 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. According to media reports, Roldugin is the godfather of one of Putin's daughters. Known in Moscow as "Putin's briefcase," Roldugin is currently on Switzerland's sanctions list.
09:44 Somalian Soldier Recounts: "Everywhere were drones, artillery, rockets. I just ran"To replace the exorbitant losses suffered in the war, the Kremlin enlists migrants and foreign students for the frontlines. The young Somalian, Adil, recounts his experience in a conversation with ntv. He enlisted himself for nearly 1900 Euros a month, including the prospect of Russian citizenship and the assurance that he would not need to engage in combat at the front. However, Adil was promptly sent to Ukraine and is now imprisoned there. "I didn't join to kill. I misplaced my weapon. I didn't know how to wield it. Everywhere there were drones, artillery, rockets. I just ran," Adil narrates in an interview with ntv. "I thought 2000 dollars were the average wage for ordinary work. I believed a significant dream had begun for me."
09:17 Trump Advisors Propose Plan to End Ukraine WarTwo key advisors of former US President Donald Trump suggest a plan to end the conflict in Ukraine. According to the news agency Reuters, if accepted, this plan would enable Ukraine to receive additional US weapons only if they participate in peace talks. The US would also communicate to Moscow that any refusal to negotiate would result in increased US support for Ukraine, as stated by retired General Lieutenant a.D. Keith Kellogg, one of Trump's national security advisors. This outlined strategy is the most detailed plan presented thus far by Trump's associates, who claim that they could terminate the war in Ukraine in the shortest time. The proposal would, if carried out, represent a significant shift in Washington's stance on this conflict and face opposition from European allies and from Trump's own Republican Party.
08:49 Russia: Multiple Drones Intercepted and Destroyed in Border AreaRussia claims to have shot down 30 Ukrainian drones in the border area between the two countries. The Russian air defense reportedly intercepted and destroyed 29 drones in the Belgorod border region and a drone in the neighboring Voronezh region, according to the Russian Defense Ministry via Telegram. In the Belgorod region, an elderly woman reportedly died, according to local authorities.
08:18 Ukrainian Security Service Arrests Suspected SpyUkrainian law enforcement reportedly apprehends a border guard soldier who is suspected of spying for the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). According to the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU), the man collected information about weapons and ammunition depots and Ukrainian troops in the border region with Belarus. The suspect was allegedly recruited remotely by an FSB agent based in the occupied Luhansk region and communicated with him anonymously through online messengers. If convicted of treason, the man faces a life sentence, according to the SBU.
07:46 ISW (Institute for the Study of War): Russia Aims for "Tactical and Operational Advantages" Before US Aid Reaches FrontlinesThe US think tank, ISW, reveals that US weapon deliveries aren't anticipated to result in significant results on the frontlines immediately. The ISW suggests that Russian forces are aggressively trying to accomplish tactical and operational benefits before US military aid reaches Ukrainian forces in substantial quantities. It may take time before the weapons provided by the West become effective at the front. This scenario is also mentioned in an interview given by Military Intelligence Chief Kyrylo Budanow to "Philadelphia Inquirer." According to Budanow, weapons deliveries from the US and Europe, including artillery ammunition, are expected to be delivered faster to Ukraine than before. However, Budanow points out that "it's a matter of scale" as the Ukrainian forces need a large amount of weapons. Budanow also claims that "there won't be an Armageddon at the front, but the situation will remain tough at least until mid-July."
07:12 Kyiv: Intelligence will Continue "Drone Sanctions" against Russian Oil Refinery ComplexUkrainian special forces have marked more than 30 Russian oil refineries, terminals, and depots as targets, as per President Volodymyr Zelensky, as shared in a military briefing. Praising the "Center for Special Operations" of the Ukrainian Security Service, Zelensky emphasizes the long-range capabilities of the drones, which can now cover distances up to 1,500 kilometers. The latest drone attacks have targeted areas as far away as Tatarstan and Bashkortostan – and there doesn't seem to be an end to the attacks yet: "The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) will continue 'Drone Sanctions' against the Russian oil refinery complex and reduce the economic potential of the adversary that supplies the aggressor with the means to wage war against Ukraine," states "Kyiv Independent."
06:50 Denmark Ends Training for Ukrainian F-16 PilotsDenmark is discontinuing its training program for Ukrainian F-16 pilots due to its transition to F-35 aircraft. This has been stated by Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen in media reports during a press conference. "We are transitioning to the F-35, so we need to focus our energy on that and cannot continue training Ukrainian pilots after 2024," the minister explains. The western F-16 coalition must find alternative locations to continue activities, according to Poulsen. Other training programs exist in Romania and the US.
06:39 Russian Governor Complains of "Heavy" 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 line were damaged, and four people were injured. This is reported by "Kyiv independent," citing statements from Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov, who speaks of a "heavy" drone attack. According to Gladkov, an administrative building in the city of Shebekino was completely destroyed by fire. Kiev remains tight-lipped on the attacks.
06:16 EU adds Over Sixty Companies to Sanctions ListIn the context of a new set of sanctions against Russia, the European Union adds 61 companies to the sanctions list, among which are 19 Chinese companies. The 14th sanctions package, formally approved by EU member states, includes trade restrictions for two major actors in the Chinese satellite industry. The companies are accused of conducting business worth millions with the Russian mercenary group Wagner and selling them satellites.
05:43 European Court of Human Rights Rules on Kiev's Complaint against MoscowThe European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg rules on Ukraine's complaint against Russia regarding the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula today. Kiev accuses Moscow of numerous violations of the European Convention on Human Rights between February 2014 and August 2015 on the Crimean Peninsula. The complaint includes "illegal arrests," "suppression of non-Russian media," and "compensation-less expropriations."
04:38 Orban on Kiev's EU Membership: "Hungary is Not in Agreement"Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban expresses critical views on the EU membership talks with Ukraine, which are scheduled to begin in Luxembourg today. Orban tells Funke Media Group newspapers: "Hungary is not in agreement with this membership process, but we do not block it and support the start of negotiations." The talks are "a purely politically motivated process." It's not about a Yes or No to EU membership. "But we need to first check what the consequences would be if we were to take on a country in war whose borders are not clearly defined in practice," says Orban, whose country takes over the EU Council Presidency on 1st July.
03:36 EU begins Membership Talks with UkraineThe EU begins membership 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 ceremony in Luxembourg focuses more on symbolism than on the finer points of the negotiations at first. The negotiations will begin when the EU has assessed the numerous reforms Ukraine needs to implement to meet EU standards.
02:35 USA: Russian ATACMS Strike Causes Civilian Casualties in Crimean Peninsula
As per US accounts, Ukraine did not intentionally target civilians during their assault on the Crimean Peninsula over the past weekend. It appears that Russia intercepted an ATACMS missile destined for a launch pad disabling. Debris from the missile is said to have landed on a beach. According to Russian data, at least four people, including two children, were killed by Ukrainian ATACMS attacks over the weekend. A total of 151 individuals were reportedly injured. Russia accuses the US of being responsible for the attack. The US government claims that Ukraine makes its own decisions regarding target selection and military operations.
01:35 USA to Ship Extra Ammunition to Kiev Worth 150 Million Dollars
Sources within the US government have disclosed that they will supply additional ammunition to Ukraine, valued at 150 Million Dollars. This decision is expected to be officially announced today, Tuesday. The impending delivery is anticipated to include ammunition for the Himars multiple rocket launchers supplied by the US, which can launch ATACMS missiles. Moscow responded to Ukrainian ATACMS attacks on Crimea by stating that the US is now a party to the conflict.
00:36 Moscow Deems EU Sanctions "Ineffective"
Moscow views the new sanctions in the 14th EU sanctions package against Russia as ineffective. The Foreign Ministry in Moscow makes this statement. The West neglects to consider the consequences for its own economy nor for the well-being of people in the EU, says Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Gruschko in Moscow. Russia anticipates an economic growth of over three percent this year, more than ten times higher than in Germany. "The purpose of the sanctions was to choke the Russian economy, to disrupt the unity of society. The EU has achieved the opposite," says Gruschko.
23:28 Unemployed Ukrainians Expelled: Schwesig Opposes Dobrindt
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Minister President Manuela Schwesig criticizes the proposal by CSU regional group leader Alexander Dobrindt to return displaced persons from certain areas of Ukraine to their homes if they do not find work in Germany. "There are no safe areas, because Russia is attacking the entire Ukraine," says the SPD politician in the ZDF "heute journal update". The statement is "very populist" in the face of many refugees, among them many women with children. She accuses Dobrindt of pandering to critical voices in the population.
22:29 Ukrainian General Staff: Over 120 Battles with Russian Troops at the Front
According to Ukrainian reports, there have been over 120 battles with Russian troops at the front since sunrise. As the Ukrainian General Staff reports on Facebook, Russian troops are currently focusing on the area around Pokrowsk. According to the report, one third of the Russian attacks fell on this area today. The Ukrainian defense forces have managed to repel the attacks and hold the front lines.
21:57 "Shameless Violation" - Hungary Criticizes EU Decision on Russian Assets for Ukraine
The Hungarian government reacts with indignation to the decision of the other EU states to use the proceeds from frozen Russian assets for Ukraine. No such "shameless violation of common European rules" has ever occurred, declares Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó on Facebook. It is being investigated how Hungary can assert its rights legally. The government of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will take over the EU presidency in a week. Orbán maintains good relations with the Russian government.
21:38 Ukrainian Navy: Nearly 120 Drones Destroyed in Krasnodar Region Attack
According to the Ukrainian Navy's statement on their Facebook page, as reported by Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform, an attack on the Russian region of Krasnodar resulted in the destruction of approximately 120 drones. The operation was carried out by the Ukrainian Navy and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) on June 21.
The report indicates that Ukrainian forces targeted objects at a training ground of the 726th Training Center of the Russian Air Defense in Jeisk. The training center is said to be where Russian drone pilots are trained.
Read about previous developments here.
