5:55 PM: DIW Head: Reduction in Aid for Ukrainians is a Populist Movement

Ukrainian benefit reduction for citizens deemed populist by DIW chief

Economic scholar Marcel Fratzscher criticizes proposals to reduce social benefits for Ukrainian refugees as "empty populism." "No one will be better off, no one will even have an extra Euro, if Germany treats refugees poorly and cuts their benefits," says the president of the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) to Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "The German state does not need to spend less money on refugees, but more effort in integrating refugees into the labor market and society faster and more effectively," says Fratzscher.

At 23:55, a large number of Ukrainians still view State Head Volodymyr Zelensky as a legitimate president, despite the extension of his term in office during wartime. According to a survey by the International Sociological Institute in Kiev, 70 percent of the 2011 interviewed Ukrainians still believe that Zelensky should remain in office until the end of the war. Only 22 percent are against it. The Ukrainians contradict the view put forward by Moscow that Zelensky's term has long expired and he is no longer the legitimate president of Ukraine.

At 22:55, the European Parliament shows concern over Finland's plans to deport migrants from Russia. The European Parliament expresses concern that the Finnish government has deliberately sent these migrants across its common border with Moscow. The Human Rights Commissioner of the European Parliament, Michael O'Flaherty, has written a letter demanding that the draft law be rejected in a letter to Finland's Parliamentary Speaker Jussi Halla-aho. The currently governing Finnish Center-Right Government intends to significantly tighten its migration laws, including a bill that would allow its border guards to turn back refugees.

At 22:15, Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for President Vladimir Putin, speaks ill of the results of the Swiss peace conference for Ukraine. According to Peskov, the summit could not have produced any results without Russian participation. He also stated that the fact that a number of Russia-friendly countries such as Serbia, Turkey, or Hungary supported the final declaration does not bother Moscow. "We will certainly take into account the attitude of these countries. That is important to us. We will continue to explain our position to them," Peskov said. The Foreign Ministry in Moscow classified the conference as a "complete failure."

At 21:47, the USA is concerned over the growing relations between North Korea and Russia. Prior to a visit of Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin to Pyongyang, the White House in Washington stated: "We are not concerned about this trip. What we are concerned about is the deepening relationship between the two countries." The Kremlin and North Korean state media had previously announced that Putin would make a two-day "friendly state visit" to the communist country starting on Tuesday. "Several documents will be signed," among them "important, significant documents," quoted state Russian news agencies Putin's diplomatic advisor Yuri Ushakov.

At 21:17, more than 20 NATO countries will reach the 2% defense spending target by 2024, according to NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in a speech at the Wilson Center think tank. He stated in his speech that the number of NATO members meeting the spending goal is higher than five years ago, and more investment has been made since Russia's attack on Ukraine two years ago.

At 20:40, the Ukrainian military claims to have significantly damaged the Russian air defense on the occupied Crimean peninsula in the past one and a half months. Approximately 15 air defense systems were destroyed, according to the military leadership in Kiev. Various launchers or control systems of different systems, such as S-300, S-350, or S-400, were reportedly hit. The claims could not be independently verified. With fresh ammunition supplies, including from the USA, the Ukrainian military has repeatedly attacked previously unnamed targets on the Crimea with rockets and drones.

At 20:03, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave a positive assessment of the international Ukraine peace conference over the weekend in Switzerland. "We have taken the first tangible step towards peace - in a unity of the countries of the world that has never existed before," he said in an evening video address. However, he stated that "new steps" are necessary, and Ukraine has a preliminary work plan for the summer months prepared. "We will not retreat, we will maintain our communication with our partners as actively as ever," said Zelenskyy.

At 19:42, the German Historical Institute in Moscow (DHI) has been declared a "unwelcomed organization" by the Russian authorities. The Russian Justice Ministry added the institution to the list of foreign and international non-governmental organizations whose activities in the Russian Federation are deemed unwelcomed. The DHI had already suspended its operations in 2022 after Russia's attack on Ukraine and announced that its library would remain open but could only be used with written notice. The institute was founded in 2005 and is one of eleven research institutions under the Max Weber Foundation operating abroad.

Warehouse in Belgorod Russian region catches fire, Oblast Lipezk's metal and tractor factory are under attack, suspected Ukrainian drone attacks. Regional governors deny damages.

Stoltenberg: China escalates conflict

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, during his visit to Washington, advocates for more arms delivery to Ukraine while denouncing China's actions regarding the Russian aggression. "The path to peace lies through more arms for Ukraine," Stoltenberg said in a meeting with Joe Biden before adding that Ukrainian government must be "strong and consistent" in its support. Regarding China, Stoltenberg stated that it pretends to be neutral, wishing to avoid sanctions and maintain trade. However, he warned that China is fueling the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II while maintaining friendly relations with the West.

Danish Exploration of Measures against Russian "Shadow Fleet"

Denmark is considering options to block older Russian oil tankers from passing through the Baltic Sea. According to an email from Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen to Reuters, Denmark has formed a coalition of allied states to test measures against the "shadow fleet" of aging vessels. "These ships are an international problem and require international solutions," Rasmussen stated.

Rod Stewart Against Putin: Solidarity with Ukraine and Concerts in Germany

Rockstar Rod Stewart has spoken out against Russian President Vladimir Putin and voiced his support for Ukraine. Members of Stewart's family have contributed supplies to Ukraine, he has rented a house in the UK for a Ukrainian family, and has hired two Ukrainians for his crew. Stewart expressed his support for Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine, and during one of his concerts in Leipzig, there was reportedly loud applause, boos, and hisses when the Ukrainian flag and image of Zelenskyy were displayed. Stewart reportedly said, "Putin must be stopped, I have the time of my life playing for the German audience."

SIPRI expert explains figures: What is the risk of nuclear escalation?

With regards to the latest SIPRI Peace Research Institute's data on global nuclear armament, Nico Lange calls for fortification of conventional deterrence of Germany and Europe. At the same time, Lange urges caution.

NATO jets scramble eleven times to intercept Russian planes over Baltic Sea

NATO fighter jets have scrambled multiple times to identify unmarked Russian military aircraft in the Baltic Sea airspace, according to Lithuanian reports. Last week, there were eleven alarm launches, with approximately two dozen Russian fighter jets, bombers, reconnaissance, transport aircraft, and a passenger plane being intercepted and escorted. Most of them were reportedly flying without a filed flight plan, transponder signal, or radio contact.

Ukrainian army chief: Russia increases attacks ahead of F-16 jet deliveries

Ukraine's Army Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that Russia is escalating its attacks in anticipation of announced deliveries of fighter jets and Western military aid to Kiev. Russia, according to Syrskyi, is fully aware that after the arrival of the first US F-16 fighter jets, "the advantage will be on our side," so they are making "every effort" to expand the fighting.

Putin appoints relative as deputy defense minister

Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly dismissed four deputy defense ministers and appointed relative Anna Zivileva to one of the vacant positions. The relatives of Putin, according to Russian media, Zivileva is the daughter of one of Putin's cousins.

Ukraine: After Rocket attack on Poltawa thousands without power

Reports indicate that a rocket attack in Ukrainian region of Poltawa left nine people injured, damaged power lines, and affected approximately 53,000 private and 2,400 industrial consumers due to power outages. Several high-rise buildings were also damaged.

Thiele: "Ukraine is fighting relentlessly, but stands on a knife's edge"

Military expert Ralph Thiele criticizes the West's approach to Ukraine, stating that despite appearing successful, promises are often not kept and weapons deliveries are always late. According to Thiele, Putin's ceasefire proposal is "provocative."

Immediate EU Membership for Ukraine Could Spell Doom for European Agriculture, Warns Farmer Chief Joachim Rukwied. "If Ukraine swiftly joins the EU, our small-scale agriculture will cease to exist," Rukwied announced to the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung." The integration of an additional 32 million hectares of farmland would significantly undermine the competitiveness of numerous EU farms. A 200-hectare farm in Germany cannot compete with a 50,000-hectare agricultural enterprise in Ukraine. To ensure the continued existence of domestic agriculture, "it's crucial to impose restrictions on imports of Ukrainian agricultural products," Rukwied emphasized. Besides, issues like subsidies and corruption in Ukraine necessitate resolution before EU membership. Neglecting this could potentially ignite a political crisis in rural regions during future elections.

15:14 Blast at Ukrainian Troop Training Facility in Czech Republic Leaves Nine Wounded

Nine soldiers have sustained injuries in an explosion at a training facility for Ukrainian troops in the Czech Republic. Two of the soldiers were flown to the University Hospital in Olomouc, roughly 200 kilometers east of Prague, with severe injuries. Six were transported to a military hospital in Olomouc by ambulance, while one received treatment on site. Since Russian aggression against Ukraine, the Czech army has been training Ukrainian soldiers in Libava, east of Olomouc. The soldiers were not identified as foreigners, as per Military Police spokeswoman Katerina Mlynkova. The army reported via X that "a specific munition" had detonated, without offering additional details.

Update 17:00 hr: The Czech army reports that one soldier has perished in the explosion.

14:52 Ukraine Claims Capture of Mine-resistant Armored Vehicles (MRAPs)

Since April, Ukrainian forces have observed the employment of so-called Mine-resistant Armored Vehicles (MRAPs) by the Russian army. These vehicles are exceptionally lethal and destructive. Now, videos circulating online appear to show the apprehension of the crew and the seizure of the weapon.

14:23 Putin to venture to North Korea and Vietnam

As per Kremlin sources, Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to travel to North Korea and Vietnam. During his visit to North Korea on Tuesday and Wednesday, Putin will adhere to an invitation from Chairman Kim Jong Un, as stated by the Kremlin. The visit is described as a "friendly state visit." Afterward, Putin will journey to Vietnam for two days. Russia maintains close ties with North Korea, which are viewed with immense suspicion by the West. The isolated communist nation believed to be harboring nuclear aspirations is rumored to provide weapons for Russia's military campaign against Ukraine, according to Western intelligence. Kim Jong Un paid one of his rare overseas visits to Russia in September 2023.

13:58 "Further Provocation": Peskov Slams Stoltenberg's Remarks on Nuclear Weapons

Russia views NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg's statements about potential deployments of additional nuclear weapons as provocative. "That's purely another escalation of tensions," Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov clarified. Stoltenberg told the "Telegraph" that the NATO was deliberating the placement and readiness of additional nuclear weapons. "I won't delve into operational details, such as the number of nuclear warheads that would be prepared for use or which ones should be stored, but we need to address these issues," Stoltenberg said. These statements contradict the communique of the Ukraine conference, Peskov now adds. In it, it is stated that any threat or use of nuclear weapons in relation to Ukraine is unacceptable.

13:36 Social Benefits for Ukrainian Refugees to Remain Intact, Says German Government

The German Government has ruled out lowering social benefits for Ukrainian war refugees. The government has no plans to replace the social benefits for people who have fled the Russian military campaign against Ukraine in Ukraine with benefits for asylum seekers in the future, according to Government Spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit. A spokesperson for the Federal Labor Ministry highlights that the responsibility for the integration of refugees from Ukraine into the labor market lies with the Job Centers, enabling quicker measures to be implemented. FDP General Secretary Bijan Djir-Sarai had demanded in the "Bild" newspaper that new arriving war refugees from Ukraine should no longer receive social benefits but fall under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act instead.

13:09 Kiev: Power Outages of Up to Twelve Hours Expected

In the face of ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the state energy supplier anticipates further extensive power supply restrictions. "The situation will deteriorate significantly in the coming weeks compared to today," said the head of the state energy supplier Ukrenergo, Volodymyr Kydrytsky. Ukrainians should brace for power outages lasting up to twelve hours. The power supply situation will not improve before the end of July, Kydrytsky added. In addition to systematic Russian attacks on thermal and hydroelectric power plants, there may be maintenance work on nuclear power plants and unfavorable weather conditions.

12:38 Kreml Dismisses Swiss Ukraine Conference

According to Kreml spokesperson Peskov, the Swiss Ukraine Conference demonstrates, as per Kreml, that dialogues without Russian participation are futile. The results of this meeting were "nearly zero," as Peskov put it. Russia remains open for dialogue with all countries that seek it and will continue to convey its position to them. At the conference in Switzerland over the weekend, western powers and their allies condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, they failed to convince the major neutral countries to join their final declaration. No country was willing to organize a continuation of the conference. Russia was not invited, but had signaled its intention to reject participation in the initial planning stages.

Crisis escalates as Ukrainian debt settlement falters: In debt negotiations with creditors, Kiev was unable to reach an accord. Discussions with a group of bondholders failed to produce a consensus on restructuring international debts totaling roughly $20 billion. The countdown is on: On August 1, a two-year payment hiatus agreed upon with international bondholders will end. This was arranged due to the adverse effects of the Russian aggression on the Ukrainian economy. Ukrainian Finance Minister Sergey Marchenko expects negotiations to continue. He anticipates a deal will be reached by August. Since late 2022, war-torn Ukraine has been considering plans to restructure foreign debts with major investors. Formal negotiations with bondholders have been ongoing for nearly two weeks.

11:59 Weber: Start of accession talks "imperative psychological boost"

The Chairman of the European People's Party (EPP), Manfred Weber, welcomes the commencement of accession talks with Ukraine. No nation embodies "our values" as much as Ukraine does, as it fights for freedom and democracy. Thus, the accession talks, now about to begin, are an imperative psychological boost to Ukraine, allowing them to live like we do in the EU—in peace, freedom, and democracy, Weber stated during ntv's early morning news. Despite the ongoing war, Ukraine has made progress. However, combating corruption remains a significant issue in Ukraine. But the will is there, and the direction is right, so Weber.

11:31 Russian Foreign Intelligence Service threatens harsher peace terms

The head of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service, Sergei Naryshkin, threatens harsher conditions for a peace deal with Ukraine. If the proposals put forward by President Vladimir Putin for a peace treaty are rejected, then the subsequent peace terms will be even more severe, Naryshkin told the state news agency TASS. He did not specify who could accept or reject these proposals. Putin outlined his conditions for a peace deal a few days ago, which, however, would amount to a surrender of Kiev: the renunciation of NATO membership and the return of the four regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, which Russia illegally annexed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Putin's statements as untrustworthy.

11:02 Denmark mulls over limiting passage of Russian oil tankers in the Baltic Sea

Denmark is considering options to restrict the passage of older Russian oil tankers through the Baltic Sea. The country has formed a group of partner nations to examine measures against the so-called shadow fleet of aging vessels that transport Russian oil. This step could lead to a confrontation with Moscow's leadership. Approximately one-third of Russian oil exports pass through the Danish straits, which serve as the gateway to the Baltic Sea. This represents about 1.5% of global oil deliveries. Any attempt to stop these deliveries would push oil prices up and strain the Kremlin's finances.

10:30 Moscow is "pleasantly surprised" by peace conference

The Kremlin describes the peace conference in Switzerland as an "absurd event" beforehand. However, Russian media now view the results of the summit surprisingly favorably.

10:06 Latvia reportedly gearing up to dispatch more drones

Latvia has already sent the first batch of drones to Ukraine and is preparing to send a second one. This is reported by "Kyiv Independent" and refers to statements by Latvia's Defense Minister, Andris Spruds. Latvia and Great Britain lead an international coalition to supply Ukraine with drones, which have become essential for the country in the war. Spruds announced in May that the Latvian government would invest around 20 million euros in the drone coalition and a similar amount in the development of Latvian drone capabilities this year.

09:32 ISW: Putin uninterested in sincere negotiations

According to the Institute for the Study of War, Russian President Vladimir Putin is uninterested in sincere negotiations. In its latest analysis, the US think tank states that Putin "merely feigns interest in negotiations in certain cases to induce concessions from the West that would undermine Ukraine's sovereignty." It is "unlikely," that Putin will be interested in genuine talks in the foreseeable future. Recently, he sketched out a victory in Ukraine that relies on the assumption that Russian forces can make unlimited creeping advances on the battlefield. Putin had demanded as a precondition for negotiations the full withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the areas of Kherson, Donetsk, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia.

09:01 Left turns to the Pope

The Left in the German Bundestag is also relying on the Pope in efforts to achieve peace. The co-chairman of the Left-wing group in the Bundestag, Sven Pellmann, told ARD that the Pope could take on a mediator role. "Pope Francis could take on the role of moderator, mediator," Pellmann said. In fact, the Pope has not been well-received there since his latest appeal to Ukraine to raise the "white flag." The conditions Putin has put forward for peace talks are assessed by Left-wing politician Pellmann as evidence that he is open to talks. "This offer, albeit poisoned, shows that he is obviously also growing tired of war," Pellmann said. At the same time, Putin has signaled that he is open to talks.

Trial for American journalist Evan Gershkovich, accused of espionage, scheduled for late June- The trial for the US reporter accused of espionage in Russia will commence at the end of June. The trial, to take place behind closed doors in Yekaterinburg, was announced by the court.- Evan Gershkovich, a reporter for the "Wall Street Journal," was arrested during a research trip to Russia in March 2023 and has been held in the Lefortovo Prison in Moscow since then.- The prosecutor's office accuses the 32-year-old of working for the CIA and gathering secret information about the tank manufacturer Uralvagonzavod in the Sverdlovsk region. If convicted, Gershkovich faces up to 20 years in prison.

Peace summit highlights Russia's political influence- The peace summit in Switzerland has ended, signaling discord, according to NTV correspondent Kavita Sharma. Several countries have not signed the final declaration, and weapons deliveries in Ukraine are becoming noticeable.

Ukraine estimates Russian losses- Russia is estimated to have lost over 1,000 soldiers within one day, according to Ukrainian estimates. The General Staff in Kiev reports that Russia's losses since the large-scale attack began in February 2022 have now reached approximately 527,000.

Medvedchuk hints at Russia's goals in Ukraine- Russian President Vladimir Putin's confidant, Viktor Medvedchuk, in a statement to TASS, may have shed light on Russia's objectives in Ukraine. Medvedchuk stated that Russia's security interests necessitate further military actions to combat the Neo-Nazi regime, achieve full demilitarization and denazification. He accused Ukrainian President Zelensky and his western puppeteers of wanting war, even at the cost of exterminating the Ukrainian people.

Prisoners recruited for Ukrainian army- Over 2,750 prisoners have been released since the enactment of the new Ukrainian military conscription law to join the Ukrainian military, according to the "Washington Post." A 24-year-old drug trafficker, Senya Shcherbyna, is among those waiting for a conversation with recruiters and hopes to be deployed as soon as possible.

NATO contemplating deployment of additional nuclear weapons- NATO countries are reportedly holding discussions on the deployment of more nuclear weapons in response to the escalating threat from Russia and China, according to the "Telegraph." NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized that the alliance should showcase its nuclear arsenal to the world as a clear message to its adversaries.

Number of operational atomic weapons increases, according to SIPRI- The number of operational atomic weapons has again increased, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in its annual report. Although nuclear warheads are being decommissioned and the global stockpile of nuclear weapons has been decreasing, more and more atomic weapons are being kept operational.

FDP supports ending social benefits for new Ukrainian refugees- The FDP is advocating for the elimination of social benefits for new Ukrainian refugees and for them to fall under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act. This, according to the FDP General Secretary, Bijan Djir-Sarai, would create an incentive for people to seek work.

Charkiw hit by suspected glide bomb- Charkiw was reportedly hit by a KAB glide bomb in the late evening, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov. A children's recreation facility was allegedly targeted, with a building destroyed. There is no information on possible casualties.

Baerbock expresses support for Ukraine- Germany's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Annalena Baerbock, expressed support for Ukraine in keeping the war from NATO. It is unclear if this statement refers to a specific conversation or policy.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock issues a warning about severe repercussions for Germany and NATO if Ukraine isn't reinforced further. "If we don't keep backing Ukraine, we risk Putin's troops showing up on Poland's border. The conflict would then spill over onto EU and NATO territory," Baerbock stated to "Süddeutsche Zeitung", a Green politician. This would inevitably lead to new refugee waves. "If Ukraine can no longer defend itself - and this goes out to those who oppose support - then millions more people will be forced to flee. Who wants to live voluntarily under torture and occupation?"

22:20 Ukraine Faces Electricity Crisis

The electrical predicament in Ukraine is about to worsen as a consequence of systematic Russian attacks on their power infrastructure. "The situation is set to become dramatically more difficult in the coming and subsequent weeks compared to today," cautions Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, head of energy supplier Ukrenergo, on Ukrainian television. There will be more planned blackouts and outages. The situation will not improve until urgent repairs on two nuclear reactors are finished, Kudrytskyi says. People are already grappling with power outages.

21:55 Charkiw Region: Pregnant Woman Injured in Air Raid

According to Charkiw local authorities, three individuals, including a pregnant woman, a man, and a 13-year-old boy, have been injured in Russian air raids. The attack allegedly occurred in the village of Pisky-Radkiwski during the afternoon. Over ten houses and an ambulance were reportedly damaged in the assault.

21:14 Yellen Resists Putin's "Theft" Accusation

U.S. Finance Minister Janet Yellen denied Russian President Vladimir Putin's claim that the freezing of Russian assets abroad and their use to aid Ukraine amounts to "theft." In an interview on ABC's "This Week", Yellen stated that the frozen Russian assets will remain where they are. Russia has no claim to the income generated by the frozen assets, she added. The U.S. and its allies decided to freeze Russian state funds within their jurisdiction following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Yellen explained. This equates to approximately 280 billion dollars. "A considerable portion of that, around 200 billion dollars, is held in a Belgian financial institution, where it generates income that does not belong to Russia and has flowed to that institution," she continued. The G7 countries have agreed to lend Ukraine over 50 billion dollars, the interest on which will be used to pay off the frozen assets. Russia's war in Ukraine - besides causing countless human casualties - has decimated entire regions and destroyed assets worth billions.

20:40 Russians Escalate Attacks, According to Ukrainian Military

While peace negotiations are underway in Switzerland, Russia has supposedly stepped up its attacks on Ukraine, according to information from Kiev. "The enemy has significantly increased the tempo of its offensive and assault operations today and is looking for ways to either breach our defenses or push Ukrainian units out of their positions," the Ukrainian General Staff reported. The number of battles allegedly rose to 88. The majority of the confrontations took place in the Pokrowsk area in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region. There, over 36 conflicts erupted - 25 of which were repelled, while 11 were still ongoing. This cannot be independently verified.

20:07 Ukrainian Navy Deploys New Over-the-Water Drone "Stalker 5.0"

In the line of defense against the Russian invasion, Ukraine is also employing over-the-water drones. The Ukrainian military announced on social media that they now have the new over-the-water drone "Stalker 5.0" at their disposal. It was showcased in Odessa. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 75 hours per kilometer, it can carry up to 150 kilograms of explosives or other cargo. Its range is approximately 600 kilometers, and its estimated value is around 60,000 euros.

19:36 Russian Journalist Reportedly Killed by Drone Attack

Russian reports claim that a Russian journalist was killed in a drone attack in eastern Ukraine. "Our correspondent Nikita Zizagi was killed in a drone attack by the Ukrainian military", states the News.Ru website on Telegram. The attack supposedly took place near a monastery close to the city of Vugledar, which has recently witnessed intense fighting. On Thursday, a journalist from Russian state television was killed and another was injured in a Ukrainian drone attack in Golmiwsky, a village under Russian control near the frontline in the Donetsk region.