Ukrainian Billionaire Supplies Three Grenade-Equipped Speedboats
A Ukrainian tycoon is contributing three speedy Swedish patrol vessels to his nation's navy, capable of cruising up to 74 kilometers per hour and armed with a variety of weapons including guns and water cannons. Sweden itself is giving Ukraine an additional ten boats.
At 15:26, Russia restricts access to 81 European media outlets. In response to the prohibition of several Russian media outlets in Europe, Russia has added these 81 European media companies to a blacklist. As a result, their broadcasts and online platforms will be blocked, as stated by the Russian Foreign Ministry on its website. Among the German media affected are "Der Spiegel," "Die Zeit," and the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung." In Austria, the public-service broadcaster ORF and media group Österreich were targeted, along with the French-German broadcaster Arte. France is the EU country with the highest number of sanctions imposed by Moscow. The EU states decided in May to impose sanctions on the state Russian news agency Ria Novosti, the government newspaper "Rossiskaya Gazeta," the platform "Voice of Europe," and the pro-Kremlin newspaper "Izvestia," which also includes a television station.
At 15:11, it's expected that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Russia following his re-election. "We are preparing for the visit of the Indian prime minister," said Yuri Ushakov, foreign policy advisor to Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, there has been no confirmation from the Indian government. According to Indian news agency PTI, diplomatic circles suggest that a visit by the prime minister to Moscow is being considered for early July. According to Russian news agency Tass, the dates of July 8 and 9 have already been set.
At 14:52, former U.S. President Donald Trump receives a plan from two influential advisors on how to end the war in Ukraine. The plan aims to encourage both parties in the conflict to agree to a ceasefire and begin peace negotiations. If Trump were to win the U.S. presidential election, he would tell Ukraine that it would only receive additional weapons from the U.S. if it agreed to peace talks. At the same time, Russia would be informed that Ukraine would receive more support from the U.S. if Moscow refused to participate in negotiations. Russia would be enticed with the promise of delaying Ukraine's NATO membership for a longer period. The strategy was developed by retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg and Fred Fleitz, who both served on the National Security Council during Trump's presidency.
At 14:38, Ukraine receives its first shipment from a Czech ammunition initiative. "Some time ago, the first ammunition delivery within our initiative arrived in Ukraine," wrote Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala on X. "We are doing what is necessary," added the liberal-conservative politician. The ammunition shortage is one of the biggest problems facing Ukraine in its defense against Russia. The goal of the initiative is to purchase up to 800,000 artillery shells for Kiev from countries outside the EU. According to the latest reports from Prague, 18 partner countries have pledged financial support amounting to around 1.6 billion Euros for the project. Germany plans to contribute with a three-digit million amount, according to earlier statements from the German government. The Netherlands, Denmark, and Lithuania are among the donor countries. The Czech Republic is one of Ukraine's strong supporters in its defense against the Russian invasion.
At 14:20, Ukrainian Ambassador Makeiev expresses disapproval of the CSU's proposal to expel non-working Ukrainians. "That's something depersonalized and very populist," Makeiev told Phoenix. To integrate more Ukrainian asylum seekers into the German labor market, the Ambassador is in negotiations with Labor Minister Heil and Interior Minister Faeser, as well as with the federal states. The job centers are also involved. For Makeiev, it is a fact that "Ukrainians integrate into the labor market three times better than representatives of other nations, they want to work." In comparison to other countries, he noticed that "Ukrainians integrate much faster there." Unemployment among asylum seekers, according to the Ambassador, is not only due to the Ukrainians but also due to the Ukrainians and the German government. Therefore, he demands "recognition of vocational qualifications" and "lowering language requirements."
At 14:01, a Russian propagandist insults Serbia following years of close relations between the two countries. The ammunition supplied by Serbia to Ukraine via intermediaries has arrived at various fronts, according to Russian TV moderator and Kremlin propagandist Sergey Mardan. Serbia is no longer considered brothers by the Russians, but enemies.
The EU prolongs the casual refugee protection for war displaced individuals from Ukraine for another year. The 27 European ministers agree to this extension in Luxembourg, making it valid until March 4, 2026. The EU interior ministers had previously agreed to this extension at the end of June, based on the Commission's proposal, due to Russia's ongoing assaults on Ukraine's infrastructure. German Interior Minister, Nancy Faeser, welcomes the extension but also demands a "fairer distribution" of refugees within the EU. Germany has taken in nearly 1.2 million refugees, which remains a "massive effort."
China critically opposes the EU's latest Russia sanctions that also affect Chinese firms. A Foreign Ministry spokesperson states that these one-sided sanctions lack a legal basis under international law. China urges the EU to lift these sanctions immediately and will take appropriate measures to protect the rights and interests of Chinese companies. The West accuses China of backing Russia in its war against Ukraine, a claim that Beijing denies. The new sanctions bundle imposed by the EU on Monday added 61 more companies to its sanctions list, including 19 Chinese companies, due to allegations of conducting business worth millions with the Russian mercenary group Wagner and selling them satellites. Two main players in the Chinese satellite industry have been subjected to trade restrictions.
The International Criminal Court has issued 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 by the ICC.
Manuela Schwesig, Minister-President of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, met with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kiev on the second day of her visit to Ukraine. She affirmed the unity of all 16 federal states with Kiev during her conversation with Zelensky. Schwesig visited Ukraine in her role as Federal President of the Bundesrat to demonstrate solidarity with Kiev. She has been criticized in Ukraine for her support of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline in the country. After the Russian attack almost two years ago, Schwesig has distanced herself from her involvement in the project and called it a mistake.
The European Court of Human Rights has convicted Russia of human rights violations on the Crimean Peninsula following its annexation. The judges in Strasbourg made this decision and thus granted a complaint by Ukraine. Russia declines to acknowledge the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights.
Ukrainian troops struggled for a long time without sufficient ammunition against the Russian army. The $61 billion aid package has improved the supplies. Vasil, a Ukrainian commander, reports that the "grenade hunger" has been quelled.
Ukrainian security forces apprehended 100 men trying to illegally escape to foreign lands in the Odessa region in the country's south. A group of 47 men were stopped in four minibuses en route to the border last Friday while another 53 men were halted at a "collection point." They intended to bypass checkpoints and cross the border on foot. The Odessa region shares a border with the Republic of Moldova, and the Danube River forms the boundary with Romania. All men over 25, who can be drafted for the war, have been transferred to the local military conscription office. The human traffickers demanded between $4,600 and over $17,000 from each man.
The EU-accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova are beginning, according to European State Secretary, Anna Lührmann. She deems it a "historic day" for the EU. "This is a good day because we are recognizing that both countries have made enormous reform efforts despite the challenging circumstances," Lührmann said on the sidelines of an EU ministers' meeting before the formal start of the accession negotiations in Luxembourg. "Both countries have made significant progress in the areas of the rule of law, corruption, and press freedom." However, it will take several years before Ukraine and Moldova meet all the criteria for EU membership. As a precondition, Ukraine needs peace with Russia. There is no guarantee of accession.
Russia considers the frozen EU funds intended for Ukraine's armament to be "against international law" and "illegitimate," according to NTV correspondent, Rainer Munz. Russia now wishes to sanction the EU and strengthen other relationships.
Bankers Found Guilty: Swiss Court Convicts Four Over Handling Russian President Vladimir Putin's Associate's Accounts
In the wee hours, a Somalian soldier narrates his tale: "Everywhere there were drones, artillery, rockets. I just ran." The Kremlin resorts to conscripting easy targets, such as migrants and international students, to replenish its depleted ranks in war. Adil, a young Somalian, recounts his experience in an interview with ntv. He enlists in the military, offering nearly 1900 Euro a month, along with the prospect of Russian citizenship and a guarantee he won't have to fight at the front. However, Adil's expectation comes crashing down as he is promptly dispatched to Ukraine and now languishes in a Ukrainian prison. "I didn't come to kill. I lost my weapon. I didn't even know how to hold it. Everywhere there were drones, artillery, rockets. I just ran", Adil confesses to ntv. "I thought 2000 dollars were the average wage for normal work. I thought a big dream had started for me."
At 09:17, Trump's Advisor Proposes Plan to End Ukraine War
Two key advisors of former US President Donald Trump propose a plan to cease the conflict in Ukraine. As per Reuters, if accepted, this strategy would prohibit Ukraine from receiving more US weapons unless peace negotiations are initiated. Simultaneously, the US would warn Russia that any refusal to negotiate would result in intensified US support for Ukraine, as announced by General Lieutenant a.D. Keith Kellogg, one of Trump's national security advisors. This detailed strategy is the most extensive plan presented by Trump's associates, who assert it could put an end to the Ukraine war in the shortest time possible. The proposal, if adopted, would signify a significant change in Washington's stance on this war, facing opposition from European allies and even from Trump's own Republican Party.
08:49: Russia Repels Wave of Drones in Border Regions
Russian forces claim to have shot down 30 Ukrainian drones in the frontier region between the two countries. The Russian Defense Ministry, via Telegram, reports that on Tuesday night, 29 drones were intercepted and destroyed in the Belgorod border region, and one drone in the neighboring region of Voronezh. In the Belgorod region, an elderly woman supposedly dies due to the incident.
08:18: Suspected Russian Spy Arrested by Ukrainian Security Forces
Ukrainian security personnel apprehend a soldier from the border guards, who is accused of spying for the Russian FSB. According to the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU), the individual was gathering information about weapons and ammunition depots and Ukrainian troops in the Belarussian border region. The suspect was allegedly recruited remotely by an FSB officer based in the occupied Luhansk region and communicated with him through anonymous chats in online messengers. If convicted of high treason, the man faces a life sentence, the SBU adds.
07:46: ISW: Russia Aims for "Tactical and Operational Significant Gains" Before US Aid Reaches Frontlines (Institute for the Study of War)
The Institute for the Study of War anticipates that US weapons deliveries will not lead to substantial outcomes on the frontlines immediately. The ISW continues to assume that Russian forces are striving to achieve tactical and operational significant gains before US military aid reaches Ukrainian forces in substantial quantities, and it will take some time before the weapons provided by the West become effective at the front (Institute for the Study of War). In an interview with the "Philadelphia Inquirer," Military Intelligence Chief Kyrylo Budanow stated that weapons deliveries from the US and Europe, including artillery ammunition, will arrive faster in Ukraine than before. Nevertheless, the Ukrainian forces need a considerable amount of weapons, and it's "a question of scale." Budanow also stated that "there won't be an Armageddon at the front, but the situation there will remain difficult at least until mid-July" (Kyiv Independent).
07:12: Kyiv: Intelligence to Impose "Drone Sanctions" against Russian Oil Refinery Complex
Ukrainian Special Forces have identified over 30 Russian oil refineries, terminals, and depots as potential targets, as per Ukrainian media reports. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlights the long-range capabilities of the drones, which can now cover distances of up to 1,500 kilometers during a military briefing. The recent drone attacks have targeted facilities as far away as Tatarstan and Bashkortostan – and an end to the attacks is not in sight: "The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) will continue to impose 'Drone Sanctions' on the Russian oil refinery complex and diminish the adversary's economic potential, which supplies the aggressor with the means to wage war against Ukraine" (Kyiv Independent, citing a source).
Denmark Stops Training Ukrainian F-16 Pilots:Denmark decides to abolish its training program for Ukrainian F-16 pilots because of its shift to F-35 fighter jets. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced this at a press conference, stating, "We're moving to the F-35, so we gotta focus our energy there, while we won't continue training Ukrainian pilots after 2024." The coalition training other pilots must seek alternative locations, according to Poulsen, who mentioned Romania and the U.S. as possible alternatives.
Massive Drone Attack on Belgorod, Russia:The city of Belgorod in Russia and its neighboring settlements have been hit by drone attacks, causing damage to various buildings, vehicles, and a gas supply line, and injuring four people. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported this, describing the attacks as "massive." An administrative building in Shebekino was allegedly completely destroyed by fire due to the attacks. Kiev hasn't made any comments on the matter.
More Companies Added to EU Sanctions List:The European Union (EU) adds over 60 companies to its sanctions list, including 19 Chinese companies, in the context of a new package of measures against Russia. These organizations are accused of conducting many-million-dollar businesses with the Russian mercenary group Wagner and supplying them with satellites.
ECHR to Decide on Kiev's Claim against Moscow Regarding Crimean Peninsula:The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg will decide today on Ukraine's claim against Russia concerning the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula. Kiev accuses Moscow of several human rights violations between February 2014 and August 2015 on the Crimean Peninsula, including illegal arrests, suppression of non-Russian media, and compensation-less expropriations.
Orban on Kiev's EU Membership: "Hungary Disagrees":Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban expresses unfavorable views about the EU accession talks with Ukraine, set to occur today in Luxembourg. Orban states, "Hungary disapproves of this accession process, but we don't block it and support its commencement." He considers the talks a purely political process and questions the consequences of admitting a war-torn country with undefined borders into the EU, whose presidency Hungary will assume on 1st July.
EU Begins Accession Talks with Ukraine:The EU starts accession talks with Ukraine today. Ihor Zhovka, foreign policy advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, says, "The path to a fully-fledged membership that Ukraine deserves is irreversible." The ceremony is more symbolic than focusing on the finer details of the negotiations for now, which will begin once the EU has assessed the necessary reforms Ukraine needs to implement to meet EU standards.
Ukraine did not Target Civilians on Crimean Peninsula:US reports claim that Ukraine did not target civilians during its attack on the Crimean Peninsula last weekend. Russian media states that, in an attempt to disable a rocket launch pad, an Atacms missile was intercepted by Russia, and debris from the missile fell on a beach, resulting in the deaths of at least four people, including two children, and the injury of 151, according to Russia. The US government denies responsibility for the deaths and states that Ukraine has the authority to choose its attack targets and deploy its troops.
USA to Deliver Additional Ammunition to Kiev Worth 150 Million Dollars:Government sources in the USA reveal plans to supply Kiev with additional ammunition valued at 150 Million Dollars. The ammunition will likely include ammunition for Himars multiple rocket launchers and Atacms missiles provided by the USA. Russia accuses the USA of being involved in the conflict following Ukrainian Atacms attacks on the Crimea.
Moscow labels EU Sanctions as Ineffective:Moscow views the EU sanctions in the 14th sanctions package against Russia as ineffective. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Alexander Gruschko, stated this. The West doesn't care about the consequences of its own economy or the well-being of people in the EU, Gruschko argues. Russia anticipates an economic growth of over three percent this year, more than ten times that of Germany. Gruschko asserts that the sanctions were designed to choke the Russian economy and disunite society, but the EU has achieved the opposite results.
Unemployed Ukrainians to be Expelled: Dobrindt's Controversial Proposal:Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Minister President Manuela Schwesig criticizes a proposal by CSU regional group leader Alexander Dobrindt to return people displaced from certain regions in Ukraine to their homeland if they refuse to accept employment in Germany. "There are no safe zones, as Russia attacks the entire Ukraine," said Schwesig in a ZDF "heute journal update." The proposal is described as "very populist" as many refugees have already come to Germany, including numerous women with children. Schwesig accuses Dobrindt of following the lead of vocal critics in the population.
10:29 PM Ukrainian Army HQ: Over 120 clashes with Russian forces along the front (Since break of dawn, there have been approximately 130 skirmishes between Ukrainian and Russian forces according to Ukrainian reports.) As per reports on Facebook by the Ukrainian Army HQ, the Russian forces are primarily targeting the Pokrowsk region, constituting a third of their attacks today. However, the Ukrainian forces have managed to thwart these attacks and maintain their position on the front lines.
9:17 PM "Scandalous breach" - Hungary rails against EU over use of Russian assets for Ukraine aid (The Hungarian government has expressed outrage over the decision by other EU nations to utilize the profits from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. In the words of Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto on Facebook, this represents a blatant "scandalous breach of common European regulations." Legal measures are being taken to safeguard Hungary's rights.) The Hungarian government, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, will assume the EU presidency in a week, and Orban maintains cordial relations with the Russian government.
8:38 PM Ukrainian Navy: 120 Russian drones allegedly destroyed in Krasnodar region attack (As stated on Facebook by the Ukrainian Navy and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), during an attack on the Krasnodar region on June 21, approximately 120 drones were destroyed. This attack, according to a statement on the Navy's Facebook page and the Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform, targeted training facilities of the 726th Training Center of the Russian Air Defense in Yeysk, where drone pilots were being trained.)
(To learn more about previous developments, follow this link.)
