Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expresses support for issued warrants against former Russian Defense Minister Shoigu and General Gerasimov.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy celebrates the International Criminal Court's (ICC) issuance of arrest warrants against two high-ranking Russian military officials. He posted on his Twitter, "I'm glad about today's arrest warrants from the ICC against two top dogs in the Russian military. They're accused of committing horrendous crimes against civilians in Ukraine during Russia's relentless attacks on vital civilian infrastructure."
17:04 Meeting with Laschet: Zelenskyy thanks Germany for aid
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Manuela Schultz, as the President of the German Bundesrat, in Kiev today. In their discussion, Zelenskyy thanked Germany for its support of Ukraine, aid packages, and protection of Ukrainian refugees. Zelenskyy briefed Schultz about the present situation at the front and Ukraine's immediate needs following the intensified Russian air attacks. He also emphasized the relevance of the German initiative to bolster Ukraine's air defense and the provision of additional air defense systems.
16:42 Merz advocates for more job incentives for Ukrainian refugees in Germany
The European Union encourages faster job placement for refugees from Ukraine in Germany. According to caucus leader Friedrich Merz in Berlin, "We need to make more of an effort to integrate these refugees, who are planning on staying for a while, into the labor market." He added that politicians should take the initiative -- not the refugees themselves -- on employment matters. Unemployment benefits, Merz argued, do not provide the right incentives for them to find work.
16:21 Ukraine: Russia has fired 2277 Schahed drones at Ukrainian targets this year
The Russian military has fired more than 2277 Schahed drones at targets in Ukraine, according to Ukrainian sources. Ukrainian Air Force command reported, "Our air defense has destroyed roughly 86% of them."
16:07 Ukraine orders evacuation of children and families from five warzone settlements in the Donetsk region
Ukraine has ordered the evacuation of all children and their families from five settlements in the eastern Donetsk region, which are currently under attack. Regional Governor Wadym Filaschkin explained that the order covers not only children but also other legal guardians of minors. The specified settlements are in areas where the Russian military has recently gained ground. Civilians have been killed and wounded in combat operations, prompting Governor Filaschkin to advise them to leave the Donetsk region.
15:57 The European Union officially begins negotiations for Ukraine's membership
The European Union has officially initiated membership discussions with Ukraine. Representatives from the 27 EU member states and Ukraine's diplomats convened in Luxembourg for the first round of talks, during which the guidelines for the negotiations were transferred. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal called it a significant milestone for his country and the EU.
15:42 Ukrainian billionaire donates three speedboats armed with weaponry to Ukraine's navy
A Ukrainian billionaire is donating three Swedish speedboats to Ukraine's navy, which can reach speeds up to 74 kilometers per hour and are armed with various weapons like machine guns and water bombs. Sweden has promised to deliver an additional ten speedboats to Ukraine.
15:26 Russia blocks access to 81 European media outlets
In retaliation to the banning of several Russian media in Europe, Russia has blacklisted 81 European media companies. The ban prevents the broadcasting of programs and access to their websites, as announced by the Russian Foreign Ministry. Among the victims in Germany are "Der Spiegel," "Die Zeit," and the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung." In Austria, the public-service broadcaster ORF and media group ProSiebenSat.1 Media are affected. The French-German broadcaster Arte is also on the prohibited list. France has the highest number of listed companies among EU countries, with nine. The EU nations decided in May to sanction the state Russian news agency RIA Novosti, the government newspaper "Rossiyskaya Gazeta," the platform "Voice of Europe," and the pro-Kremlin newspaper "Izvestia," which includes a television station.
15:11 Indian Prime Minister Modi anticipated in Moscow
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Russia soon after his re-election, according to Yuri Ushakov, foreign policy advisor to Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin. No confirmation is yet available from the Indian government. Indian Press Trust of India news agency reported, citing diplomatic sources, that a visit by the prime minister to Moscow is under consideration for early July. According to Russian news agency Tass, however, the date is already set for July 8 and 9.
14:52 Trump's Advisors Present Strategy for Ending Ukraine ConflictFormer President Donald Trump has received a plan from two influential advisors to end the Russian conflict in Ukraine. The plan suggests encouraging both parties to agree to a truce and initiate peace talks. To accomplish this goal, Trump would persuade Ukraine to negotiate for further American weapons only if it agrees to peace discussions. Simultaneously, Russia would be informed that Ukraine will receive more American support if Moscow declines to negotiate. Russia will be lured with the pledge of delaying Ukraine's NATO membership for a longer period. The strategy was formulated by retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg and Fred Fleitz, who both served in the National Security Council during Trump's presidency.
14:38 Czech Ammunition Initiative Sends First Shipment to UkraineA Czech initiative to supply artillery shells to Ukraine is producing results. "Recently, the first ammunition shipment as part of our initiative arrived in Ukraine," posted Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala on his platform. "We are taking necessary actions," added the liberal-conservative politician. Ukraine faces a significant ammunition shortage in its defense against Russia. The objective of the initiative is to purchase up to 800,000 artillery shells for Kiev in countries outside the EU. According to the latest reports from Prague, 18 partner countries have pledged financial support totaling around 1.6 billion Euros for the project. Germany plans to participate with a three-digit million Euro contribution. Other participating countries include the Netherlands, Denmark, and Lithuania. The Czech Republic is a significant supporter of Ukraine during its defense against the Russian invasion.
14:20 Ukrainian Ambassador Criticizes CSU Proposal as "Populist"Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeiev, is unenthusiastic about the CSU (Christian Social Union) proposal to expel non-working Ukrainians. "That's something depersonalized and very populist," Makeiev told Phoenix. To facilitate greater integration of Ukrainian asylum seekers into the German workforce, the ambassador is in discussions 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 three times better into the labor market than representatives of other nations, they want to work." Concerning other countries, he notes that "Ukrainians integrate much faster" there. Unemployment among asylum seekers is, therefore, "not only due to the Ukrainians, but to the Ukrainians and the German government," according to the ambassador. He therefore calls for the "recognition of vocational qualifications" and "lowering language requirements."
14:01 Putin Propagandist Insults SerbiaSerbia has maintained close ties to Moscow for years. However, these relationships have been strained, as it was recently disclosed that the country sold ammunition that ended up in Ukraine via intermediaries – and President Aleksandar Vucic defended the deal as essential for the domestic arms industry. In Russia, TV host and Kremlin propagandist Sergey Mardan is raging. The ammunition reached all fronts, he blasts. Serbia has acted like the last "whore," he curses. The Serbs are no longer brothers of the Russians, but enemies.
13:40 Ukrainian Drones Likely Hit Gas Pipeline in BelgorodRussia reports drone attacks by Ukraine. Videos show damage to several buildings and a gas pipeline for supply where several people were reportedly injured, and one person died. Kiev has not yet commented on the alleged attacks.
13:18 EU Extends Protective Status for Refugees from UkraineThe EU extends the unbureaucratic protection for war refugees from Ukraine for another year. The 27 European ministers adopt this extension of the protective status until March 4, 2026, in Luxembourg. The EU interior ministers had already agreed on this extension in mid-June on the Commission's proposal. According to Brussels, the circumstances for the return of people due to the continuing Russian attacks on infrastructure in the entire Ukraine are not favorable. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser welcomed the extension but also demanded "a fairer distribution" of refugees in the EU. The acceptance of nearly 1.2 million people in Germany remains a "massive effort".
13:02 China Denounces New Russia SanctionsChina strongly criticizes the newest Russia sanctions by the EU, which also affect Chinese companies. It is about "unilateral sanctions without legal basis," says a spokeswoman of the Foreign Ministry. "We urge the European side urgently to lift the sanctions and will take necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies." The West accuses China of supporting Russia in its war against Ukraine, which Peking denies. In the context of a new package of measures against Russia, Brussels added 61 more companies to its sanctions list on Monday, including 19 Chinese companies. Two essential actors of the Chinese satellite industry are affected by trade restrictions. The companies are accused of doing business worth millions with the Russian mercenary group Wagner and selling them satellites.
12:50 Zelenskyy greets Schwesig in Kiev: Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Minister-President Manuela Schwesig is welcomed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during her visit to Ukraine on the second day. Their conversation in Kiev lasts about an hour. Schwesig is in Ukraine to affirm solidarity from all 16 federal states, as she serves as the Federal President of the Bundesrat. During her train ride to the Ukrainian capital, she stated that Ukraine should emerge victorious from the war, in contrast to her party buddy, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who merely insists that Russia should not win the war, and Ukraine should not suffer defeat. Schwesig has been slammed in Ukraine for her advocacy for the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. The former Ukrainian ambassador Andrij Melnyk once said that he would never shake her hand. After the Russian attack around two years ago, Schwesig backed away from her Nord Stream 2 engagement and called it a blunder.
12:28 European Court of Human Rights condemns Russia's human rights violations on Crimea: Following the annexation of the Crimea's Black Sea peninsula, the European Court of Human Rights imposes penalties on Russia for human rights violations. This verdict grants a lawsuit filed by Ukraine, but Russia refuses to recognize the court's judgments.
11:52 Ukrainian soldiers' "Grenade shortage" alleviated - even with stream ammunition: Ukrainian troops previously struggled against the Russian military without sufficient ammunition. A $61 billion aid package has improved the ammunition supply, according to Ukrainian commander Vasil. He reports that the "grenade shortage" has been remedied.
11:25 One hundred Ukrainians detained while trying to escape to foreign nations: Ukrainian security forces prevent 100 men from illegally fleeing in the Odessa region, located in southern Ukraine. On Friday, a group of 47 men was apprehended in four minivans as they approached the border, while another 53 men were caught at a rendezvous point. They intended to evade checkpoints and cross the border on foot. The Odessa region shares a border with the Republic of Moldova, and the Danube River forms the border with Romania. Men aged 25 and above who may be required for military service have been transported to the local military conscription office. The human traffickers reportedly charged anywhere from $4,600 to over $17,000 from each man.
11:07 Ukraine moving closer: Lührmann praises "historic day" for the EU: European State Secretary Anna Lührmann describes the official start of EU accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova as a "historic day" for the EU. "Today is significant because we acknowledge the tremendous efforts these countries have made in reform despite challenging circumstances," Lührmann said during an EU ministers' meeting before the official start of the accession talks in Luxembourg. "Both countries have made substantial advancements in areas such as the rule of law, anti-corruption, and press freedom." Despite the extensive reforms required for Ukraine and Moldova to join the EU, it may take years. As a condition for Ukraine, for example, peace with Russia must be established. No membership guarantee exists.
10:38 Retaliatory sanctions against the EU: Moscow's countermeasures "may affect us as well": Frozen EU funds from Russia are intended for Ukraine's armament. The Kremlin considers these sanctions to be "against international law" and "illegitimate," according to NTV correspondent Rainer Munz. Russia is now contemplating retaliatory sanctions against the EU and strengthening relationships with other nations.
10:09 Money from "Putin's pocketbook": Swiss court convicts bankers: Four bankers have been convicted by a Swiss appeals court in connection to the management of funds related to Russian President Vladimir Putin's circle. The Zurich Appeals Court concludes that employees of the dissolved Swiss subsidiary of the Russian Gazprombank failed to confirm whether the funds on Roldugin's accounts actually 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, the Russian cellist and conductor is Putin's daughter's godfather. He was added to the Swiss sanctions list shortly after Russia's attack on Ukraine. In Moscow, Roldugin is known as "Putin's pocketbook."
09:44 A Somalian Soldier Shares: "Everywhere there were Drones, Artillery, Rockets. I just ran": To compensate for the countless soldiers lost in war, the Kremlin compels migrants and foreign students to the front. The young Somalian Adil shares his experience during an interview with ntv. For nearly $1900 Euros per month, he enlists in the military, which includes the promise of Russian citizenship and the claim that he won't have to fight at the front. However, Adil is immediately dispatched to the front in Ukraine. Instead of fighting, he has already fled and is now detained in a Ukrainian prison. "I didn't come to kill. I lost my weapon. I didn't know how to handle it. Everywhere there were Drones, Artillery, Rockets. I just ran", Adil recounts in an interview with ntv. "I thought 2000 Dollars were the average wage for ordinary work. I thought a big dream had begun for me."
21:22 Trump Advisor Suggests Strategy to End Ukraine ConflictTwo key advisors of ex-US President Donald Trump propose a strategy to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. As per news agency Reuters, this strategy, if accepted, would let Ukraine receive more US weapons only if they engage in peace talks. The US would also warn Russia that rejection of negotiations would lead to increased US support for Ukraine, as stated by retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, one of Trump's national security advisors. This plan, claimed by Trump's associates, is the most intricate one suggesting that they could conclude the Ukraine conflict in a short span. If accepted, it would mark a significant change in Washington's stand on this war, potentially facing opposition from European allies and Trump's Republican Party.
05:49 Russia Repels 30 Ukrainian Drones in Border RegionRussia claims to have shot down 30 Ukrainian drones in the border region between the two countries. The Russian air defense reportedly shot down 29 drones in Belgorod's border region and one in the neighboring Voronezh region, as announced by the Russian Defense Ministry via Telegram. In the Belgorod region, an elderly woman is said to have been killed by authorities.
05:18 Ukrainian Security Service Arrests Suspected SpyUkrainian security forces claim to have arrested a border guard soldier, who is accused of spying for the Russian FSB. According to the Ukrainian Security Service SBU, the man allegedly gathered information about weapons, ammunition depots, and Ukrainian troops in the border area with Belarus. The suspect was remotely recruited by an FSB officer based in the occupied Luhansk region and communicated anonymously via online messengers. If guilty of high treason, the man faces a life sentence, the SBU stated.
04:46 ISW: Russia Striving for "Tactically and Operationally Significant Gains" Before US Aid Reaches Frontlines (Institute for the Study of War)The Institute for the Study of War expects that US weapon deliveries won't result in significant changes on the frontlines immediately. The ISW continues to assume that Russian forces are trying to achieve tactically and operationally significant gains before US military aid reaches Ukrainian forces in large quantities, and it will take some time for the weapons provided by the West to be effective at the front. According to a Military Intelligence Chief Kyrylo Budanow's interview with the "Philadelphia Inquirer", weapons deliveries from the US and Europe, including artillery ammunition, will arrive faster in Ukraine than before. However, Ukrainian forces require a huge amount of weapons, as stated by Budanov, adding that "it's a matter of scale." Budanov also mentioned that "there won't be an Armageddon at the front, but the situation there will remain difficult at least until mid-July."
04:12 Kyiv: Intelligence to Continue "Drone Sanctions" against Russian Oil Refinery ComplexUkrainian special forces have identified over 30 Russian oil refineries, terminals, and depots as targets, as stated by President Volodymyr Zelensky in a military briefing. He praised the "Center for Special Operations" of the Ukrainian Security Service and highlighted the long-range capabilities of the drones, which can now travel distances up to 1,500 kilometers. The latest drone attacks targeted facilities in Tatarstan and Bashkortostan – and there's no sign of stopping: "The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) will continue to impose 'Drone Sanctions' on the Russian oil refinery complex and reduce the economic potential of the adversary, which supplies the aggressor with the means to wage war against Ukraine," according to "Kyiv Independent," quoting a source.
03:50 Denmark Stops F-16 Pilot Training for UkrainiansDenmark is ending its F-16 pilot training program for Ukrainians due to its transition to F-35 aircraft by the end of the year, as announced by Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen at a press conference. "We are transitioning to the F-35, so we need to focus our energy on that and cannot continue the training of Ukrainian pilots after 2024," the politician stated. The Western F-16 coalition must find alternative locations to continue their activities, according to Poulsen. Alternative training programs exist in Romania and the US.
03:39 Russian Governor Complains of "Massive" Drone Attack on BelgorodDrone attacks on the Russian city of Belgorod and nearby settlements in Belgorod region reportedly caused damage to several buildings, vehicles, and a gas supply line, injuring four people. Governor Wjatscheslaw Gladkow described the attacks as "massive." A significant administrative building in the city of Shebekino was completely destroyed by a fire. Kiev has not commented on the attacks.
03:16 EU Places Dozens of Companies on Sanctions ListIn response to a new sanctions package against Russia, the European Union (EU) adds 61 companies to its sanctions list, among them 19 Chinese companies. The 14th sanctions package, formally approved by EU member states, includes trade restrictions for two key actors in the Chinese satellite industry. The companies are accused of conducting multi-million dollar businesses with the Russian mercenary group Wagner and selling satellites to them.
23:54 ECHR Decision: Russia Responds to Ukraine's Crimea LawsuitThe European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg is delivering a verdict today on Ukraine's lawsuit against Russia concerning the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula. Kiev accuses Moscow of multiple human rights violations between February 2014 and August 2015 on the Crimean Peninsula. The lawsuit mentions "unlawful detentions," "media suppression," and "uncompensated seizures."
03:58 Orban's stance on Ukraine's EU Entry: "Disagreement but Support"Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban voices criticism towards the EU accession negotiations with Ukraine, taking place in Luxembourg today. In an interview with Funke Mediengruppe newspapers, Orban states, "Hungary does not agree with this accession process, yet we do not obstruct it and endorse its initiation." The process is "exclusively politically driven." It's not about a Yes or No to Ukraine's EU membership. "However, we must first examine the potential ramifications if we decide to take on a nation at war whose boundaries are fluid in practice," Orban adds, as Hungary assumes the EU Council Presidency on July 1.
00:56 EU – Ukraine Accession Talks CommenceThe EU kicks off accession talks with Ukraine today. "Ukraine's path to full membership, which it rightfully deserves, is unalterable," 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 specifics of the negotiations at first. The negotiations will commence once the EU has reviewed the numerous reforms Ukraine requires to meet EU standards.
00:15 USA: Ukraine – Russian Civilians LossAccording to US reports, Ukraine did not target civilians during the Crimean Peninsula attacks over the weekend. A US official states that Russia intercepted an Atacms missile designed todisable a launchpad, which resulted in debris landing on a beach. According to Russian reports, at least four people, including two children, were killed by Ukrainian Atacms missile strikes over the weekend, with 151 people allegedly injured. Russia accuses the US of responsibility for the attack. The US government responds by stating that Ukraine decides its own targets and military deployments.
00:05 USA Provides Additional Ammunition Worth $150 Million to UkraineAccording to US government sources, they will provide an additional $150 Million worth of ammunition to Ukraine, with the announcement expected today. The upcoming delivery is expected to encompass ammunition for the Himars multiple rocket launchers provided by the US, capable of firing Atacms missiles. Russia declares, following Ukrainian Atacms attacks on the Crimea, that the US is now a war party.
00:00 Moscow Denounces EU Sanctions as IneffectiveMoscow deems the new sanctions in the 14th EU sanctions package against Russia as ineffective. The Russian Foreign Ministry expresses this view. The West does not 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 forecasts an economic growth of over three percent this year, over ten times higher than in Germany. "The purpose of the sanctions was to strangle the Russian economy, to disrupt the unity of society. The EU has achieved the opposite", says Gruschko.
23:33 Unemployed Ukrainians at Risk: Schwesig Fights Dobrindt's ProposalMecklenburg-Vorpommern Minister President Manuela Schwesig criticizes Alexander Dobrindt's proposal to return displaced persons from certain regions of Ukraine to their homes if they cannot find work in Germany. "There are no safe areas, as Russia attacks Ukraine in its entirety", says the SPD politician in the ZDF "heute journal update". The statement is "very populist" in light of many refugees, including many women with children. She accuses Dobrindt of giving ear to critical voices within the population.
22:28 Ukrainian General Staff: Almost 130 Battles with Russian TroopsSince dawn, there have been 128 battles with Russian troops according to Ukrainian reports. Upon a report by the Ukrainian General Staff on Facebook, the Russian troops are currently concentrating on the area around Pokrowsk. According to the announcement, this area constituted a third of the Russian attacks today. The Ukrainian defense forces have successfully thwarted the attacks and retained the front lines.
21:36 Hungary Protests EU Decision on Russian Assets for UkraineThe Hungarian government reacts with disgust to the decision of other EU states to utilize the proceeds from frozen Russian assets for Ukraine. Never before has there been such a "shameless violation of common European rules", declares Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó on Facebook. The Hungarian government is investigating how it can assert its rights legally. The government of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán takes over the EU presidency in a week. Orbán maintains good relations with the Russian government.
21:11 Ukrainian Navy: 120 Drones Destroyed in Krasnodar Region AttackAccording to the Ukrainian Navy's statement on Facebook, during an attack on the Russian Krasnodar region, 120 drones were destroyed. The attack on June 21 was executed by the Ukrainian Navy and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), as reported by the Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform. The Ukrainian military reportedly targeted objects at a training ground of the 726th Training Center of the Russian Air Defense in Yeysk. The report suggests that drone pilots are trained there.
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