Ukrainians Face Another Round of Power Rationing Amid Energy Crisis
Troubles with power supply in Ukraine are expected to escalate in the upcoming weeks due to constant Russian shelling of their energy infrastructure. Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, CEO of Ukrenerho, forewarned on Ukrainian television that the coming weeks will be tougher than the present, with more power outages and blackouts anticipated by the end of July. The predicament will not improve until the immediate repair of two atomic reactors is completed, Kudrytskyi stated. People are currently enduring power cuts.
In the region of Charkiv, a pregnant woman, a man, and a 13-year-old boy were hospitalized after Russian air raids. According to local authorities, Russian troops attacked the village of Pisky-Radkovski in the afternoon, causing damage to over ten residential buildings and an ambulance.
US Finance Minister Janet Yellen dismissed Vladimir Putin's accusations of "theft" regarding the freezing of Russian assets abroad and their utilization to support Ukraine. She clarified in an interview on the ABC program "This Week" that the frozen assets remain where they are. Russia has no claim to the revenues generated by these assets, she added. The decision to freeze Russian state funds within their jurisdiction was made following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Approximately $280 billion in assets have been frozen. A large portion of this, around $200 billion, is held in a Belgian financial institution, where the income generated doesn't belong to Russia and has been used by the institution. The G7 countries have agreed to lend Ukraine over $50 billion, which will be repaid using the interest on the frozen funds.
Amid peace talks in Switzerland, Russia is said to have intensified its attacks on Ukraine. The Ukrainian General Staff reported an increase in battles to 88, with most of the fighting taking place in the Pokrovsk area in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region.
The Ukrainian Navy is utilizing over-water drones in their defense against the Russian invasion. They now have the new over-water drone "Stalker 5.0," according to Ukrainian military shares on social media. This drone can reportedly travel up to 75 hours at a speed of kilometers and transport up to 150 kilograms of explosives or other cargo. The range is approximately 600 kilometers. The value is reportedly €60,000.
A Russian journalist was apparently killed by a drone attack in Eastern Ukraine. News.Ru reported that their correspondent Nikita Zizagi was killed by Ukrainian drones. The attack took place near a monastery near the city of Vugledar, which has recently experienced intense fighting.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated at a bilateral meeting at the peace summit in Switzerland that the first Danish F-16 fighter jets will be delivered to Ukraine "shortly." Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and he discussed the preparations for the transfer. The Netherlands have also announced they will deliver F-16 jets to Ukraine this summer – but after Denmark.
Hundreds of Ukrainian military personnel representing the LGBTQ+ community and their supporters participated in the Pride March in Kiev, calling for official rights for same-sex partnerships. Some soldiers and soldiers wore rainbow and unicorn insignia on their uniforms. The demonstration took place under heavy police presence due to threats from counter-demonstrators. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church condemned the demonstration.
The Ukrainian military reported further advances of their own troops in the Serebrjansker Wald in the Luhansk region. The "Asow" and "Burewij" brigades have allegedly advanced one kilometer deep and two kilometers wide into the forest, according to the Telegram page of the Ukrainian armed forces.
Former US President Donald Trump mockingly referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the "best salesman" ever.
At a Detroit rally, Trump stands firm against Ukraine aid. He taunts Zelenskyy as the greatest salesman around, falsely alleging that the Ukrainian president repeatedly demanded "$60 billion."
16:47 Moscow: Ukraine should carefully ponder Putin's suggestion for troops withdrawal
The Kremlin suggests Ukraine should contemplate a withdrawal of troops from the eastern and southern regions to pave the way for peace talks. Kremlin spokesman Peskov shares that the situation ahead looks grim for the Ukrainians. However, Zelenskyy is currently in Switzerland with various state and government leaders, discussing an end to the conflict. Peskov hints that a diplomat who values his nation's interests over his own and his masters might consider such a proposal. The Kremlin previously put forth the idea of a truce and negotiations, provided Ukraine surrenders its territories in the east and south and forgoes NATO membership. More details here.
16:23 Zelenskyy wants Russia's troops to pull out before negotiations
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy sets the withdrawal of Russian troops as a prerequisite for peace talks. He tells journalists at the end of the Ukraine conference in Switzerland that if Russia vacates lawful territories, they can negotiate right away, without any delays. He also states that Russia and its leaders are not eager for a fair peace.
16:14 Von der Leyen sees little sincerity from Putin to end the war
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen asserts that peace is not accomplished in one go. The conference in Switzerland was appropriately named "Path to Peace," as von der Leyen argues that Russian President Putin does not genuinely aim to end the conflict. Putin insists on capitulation and annexation of Ukrainian land, she says, while also demanding that Ukraine disarm and become vulnerable. Such terms are unacceptable, according to von der Leyen.
16:06 Zelenskyy announces additional conferences to discuss "peace plans"
At the conclusion of the Ukraine summit in Switzerland, Zelenskyy announces another international conference. Participants have agreed to form special groups tasked with creating "peace plans," and once they come up with concrete ideas, the stage will be set for a second summit, as per Zelenskyy. "We've agreed to work in special groups after the summit on specific ideas, proposals, and developments that can bring security in various aspects," Zelenskyy explains.
15:58 Quick follow-up summit of Ukraine conference requested by Zelenskyy
According to Zelenskyy, there should be a second gathering of the Ukraine summit soon. He asserts that preparations will not take years but merely months. Several countries have already expressed their intention to host such a summit. Russian participation, as suggested by EU Commission President Von der Leyen, is contingent upon Moscow recognizing the UN Charter. In the final declaration, there's no mention of a follow-up conference. Swiss President Amherd acknowledges that perspectives and positions were widely varied. Nevertheless, she notes that for the first time, a high-level, broadly supported conference discussed a peace process.
15:50 Majority support statement calling for ceasefire of nuclear threats
A majority of participants at the Ukraine conference in Switzerland back a declaration stating that any nuclear weapon threats or usage in the Ukrainian conflict are unacceptable. Nuclear energy and installations must be secure, protected, monitored, and eco-friendly. Ukrainian nuclear power plants and facilities, such as the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, should be entirely under Ukrainian control and subject to IAEA supervision.
15:32 Drone strikes Russian military vehicle in Belgorod region
A Ukrainian suicide drone strikes a Russian military vehicle in the Belgorod region of Russia, reportedly without causing any casualties. The number of such attacks is growing, causing alarm. According to Gladkov, the governor, there were over fifty air strikes in Belgorod alone on Saturday.
15:21 Signatories of the declaration demand return of prisoners of war and deported children
The final declaration of the Ukraine conference in Switzerland calls for an end to utilizing food as a weapon. They advocate for free and secure shipping and access to ports in the Black and Azov Seas. Attacks on cargo ships in ports and throughout shipping routes, as well as civilian ports and infrastructure, are unacceptable, states Swiss President Viola Amherd. Furthermore, they demand that all prisoners of war be exchanged, and all forcibly displaced and illegally transported Ukrainian children, along with other unlawfully detained Ukrainian civilians, be returned to Ukraine.
15:17 Ukraine Peace Conference: Many Back Russia's Including in Future TalksThe significant bulk of individuals at the Ukraine conference in Switzerland push for Russia's participation in future peace discussions. The closing statement highlights: "We deem achieving peace necessitates the inclusion of and dialogue between all parties." However, there's no specific mention of a follow-up conference in the declaration. No date or location for a future summit with Russia is mentioned. Prior to the Swiss meeting, several conference participants, including Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, had advocated for Russia's involvement in future conferences. Russia was left out of the Swiss gathering, and China was also absent. The objective is to reach a consensus on an international level for possible peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. For more information, check here.
15:02 Ukraine Peace Summit Concludes in DisagreementThe closing statement of the peace summit in Switzerland is not endorsed by all participating nations. The document is only approved by 80 of the 93 participating nations. According to the declaration, the UN Charter and "respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty" form the foundation for "a comprehensive, fair, and sustainable peace in Ukraine." Nuclear security, food security, and prisoner exchange are also addressed in the declaration. Among the countries that do not support the declaration are six members of the G20 group of the world's leading economic powers: Brazil, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, India, and Indonesia. In addition, Armenia, Bahrain, Thailand, Libya, the United Arab Emirates, Colombia, and the Vatican are not in agreement.
14:53 Union Suggests End to Aid for Ukrainian RefugeesThorsten Frei, the parliamentary leader of the Union faction in the German Bundestag, recommends ending the current cash aid for Ukrainian refugees. "The cash payments to Ukrainian refugees create detrimental incentives," the CDU politician told the Funke Media Group. While it's crucial for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, many combat-eligible Ukrainians in this country have withdrawn from the public eye. It's known that the country needs not only weapons but also soldiers. Frei also suggests revising the way aid is provided to Ukrainian women: The need for help for the refugees is evident in the fact that the number of Ukrainian women seeking jobs in Germany is surprisingly low.
14:17 Russia Captures Another Village in Southern UkraineThe Russian Defense Ministry declares that the units of the Eastern Military District have seized control of the settlement of Sagrine in the Saporischja region and have taken up advantageous positions. Russia's army has been advancing mainly in the east of Ukraine for months, but without significant breakthroughs. Before the capture of Sagrine, it had announced the capture of three villages in the east, south, and north-east of Ukraine in the previous week. Russian troops had started an offensive in the north-east of Ukraine on May 10 and captured several places before their progress was halted by reinforced Ukrainian troops.
13:50 Putin Rules Out Talks with Ukraine PresentlyRussian media assert that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not ruling out talks with Ukraine. However, assurances are required to ensure the credibility of any potential negotiations, as stated by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. A few days ago, Putin made a peace offering that many observers viewed as akin to capitulation and would grant Russia large territories of the country. Many question its legitimacy to influence the conference in Switzerland. Kiev instantly rejected the supposed offer.
13:23 Trubetskoy on Escaping the War: "We're not avoiding negotiations with Moscow"While representatives from 92 countries are discussing a peace plan for Ukraine at the Swiss Bernstein Conference Center, fighting continues in the country under Russia's attack. Ukrainian journalist Dennis Trubetskoy expresses his thoughts on the remote prospects of a negotiated solution and the positions of Zelensky and Putin in an ntv interview:
12:49 Ukraine Summit Declaration in Switzerland Unlikely to Receive Unanimous ApprovalThe final declaration of the Ukraine summit in Switzerland is unlikely to receive unanimous approval, according to Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer. Some countries have issues with the declaration's formulation, Nehammer informed journalists at the Bernstein Conference Center. There's a desire for a follow-up conference on Ukraine. However, it's too soon to predict how the format will look. Additionally, one must consider if Russia will be able to participate. Before the participation of a Russian delegation, there may be an interim conference.
12:23 Ukrainian Soldiers Dismiss Putin's Peace Proposal: "We Won't Play with the Beast"Putin proposes that Russia is prepared for a ceasefire and peace talks with Ukraine under certain conditions. Kiev rejects the offer, viewing it as a capitulation. What do the soldiers, who risk their lives daily at the front, think about the Kremlin's offer?
12:02 Ukrainian Foreign Minister Praises Declaration of Ukraine Conference in SwitzerlandUkrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tells journalists at Bürgenstock that the declaration of the Ukraine conference in Switzerland is complete and "balanced." The positions of the Kiev government have been considered. No alternative peace plans were discussed at the summit meeting. Ukraine will not allow Russia to speak in the language of ultimatums.
Tax hikes proposed in Russia, as per British intelligence, are imminent, allegedly to fund escalating financial responsibilities, among them the ongoing war in Ukraine. The Kremlin expects an estimated $29 billion additional revenue by 2025, made possible by increasing corporate tax rate from 20% to 25%, introducing new tax classes, and boosting the highest income tax rate from 15% to 22%. Hence, the anticipated increase in tax burden for businesses could potentially curtail future investments and growth in non-military sectors, according to the intel.
Peace conference in Ukraine rages on, with delegates discussing nuclear security, grain exports, and humanitarian issues like missing Ukrainian children in larger groups. The results are set to be integrated into a declaration, with press conferences scheduled later, including one with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the meeting's conclusion. The aim is to initiate a long-term peace process, although Moscow has expressed no intention of participating.
Historian Matthäus Wehewski from the Hannah-Arendt Institute for Totalitarianism Research expresses skepticism about Putin's openness for compromise and negotiations. He cites the example of X, the leader of the movement "Another Ukraine": "Putin's peace proposal is just another 'interview' with Viktor Medvedchuk, who's already a puppet in Putin's show in Ukraine." In this interview published by the Kremlin propaganda outlet TASS, Medvedchuk peddles absurd lies, such as Zelenskyy not representing the interests of the Ukrainian people. He also proposes "liberation of Odessa and other cities" if Putin's peace proposal is rejected, speaks of an "overzealous denazification and demilitarization" of Ukraine, and assertions that the movement "Another Ukraine" comprises former pro-Russian politicians. Historian Wehewski predicts that Putin is crafting an "alternative" Ukrainian government for negotiations aimed at the disintegration and political subjugation of Ukraine, mirroring Stalin's tactics against the Baltics and Finland in 1939/40.
The Switzerland conference is ongoing without Russia's participation. State and government heads are brainstorming options for ending the conflict in Ukraine, with no official invite extended to Moscow. Jürgen Weichert, NTV reporter, explains the reason behind Russia's absence: "Moscow isn't attending because they chose not to."
Ukraine continues to report heavy losses on the Russian side, although not as high as in May after the commencement of Kremlin offensive in the Kharkiv region. Roughly 1,160 soldiers, six infantry fighting vehicles, and 58 artillery pieces were reportedly annihilated within the last day. Unfortunately, no tanks were reported destroyed.
Ukraine is still anticipating the bulk of the $61-billion support package from the USA, according to the first deputy Ukrainian defense minister, General-Leutnant Iwan Hawriljuk. Despite the delayed aid, there has been some relief in the form of artillery ammunition shortage alleviation, as a limited amount has arrived. Russian forces reportedly hold an advantage in the availability of shells, but this gap has narrowed from seven to five to one.
Lastly, coal power plants in Ukraine have suffered considerable damage due to Russian attacks, decreasing their capacity from 5 Gigawatts to 500 Megawatts. This makes the upcoming heating season grim, as Ukraine strives to rehabilitate the plants to restore at least part of their capacity, however, finding essential components like turbines or generators remains challenging. This may prompt Ukraine to use parts from power plants constructed in Eastern European countries during the Soviet era to restore at least some of their power generation capacity, despite the potential fit issues. These partially refurbished plants will essentially serve as "Frankenstein units."
23:23 Activists Allege Forced Assimilation of Kidnapped Kids in RussiaUkrainian human rights activists accuse Russia of brainwashing kidnapped children from Ukraine. The head of the charity group Save Ukraine, Mykola Kuleba, reveals that children are prohibited from speaking Ukrainian or displaying any Ukrainian symbols. He states that kids are severely punished if they refuse to sing the Russian anthem. Russian officials are accused of changing the names and birth dates of the abducted children. So far, Save Ukraine has rescued 373 children, Kuleba reports, many of whom exhibit signs of trauma. According to the Ukrainian government, over 20,000 children have been kidnapped since the war's onset. Russia denies the abduction allegations and claims to be saving children from the war zone.
00:54 Zelensky: Russia Fires Thousands of Rockets at Civilian Sites MonthlyUkrainian President Zelensky states that Russia fires around 3,500 rockets at civilian targets and Ukrainian infrastructure every month. During an interview with the Italian television channel Sky TG24, Zelensky explains that these rockets target only civilian areas to force people to abandon cities and villages, paving the way for Russian occupation. Russia is thought to be lying if it claims to attack only military objectives.
01:28 Latvia Practices Emergency Preparations amid Russian AggressionIn Latvia, a nationwide Civil Defense Information Day called "Knowledge as a Shield" occurred. In 14 cities and municipalities, citizens were taught how to respond in crisis situations. Lessons were given on first aid, stockpiling emergency supplies, and handling explosive objects, radiation, or chemical hazards. This effort is aimed at strengthening civil defense in response to Russia's aggressive war in Ukraine. "Everyone must take responsibility, make their contribution, so that as a society, a nation, and individuals, we know how to act in a crisis situation," says Defense Minister Andris Spruds. It's crucial to educate the public on what to do in emergency situations.
02:50 Peace for Ukraine: Von der Leyen Calls for Restoration of Sovereignty and Territorial IntegrityAccording to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the current conflict scenario should not be allowed to persist. "Freezing the conflict today while foreign troops occupy Ukrainian territory is not the answer," she said at the Ukraine Summit in Switzerland. "It's a blueprint for future war attacks." Instead, summit participants should support a comprehensive, reasonable, and lasting peace for Ukraine. This peace should also reinstate Ukraine's independence and territorial integrity.
03:55 Biden Skips Ukraine Summit, Attends Hollywood Gala InsteadAlthough the G7 Summit in Italy was nearby, US President Biden did not attend the Ukraine Conference in Switzerland like other G7 participants. Instead, Biden is flying back to the USA to attend a red-carpet gala with Hollywood celebrities, such as Julia Roberts and George Clooney, to boost his campaign funds. In his stead, US Vice President Kamala Harris attends the Ukraine Summit.
05:24 Stübgen Disagrees with Benefits for Ukrainian Refugees in GermanyThe chairman of the Interior Ministers Conference, Brandenburg's Interior Minister Michael Stübgen, aligns himself with his Bavarian counterpart's stance against providing citizens' benefits to war-fleeing Ukrainians in Germany. Stübgen argues that discussing support for Ukraine while simultaneously assisting flag-fleeing Ukrainians is illogical. He contends that the decision to grant immediate citizens' benefits to refugees from Ukraine was a grave error, leading to an extremely low employment rate among Ukrainians due to benefits serving as a hindrance to employment. The federal government should consider a change in policy.
06:07 Advances on Ukrainian Front: Ukrainians Gain Control of Russian PositionsAccording to the Ukrainian Asow Brigade, Russian invaders have lost positions in the Serebryansky Forest. This information was shared on social media by Swjatoslaw Palamar, deputy commander of the 12th Brigade of the Asow National Guard. Nasar Woloschin, a spokesperson for the Chortyzja grouping, corroborated this: "Our defense forces are advancing on the enemy's positions and pushing back Russian defensive lines and firing positions. We are also launching counterattacks, seizing their firing positions on the tactical level and driving them out of their lines." The military-affiliated Deepstate channel has also recently reported on advances. The frontline in the Luhansk region runs through the Serebryansky Forest.
06:54 Russian Activity Surges in Wremiwka Sector, Ukraine ReportsReports from the Ukrainian General Staff indicate a threefold increase in Russian military activity in the Wremiwka sector, which lies between the cities of Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia. The Russian military allegedly attacked the frontlines ten times in the regions of Vodjane, Uroschajne, and Staromajorsk. "The situation is tense. Measures are being taken to stabilize the situation," the report concluded.
07:32 Germany Underprepared Against Hybrid Threats, According to Cybersecurity ExpertCybersecurity expert Christian Dörre views Germany as poorly prepared to defend itself against foreign disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks. "When it comes to hybrid threats, we are regrettably not well-prepared," says the researcher at the Hasso-Plattner-Institute (HPI) in Potsdam. "The past two years of the Ukraine conflict have shown that we as a society are ill-prepared and sometimes ineffective when it comes to hybrid threats - starting from disinformation and fake news all the way to attacks on our infrastructure."
22:12 Deadly Shrapnel Attacks in Ukraine: Inquiry RevealsAs per the investigations conducted by Ukrainian authorities, the eastern part of the country has witnessed the loss of lives and injuries among civilians due to Russian shrapnel. The Donetsk District Prosecutor's Office states that Russian forces launched multiple rocket attacks on the village of Ulakly, in the Wolnowacha region. The residential area was hit, leading to the tragic death of two men and a woman, with five more civilians sustaining injuries.
21:46 Sunak Slams Russia's BackersThe British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, passionately criticizes those supporting and backing Russia. He allegedly stated at the peace summit in Switzerland, "They're throwing in with the aggressor, and they're on the wrong side of history." He further accused these supporters of providing weapons or components for those weapons. Sunak urged these supporters to look at the atrocities committed by Russia in Bucha, Mariupol, and Kharkiv before making their decisions. He also asserted that Putin has no genuine interest in peace.
21:24 Saudi Arabia Demands Russian Involvement for Peace TalksBased on insights shared by Saudi Arabia, peace talks for a possible agreement can only be deemed credible with the participation of Russia. Foreoign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud made this statement at the Ukraine conference in Switzerland. He also mentioned that a peace plan would necessitate "difficult compromises," with Saudi Arabia being considered a potential host for a subsequent conference.
20:51 Ukrainian Advancements at the Eastern FrontUkrainian forces have claimed successes on the Eastern Front in the regions of Klischtschijiwka and Serebrjansker Wald. According to their Telegram page, they have pushed back Russian troops from their strategic positions, an achievement attributed to the 12. Special Brigade Asow. The brigade's deputy commander, Sviatoslav Palamar, shared on Facebook that the Russian troops were pushed back in the Serebrjansker Wald area.
20:16 Fresh Attacks in Ukraine Despite Peace EffortsRussian troops alleged continued attacks on various front lines in Ukraine despite the efforts of international communities striving for peace. Supported by their air force, Russian units attacked again in the east of the country, nearby Wowtschansk, as reported by the General Staff in Kiev. The region of Pokrowsk in the southeast of Ukraine witnessed unusually strong Russian advances, with around a third of the 74 Russian attacks of the day registered there.
19:57 Scholz Advocates for Russian Involvement in Peace ProcessGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz has expressed his support for Russia's inclusion in the peace process for Ukraine. He stated at the peace conference in Switzerland, "To achieve peace in Ukraine, it's crucial that Russia is part of the peace process." Simultaneously, he insisted on Russia's complete withdrawal from the partially occupied Ukraine. "Russia has the power to end this war immediately or at any time if it halts its assaults and withdraws its forces from Ukraine," he asserted.
You can catch up on the prior events here.
Read also:
- Despite the ongoing efforts to repair damaged energy infrastructure, Ukrainians face the possibility of more power outages and blackouts due to military operations in the region, as warned by CEO Volodymyr Kudrytskyi.
- The situation in Ukraine remains tense as Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg expressed support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, stating that "Nato will stand with Ukraine" during a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- Concerns over cyberwarfare escalated as Ukraine reported a cyberattack on its energy infrastructure, causing disruptions to power supplies and electricity generation, according to the Ukrainian Security Service.
- Russia's aggression against Ukraine continued with an attack on a Ukrainian military base in the Sumy region, resulting in multiple casualties and damaging military equipment, according to Ukrainian military officials.
