Unemployed Ukrainians Ought to Be Excluded: Schwesig Disagrees with Dobrindt
Politician Manuela Schwesig from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern critiques CSU-Regional Leader Alexander Dobrindt's idea of sending back refugees from specific regions of Ukraine if they refuse work in Germany. Schwesig points out during the ZDF "heute journal update" that Ukraine is being bombarded by Russia, making it unsafe for anyone. She considers Dobrindt's proposal to be "extremely populist" and harmful to many refugees, including mothers with children, arguing that he's catering to critical voices in the general public.
In the last 24 hours, there have been approximately 128 clashes with Russian troops along the front in Ukraine, as reported by the Ukrainian General Staff on Facebook. The Russian troops are reportedly focusing their attacks on the area around Pokrovsk, with one-third of the attacks aimed at this location. The Ukrainian defense forces are said to have successfully repelled the attacks and held the front lines.
Hungary's government is critical of other EU countries using the money from frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó calls this a "shameless act against common European rules" on Facebook. The Hungarian government is working on finding a legal way to protect their rights. In a week, the EU presidency will be taken over by the Hungarian government. Orbán has maintained good relations with the Russian government so far.
The Ukrainian Navy claims that they destroyed 120 drones during an attack on the Russian region of Krasnodar on June 21. The attack was carried out by the Ukrainian Navy and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), according to a report on the Navy's Facebook page. The Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform reports this information. The Ukrainian military reportedly targeted objects on a training ground of the 726th Training Center of the Russian Air Defense in Jeisk, where drones were allegedly being trained.
Thomas Häger, a political expert, suggests that the Kremlin believes US influence is behind the recent bombings in Dagestan and wants the attacks to be seen as US attacks. He explains that these accusations are part of Russian war propaganda.
French President Emmanuel Macron assures Ukraine of France's continued support, reaffirming their "unwavering commitment" to Ukraine in its defense against Russia. Macron emphasizes that his support for Kiev remains firm, despite concerns in Kiev that wins for right-wing populists in France could change France's stance on Ukraine.
The EU states are working on the 15th Sanctions Package against Russia, according to the Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen. The new EU package includes the addition of 116 people and organizations to the sanctions list and several extra measures, such as the prohibition of EU institutions from being involved in the transshipment of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) in third countries.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has dismissed General-Lieutenant Yuri Sodol, the commander of the United Forces, and appointed Brigadier-General Andrij Hnatow as his replacement. Reasons for the dismissal were not provided, and it's been reported that the chief of staff of the controversial Azov Brigade, Bohdan Krotovytsch, submitted a complaint against Sodol, accusing him of negligent orders that led to heavy losses. "He has killed more Ukrainian soldiers than any Russian general," Krotovytsch wrote on Facebook, without mentioning Sodol's name.
Ukraine will receive an additional 1.4 billion Euro in military aid from the EU beginning in July, according to EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. The aid will be provided in the form of interest gains from frozen Russian assets, which were previously blocked by Hungary. The EU foreign ministers agreed on a method to circumvent the Russian-friendly Hungarian government in Budapest, according to Borrell, who presented the foreign ministers with a legal assessment. Hungary no longer needs to give their explicit approval for the release of the first tranche. The funds have already been decided upon, with Hungary choosing to abstain from the previous decisions on their usage. "The EU treaty provides legal ways to move forward," Borrell emphasized.
18:52 Germany sends over 40 trucks to Ukraine for border support:Germany dispatches more than 40 Mercedez Arocs trucks to aid Ukraine's border guards in logistical assistance at the front. German ambassador to Ukraine, Martin Jäger, explained in a report by "Kyiv Independent", that this move aims to support Ukraine in the defense against the Russian aggressor.
18:14 Death toll rises to five in Pokrovsk, Ukraine after Russian rocket attack:The fatalities following a Russian rocket attack in the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk now stands at five. The number of injured includes four children, making the total count 41. Earlier reports indicated that Russia had fired two rockets at the city, resulting in the destruction of a private house and damage to 16 other buildings.
18:02 Ukraine is handling its own attacks, according to U.S. government:The U.S. Defense Ministry spokesperson claimed that they do not control Ukraine's attacks. Ukraine allegedly targets military operations based on its own decision-making process. This statement came in response to Russia's claim over the weekend that a Ukrainian attack on Crimea, using ATACMS missiles, could be traced back to the U.S.
17:46 German Chancellor appreciates German companies' efforts in Ukraine's recovery:German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed gratitude towards German companies for their support, including their contributions to Ukraine's rebuilding process during a conference in Berlin. Scholz stated that German businesspeople play a crucial role in supporting and rebuilding Ukraine.
17:18 Zelenskyy anticipates conclusion of security accords in Brussels:Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to hold high-level discussions in Brussels mid-week. It is predicted that an agreement on Ukraine's security cooperation with the EU will also be signed during these talks. The text has been in the works for months. Zelenskyy might also participate as a guest at the summit of the Heads of State and Government of the 27 EU countries on Thursday. The security accords initiative comes from the G7 group of Western economic powers, aiming to guarantee Ukraine's long-term security through weapons deliveries, financial assistance, and political cooperation.
16:55 German Ministry criticizes Dobrindt's proposal to return refugees to safe areas in Ukraine:Alexander Dobrindt, CSU state group leader's plan to send jobless refugees from Ukraine to safe areas in their homeland is rejected by the German Foreign Ministry. Dobrindt had stated that employment should be a condition for a residence permit for refugees from Ukraine and that they should return to safe areas in Western Ukraine. However, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson states that such safe areas may not exist in Ukraine due to Moscow's illegal war of aggression against the whole country.
16:36 Russia threatens retaliation for new EU sanctions:The Russian Foreign Ministry has declared that Russia will retaliate for new EU sanctions. They view these measures as illegal and will respond accordingly to every hostile action from the West. The statement further mentions an expanded list of individuals who are not allowed to enter Russia.
16:20 Zelenskyy claims Ukraine has struck over 30 Russian oil facilities:According to reports, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has asserted that Ukraine has struck over 30 targets within the Russian oil industry, including refineries, terminals, and storage facilities. However, Zelenskyy does not specify a timeline or provide additional details, and Russia has yet to issue a response.
16:01 Retired Colonel warns against exaggerated optimism: Kiev's negotiating position has worsened significantly:Retired Colonel Wolfgang Richter warns against overconfidence following recent Ukrainian successes in the Black Sea. Russia still holds considerable resources and may need an exit strategy, according to the expert. The full context of his statement indicates that there is still room for concern when it comes to the situation between Ukraine and Russia.
3:14 Tragic Losses: Eight Killed, Many Wounded in Russian Assaults in UkraineAccording to Ukrainian sources, at least eight individuals have lost their lives, and multiple others have been hurt in Russian attacks on targets across eastern Ukraine and the southern port city of Odessa. In the Donetsk region, Governor Wadym Filaschkin reports that four fatalities and 34 injures, including two kids, have occurred from rocket attacks hitting Pokrovsk. Filaschkin notes that Russian forces fired two Iskander-M missiles at Pokrovsk and destroyed numerous homes. This is one of the deadliest civilian attacks in recent memory, he stated. Additionally, a man was allegedly killed by Russian fire in Kurachowe, a city further south. "The Russians attacked the city using a guided missile and damaged an infrastructure facility," the governor explained, without offering additional details.
3:11 Germany, France, and Poland Plan Alliance for Long-Range WeaponsGermany, France, and Poland seek to establish a coalition of European nations for the development of long-range weapons. "Europe faces a significant gap in long-range weapons capabilities," explained German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. Several countries must recognize this gap and close it, medium- to long-term, by the NATO Summit in July, Pistorius stated. A corresponding declaration could be signed at the NATO Summit in Washington. Pistorius, along with his French and Polish counterparts Sébastien Lecornu and Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, believe this would serve as "a visible sign of our readiness to assume responsibility." "In Washington, we will demonstrate the strength and dependability of the Europeans," Pistorius added, noting that 23 European NATO allies, including Germany, have already either reached or surpassed the two-percent NATO defense spending target.
2:42 Kiev Labels Residents on the Crimea "civilian occupiers"Following the destructive explosion of a Ukrainian rocket over a beach on the Crimean peninsula that Russia annexed, the Kiev government refers to the victims as "civilian occupiers." "The Crimea is an occupied territory filled with military targets, where fighting is taking place," wrote an advisor in the Presidential Administration, Mychajlo Podoljak, on Telegram. The Kremlin is attempting to camouflage these military targets with its own civilians, effectively turning these civilians into "civilian occupiers." Local authorities report that a Ukrainian rocket detonated over a public beach near the naval base Sevastopol the previous day, resulting in at least four casualties and over 150 injuries.
2:18 Zelenskyy Orders Review of the Presidential GuardUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has ordered a review of the Presidential Guard following the uncovering of suspected assassination plans within the security services. During the introduction of the new head of the Presidential Guard, Olexij Morosow, Zelenskyy stated that Morosow's primary goal would be to ensure that only those with a future in Ukraine become part of the Guard. Conversely, any member of the Guard who does not share Ukraine's aspirations or brings discredit upon the Guard must be dismissed. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) revealed in May that it had detained two high-ranking guards officers and accused them of planning the assassination of Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian officials.
1:52 Ukraine Mourns Deaths and Injuries in Attack on PokrovskAt least four lives have been claimed, and 34 others have been hurt, according to regional authorities, following a Russian rocket attack on the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk. Two children were among the injured. The city suffered a total of two rocket strikes, with a private residence being completely destroyed, and 16 others being damaged.
1:32 European Union Acts Against Hungary's Reluctance: Activates Military Aid for UkraineThe European Union plans to move money for military aid for Ukraine opposed by the Hungarian government, around €1.4 billion. At a Foreign Ministers meeting in Luxembourg, the necessary procedures were approved, as confirmed by several diplomats from the German Press Agency.
1:16 Ukraine Reports Two Deaths from Russian MineIn Lypzi, a region in Charkiw, two people have perished from an explosion of a Russian mine. The regional military administration head reports this via Telegram, as the Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform reported. An vehicle carrying two passengers reportedly struck a mine in the morning, causing one man to die on the spot, and a woman to die on her way to the hospital.
12:52 German Government Rejects Expulsion of Unwilling UkrainiansThe German government has turned down the expulsion of unwilling Ukrainian men and women. Germany's Foreign Office spokesman notes that Russia targets objectives throughout Ukraine and attempts to destroy the western nation's infrastructure daily. "I wouldn't know now where a safe place in Ukraine should be," he remarked, responding to a demand from the CSU state group leader Alexander Dobrindt regarding "safe areas in western Ukraine."
12:21 US braces for Russian retaliation following Crimea rocket strike IncidentThe US could face repercussions following a Ukrainian missile attack on the annexed Crimean Peninsula, which left at least 4 casualties and more than 150 injuries, according to reports. Dmitri Peskov, Presidential Press Secretary, warns, "There will be retaliation." The Russian government is responding to alleged US involvement in the attack. Peskov hints at the potential deployment of rockets capable of reaching the US and its European allies, based in Russia. Russian sources claim Ukraine launched five rockets given by the US, equipped with cluster bombs, four of which were reportedly shot down by air defense, while the munition of the fifth exploded in mid-air, scattering debris near a beach. Two children are among the fatalities.
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11:58 Russia specialist: Krim rocket attack not intended for touristsIn a Ukrainian missile strike on the annexed Crimean Peninsula, several fatalities are reported, including at a beach. According to Russia expert Niko Karasek: "The debris was scattered indiscriminately among tourists."
11:35 Sewastopol Declares Emergency StateOne day after a devastating Ukrainian missile attack, authorities in the port city of Sewastopol on the annexed Crimean peninsula announced an emergency state. According to official statements, 4 people were killed and 151 injured in the attack, with 79 still hospitalized. Most of the victims had been enjoying the city's beaches when debris fell and detonated. Initially, the Russian military claimed responsibility for the missile launch, but later retracted their statement, stating that Ukrainian missiles targeted civilians. Even in Russian military blogs, this claim is being disputed. The area is home to several military installations.
11:01 Germany Under Fire for Light Sanctions PackageFollowing the decision on new sanctions against Russia, criticism is mounting from the Baltic states towards Germany. Lithuania's Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis laments that the sanctions are "regrettably weaker" than planned. His Estonian counterpart Margus Tsahkna states that it is "increasingly difficult in the European Union to find agreement on new sanctions." Until now, this has primarily been due to Hungary, but now the German government is opposing stricter rules against circumventing sanctions via third countries. The EU Commission aimed to make European companies accountable if prohibited goods reached Russia via subsidiaries in Kazakhstan. However, Berlin objected, stating that the measures would negatively impact Germany, the largest EU export country, more than Russia. As a result, companies are now only expected to make "reasonable efforts" against sanctions violations.
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10:24 Ukraine Reports Injuries in Odessa AttackAccording to the mayor's reports, two people were injured in the morning attack on Odessa, as reported by the Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform. Russian forces are alleged to have targeted civilian infrastructure with missiles.
09:44 Over 110 New Names Added to EU Sanctions ListThe EU has passed its 14th sanctions package against Russia. According to a statement, 116 individuals and entities will face sanctions. Stricter measures are also planned for efforts to evade existing sanctions. Additionally, investments in Russian liquid gas projects are to be prevented.
09:25 EU Demands Use of Frozen Russian Funds for UkraineEU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell aims to prevent an EU member state from blocking the use of funds from frozen Russian financial assets to support Ukraine. Borrell stated this ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg: "We have a legal process in place to prevent any kind of blockade."
08:58 Moscow Accuses Ukraine of Dagestan Terrorism IncidentWithout evidence, the Russian parliament accuses Ukraine of being behind the terrorist attack in Dagestan, as reported by NTV correspondent Rainer Munz. The Kremlin is said to be attempting to "distract attention from the growing threat of Islamic terrorism in Russia."
08:23 Reports of Attack on OdessaMedia reports indicate a fire broke out in Odessa, with Belarusian opposition media Nexta reporting a strong explosion, while the "Kyiv Post" reports an attack on civilian infrastructure.
07:51 Schwesig Arrives in Kiev - "Ukraine Must Prevail"As the first Bundesrat President, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's Governor Manuela Schwesig is visiting Ukraine. She arrived in Kiev by train and plans to hold political talks there. "This is a show of solidarity with all 16 federal states and Ukraine," she said on her way. "Ukraine must win this conflict, and it must not be that Russia succeeds with its aggression." This statement is not easy for all politicians to endorse. Chancellor Olaf Scholz, for example, always says that Russia should not win the conflict and Ukraine should not lose it.
07:36 Nowooleksandriwka Remains BattlegroundUkrainian sources report that Russian forces have not fully taken control of the village of Nowooleksandriwka in the Donetsk region. Heavy fighting continues in the area, according to the Ukrainian army.
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06:21 Another Estonian Soldier Dies in Ukraine FightA soldier from Estonia, serving in the Ukrainian army, met his demise during a battle in the Luhansk region. According to Kyiv Independent, sourcing information from Estonian newspaper "Postimees", Martin Jaager, aged 42, was reportedly killed on Saturday. He's the third Estonian citizen to die while defending Ukraine after serving in an elite unit in Estonia and joining the Ukrainian army over a year ago.
05:44 heated Debate among EU Ministers over Aid to UkraineToday, EU foreign ministers are meeting in Luxembourg to discuss Russia's ongoing attack on Ukraine. A session with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, attending via video link, is scheduled. Hungary is under mounting pressure to lift a blockade on military aid worth 6.5 billion Euros destined for Ukraine, following a heated argument about this topic at the ministers' meeting at the end of May.
04:45 Moscow Blames US for Crimea AttackFollowing a rocket attack on the Crimean Peninsula, Moscow has accused the US of responsibility. The ministry alleges that Washington supplied these weapons to Ukraine and the Ukrainian government launched the attack from their territory. US specialists have reportedly used information from US spy satellites to determine the rocket launch coordinates, suggesting that the US government is directly responsible for the attack. Four civilians, including two children, were reportedly killed and 151 others injured according to the Defense Ministry.
03:42 Urgent Call for End to Attacks on Saporischschja Nuclear Power Plant by IAEAThe International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is demanding an immediate stop to attacks on the Ukrainian city of Enerhodar near the Saporischschja Nuclear Power Plant. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has expressed concern over increasing drone attacks on the power plant and its surroundings that have disrupted power supply to residents, although the incidents have not affected the operation of the nuclear power plant.
02:45 Stoltenberg to discuss further Ukraine aid with Macron in ParisNATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is set to have talks in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday concerning further assistance for Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia. Macron had previously announced plans to form a coalition for the deployment of Western military trainers to Ukraine.
01:43 Orban Calls for Ukraine Ceasefire Ahead of Hungarian EU Council PresidencyHungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has called for an initiative to end the conflict in Ukraine before the start of the Hungarian EU Council Presidency, which begins on July 1. Orban believes that continued shelling in Ukraine is unacceptable and violates international principles, but its important to "stop the killing at the front".
00:53 Ukraine Launches Attack on Crimean PeninsulaUkraine launched another attack on the annexed Crimean Peninsula with rockets last night, resulting in several explosions in the port city of Evpatoria. Unlike previous attacks, the city has issued an air alarm. The extent of the destruction is yet to be determined, with numerous videos and images of fires emerging. Reports of hit military installations remain unconfirmed by either Ukrainian or Russian sources.
23:49 Zelenskyy Demands Longer-Range Weapons and Right to Strike Deep into Russian TerritoryIn response to continued shelling of the city of Kharkiv, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has called for longer-range weapons and the authority to strike deep into Russian territory. "The Russian air force must be destroyed wherever it is, and with the most effective means available," Zelenskyy declared in his daily video address. Negotiations with Western partners are underway regarding this request.
22:49 Federal Government Cited for Inaction in Regards to Social Benefits for Ukrainian RefugeesSchleswig-Holstein's Education Minister, Karin Prien, has criticized the Federal Government for inaction regarding social benefits for Ukrainian refugees. Prien asserts that Ukrainians, who are fleeing Putin's terror and war, deserve our protection and hospitality, and that most refugees aim to quickly join the workforce and prepare for their homeland's reconstruction. Prien argues that the current federal government has failed to facilitate this process for the refugees.
In light of the upcoming Bundestag election, EU Commission Vice President Vera Jourova expresses concern over potential manipulation attempts by Russia, referring to the "new era of hostile influence." The EU Commissioner for Transparency and Values, as well as the Protector of Democracy, voiced her worries to "Süddeutsche Zeitung," stating that Voice of Europe might serve as a model for future operations, including the upcoming Bundestag election. Jourova believes Voice of Europe, a suspected purveyor of pro-Russian propaganda, operating out of Prague, could be a precursor to more covert operations within the EU.
Moreover, financial assistance to European politicians is alleged, as the EU barred Voice of Europe and three other Russian media organizations from broadcasting within the EU in May, claiming they were controlled by the Russian government and targeted European parties, particularly during election periods.
On a separate note, Ukrainian energy supplier Ukrenergo has announced widespread power outages due to Russian attacks on the energy infrastructure in Ukraine. Ukrenergo made this announcement via Telegram, stating that increased energy consumption at the beginning of the week and "massive Russian attacks" on the power grid necessitated these measures. Since May, Ukraine has resorted to temporary power cuts due to damaged energy infrastructure. For Monday, the most significant power cuts are anticipated between 19 and 23 hours, according to Ukrenergo.
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Read also:
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, criticized Russia for conducting a cyberwar against Ukraine, stating that Russian cyberattacks pose a significant threat to Ukrainian military operations.
- Nato leaders, meeting in Brussels, discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and pledged their continued support to Ukraine in its defense against Russian military aggression.
- The German military announced that it would provide additional military aid to Ukraine, including cyber defense tools, to help Ukraine protect itself against Russian cyberwarfare attacks.
- Russia, in response to the new EU sanctions and the support from Nato and other Western countries, threatened retaliation and announced that it would be expelling diplomats from several Western countries, including Germany and France.
