Urban Communities Alliance Opposes Proposed Elimination of Refugee Aid Stipends for Ukrainian Nationals
City Council in Germany advocates against reducing welfare for Ukrainian refugees: In response to suggestions from several Interior Ministers to scale back welfare payments for Ukrainian refugees under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act, Markus Lewe, President of the City Council in Redaktionsnetzwerk Germany, objected, stating, "Minister-Presidents should steer clear of contesting the welfare payments of Ukrainian men and women with the Federal Chancellor." Lewe argued that the Social Code II provides the best means to bring more and faster Ukrainian refugees into employment. He warned that if Ukrainian refugees were compelled to switch to the asylum system, they would face significant restrictions in accessing language courses, employment agencies, or job qualification programs, making it much harder for them to secure employment. Moreover, the administrative burden on cities would swell immensely.
Swedish Parliament approves defense agreement with the USA overwhelmingly: In a five-hour debate, the Swedish Parliament approved the contentious defense agreement with the USA by a large majority. A total of 266 parliamentarians voted in favor of the agreement, while 37 voted against it. Critics are concerned that the agreement could lead to the placement of atomic weapons in Sweden and the establishment of permanent US military bases in the country. The agreement, signed in December in Stockholm and Washington, allows the USA access to 17 military assistance points and training areas in Sweden, permitting the storage of weapons, military equipment, and ammunition.
Misleading European Championship map shown on German television: During the joint broadcast of MagentaTV and RTL, a map was broadcast live before the Turkey vs. Georgia match that erroneously showed Crimea as part of Russia instead of Ukraine. Moderator Johannes B. Kerner apologized for the mistake, calling it a serious oversight. "This is a huge mistake that really bothers us, and we offer our sincerest apologies," said Kerner.
Ukrainian President Zelensky sees effectiveness of Western weapons against Russian territory: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky believes that the use of Western weapons against Russian territory is effective. The demolition of Russian fortifications and launch sites near the border is highly significant, according to Zelensky, who made the statement in his daily video address. He praised various units for their successes, without providing specific details.
Two people killed by mine explosion in Russian region of Bryansk near Ukrainian border: According to the governor of Bryansk, two people were killed by a mine explosion in the Russian region of Bryansk close to the Ukrainian border. The victims allegedly disregarded warning signs and entered a restricted border zone. Another individual was reportedly injured in the incident, which occurred in the Klimowski district, bordering the north Ukrainian region of Chernihiv. The governor advised the public to stay vigilant and avoid visiting areas marked with warning signs indicating that mines have been laid. Russia has fortified its border regions during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has been ongoing for more than two years. Multiple mining accidents have occurred in the past month alone. In the past week, a state television journalist was among four people injured in a mine explosion in the neighboring region of Belgorod.
Estonian Court sentenced University professor to six years and three months in prison for spying for Russia: A former professor at the University of Tartu in Estonia was sentenced to six years and three months in prison for spying on behalf of a foreign intelligence agency. The Russian citizen was found guilty by the court in Tallinn of acting against the Republic of Estonia in the interests and on behalf of a foreign intelligence agency. The academic had reportedly collected information regarding Estonia's interior, defense, and security policies, as well as related individuals and infrastructure. The professor was arrested by the Estonian Security Police in January and spent the following pre-trial detention period behind bars.
Latvian government plans to enhance border security with Russia with additional €300 million: Latvia announced plans to bolster its border with Russia, with an additional €300 million allocated over the next five years. Defense Ministry officials said the funds would be used to strengthen the border. Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics was inspecting the construction of a border fence at the time the announcement was made. Rinkevics stated that the reinforcements would primarily consist of "mesh fences" or "hedgehog barriers." "Our policy is unequivocal: Not a single square inch of Latvian territory will be left unguarded," said the Latvian Border Guard chief, Guntis Pujats. "Our border guards, in addition to carrying handguns, are also armed with assault rifles and equipped with body armor and helmets to be prepared for potential provocations from Russia and Belarus."
Putin's visit to North Korea welcomed by Kim Jong Un at Pyongyang airport: Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in North Korea for a two-day state visit, welcomed at Pyongyang airport by North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, according to the Russian news agency Interfax. During Putin's visit, observers speculate that weapons deliveries from Pyongyang to Moscow may be discussed for use in Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.
8:00 PM Blinken Urges China: Halt Aid to Russia's Arms SectorU.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on China to stop aiding Russia's military industry. China is providing essential assistance, enabling Russia to keep its defense sector afloat, maintain its military equipment, and prolong the war in Ukraine, Blinken revealed. "It needs to stop," he stated during a joint news conference with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. 70% of Russia's machining tools and 90% of its microelectronics come from China, Blinken reported. This considerably supports Russia's defense sector.
7:00 PM Russian Storage Facility Catching Fire After AirstrikeAn oil storage facility in the Rostov Oblast has caught fire following a drone attack by Ukraine. The blaze is spreading, but there are no casualty reports. Russia has released footage of firefighting attempts, while Ukraine views the attack as a success.
7:00 PM Moscow Plans Alterations to its Nuclear PolicyIn the midst of its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, Russia, as per the Foreign Ministry, intends to revise its nuclear policy. The lessons drawn from the "military special operation" and the West's behavior suggest some adjustments are needed in the military policy, including nuclear deterrence strategies, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov. However, Ryabkov remained cryptic about the specifics.
6:30 PM Swedish Ambassador Calls out Russian Envoy - Possible SU-24 Bomber Incursion Near Gotland?Following an alleged intrusion of Swedish airspace by a Russian military aircraft, Sweden has summoned the Russian ambassador. The Swedish Foreign Ministry cited "the Russian violation of Swedish airspace on June 14" as the concern. Swedish authorities claim a Russian SU-24 Bomber cruised over the Baltic Sea island of Gotland, around 350 kilometers east of the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. The Swedish Air Force warned the Russian aircraft before it entered Swedish airspace, but it did not deviate from its path. Consequently, two JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets from the Swedish Air Force intercepted and escorted the Russian aircraft out of Swedish airspace.
6:00 PM On the Move with the 141st Brigade: Ukrainian Drone Trackers Employ Mixed ToolsIn the Ukraine conflict, drones are extensively utilized. The goal is to discover and neutralize enemy positions. A broadcast crew accompanies Ukrainian soldiers as they hunt Russian drones from the sky - particularly at night, when they swarm.
5:30 PM Air Surveillance Accuses Kiev of Accusing Russian Troops of Beheading a Ukrainian Soldier Near the Front in Eastern Ukraine."The commanders of the occupation forces in the Wolnowacha region of the Donetsk region directed their troops not to take Ukrainian prisoners," the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office stated on Telegram. A Ukrainian soldier's head was discovered during an aerial reconnaissance in a military vehicle. Ukrainian Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin labeled the incident as a clear violation of the Geneva Convention and claimed it would not go unpunished. He urged the "entire civilized world to isolate and punish the terrorist country." There was no response from Moscow regarding the allegation. News agency AFP could not independently verify the Ukrainian assertions.
5:00 PM Orban to Relent on Rutte's Appointment as NATO Head, Withdraws OppositionHungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has surrendered his objection to the appointment of the outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the new NATO Secretary-General. Orban announced that Hungary is prepared to back Rutte's candidacy. This effectively clears the path for Rutte as Stoltenberg's successor. The only remaining challenge is the unrevoked candidacy of the Romanian President Klaus Iohannis for the NATO top position. Iohannis, however, has no significant supporters left. Orban attributed his concession in the personnel matter to a letter from Rutte, in which he addresses Hungarian demands. Among other things, it pertains to ensuring that Hungary will not be forced to participate in a planned NATO mission to coordinate weapons deliveries to Ukraine.
4:30 PM Putin Praises North Korea for Support Against Ukraine During State VisitBefore his visit to North Korea, Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked Pyongyang for its backing of Russia's offensive in Ukraine. "We are deeply grateful that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) staunchly supports Russia's military special operation in Ukraine," Putin penned in an article published by the state North Korean news agency KCNA and the newspaper "Rodong Sinmun." Meanwhile, South Korea reported a brief boundary crossing by North Korean soldiers.
4:00 PM Access to Soviet Archives Denied: European Court of Human Rights Censures RussiaThe European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has chastised Russia for denying access to archives to the human rights organization Memorial and other organizations regarding repressions during the Soviet era. "The search for historical truth is an integral part of the right to freedom of expression," the Strasbourg Court declared. The refusal constitutes an interference with the right to information and, therefore, violates the European Convention on Human Rights.
15:03 Slovakia Backs Mark Rutte as Potential NATO LeaderSlovakia has expressed its readiness to back Mark Rutte of the Netherlands as a possible NATO chief. Slovakian President Peter Pellegrini made the statement following a discussion with Rutte and consultations with the Slovakian government. However, Hungary and Romania's official support is still waiting. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis announced his own bid for the top position in March. The current NATO Secretary-General, Jens Stoltenberg, has extended his term several times and plans to step down in October after a decade in the role. The NATO Secretary-General is selected through a consensus-based process requiring the support of all 32 members. Several countries have already voiced their support for Rutte as he prepares to relinquish his role as Dutch Prime Minister.
14:26 Swiss Authorities Investigate Russian DiplomatSwiss authorities suspect a Russian diplomat based in Bern of attempting to acquire weapons and hazardous substances. The Federal Prosecutor's Office in Bern has obtained government permission to pursue the case, treating it as a political crime. Searches have already been conducted as part of preventive measures, according to the authorities. Previously, reports suggested a diplomat associated with the Russian embassy in Bern was under investigation. The diplomat reportedly surfaced a few weeks before the recent Ukraine summit, during which Russia was absent. The Federal Prosecutor has requested the removal of the diplomat's diplomatic immunity to continue the investigation.
13:47 Italy Plans to Supply Ukraine with Storm Shadow MissilesAccording to reports in Il Fatto Quotidiano, Italy plans to send Ukraine a new military package, which includes Storm Shadow cruise missiles. The ninth military package is expected to be presented to parliament at the end of June, although the exact quantities were not specified.
13:02 Russian Political Scientist Viacheslav Morozov Jailed for SpyingThe Russian political scientist Viacheslav Morozov has been sentenced to six years and three months in prison in Estonia for spying for Russia. Estonian public broadcasting reported the sentence, referring to opposition media outlet Meduza. Morozov, who worked at the University of Tartu in Estonia, was arrested in January for sharing information about the political situation in Estonia and its relations with the EU with Russian intelligence services.
12:19: NATO General Urges Response to Hypersonic weaponsNATO General Christian Badia is advocating for increased efforts to counter modern Hypersonic weapons. According to Badia, both defense and the ability to retaliate are necessary for effective deterrence. Russia is already deploying these weapons systems against Ukraine, and the warning time could shrink to just two minutes. "Distance between Moscow and Berlin: If you're fast, five minutes from there to here. Even Beijing-Berlin, where they say Beijing is infinitely far away, 20 minutes," said Markus Ziegler from the German Aerospace Industries Association.
11:57: Fire at Russian Fuel Depot Suspected to be Work of Ukraine's Security ServiceA fire at a fuel depot in the Russian city of Asow is thought to be the work of the Ukrainian Security Service, according to a source from the agency. The fire reportedly covered approximately 3200 square meters, and over 200 firefighters were deployed to put out the blaze.
11:30: Russian Forces Likely Take Control of Village in UkraineBritish intelligence assessments suggest that Russian troops have likely taken control of the village of Novooleksandrivka, about 20 kilometers north of Avdiivka, advancing the Russian army closer to the T0504 highway, one of Ukraine's main supply lines.
10:48: Putin and Kim Jong Un Plan to Strengthen TiesRussia and North Korea plan to sign a treaty on comprehensive cooperation during Putin's visit to Pyongyang. No details about the treaty's content were provided.
10:20: China Rebuffs Stoltenberg's Criticism Over Ukraine CrisisThe Chinese government has rejected the criticism of NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg regarding China's stance on the Ukraine conflict. The Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian advised NATO to "cease the attribution of blame to others, not to sow discord, and not to pour oil on the fire." Instead, NATO should take concrete steps "for the political resolution of the crisis." Stoltenberg had criticized China's actions regarding the Russian aggression in Ukraine during a visit to Washington.
09:36: Russian Court Sentences Ukrainian Woman to 12 Years in Prison for Anti-War ActivitiesA Moscow military court has sentenced a Ukrainian woman to twelve years in prison for playing an anti-war declaration and the Ukrainian national anthem from her apartment window in Moscow. In addition, the woman released white-blue-white balloons, a protest symbol against Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
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09:00 Russian navy engages in Pacific exercisesThe Russian Navy conducted naval drills in the Pacific Ocean before Putin's trip to North Korea. Around 40 ships and boats, along with approximately 20 planes and helicopters, were involved in the practices as stated by the Moscow Defense Ministry. These exercises are reported to last until June 28 in the waters of the Pacific Ocean, Japanese Sea, and Sea of Okhotsk. The exercises encompass combat against submersibles, and defense against air assaults.
08:28 Putin's portrait pops up in Pyongyang streetsThere is an obvious impact of Putin's visit to North Korea in the capital, Pyongyang: The streets are adorned not only with many Russian flags, but also with Putin's portrait. This has been captured in various videos, such as on the Russian government news agency TASS, and on social media platforms.
08:01 Visit focused mainly on weapons for Putin in North KoreaRussian President Putin is visiting North Korea today and tomorrow. According to NTV-Russia reporter Rainer Munz, Putin likely came prepared with weapons. He highlighted that diplomatic support is also essential, while confirming the weapons aspect.
07:48 Rwanda withdraws endorsement from Ukraine Peace Summit declarationRwanda has withdrawn its signature from the peace summit closing declaration in Switzerland, as reported by Ukrainian media. Since Monday, Rwanda's name no longer appears on the list of signatories on the Swiss government's website. Now, 77 states and 5 organizations support the declaration.
07:22 Ukrainian military analyst alleges Russian artillery production issuesAccording to Ukrainian military analyst Petro Chernyk, Russia is facing complications with producing explosives for artillery shells, as reported by the US think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Moreover, Russia is reportedly transitioning from self-propelled to towed artillery systems, possibly with additional issues. However, Russia can't produce more self-propelled systems, as it only has five to six such machines.
06:54 Ukraine claims destruction of all ten Russian dronesThe Ukrainian Air Force claims they successfully destroyed all ten Russian drones that were launched over the regions of Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk at night. This announcement was made on Telegram.
06:28 Destruction of rare Russian reconnaissance aircraft confirmedRussian officials have acknowledged that the Ukrainian Air Force shot down a rare Russian Early Warning and Control Aircraft of the type A-50 over the Azov Sea in February, leading to the death of ten crew members. The Kyiv Independent reported this. The Ukrainian Military Intelligence and the Ukrainian Air Force had already claimed responsibility for the shootdown at the time. The aircraft was crucial for detecting air defense systems and guiding Russian combat jets' targets. Russia reportedly owns fewer than ten of these aircraft, with an estimated cost of around 350 million dollars each.
06:02 Prisons in Russian Asow on fire after drone attackAccording to the governor of the Russian city Asow in the Rostov region near the Ukrainian border, prisons have caught fire following a Ukrainian drone attack. No casualties have been reported as of yet, announced the southern region's governor, Vasili Golubev, via Telegram. The investigations are ongoing, and the local fire department is working to control the flames.
05:40 Kremlin talks US about potential prisoner exchange for GershkovichRussia confirms, according to the Press Secretary of the Presidential Administration Dmitri Peskov, negotiations with the USA regarding a potential prisoner exchange for the detained US reporter Evan Gershkovich. He referenced statements from President Vladimir Putin, who, in early June, spoke about such contacts. "These discussions are continuing, but they should continue in silence," Peskov emphasized. "Therefore, no announcements, declarations, or information on this matter can be provided." The 32-year-old reporter for the "Wall Street Journal" was arrested in Yekaterinburg, in the Ural region, by the Russian domestic security service FSB on March 29, 2023. He is accused of espionage.
04:50 Detained US soldier partially admits guiltThe US soldier Gordon Black, who is being held in Russia for suspected theft, has partially admitted guilt. According to the Russian news agency Interfax, he made the statement in court in Vladivostok. He admitted being "partially responsible" for the theft, but denied acting with premeditation. He denies threatening to kill his girlfriend. Several other US citizens are already in detention in Russia, including the journalist Evan Gershkovich and the former soldier Paul Whelan, both of whom are accused of espionage.
03:50 Bundesnetzagentur fines pipeline operator for inaccurate Nord Stream 2 dataThe German Federal Network Agency has imposed a fine of 75,000 euros on the pipeline operator Gascade due to inaccurate data related to the controversial German-Russian gas pipeline Nord Stream 2. According to the agency in Bonn, Gascade published incorrect data in 2021 due to IT issues, which misled the market into thinking that the pipeline's commissioning was imminent. This resulted in lower prices.
02:58 Putin appreciates North Korea's military support in UkraineBefore his visit to North Korea, Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged North Korea's military support for Russia's offensive in Ukraine. "We are grateful that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) has unequivocally supported Russia's military special operation in Ukraine," Putin stated in an article published by the state North Korean news agency KCNA on Tuesday. Furthermore, it was stated that both countries are actively developing their comprehensive partnership.
01:57 intense fighting in Kharkiv, UkraineScrappy battles erupt in the northeastern region of Kharkiv, Ukraine, according to Russian news. Governor Vitali Ganchev, an appointee of Moscow, reveals that the opposition is sending reinforcements and attempting to launch a counter-attack, but our troops are delivering a solid beat-down. Russian forces have reportedly swatted back recent Ukrainian counter-attacks near Vovchansk, about five kilometers from the border. Russian soldiers rolled into portions of the Kharkiv region last month and captured over a dozen villages as per official statements. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy insists that Ukrainian forces will gradually kick Russian troops out of the contested area.
00:55 Fratzscher criticizes cutting social benefits for Ukrainian refugeesMarcel Fratzscher, an economist, whacks on the notion of lessening social benefits for Ukrainian refugees as "empty grandstanding." Fratzscher, the DIW's president, tells Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND), "If Germany mistreats refugees and slashes their benefits, nobody benefits, not a single extra Euro." Fratzscher suggests the German state should funnel more resources into helping refugees integrate into the labor market and society rather than scaling back funds on refugees.
23:55 Majority of Ukrainians view Zelenskyy as legitimate president, despite extended term during wartimeThe vast majority of Ukrainians interpret President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the legitimate president, even with the prolonged tenure amid war. A survey by the International Sociological Institute in Kiev finds that 70% of the 2011 respondents believe Zelenskyy should ride out the war. A mere 22% disagree. The Ukrainians refute the view from Moscow that Zelenskyy's term has expired and he is no longer Ukraine's rightful president.
22:55 European Parliament worries about Finland's deportation plansThe European Parliament raises alarms over the Finnish government's proposals to expel migrants from Russia, whom Helsinki alleges have been purposefully dispatched by Moscow across the shared border. The European Human Rights Commissioner, Michael O'Flaherty, advises Finland's Parliament Speaker Jussi Halla-aho in a letter to stomp out the draft law. The current Finnish government, led by the center-right, aims to amend immigration law drastically. For instance, they have put forth a bill at the end of May that allows border guards to turn back refugees.
23:15 Peskov slams "zero-draft" Peace Conference for Ukraine as pointlessThe Kremlin continues to slam the outcomes of the Swiss Peace Conference for Ukraine in Moscow. Spokesperson for President Vladimir Putin, Dmitri Peskov, declares that discussions from the summit amount to nothing since Russia was a no-show. Peskov expresses, "When you speak about the results of this gathering, they aim for nothing." The fact that a few Russia-friendly nations like Serbia, Turkey, or Hungary backed the final declaration doesn't faze Moscow. "We'll definitely consider the stance of these countries. It matters to us. We'll keep on expounding our reasoning to them," says Peskov. The Foreign Ministry in Moscow calls the conference a "total flop," as cited by the Tass news agency.
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- Following the Ukrainian conflict, there have been concerns of a potential escalation into a larger cyberwar, with Russia being accused of launching attacks on Ukraine's digital infrastructure.
- Volodymyr Selensky, the President of Ukraine, has repeatedly urged NATO and its allies to provide more robust military support in response to these attacks, emphasizing the importance of defending Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- Furthermore, as military operations between Ukraine and Russia continue, some European nations, like Germany and Sweden, have announced plans to enhance their own defense capabilities and border security, in fear of destabilizing impacts from the Ukraine conflict.
- The attacks on Ukraine have led to a growing rift between Russia and NATO, with NATO urging its members to strengthen their defenses and deter Russia's aggressive behavior, with the potential for NATO-Russia military confrontation looming in the future.
