USA faces potential repercussions from Russia following a missile strike on Crimea
Russia issues warnings regarding the Ukrainian missile strike on the annexed Crimean Peninsula, resulting in at least 4 fatalities and over 150 injuries. Presidential spokesperson Dmitri Peskov warns, "Reprisals are impending." The extent of these repercussions remains to be seen. Russia will counteract any American involvement in this strike. Peskov hints at the Russian threat to deploy missiles within striking distance of the US and its European allies. According to Russian sources, Ukraine launched five missiles supplied by the US, armed with cluster munitions against Crimea. Four missiles were intercepted by air defense, while the fifth missile's warhead detonated mid-air. Missile debris landed near a beach. Among the dead were two children.
11:58 Russia Expert: Missile on Crimea "Not Aimed at Tourists"
During the Ukrainian missile attack on the annexed Crimean Peninsula, several casualties occurred, including at a beach. Russia expert Niko Karasek stated, "The debris scattered haphazardly among the vacationers."
11:35 Sewastopol Declares State of Emergency
one day after the destructive Ukrainian missile attack, the authorities in the port city of Sewastopol on the annexed Crimean Peninsula have declared a state of emergency. According to the official account, 4 lives were lost and 151 were injured in the attack, 79 of whom are still hospitalized. Most of the victims had been sunbathing on a city beach in Sewastopol when missile debris fell and exploded. Initially, the Russian military claimed responsibility for the missile launch, but later recanted the statement and alleged that the Ukrainian airborne objects were deliberately aimed at civilian targets. Even within Russian military blogs, this claim is being challenged. Nearby are several military facilities.
11:01 Germany Faces Criticism for New Sanctions Package
Following the approval of new sanctions against Russia, criticism is surfacing from the Baltic States towards Germany. Lithuania's Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis criticizes the sanctions as "unfortunately weaker" than anticipated. His Estonian counterpart Margus Tsahkna remarks, "It's getting progressively difficult within the European Union to find agreement on new sanctions." Thus far, this was primarily due to Hungary, but now the German government is obstructing stricter regulations against circumventing sanctions through third parties. The EU Commission was aiming to hold European companies liable if forbidden goods reached Russia via subsidiaries, for instance, in Kazakhstan. Berlin objected, arguing that the measures would harm Germany as the largest EU exporting nation more than Russia. Now, the companies are merely expected to make "best efforts" against sanctions violations.
10:24 Ukraine Reports Injuries in Odessa Attack
The mayor's report indicates that two individuals were injured in the early-morning attack on Odessa. According to the Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform, Russian forces attacked civilian infrastructure with missiles.
09:44 Over 110 New Names Added to EU Sanctions ListThe EU states have activated a 14th sanctions package against Russia. According to a statement, sanctions will be imposed on an additional 116 individuals and institutions. Stricter measures are also in consideration against attempts to evade existing sanctions. Furthermore, investments in Russian liquefied gas projects will be blocked.
09:25 EU Advocates for Utilization of Frozen Russian Funds for UkraineThe EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell aims to prevent a EU member state from blocking the use of funds from frozen Russian financial resources to support Ukraine. Borrell will propose a plan at the EU foreign ministers' meeting in Luxembourg. "We have a legal process to thwart any kind of blockade."
08:58 Moscow Shifts Blame for Dagestan Terrorism Attacks Towards UkraineAccusations of Ukrainian involvement in the Dagestan terrorist attack, as reported by NTV correspondent Rainer Munz, are coming from the Russian Parliament without any evidence. The Kremlin is alleged to be deflecting attention away from the domestic threat of Islamic terrorism in Russia.
08:23 Attacks on Odessa ReportedAccording to media reports, a fire occurred in Odessa this morning. Belarusian opposition media Nexta reports of a powerful explosion, while the "Kyiv Post" reports of an attack on civilian infrastructure.
07:51 Schwerin Visits Kiev - "Ukraine Must Prevail"As the first Federal President of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Manuela Schwesig visits Ukraine. The SPD politician arrives in Kiev by train and plans to conduct political discussions there. "It's an expression of solidarity with all 16 federal states with Ukraine," she said on her way. "Ukraine must win this conflict, and it should not be possible for Russia to succeed with this aggression." This statement is not easy for all politicians to make. Chancellor Olaf Scholz instead always says that Russia should not win the conflict and Ukraine should not lose it.
07:36 Nowooleksandriwka Appears to Still Be Fiercely ContestedAccording to reports, the town of Nowooleksandriwka in the Donetsk region is not wholly under Russian control. Ukrainian sources highligh that Russian troops have not taken full control of the town. The Ukrainian military reports intense fighting there.
06:52 Units within the "Donetsk People's Republic" Allegedly Holding Own Injured PrisonersA Russian military blogger claims that commanders of various units within the "Donetsk People's Republic" are mistreating their wounded soldiers. A brigade is said to be holding their wounded prisoners in the city of Donezk under harsh conditions, instead of treating them, according to the US think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW), which cited the blogger.
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06:21 Regrettable Loss: Estonian Army Volunteer Bites the Dust in Ukraine's FrontlineA soldier from Estonia, serving for the Ukrainian army, met a tragic end during a skirmish in the Luhansk region. According to Kyiv Independent, sourcing from Estonian newspaper "Postimees", 42-year-old Martin Jaager, a seasoned warrior, allegedly perished on Saturday, making him the third Estonian casualty for Ukraine's defense. Jaager had previously served in an elite unit in Estonia and had joined the Ukrainian army about a year ago.
05:44 Hot Seat for Hungary: EU Ministers Pressure Hungary Over Aid BlockadeThe EU Foreign Ministers huddled together in Luxembourg on Monday, discussing the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine. There's a planned debate with Ukrainian Chief Diplomat Dmytro Kuleba via video link. Hungary is under the microscope, expected to budge over the blockade of military aid worth 6.5 billion Euros under pressure. Tensions were high during the Foreign Ministers' meeting at the end of May.
04:45 Finger-Pointing: Moscow Blames US for Crimea AttackRussia points the finger at the US for the rocket attack on the annexed Black Sea Peninsula of Crimea. In a statement, the Russian Ministry arguing that Washington is to blame for providing these weapons to Ukraine, and Kyiv's government for launching the attack from their territory. U.S specialists determined the rocket launch spot using intelligence from U.S spy satellites, implying U.S complicity in the attack resulting in four fatalities, including two children, and injuring 151 others, as per the Defense Ministry.
03:42 IAEA Decries Attacks near Saporischschja Nuclear Power PlantThe International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) strongly condemns the escalating attacks around the Ukrainian city of Enerhodar near the Saporischschja Nuclear Power Plant. In a statement, IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi calls for an immediate halt to the drone attacks on the power plant and its environs. He emphasizes that such attacks are unacceptable and contravene agreed-upon security principles and specific guidelines. In the previous week, drone attacks hit two power substations, disrupting power supply to the residents at instances. According to Grossi, the ongoing incidents haven't impacted the operations of the Saporischschja Nuclear Power Plant.
02:45 Stoltenberg and Macron Talk Ukraine Aid in ParisNATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg travels to Paris on Monday for a discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron. Their conversation is expected to focus on additional support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. Macron earlier spoke of intending to create a coalition to send Western military trainers to Ukraine.
01:43 Orban Urges Immediate Ceasefire in UkraineViktor Orban, Prime Minister of Hungary, asks for an initiative for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine. In a statement, he expressed his disdain for Russia's attack on Ukraine and its violation of international norms. However, he emphasizes the importance of halting the conflict at the front line now. Orban considers the resolution of the war in Ukraine to be a key objective of the upcoming Hungarian EU presidency.
00:53 Ukraine Rears its Head Again in CrimeaReports indicate that Ukraine has targeted the Crimean peninsula occupied by Russia once again. According to Ukrinform, explosions were reported in the seaport of Evpatoria. Contrasting accounts were given by the authorities of the seaport of Sevastopol and the Ukrainian and Russian sides. The aftermath of the attacks remains unclear, with media outlets publishing images and videos of fires, although alleged military installations hit in the attacks have yet to be confirmed.
23:49 Zelenskyy Demands Extended Bombs and Permission to Strike Russia HardIn response to the continued shelling of Kharkiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appeals for extended weaponry from the West and authorization to mount attacks deep within Russian territory. He emphasizes the importance of obliterating the Russian air force wherever it may be found. Kiev is actively working with its western allies to secure approval for such action.
22:49 Prien Worries over Social Benefits for Ukrainian Refugees: "Country Fails in This Regard"Following a call by CSU state group leader Alexander Dobrindt for social benefits for Ukrainian refugees, Schleswig-Holstein's Education Minister Karin Prien suggests that their flight from Ukraine was due to Putin's terror and war. She believes that Ukrainian refugees are seeking quick employment, contributing to their homeland's reconstruction. Prien criticizes the federal government for failing in this area.
Next year's Bundestag election could see interference from Russia, warns EU Commission Vice President Vera Jourova. She says we're living in a time of hostile foreign influence. In an interview with Süddeutsche Zeitung, she expresses concern that Voice of Europe, a fake media outlet taken down by the EU, might be just the start of Russian operations leading up to the election. She believes this shady medium is likely just the tip of the iceberg. The EU blocked Voice of Europe and three other Russian media organizations from broadcasting within the EU in May, claiming they were all government-controlled and targeted European political parties, particularly during election periods. There are suspicions that Voice of Europe, based in Prague, promotes pro-Russian sentiments and even pays off European politicians.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian energy supplier has announced more power cuts due to ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Ukrenergo announced this news via Telegram. They're taking these measures because energy demand at the start of the week is on the rise, and the power grid is weakened by the relentless Russian attacks. Ukraine has been dealing with rolling blackouts since May due to damaged energy infrastructure. According to Ukrenergo, the most significant power shortages are predicted between 7 and 11 pm on Monday.
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Read also:
- In response to the missile strike on Crimea, NATO expresses solidarity with Ukraine and condemns Russia's aggression, with Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg urging Russia to respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- Amidst the ongoing conflict, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, appeals to the international community for stronger cyberwarfare support, citing the growing threat of cyber attacks from Russia as a potential weak point in Ukraine's defense.
- The Ukrainian military denies involvement in an attack on a Russian military base in the Kerch Strait, a contentious area that separates Crimea from mainland Ukraine. Although Moscow blames Ukraine for the incident, Kiev insists it has neither the means nor motive to carry out such an operation.
- EU cybersecurity agencies issue a warning to member states, urging them to strengthen their defenses against potential Russian cyberattacks, as the crisis in Ukraine escalates and tensions between Ukraine and Russia grow.
