Desertion of Russian troops lead to lawless region in Ukrainian territories occupied by them
Thousands of Russian Deserters Worsen Security Situation in Occupied Ukrainian Territories
A report by the Center for National Resistance on Telegram suggests that around 50,000 armed Russian deserters have significantly exacerbated the crime situation in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories. These deserters, estimated to be equivalent to several full divisions, have reportedly left their military service since the start of the large-scale invasion. The rapid deterioration of the security situation is attributed to the mass departure of Russian soldiers.
Sweden Enhances Baltic Sea Controls Against "Shadow Fleet"
Sweden aims to intensify its efforts against Russia's "shadow fleet" of tankers. From July 1st, Sweden will strengthen controls of foreign ships in the Baltic Sea to combat the use of tankers to bypass sanctions on oil trade. These vessels are also suspected of damaging undersea cables and posing a threat to the maritime environment.
UK Designates Russia as "Immediate and Acute Threat"
In its newly released defense policy review, the United Kingdom has classified Russia as an "immediate and acute threat." In addition to Russia, China is regarded as a "complex and persistent challenge" in the report, with the growing ties between Beijing and Moscow being highlighted.
Ukrainian Military Reports 114 Air Attacks by Russia
According to the Ukrainian military, Russia launched 114 air attacks with drones and missiles on Ukraine last night. Local and regional authorities report at least ten casualties and 33 injuries in Ukraine, resulting from these Russian attacks. In Saporizhzhia, a nine-year-old girl was killed, and two people, aged 16 and older, were wounded. The main targets of these attacks were Kharkiv, Sumy, and Donetsk, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.
Ukrainian Paratroopers Capture Russian Soldiers in Kursk Region
Ukrainian paratroopers have captured Russian soldiers in the Russian region of Kursk while moving towards the city. The captured soldiers received necessary medical and psychological assistance. This marks the latest instance of such captures during the ongoing operation.
Sumy Region Orders Evacuation of Eleven Villages
Due to the potential risk of a large-scale Russian offensive in the Sumy region, officials have ordered the evacuation of eleven villages. This decision was made considering the ongoing danger to the civilian population due to border community shelling.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Accuses Russia of Arrogance
Following a speech from the Russian representative in the UN Security Council, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha accused Russia of arrogance. Russia, Sybiha claims, utilizes the highest forums to propagate confrontational rhetoric, while the international community urges immediate ceasefires and diplomatic initiatives.
Chancellor's Chief of Staff Calls for Seizing Frozen Russian Assets for Ukraine
Thorsten Frei, the Chancellor's Minister of the CDU party, advocates for confiscating frozen Russian state assets in the EU to support Ukraine. Given the increased Russian bombardments and the extensive human suffering caused in Ukraine, Frei believes that the frozen money should be used for defense purposes. However, concerns remain about the security of foreign investments in the EU or Germany.
Russia Captures Two Villages in Eastern Ukraine
Russian forces have seized control of two villages in eastern Ukraine. The state-owned Russian news agency RIA Novosti reports this development based on information from the Russian defense ministry. Nowopil in the Donetsk region and Vodyane in Sumy region are now under Russian control.
Russian Troops Advance in Areas Around Torez
In the settlement of Dylyivka north of the occupied city of Torez, Russian troops have moved up to a railway station. Attacks have been reported in recent days northwest of Torez, targeted towards the communities of Nelipivka and Stepanivka. Troyitske near the village of Novopavlivka has also been captured by Russian forces, according to the Institute for the Study of War.
Injuries Reported in Ukraine and Russia Attacks
In the Ukrainian region of Sumy, eleven more locations will be evacuated, as the regional military administration reports. Russian rockets hit a residential area in the border region overnight, causing at least one injury. In the neighboring Russian region of Kursk, 14 injuries have been reported and several residential buildings have been damaged due to Ukrainian drone attacks.
"Ukrainians Score a Hit" - 7,000 Kilometers Away
Anticipation for a breakthrough in the upcoming talks in Istanbul remains low. Amidst negotiations and attacks on Saporischschja and Vladivostok, there are hopes for a resolution to the conflict.
Serbia Rejects Russian Accusations of Arms Supplies
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić denies Russian allegations that Ukraine is being supplied with ammunition. The Kremlin had accused an old ally of providing ammunition to Ukraine, though Vučić assures that a contract with the Czech Republic, for example, does not permit the export of materials to third parties. He has agreed to set up a "working group" with Russian President Vladimir Putin to clarify the situation.
Two Dead in Russian Attacks in Southern Ukraine
At least two people have died in overnight Russian attacks in southern Ukraine. In the Saporischschja region, a man and a nine-year-old girl were killed in separate attacks. The girl died when Russian forces targeted a residential area with guided bombs, while a man died in an attack on the city of Kherson due to Ukrainian shelling.
Explosions in Sumy, Kharkiv, and Donetsk
Fighting continues amidst plans for a second round of negotiations to end the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In an overnight Russian attack on the Sumy region, a residential area was targeted with rockets, causing at least one injury. Explosions were also reported in Kharkiv and Donetsk.
Ukraine Arrests 21-Year-Old for Espionage
Ukrainian authorities have sentenced a 21-year-old man to 15 years in prison for spying on behalf of Russia. The man, who was not named, secretly photographed the locations of Ukrainian military forces and prepared attacks in the Ukrainian capital on behalf of Russia.
Poland Warns of Disinformation Campaign Against Ukrainian Refugees
Websites and accounts linked to the Kremlin are waging a targeted disinformation campaign against Ukrainian refugees, aiming to stir up resentment and fear among the Polish population. This campaign utilizes artificial intelligence-generated content to demonize refugees and portray them as a threat. Meta described the effort as the largest and most complex Russian disinformation operation since the start of the Ukraine war. Poland, which is allied with Ukraine, hosts around one million Ukrainian refugees.
Ukraine Suspends $665 Million Debt Payment
Ukraine has temporarily halted a $665 million government debt payment, having failed to reach an agreement with creditors on restructuring terms. The Ukrainian Ministry of Finance emphasizes its commitment to implementing a comprehensive, fair, and equitable restructuring of GDP-linked securities. Securing a resolution to the issue with GDP options is critical to avoiding jeopardizing further debt restructuring and a $15.6 billion ongoing rescue program, according to the IMF.
Attack on Putin's Helicopter Likely Fabricated by Kremlin
Claims that President Vladimir Putin's helicopter was targeted by a Ukrainian drone attack in the Kursk region were most likely fabricated by the Kremlin, according to Russian government sources. The incident is believed to have been engineered to portray Putin as facing the "danger of war" and even risking his life to motivate others.
Volodymyr Zelensky Sets Conditions for Meeting with Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has imposed conditions for attending the proposed second round of talks with Russia in Istanbul. For any meeting to yield meaningful results, the agenda must be clear, and proper preparation is essential. Regarding Russia's refusal to transmit a previously drafted memorandum detailing its proposals before the meeting, Zelensky explained that Russia is intent on ensuring that the next possible meeting does not result in progress.
Russian UN Ambassador Names Conditions for Ceasefire
Russia has indicated its willingness to negotiate a possible ceasefire during the upcoming talks with Ukrainian representatives in Turkey, but has also set certain conditions. For the duration of the proposed ceasefire, it is essential that Western countries cease providing weapons to the Kyiv regime, and Ukraine halt its mobilization efforts.
Erdogan Urges Zelensky to Attend Talks with Russia
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has encouraged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to attend the planned negotiations with Russia in Istanbul on Monday. Erdogan emphasized the importance of both sides participating with strong delegations, as the meeting could further advance the peace process. As of now, it is unclear whether Ukraine will send a delegation to Istanbul.
Trump Criticizes Zelensky and Putin for Stubbornness
US President Donald Trump has criticized both Presidents Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin for their reluctance to compromise. Despite earlier reports that Putin had made unacceptable maximum demands and threatened immoral statements, it is unclear whether Russia will be willing to meet the core objectives of the negotiations. No breakthrough in resolving the conflict has so far been achieved.
Ukrainian Analyst Examines Situation in Sumy
Serhii Beskrestnov, a Ukrainian analyst and radio expert, reports that he consulted with several military leaders in the Sumy sector. Although the Ukrainian government claims that the Russians have amassed 50,000 soldiers for a major offensive in the area, Beskrestnov states that Russian forces are not engaging in well-planned infantry actions at present. Instead, they are firing at Ukrainian positions with heavy armaments and deploying drones.
US Senate to Discuss Sanctions Against Russia Next Week
Next week, the US Senate will discuss potential sanctions against Russia and countries buying Russian oil and other goods. Senator Lindsey Graham anticipates bipartisan support for the bill, which proposes imposing 500 percent tariffs on goods sourced from countries buying Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other commodities. However, it remains uncertain whether the Republican leader in the Senate, John Thune, will bring the bill to a vote.
Community policies regarding war-and-conflicts should address the issue of deserters from military services, particularly in times of large-scale invasion, as their mass departure has been linked to a deterioration in security situations, as seen in occupied Ukrainian territories.
Politics and general news outlets should coverage the enforcement of employment policies for military personnel, especially in instances where soldier dissent could have widespread environmental, economic, or political implications, as demonstrated by the suspected use of a "shadow fleet" of tankers in the Baltic Sea.
