Ukraine War Live Updates +++ 22:56 Zelensky: Withdrawal of US Aid Could Spark Crisis
Drawing US aid withdrawal as "a landmine or an explosive device" according to Selensky.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issues a warning about the potential withdrawal of U.S. support for his country. In an interview with media outlets of the Axel-Springer publishing house, he emphasizes the severe impact the loss of aid would have not only on Ukraine but also on other countries, particularly Europe. "If they really cut the aid, we will feel it. The Ukraine will feel it, but so will other states. That's a wave of risks for other states, for all states, and especially for Europe," Zelensky says. He continues, "That's a bomb or a mine if the aid to Ukraine is withdrawn. That could blow up the security in any country."
As military aid from the U.S. is currently being provided smoothly, there are no new promises yet. This situation raises concerns about the future of Ukraine's defense and the geopolitical stability of the region.
22:00 Wadephul Discusses Support for Ukraine in Rome
German Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock's replacement, Johann Wadephul, travels to Italy on June 7th. In Rome, he will meet with representatives of the Vatican and participate in a meeting in the Weimar Plus format with foreign ministers from France, Poland, Italy, Great Britain, and Spain. During the discussions, they will focus on further support for Ukraine and strengthening European defense. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg are expected to attend as well.
21:30 Zelensky Accuses Russia of Wider Conquest Plans
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj accuses Russia of pursuing more expansive conquest plans than previously known. Speaking at a summit with the heads of state and government from Southeast Europe in Odessa, Selenskyj comments, "The Russian military plans target this region - Odessa - and then the borders with Moldova and Romania." He explains that Russia aims to sow chaos in the region to weaken Europe overall. Shortly after the start of the Russian war of aggression, Rustam Minnekayev, a high-ranking general in Moscow, declared the control of the south of Ukraine and the land route to the region of Transnistria, which has seceded from Moldova, as war aims. However, the Kremlin has not officially commented on this.
21:05 Russia Reacts Calmly to Further Lowering of Oil Price Cap
Russia has responded calmly to EU sanctions plans for lowering the price cap for its oil from the current $60 USD per barrel to $45 USD per barrel. "Russia has been living under various restrictions, which we consider illegal, for quite some time," says Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov to the Russian news agency Interfax. "And Russia has already gained some very useful experience in minimizing the consequences of such decisions." The EU aims to reduce the income of the energy superpower, which has been waging war against Ukraine for more than three years, from the sale of the raw material through the lower price cap.
20:21 Southeastern European States Condemn Russian Aggression Against Ukraine
The heads of several southeastern European states, gathered at a summit in the Ukrainian port city of Odessa, strongly condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "We condemn Russia's brutal aggression against Ukraine in the strongest terms," the published declaration states. Signatories include the newly elected Romanian President Nicusor Dan, his Moldovan counterpart Maia Sandu, and the heads of government of Bulgaria, Greece, Croatia, and other Balkan states. The declaration also pledges to provide Ukraine and its people with comprehensive and sustainable support for as long as necessary and urges "all nations to refrain from any form of material or other support for Russia's war efforts." The "complete withdrawal of Russian troops and military equipment from all Ukrainian territory" is deemed "central and non-negotiable conditions for peace."
19:41 Estonian Journalist Sentenced for Working for Russian State Media
An Estonian court has sentenced a journalist to six years in prison for violating international sanctions and treason. The defendant was found guilty of violating international sanctions by working for the state-owned Russian media agency Rossiya Segodnya, led by Dmitri Kiselyov, who is on the EU sanctions list. She provided economic resources to a sanctioned person through her articles and photos for an online portal of the state media, the court stated. She was also accused of establishing and maintaining a relationship with a foreigner hostile to the Baltic EU and NATO country. The court said this person was a reserve officer of the Russian FSB, with whom she was to publish various writings aimed at Russia's foreign and security policy goals and influence activities in neighboring countries. For example, she wrote a book that was essentially a propaganda piece intended to discredit Estonia. Estonia shares a border with Russia and has a significant Russian-speaking minority.
19:04 Merz Holds Back on Reacting to SPD's Manifesto
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reacted cautiously to the demands of prominent SPD politicians for a shift in foreign policy, known as the "manifesto." Merz didn't want to comment directly on it, but emphasized the basic stance of the government: "We are completely united in the federal government in our assessment of the war that Russia is waging against Ukraine and the consequences that need to be drawn from it," he said. "I am counting on this unity to continue," Merz added.
18:36 St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv Damaged in Russian Attacks
The world-renowned St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv has been damaged in Russian attacks on the Ukrainian capital. The cathedral was lightly damaged during the overnight attacks on June 7th, as reported by an AFP journalist in Kyiv. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, a part of the facade "cracked due to the shockwave" of an explosion. The Orthodox cathedral with its white walls, part of the UNESCO World Heritage site, was built in the 11th century. According to the building's management, it is unclear whether the shockwave that caused the damage came from a Russian drone or Ukrainian air defense.
17:58 SPD Paper Well-received in the Kremlin
In a manifesto, prominent SPD politicians demand, among other things, talks with Russia. However, the Kremlin is only ready for dialogue under certain conditions, as reported by ntv reporter Rainer Munz. Recently, the spokesman of the State Duma sent a signal with a letter to Julia Klöckner.
17:32 Russian Opposition Figure Schlosberg Sentenced to House Arrest
A Russian court has ordered two months of house arrest for opposition politician Lew Schlosberg for insulting the military. The judges in Pskov followed the prosecution's request. The court service of the region bordering Estonia published a photo of Schlosberg standing in a court cage during the hearing. The authorities have already labeled Schlosberg as a "foreign agent" - a label with negative connotations from the Soviet era that makes life difficult for those affected. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison. The 61-year-old politician was arrested on June 7th. He is accused of discrediting the Russian army and describing the invasion of Ukraine as a "bloody game of chess."
The German government strongly condemned the arrest of the opposition politician. "We note that Russia is deliberately creating an atmosphere of fear and isolation, especially for critical voices," said a spokesman for the Foreign Office in Berlin. "Every voice that advocates for a more democratic and free Russia is being silenced." They are following this development "with great concern," he added.
Politics
- Moscow sees itself confirmed
- Munz: "SPD paper well-received in the Kremlin"
- 17:00 Kremlin does not expect swift normalization of relations with the US
- 16:45 Stegner: "What's so problematic about talking about peace?"
- 16:33 Navalny associate sentenced to prison
16:05 Russia Attacks Strategically Important Drilling Platform
An aerial surveillance drone documents the impact of a Russian cruise missile on the contested drilling platform Tavrida in the Black Sea. While Russia tries to gain control of the area, the situation remains tense. Both sides are intensifying their military activities.
Panorama
- Impact on open sea filmed: Russia attacks strategically important drilling platform
15:27 Pistorius: Manifest on Russia "is reality denial"
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius rejects demands from prominent SPD politicians for a turnaround in Russia policy. "This paper is reality denial. It exploits the desire of people in our country for an end to the terrible war in Ukraine. For peace," Pistorius says. Pistorius emphasizes that he shares the desire for peace. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin is dismissing offers from Ukraine for an unconditional ceasefire. "He breaks off negotiations. And when he leads them, he simultaneously bombards the cities in Ukraine with even greater harshness and brutality," he says.
15:00 Mützenich Defends SPD Peace Manifesto with Search for "Exits in Dangerous Times"
Former SPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich has defended the so-called manifesto on foreign policy against criticism. "Even our considerations cannot answer all questions, and yet we are looking for ways out in dangerous times," Mützenich says in an interview with "Stern." "At its core, we need a combination of defense capability and incentives for conflict mitigation and coexistence." Mützenich, along with Bundestag member Ralf Stegner and former party leader Norbert Walter-Borjans, signed the so-called manifesto. In it, the group of Social Democrats calls on the black-red federal government for a fundamental shift in foreign and security policy.
14:30 Roth on SPD's Peace Manifesto: "This is not a debate contribution, this is historical revisionism"
Russian State Duma President Vyacheslav Volodin continues his spat with German Bundestag President Julia Kloeckner of the CDU, while also calling for improved relations between Russia and Germany. "We know that there are many people in Germany who genuinely want to develop relations with Russia," Volodin writes. Russia is ready for this. The Russian State Duma published his open letter to Kloeckner on their website. "We have not taken a single step against Germany's interests. I emphasize - not a single one," Volodin claimed. "And where is your government heading? Toward new conflicts?"
14:03 Ukrainian Security Service reports arrest of FSB agent in Lviv
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has arrested an FSB agent who coordinated Russian attacks on military airfields in the Lviv region. Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform reports that the arrested person is a 57-year-old unemployed man from the region who was recruited by the Russian FSB via Telegram channels. The main task of the agent was to locate military airfields in Western Ukraine. To gather information, the traitor drove around the area in his car, looking for airfields that he believed were used by the army.
13:37 Russian gunpowder factory in Tambov shut down after drone attack
The heavily damaged Russian gunpowder factory in Kotovsk, Tambov Oblast, has stopped production. The head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security Council of Ukraine, Andriy Kowalenko, announced this on his Telegram channel. "This is not the first attack on the powder factory," Kowalenko writes. "Production has stopped." According to him, it is one of the largest ammunition sources for the Russian army.
13:06 After deadly attack on Kharkiv: Zelenskyy calls for more pressure on Russia
After a Russian drone attack on Kharkiv with at least three dead and over 60 injured, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy calls on the international community to act immediately and take new measures against Russia. "Russia deserves increased pressure, and every strike against everyday life proves that the current pressure is not enough," Zelenskyy writes on Telegram. "Everyone who has called for an end to the killings and diplomacy must act."
12:32 Ukraine receives over 1,000 soldiers' bodies from Russia
After days of dispute over the return of the remains of Ukrainian soldiers killed in the war, Kyiv has finally received the first bodies from Russia. 1,212 bodies were returned, the Office for the Affairs of Prisoners of War in Kyiv announced. The soldiers were killed in battles in the Russian border region of Kursk and in the Ukrainian regions of Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. In negotiations in Turkey, the return of the remains of over 6,000 soldiers - from Russia to Ukraine - was agreed upon. It remains unclear whether Russia will also return the remains of its own soldiers killed in Ukraine.
12:00 Moscow: Russian troops reach western part of Ukrainian region Donetsk
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, Russian troops have reached the western part of the Ukrainian region of Donetsk. Infantry units continue to advance and, together with a tank division, are continuing their offensive against the neighboring region of Dnipropetrovsk. The Kremlin has stated its intention to establish a buffer zone in Dnipropetrovsk. This region is not among the five Ukrainian territories that Russia illegally claims as its own territory: Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and the Crimean Peninsula. Russia's claims cannot be independently verified.
11:48 Polish authorities arrest suspected Russian spy
Polish law enforcement authorities have arrested a man suspected of working as a spy for Russia. The newspaper "Ukrainska Pravda" cites the Polish prosecutor's office stating that the 28-year-old Polish citizen is accused of providing information to the Russian intelligence services that could threaten Poland's national security. The arrest took place on June 7th. Investigators allege that the man obtained and transmitted secret information about critical Polish defense infrastructure to Russia between February 28th, 2024, and April 30th, 2025. His actions were allegedly motivated by pro-Russian views. He faces a potential prison sentence of eight years to life and is currently in custody.
11:28 Greens criticize SPD's "manifesto" on foreign policy shift as "pie in the sky"
The Greens have sharply criticized the demand by prominent SPD politicians for a shift in foreign and security policy, calling for an end to armament and an approximation to Russia. "Unfortunately, that's just pie in the sky, as such a course does not lead to a ruthless imperialist ending the violence," said deputy parliamentary group leader Agnieszka Brugger, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Behind the "manifesto" that published the demands, she said, stand "the usual suspects who missed out on the post distribution in the SPD." She accused them of once again turning a blind eye to the brutal reality in Ukraine and the very obvious sabotage attempts by the Kremlin against the Istanbul talks. Brugger called on the SPD's party and parliamentary group leadership to clearly distance themselves from this.
11:12 Slovakia rejects new EU sanctions against Russia in current form
Slovakia rejects the planned new EU sanctions against Russia in their current form. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico writes on Facebook: "Slovakia will not support the upcoming 18th sanctions package against the Russian Federation if the European Commission does not present a real solution for the crisis situation in which Slovakia finds itself due to the complete halt of deliveries of gas, oil, and nuclear fuel from Russia." The EU Commission presented a draft for the sanctions package on June 7th, which primarily targets Russia's energy revenues, the banking sector, and the defense industry. The package must be unanimously adopted by the 27 EU member states.
10:57 Ukrainian intelligence provides insight into "Pavutina" operation and announces "surprises"
The Ukrainian Security Service (SSU) has published a new video providing an insight into the course of the special operation "Pavutina" ("Spiderweb"). This involves a mass attack on strategically important targets and objects of the Russian air force at the beginning of June. 117 drones were involved in the operation, which were hidden in trucks across Russia and used against four air bases, thousands of kilometers from the Ukrainian border. The attack deep into Russian territory damaged 41 aircraft, including bombers of types Tu-95, Tu-22M3, and Tu-160, rare A-50 reconnaissance aircraft, and transport aircraft of types An-12 and Il-78. The damage amounts to over seven billion US dollars, according to the SSU. The security service had prepared the special operation for about one and a half years.
"SSU strikes and will hit the enemy where he considers himself invincible! We are working on new surprises that will be no less painful than the Pavutina operation," said SSU Chief General Vasyl Malyuk.
10:24 Stegner on "Manifesto" for Foreign Policy: "The peace party SPD must discuss"
SPD foreign policy expert Ralf Stegner wants to use the "Manifesto" he co-authored to spark a debate about an alternative foreign policy course away from rearmament. In the current debate, there is talk of "putting more into rearmament." This involves "crazy sums" of up to five percent of the gross domestic product. Stegner spoke of a global "arms race." This cannot be the future. "The peace party SPD must discuss and it is doing so," Stegner emphasized. The "Manifesto" is therefore "a contribution to the debate." Germany must indeed increase its defense and NATO capabilities, said Stegner. But "we cannot just watch as there are more and more wars."
09:31 German imports from Russia since Ukraine war have dropped by around 95 percent
Germany imported almost 95 percent less goods from Russia last year than before the Ukraine war. In 2024, goods worth 1.8 billion euros were imported from Russia, as the Federal Statistical Office reports. Before the previous 17 EU sanctions packages against Russia, imports in 2021 - the year before Russia's attack on Ukraine - amounted to 33.1 billion euros. Exports to Russia also fell significantly by 71.6 percent. In 2024, goods worth 7.6 billion euros were delivered to Russia, compared to 26.6 billion euros in 2021. The share of Russia in Germany's total imports fell to around 0.1 percent in 2024, compared to 2.8 percent before the war began.
09:03 Kyiv: Russia has lost over 999,000 soldiers since the start of the war
The official figures from Kyiv report high personnel losses on the Russian side: 1,120 Russian soldiers were killed or incapacitated within a day. According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, a total of 999,200 Russian soldiers have been "neutralized" since the start of the war in February 2022. The ministry reports that the enemy has also lost eight more tanks (10,927 in total). Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, Ukraine has accounted for nearly 22,800 armored vehicles and around 40,000 drones either captured or destroyed by the Russian military. These figures cannot be independently verified. Moscow maintains silence on its own losses in Ukraine.
08:24 Ukrainian air defense destroys 49 Russian drones overnight
Ukrainian air defense forces neutralized 49 out of 85 Russian drones launched last night. The Ukrainian Air Force reported this on Telegram. Around 10 PM local time, Russian forces launched 85 unmanned combat aircraft, mainly Shahed drones and various decoy drones, from Kursk, Oryol, Millerovo, Primorsko-Achtarsk, and temporarily occupied Chuda and Chvardiya on the Crimea. The main targets of the attack were the regions of Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Odessa.
08:04 Russian ambassador: Bilateral talks with USA to be held in Moscow
The next round of talks between Russia and the USA to improve strained relations will take place in Moscow, according to Russian reports. "I can confirm that the next negotiations of the delegations will take place in Moscow in the very near future," said the new Russian ambassador to the USA, Alexander Dartschiew, according to the official news agency TASS. Previously, representatives of both sides had spoken in the Turkish metropolis of Istanbul. Dartschiew further stated that an improvement in Russian-American relations is still far off.
07:21 Ukraine and Russia exchange second group of prisoners of war
About a week after the ceasefire talks in Istanbul, Russia and Ukraine have again exchanged prisoners of war, according to matching statements from both sides. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that "the second group of Russian soldiers has returned" in accordance with the Russian-Ukrainian agreements of June 2nd in Istanbul. Neither Moscow nor Kyiv has provided further details on the location of the exchange or the exact number of soldiers. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that "our wounded and heavily wounded warriors have returned from Russian captivity" with the exchange today. The exchange, which began yesterday, will continue.
06:46 Drone Attack? Fire and Explosions at Gunpowder Factory in Russian Tambov
A large fire has broken out at a gunpowder factory in Kotovsk in the Russian Tambov Oblast overnight. The Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Independent" reports this, citing several Russian Telegram channels. Residents reported hearing several explosions during a Ukrainian drone attack on the region. Videos published on social media appear to show a large fire near the factory. There is no information yet on the extent of the damage. The Russian state media outlet Tass claims that a drone attack on the oblast was repelled, which led to a fire. It did not mention an attack on the plant. Regional governor Maxim Egorov claims that there were no casualties in the attack.
06:25 German General Gerhartz Takes Over NATO Command for Eastern Flank
German Air Force General Ingo Gerhartz will lead the operational protection of NATO's eastern flank for the coming years. The 59-year-old will take over command of the relevant NATO headquarters in the Netherlands, Brunssum ("Allied Joint Force Command"), from Italian General Guglielmo Luigi Miglietta at noon. Gerhartz, who previously served as Inspector of the Air Force in Germany, will control the military along a nearly 3,900-kilometer border with Russia and Belarus. This border stretches from Norway and Finland through the Baltic countries to Hungary. Under his command are immediately 800 men and women from 30 of the 32 NATO member states. In case of emergency, around one million soldiers would be led from there.
05:52 Mayor: 54 Injured in Attack on Kharkiv
The number of victims from the devastating Russian drone attacks on Kharkiv overnight is rising: 54 people were injured, Mayor Ihor Terechow reports. Among them are eight children. Two people died in the attacks. According to Terechow, the drones hit several private homes, Terechow said. A five-story building has more than 15 apartments on fire, and at another address, people may be trapped under rubble.
03:40 Slovakia Threatens Veto Against EU Sanctions
Slovakia threatens to block planned new EU sanctions against Russia with a veto. Prime Minister Robert Fico writes on his Facebook page: "The Slovak Republic does not support the prepared 18th sanctions package against the Russian Federation if the European Commission does not offer a real solution for the crisis situation in which Slovakia finds itself due to the complete cessation of deliveries of gas, oil, and nuclear fuel from Russia." The EU Commission presented a draft for the sanctions package on June 7th, which primarily targets Russia's energy revenues, the banking sector, and the defense industry. The package must be unanimously adopted by the 27 EU member states.
01:47 Russia Launches Drone Strikes on Kharkiv: At Least Two Dead
A massive Russian drone attack on Kharkiv overnight has resulted in the deaths of at least two people, according to the city's mayor, Ihor Terechow, on Telegram. There are at least 37 injured, including five children. In 17 attacks, the drones hit several private homes, Terechow said. A five-story building has more than 15 apartments on fire, and at another address, people may be trapped under rubble.
- In light of the potential impact of U.S. aid withdrawal on Ukraine and Europe, it is crucial for both parties to maintain open dialogue regarding employment and community policies.
- The ongoing strategic discussions among foreign ministers from Europe, including Germany, focusing on further support for Ukraine and European defense, demonstrate the interconnected nature of politics and general news in the current global climate.
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