Ukraine War Live Updates +++ 11:46 "Quite intriguing": Putin to deliver comprehensive speech at St. Petersburg Forum
"Extensive Insight Ahead": Peskov Confirms Lengthy Address from Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to address an informative, lengthy, and detailed speech at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) today. Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov describes the speech as quite intriguing. Further, guests from Indonesia, Bahrain, and China, as well as other prominent figures, are expected to participate. The Kremlin anticipates an attendance of 20,000 participants from 140 countries. NTV will broadcast Putin's speech live starting at 13:00.
11:14 Russian forces take control of key Ukrainian city area Russian military forces have reportedly managed to capture a central section of the Ukrainian city of Chassiv Yar, successfully demolishing fortified Ukrainian militant facilities. Despite Ukrainian resistance, Russian troops have driven out militants from several city buildings along Pushkin Street and are now advancing towards the southern city border. Ukrainian military sources claim that Kyiv will despatch "new waves of fighters" from the mobilized population soon.
10:42 Shocking Claim: Russian solider eaten by comrade The Ukrainian military intelligence service has revealed an alarming excerpt from a Russian radio transmission, claiming that a missing Russian soldier was consumed by a comrade. The commander of a unit with the 68th motorized rifle division allegedly said that soldier "Brelok" cannibalized comrade "Foma", who was reported missing. Shortly after, "Brelok" was found dead. The Ukrainian intelligence service suggests that this case indicates the "moral and psychological decay" within Russia's military ranks.
10:15 Germany needs significant boost in defense spending German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has urged the German government and political parties to emphasize the need for increased defense investments. "In order to ensure Germany and Europe's security in the future," Wadephul said, "we must invest heavily in defense." This would involve adding more personnel to the German military, fortifying civil defense, and committing to a major investment program in defense infrastructure. In light of these demands, the reasons given by US President Donald Trump for higher defense spending to five percent appear valid, according to Wadephul.
09:52 Estonia fortifies its borders with Russia The Estonian army has initiated a border defense line construction project along the southwestern border, undertaken in cooperation with the National Center for Defense Investments. Trenches are currently being excavated to halt the progress of the enemy, with the aim of slowing down the adversary's actions and providing a target for defending forces' weapons. "This anti-tank trench impedes the enemy, slows it down, and if it manages to find a way through, it becomes an ideal target for our weapons," notes Estonian Lieutenant Colonel Ainar Afanasjev, the commander of the engineering battalion of the defense forces.
Politics "Unyielding Spirit": Estonia constructs fortifications along Russian border
09:27 Russian attack hit Ukrainian drone production facility Russian forces have stationed a Geran-2 aircraft at a drone production facility of the Ukrainian military in Sofijiwka, near Saporischschja, and have reportedly carried out an attack on the site. The Defense Ministry in the Kremlin has published a video of the attack.
09:05 Casualties rise: At least 16 injured following drone strike in Odessa The Ukraine-based city of Odessa has suffered further damage from a Russian drone strike. Although air defenses are operational, civilian structures have sustained damage, resulting in at least 16 casualties, including one fatality. High-rise buildings, an educational institution, a gas pipeline, and several cars were damaged. The Odessa regional governor Oleh Kiper broke the news on Telegram, reporting on the widespread destruction.
08:40 Moscow intercepts two enemy drones Moscow's air defense forces have successfully intercepted two enemy drones approaching the city, according to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin.
08:18 Putin expects "Understanding" from Everyone Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded to Donald Trump's criticism by emphasizing the unconventional nature of Trump's language and the Russian expectation of tolerance from all parties involved. Peskov reacted to Trump's request for Putin to clean up his nation's affairs before mediating in the Middle East conflict, stating, "President Trump has a unique way of speaking, and we are quite tolerant, expecting tolerance from everyone." When questioned about Putin's offer of mediation, Peskov clarified that it was not perceived as rude.
07:57 Germany sets sights on NATO leadership German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has advocated for a more robust German role in NATO's defense policy, calling for increased German contributions to security and cooperation within the alliance ahead of the NATO summit in The Hague, which is set to discuss raising defense spending and defense-related infrastructure to five percent.
07:17 Ukrainian forces destroy Russian Sun Chain weapon system The Ukrainian military has reportedly destroyed a Russian flamethrower weapon system called "Solntsepok" and several other vehicles belonging to Russian forces near Kharkiv, according to the Ukrainian armed forces. In a video posted on Telegram, the Ukrainian military celebrates its victory.
06:56 Majority of Germans support raising defense spending According to a poll conducted by YouGov on behalf of "Süddeutsche Zeitung Dossier", 45 percent of Germans favor raising defense spending up to five percent of GDP, while 37 percent are against. The remaining percentage remains undecided. Supporters of CDU, SPD, and Green parties generally favor higher defense spending, while those who support AfD and Left Party are more likely to oppose it.
06:35 Putin discusses global resistance to Ukraine invasion Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to discuss the invasion of Ukraine and geopolitics during his speech at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). His address is scheduled for later today.
06:14 Massive drone attacks hit Odessa: At least seven taken to hospital Numerous drones have reportedly targeted civilian structures in the Ukrainian city of Odessa, resulting in at least seven casualties according to local authorities. High-rise buildings, an educational institution, a gas pipeline, and several cars sustained damage. Eyewitness reports suggest that one multistory residential building partially collapsed as a result of the attacks. The Odessa regional governor, Oleh Kiper, announced the incident on Telegram.
05:43 Zelenskyy demands consequences for Russia, Iran, and North Korea Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for joint international action against Russia, Iran, and North Korea due to their support for militant groups. "If Iranian Shahed drones and ballistic missiles from North Korea are killing our people in Ukraine, it proves that global solidarity and global pressure are not enough," stated Zelenskyy in a video message. He urged for stronger sanctions to be imposed.
04:48 Brussels to propose including Ukraine in EU roaming area It has been reported that the European Commission intends to invite Ukraine to join the European Union's mobile roaming area from January 1, 2026. This change would allow Ukrainian citizens to travel to EU countries without incurring additional roaming charges. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made this announcement in a statement.
03:53 Left and AfD urge Merz to seek dialogue with Putin German politicians from the Left Party and the AfD are reportedly urging Chancellor Friedrich Merz to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin following his offer to mediate in the Middle East conflict. The Left Party's parliamentary group leader Sören Pellmann argued that such a dialogue could serve as a starting point for resolving crises.
Politics "Pathway to Peace"? Putin extends olive branch to Middle East
02:45 Klingbeil advocates for fostering conditions for compulsory service German Deputy Chancellor Lars Klingbeil supports nurturing an environment for compulsory military service while ruling out the reintroduction of the conscription system as it existed in the past. He expresses a commitment to creating conditions for conscription in discussions concerning military service while emphasizing that the constitution relies on voluntarism.
01:45 Automakers offer assistance with European defense modernization In response to the European Union's rearmament efforts, the German automobile industry has offered to lend its expertise to boost defense capabilities in Europe. Hildegard Müller, President of the Association of the German Automotive Industry (VDA), expressed the industry's willingness to contribute wherever it can, despite this not constituting an alternate business model. Müller emphasized that the industry possesses advanced technical competencies, having demonstrated its adaptability during the COVID-19 pandemic through its production of medical equipment.
00:46 Ukrainian woman killed in Israeli rocket attack The deaths of a 31-year-old Ukrainian woman and her eight-year-old daughter, who were struck in an Israeli rocket attack in Bat Yam near Tel Aviv last Sunday, have been confirmed by Israeli authorities. The woman had traveled to Israel for her daughter's cancer treatment. Her family was sheltering in a residential building at the time of the attack.
23:28 Zelenskyy Demands Stronger Measures Against Russia, Iran, and North Korea Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is urging unified international action to combat the aggressive alliance of Russia, Iran, and North Korea. He has expressed concern that Russia is attempting to support the Iranian nuclear program, posing a threat to global security. Zelenskyy has requested strengthened sanctions against these nations to curb their illicit activities.
22:16 Shapovalov appointed commander of Ukraine's ground forces Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Brigadier General Hennadiy Shapovalov as the new commander of Ukraine's ground forces. Shapovalov previously served as a liaison officer in the NATO headquarters in Wiesbaden, Germany, working to facilitate military aid provided to Ukraine. The former ground forces commander, Mykhailo Drapatyi, had requested his dismissal in early June, taking responsibility for the deaths of twelve soldiers killed in a Russian rocket attack on a training ground in the Dnipropetrovsk region.
21:48 U.N. Security Council addresses Ukraine conflict The United Nations Security Council will be convening an emergency meeting this evening to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, at the request of Ukraine. The summit is anticipated to address Russia's latest wave of terror and brutal attacks on Ukraine, and calls for increased pressure to be applied to the aggressor and additional support extended to Ukraine, including reinforcements to its air defense capabilities.
You can track previous updates here.
Source: ntv.de, hul/mau/mpa/dpa/rts/AFP
- The global community is closely scrutinizing political developments within various nations, given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the recent offer by Russian President Vladimir Putin to mediate in the Middle East.
- In the midst of escalating tensions, both domestic and international policies, such as community policy, employment policy, and defense policy, remain vital considerations for nations seeking to maintain a favorable position in world affairs.