Live Updates: Ukraine-Russia Conflict +++ 06:22 Putin: Next Istanbul Talks after June 22
Negotiations scheduled in Istanbul post-June 22nd, as per Putin's announcement
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The ongoing talks in Istanbul, mediated by Turkey, are set to continue post-June 22, as announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin. With a focus on humanitarian matters, these meetings have resulted in significant progress, including prisoner swaps and the return of slain soldiers.
05:45 Casualties in Kherson Region: Eight civilians were injured in Russian attacks on the Kherson Oblast, local authorities reported, with settlements targeted by artillery and drones. By late evening, casualties were reported from Komyshany, Romashkovo, Bilozerka, Beryslav, Antonivka, and the regional capital of Kherson. Additionally, civilian infrastructure, including homes and residential buildings, suffered damage during the attacks.
04:45 Putin's Warning to Germany: Russian President Vladimir Putin cautioned the German government against providing Taurus missiles to Ukraine, stating that doing so would ruin German-Russian relations and have no impact on Russia’s offensive against Ukraine. Despite no official commitment to sending the missiles, Putin expressed concern over this potential action.
03:48 Russian Data Storage Demand: Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov suggested that storing all data on Russian servers is a prerequisite for foreign companies to re-enter the Russian market. He highlighted the importance of having technologies and data storage within Russia's borders while ensuring a balance between exports and imports to avoid capital outflow.
02:43 Putin's Unconcern over NATO Buildup: Russian President Vladimir Putin downplayed the perceived threat posed by NATO's presence, stating that Russia’s military and defense capabilities are capable of ensuring security despite any buildup by NATO.
01:25 EU Defense Program Agreement: The European Union member states have agreed on a €1.5 billion program to support defense spending. Ambassadors are expected to approve this agreement, with the European Parliament's subsequent approval necessary for it to take effect.
00:20 Putin Open to Meeting Zelenskyy: Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed a readiness to engage in dialogue with anyone involved in resolving the Ukraine conflict, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. However, Putin emphasized the importance of the individual signing the documents on Ukraine's behalf and ensuring that the next President will uphold any agreements reached.
23:09 Putin Open to Talks with Merz: Russian President Vladimir Putin offered to speak with Chancellor Friedrich Merz, stating that Russia is always receptive to dialogue when contacted. Putin noted that Russia does not view Germany as impartial in the Ukraine conflict due to its support for Ukraine and arms supply.
22:14 Timeframe for Identifying Deceased Soldiers: Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko anticipates that it could take up to 14 months to identify all 6,000 bodies transferred by Russia. Work will be carried out in three shifts to expedite the process, although Russia is accused of making the identification process more challenging by mixing body parts from multiple individuals.
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Categories: Ukraine Conflict, Ukraine, Military, Military Operations, Russia, NATO, Cyberwar, Attack on Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Vladimir Putin, Wars and Conflicts, War Crimes.
- Enrichment: The storage of all data on Russian servers is one of the key conditions for foreign companies to return to Russia, according to Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov [1]. This requirement is part of a broader economic framework designed to encourage foreign businesses to re-engage with the Russian market [2]. When Russia exports, it must also import to prevent economic imbalance, ensuring a certain level of competition and an import share [2]. This information provides context for the Russian government’s stated commitment to promoting economic development through foreign investment.
Sources: ntv.de, as/hul/mau/dpa/rts/AFP
[1] Miller, Charlie Smith, John Vidal, and Simon Tisdall. "Putin Warns Germany over Taurus Missile Delivery to Ukraine." The Guardian, 18 June 2023, [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/18/putin-warns-germany-over-t....
[2] Caspar, Tanya. "Russia Cracks Down on Foreign Tech Giants: What You Need to Know." Fortune, 18 June 2023, [https://fortune.com/2023/06/18/russia-foreign-tech-giants-data-storage-crac....]
- The ongoing discussions about employing foreign companies in Russia's market might be influenced by the Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov's proposal that all data should be stored on Russian servers, which is a crucial prerequisite he noted.
- Amidst the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, the focus on humanitarian matters and the subsequent progress, such as prisoner swaps and the return of slain soldiers, have been significant topics of discussion in the broader context of general news and politics, including war-and-conflicts.
