Northern Finland embraces the arrival of NATO troops in the northward region
Finland is thrilled about the six NATO nations' plans to contribute to the Forward Land Forces (FLF) stationed in the northern part of the country. According to Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen, Sweden will lead the troops, with the exact strength yet to be determined. In case of a worsening security situation, an increase to a brigade of around 5,000 soldiers is envisioned. Finland, with the longest border of any NATO country shared with Russia, warmly welcomes this reinforcement.
21:40 Ukrainians Discover Downed Russian AI Drone
Ukrainian forces have found a Russian drone wreckage, which appears to be an advanced version of the Shahed drones. This model features an improved navigation system and AI-assisted heat-seeking module, making it effective for target acquisition even in poor visibility or at night. The drone's satellite navigation system is less susceptible to radio interference, according to the eRadar broadcaster. The warhead remains the same as in the original Shahed drones.
21:19 Meloni: Trump Should Show Same Determination in Ukraine as in Iran
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni encourages U.S. President Donald Trump to demonstrate the same resolve in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip as he did in the conflict between Israel and Iran. Meloni asserted that she conveyed this stance to President Trump during their conversation at a NATO summit dinner. Both leaders reportedly had a lengthy discussion.
20:50 Trump Ponders Providing Patriot System to Ukraine
The U.S. President Donald Trump has revealed that the U.S. is considering whether they can supply additional missiles for Ukraine's Patriot air defense system. Trump acknowledges that the systems are challenging to acquire, but they are highly effective, as shown in Israel's use of them. Ukrainian President Zelensky is optimistic about the possibility and expressed his readiness to purchase the equipment and support American weapons manufacturers, with Europe potentially contributing as well.
Politics "War is tougher" Trump speaks with Zelensky, moved by Ukrainian fate 8:30 PM Kremlin: USA "not ready" for normalization of diplomatic relations
The Kremlin claims the USA is to blame for the lack of progress in negotiations concerning the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Kremlin advisor Yuri Ushakov stated that, despite some progress, the U.S. has not yet shown a genuine willingness to address the issues hindering embassy work.
8:10 PM Rutte: USA will gradually reduce its NATO contribution
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte foresees a gradual decrease in the USA's contribution to the military alliance due to the increased involvement of European member states. The phased reduction will be well-organized and ensure no gaps in defense coverage.
7:29 PM Political scientist: "Worst-case scenario for Zelensky"
Political scientist Klemens Fischer sees Trump's focus on domestic matters rather than Ukraine as a potentially grave signal for Zelensky. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, on the other hand, commends Trump's approach, viewing it as a clear message.
Politics Ukraine? Trump dodges Fischer: "Worst-case scenario for Zelensky" 7:10 PM Italy optimistic: New NATO goals are affordable
Italy considers the new NATO targets for defense and security spending affordable. According to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, these goals offer member states complete flexibility in implementation, with no euros diverted from other budget priorities to finance the increase in defense spending.
6:42 PM Zelensky: Spoke with Trump about potential drone coproduction
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared that he discussed the possibility of forming a joint drone manufacturing venture with U.S. President Donald Trump. This conversation took place during the NATO summit in The Hague, with the focus primarily on the purchase of American air defense systems for Ukraine.
6:25 PM Merz: Russia not strong enough to attack NATO as a whole
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz opines that Russia is not powerful enough to launch a full-scale attack on NATO. Merz stresses that the aim of increased military spending is to deter Russia from attempting to attack any part of NATO.
18:00 Trump on Selenskyj Call: "Couldn't Have Been Nicer"
Following his call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, U.S. President Donald Trump commented that the conversation was cordial and couldn't have been nicer. However, Zelensky was reported to be a difficult conversationalist, according to Trump.
Politics "War is tougher" Trump speaks with Selenskyj and is moved by Ukrainian fate
17:30 Kremlin: Putin not traveling to Brics summit due to "certain difficulties"
Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the Brics summit in Brazil due to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against him. Instead, Putin will participate via video link, as it is not feasible to travel at present due to "certain difficulties related to the requirements of the ICC," according to Putin's aide Yuri Ushakov.
17:00 Spain won't increase defense spending to five percent - Trump displeased
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated that while Spain will meet the newly agreed upon capability targets, its current defense spending of two percent of GDP is sufficient and realistic. Donald Trump finds this decision "terrible" and mentions his liking for the country and its people but notes that they will have to pay eventually.
16:30 Trump: Putin could have ambitions beyond Ukraine
U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that he believes it is plausible that Russian President Vladimir Putin's territorial aspirations extend beyond Ukraine. Trump also shared that he had spoken with Putin on the phone and that another call could occur soon.
16:20 Merz: Need to redefine war – and cooperate differently
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz calls for a reevaluation of what constitutes aggression and war. Merz points to cyberattacks and destroyed communication cables in the Baltic Sea as examples of such aggression, urging stronger cooperation among intelligence services.
16:00 Trump-Selenskyj Meeting Concludes - U.S. President to Address Press
The meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky has concluded, lasting 50 minutes. Zelensky described the conversation as substantial and covering topics such as achieving a ceasefire and protecting the people. Trump is now set to address the press in The Hague.
15:45 Trump Clarifies Stance on NATO's Article 5
U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed his allegiance to NATO's Article 5, which outlines the mutual defense clause, stating, "I stand by it, that's why I'm here."
15:35 Merz to Meet Zelensky Shortly
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced plans to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the NATO summit shortly. Merz also emphasized the need for further sanctions against Russia to Zelensky during their conversation.
15:15 Trump Meets Zelensky at NATO Summit
According to Ukrainian broadcaster Suspilne, U.S. President Donald Trump is currently engaged in a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky at the NATO summit in The Hague. The conversation is still ongoing, so no statements from the two leaders have been made yet.
14:50 NATO Expects Russia to Maintain Tactics Despite Heavy Loses
According to information from NATO, Russian President Vladimir Putin is continuing to attack without regard for losses. The organization expects Russia to persist in its tactic of incremental territorial gains despite its losses, with particular pressure expected on the Sumy front and increased attacks in the Saporizhzhia Oblast, although these are likely to be mostly limited attacks.
14:28 Thiele: "Day of Beautiful Promises" Won't Impress Putin
NATO military expert Ralph Thiele believes that Russian leader Vladimir Putin will not be swayed by the show of rearmament at the NATO summit as he is focused on his own ambitions.
NATO Decides on Arms Buildup: Thiele Calls It a "Day of Beautiful Promises" That Won't Impress Putin
14:15 NATO Sets Five-Percent Target
The heads of state and government of NATO countries have agreed to significantly increase their defense spending, setting a goal of investing annually five percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) in defense and defense-related expenditures by 2035.
Praise for Trump in The Hague: NATO Sets Five-Percent Target
14:04 Starmer: Russia Should Pay for Ukraine's Defense
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to strengthen Ukraine's air defense with hundreds of missiles, using funds from seized Russian assets. The ASRAAM air defense missiles can be deployed from F-16 fighter aircraft.
13:29 Medvedev Calls EU a "Direct Threat"
Russian deputy chairman of the Security Council Dmitri Medvedev describes the European Union as a "direct threat" to Russia. Despite this, Medvedev supports maintaining closer ties with individual EU member states.
Politics "Did He Say the N-Word?" Medvedev Backs Down After Trump Statement
13:02 Putin's Game of Delay - Greens Want Frozen Funds to Go to Kyiv
The German Greens are calling on the German government to advocate for the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine in accordance with international law. Ukraine should receive the funds to ensure its defense in light of Putin's unyielding stance on the Ukraine conflict.
12:36 USA Won't Impose More Sanctions on Russia
US Senator Marco Rubio confirms that the USA has no plans to impose additional sanctions on Russia at present. According to Rubio, further economic measures would likely jeopardize opportunities to negotiate a ceasefire.
12:05 Russian Troops Increasingly Using Motorcycles
Russian troops are increasingly using motorcycles, allowing them to move across open fields and bypass road-based Ukrainian barriers. The Institute for the Study of War suggests that this tactic could be employed in future conflicts, even against NATO countries.
11:36 Merz Sees 'Historic' NATO Summit Already
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz views the NATO summit as a "historic" event and expects significant commitments to military modernization. He believes in achieving a joint decision to equip NATO with better capabilities.
11:14 Trump: 'Fully Behind' NATO
US President Donald Trump reaffirms the USA's support for NATO, stating that the country is "fully behind" the alliance. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg praises Trump's willingness to increase defense spending amongst NATO allies.
10:46 Trump: 'Difficult' to Discuss with Zelensky
US President Donald Trump acknowledges that discussing with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky can be challenging but confirms plans to address him at the NATO summit later in the day.
10:24 'Putin-Trump Axis Remains Strong'
The Kremlin is content with the NATO summit so far, according to ntv correspondent Rainer Munz from Moscow.
Politics Russia to expand missile factory: "They are preparing for a long war"
09:09 Pistorius: Wants to Keep USA Onboard
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stresses the USA's importance as an ally in the Ukraine conflict and aims to encourage American involvement.
08:41 Russian Troops Increasingly Using Motorcycles
Russian forces in Ukraine have started to primarily use motorcycles for attacks, taking advantage of their higher mobility and ability to move across open fields unrestricted by Ukrainian barriers. The ISW estimates that Russia will likely continue to rely on motorcycles in future conflicts, possibly even against NATO countries.
08:10 Blogger: Ukrainian Forces Target Russian Drone Factory
The Russian Atlant-Aero drone factory, located in the city of Taganrog, was reportedly attacked by drones, according to a Ukrainian blogger. The factory is believed to produce various types of drones, including the Shahed drones used in attacks against Ukraine.
07:39 More Men for War: Duma Passes Law for Stateless Persons
The Russian State Duma has passed a law that allows stateless persons to serve in the Russian military, primarily those living or previously living in the annexed Ukrainian territories. These individuals may join the army and fulfill their conscription duties without obtaining Russian citizenship.
07:10 NATO to Largest Build-Up Since End of Cold War
The NATO summit in The Hague will decide on the largest build-up since the end of the Cold War, with an aim to increase defense spending to five percent of GDP by 2035. This measure comes in response to the rising threat from Russia.
Politics "Very, very significant efforts" - What NATO plans mean for the German military
06:39 Russia to expand missile factory: "They are preparing for a long war"
06:10 Italy to help Ukraine with mine clearance
Italy will contribute 1.5 million euros to help Ukraine clear landmines, with a focus on creating safe playgrounds, roads, and farms for local communities. Large parts of Ukraine have been mined as a result of the ongoing war with Russia.
05:42 Lithuania secures ammunition supply
Lithuania has signed a memorandum with Northrop Grumman and Nammo to ensure the production of ammunition amid the war between Russia and Ukraine. This cooperation aims to bolster Lithuania's military preparedness and security in the region.
04:44 Ukrainian President Zelenskyy speaks to the Council of Europe
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to address the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, focusing on the potential establishment of a special tribunal for war crimes. Zelenskyy's speech is expected to discuss the role of the Council of Europe in creating a legal framework for prosecuting war crimes in Ukraine and ensuring accountability for those responsible for atrocities during the ongoing conflict.
03:43 partisans spot Russian air defense regiment on Crimea
Agents from the Ukrainian partisan group Ates have reportedly discovered a Russian air defense regiment in Sevastopol, Crimea. According to the group, the regiment belongs to the 31st air defense division of the Russian air forces and is equipped with S-400 air defense missile systems. The partisans conveyed their findings to Ukrainian security forces, expressing concerns about the heightened tensions and increased activity in the region.
02:58 "Til den ledende og krigsherre": Moskva beskytter Stalin-relief mod protest
The Moscow authorities have issued a ban on protests against a Stalin monument, citing COVID-19 regulations as the reason. The liberal Russian opposition party Jabloko had planned a series of demonstrations against the monument, which bears the title "Folket takker den ledende krigshærre." The group intends to challenge the decision and collect signatures for the removal of the monument.
Politics Millioner bragte ham til døden - Josef Stalin - fra revolutionær til kriminel
01:58 SPD-generalsekretær vil fremlægge mulige værnepligtige bestemmelser for Bundestag
German SPD General Secretary Tim Klusendorf has declared his intention to present potential conscription measures for men in the new conscription law to the German Parliament. Klusendorf is against automatically introducing conscription elements and believes the law should prepare for such a scenario while giving the German Parliament a say in the matter. The focus is still on voluntary recruitment, with the goal being to make service in the Bundeswehr appealing enough for many young men to choose to enlist.
00:26 UK to purchase nuclear-capable combat aircraft
The UK government has announced intentions to acquire up to twelve nuclear-capable F-35A jets from the USA. This move, revealed at night, would enable the Royal Air Force to carry nuclear weapons for the first time since the end of the Cold War. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the need to maintain national security in an uncertain era. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the decision as a robust contribution to NATO's defense capabilities.
Politics Premier Starmer in The Hague: UK announces purchase of nuclear-capable combat jets
23:15 Kyiv and Copenhagen agree on arms production in Denmark
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and his Danish counterpart Troels Lund Poulsen have agreed to cooperate on Ukrainian arms production in Denmark. This partnership, which is expected to involve the establishment of Ukrainian arms companies in Denmark, aims to integrate the arms industries of both countries via the "Build with Ukraine" initiative. Denmark has already allocated $47 million for the project.
22:04 Merz, Macron, and Starmer push for Russia sanctions
The leaders of Germany, France, and the UK – Friedrich Merz, Emmanuel Macron, and Keir Starmer, respectively – have called for increased sanctions against Russia in response to its actions in the Ukraine conflict, alongside the USA. The three leaders underscored the need for a united stance against Russia's aggression.
21:20 Zelenskyy: Russia has launched nearly 30,000 Shahed drones since 2022
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russia has deployed approximately 28,743 Shahed drones since the beginning of the large-scale invasion of Ukraine, with around 2,736 Shaheds being launched in June alone. Zelenskyy emphasized the crucial role of Iran and its connections to these drone attacks, while highlighting Ukraine's reliance on the support and solidarity of its partners in the face of Russian aggression.
- The increase in NATO troops in the northern part of Finland, as planned by six NATO nations, has been warmly welcomed by Finland due to its long border with Russia, particularly in a worsening security situation, where the envisioned reinforcement could reach a brigade of around 5,000 soldiers.
- Ukrainian forces have discovered wreckage of a Russian drone, believed to be an advanced version of the Shahed drones, in their territory. This model features an improved navigation system, AI-assisted heat-seeking module, and satellite navigation system that is less susceptible to radio interference.
