17:14 Ukraine riled by US well-wishes to Russia
"Rather displeasing: Kyiv's reaction to U.S. salutations to Russians on their National Day"
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha, currently in Rome according to Interfax-Ukraine, expressed his dismay at public well-wishes from certain countries to the "Russian aggressor." He stated that there should be no rewards for the "aggressor country" and that he has the moral right to express this. The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had earlier sent well-wishes and urged peace efforts in the Ukraine conflict (see entry at 10:15 AM).
16:39 Germany steers clear of Russia rapprochement calls
SPD leader Lars Klingbeil has dismissed internal party calls for a shift in relations with Russia. Klingbeil stated in Berlin that Russia is causing unimaginable suffering in Ukraine and is responsible for daily deaths there. Russian President Vladimir Putin could end the war against Ukraine immediately but chooses not to. Germany stands firm in supporting Ukraine, and military aid will continue unchanged. Klingbeil also reiterated that there will be no change of course during his tenure as SPD leader and Vice Chancellor.
16:30 No Taurus missiles for Ukraine, says Defense Minister
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed that Germany has no plans to deliver Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. In response to a question during his visit to Kyiv, Pistorius said, "Since you've asked me if we're considering it, my answer is no." Ukraine has long sought this weapon, which could allow it to target deep into Russian territory.
Politics Pistorius rules out Taurus delivery to Ukraine 16:15 Wadephul stands firm on Lavrov call
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul sees no reason for a quick call with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, despite the SPD debate on direct diplomatic talks with Russia. "At this point in time, I see no opportunity or possibility for further talks," he said at an international conference in Rome. If such talks were to take place, Germany would do so "always together with its European partners," Wadephul said. However, "we must currently conclude that Russia is not open to negotiations but is seeking war." As long as this is the case, "we stand firmly by Ukraine's side."
15:57 Additional €1.9 billion in military aid for Ukraine
Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius pledged an additional €1.9 billion in military aid to Ukraine during a visit to Kyiv. The funds would mainly finance long-range missiles, according to Pistorius. If approved by the Bundestag, Germany will provide a total of around €9 billion in military aid this year.
15:35 Cooperation proposed between left-wing SPD and peace advocates
BSW party chairwoman Sahra Wagenknecht has proposed close cooperation with the left wing of the SPD and the signatories of the peace policy manifesto. With Rolf Mützenich's peace policy manifesto expected to receive a majority at the SPD party congress, Wagenknecht is calling for a joint major demonstration by both camps. "Even if the initiative by SPD politicians around Rolf Mützenich does not find a majority at the SPD party congress, the debate must not be ended," says Wagenknecht to T-online. She suggests that the BSW and the Mützenich SPD could jointly call for a large "demonstration."
15:11 European states ready to increase pressure on Kremlin
The foreign ministers of leading European states are prepared to further increase pressure on Russia, including through additional sanctions in the energy and banking sectors. The goal is to weaken Russia in its war against Ukraine. Representatives of the European Union and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, as well as a Ukrainian representative, also participated in the meeting in Rome.
14:55 Italy needs at least ten years for future NATO target
Italy has announced that it needs more time to reach the future NATO target for defense spending. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani revealed that his country requires at least ten years to reach this goal. The target is currently being discussed that member countries should spend five percent of their economic output on security in the future. Currently, the target is two percent.
14:30 Another prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia
Ukraine and Russia have exchanged sick and severely wounded soldiers. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Telegram that all released Ukrainian soldiers require medical treatment. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that a group of Russian soldiers has returned from Ukraine and crossed the border into neighboring Belarus according to agreements made on June 2nd.
Politics Prisoners exchange between Kyiv and Moscow
14:02 Russian town captured in Kharkiv region
Open-source intelligence suggests that Russian troops have gained ground in a northeastern section of Ukraine. According to the Ukrainian open-source project "Deep State Map," Russian troops have captured the town of Dvorichna in the Kharkiv Oblast. The town is about 15 kilometers northeast of the city of Kupiansk, and the Russians are also reported to have advanced at two other locations near Dvorichna.
13:43 Russia shoots down 260 Ukrainian drones
According to a report by news agency Interfax, Russia shot down 260 Ukrainian drones on the previous day, with 62 neutralized outside the combat zone. Initial information on the total number of drones used by Ukraine was not provided by Interfax.
13:13 EU imposes tariffs on Russian fertilizers and food
The EU will impose additional tariffs of 6.5% on fertilizers and food from Russia and Belarus. A majority of EU countries have agreed to this measure. The aim is to make it harder for Russia to finance its war against Ukraine. Items such as sugar, vinegar, flour, animal feed, and nitrogen and urea-based fertilizers will now be subject to duties. Despite the war, agricultural products from Russia continue to be imported into the EU, with particular dependency on fertilizers.
12:50 Ukraine thwarts bomb plot involving teen
Investigators claim to have prevented a bomb attack in the city of Iwano-Frankivsk. A Russian intelligence service allegedly tried to recruit a 15-year-old girl from the region via social media to build and plant a bomb in a park. The girl was offered money to assemble the bomb in an apartment and hide it in a thermos in a park. The Russian intelligence service planned to remotely detonate the bomb to kill civilians and the girl. However, the 15-year-old reportedly contacted the SBU, Ukraine's security service, via a chatbot, allowing the plot to be foiled. These claims are unverified.
12:20 Zelensky on Russian losses: Moscow ready to pay the price
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that "Putin and his ilk are ready to pay this price for their delusional geopolitical fantasies." He referred to the allegedly over one million Russian soldiers killed or injured since the start of the war. This unverified figure was previously stated by the General Staff in Kyiv. "Russia doesn't care about such human losses – what would really worry the country are harsh sanctions," says Zelensky in a video conference with the security conference Globsec in Prague.
Politics Zelensky highlights Russian casualties
11:47 SPD leader rejects proposal for U-turn in Ukraine policy
SPD leader Lars Klingbeil distances himself from a proposal by several SPD politicians calling for a realignment of defense policy and talks with Russia. After a live Q&A with Kevin Kühnert on Instagram, Klingbeil says he disagrees with several points in the manifesto. "We don't need a U-turn in supporting Ukraine," he says. Germany doesn't have to choose between military strength and Ukraine support on one hand, and diplomatic efforts on the other.
11:25 Night drone attacks in Ukraine: 63 Russian drones downed
In last night's drone attacks, the Ukrainian Air Force counted 63 Russian drones, with 49 shot down or neutralized by electronic warfare. There were drone strikes in seven locations, with drone debris falling in some places. Charkiv was again a target, with at least 14 people injured, according to the mayor. Residential and school buildings were set on fire, and drone debris fell "near playgrounds."
Politics Seventh night of drone attacks in Ukraine
10:50 Stegner: Russia seeks military victory without negotiations
SPD foreign policy expert Ralf Stegner again defends his calls for a shift in German foreign policy towards Russia. "The strategy to force Russia militarily to the negotiating table has failed," he says in the ZDF "Morning Magazine." There should be more "diplomatic efforts" to end wars like the one in Ukraine. In dealing with Russia, he believes it's not about abandoning military deterrence. "There's no doubt" that Russian President Vladimir Putin "is a war criminal." The Ukraine should still be supported, especially in air defense.
10:35 Moscow reportedly suffers over one million casualties
Unverified reports from the Ukrainian General Staff suggest that Russia has lost over one million soldiers since the start of the war. According to the military leadership in Kyiv, 1,000,340 Russian soldiers have been killed or injured. Ukraine released this figure on Russia's national holiday, a psychologically significant mark for the country. In April, NATO estimated Russian losses at around 900,000, including both dead and wounded. A high-ranking NATO official put the number of dead at up to 250,000. Independent media outlets, based on research into death registries and obituaries, estimated the number of Russian soldiers killed as of May to be over 108,000.
10:15 Rubio congratulates Russians on national day
On the occasion of Russia's national holiday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sends a message of congratulations and calls for peace efforts. "On behalf of the American people, I would like to congratulate the Russian people on Russia Day," Rubio writes in a statement. "The United States remains committed to supporting the Russian people in their pursuit of a better future." He also reaffirms the US desire for "constructive cooperation with the Russian Federation to achieve lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine." "We hope that peace will lead to more advantageous relations between our countries," Rubio says. On June 12, 1990, the parliament of the Soviet republic of Russia declared state sovereignty, effectively independence from the collapsing Soviet Union. Russia has been waging a war of aggression against Ukraine for over three years.
09:50 Ukraine reports attack on Moscow weapon electronics factory
The Ukrainian military reports that it attacked a factory in the Moscow region overnight that produces electronics for high-tech weapons and military equipment. Explosions occurred in the production facility, the military said on Telegram. Russia has not yet commented.
09:25 Brantner criticizes "chorus of voices" in SPD
Franziska Brantner, co-chair of the Greens, criticized the SPD for a "chorus of voices" after the publication of the so-called manifesto on foreign and security policy. In an interview with ntv's Morning Start, Brantner said, "One wonders: Who is Merz actually governing with, which SPD? Is it Herr Walter-Borjans? Is it Herr Mützenich? Or is it Herr Pistorius, who is now in Kyiv and is actually saying the opposite?" Germany needs a strong government that leads unitedly now, Brantner said. "Instead, we have this chorus of voices in the SPD. That worries me for Europe and for our own security."
Politics Greens criticize internal debates within SPD
08:55 ISW: Reduction of US aid won't bring lasting peace
The Washington-based think tank "Institute for the Study of War" writes that a reduction in US military aid to Ukraine will neither lead to lasting peace in Ukraine nor force Russian President Vladimir Putin to reassess his victory theory. Instead, it poses the risk of greater advantages for Russia on the battlefield and would likely strengthen Putin's conviction that Russia can defeat Ukraine.
08:17 Weichert on reaction in Ukraine: "SPD proposal meets head-shaking, not outrage"
Prominent SPD politicians like Miersch and Stegner are calling for talks with Russia. Leading members of the Bundestag faction distance themselves from this proposal. In Ukraine, the paper is reportedly received positively but also with skepticism, according to ntv reporter Jürgen Weichert.
Politics Reaction in Ukraine mixed on internal SPD debate
07:50 Report: EU proposes sanctions against Chinese banks
According to Bloomberg information, the European Union is proposing sanctions against two small Chinese banks for allegedly helping Russia circumvent existing EU trade restrictions. The proposed sanctions would ban EU-based financial institutions from conducting transactions with the two regional credit institutions located near the Chinese border with Russia. Bloomberg does not name the banks as the measures are not yet official. EU member countries must approve the sanctions proposed by the EU Commission. Last time, the government of Slovakia announced resistance to the EU's 18th sanctions package. Bratislava objects to the planned phase-out for the import of gas, oil, and nuclear fuels.
Politics EU proposes sanctions against two small Chinese banks
07:30 Pistorius: Moscow currently not interested in peaceful solution
During his visit to Ukraine, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius condemned the intensified Russian air strikes on the country, which he described as "extraordinarily heavy and threatening with the large number of cruise missiles and drone attacks." "This sends a clear signal from Moscow: There is no interest in a peaceful solution at present, but rather with unwavering harshness and, above all, increasingly civilian areas in Ukraine are being attacked," says Pistorius in Kyiv. Pistorius' trip shows that the new federal government continues to stand by Ukraine's side. "Of course, it will be about how the support of Germany and also other Europeans will look in the future. What we can do, for example, in the area of industrial cooperation, but also in other forms of support."
07:08 Zelensky: Trump sees that the Russian side is not entirely honest
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky believes that Putin does not want peace and is conducting negotiations with Ukraine to avoid sanctions. For the Russians, it is important to show US President Donald Trump "that there is a diplomatic bridge between Ukraine and Russia," Zelensky told the Bild newspaper. "So that no sanctions against Russia are introduced while negotiations are ongoing," Zelensky is further quoted as saying. According to him, another goal of the Russians is to isolate Ukraine. They want "a dialogue without Europeans and without Americans," Zelensky said. Trump has seen through Putin, he believes: "President Trump sees that the Russian side is not entirely open and honest about the war," Zelensky said. "I think Russia is simply lying to Trump."
Politics Trump sees through Putin, according to Zelensky
06:40 Green Party leader describes "manifesto" as "highly disturbing"
The chairwoman of the Greens, Franziska Brantner, criticizes the latest "manifesto" by prominent SPD politicians calling for a shift away from the armament policy and direct diplomatic talks with Russia. "That leading SPD politicians are calling for a U-turn in foreign policy and dealing with Russia is highly disturbing," she told the German editorial network. "No one wishes for peace more than the Ukrainians. And the so-called manifesto fails to mention that there have been diplomatic initiatives for peace with Russia for years. The talks initiated by the USA in Riyadh and Istanbul are just the latest examples. So far, Putin's response to these efforts has been more violence."
Politics Green Party condemns SPD's proposed shift in Ukraine policy
06:06 Pistorius visits Kyiv for political talks
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has arrived in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv for political talks. The SPD politician said he wants to inform himself about the situation in Ukraine and discuss further military aid for the country attacked by Russia with government representatives. Before his trip, he indicated, "We are doing everything we can to support Ukraine so that it can defend itself and come to a position where Russia is ready for serious negotiations."
04:42 Attack on Kharkiv: 12 injured, four children among the victims
Kharkiv is attacked once again by Russian drones at night. According to Mayor Ihor Terekhov, 12 people, including four children, were injured in the 11 explosions. "Residential areas, educational institutions, kindergartens, and infrastructure were hit by shelling. Dozens of cars were damaged, windows in schools and houses were shattered," he wrote on Telegram. The night before, two people died in a massive attack on the city.
02:48 Walter-Borjans: "Putin cannot be broken"
Former SPD leader Norbert Walter-Borjans defends the "Peace Manifesto" he signed. "As much as we might wish to extract a stable world order from a narcissist without any compromise, it's unfortunately illusory in this case, as in many others. (...) We simply call for talks with Russia," Walter-Borjans told Stern. He names CDU politician Roderich Kiesewetter, who had called the manifesto "outrageous" on X, as a critic. "What Mr. Kiesewetter is doing could be countered with the equally absurd accusation that someone wants war. Disarmament within seems almost as important as disarmament externally," said the SPD politician. It's not about pitting one truth against another, but about acknowledging that a human rights violator like Putin cannot be broken.
Politics Former SPD leader sees dialogue as the only way forward
01:13 Security politicians: Germany underestimates use of Russian 'one-use agents'
Security politicians from government and opposition warn of the increased use of Russian double agents in Germany. "Long ago, so-called 'one-use' or 'single-use' agents play a crucial role in various Russian operations," says Green Party parliamentary leader Konstantin von Notz to Rheinische Post. Secret services recruit people without secret service training for payment, for example, for sabotage actions. The fact that many of them are caught is part of the calculation. "Unfortunately, many still do not realize how serious the situation is," says von Notz. CDU security expert Roderich Kiesewetter also considers the danger to be underestimated: "Since no significant measures or reactions have yet come from Germany, Russia currently has nothing to fear, but rather strengthens itself through our weakness," he told Rheinische Post.
Politics Russian agents active in Germany
00:02 Despite Slovakia's resistance: Merz expects consensus on Russia sanctions
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz expects the EU to reach an agreement on new sanctions against Russia despite resistance from Slovakia. He remains confident that there will also be a consensus in the European Union with the 18th sanctions package. The Committee of Permanent Representatives will have the topic on the agenda next week. "If necessary, we may have to discuss it again in the European Council, but perhaps there will already be an agreement next week." Slovakia threatens to block planned new EU sanctions against Russia with a veto because it does not receive an exception permit for Russian energy imports.
Politics Merz optimistic about reaching consensus on Russia sanctions
22:56 Selenskyj: Withdrawal of US aid would be 'a mine or bomb'
Ukrainian President Selenskyj warns of significant impacts if the USA reduces or stops its support for his country. "If they really reduce the aid, we will feel it. The Ukraine will feel it, but also other states. That's a wave of risks for other states, for all states, and especially for Europe," Selenskyj told media outlets of the Axel Springer publishing house. "That's a bomb or a mine if the aid to Ukraine were withdrawn," Selenskyj said in the interview. "That could blow up the security in every country." Although military aid from the USA to his country is currently running smoothly, there are no new promises.
22:00 Wadephul to consult in Rome with European foreign ministers on support for Ukraine
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul will travel to Italy on Thursday. Initially, he will hold talks with representatives of the Vatican, his ministry announced. Afterwards, Wadephul will participate in a meeting in the Weimar Plus format with the foreign ministers of France, Poland, Italy, the UK, and Spain, where they will discuss further support for Ukraine and strengthening European defense. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte are also expected to attend in Rome.
Follow all previous developments here.
Related Topics:- Ukraine Conflict- Ukraine- Military- Military Operations- Russia- NATO- Cyberwar- Attack on Ukraine- Volodymyr Zelenskyy- Vladimir Putin- Wars and Conflicts- War Crimes
Enrichment Data:- Overall: The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with Russia's continuous aggressive actions, has garnered significant attention and condemnation from the international community, particularly from Western nations such as Germany and the United States. Germany has been a key contributor of military aid to Ukraine, seeking to support its defense against Russia's attacks while maintaining diplomatic efforts to facilitate a peaceful resolution. The recent stance of German political parties and leaders regarding diplomatic talks with Russia and military aid to Ukraine reflects a delicate balance, with certain parties advocating for more robust support to Ukraine while others call for diplomatic initiatives.- Diplomatic Talks with Russia: Germany and other Western nations have emphasized the need for diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, but there is a shared skepticism about the likelihood of successful negotiations, given the current tensions and ongoing aggression by Russia. Germany, along with other European nations, has participated in broader efforts to isolate Russia diplomatically while maintaining a cautious line on direct negotiations.- Military Aid to Ukraine: The German government has provided significant military aid to Ukraine, with recent pledges totaling €1.9 billion and additional aid potential of €8 billion by the end of 2023. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has announced the delivery of advanced military equipment to Ukraine to support its defense capabilities. Overall, Germany's support for Ukraine's military is widespread across political parties, with both coalition and opposition parties generally supporting the increased aid to protect Ukraine from Russia's aggression.- Party Views: The SPD, the junior partner in Germany's ruling coalition, has recently faced internal debates over its stance on Russia. Prominent SPD politicians, including Rolf Mützenich and Sahra Wagenknecht, have called for a realignment of defense policy and direct diplomatic talks with Russia. However, their proposals have been met with criticism from fellow SPD members and other German political leaders, who argue that continued support for Ukraine and strong military aid are necessary to counter Russia's aggressive actions.- Leadership Views: Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius have expressed full support for Ukraine and its defense against Russia. Merz has emphasized the need for Germany and its allies to remain united in their support for Ukraine and to guard against any political divisions within Germany that could strengthen Russia's position. Pistorius has encouraged Russian President Vladimir Putin to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict and has urged the international community to maintain diplomatic and economic pressures on Russia to deter further aggression. However, they have also acknowledged the need for diplomatic engagement and peaceful dialogue to achieve a lasting solution.- Taurus Missiles: Ukraine has repeatedly requested German-made Taurus cruise missiles to counteract Russia's military advantage in the conflict. However, the German government has refused to provide these missiles, citing concerns about escalating the conflict and the potential for increased civilian casualties. The decision has been met with criticism from Ukrainian politicians and some German analysts who argue that the missiles could provide a decisive advantage in Ukraine's defense against Russia.- Ukrainian Casualties and Russian Losses: The exact number of casualties on both the Ukrainian and Russian sides remains disputed, with widely varying estimates. Unverified reports from the Ukrainian General Staff suggest that Russia has suffered over one million soldiers killed or injured since the start of the conflict. These claims have been met with skepticism, and the reliability of the reported figures cannot be independently confirmed.
The community policy and general news must address the ongoing diplomatic tensions amid the Ukraine war, including discussions about potential military aid and the stance of various nations towards Russia. The politics must address internal debates within political parties, proposals for shifts in foreign and security policy, and the response from the Ukrainian government to these proposals. War-and-conflicts is relevant as it directly concerns the Ukraine war, and the associated casualties, losses, and strategic military decisions.
