Russia's court imposes a 16-year prison term on a photographer for charges of high treason.
Ukraine War Live Ticker
Security updates, prisoner exchanges, political squabbles, and international responses – keep up with the latest developments in the Ukraine conflict as it unfolds.
17:02 Court in Russia Sentences Photographer to 16 Years in Prison for Treason
A Russian court has imposed a 16-year prison sentence on Grigori Skwortskow, a photographer accused of treason. The verdict resulted from a closed-door trial, as is common in treason cases. Although Skwortskow did not admit guilt, the court found sufficient evidence to convict him.
16:48 Ukraine and Russia Exchange Prisoners Again
In an ongoing effort to bring soldiers home, Ukraine and Russia have exchanged prisoners of war once more. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that "today, soldiers of the armed forces, the National Guard, and the border guard are returning home." The exact number of individuals exchanged was not disclosed. Those released from Russian custody are reportedly between 24 and 62 years old.
16:14 Russia Summons German Ambassador in Moscow
In response to the treatment of Russian journalists working in Germany, Moscow is summoning the German ambassador. Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that retaliatory measures are being prepared. The move follows media reports of pressure and harassment against Russian journalists based in Germany.
15:47 Rheinmetall to Build 20 Vehicles for Frontline Deployment for Ukrainian Army
German defense conglomerate Rheinmetall has announced plans to construct 20 "Hermelin" vehicles for the Ukrainian armed forces. This ambitious project is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Defense and represents the first order of the new generation of "Hermelin" vehicles. The vehicles will be deployed to transport wounded soldiers in combat zones, offering increased mobility and hybrid technology.
15:25 More Poles against NATO and EU accession of Ukraine than for it
A recent poll in Poland revealed that more Poles oppose Ukraine's EU and NATO membership than support it. 35% of respondents support Ukraine’s EU accession while 42% oppose it, and 37% support Ukraine’s NATO membership with 42% against it. Concerns about economic competition, corruption in Ukraine, and fears of escalating the conflict should Ukraine join NATO were cited as reasons for the opposing stance.
15:05 Kyiv sees Russian advance in Sumy region slowed down
The Ukrainian military has reported that they have successfully halted the Russian offensive in the Sumy region in northeastern Ukraine. According to Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian armed forces, Oleksandr Syrskyj, the advancement of Russian troops has been stopped, and the contact line has been stabilized.
14:45 Slovakia threatens veto against new Russia sanctions
Slovakian Prime Minister, Robert Fico, has threatened to veto the planned 18th EU sanctions package against Russia due to proposed complete exit from gas supply contracts with Russia by January 1, 2028. Unlike Hungary's Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, Fico intends to concede to all other EU initiatives, including further support for Ukraine.
14:20 Ukraine uses Bayraktar drones for the first time in months
After a long pause, the Ukrainian military has reportedly deployed Bayraktar TB2 drones in combat. In a short video clip, a Bayraktar drone from the Turkish defense company is seen attacking a Russian military boat in the Kherson region. The attack resulted in the boat's destruction, as per army reports. This appears to be the drone's first publicly shown use since several months.
13:52 Kyiv's army chief demands faster development of defense lines in Sumy
Oleksandr Syrskyj, the Ukrainian army chief, has called for increased work on defensive lines in the northeastern Sumy region. Syrskyj emphasized that the work needed to be accelerated due to the demands of modern warfare. Additionally, Syrskyj explained that the establishment of "anti-drone corridors" consisting of physical barriers was essential for the protection of Ukrainian troops and logistics routes.
13:28 Erdogan: Trump to Negotiations in Turkey under One Condition
According to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, US President Donald Trump has agreed to participate in potential peace talks between the leaders of Ukraine and Russia, provided that Russian President Vladimir Putin is willing to come to Istanbul or Ankara for negotiations. Erdogan revealed that Trump made this offer during a conversation between the leaders.
12:58 Ukrainian Involvement in Russian Missile Program Alleged
The Ukrainian security service (SBU) has reported that a Ukrainian national held a significant role in Russia's missile program. The individual allegedly fled to Russia in 2009 and has been working as the deputy general director of the Navis design bureau, a leading Russian defense company, ever since. The Ukrainian government has charged the 61-year-old man with treason in absentia.
12:31 Orbán Rejects Ukraine's EU Membership Bid
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán continues to reject Ukraine’s bid for EU membership, stating that there is no consensus on this matter within the EU.
11:57 Trump to NATO: Russia Won't Attack as Long as He's in Office
According to a Washington Post report, US President Donald Trump assured NATO countries that as long as he is in office, Russia will not attack. The comment was corroborated by three European sources from the NATO summit in The Hague.
11:20 Seoul: North Korea Could Send More Troops to Kremlin
South Korean lawmakers cite intelligence briefings from parliament, claiming that North Korea may send additional troops to Russia to bolster a new offensive against Ukraine. The deployment could take place as early as July or August, they predict. The South Korean intelligence agency NIS suggests that Russia may prepare for a new offensive in these two months.
10:42 Ukrainian Top General: Russian 'Summer Offensive' in Sumy Halted
The Ukrainian military has reportedly halted the Russian offensive on the Sumy region, according to Oleksandr Syrskyj, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian armed forces. The advance of Russian troops has been stopped since this week, and the front line has been stabilized, he wrote on Telegram. The 2023 "Summer Offensive" has thus been stymied, it was reported.
Retaliation and Escalation
10:28 Russian Defense Minister Warns Europe Over Military Aid
Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov has cautioned Europe regarding military aid to Ukraine, suggesting that offering such assistance prolongs the conflict and increases the risk of destabilization, even in Europe itself.
10:05 Kyiv Reports 154 Engagements with Russian Troops
The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reports a total of 154 engagements with Russian troops on Wednesday. The most intense fighting is taking place near Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region, according to a Facebook post. The Kremlin's troops conducted 79 air strikes along the entire front, the General Staff writes. Ukrainian forces repelled 14 enemy attacks in the Russian region of Kursk, it is reported.
09:26 Ukraine Shows Glide Bomb from Domestic Production
Ukraine has published footage of a glide bomb created domestically. The Ukrainian Design Bureau Medoid is working on the weapon, which is currently undergoing tests. A short video clip shows the glide bomb being dropped from a Su-24 aircraft. The developers hope to base the weapon on Russian UMPK glide bombs, which are modified free-falling bombs made glide-capable by kits.
09:02 One Dead and Two Injured in Russian Attacks
Russian air attacks in the southern Ukrainian region of Kherson have resulted in one death and two injuries. The victim was a 34-year-old man who was killed when a residential building was struck with guided bombs in the village of Tavriyske. A 50-year-old woman was injured during the attack, according to local authorities.
08:23 Moscow's View of NATO Summit: Munz: Russia's "New Opponent is the EU"
nTV correspondent Rainer Munz reports from Moscow, describing the perspective of NATO member states on the significant increase in defense policy spending announced after the NATO summit in The Hague. The potential strengthening of the EU may be regarded as a new opponent by Russia.
07:20 Norway Provides Ukraine with 551 Million Euros for Combat Drones
Norway plans to supply Ukraine with 551 million euros to fund the purchase of combat drones and related technology from Ukrainian and European manufacturers. The goal is to augment Ukraine's ability to execute critical surveillance and drone operations.
International Affairs and Collaboration
06:46 Explosions in Moscow - Airport Temporarily Closed
Explosions were reported in Moscow overnight, leading to the temporary closure of both Vnukovo and Kaluga airports near Moscow. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobjanin reported that two drones were shot down, and that specialists would examine the debris.
06:20 Masala: NATO Takes a Step Back
Political scientist and military expert Carlo Masala assesses that the NATO summit in The Hague yielded limited results. "This was certainly not a summit from which one could say that NATO emerged strengthened," he argued. The Russian threat was not clearly addressed, and Ukraine played little or no role at the summit, Masala notes.
05:41 Kremlin Ready for Introduction of Digital Ruble
Starting from September 1, 2026, Russian banks are set to begin providing the digital ruble to customers. The central bank of Russia is expected to issue, regulate, and guarantee the digital ruble. It may be purchased on special platforms similar to Bitcoin and used for online transactions.
04:48 Kyrgyzstan Enacts Law to Strengthen Inter-Kyrgyz Language against Russian
The former Soviet republic of Kyrgyzstan has recently passed a law aimed at reinforcing the Kyrgyz language against Russian. This legislative move comes in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
03:48 Switzerland to Restrict Acceptance of Ukrainian Refugees
Switzerland has plans to accept refugees from Ukraine only under specific conditions. Beginning in the future, individuals will receive assistance and protection only if they are urgently required, as their lives or safety may be at immediate risk in their home country. All other refugees will have to go through formal asylum processes.
02:53 Zelenskyy Wants Putin on the Dock
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for legal proceedings against Russian war crimes, including against Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. Addressing the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, Zelenskyy demanded justice for every Russian war criminal, including Putin.
00:47 UN Organizations Concerned about German Cuts
United Nations aid organizations have expressed concern about Germany's announced budget cuts to humanitarian aid. The cuts may jeopardize critical protection, healthcare, food aid, and economic cooperation initiatives, the organizations claim.
Kremlin Propaganda Exposed
22:52 Anti-War Protest in Kyiv? Ukraine Exposes Kremlin Fake News
Russian Telegram channels are spreading rumors of a purported anti-war protest organized by the Ukrainian military in Kyiv. The propaganda alleged that police had dismantled a tent camp set up by “demonstrators” and arrested participants of the action. The Central Democratic Party of Ukraine confirms that there was a demonstration but clarifies that it had no anti-war character. Furthermore, the illegal actions of the police did not occur, and the event was not organized by the military, as propaganda suggested.
- The ongoing Ukraine conflict has witnessed various international responses, including a prison sentence of 16 years for a Russian photographer accused of treason, as well as prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia.
- Politics, general news, and war-and-conflicts continue to intertwine, with military aid from NATO member states fueling concerns over retaliation and escalation, while Germany is summoning the Russian ambassador in Moscow due to pressure and harassment against Russian journalists working in Germany.
