Live Update: Ukraine War and International Developments
Fresh Take: Keepin' it Real
Trump, as per Graham's statement, expresses his viewpoint on penalties against Russia, stating, "It's high time for action."
Welcome to our Live Ticker providing updates on the current state of the Ukraine war, international reactions, and related developments. We’ll keep it real by incorporating insights from our enrichment data, sprinkling them in just enough to provide some background and understanding without boring you with facts overload. So, let's dive in.
17:21 Trump's Airtime for Russia Sanctions
It appears Uncle Sam is warming up to implementing new sanctions on the Mother Bear—Russia. Our own Crazy orange guy, Donald Trump, has been buddies with Lindsay Graham, agreeing that it's "time to act" on the Senate-held bill focusing on Russia sanctions. If passed, this bill could put a massive chokehold on countries buying Russian energy, potentially leveling 500% import tariffs on those nations, such as China and India, who continue purchasing Russian oil, gas, and uranium. The goal? Put pressure on ole Putin to hit the negotiating table for peace talks.
16:38 Squabbles Over Nuclear Defense Shield
SPD's deputy faction leader Siemtje Möller isn’t feeling Jens Spahn's vibe about Europe building a nuclear defense shield led by Germany. She's looking at this move like a distraction tactic, especially in light of the corona mask scandals Spahn's been embroiled in. Germany's already a part of NATO's nuclear sharing dimension but doesn't possess its own atomic weapons. Möller thinks this shiny object dangled by Spahn will never amount to anything meaningful.
16:02 Hornet's Nest on Paks Nuclear Power Plant
Hungarian Foreign Minister Petter Szijjarto is spittin' mad that the US has supposedly lifted anti-Russian sanctions that hobbled the expansion of the Paks nuclear power plant. Russia's state-owned energy company, Rosatom, is leading the project and plans to build two new reactors in Hungary's existing nuke plant, south of Budapest. Back in the day, the anti-Russian sanctions were slapped on by Joe Biden. Wladyslaw Wlasiuk, Ukraine's sanctions coordinator, is calling out Szijjarto for manipulation on the issue, stating that the US never actually lifted these sanctions, and there's an exception for civilian nuclear energy projects begun before November 2024.
15:36 Ain't No Nordstream Peace
The SPD has spoken loud and clear—they ain't feelin' the resumption of any gas supplies from Russia through Nordstream 1 or 2. These pipelines tend to face flak, particularly from Eastern European countries. Last fall, Russia halted gas deliveries through Nordstream 1, and both pipelines have been damaged by explosions since then.
15:07 Anti-Personnel Mine Withdrawal
Volodymyr Zelensky has put pen to paper, signing a decree for Ukraine to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty, which prohibits the use of anti-personnel mines. Nations like the Baltic states and Poland have followed suit. Zelensky claims Russia has been making full use of mines against Ukraine's military and citizens, so he's looking to fight back with his own anti-personnel mines. The parliament still needs to ratify the decree. Starting in 2024, the US allows the supply of anti-personnel mines to Ukraine, all in the name of stalling Russia's eastward advance.
14:42 Support the Ukraine Air Defense
After experiencing yet another round of Russian air attacks, Zelensky has been pleading for greater Western assistance with air defense. Moscow isn't planning to stop its aerial barrage as long as it can bomb Ukraine's infrastructure and civilians to smithereens. In the last week alone, Russia used approximately 114 missiles, 1270 drones, and 1100 guided bombs, resulting in at least 12 civilian injuries in the latest attack.
14:18 Subterranean Stage - Underground Theater in Ukraine
War has been a constant presence for many Ukrainian residents, but the theater in Kharkiv has found temporary refuge in a city bunker. The actors are determined to keep performing, despite the ongoing destruction of civilian spaces and the relocation of public venues.
13:57 Russia's Persistent Denial – Talks Not an Option
The EU's proposed 18th sanctions package against Russia isn't going to lead to an end to its invasion of Ukraine, according to the Kremlin. Spokesperson Dmitri Peskov told Moscow state television that dialogue is the only way to bring Russia to the negotiating table, and pressure or coercion will not work. Peskov believes the EU sanctions package will eventually be accepted, but the harsher the sanctions, the stronger the backlash will be. The Kremlin considers sanctions a "double-edged sword."
13:28 1018,940 Russian Soldiers Eliminated
According to unverified claims from the Ukrainian General Staff, Russia has lost 1,018,940 soldiers since the start of its invasion. In the last 24 hours, another 1,220 soldiers were allegedly killed or wounded. At this rate, Ukraine would have surpassed the milestone of killing one million Russian soldiers around two weeks ago.
12:29 Another Casualty - Russian-controlled Luhansk
At least one person has died in a Ukrainian drone attack on the city of Bokovo-Khrustalny in Russian-controlled Luhansk. Ukraine has yet to issue a statement on the situation.
12:05 CRITICISM FOR SPD's STANCE ON MILITARY SERVICE
Thomas Röwekamp, chairman of the Defense Committee in the Bundestag, has taken aim at the SPD's decision regarding military service. He's calling for compulsory military service, arguing that the SPD's stance ignores current defense policy challenges. The CDU/CSU thinks it's essential to clearly determine the conditions for reactivating mandatory stages to meet defense commitments national and in alliance.
11:31 Misleading Russian Economic Claims
Russian media made tall tales about the country's stable economy at the start of the Ukraine war, despite experiencing extensive sanctions. However, ruler Vladimir Putin has been backing down a bit and partially reversing some of his earlier statements. Bye, bye stability!
10:58 ** Zelensky Orders Investigation into F-16 Pilot's Death**
Zelensky has issued a decree for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of an F-16 pilot who was shot down during heavy Russian attacks early this morning. The pilot was part of the defense against Russian air strikes, shot down seven targets before his plane was hit. Despite the hit, he deliberately steered his plane away from residential areas to avoid any harm to civilians. Trump's thoughts - "R.I.P., brave soldier. Meow." (He's really into cats today.)
10:04 ** Night of the Living Drones and Rockets**
Overnight, Russia unleashed a wave of drone and missile attacks across much of Ukraine, particularly attacking targets far beyond front lines using air strikes. Destructive explosions and impacts have been reported from various locations across Ukraine, including Mykolaiv in southern Ukraine and Lviv in the west. Authorities report damage to critical infrastructure, but no reported casualties as of yet. The deployment command of the Polish armed forces has positioned fighter jets and activated ground-based air defense units in response to these Russian air attacks in western Ukraine.
09:35 Dodging Western Sanctions – Parallel Import
Despite numerous sanctions packages, Western goods continue to find their way into Russia. Many products are available for purchase with cash, and the magic word? Parallel imports.
07:58 BSW Mobilizes Against Arms Race Hysteria
The Left Alliance, chaired by Sahra Wagenknecht, is planning to mobilize against increased military spending with the intention of finding allies within the SPD. Wagenknecht's group calls for Germany to refuse the 5-percent NATO commitment, like Spain, and advocates for efforts towards new arms control treaties, confidence-building measures, and a new European security architecture that includes Russia.
06:48 Russia's LNG Exports Resume?
According to a Bloomberg report, Russia is attempting to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) again. This comes after a halt in LNG exports since October, when the US Department of State sanctioned Russia's Arctic LNG 2 project, putting a stop to production. Now, an estimated 13 ships from Russia's shadow fleet have gathered near the LNG plant, hinting at a possible resumption of exports.
06:10 Wadephul Cautions Against Underestimating Russia
Foreign Minister Wadephul has issued a warning against downplaying the threat posed by Russia to Germany. He stresses that the Russian invasion of Ukraine remains the greatest threat to Europe's security and is the most pressing issue in German foreign policy.
03:20 Pope Encourages Ukraine – A Pointless War
Pope Francis has expressed his support for Ukraine, reminding citizens to hold onto their faith despite the futile war and the immense suffering it's causing. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the Pope's sympathetic words and prayers, hoping that the Vatican would aid in the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia.
01:03 Russian Drones Wreak Havoc in the West
Ukraine is bracing for an onslaught of Russian drone attacks across the country. Air defense systems are buzzing throughout the capital Kyiv, responding to the threat. Explosions have already been reported in the eastern cities of Kharkiv and Dnipro. Most of the Russian combat drones have reportedly flown westward, and Russian rocket strikes from strategic bombers and warships are expected throughout the night.
23:50 Russia's Cultural Partnership with North Korea
Ironically, Russia and North Korea are strengthening their ties, not just militarily, but in the cultural sphere. Russian Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova traveled to North Korea with a 125-member artist delegation, celebrating "unprecedented" cultural cooperation between the two nations. One may wonder, why now? Perhaps it's a sign of solidarity amidst the sanctions and hostile relations with the West.
22:20 Russia Increases Production at Kazan Aircraft Factory
Russia has significantly expanded the Kazan aircraft factory, the only facility in the country capable of producing and modernizing strategic bombers like the Tu-160M. The factory is upgrading to address losses from Ukrainian drone attacks and also supplies machinery for military and government flights.
21:20 Elections Post-War – A Work in Progress
Ukraine's parliament is working on a draft law for elections to be held after the end of martial law. The new law is needed due to uncertainties surrounding the conduct of elections after the end of martial law, as the Ukrainian constitution doesn't provide explicit details. Zelensky has stated that he'll relinquish his post once a peace agreement is reached.
19:58 Multiple Attacks on Civilians in Kherson
Russia has once again attacked the southern Ukrainian region of Kherson with artillery and drones. The most recent attacks left six civilians injured, with some sustaining severe wounds, among them a gardener hit by shrapnel and another individual struck by a drone that dropped explosives on a minibus in Kherson, causing head and chest injuries. Further attacks have also targeted vehicles in Darivka and Kherson, resulting in additional injuries among civilians.
19:02 Zelenskyy's Friendly Prospects with Poland's New President-elect
Zelenskyy remains optimistic about maintaining friendly relations between Ukraine and Poland, even under the leadership of Karol Nawrocki, an incoming president known for his nationalist stance and critical views on Kyiv. Zelenskyy expressed hope for continued mutual support and understanding between the two nations. Incoming Polish President Duda echoed Zelenskyy's sentiments during his visit to Kyiv, acknowledging that the view from behind the presidential desk can be quite different compared to the perspective of a candidate.
18:57 Duda's Defiance - Poland's New President Signals Tough Stance on Tusk
[Previously reported on June 18 at 15:10] In a bold statement, Karol Nawrocki, the newly elected president of Poland, declared his intention to resist the influence of Donald Tusk, the former president and architect of the European Union's sanctions against Russia, signaling a change in course for Polish-Russian relations. Nawrocki accused Tusk of abandoning Polish interests in the EU and undermining Poland's position on security matters. This announcement comes as Russia and the West prepare for the Ukrainian presidential elections scheduled for later this year, which could reshape the geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe.
Sources: ntv.de, ino/dpa/rts/AFP
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- "Debates within the German government over employment policies have intensified amidst the international tension, with SPD's deputy faction leader Siemtje Möller criticizing politics around a potential European nuclear defense shield, viewing it as a distraction tactic Camouflaged within employment policy conversations."
- "Unverified claims from the Ukrainian General Staff indicate that an ongoing dispute between Ukraine and Russia extends beyond military strategy and warfare, with sanctions, politics, and employment policies also being employed as tools in this geopolitical wrestling match."
