Day 464 since the start of the war: The capital city of Kiev is again attacked from the air. Vladimir Putin was invited to a summit. All information on news blog.
The most important things at a glance
Russia reports fresh shelling in Belgorod area
10:55 PM: In the Russian border region of Belgorod, two people were killed and six others wounded in fresh massive shelling from the Ukrainian side, officials said. Heavy shells fell on private property in a village near the border town of Valukki, Governor Vyacheslav Klatkov said Friday evening. Two children were among the injured. He also posted a photo of the burning property. Kladko said that there is an insecure situation in the area due to shelling that has been going on for several days.
IAEA: Zaporizhia nuclear power plant has been without emergency power for three months
9:57 PM: According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Russian-occupied Ukrainian nuclear power plant in Zaporizhia has been without external emergency power for three months. This makes the nuclear plant more vulnerable if the only functioning main power line goes out again, the IAEA said in a statement on Friday.
The IAEA in Vienna is concerned that failure of cooling systems could lead to overheating of fuel rods and nuclear waste, causing a nuclear accident. Since Russian troops occupied the largest European nuclear power plant in March 2022, power to the plant has failed several times. In such cases, cooling is provided by existing diesel generators. In a recent such incident, it was said that there would be enough fuel for ten days. According to the IAEA, the power plant had four external power lines before the war.
The report continued that last week the IAEA panel said it heard two landmines detonating in front of the nuclear power plant. This again illustrates the tense situation given the intense speculation of imminent military action in the region. There has long been speculation about a Ukrainian counteroffensive in southern Ukraine, which also hopes to recapture a nuclear power plant.
Trap for Wagner Militants? Prigozhin attacks the ministry
9:17 PM: According to Russian mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin, representatives of the Russian Defense Ministry planted explosive devices intended to attack his fighters. His men discovered a dozen locations behind the front lines where officers had hidden various explosive devices — including hundreds of anti-tank mines, he writes in the Telegram. When asked, officials referred to orders from higher authorities.
Given the location of the explosive devices, it can be assumed that they were intended for his Wagner mercenaries. “We consider this to be an attempt at public punishment.” There was no comment from the Defense Ministry. Prigozhin repeatedly clashed with the regular army.
Interview: “Putin wants to destroy the West”
Boss Wagner: 99 percent of troops withdrawn from Bachmut
8:31 PM: The Russian private army has almost completed its announced withdrawal from the eastern Ukrainian city of Bagmut, where Wagner was captured, according to its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin. Prigozhin announced on Friday evening that 99 percent of the units had left the city. “All positions have been handed over to the (Russian) Ministry of Defense in the appropriate order.” “Everything has been cleared up,” said Prigogine, who announced his withdrawal in early June.
According to earlier reports, Wagner would have only two men to support the regular Russian army in control of the city in the Donetsk region. Prigozhin said there were no “provocations” by the Ukrainian armed forces.
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