Pentagon has no evidence of North Korea sending its troops to Ukraine

The U.S. Department of Defense cannot confirm reports that North Korea has sent troops to Ukraine to support Russia. Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh acknowledged North Korea's military support for Russia but found no evidence of troop deployment. This follows an agreement between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for mutual military aid in case of aggression. Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder indicated that North Korean troop deployment is a possibility to monitor. The U.S. suspects North Korea may seek advanced missile and nuclear technologies from Russia in return for military aid. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg noted the growing alignment between Russia and North Korea, highlighting the need for democratic unity.

Orbán asked Zelenskyy for ceasefire with Russia, is "grateful for his frank opinion"

During talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on July 2, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán proposed an urgent ceasefire, aligning with pro-Russian peace plans, but did not insist on it. Orbán suggested halting hostilities to expedite negotiations with Russia, acknowledging the lengthy process of international diplomacy. While Orbán did not push his proposal, he promised to share Ukraine's perspective with other EU leaders. President Zelenskyy did not address the ceasefire proposal directly but noted Hungary's support for Ukraine's peace efforts at a recent summit. Additionally, Zelenskyy and Orbán agreed to work on resolving bilateral issues, with Orbán committing to opening and funding Hungary's first Ukrainian school.

Russian economy is "overheated" but far from crisis

The Russian economy, while overheated, is not currently in crisis, according to Elina Rybakova, Vice President of the Kyiv School of Economy. In an interview with Forbes Ukraine, she stated that a crisis would be inevitable if oil prices plummet, but this scenario is unlikely. Blocking Russian oil exports could challenge the economy, but Russia might find alternative markets or benefit from rising prices to offset losses. Despite a significant drop in the total income of Russian companies in 2023, the current oil price allows Russia to sustain its economy and continue the war for several more years without entering a crisis.

4 people killed in Russian attack on Nikopol

The number of casualties from a Russian artillery attack on Nikopol in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast has risen to ten, with two people confirmed dead. Serhii Lysak, Head of the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, reported that the district center sustained the most damage. Four of the ten injured individuals have been hospitalized in moderate condition.

Three apartments, five houses, four outbuildings and seven cars were damaged in the city. The Russian attack also damaged two educational institutions, an outpatient clinic, an administrative building, shops, a beauty salon and a bank.

The Russians also shelled the Myriv, Marhanets and Chervonohryhorivka hromadas [an administrative unit designating a town, village or several villages and their adjacent territories]. A fire broke out at an agricultural enterprise as a result and was extinguished by firefighters.

Ukraine doing all it can to boost electricity imports from the EU – Zelenskyy

Following a meeting with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the Ukrainian government is seeking approval from the European Union to increase electricity imports. In his evening address, Zelenskyy highlighted ongoing defensive measures for energy facilities, including active defense and electronic warfare, and expressed gratitude for the current support from European neighbors. Ukraine is currently utilizing the full volume of electricity imports agreed with the EU.