News from Ukraine, Eastern Europe

An agreement was reached to invite Kyiv and Chisinau to submit their negotiating positions on another one of the six enlargement clusters, two EU diplomats told the Kyiv Independent.

The Polish media outlet Onet reported on June 30 that, according to five undisclosed sources, Moscow may be preparing a limited military provocation aimed at Poland.

Customs records obtained by the Kyiv Independent reveal that specialized metalworking equipment manufactured in Germany, Italy, Spain, and other EU countries continued reaching Russian metallurgical plants during the war through a Turkish intermediary.

"Not because I believe Ukraine does not need financial assistance, but because I believe Poland has very significant responsibilities related to the entire eastern EU border," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on July 3.

The smell of smoke and haze lingered over the capital. Authorities urge residents to keep windows closed, limit time outdoors, drink plenty of water, and use air purifiers if available.

Monaco issued a "red notice" via Interpol — an international arrest warrant — for a 39-year-old Ukrainian woman named Anastasiia Berezovska, which appeared publicly on July 3.

A week ago, the European Commission proposed changes to the temporary protection measures it has in place for Ukrainians, no longer granting the same level of protection to men eligible for conscription who are forbidden by Ukrainian law from leaving the country.

The attacks killed at least 17 people and injured 125 others over the past day, local authorities reported. A 2-year-old girl and a 7-year-old girl were among those killed, while at least 10 other children were injured in attacks across four Oblasts.

"I expected more involvement in complicated decisions, more presence to listen to people, to explain what kind of reforms we should make and why we should make them," Moldovan President Maia Sandu said of Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda highlighted the urgency, saying “it would be truly unfortunate if we became the weak link or a grey zone within NATO."

Ukraine's Air Force said Russia launched 74 missiles and 496 long-range drones during the attack, most of which targeted Kyiv.

Photos and videos posted to social media purport to show flames emanating from the Energomash Belgorod plant — a key manufacturer in Russia's energy supply chain. The plant reportedly produces equipment for Russia's power plants, as well as its oil and gas sector, among other materials.