Ukrainian intelligence contacts with Mariupol defenders, Macron to visit Kyiv in near future: last night's highlights

Ukrainian intelligence keeps in contact with Mariupol defenders held captive by Russian forces, Macron to visit Kyiv in the near future, Switzerland blocks arms supplies to Ukraine. Here is what you may have missed from the night of June 4.

Ukrainian intelligence keeps in contact with Mariupol defenders

The Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine keeps contact with Ukrainian service members who were defending Mariupol and are now held captive by Russian forces, said Ukrainian Minister of Internal Affairs, Denys Monastyrskyi. Ukrainian authorities get the most information about detention conditions, food supplies, and the possibilities of their release through intelligence.

"After all, we all understand and know that all of them, our heroes, will be here — in Kyiv. They will definitely return, and we are doing everything possible for that," Monastyrsky assured.

Switzerland blocks arms supplies to Ukraine

On June 3, the Swiss government rejected Denmark's request to send for Ukraine 22 Swiss-made armoured fighting vehicles purchased and stored in Germany. In addition, Germany was blocked from sending 35 mm of Swiss-made ammunition to Gepard anti-aircraft guns.

Macron to visit Kyiv

French President Emmanuel Macron says he may visit Kyiv in the near future. "Today, I do not rule out anything… We want to increase financial and military support for Ukraine. And, finally, to do everything to ensure that grain is exported from Ukraine," said the French President commenting on journalists' statements that many international leaders had already visited Ukraine's capital in 3 months of the war.

Sanctions against the Russians

Kyiv will try to convince the international community to impose personal sanctions on 12,000 Russians who undermine Ukraine's national security, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said. The sanctions list includes Russian oligarchs, officials, propagandists, and war criminals, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill is also on the list.