00:02 Defense sector startup demands personnel protection
According to possible attack plans on Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, the CEO of Donaustahl calls for better protection from state authorities for Start-Ups in the industry. Donaustahl CEO Stefan Thumann tells the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND): "The German government must act proactively through security agencies and offer state aid for personal security." Large corporations can afford their own security apparatus, but that's not the case for Start-Ups like his company. "It's hard to found a Start-Up in Germany. Founding a Defense Start-Up is even harder. Founding and maintaining a Defense Start-Up, while knowing that foreign powers want to kill you, is a whole different dimension." Donaustahl has developed a combat drone named "Maus" for Ukraine.
22:19 Report: Ukraine hopes for 20 F-16 jets by year-end
Ukraine reportedly hopes to receive up to six F-16 jets this summer. According to a report by Bloomberg, Ukraine aims to have approximately 20 examples by the end of the year. The delivery is currently being hindered by spare parts shortages and the language barrier between Ukrainian pilots and their Western instructors. There are particular concerns in the West about the lack of suitable runways in Ukraine, which are threatened by Russian attacks.
21:23 USA developing long-range munition for UkraineThe US Air Force plans to develop a new expensive long-range munition named "Extend Range Attack Munition" (ERAM) for Ukraine. This is according to a US military solicitation. The Air Force intends to finance the first phase of development. The munition is expected to have a 250-kilogram warhead and a range of over 400 kilometers. According to the portal Militarnyi, some US defense contractors are already working on prototypes.
20:27 Ukraine reports dead in Russian attacks in the eastAt least five people have been reportedly killed in a series of Russian attacks on smaller towns in eastern Ukraine. At least 13 people were seriously injured in attacks on Myrnohrad and Konstantinowka in the Donezk region, according to regional military administrator Wadim Filaschkin. Filaschkin also mentioned that Russian soldiers have been targeting Myrnohrad repeatedly. The city, which had a population of nearly 47,000 before the war, is located near the front lines.
19:45 Weber on Putin's war economy: "Russia has enough own resources"Russia is not resource-dependent from the outside in terms of resources, according to security expert Joachim Weber. In an interview with ntv, he explains why a military economic war could last a long time.
19:11 Defense ministers of USA and Russia discuss reduction of escalation riskRussian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov and his US counterpart Lloyd Austin reportedly spoke on the phone about reducing the risk of "possible escalation," according to Russian Defense Ministry statements. The initiative for the call came from Moscow, the Russian Defense Ministry added. During the conversation, "the question of avoiding security threats and the reduction of the risk of possible escalation was discussed."
18:30 Russia raises taxes to finance the warRussian President Vladimir Putin signed legislation increasing taxes, according to reports, to finance the war. The tax hikes include income tax increases for top earners and corporate tax increases for companies. The increases are estimated by the Finance Ministry to bring in approximately 27 billion Euros per year. Since the deployment of Russian troops in Ukraine in February 2022, state expenditures have significantly exceeded revenues. Russia recorded a budget deficit of approximately 33 billion Euros in 2023, which is roughly two percent of its Gross Domestic Product. For the current year, a deficit of around 1.1 percent is expected.
17:56 Historian Snyder: Putin would humiliate TrumpUS Historian Timothy Snyder believes the chances of a peace deal between US President Donald Trump and Kreml chief Vladimir Putin are very low. "If Trump wins the US election and there is a peace deal, Putin would immediately break it to humiliate Trump. Russia cannot do otherwise, that's how politics works in this country," the Eastern Europe expert said in an interview with the Austrian daily "Standard." To end the war, one must understand that the Russians have lost. As long as that is not done, the war will continue.
17:18 Strack-Zimmermann: "Rockets in Kaliningrad threaten Germany"For a long time, FDP defense expert Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann has called for the delivery of the "Taurus" to Ukraine. Now, the US is stationing Tomahawks in Germany. The politician sees this as closing a huge security gap and urges: "Who resists lives safer."
16:39 Danish Prime Minister: West is too polite towards RussiaThe Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described the reaction of Western countries to Russia's hybrid warfare as "too polite" in a media report. "I think we need to take it much more seriously," Frederiksen said in an interview with Ukrainska Prawda at the NATO summit in Washington. "And I think we (NATO) must consider it as an attack on us, instead of just saying: 'It's happening again and again and again'." According to Frederiksen, the "hybrid war" with Moscow is already underway. However, many Western powers seem reluctant to acknowledge the reality.
15:45 Russia warns of dangerous escalation due to Western weaponsRussia considers the permission given by some NATO countries for Ukraine to attack Russian territory with delivered weapons as a dangerous escalation, according to official statements. We have taken note of statements by representatives of some countries, such as Britain and others, who made no restrictions in this regard, and there are countries that tried to maintain the balance and said they would be against such a relaxation of conditions for the use of rockets with longer range, the Presidial Press Secretary Dmitri Peskov said. Such rockets would already be used for attacks on Russia. This is pure provocation and "a new, very dangerous escalation of tensions."
15:06 Finland closes border to Russia for migrants and asylum seekersThe Finnish Parliament passes a law with a large majority against the entry of migrants over Russia. Border guards can therefore turn back asylum seekers at the Finnish-Russian border, according to the passed law. The Finnish government accuses Russia of encouraging migrants from Somalia or Syria to enter Finland. Russia denies this. Approximately 1300 people had already come to Finland. The government sees this as a reaction from Russia to Finland's NATO membership. The law is not only supported by government parties, but also by opposition MPs.
14:34 Alleged Russian spies arrested in AustraliaThe Australian Federal Police announce the arrest of two Australian citizens of Russian descent, who are accused of espionage. "Two Russian-born Australian citizens, accused of obtaining materials from the Australian military to give to Russian authorities, must answer before the Brisbane Magistrates Court today, after being charged with a spying offence", says a joint statement from the Federal Police and the Australian intelligence agency. The suspects are reportedly a 40-year-old soldier in the Australian military and her 62-year-old husband.
13:56 IAEA governors council condemns Russian attack on children's clinic in KievThe International Atom Energy Agency (IAEA) governors council condemns the Russian attack on a children's clinic in Kiev. In a resolution, the body draws attention to the fact that the hospital operates a unit for cancer diagnosis and radiation therapy financed by the IAEA. On Monday, a rocket hit a building on the grounds of the "Ochmatdyt" children's hospital. Two adults, including a doctor, were killed. Over 30 people, among them at least 8 children, were injured. According to Ukrainian authorities, no radioactive radiation was released during the attack.
13:30 Mölling: Attack on NATO territory becomes "riskier" for RussiaThe planned stationing of US intermediate-range missiles in Germany will change Moscow's military calculation, according to security expert Christian Mölling - "and that with a big minus sign for Moscow. It will simply become more expensive or riskier to attack NATO territory", says the research director of the German Institute for Foreign and Security Policy in the "Stern" podcast "The Situation". Although it had been clear since 2023 that we needed these weapons, everyone had fallen asleep again, and once again the Americans had to intervene on behalf of the Europeans. Mölling also comments on reports of attack plans against the Rheinmetall CEO and speaks of "state terrorism" against Germany.
13:14 Bund plans massive troop relocations in case of conflict, reports suggest
Germany and the Bundeswehr are reportedly planning to relocate hundreds of thousands of soldiers from NATO member states through Germany in case of a possible escalation at the NATO eastern flank. The "Spiegel" reports this based on informed sources. The plans involve moving around 800,000 soldiers with approximately 200,000 vehicles from North Sea ports in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany to the east within three to six months. The columns would reportedly be around 13,000 kilometers long. Preparations are part of the Operation Plan Germany, which the Bundeswehr has developed to make Germany war-ready.
12:21 Kremlin dismisses report of Papperger assassination plot as "fake news"
Russia dismisses the report of a planned assassination attempt on Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger as "fake news" based on anonymous sources, the Presidial Office in Moscow announced. Such reports should not be taken seriously. The US news network CNN reported on Thursday that the US and Germany had thwarted an early-year assassination plot by Russia against Papperger. FDP Bundestag member Reinhard Houben is now calling for a special session of the Bundesrat. If the CNN report is true, the German government must draw clear consequences, Houben says. Planned attacks on German citizens in Germany would represent "a new quality of escalation".
12:05 "For the new era": China holds joint military exercises with Russia
China is reportedly holding joint military exercises with Russia, according to Chinese statements. The exercises, named "Joint Sea-2024," began at the beginning of July and are scheduled to last until mid-month, the Chinese Defense Ministry announced. The exercises are taking place in the sea and airspace near the city of Zhanjiang in the southern province of Guangdong. The joint exercises are intended to "demonstrate the determination and ability of both sides to respond to threats to maritime security and maintain global and regional peace and stability," the ministry explained. They are also meant to "deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia for the new era."
11:47 Kiev to bring alleged Russian rocket attack on children's clinic to International Criminal Court
The Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office intends to bring the alleged Russian rocket attack on a children's hospital in Kiev to the International Criminal Court (ICC). "Cases like an intentional attack on the largest children's hospital in Kiev should go to the ICC," Andrij Kostin said. Russia denies responsibility for the attack and blames it on a Ukrainian missile defense system malfunction. Experts dispute this. They argue that a missile defense system rocket would have caused numerous small craters or indentations at the impact site, not a half-collapsed building like in Kiev.
11:14 Ukrainian Jagdbrigade: "Wonderwork of Technology" captured
The Ukrainian 68. Separate Jagdbrigade reports in social media about the capture of a modern T90-Proryv-Tank. This refers to the most advanced version from the T90 series and is the most modern combat tank of the Russian armed forces, along with the T-14. The Ukrainian brigade refers to it as "Wonderwork of Technology". The captured model is said to be in almost fully functional condition. The soldiers have published various photos to support their claims. The soldiers also report the capture of a T-80 combat tank and a BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle. Their plans are to use the three vehicles against the Russian invaders.
10:52 Interior Ministry sees "significantly increased threat from Russian aggression"
Against the background of reports about assassination plans against Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasizes the resolve of German security agencies. "We do not comment on individual threat situations", said the SPD politician. "We take the significantly increased threat from Russian aggression very seriously." Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to undermine support for Ukraine, according to Faeser. "But we will not be intimidated." Security measures have been significantly increased in response to the Russian threats over the past two years. "The threats range from espionage, sabotage and cyberattacks to state terrorism."
10:27 "US Election is the greatest risk factor for Ukraine"
The NATO announced that Ukraine will join the military alliance - after the war ends. This does not seem to be causing euphoria or hope in Ukraine. The NATO's rhetoric repeats itself, and the promises made to the Ukrainians are known to them, according to journalist Denis Trubetskoy.
10:03 HUR: Russian deep-sea vessel damaged
A modernized Russian deep-sea vessel is reportedly damaged, according to Ukrainian reports. The Ukrainian military intelligence service HUR reports that the crew lost control during the launch of AS-36 on July 1. "As a result of the incident, the Russian deep-sea vessel suffered damage that prevented it from continuing the tests," it says on Telegram. Russia is currently assessing the damage and the time required for repairs.
09:32 Russian "troll army" spread propaganda for the AfD before EU election
Unknown individuals are said to have attempted to influence the EU election through covert social media campaigns, according to a report by "Spiegel". An analysis by the private research institute Trollrense shows that a small group of people spread a huge amount of posts on the X platform that promoted the AfD before the EU election. The analysts believe that this network was likely controlled from Russia.
09:04 Increase in GPS disturbances - ISW reports increasingly intense hybrid campaign from Moscow
Finnish authorities report an increase in GPS disturbances in the past week. Most of the disturbances are believed to have originated from GPS and radar in the air and maritime traffic from Russia, according to the Institute for the Study of War. A Finnish lighthouse keeper reported on X that he experienced severe GPS and radar disturbances while guiding boats near Kotka and Hamina on the Finnish south coast. The GPS was unavailable for approximately 90 percent of the stretch between the Orrengrund Lighthouse Station and Hamina Port. This aligns with reports of Russian GPS disturbances in the Baltic states and other European regions, according to the ISW. It is likely that the Russians from the Kaliningrad region also disrupted the GPS of a British Defense Minister's aircraft, forcing Finnair to cancel several flights from Finland. The ISW's conclusion: "Russia's apparent GPS disturbances are likely part of an intensifying hybrid campaign by Russia, directly targeting NATO countries, to undermine support for Ukraine and NATO unity."
08:37 Kiev: Five Russian cruise missiles intercepted - Russians apparently aim to overload air defense
The Ukrainian Air Force reports intercepting all five Kalibr cruise missiles of the Kh-101 type fired by the Russian military towards Ukraine. Eleven of the 19 drones were also destroyed. The main target of the Russian attack was the city of Starokostyantyniv, where there is an important military airport. The city is located in the Oblast of Khmelnytskyi in western central Ukraine. The eleven drones were intercepted over six regions, including Sumy, Kiev, Khmelnytskyi, and Mykolayiv. The Ukrainian Air Force does not provide information on the fate of the remaining drones. "It is likely that the enemy is mimicking attack drones to overload air defense. There is no information on casualties or damage."
08:22 Greens defend stationing plan: It's about protection
Greens Fraktionsvize Agnieszka Brugger defends the planned deployment of long-range US weapons in Germany in the German public broadcaster. She understands that many people may associate this with the Cold War, says the defense expert. However, these measures are not a contribution to arms race but serve defensive purposes. In the 80s, two power blocs faced each other, neither of which wanted maximum escalation, explained Brugger. However, there were many dangerous situations back then. Today, there is a brutal aggressor who is breaking international law, has shifted to a war economy, and is waging the most brutal war against Ukraine. The stationing plan is therefore about solidarity and protection, not aggression.
07:53 Shocked over Attack on Children's Clinic: Russian Pilot Leaked Apparent Data of Commanders
A Russian pilot is reportedly suspected of leaking confidential information to the Ukrainian Military Intelligence Service (HUR), contributing to the identification of 30 commanders of the Russian heavy bomber aircraft division. According to "Kyiv Independent", this information was obtained from a confidential source within the intelligence service. The Russian pilot, who is said to serve in the 22nd heavy bomber aircraft division, reportedly contacted the HUR on July 8 following the devastating Russian attack on the children's hospital in Kiev. This attack allegedly shocked him so much that he decided to take this step. The pilot is said to have provided personal information, including photos and other confidential documents, on over 30 Russian commanders.
07:28 Rheinmetall-CEO: Russian Wear-Out War Could Last Forever
Armin Papperger, the Chairman of the Executive Board of Rheinmetall, believes that the war in Ukraine could last a long time. The ongoing wear-out war damages the Russians, but it can still last forever, Papperger stated in an interview with the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung". He also anticipates sustained growth for the Düsseldorf-based defense conglomerate. The sales are projected to increase by 40% in this year.
07:05 Threats against Rheinmetall-CEO? Alleged Russian Agents Were Reportedly in the EU
The threat against Rheinmetall-CEO Armin Papperger from potential assassination plans may have been more concrete than previously known. According to information from the "Spiegel" citing security sources, suspicious travels of alleged agents were observed in the past few months. These men were believed to be from countries of the former Soviet Union, at least one from Russia. Some were already in the Schengen Area, while others had planned to enter. Suspicious individuals were reportedly detected in the vicinity of the Rheinmetall headquarters as well as at Papperger's travel destinations abroad. Senior officials suspect that these could have been "proxies" of Russian intelligence services – hired mercenaries.
06:49 Heusgen: Berlin Still Underestimates the Gravity of the Situation
Christoph Heusgen, the Chairman of the Munich Security Conference, criticizes the majority of the German government for their communication regarding the Ukraine war. "In Germany, the Defense Minister speaks openly about the need to prepare for war. But most of his cabinet colleagues still underestimate the gravity of the situation," Heusgen lamented. Putin reportedly aims to restore the old Soviet Union. "Here, it's still being downplayed a bit," Heusgen said. "People need to be given a clear and honest account of what Russia has broken in treaties, how Russia is rearming, and that Russia has nuclear-capable missiles stationed in Kaliningrad that can reach Germany."
06:22 Spionage for Russia: Australian Couple ArrestedTwo Australian citizens of Russian descent have been arrested in Australia on espionage charges. The 40 and 62-year-old couple are accused of obtaining material from the Australian military to give to Russian authorities, according to the Australian Federal Police. One of them is a soldier in the Australian military. The Australian authorities accuse the couple of preparing a spying offense. They face a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. The pair were identified in a complex operation by a special taskforce of the police and intelligence services, according to Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw.
05:55 Outrage over Report of Murder Plans: "The Putin Regime Now Targets German Citizens"A CNN report on alleged Russian assassination plans against Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger has caused outrage in Germany. "It shows once again that Russia is bringing its war and terror to Europe," says the chairman of the Defense Committee, Marcus Faber of the FDP, to the "Bild" newspaper. "The Putin regime is now targeting German citizens." The chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Michael Roth of the SPD, tells the paper that Putin is not only waging a war of annihilation against Ukraine, but also against its supporters and our values. US intelligence services, according to CNN, discovered plans of the Russian government to assassinate Papperger in early 2023. The German side was informed and the 61-year-old was subsequently given special protection.
05:18 Hungary Accuses NATO Allies of HypocrisyThe Hungarian government accuses NATO allies of hypocrisy and failure in dealing with Russia's aggression against Ukraine at the end of the NATO summit in Washington. "We will continue to advocate for dialogue and diplomatic channels, as the current strategy of the past two and a half years has been a total failure," says Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, according to a spokesperson in a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Szijjarto represented Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who left the summit early to meet former US President Donald Trump in Florida.
04:35 Britain Calls on NATO Allies to Increase Defense EffortsBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a plan by his government at the NATO summit in Washington to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP. At the same time, he called on other allies to also increase their defense spending. 23 of the 32 members of the alliance currently spend less than 2% of their GDP on defense, and more needs to be done in the face of serious security threats, according to Starmer.
03:30 Biden: I would talk to Putin if he was open to changeUS President Joe Biden currently sees no point in talking to Putin. In general, he is willing to talk to any state or government leader - including Chinese State and Party Chairman Xi Jinping, Biden said at a press conference after the NATO summit. That also applies if Putin calls him. "I'm saying I'm willing to talk to anyone, but I don't see a willingness on his part," Biden said. Putin must be willing to change his behavior.
02:32 Building of new NATO-Ukraine Command in Wiesbaden beginsIn Wiesbaden, the construction of the new NATO-Ukraine Command for coordinating weapons deliveries and training activities for the Ukrainian armed forces starts today. However, the commander for Europe is expected to take several months to set up the command so that it can take on all planned tasks, NATO representatives announced on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Washington. In the meantime, US military forces will continue to handle the coordination duties. The deployment is also intended to be a precaution for the possible return of Donald Trump as US President after January 2025.
01:58 Scholz rejects unlimited weapons engagement against RussiaFederal Chancellor Olaf Scholz rejects Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's call for lifting all restrictions on the use of Western weapons against Russian territory. "Nobody intends to change the previous guidelines and regulations - for good reasons," says the SPD politician at the end of the NATO summit. We want to support Ukraine as much as possible, but prevent the war from escalating into a war between Russia and NATO, Scholz added. Zelenskyy is primarily concerned about military bases in Russian territory from which rocket attacks on Ukraine originate. More than 40 civilians, including children, were killed in attacks on Ukrainian cities on Monday.
01:25 Scholz on attack report: Aware of Russian threatsIn connection with a media report about Russian threat plans against Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, Chancellor Olaf Scholz referred to Russian threats. "I won't say anything about that in detail," Scholz said at the NATO summit in Washington. "But I'd be happy to tell you that we are already very well aware that we are exposed to various threats from Russian activities."
00:40 UN demands Russia withdraw from Zaporizhzhia NPPThe UN General Assembly demands that Russia withdraw its military and other unauthorized personnel from the Ukrainian Zaporizhzhia NPP. Russia should restore the facility to full control of Ukrainian authorities, according to a UN resolution passed with 99 yes votes, nine no votes, and 60 abstentions. The Zaporizhzhia NPP, the largest in Europe, was taken over by Russia shortly after its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Although it has been shut down, it still requires external energy to keep the nuclear material cool and prevent a nuclear meltdown.
23:36 Pistorius expects correction in budget 2025Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is convinced that there will be adjustments in favor of the defense budget in the 2025 budget plan. "I assume that further talks will lead to changes," says the SPD politician in ARD. He will not stop advocating for the Bundeswehr to be equipped so that it can fulfill its tasks.
22:46 Kremlin: "On the best way to a Cold War"The Kremlin criticizes the planned stationing of US long-range weapons in Germany as a return to the Cold War. "We are on the best way to a Cold War. All of this has happened before," says Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov to Russian state television. Peskow accuses Germany, the USA, France, and Britain of directly intervening in the conflict over Ukraine. "And all the features of the Cold War are returning - with confrontation, with direct confrontation between adversaries," he says. "All of this is being done to undermine our country. All of this is being done to ensure our strategic defeat on the battlefield," emphasizes Peskow. However, during the Cold War, there was peace in Europe. Russia began its war against Ukraine in 2014, which it expanded massively again in 2022.
21:34 Zelenskyy: Demands for western weapons restrictions to endUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy demands the lifting of all restrictions on the use of western weapons against Russian territory at the NATO summit in Washington. "If we want to win and save our country, then all these restrictions must be lifted," emphasizes the Ukrainian leader. The main issue is military bases in the Russian hinterland from which rocket attacks are launched. "If they attack us and kill our children, it's crazy to ask why we can't attack this military base," says Zelenskyy.
20:58 USA announces further aid package with Patriot systemUS President Joe Biden announces another aid package for Ukraine worth $225 million. Part of the package includes a Patriot system, which is intended to strengthen the Ukrainian air defense against Russian air raids. In addition, the package includes NASAMS missile defense systems, multiple rocket launchers of the HIMARS type, and artillery ammunition with calibers of 155 and 105 millimeters, according to the US government. The weapons come from US military stocks.
20:19 Stoltenberg accuses Russia of intimidation campaignNATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg reports on a Russian campaign of hostile actions against the Alliance. It aims to intimidate NATO members and prevent them from supporting Ukraine. However, this approach has the opposite effect, Stoltenberg says at the NATO summit in Washington.
- In response to the proposed attack plans on his company, Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger urges NATO and Germany to take stronger measures against potential cyberwar threats from Russia, citing the Ukraine-Conflict as a concerning precedent.
- The Ukrainian government, amidst Russian attacks in the east, seeks military assistance from NATO allies, with reports suggesting Ukraine hopes to receive 20 F-16 jets by the end of the year.
- In efforts to counter Russian attacks on Ukraine, the US Air Force plans to develop a long-range munition named "Extend Range Attack Munition" (ERAM) for Ukraine, expected to significantly increase Ukraine's military capabilities.
- The Russian military deployment in Ukraine continues to pose a significant threat to civilians and critical infrastructure, as evidenced by the reported attacks on smaller towns in eastern Ukraine, causing casualties and damage.
- Amidst the escalating Ukraine-Conflict, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, calls for increased military deployments and support from NATO allies to protect Ukraine's sovereignty and counter being "killed by foreign powers."
