Crimea experiences "substantial harm" following recent assaults.

08:02 Ukraine: Important destruction reported after assaults in Crimea

A strike on a Russian communication center in the occupied Crimean city of Alushta has caused considerable equipment damage and fatalities, as per Ukrainian sources. The Kyiv Independent, citing pro-Ukrainian group Atesh and Crimean Wind telegram channel, reported that at least six ATACMS missiles from America struck the facility. These missiles are said to have hit the antenna as well as several buildings where "senior military personnel" were said to be staying.

7:27 Russian pundit: "Consigned to live and die as brainless for decades"Russian author and ex-Duma deputy Alexander Nevzorov criticizes Russians, comparing them to pugs, chimpanzees, or circus animals. According to him, people retain the skills they have been taught until they die. "Russian propaganda's lust for war, corruption, patriotism, and other deviations" won't just go away, he says. "Russians are doomed to live and die as brainless for many generations," the public figure—who received years in prison by absentia and now holds a Ukrainian passport—concludes.

7:03 Scholz: "No 'EU nuclear weapons'"German Chancellor Olaf Scholz backs French President Emmanuel Macron's suggestions for boosting European defense capabilities, including nuclear capacities. In his article for The Economist, Scholz argues for better deterrence capabilities. This includes nuclear defense, powerful conventional armed forces, air and missile defense, cyber, space, and precision strike capabilities. He proposes investing in the European defense industry to boost the European defense pillar, all while maintaining that "there will be no 'EU nuclear weapons.'"

6:38 Controversial agent law: Washington intensifies pressure on TbilisiAfter the approval of a controversial anti-influence law in Georgia, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announces new visa restrictions and a review of relations with the country. The US moral sphere includes those "responsible for or involved in undermining democracy in Georgia and their family members," Blinken announced. The US will also start a "comprehensive assessment of bilateral cooperation between the United States and Georgia," he added. Despite this, Washington remains hopeful that the Georgian government will reassess the law and strive for its "democratic and Euro-Atlantic aspirations."

6:29 Estonia aids children in war-hit areasThe Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will provide over €650,000 in humanitarian aid to Ukraine to support the education system in frontline areas and assist children affected by the conflict. According to the Kyiv Independent, Estonian non-profit organization Eesti Pagulasabi will distribute part of the aid to enhance living conditions in vulnerable regions, while Mondo will utilize the funds to organize summer camps and psychological support for kids in Zaporizhzhya.

5:57 Russian forces’ goalsVovchansk, a border town in the Ukrainian region of Kharkiv, is a target for Russian forces. Russian MP Viktor Vodolatsky told TASS news agency that Russian troops would soon control more than half of the town. He also mentioned Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, and Pokrovsk as the next significant objectives after Vovchansk has been seized by Russian soldiers.

5:29 Putin meets Lukashenko in BelarusRussian news agencies disclosed that President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Belarus and held initial informal talks with his counterpart, Alexander Lukashenko. Putin confirmed they have much to discuss and that everything is going well between the countries. Lukashenko will be a part of Russian-led military exercises involving the launch of strategic nuclear arms.

4:33 South Korea targets North Korean individuals, Russian ships over arms tradeSouth Korea imposes sanctions on seven North Koreans and two Russian ships linked to illicit arms trade between Pyongyang and Moscow. This news was shared by the South Korean Foreign Ministry.

3:39 USA prepping $275M for UkraineThe US is prepping $275 million in military aid for Ukraine. Three US government officials say that artillery shells, guided bombs, and vehicles will be procured. This help will be distributed through the Presidential Drawdown Authority, which allows President Joe Biden to act in emergencies without the approval of Congress.

2:34 Brazil and China step back from Ukraine peace summit
Brazil and China are looking less likely to participate in an international peace conference for Ukraine, as neither country has issued an invitation to Russia. The two nations released a statement signed by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's special advisor, Celso Amorim, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, calling on both Russia and Ukraine to engage in talks. They emphasized the importance of a conference with all parties involved, which has been acknowledged by both Moscow and Kyiv.

1:15 Moscow sentences Kremlin critic to 25 years for terrorism
A military court in Moscow has sentenced a 36-year-old man to 25 years in prison for sabotage and involvement in a group supporting Ukraine. Vladimir Malina, a bartender from Moscow, was charged with terrorism, high treason, and sabotage. The state's case against him alleges that he belonged to a group called "Legion for the Freedom of Russia," a group of Russian citizens fighting for Ukraine. It's reported that Malina set fire to a railway control box and planned attacks last year. He was arrested in June.

11:55 Poland and Greece call for EU air defense system
Amidst tensions with Russia, Poland and Greece are urging the European Union to establish an air defense shield to safeguard European nations. In a joint letter sent to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis believe that Europe will remain secure as long as its skies are protected. They consider this a priority for the organization, with the potential to counteract "the great vulnerability of our security."

22:26 Suspected explosions in Crimea
Videos captured in the Russian-occupied Crimea indicate possible explosions, potentially from Ukraine using ATACMS missiles provided by the US. A recording from the Crimean coast in the village of Alushta appears to show at least one blast. However, there's no official confirmation yet. The Russian air defense system appears to be active, as evidenced by the footage. Crimean Governor Sergei Aksyonov, installed by the Russian occupiers, announced explosions in Simferopol and Alushta but did not provide further details. Two people lost their lives, and an empty commercial building was targeted. Russia has a history of downplaying Ukrainian attacks or claiming every missile and drone was shot down.

22:00 More possible arrests
Russia is supposedly detaining senior military officials, including Vladimir Verteletsky, head of the Russian Ministry of Defense's department for managing the state defense order. He's accused of committing a significant scale of fraud. Vadim Shamarin, the deputy chief of the Russian army's general staff, was previously arrested. This is the fourth highest-ranking military officer to be held since April.

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