09:04 Increase of GPS disturbances - ISW sees 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 not available for approximately 90 percent of the stretch between the Orrengrund Lighthouse Station and Hamina Harbor. 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 obvious 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 out of 19 drones were also destroyed. The main target of the Russian attack was reportedly the city of Starokostiantyniv, which has a significant 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 Mykolajiw. The Ukrainian Air Force does not provide information on the fate of the remaining drones. "It is likely that the enemy is imitating attack drones to overload air defense. There is no information about casualties or damages."
08:22 Green defends stationing plan: It's about protection
Green Fraktion Vice Chair Agnieszka Brugger defends the planned deployment of long-range US weapons in Germany in an interview with Deutschlandfunk. 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. Nevertheless, there were many dangerous situations back then. Today, there is a brutal aggressor who is breaking international law, has switched to a war economy, and is waging a 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 aviation division. According to "Kyiv Independent", a confidential source from the intelligence service made this claim. The Russian pilot, who is said to serve in the 22nd heavy bomber aviation division, contacted HUR on July 8 following the devastating Russian attack on the children's hospital in Kiev. He was reportedly so shocked by the attack 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
Rheinmetall Chairman of the Board Armin Papperger believes that the war in Ukraine could continue for a long time. The ongoing wear-out war causes damage to the Russians, but it can 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% this year.
07:05 An Alleged Plot Against Rheinmetall-CEO? Suspected Russian Agents Were Reportedly Already in the EU
The threat to Rheinmetall-CEO Armin Papperger from alleged assassination plans was apparently more concrete than previously known. According to information from the "Spiegel" citing security sources, suspicious travels of suspected agents have been observed in recent months. These men were reportedly from countries of the former Soviet Union, at least one from Russia. Some had already been in the Schengen Area, while others had planned to enter. Suspicious individuals were also detected near the Rheinmetall headquarters and at Papperger's travel destinations abroad. Senior officials suspect that these could have been "proxies" of Russian intelligence services – hired hands.
06:49 Heusgen: Berlin Underestimates the Situation Still
The head of the Munich Security Conference, Christoph Heusgen, criticizes the majority of the German government for their communication regarding the Ukraine war. "In Germany, the Defense Minister speaks bluntly about the need to prepare for war." However, his cabinet colleagues still underestimate the gravity of the situation. "I still have the feeling that most responsible politicians believe they can give the population a pure wine and say, 'We are dealing with an aggression like in the Cold War'," Heusgen lamented. Putin reportedly aims to restore the old Soviet Union. "Among us, this is still being downplayed a bit," Heusgen said. "One must give the people a clear wine and tell them 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 spy offense, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
05:55 Alarm 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 alarm in Germany. "Once again, it shows that Russia is carrying its war and terror to Europe," says the chairman of the Defense Committee, Marcus Faber of the FDP, in an interview with the "Bild" newspaper. "The Putin regime now targets not only a war of annihilation against Ukraine, but also against its supporters and our values." The chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Michael Roth of the SPD, tells the paper that Putin is leading "not only 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 at the beginning of the year. The German side was informed, and the 61-year-old was subsequently given increased protection.
05:18 Hungary Accuses NATO Allies of HypocrisyThe Hungarian government accuses its NATO partners of hypocrisy and failure in dealing with Russia's aggression against Ukraine at the conclusion 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 Zelensky. Szijjarto represented Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who left the summit early to meet with former US President Donald Trump in Florida.
04:35 Britain Calls on NATO Allies to Increase Defense EffortsBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces a plan for his government at the NATO summit in Washington to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP. Simultaneously, he calls 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 must be done in light of the serious threats to security, Starmer says.
03:30 Biden: I Would Talk to Putin if He Were Open to ChangeUS President Joe Biden currently sees no point in talking to Kremlin chief Putin. In general, he is willing to talk to any state or government leader - including Chinese State and Party Chief Xi Jinping, Biden emphasizes in a press conference following the NATO summit. This 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 says. 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 forces starts today. However, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe is expected to still need several months to set up the command so that it can take on all planned tasks, NATO representatives stated on the sidelines of the NATO Summit in Washington. Until then, US military will continue to handle the coordination duties. The deployment is also seen as a precaution for the possible return of Donald Trump as US President in January 2025.
01:58 Scholz rejects unrestricted weapons engagement against RussiaGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz rejects Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's demand for lifting all restrictions on the use of Western weapons against Russian territory. "Nobody intends to change the existing 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 the Russian hinterland from which rocket attacks on Ukraine originate. Over 40 civilians, including children, were killed in Monday's attacks on Ukrainian cities.
01:25 Scholz on attack report: Aware of Russian threatsIn connection with a media report about Russian threats 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 calls on Russia to withdraw from Zaporizhzhia NPPThe UN General Assembly calls on Russia to withdraw its military and other non-authorized personnel from the Ukrainian Zaporizhzhia NPP. Russia should restore the facility under the full control of Ukrainian authorities, according to a UN Resolution passed with 99 Yes-votes, nine No-votes, and 60 abstentions. The Zaporizhzhia NPP, Europe's largest, 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 2025Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is convinced that there will be adjustments in favor of the defense budget in the 2025 budget draft. "I assume that further talks will lead to changes", says the SPD politician in the ARD. He will not stop advocating for equipping the Bundeswehr to fulfill its mission.
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. It all happened before", says Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov to Russian state television. Peskow accuses Germany, the USA, France, and Britain of directly involvement in the conflict over Ukraine. "And all the features of the Cold War are returning - with confrontation, with direct confrontation between enemies", he says. "All this is being done to undermine our country. All this is being done to ensure our strategic defeat on the battlefield", emphasizes Peskow. During the Cold War, however, there was peace in Europe. Russia began its war against Ukraine in 2014, which it expanded massively again in 2022.
21:34 Zelenskyy: Limitations for western weapons must endUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy demands again at the NATO summit in Washington the lifting of all restrictions on the use of western weapons against Russian territory. "If we want to win and save our country, then all these restrictions must be lifted", emphasizes the Ukrainian head of state. It primarily concerns 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", so Zelenskyy.
20:58 USA announce further aid package with Patriot systemUS President Joe Biden announces another aid package for Ukraine worth 225 million dollars. Part of the package is a Patriot system, which is intended to strengthen the Ukrainian air defense against Russian air attacks. In addition, the package includes NASAMS missile defense systems, multiple rocket launchers of the HIMARS type, as well as artillery ammunition with calibers 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 had the opposite effect, Stoltenberg states at the NATO summit in Washington.
- The report by Finnish authorities of GPS disturbances aligns with an increase in similar incidents in other NATO countries, including Ukraine, suggesting a broader cyberwar strategy by Russia.
- The Russian attack on Ukraine, as reported by the Ukrainian Air Force, includes not only missile strikes but also drone infiltrations, which are part of a broader hybrid campaign to undermine NATO and Ukraine.
- The Russian pilot suspected of leaking information to Ukrainian intelligence follows a pattern of Russian military personnel turning against their own government in response to the brutal war against Ukraine, as reported in Ukrainian and international media.
- The threat against Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger is a manifestation of Russia's escalating tactics to intimidate and harm those who support Ukraine and NATO, as highlighted by German politicians and international news sources.
- The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy calls for the lifting of restrictions on the use of Western weapons against Russian territory, as reported in various international news agencies, emphasizing the desperate situation Ukraine faces in its conflict with Russia.
