11:54 PM - Pebble following an incident at NATO base Geilenkirchen: potentially under Russian hybrid warfare attack
Following a brief increase in alert levels at the NATO airbase in Geilenkirchen and signals of prospective Russian drone assaults, German security politicians are advocating for vigilance. "We must remember that Germany has been a long-term objective of Russia's hybrid warfare, and therefore military installations, particularly those significant to NATO in Germany, are at risk of sabotage and espionage activities," points out CDU foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter to the "Tagesspiegel". Previously, the security level at the NATO air support facility in Geilenkirchen was elevated temporarily to the second-highest level, Charlie, owing to a potential threat. According to Kiesewetter, the Geilenkirchen airbase is crucial for NATO due to the presence of its air-based early warning and control system, AWACS. "The Charlie security level suggests that NATO is taking necessary precautions even against potential drone incursions, and there are indications of potential concrete hazards," he adds. However, the growing threat scenario and risk of Russian attacks is well-known and not a novelty.
22:21: Lithuanians deliver their largest drone package yetLithuania makes public its largest drone delivery to Ukraine thus far. 1400 drones from Lithuanian manufacturers are prepared, as shared by the Lithuanian Minister of Defense Andris Sprūds via X. With this, Riga fulfills the procurement of more than 2700 drones from its domestic industry. Lithuania, in alliance with the UK, is spearheading an initiative to deliver a million drones to Ukraine. Its associate members, including Germany, have committed to investing in drone manufacturing and delivering drones and spare parts to Ukraine.
21:34: Biden approves new military aid support for Ukraine - specifically for air defenseUS President Joe Biden announces a fresh military aid package during a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to the US Presidential Office, the package includes air defense missiles, equipment for drone defense, anti-tank missiles, and ammunition. Biden reiterated the "unwavering support of the US for the Ukrainian people" to Zelenskyy. No financial specifics regarding the new aid are disclosed.
21:29: Zelenskyy demands timely weapon deliveriesThe Ukrainian military is urgently in need of foreign backing. President Zelenskyy urgently appeals to the western allies of Ukraine to deliver the promised weapons packages. "At the front, they are fighting with grenades and equipment, not with words like 'tomorrow' or 'soon'," he states in his evening video address. According to him, Ukraine is waiting for packages containing weapons or equipment "that have been agreed upon and decided, but not yet delivered". He does not offer further details.
20:58 Kursk residents express frustration: "Everyone is on their own"
As military conflicts continue in the southern Russian region of Kursk, the residents there appear to be growing increasingly disillusioned: with authorities whom they feel have abandoned them, with the Ukrainian military, but also with their own military. No one seems to care about the people, a 28-year-old alleges to the "Moscow Times". "For Russia, we're simply part of the map. For the Ukrainians, we're adversaries supporting Putin's regime. Everyone [here] is on their own." She accuses authorities of misleading and claiming there's no cause for concern. A 32-year-old explains that while people criticize the Ukrainians for the attack, they also question the competence of the Russian military: "How could they miss the mobilization of such a large number of Ukrainian troops at the border?" If there were previously people who sympathized with Ukraine or were neutral, their stance has now shifted into intense anger, she says. Another resident of the Kursk region remarks: "The Ukrainians are not our allies at the moment." Meanwhile, a Red Cross volunteer in Kursk asserts that she harbors no resentment towards Ukraine, viewing them as "also just victims of the circumstance".
20:12 Germany anticipates wave of attacks on Kyiv
The German government issues a warning of intensified Russian attacks on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv around the country's independence day on Saturday. There could be intensified rocket and air attacks on Kyiv and other major hubs, the Federal Foreign Office indicates in an updated travel advisory. In Kyiv and other places, temporary curfews could also be imposed. German nationals are still "strongly urged to leave the country".
19:39 Pokrovsk identified as the primary hotspot
The Ukrainian military reports repelling dozens of Russian troop assaults. Throughout the day, 79 Russian attacks were reported from the frontlines in eastern Ukraine, some with artillery and air support, as per the General Staff's situation report. Once again, the surroundings of Pokrovsk on the outskirts of the Donbass were the main focal point. There, Russian units attempted to solidify and expand the territorial gains of the previous day, with 20 attacks in just a few hours. Similarly intense fighting was reported from the surroundings of Torez. The goal of the Russian attacks is to gain full control over the surroundings of the Donbass.
18:38 Enhanced Russian Oil Flow Through Ukraine Allegedly RegularizedReports suggest that Russia has boosted its oil deliveries through Ukraine by a factor of two in July, as per the data provided by the Kyiv-based firm ExPro. The volume of Russian oil moving through the "Friendship" pipeline into EU nations surged to 1.09 million tons from 540,000 tons in June. Previously, Hungary and Slovakia had put forth concerns over restrictions in oil flow from Ukraine, hinting at potential fuel shortages starting September. However, Valdis Dombrovskis, the EU Commission Vice President, reproached those nations for not endeavoring enough to discover alternative sources of Russian oil supply, which has been under embargo since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic presently hold exemptions. Read more details here.
17:56 Family Members Seek Missing Soldiers in KurskRussian soldiers have gone missing or captured following the Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region, according to local media reports. The number of soldiers unaccounted for stands at 81, and 38 have been identified as prisoners of war in Ukrainian military video clips published by the BBC's Russian service. The information is drawn from pleas for help from the soldiers' families on the internet. Initial statements from President Vladimir Putin asserted that only professional soldiers and volunteers would partake in the conflict zone. Nonetheless, Russia's Kremlin defends Kursk's defense as not involving the "military special operation." Russia keeps its casualties in Kursk undisclosed. Learn more here.
17:19 Police Investigating Unusual Drone Activity at BrunsbuettelGerman armed forces are lending assistance to law enforcement inquiries into curious drone flights over industrial facilities in Schleswig-Holstein. A spokesperson from the Territorial Command disclosed that the Bundeswehr is subsequently offering radar data, in response to a police request for aid. Both Covestro and Holcim businesses have also offered their cooperation with the investigation. The companies reported drone activity. A collection of chemical, energy, and logistics firms is positioned in the ChemCoast Park in Brunsbuettel, which includes Covestro and Holcim. The State Prosecutor's Office in Flensburg is examining unauthorized drone flights over industrial sites under suspicion of espionage or sabotage activities.
16:51 Daily Civilian Casualties Flagged at EightCivilian fatalities occur regularly: Eight civilians have been reportedly killed in Russian attacks, as per Ukrainian officials. Two casualties were reported in the Sumy region bordering Russia, followed by three deaths in the Kharkiv region. Further deaths were recorded in the Donetsk and Kherson regions.
16:20 Geilenkirchen NATO Base Alerts RemovedThe NATO airbase in Geilenkirchen has rescinded its security alert level. After elevating the security status to the second-most considerable designation last night due to a possible hazard, the security level has been reverted to its baseline level, as asserted by a base spokesperson. This signifies that security protocols at the airport have been restored to their initial levels since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine. The spokesperson declined to disclose further information about the potential threat. The second-highest alert level in NATO parlance denotes that an incident has occurred or there are indications of possible threats to the alliance. As a preventative measure, numerous employees were instructed to leave work.
16:01 Federal Prosecutor Investigates Freed KriegerThe Federal Prosecutor's Office has commenced an investigation against German national Rico Krieger, who was released from confinement in Belarus as part of a prisoner swap. The examination is based on the suspicion of causing an explosion using explosives. Krieger was imprisoned in Belarus on charges of terrorism and mercenary activities, and was later pardoned to be handed over to Germany. As per "Die Welt am Sonntag", Krieger supposedly sought to join the "Kastus Kalinouski Regiment" in Ukraine, a Belarusian volunteer unit supporting the Ukrainian military against the Russian invasion. He was subsequently apprehended by Belarusian intelligence agents. Krieger refutes the accusations.
15:44 Modi Advocates Dialogue Between Zelenskyy and MoscowIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to pursue negotiations with Russia to bring an end to the conflict. During his visit to Kyiv, Modi expressed desire to serve as an intermediary to foster peace. "The only feasible path to a resolution is dialogue and diplomacy. We should prioritize this without delay," Modi stated. He encouraged both sides to engage in dialogue to find a resolution to the crisis, without specifically demanding the withdrawal of Russian troops. More insights here.
15:22 Wagner Group Facing Internal Strife after Prigozhin's DemiseOne year before the death of Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, his private military organization Wagner has reportedly faced internal fragmentation, according to British intelligence. Since the fatal plane crash, many prominent figures have reportedly left the group, as per the British Ministry of Defence. "With roughly 50,000 personnel at its peak in 2023, Wagner is now estimated to have approximately 5,000 personnel left in its remaining postings in Belarus and Africa," the ministry disclosed. Many ex-Wagner fighters have reportedly opted to serve with the Russian army or defense ministry-controlled paramilitary forces. One year ago today, Prigozhin perished in the crash of his private jet, two months after orchestrating a mutiny against Russia's military leadership. All of the plane's passengers also perished in the crash. Read more details here.
14:38 ISW: Kyiv's Advance Pushes Russian Troops to Retreat from Invaded Territory Due to the advance of Ukrainian troops in the western Russian region of Kursk, Moscow is reportedly withdrawing troops from the neighboring country it has invaded, according to assessments by experts at the U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The Russian military has allegedly moved some units from the southeastern Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhia to reinforce defenses in Kursk, with evidence from social media posts by deployed soldiers. However, Russia seems to be attempting to maintain the main axis of its attack in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk.
13:59 Trust in German Aid to Ukraine Weakened by Budget Dispute The budget dispute within the German government is significantly weakening trust in the reliability of German aid to Ukraine, according to security expert Christian Mölling of the German Society for International Cooperation. He refers to discussions about limiting German aid and instead supporting Ukraine with interest-free loans from frozen Russian assets. "Germany has really put its foot in it, causing significant international damage," Mölling told the "Der Spiegel" podcast "Die Lage". There is uncertainty about whether and when this plan will work, and the mechanism for delivering the money to Ukraine is still unclear.
13:31 Modi Embraces Zelensky in Controversial Second Hug Just weeks after his controversial hug with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also embraces Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Modi visits a memorial for fallen Ukrainian children with Zelensky, where he places a toy. India, the world's most populous country, maintains official neutrality in the war, does not impose Western sanctions on Moscow, and regularly calls for a dialogue-based solution, but has not yet made specific proposals.
13:03 Key Ferry Link to Crimea Remains Closed A day after a Ukrainian attack, the Russian port of Kavkaz, crucial for supplying Crimea, remains closed to ferries. Russia's transport ministry says ferry traffic will resume after cleanup is complete. Kavkaz is located in the Strait of Kerch, connecting the Black Sea and the Azov Sea. The Russian-occupied Crimea is visible from Kavkaz, making it a key transit hub for fuel and ammunition to the peninsula.
12:20 Russian Political Scientist Warns of Putin's Revenge Among Ukrainian military successes in Kursk, Russian President Vladimir Putin appears hesitant, according to Russian political scientist Ekaterina Schulmann. She says this is typical of Putin's response to bad news. Other Russia experts believe the Kremlin is currently considering options for a counterattack, with Putin taking his time to make a decision. "Someday we'll find out how Putin will take revenge," warns Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia-Eurasia Center in Berlin.
11:41 Russian Fuel Depot in Proletarsk Still Ablaze The Russian fuel depot in Proletarsk, in the southern Russian region of Rostov, continues to burn. According to NASA's Fire Monitoring Program, the facility is still on fire, and the Telegram channel Baza, close to Russian investigative authorities, reports that the fire is still raging. According to Baza, the depot was reportedly hit again by a Ukrainian drone last night.
11:12 Ukrainian President Welcomes Indian Prime Minister as Mediator While India, as a BRICS member, stands closely with Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is now receiving Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with Kyiv hoping for mediation to end the war. Due to the Kherson offensive, the Ukrainians are "more interested than ever in peace negotiations," reports ntv reporter Nadja Kriewald.
10:45 Ukrainian Military Claims Destruction of 14 Russian Attack Drones The Ukrainian military claims to have destroyed 14 out of 16 Russian attack drones launched overnight. "The air defense system was in operation in the regions of Cherkassy, Kirovohrad, Poltava, and Sumy," the air force reports.
10:16 Ukrainian Navy Comments on Sinking of Ferry in Kavkaz The Ukrainian Navy comments on the destruction of a ferry in the Russian port of Kavkaz. "Another undeniably military target has been destroyed," says Navy spokesman Dmytro Pletentschuk on Ukrainian television. The ferry was to supply the enemy with fuel. The ferry has sunk, and the port is currently unusable. Local authorities report that the attack took place on Thursday, with the ferry catching fire. The port of Kavkaz on the Black Sea supplies, among other places, the Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014, with fuel.
09:44 Russian Ambassador: "No Buffer Zone on Russian Territory" Russian Ambassador to the US, Anatoly Antonov, comments on the Kherson offensive and Kyiv's declared goal of establishing a buffer zone there: "That's impossible. There will be no buffer zone on Russian territory," TASS state news agency quotes him. Simultaneously, he warns that Moscow will not consult Washington to expel Ukrainian forces from the Kherson region. He accuses the US of "constantly testing the patience of the Russians" and trying to provoke "some emotional, quick decisions."
It's no surprise: Since Ukrainian forces moved onto Russian territory around two weeks ago, feelings towards President Vladimir Putin in Russia appear to be turning sour. According to a study by FilterLabs AI, reported by the "New York Times," many online contributors believe Ukraine's advance is a failure of the Russian government, with Putin taking the brunt of the blame. "Putin's reaction to the incursion was at best inadequate and at worst offensive," says FilterLabs CEO Jonathan Teubner. The company monitors attitudes in Russia by analyzing social media.
08:36 Modi in KyivIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently in Ukraine, as reported by both Indian and Ukrainian media. He's set to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Ukraine is hoping for India's support, seeing it as an influential voice in global politics. However, Kyiv has reservations about India's declared neutrality. In July, Modi visited Moscow. Images of Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin hugging were controversial in Ukraine and many Western countries.
08:05 Russian Warning on Nuclear Plant Attacks "Just Talk"Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of planning to attack the nuclear power plant in Kursk. However, ntv reporter Rainer Munz estimates the actual risk of a nuclear disaster due to the conflict.
07:33 China and Belarus to Boost CooperationChina and Belarus have agreed to boost cooperation in trade, security, energy, and finance, as stated in a joint statement following a meeting between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Belarusian Premier Roman Golovchenko. They aim to enhance cooperation in industrial supply chains and make trade easier to reduce costs for both sides. China is Belarus' second-largest trading partner and the largest in Asia.
07:05 Ukrainian Army Criticizes Poorly Trained RecruitsUkrainian commanders and soldiers criticize the poor training of new recruits and Russia's clear edge in the air and ammunition at the eastern front. "Some people don't want to shoot. They see the enemy in firing position in the trench and don't open fire. That's why our men are dying," says a battalion commander of the 47th Brigade. "If they don't use their weapons, they're useless." Since May, the government has enacted a controversial mobilization law. Reportedly, tens of thousands of fighters are being drafted each month, with the majority needed in the infantry. However, there are challenges in training, equipping, and paying so many new people.
06:35 Moscow Predicts US to Lift Weapons Restrictions for UkraineRussia's ambassador to the US believes the US will soon lift all restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine. Anatoly Antonov, as quoted by RIA news agency, said, "The current administration acts like they're offering a hand while hiding a dagger behind their back." They're preparing the ground to lift all restrictions without thinking. Antonov said a constructive dialogue with the US is only possible if they abandon their "hostile" policy towards Russia. He also suggested a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during the UN General Assembly next month is unlikely.
06:09 Harris Accuses Trump of Encouraging Putin to Invade EuropeDemocratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has expressed her support for NATO and promised to continue backing Ukraine against Russian aggression. "I will stand firmly with Ukraine and our NATO allies," she said at the Democratic Party convention in Chicago. Her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, however, reportedly threatened to abandon NATO and even encouraged Russian President Vladimir Putin to invade Europe, according to Harris.
05:38 Federal Network Agency Chief: "Caution is Still Needed"Despite full gas storage, the president of the Federal Network Agency, Klaus Müller, continues to urge caution in gas consumption. "The federal government is still on high alert. We must still be mindful," Müller told the "Augsburger Allgemeinen." He also referred to the Ukrainian forces moving onto Russian territory, which could worsen the situation. "Neither the natural gas infrastructure itself is contested, but the area around this infrastructure is a war zone on both sides," Müller told the newspaper. This includes the Gazprom gas station in Sudzha, located just a few kilometers from the Ukrainian border on Russian territory and a key distribution point for gas exported to Europe.
04:40 Modi Visits Kyiv: "No Problem Can Be Solved on the Battlefield"Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Ukraine for the first time today. A meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is planned in Kyiv, as announced by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. India maintains neutrality towards the Russian invasion, does not impose western sanctions on Moscow, and has become one of the largest buyers of cheap Russian oil on the world market. New Delhi consistently advocates for conflict resolution through dialogue. "India firmly believes that no problem can be solved on the battlefield. The loss of innocent lives on battlefields is the greatest challenge for humanity," Modi said during a visit to Poland on Thursday. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk encouraged Modi to play a mediating role in the conflict.
03:31 Sources: United States to Provide New Military AidAmerican authorities have reportedly declared plans to send more military aid to Ukraine, estimated to cost around $125 million. This new aid package includes air defense missiles, ammunition for multi-rocket launchers, Javelin missiles, and various other weapons, tools, and vehicles, as stated by unnamed officials. The official announcement is scheduled for today, just a day before Ukraine's Independence Day. The weapons will be drawn from the Pentagon's stockpile, enabling swift delivery.
02:12 Ukraine Reports 53 Russian Attacks Near Pokrovsk in a Single DayThe Ukrainian military has reported 53 Russian attacks in and around Pokrovsk, a city in the east of the country, throughout Thursday. The Russian forces aim to capture Pokrovsk, as mentioned in a statement issued by the General Staff. There has been no response from the Russian government thus far. According to available data, Russian troops have been making steady progress towards Pokrovsk over the past few days.
01:16 SPD Leader: Without Weapon Deliveries, Ukraine Would Be "Erased from the Map"
In the run-up to the state elections in Thuringia and Saxony, SPD chairperson Saskia Esken reiterates her support for Ukraine against Russia. She notes that Chancellor Olaf Scholz is pushing for a fair and sustainable peace. However, she adds that as long as Putin persists in his aggressive campaign against Ukraine, peace cannot be negotiated diplomatically. Esken draws parallels between her remarks and criticisms of the Left Party leader Sahra Wagenknecht. "If weapons deliveries to Ukraine were to cease today, the country would be overrun tomorrow and wiped off the map the day afterwards. This would have disastrous implications for security throughout Europe, resulting in neither less militarization nor peace," Esken opines.
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23:56 Ukraine Prepares for Historic Coldest Winter
With extensive damage to Ukraine's power and energy infrastructure due to Russian attacks, the country is preparing for a harsh and dark winter. "We are facing the most challenging winter in our history," says Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Haluschtschenko in a virtual conference. The upcoming winter is set to be even more challenging than the previous one due to accumulated damage from ongoing Russian attacks. Russian forces are employing diverse weapons to inflict maximum destruction, asserts Haluschtschenko. In a mild winter, electricity consumption stands at about 18 gigawatts, while in a severe winter, it increases to 19 gigawatts. Furthermore, an extra gigawatt of reserves needs to be created, he adds. According to Haluschtschenko, Russian attacks have resulted in the destruction of around 9 gigawatts of capacity.
23:08 NATO Increases Security at Geilenkirchen Airbase
Due to a perceived threat, NATO has elevated its security level at the airbase in Geilenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia. All non-essential staff have been sent home, confirms a base spokesperson. The decision is based on intelligence suggesting potential threats. "This is not a cause for concern and is merely a preventative measure to ensure we can continue our critical operations," they assert. Authorities confirm their presence at the site, while other details and the number of deployed troops remain undisclosed.
22:07 Ukraine Reports Strike on Kursk Support Point
The Ukrainian military has claimed yet another attack on Russian forces in the Kursk region. With the assistance of precision-guided American bombs, they targeted a Russian support base in the afternoon, states the head of the Ukrainian air forces, Mykola Oleshchuk. "A drone command center, a radio-electronic warfare unit, equipment, weapons, and up to 40 Russian military personnel were affected," he discloses, accompanied by a video supposedly documenting the attack.
21:43 First Follow-up Meeting Held after Swiss Peace Summit
Following the peace summit in Switzerland in June, a first follow-up meeting has been convened, according to Ukraine. Representatives from over 40 states and organizations participated in the virtual gathering. Further such meetings of working groups are planned.
You can review all previous developments here.
Given the context and the provided text, here are two sentences that contain the term 'The European Union' and follow from the text:
- In light of the escalating conflict in Ukraine and the potential risks to NATO installations, 'The European Union' has been urged to increase its support for member states, including Germany, in strengthening their defense capabilities.
- Amidst the growing tensions between Ukraine and Russia, 'The European Union' has called for a diplomatic solution, stressing the importance of international law and territorial integrity.
