12:21 The Kremlin dismisses murder plot allegations as 'fake news'
Russia denies report of planned attack on Rheinmetall-CEO Armin Papperger as false, calls it "fake news" from anonymous sources, Moscow's Presidium states. Such reports should not be taken seriously. The US news network CNN reported on Thursday that the USA and Germany had thwarted an early-year planned attack by Russia on Papperger. German Bundestag MP Reinhard Houben now calls for a special session of the Federal Security Council. 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 level of escalation".
12:05 "For the new era": China holds military exercises with Russia
China, according to its own statements, is holding joint military exercises with Russia off its coast. 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 reportedly 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 capability of both sides to deal with threats to maritime security together and maintain global and regional peace and stability", the Ministry explains. They are also meant to "deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia for the new era".
11:47 Kiev to bring artillery shelling of children's clinic to International Criminal Court
The Ukrainian Prosecutor General intends to bring the alleged Russian artillery shelling of a children's hospital in Kiev to the International Criminal Court (ICC). "Cases like the deliberate attack on the largest children's hospital in Kiev should end up at the ICC", says Andrij Kostin. Russia denies responsibility for the shelling and speaks of a malfunction of the Ukrainian air defense. Experts reject this. They point out that a surface-to-air missile would have caused numerous small craters or depressions at the impact site - and not a half-buried building like in Kiev.
11:14 Ukrainian Jagdbrigade: "Wonder of Technology" captured
The Ukrainian 68th Separate Jagdbrigade reports on social media about the capture of a modern T90-Proryv-Tank. This refers to the most advanced version from the T90 series and is, along with the T-14, the most modern combat tank of the Russian armed forces. The Ukrainian brigade describes it as "a wonder of technology". The captured model is said to be in a nearly functional condition. The soldiers cannot be independently verified, but they have published numerous photos. The soldiers also report the capture of a T-80 combat tank and a BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle. Their plans call for the use of the three vehicles against the Russian invaders.
10:52 German Interior Ministry sees "significantly increased threat from Russian aggression"
In light of reports about attack plans against Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasizes the determination of German security agencies. "We do not comment on individual threat situations," the SPD politician said. "We take the significantly increased threat from Russian aggression very seriously." Russian President Vladimir Putin aims to undermine support for Ukraine, according to Faeser. "But we will not be intimidated." Security measures have been significantly increased in response to Russian threats over the past two years. "The threats range from espionage, sabotage and cyberattacks to state terrorism."
10:27 "Ukraine joining NATO is the greatest risk factor for Ukraine"
NATO announces that Ukraine will join the military alliance - after the end of the war. This does not seem to cause euphoria or hope in Ukraine. The NATO rhetoric repeats itself, the promises have become known to the Ukrainians, so journalist Denis Trubetskoy remarks.
10:03 HUR: Russian deep-sea vessel damaged
A modernized Russian deep-sea vessel is reportedly damaged in tests in the European North Sea, according to Ukrainian reports. The Ukrainian military intelligence service HUR reports that the crew lost control during the launch of the 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
Anonymous actors reportedly tried to influence the European election through covert social media campaigns, according to a report by "Spiegel". An analysis by the private research institute Trollrense shows that in Germany, the AfD profited most from covert support. According to the investigation, a large amount of posts calling for the AfD on the X platform were spread by a small group that used thousands of accounts. The analysts believe that the network is likely to be Russian-controlled.
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 route 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 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 out of 19 drones were also destroyed. The primary target of the Russian attack was the city of Starokostyantyniv, 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 Mykolayiv. 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 on casualties or damage."
08:22 Greens defend stationing plan: It's about protection
Greens Fraktion Vice President Agnieszka Brugger defends the planned arms buildup with 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 racing 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 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. This is reported by "Kyiv Independent" citing a confidential source from the intelligence service. The Russian pilot, who is said to serve in the 22nd heavy bomber aircraft 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 made the decision to do so. 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 CEO Armin Papperger believes that the war in Ukraine could still last a long time. The ongoing wear-out war harms the Russians as well, but it can still last forever, he said in an interview with the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung". Papperger also expects sustained growth for the Düsseldorf-based defense conglomerate. The sales are expected to increase by 40% this year.
07:05 An Alleged Assassination Plot against Rheinmetall-CEO? Suspected Russian Agents Were Reportedly Already in the EU
The danger to Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger from alleged assassination plans may have been more concrete than previously known. According to information from "Spiegel" security circles, Western intelligence services observed suspicious travels of alleged agents in recent months. The men were reportedly 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 detected not only near the Rheinmetall headquarters but also at Papperger's travel destinations abroad. Senior officials suspect they could have been "proxies" of Russian intelligence services – hired hands from Moscow.
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 on 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 seriousness of the situation." He has felt until today 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." Putin has set himself the goal of restoring the old Soviet Union. "Here, it is all still being played down a bit," so Heusgen. "One must give the people a clear wine and tell them what Russia has broken in treaties, how Russia is rearming, 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. The wife is a soldier in the Australian military. The Australian authorities accuse the couple of preparing a spying offense, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
05:55 Outrage over Report of Murder Plans: "Putin Regime Threatens 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 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 is now threatening 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 then informed, and the 61-year-old was reportedly given increased protection as a result.
05:18 Hungary Accuses NATO Allies of Hypocrisy and FailureThe Hungarian government is accusing NATO allies of hypocrisy and failure in dealing with Russia's attack on 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 last two and a half years has been a total failure," says Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto in a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to a spokesperson. 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 announced a plan for his government at the NATO summit in Washington to increase defense spending to 2.5% of Gross Domestic Product. At the same time, he called on other allies to also increase their defense spending. 23 of the 32 alliance members currently spend less than 2% of their GDP on defense, and given the serious threats to security, more needs to be done, Starmer said.
03:30 Biden: I Would Talk to Putin if He Was 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 said at 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 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 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. In the meantime, US military forces will continue to assume coordination duties. The deployment is also intended to be a precaution for the possible return of Donald Trump to the US Presidency in January 2025.
01:58 Scholz rejects unlimited weapons use 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 adds. Zelenskyy is mainly concerned about military bases in Russian territory from which rocket attacks on Ukraine originate. More than 40 civilians, including children, were killed in Monday's attacks on Ukrainian cities.
01:25 Scholz on attack report: Aware of Russian threatsIn relation to a media report about a Russian plot to target 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 well aware that we are exposed to various threats from Russian activities."
00:40 UN demands Russia withdraws 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 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, 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 budget correction in 2025Defense 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 the Bundeswehr to be equipped in such a way that it can fulfill its mission.
22:46 Kremlin: "On the best way to a Cold War"The Kremlin criticizes the planned stationing of US weapons of great range 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 return - 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. 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 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 mainly 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 announces further aid package with Patriot systemUS President Joe Biden announces another aid package for Ukraine worth $225 million. Part of the package is a Patriot system, which should 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 the 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 reports at the NATO summit in Washington.
09:30 Germany to Strengthen Cyber Defense Amid Russia ThreatsIn response to the reported threats against Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger and increased Russian aggression, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has announced plans to strengthen Germany's cyber defense. She stated, "We take the significantly increased threat from Russian aggression very seriously, and cybersecurity is an essential part of our response."
09:00 NATO and Ukraine Discuss Military Deployments in Response to Russian AggressionVolodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, met with NATO officials to discuss potential military deployments in response to Russia's ongoing aggression. The discussions covered various aspects, including the possibility of NATO providing additional defensive capabilities to Ukraine, as well as coordinated military operations to deter further Russian attacks.
08:30 Russia Denies Challenging NATO's Eastern Flank, Focuses on CyberwarfareIn response to the increased NATO presence and weapons deliveries to Ukraine, Russia has emphasized its focus on cyberwarfare. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated, "We have long pointed out that the cyber domain is becoming an essential battleground in the international arena. We will continue to prioritize this area of expertise to ensure our security interests."
07:55 Cyberwar within the Conflict: Russia Targets Ukrainian InfrastructureAs the conflict in Ukraine escalates, reports of cyberwarfare and cyberattacks from both sides have surfaced. Russia has been accused of launching strategic cyberattacks against Ukrainian infrastructure, including energy and financial institutions. In response, Ukraine has ramped up its cybersecurity measures and is collaborating with international partners to bolster its defenses.
07:25 Germany Expresses Concerns Over Russia's Cyberwarfare CapabilitiesGerman Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has expressed concerns over Russia's cyberwarfare capabilities and its potential impact on NATO and European countries. Pistorius stated, "We cannot underestimate Russia's cyber capabilities. We need to invest in our defensive measures and work closely with our NATO allies to stay ahead of the curve." These concerns come as a result of intelligence suggesting that Russia may be planning cyberattacks against critical infrastructure in Europe.
