Putin allegedly prepared to implement a truce with the present battlefront.

12:22: Putin reportedly prepares for truce at present battlefront

Word-for-word translation:

Insiders claim that Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to a ceasefire acknowledging the present frontline. "Putin can keep fighting for as long as it takes," says one of four individuals privy to discussions within Putin's circle, as shared with Reuters. "However, Putin is also ready for a ceasefire - to halt the war." Three of the insiders reported on remarks made by the president to a small group of advisors. Putin expressed discontent over perceived Western efforts to impede negotiations. He also voiced displeasure with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's refusal to pursue talks. Putin had previously referred to the "realities on the ground," indicating that Russia does not aim to reclaim the occupied territories.

At 11:51 am, Rheinmetall, an arms manufacturer, received a significant order for artillery ammunition valued at nearly 300 million euros from a NATO nation. Rheinmetall disclosed that the order entails thousands of artillery shells and hundreds of thousands of propellant charge modules. The ammunition is set to be delivered between 2024 and 2028. According to Rheinmetall, the root cause of this and other substantial orders is the need to replenish the military's ammunition supplies due to the conflict in Ukraine.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) postulates that the flurry of purges within the Russian Ministry of Defense is more likely a cover for concealing the real reasons for dismissing specific individuals from the Ministry. ISW cites a Russian insider source, who claims that six more ministry officials are seeking to resign in light of their superior's dismissal, Sergei Shoigu. Many military bloggers also suspect that the Russian authorities have not yet exhausted their probe. At the same time, they applaud the arrests as initiating efforts to prosecute corrupt officials under the new Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. "The Kremlin is likely permitting this criticism as it is aimed at people targeted by the Ministry of Defense," writes ISW. This bolsters the image of the new Defense Minister Andrei Belousov as a figure who tackles problems within the Ministry of Defense, contrasting him with Shoigu. "The Kremlin also benefits from military bloggers emphasizing that not a single Russian defense or military official is secure from the repercussions of not meeting Putin's favor."

At 10:45 am, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban believes that fears of a Russian attack on a NATO state are unfounded. "The Russian military is conduct, a serious and arduous war against the Ukrainians, "the conservative and pro-Kremlin head of government stated on public broadcast. "If the Russians had the strength to quickly end the Ukrainians, they would have done so by now." NATO's military prowess surpasses that of Ukraine. Consequently, it is improbable that Russia, or any other country, would assault NATO. "I don't think it's rational that Russia, which can't even defeat Ukraine, would suddenly conquer the entire Western world. The likelihood of that is extremely low."

At 10:16 am, Russia assigns blame to the Islamic State (IS) for the first time, for orchestrating the deadly attack on a concert hall near Moscow. State news agency RIA Novosti cites Alexander Bortnikov, director of the Russian secret service FSB, as saying, "During the course of our investigation, it was established that the preparations, financing, attack, and escape of the terrorists were coordinated online by members of the Khorasan Province group," the Afghan affiliation of IS. IS has repeatedly asserted responsibility for the attack on March 22, which left more than 140 dead and over 360 injured. Nevertheless, Moscow has consistently attempted to link Ukraine to the attack, which Kiev strenuously denies. Even now, Bortnikov asserts: "The investigation is still ongoing, but we can already say with certainty that Ukrainian military intelligence is directly involved in the attack." He fails to elaborate on how this aligns with IS.

09:55 "There is no forward or backward in Vovchansk"For several weeks, Kharkiv has endured continuous shelling. Russian attacks are still sounding the city's sirens. Meanwhile, ntv correspondent Stephan Richter describes Vovchansk as "facing the worst possible situation."

09:29 Approximately 500,000 Russian Casualty Numbers Presented by Ukraine

Ukrainian officials estimate that the Russian death toll will soon surpass half a million. The Ukrainian Armed Forces' General Staff reports 498,940 Russian soldier deaths since their full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. This figure includes the 1,240 casualties sustained by the Russian military in the preceding 24 hours. The report also details that Russia has lost 7,635 tanks, 14,775 armored combat vehicles, 17,569 vehicles and fuel tanks, 12,902 artillery systems, 1,080 multiple launch rocket systems, 813 air defense systems, 356 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 10,401 drones, 27 ships and boats, and one submarine.

08:57 Kharkiv Undergoes Another Glide Bomb Attack

Kharkiv, a Ukrainian city that's endured months of Russian air raids, suffered two more glide bomb strikes during the night. Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported no reported casualties. However, several damaged residential buildings and an uninhabited warehouse resulted from the attacks. Previously, Saturday's attacks left seven people deceased. Around 15 converted S-300 or S-400 missiles targeted Kharkiv and nearby areas. One of the city's largest book printing facilities was also destroyed. Serhij Zhadan, a renowned Ukrainian writer, lamented the loss of literature, stating, "The Ukrainian book is the Ukrainian strength. That's why the enemy wants to destroy it."

08:26 FSB Chief: Ukraine Involved in Moscow Concert Hall Terrorist Attack

The leader of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), Alexander Bortnikov, claimed that Ukraine's military intelligence service orchestrated the deadly March attack on a Moscow concert hall. Despite the ongoing investigation, Bortnikov asserted this with confidence. He also accused NATO of aiding the transfer of "mercenaries and members of international terrorist organizations" from the Middle East, North Africa, and Afghanistan to Ukraine, to combat Russian forces there. The IS militia has taken responsibility for the concert hall assault, which resulted in over 140 fatalities.

08:02 Significant Damage to Russian Communications Center in Occupied Crimea

Reportedly, a Russian communications center in Anushikha, occupied Crimea, suffered significant damage following an attack involving six U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles. The pro-Ukrainian partisan group Atesh and Crimean Wind telegram channel both shared this information. Crimean Wind claims that numerous victims also resulted from the attack. High-ranking military personnel were allegedly present in the facility's buildings.

07:27 Russian Publicist: Russians Condemned to a Lifetime of Idiocy

Russian publicist and former Duma deputy Alexander Nevzorov criticizes his fellow countrymen, comparing them to circus animals. He asserts that these individuals will maintain the war-lust and brainwashing imparted upon them by Russian propaganda for several generations. "The Russians are condemned to live and die as idiots for at least a few generations," he says. Nevzorov, who faced years in prison, has also acquired a Ukrainian passport.

07:03 Scholz: "No EU Nuclear Weapons"

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz backs French President Emmanuel Macron's intentions to bolster European defense but clarifies, "There will be no 'EU nuclear weapons.'" Scholz emphasizes that a "right mix of capabilities" is necessary to defend and deter potential aggressors. Scholz envisions a stronger European defense industry built through investment in areas including nuclear deterrence, conventional forces, air and missile defense, cyber, space capabilities, and precision strikes. He calls for reinforcing the European pillar of their deterrence.https://www.tagesschau.de/international/russland-ukraine-101.html

Ukraine estimates that over 498,000 Russian soldiers have been killed since the invasion in February. Ukrainian General Staff reports over 1,240 Russian troop deaths in the previous day with over 7,600 tanks, 15,000 armored combat vehicles, 18,000 vehicles and fuel tanks, 13,000 artillery systems, 1,100 multiple launch rocket systems, 800 air defense systems, 350 aircraft, 320 helicopters, 10,000 drones, 30 vessels and one submarine lost.

Russian bombs strike again in Kharkiv: no casualties reported but several residential buildings and an unoccupied warehouse were slightly damaged. Just the day before seven Russian casualties were reported in the city, bringing the overall number of casualties from Russian attacks to about 150 since the beginning of the Russian invasion.

Russian security chief, Bortnikov, claims that Ukrainian intelligence services have been directly involved in a deadly bombing outside a concert hall near Moscow. The investigation is still ongoing, but Bortnikov insists that the involvement has been confirmed and accuses NATO of facilitating the transfer of "mercenaries and militant members of international terrorist organizations from the Middle East, North Africa and Afghanistan to Ukraine" to fight against Russian troops. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack in March that killed more than 140 people.

Ukrainian military claimed significant damage was caused to a Russian communication center in an occupied area of Crimea. The organization Atesh and Crimean Wind via Telegram reported that at least six ATACMS missiles, provided by the USA, successfully struck the facility. Several buildings and a building housing high-ranking military personnel were heavily damaged.

Russian publicist Alexander Nevzorov, a former Duma deputy, infamously criticizes his countrymen, comparing them to circus animals. He predicts that the "useful tricks" imparted by Russian propaganda, such as lust for war, rust, patriotism, and other deviances will remain with them until their deaths. Holding a Ukrainian passport, he argues that Russian intelligence's programs will persist for "several generations."

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz supports French President Emmanuel Macron's efforts to strengthen European defense capabilities, including nuclear deterrence. Scholz sees a need to discuss the right combination of capabilities to defend Europe and discourage any attacker. In addition to nuclear deterrence, other initiatives include strong conventional forces, air and missile defense, cyber, space, and precision strike capabilities. He seeks to improve the European defense industry via investments.

7:38 Washington puts pressure on Tbilisi over contentious agent law

After the approval of a disputed law concerning "foreign influence operations" in Georgia, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announces new visa limitations and a reevaluation of ties with the nation. The new visa rules would cover individuals "accountable for or linked to undermining democracy in Georgia, together with their family members," Blinken declared. The US would furthermore commence a "comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation between the United States and Georgia," he adds. The States would continue to nurture hope that the administration in Georgia would reconsider the law and take actions to advance the nation's "democratic and Euro-Atlantic aspirations."

7:29 Estonia helps children in war-torn zones

The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to contribute more than half a million euros in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, mainly to bolster the education system in combat-affected regions and assist children affected by the conflict. Reportedly, a portion of the assistance will be granted through the Estonian nonprofit organization Eesti Pagulasabi, which will focus on ameliorating conditions in susceptible areas and aiding Ukrainian refugees in Georgia. Moreover, the nonprofit Mondo intends to utilize a portion of the resources for the organization of summer camps and psychological support for children in Zaporizhzhya.

7:07 Russian MP outlines future objectives

Russian soldiers are aiming to seize more than half of the territory in the Kharkov region border town of Vovchansk in Ukraine. This information was shared by the Russian news agency TASS, citing a statement by Russian parliamentary deputy Viktor Vodolatsky. Vodolatsky is quoted as stating that Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, and Pokrovsk are Russia's following significant objectives once it occupies Vovchansk.

6:37 Putin meets with Lukashenko in Belarus for discussions

According to the Russian media, Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Belarus and has already initiated preliminary informal talks. Putin is reportedly saying, "We have much to discuss. Everything is stable and running smoothly for us." On the agenda today are further talks with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko concerning security and joint military exercises involving tactical nuclear arms. Minsk will participate in the exercises, during which the simulation of preparations for the launch of small nuclear warheads will take place.

5:10 South Korea imposes sanctions on North Koreans and Russian ships

South Korea has imposed penalties on seven North Koreans and two Russian ships in connection to the arms trade between Pyongyang and Moscow. This was declared by the South Korean Foreign Ministry.

4:07 United States prepares further military assistance for Ukraine worth 275 million dollars

The United States is planning to provide military aid for Ukraine worth 275 million dollars. This involves procuring ammunition, precision-guided bombs, and vehicles, according to three American officials. The aid will be furnished under the Presidential Drawdown Authority. This authorizes President Joe Biden to take action in emergencies without congressional approval.

3:04 Brazil and China distance themselves from Ukraine peace conference

Brazil and China are indirectly distancing themselves from the proposed international peace conference on Ukraine in Switzerland, where Russia has not been invited. As stated by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's special advisor Celso Amorim and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in a joint document, both states urge Russia and Ukraine to engage in peace negotiations. For this to happen, an international peace conference must be organized with participation from all parties, they emphasize.

1:30 Court in Moscow jails Kremlin dissident for 25 years

A military court in Moscow has sentenced a 36-year-old man to 25 years in prison for sabotage and affiliation with a rebel Russian unit fighting for Ukraine. The unusually hefty punishment, according to the prosecutor's office, was imposed on Vladimir Malina for terrorism, treason, and sabotage. As per the indictment, the barman from Moscow was a member of the "Legion for a Free Russia", a group of Russians working with Ukraine. He set fire to a railroad control box and plotted other sabotage actions. Malina was detained in June.

0:00 Poland and Greece advocate for EU air defense shield

Amidst the Russian war, Poland and Greece are requesting the European Union to establish an air defense shield to defend European countries. "Europe's security will only be safe if its skies are secure," announced Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis in a joint letter to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Such an air defense shield must be a project that addresses the "significant vulnerability of our security," they assert.

10:26 PM: Alleged Explosions Occur in Russian-Occupied Crimea

There are suspected explosions in the area controlled by Russia in Crimea. It is believed that Ukraine might be targeting the island using the ATACMS missiles provided by the US a few weeks ago. A video recorded at the Crimean coast in the village of Alushta seems to show at least one blast. Nevertheless, this has not been confirmed yet. The Russian air defense system appears to be operating, as depicted in the footage. The Governor of Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov—who was appointed by Russian occupiers—admitted on Telegram to missile attacks on Simferopol and Alushta. Two individuals were said to have been killed, and an empty commercial building was damaged. However, Russia often downplays Ukrainian attacks or claims they were successful in intercepting all missiles and drones. Ukraine has been attacking Russian air defense systems and detectors more frequently. It is speculated that this is also the case now.

10:00 PM: Another Arrest? Possible Continuation of Putin's Military Purge

Reports from pro-Russian channels claim that Vladimir Verteletsky, head of the Russian Ministry of Defense's department for ensuring the state defense order, has been detained. He is being accused of widespread fraud. Vadim Shamarin, the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the army, was arrested before Verteletsky. Shamarin was the fourth senior military officer to be detained since April.

Don't miss out on the previous developments. You can read them here.