13:14 In wartime, the bund apparently plans for massive troop relocations
For the possibility of an escalation at the NATO eastern flank, Germany and the Bundeswehr are planning the deployment of hundreds of thousands of soldiers from alliance member states through Germany. According to "Spiegel," this is based on informed circles. The plans involve moving around 800,000 soldiers with approximately 200,000 vehicles from North Sea ports in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany to the east within three to six months. The column would be about 13,000 kilometers long. The preparations are part of the secretly designated Operationsplan Deutschland that the Bundeswehr has developed to make Germany battle-ready.
12:21 Kremlin dismisses report of murder plot against Rheinmetall CEO as "fake news"
Russia dismisses the report of a planned assassination on Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger as false. The Presidium in Moscow states that such reports are based on anonymous sources and should not be taken seriously. The US news network CNN reported on Thursday that the US and Germany had thwarted an early-year assassination plot by Russia against Papperger. FDP Bundestag member Reinhard Houben now demands a special session of the Bundesrat. If the CNN report is true, the German government must draw clear consequences, he says. Planned attacks on German citizens in Germany would have "a new quality of escalation."
12:05 "For the new era": China holds military exercises with Russia
China is holding joint military exercises with Russia, as per Chinese statements. The exercises named "Joint Sea-2024" reportedly began at the beginning of July and will last until mid-month. The Chinese Defense Ministry explains that the exercises are 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 and maintain global and regional peace and stability," the Ministry states. They are also supposed to "deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia for the new era."
11:47 Kiev intends to bring shelling of children's hospital 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 an intentional attack on the largest children's hospital in Kiev should go to 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 believe that a surface-to-air missile would have caused numerous small craters or depressions at the impact site - and not a half-collapsed building like in Kiev.
11:14 Ukrainian 68th Separate Jagdbrigade: "Wonderwork 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 latest version from the T90 series and the most modern combat tank of the Russian armed forces, along with the T-14. The Ukrainian brigade refers to it as "Wonderwork of Technology". The captured model is reported to be in almost fully functional condition. The soldiers have published various photos. The soldiers also report the capture of a T-80 combat tank and a BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle. Their plans are to use the three vehicles against the Russian invaders.
10:52 Interior Ministry: "Significantly increased threat from Russian aggression"
Against the background of reports about attack plans against Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasizes the resolve 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 wants to undermine support for Ukraine, according to Faeser. "But we will not be intimidated." Security measures have been significantly increased in the face of Russian threats in the past two years. "The threats range from espionage, sabotage, and cyberattacks to state terrorism."
10:27 "US Election is the greatest risk factor for Ukraine"
The NATO announces that Ukraine will join the military alliance - after the war ends. This does not seem to cause euphoria or hope in Ukraine. The NATO's rhetoric repeats itself, the promises are known to the Ukrainians, so journalist Denis Trubetskoy.
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 damages that prevent it from continuing the tests", it is said on Telegram. Russia is currently assessing the damage and the time required for repairs of the vessel.
09:32 Russian "troll army" spread propaganda for the AfD before EU election
Unknown individuals are reported to have attempted to influence the EU election through covert social media campaigns, according to a report by "Spiegel". This is shown in an analysis by the private research institute Trollrensics, which evaluated the activities of so-called troll armies in Europe on behalf of the Dutch Social Democrats. In Germany, the AfD reportedly profited most from the covert support. According to the analysis, a large number of posts advocating for the AfD during the EU election 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 about 90 percent of the stretch between the Orrengrund Lighthouse Station and the Hamina Port. 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 assessment: "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 at Ukraine. Eleven of the 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, according to the Air Force. No information is provided 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 Greens defend stationing plan: It's about protection
Greens Fraktion Vice President Agnieszka Brugger defends the planned deployment of long-range US weapons in Germany in the German public broadcaster. She understands that many people associate this with the Cold War, says the defense expert. However, these measures are not a contribution to arms race but serve defense 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 decided to take this step. The pilot is said to have provided personal information, including photos and other confidential documents, about over 30 Russian commanders.
07:28 Rheinmetall-CEO: Russian Wear-and-Tear War Could Last Forever
Rheinmetall Chairman of the Board Armin Papperger believes that the war in Ukraine could continue for a long time. The current wear-and-tear war is damaging the Russians, but it can last forever, he said in an interview with the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung." Papperger also expects sustained growth for the Düsseldorf-based defense conglomerate as a result. The sales are expected to increase by 40% in 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 was apparently more concrete than previously known. According to information from the "Spiegel" from security circles, Western intelligence services have observed suspicious travels of alleged agents in recent months. The men are believed to be 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 reportedly detected not only near the Rheinmetall headquarters but also at Papperger's travel destinations abroad. Senior officials suspect that these could have been "proxies" of Russian intelligence services – that is, hired agents.
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 lamented. Putin reportedly aims to restore the old Soviet Union. "We are still downplaying it all a bit here," Heusgen said. "People need to be told the truth and made clear what Russia has broken in treaties, how Russia is rearming, and that Russia has stationed nuclear-capable missiles in Kaliningrad, which 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 planning a spying offense, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
05:55 Alarm after Report on Murder Plans: "Putin Regime now targets German citizens as well"A CNN report on alleged Russian assassination plans against Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger has caused alarm in Germany. "It shows once again that Russia is bringing 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 Ukrainians but also German citizens and our values." 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 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 partners of double morals and failureThe Hungarian government accuses its NATO partners of double morals 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, 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 by his government at the NATO summit in Washington to increase defense spending to 2.5% of Gross Domestic Product. At the same time, he calls on other allies to do the same. 23 of the 32 members of the alliance currently spend less than 2% of their GDP on defense, and given the serious threats to security, more needs to be done, Starmer says.
03:30 Biden: I would talk to Putin if he were willing 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 after 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 any willingness on his part," Biden says. Putin must be willing to change his behavior.
02:32 Building of new NATO-Ukraine Command in Wiesbaden begins
The building of the new NATO-Ukraine Command in Wiesbaden starts today. The new command is to coordinate weapons deliveries and training activities for the Ukrainian forces. However, the supreme allied commander Europe is expected to still need several months to set up the command in a way that it can take on all planned tasks, NATO representatives stated on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Washington. Until then, US forces will continue to take on the coordination tasks. 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 unlimited weapons use against Russia
Federal 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 added. 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 attacks on Ukrainian cities on Monday.
01:25 Scholz on attack report: Aware of Russian threats
In 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 very well aware that we are exposed to various threats from Russian activities."
00:40 UN calls on Russia to withdraw from Zaporizhzhia NPP
The UN General Assembly calls on Russia to withdraw its military and other non-authorized personnel from the Ukrainian Zaporizhzhia NPP. Russia is urged to place the power plant back 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. The plant is shut down but still needs external energy to keep the nuclear material cool and prevent a nuclear meltdown.
23:36 Pistorius expects budget correction in 2025
Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is convinced that there will be corrections 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 so 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 long-range weapons in Germany as a return to the Cold War. "We are on the best way to a Cold War. All of this has 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 in Ukraine. "And all the features of the Cold War are returning - with confrontation, with direct confrontation between adversaries", he says. "All of this is being done to undermine our country. All of 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 massively expanded again in 2022.
21:34 Zelenskyy: Demands for western weapons restrictions to endUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy calls for the lifting of all restrictions on the use of western weapons against Russian territory at the NATO summit in Washington. "If we want to win and save our country, then all these restrictions must be lifted", emphasizes the Ukrainian head of state. The focus is mainly on 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 includes a Patriot system, which is intended to strengthen the Ukrainian air defense against Russian air raids. 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 says at the NATO summit in Washington.
1. The escalation at the NATO eastern flank is a concern, with Germany planning military deployments in response to potential attacks from Russia.
2. The Ukrainian Prosecutor General intends to bring the alleged Russian artillery shelling of a children's hospital in Kiev to the International Criminal Court.
3. Germany and its allies are preparing for the deployment of hundreds of thousands of soldiers in response to an 'Attack on Ukraine', with NATO potentially expanding its presence in the region.
4. Russia has dismissed reports of a planned assassination on Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger as 'fake news', but the United States and Germany have taken the threat seriously.
5. NATO is reportedly considering increased defense efforts in response to the 'Ukraine-Conflict', with some allies falling short of the agreed-upon 2% defense spending threshold.
