13:49 Head of Ukrainian army: Russians encountering severe difficulty near Vovchansk

13:49 Head of Ukrainian army: Russians encountering severe difficulty near Vovchansk

As per Ukrainian military chief Oleksandr Syrskyj, the Russian army's progress in the Kharkiv region of northeastern Ukraine has slowed down. Soldiers from Moscow have run into difficulties in street fights around the border town of Vovchansk. These soldiers have suffered heavy losses in their assault teams, Syrskyj stated online. At present, Russia is reinforcing its soldiers with reserves from various locations in an effort to capture Vovchansk, but they have had no success so far. Situated five kilometers from the Russian border, Vovchansk is the focus of Russia's ground offensive that started two weeks ago in northeastern Ukraine. Since then, Russia has made its biggest territorial gains since late 2022.

13:17 Baerbock cautions Russia over provocations on western borderGerman Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock issues a warning to Russia about acts of aggression on its western border: "Russia is igniting the borders of the European Union," she says on Platform X. "We stand together with our friends in Estonia, Finland & Lithuania, and we don't accept this hostile behavior," Baerbock underscores. "On the contrary, we are united with our allies in the Baltic States & the Baltic Sea," she adds. There have been reports that navigation buoys vanished from the Narva River along the Estonia-Russia border a day earlier.

12:55 Romanian citizen arrested for allegedly spying for RussiaA Romanian man has been detained on suspicion of spying for Russia. The public prosecutor's office in Bucharest has disclosed this information. This individual had been tracking and photographing military installations and troop/military equipment movements belonging to the Romanian army and other NATO countries along the Romanian border near Tulcea since 2022. The man is believed to have sent this information to the Russian embassy in Bucharest. A judge has authorized the suspect's arrest for 30 days, as part of an initial detention period. The investigation is being conducted jointly by DIICOT, the Romanian public attorney's specialized unit responsible for organized crime and terrorism, and the domestic intelligence service SRI, as well as the army's intelligence service.

12:26 Putin purportedly prepares for ceasefire with the existing frontlineSources have claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is willing to strike an agreement that acknowledges the established frontline. "Putin can continue the fight for as long as it takes," claimed an insider in the president's circle to Reuters news agency. "However, Putin is also prepared for a ceasefire – to freeze the conflict," three insiders revealed. They claim that Putin has been displeased by initiatives attributed to the West intended to delay negotiations. Putin has frequently expressed interest in negotiating, only to backpedal in an interview soon before his re-election: "We won't engage in talks based on idealistic notions originating from drug-induced delusions, but we are ready for talks grounded in the actual conditions that have surfaced," he mentioned.

11:57 NATO nation places massive order for artillery ammunition with RheinmetallArms company Rheinmetall receives a sizable order for artillery ammunition worth almost 300 million euros from a NATO state. According to Rheinmetall, the order encompasses tens of thousands of artillery shells and a few hundred thousand propellant charge units. The ammunition is scheduled for delivery between 2024 and 2028. The background of this and other significant orders is the need to replenish the inventory of armed forces' arms as a consequence of the conflict in Ukraine.

11:32 ISW: Possible conjecture regarding Russian Ministry of Defense purgesThe Institute for the Study of War proposes that corruption allegations against the Russian Ministry of Defense are likely just a decoy to conceal the real intention for the demotion of specific officials. The Kremlin will probably not cease with the arrests and dismissals of high-ranking officials. Three insider sources hinted that six more ministry officials want to resign in the wake of the removal of their boss, Sergei Shoigu. Numerous military bloggers applauded the arrests as the inception of attempts to prosecute corrupt officials under newly appointed Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. "The Kremlin may be allowing this backlash because it targets specific individuals targeted by the Ministry of Defense," states ISW, reinforcing the image of Defense Minister Andrei Belousov as a solution-seeker in the Ministry of Defense rather than Sergei Shoigu. "The Kremlin also benefits from military bloggers emphasizing that no Russian defense or military official is off-limits from the consequences of disapplying Putin's favor."

10:45 Orban Unconvinced: No Russian Attack on NATO State

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban feels that worries surrounding a potential Russian attack on a NATO member state are unjustified. He made this statement while speaking to the public broadcaster, expressing his thoughts on the ongoing battle between Russia and Ukraine. "The Russian military is struggling in its brutal war against the Ukrainians," Orban noted. "If the Russians had the strength to easily defeat the Ukrainians, they would have done so by now." Considering that NATO's military capabilities far exceed those of Ukraine, it seems highly improbable for Russia to strike against the organization. "It's illogical to think that, given they can't even overpower Ukraine, Russia would suddenly turn to conquering the entire Western world," Orban believes.

10:16 Moscow Terror Attack Linked to IS for the First Time

For the first time, the Russian government has blamed the jihadist group Islamic State (IS) for organizing the tragic attack on a concert hall near Moscow. The official state news agency RIA Novosti shared this information, quoting Alexander Bortnikov, the director of the Russian domestic intelligence service FSB, as saying that during the investigation, it was found out "that the military and financial preparations, the attack itself, and the retreat of the terrorists were coordinated on the internet by members of the Khorasan Province group," which is the Afghan branch of IS. Throughout this ordeal, IS has repeatedly taken responsibility for the attack that transpired on March 22, killing more than 140 individuals and injuring over 360 others. Despite these claims, Russia has continuously tried to pin Ukraine as the main culprit, which Kiev fervently denies. Bortnikov further explained: "The investigation is still ongoing, but we can already say with certainty that Ukrainian military intelligence is directly involved in the attack." It remains unclear how this is connected to IS.

09:55 No Forward or Back in Vovchansk

Kharkiv, a city experiencing intense bombardment for several weeks, has once again been subjected to heavy Russian fire. In addition to Kharkiv, the city of Vovchansk is currently holding its breath, with ntv correspondent Stephan Richter describing the situation as "no forward and no backward." Vovchansk is facing its most perilous circumstance.

09:29 Potential Half a Million Russian Casualties Presented by Ukraine

The Ukrainian military has provided an estimate of the toll taken on Russian troops. Since the invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2022, they claim that 498,940 Russian soldiers have died. This figure includes 1,240 losses suffered by the Russian armed forces within the past 24 hours. According to the Ukrainian Armed Forces' General Staff, Russia has lost a total of 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 Another Glide Bombing Raid on Kharkiv

Two glide bombs attacked Kharkiv, a city that has endured Russian air raids for months, during the night. Initial reports indicate no casualties in this occurrence. A few residential buildings and an empty structure sustained minor damage. The previous day, seven individuals had died due to Russian attacks in Kharkiv. Around 15 converted S-300 or S-400 anti-aircraft missiles rained down upon Kharkiv and its neighboring area, with one of the largest literary printing houses in Ukraine among the victims. Noted Ukrainian writer Serhij Zhadan expressed his sentiments, 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 Terror Attack

The head of the Russian domestic intelligence service, FSB, Alexander Bortnikov, alleges that the Ukrainian military intelligence service played a direct role in the terrorist attack that occurred near Moscow in March. Despite the ongoing investigation, he is confident in his claim, as he stated in an interview with the state news agency Tass. This accusation is not the first time Russia has made such allegations, without providing any concrete evidence. Furthermore, Bortnikov accused NATO of supporting the transfer of "mercenaries and members of international terrorist organizations from the Middle East, North Africa, and Afghanistan to Ukraine." The notorious Islamic State militia had claimed responsibility for the concert hall attack, resulting in over 140 fatalities.

08:02 Significant Damage in Crimea Following a Missile Attack

A missile assault on a communications center in the Russian-occupied Crimean city of Alushta resulted in "significant damage to the equipment" and numerous casualties, as described by Ukrainian sources. Reports were gathered from the pro-Ukrainian partisans' group called Atesh and the Crimean Wind telegram channel. As relayed by Crimean Wind, the communications center was hit by at least six ATACMS missiles supplied by the United States. The missiles reportedly struck the antenna as well as various parts of the facility where, according to accounts, "high-ranking military personnel" resided at the time.

Russian publicist Alexander Nevzorov feels harsh toward his fellow compatriots, comparing them to circus animals that retain learned behaviors until they die. He believes that the nationalistic, war-lusting tendencies instilled in Russians by Russian propaganda will not simply go away - even after Putin's death. He states, "The Russians are doomed to live and die as idiots for at least a few generations."

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is supportive of French President Emmanuel Macron's plans to enhance European defense capabilities, including nuclear deterrence. To achieve this, Scholz proposes discussing the right mix of capabilities needed to protect Europe and deter aggressors. Although he expresses support for nuclear deterrence, he simultaneously clarifies that "there will be no 'EU nuclear weapons.'" He asserts that this idea is impractical.

In response to Georgia's recent adoption of a controversial law regarding foreign influence operations, the United States will impose new visa restrictions and hold a comprehensive review of its relationship with the country. This follows a statement by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who cited "people responsible for or involved in undermining democracy in Georgia" as the intended targets of the new visa guidelines. The United States hopes that Georgia's leadership will reconsider the law and align it with its "democratic and Euro-Atlantic aspirations."

Estonia is providing 650,000 euros in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, with a focus on supporting the education system in frontline areas and assisting children affected by the war. The aid will be distributed through the Estonian non-profit organization Eesti Pagulasabi, with a mission to improve living conditions in vulnerable zones, as well as aiding Ukrainian refugees in Georgia. Meanwhile, Mondo will use part of the funding for the organization of summer camps and psychological support for children in Zaporizhzhya.

Russian forces are reportedly tasked with controlling over half of the border town of Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region. According to Russian parliamentary deputy Viktor Vodolatsky, following Vovchansk's capture, their next targets will be the cities of Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, and Pokrovsk.

Following a visit to Belarus, Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in informal talks with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko about security and military exercises involving tactical nuclear weapons. Both leaders are set to discuss the subject further, with Minsk participating in the joint exercises where the launch of small nuclear warheads will be simulated.

South Korea has imposed sanctions on seven North Korean individuals and two Russian ships, tied to the arms trade between Pyongyang and Moscow.

The USA is preparing additional military aid for Ukraine, amounting to 275 million dollars. The funds will aid Ukraine in procuring artillery shells, precision-guided bombs, and vehicles, under the Presidential Drawdown Authority. This authority allows President Joe Biden to enact emergency measures without requiring congressional approval.

Brazil and China seem to be distancing themselves from the international peace conference on Ukraine, scheduled in Switzerland and excluding Russia. A document signed by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's special advisor Celso Amorim and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasizes the need for equal participation of all parties in any peace talks. They urge Russia and Ukraine to engage in direct negotiations.

01:15 Russian court sentences Kremlin critic to 25 years behind bars for terrorism
A Russian court in Moscow has handed down a 25-year prison sentence to a 36-year-old man who is a critic of the Kremlin for his alleged involvement in acts of sabotage and membership in a group fighting for Ukraine. The prosecution alleged that Vladimir Malina was part of the "Legion for the Freedom of Russia," a group of Russians fighting on the side of Ukraine. Malina is said to have set fire to a railway control box and planned other sabotage events. He was taken into custody in June.

23:55 Poland and Greece urge EU for air defense shield amid tensions
Poland and Greece are urging the EU to establish an air defense shield following the latest wave of tensions between Ukraine and Russia. In a joint statement, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed the importance of protecting European nations from potential missile attacks. "Europe can only be considered safe if the skies above it are safe," they stated in a letter addressed to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The two leaders believe such a project will be of great significance in the face of the current security threats.

22:26 Possible attack on Crimea? Video shows suspected explosions
There appears to be an attack on Crimea, a region occupied by Russia. The explosions are suspected to have been caused by Ukraine using the ATACMS missiles provided by the United States just weeks ago. A video showing at least one explosion was filmed on the Crimean coast in the village of Alushta. However, official confirmation of these events has not yet been received. The Russian anti-air defense system seems active, as demonstrated in the video. The governor of Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov, who was installed by the Russian authorities, admitted in a Telegram post that there had been attacks in the cities of Simferopol and Alushta. Supposedly, two people were killed and an empty commercial building was hit. But traditionally, Russia tends to play down any Ukrainian attacks and claims it has shot down all missiles and drones involved. In recent times, Ukraine has been increasingly targeting Russian air defense systems and radar installations.

22:00 More arrests in Putin's military crackdown?
According to pro-Russian media outlets, Vladimir Verteletsky, head of the department for ensuring the state defense order within the Russian Ministry of Defense, has been arrested as well. He is accused of major fraud. This follows the arrest of Vadim Shamarin, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, who is the fourth senior military official to be detained since April.

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1. Volodymyr Zelenskyy calls on NATO to increase military support for Ukraine during a cyberwar with Russia, citing ongoing military operations and Russian cyberattacks on critical infrastructure.
2. Russian President Vladimir Putin allegedly orders a massive military buildup in border regions, with concerns arising from NATO member nations due to the potential for an attack on Ukraine or other allied countries.
3. Nato leaders hold an emergency meeting to discuss the escalating conflict in Ukraine and the potential threat of cyberwarfare from Russia, vowing to strengthen their cyberdefenses and provide additional military aid to Ukraine.
4. Germany and France, as leading Nato members, propose a joint military operation in the Baltic Sea to deter Russian aggression and protect Nato's eastern flank from any potential attacks, including in the realm of cyberwarfare.

Source: www.ntv.de