14:34 Alleged Russian spies arrested in Australia
Australian Federal Police announce arrest of two Australian citizens of Russian descent accused of espionageThe Australian Federal Police and the Australian intelligence agency announce the arrest of two Australian citizens of Russian descent, accused of obtaining material from the Australian military to be handed over to Russian authorities. "Two Russian-born Australian citizens, accused of procuring material for the Australian Defence Force to be given to Russian authorities, must answer before the Brisbane Magistrates Court today, following charges of espionage", reads a joint statement from the Federal Police and the Australian intelligence agency. The suspects are identified as a 40-year-old soldier in the Australian Defence Force and her 62-year-old husband.
13:56 IAEA condemns Russian attack on children's clinic in KievThe International Atom Energy Agency (IAEA) condemns the Russian attack on a children's clinic in Kiev in a statement. In a resolution, the governing council points out that the hospital operates a unit for cancer diagnosis and radiation therapy, funded by the IAEA. On Monday, a rocket hit a building on the grounds of the Ochmatdyt Children's Hospital. Two adults, including a doctor, were killed. Over 30 people, among them at least 8 children, were injured. According to Ukrainian authorities, no radioactive radiation was released during the attack.
13:30 Mölling: Attack on NATO territory will be "riskier" for RussiaThe planned deployment of US intermediate-range missiles in Germany will change Russia's military calculation, according to security expert Christian Mölling - "with a significant disadvantage for Moscow. It will simply be more expensive or riskier to attack NATO territory", says the research director of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs in the "Stern" podcast "Die Lage". Although it had been clear since 2023 that we needed these weapons, everyone had "fallen back asleep", and once again, the Americans had to intervene on behalf of the Europeans. Mölling also comments on reports of assassination plans against the CEO of Rheinmetall and speaks of "state terrorism" against Germany.
13:14 Germany plans massive troop deployments in case of conflictIn case of a potential escalation along the NATO eastern flank, Germany and the Bundeswehr are planning to deploy hundreds of thousands of soldiers from NATO member states through Germany. This is reported by "Spiegel", citing informed sources. The plans involve moving approximately 800,000 soldiers with around 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 classified Operationsplan Deutschland, which the Bundeswehr has developed to make Germany war-ready.
12:21 Kremlin dismisses alleged murder plot against Rheinmetall CEO as "fake news"
Russia dismisses report of a planned attack on Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger as false. The Presidial Office in Moscow stated that such reports were based on anonymous sources and should not be taken seriously. CNN reported on Thursday that the US and Germany had thwarted an early-year plot by Russia to attack Papperger. German FDP Bundestag member Reinhard Houben is now calling for a special session of the Bundesrat Security Council. If the CNN report is true, the German government must draw clear consequences, Houben said. Planned attacks on German citizens in Germany would represent "a new quality of escalation".
12:05 "For the new era": China holds joint military exercises with Russia
China is holding joint military exercises with Russia, according to Chinese statements. The exercises, named "Joint Sea-2024," began in early 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 ministry stated that the joint exercises aim to "demonstrate the determination and ability of both sides to respond to threats to maritime security and maintain global and regional peace and stability." They also aim to "deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia for the new era."
11:47 Kiev to bring alleged Russian rocket attack on children's clinic to International Criminal Court
The Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office intends to bring the alleged Russian rocket attack on 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," said Andrij Kostin. Russia denies responsibility for the attack and blames it on a Ukrainian missile defense system malfunction. Experts dispute this, stating that a missile defense system rocket would have caused numerous small craters or depressions at the impact site, not a half-buried building like in Kiev.
11:14 Ukrainian Jagdbrigade: "Wonder of technology" seized
The Ukrainian 68th Separate Jagdbrigade reports on social media of the seizure of a modern T-90 Proryv tank. This is the most advanced version from the T-90 series and is second only to the T-14 among the most modern combat tanks of the Russian armed forces. The Ukrainian brigade describes it as "a wonder of technology." The seized model is said to be in a nearly functional state. The soldiers' claims 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 include using the three vehicles against Russian invaders.
10:52 Interior Ministry sees "significantly increased threat from Russian aggression"
Before the backdrop 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 threatening incidents," 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, Faeser added. "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 "US election is the biggest risk factor for Ukraine"
NATO announces that Ukraine will join the military alliance - after the end of the war. This news neither brings euphoria nor hope in Ukraine. The NATO rhetoric repeats itself, the promises have become known to the Ukrainians, according to journalist Denis Trubetskoy.
10:03 HUR: Russian deep-sea vessel damaged
A modernized Russian deep-sea vessel is reportedly damaged in European North Sea tests, 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 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 AfD before EU election
Anonymous sources reportedly tried to influence the European election through covert social media campaigns, according to a report by "Der Spiegel." 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, revealed that in Germany, the AfD profited most from covert support. According to the analysis, a large volume of posts promoting the AfD during the EU election was spread by a small group that used thousands of accounts. The analysts believe that this 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 towards Ukraine. Eleven of the 19 drones were also destroyed. The main 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 Mykolajiv. 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 deployment of 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 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 violating international law, has shifted 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 aviation division. This was 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 aviation 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, on over 30 Russian commanders.
07:28 Rheinmetall-CEO: Russian Wear-Out War Could Last Forever
Rheinmetall Chairman of the Board Armin Papperger believes that the war in Ukraine could still last a long time. The current war of attrition harms the Russians as well, but it can still last forever, he said in an interview with the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung". Papperger expects continued growth for the Düsseldorf-based defense conglomerate. The sales are projected to increase by 40% in this year.
07:05 Plot against Rheinmetall-CEO? Alleged Russian Agents Were Reportedly Already in the EU
The threat to Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger from alleged assassination plans was apparently more concrete than previously known. According to the "Spiegel" citing security sources, Western intelligence services observed suspicious travels of suspected agents in the past few months. These 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 entries. Suspicious individuals were reportedly detected both near the Rheinmetall headquarters and at Papperger's travel destinations abroad. Senior officials suspect that these could have been "proxies" of Russian intelligence services – hired hands.
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 become battle-ready. 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 given a clear account of what Russia has broken in treaties, how Russia is arming, and 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. One of them is a soldier in the Australian military. The Australian authorities accuse the couple of planning a spy offense, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
05:55 Alarm after Report on Murder Plans: "The Putin Regime is now targeting 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 to the "Bild" newspaper. "The Putin regime is now targeting German citizens as well." 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 then informed, and the 61-year-old was reportedly given increased protection as a result.
05:18 Hungary accuses NATO partners of moral hypocrisy and failureThe Hungarian government accuses NATO partners of moral 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, according to a spokesman in a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. 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 for his government at the NATO summit in Washington to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP. At the same time, he calls on other allies to also increase their defense spending. 23 of the 32 members of the alliance currently spend less than 2% of their GDP on defense, and more needs to be done in the face of serious security threats, according to Starmer.
03:30 Biden: I would talk to Putin if he were 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 emphasized at a press conference after the NATO summit. That also applies if Putin calls him. "I want to make it clear that I am willing to talk to anyone, but I don't see a willingness on his part," Biden says. 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 the Ukrainian forces starts today. However, the supreme allied commander Europe is expected to take several months to set up the command so that it can take on all planned tasks, NATO representatives said on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Washington. In the meantime, US forces will continue to handle the coordination tasks. The deployment is also seen as a precaution for the possible return of Donald Trump to the US presidency in January 2025.
01:58 Scholz rejects unrestricted weapons use against RussiaGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's call for lifting all restrictions on the use of Western weapons against Russian territory. "Nobody intends to change the existing guidelines and regulations - for good reasons", Scholz said 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, he added. Zelenskyy is particularly concerned about military bases in the Russian hinterland 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 threatsIn relation to 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 would also 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 NPPThe United Nations 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 seized 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 plan. "I assume that further talks will lead to changes", the SPD politician said in an ARD interview. He will not stop advocating for the Bundeswehr to be equipped 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. It all happened before", says Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov to Russian state television. Peskow accuses Germany, the USA, France, and Britain of directly intervening in the conflict over Ukraine. "And all the features of the Cold War are returning - 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. During the Cold War, however, 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 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 leader. The focus is primarily 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 contains NASAMS missile defense systems, multiple rocket launchers of the HIMARS type, as well as artillery ammunition with calibers of 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 should 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.
You can read about all previous developmentshere..
- The two Australian citizens arrested for espionage are accused of obtaining military information from Australia to give to Russian authorities, which could be seen as a form of cyberwar support for Russia in the context of the Attack on Ukraine.
- The announcement of military deployments by Germany in case of a conflict with Russia could have implications for politics and diplomacy, especially in relation to NATO and the Ukraine-Conflict.
- The Russian attack on a children's clinic in Kiev, condemned by the IAEA, is a serious violation of international law and humanitarian norms, and it highlights the need for stronger diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the Attack on Ukraine.
- The allegations of assassination plans against the CEO of Rheinmetall by Russia underscore the increasing dangerousness of the political situation and the need for stronger military defenses, both by NATO and individual member states like Germany.
- The joint military exercises between China and Russia demonstrate the growing alliance between these two powers and the potential threat they pose to global stability, particularly in the context of the Attack on Ukraine and NATO-Russia tensions.
