14:38 According to ISW, Kiev's offensive forces prompt Moscow to reposition its troops
Due to the progress of Ukrainian troops in the western Russian region of Kursk, Moscow, as per expert analysis, is reportedly pulling troops out from the neighboring country it invaded for the first time. The Russian military command is said to have transferred some units from the southeastern Ukrainian region of Saporischschja to strengthen the defense of Kursk, according to the U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW), which derived this information from posts by deployed soldiers on social media. However, Russia is attempting to avoid weakening the primary offensive front in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk.
13:59 Trust in German Aid to Ukraine is WaningThe ongoing financial dispute in the German government is causing a noticeable decline in confidence in the dependability of German aid to Ukraine, as per security analyst Christian Mölling of the German Society for International Affairs. He is alluding to the disagreement over Germany limiting its aid to Ukraine and instead providing aid using funds from frozen Russian assets. "Germany has truly made a blunder, causing significant international damage," Mölling remarked during the "Stern" podcast "The Situation." No one is certain if or when this strategy will be effective, he said. "The difficulty lies in: No one has the funds yet, and the mechanism for distributing aid to Ukraine hasn't been completely worked out yet."
13:31 Modi Meets with Zelenskyy in KyivJust a few weeks after his controversial hug with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also embraces Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visit to Kyiv. Modi pays his respects at a memorial honoring Ukrainian children who lost their lives in the war with Zelenskyy, laying down a teddy bear. India, the world's most populous country, maintains an official neutral stance on the war. It does not impose Western sanctions on Moscow and consistently advocates for dialogue to resolve the conflict, but has yet to put forth any concrete proposals.
13:03 Ferry Connection to Crimea SuspendedFollowing a Ukrainian attack, the Russian port of Kavkaz, crucial for supplying Crimea, has been shut down to ferry traffic. The Russian Ministry of Transport maintains that ferry service will resume once cleanup is complete. Kavkaz is located in the Strait of Kerch, connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov. The Russian-occupied Crimea can be seen from Kavkaz, making it one of the busiest ports on the Black Sea. Fuel and ammunition are delivered to Crimea through this port.
12:20 Putin appears Cautious in the Face of Ukrainian Successes in KurskRussian President Vladimir Putin seems to be exercising caution in the wake of Ukrainian military victories in Kursk. "That's his typical response in such situations," says Russian political scientist Ekaterina Schulmann, referencing the unfavorable news for the Kremlin. "He disappears until the situation stabilizes, and then acts as if everything is normal." Other Russia experts believe that the Kremlin is currently assessing the possibilities for a counterattack. They claim that the Russian president usually takes his time when making such decisions. "Sooner or later, we will learn how Putin will retaliate," warns Alexander Gabuev, head of the Carnegie Russia-Eurasia Center in Berlin.
11:41 Russian Fuel Depot in Proletarsk Still Ablaze
The Russian fuel depot in Proletarsk, located in the southern Russian region of Rostov, remains on fire. According to NASA's Fire Monitoring Program, the facility continues to burn, and the Telegram channel Baza, close to Russian investigative authorities, reports that the fire is still raging. According to Baza, the depot was struck again by a Ukrainian drone overnight.
11:12 Ukraine Seeks to Symbolically Embrace ModiWhile India, as a BRICS member, is closely aligned with Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is now welcoming Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kyiv. Kyiv is hopeful that Modi can facilitate an end to the war. Due to the Kherson offensive, the Ukrainians are "more interested in peace negotiations than ever before," reports ntv reporter Nadja Kriewald.
10:45 Ukrainian Air Defense System Active in Multiple RegionsThe Ukrainian military claims to have destroyed 14 out of 16 Russian attack drones launched overnight. "The air defense system was operational in the regions of Cherkassy, Kirovohrad, Poltava, and Sumy," the air force reports.
10:16 Ukraine Addresses Sinking of Ferry in KavkazThe Ukrainian Navy provides its perspective on the destruction of a ferry in the Russian port of Kavkaz. "Another unmistakably military target has been eliminated," says navy spokesman Dmytro Pletenchuk on Ukrainian television. The ferry was intended to supply the enemy with fuel. The ferry sank, and the port is currently inaccessible. Local authorities claim that the attack took place on Thursday, with the ferry catching fire. The port of Kavkaz on the Black Sea supplies, among other locations, the Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014.
09:44 Russian Ambassador: "No Buffer Zone on Russian Territory will be Established"Russian Ambassador to the US, Anatoly Antonov, responds to Kherson's offensive and Kyiv's declared goal of establishing a buffer zone there: "That's impossible. There will be no buffer zone on Russian territory," TASS state news agency quotes him. At the same time, he warns that Moscow will not consult Washington to remove Ukrainian forces from the Kherson region. He accuses the US of "continually trying the patience of the Russians" and encouraging "emotionally impulsive decisions."
Since Ukrainian forces pushed into Russian territory two weeks ago, there's a noticeable rise in negative sentiments towards President Vladimir Putin in Russia. According to FilterLabs AI, as reported by the "New York Times", many online contributors believe this Ukrainian advance is a failure of the Russian government and Putin, specifically. "Putin's response to the incursion was at best inadequate and at worst offensive," says Jonathan Teubner, CEO of FilterLabs, who analyzes attitudes in Russia through social media.
08:36 Modi in KyivIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently in Ukraine, as reported by Indian and Ukrainian media. He's expected to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Ukraine is hopeful for India's support, as it's a significant voice in global politics. However, Kyiv is skeptical about India's declared neutrality. In July, Modi visited Moscow. Images of him and Russian President Vladimir Putin's embrace were disconcerting in Ukraine and numerous Western countries.
08:05 Russia on Nuclear Plant Attack WarningsRussian President Vladimir Putin accuses Ukraine of attempting an attack on the nuclear power plant in Kursk. However, ntv reporter Rainer Munz assesses the actual risk of a nuclear accident due to the war.
07:33 China and Belarus Agree on Enhanced CooperationChina and Belarus have agreed to strengthen their cooperation in various areas, such as trade, security, energy, and finance, according to a joint statement from a meeting between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Belarusian Premier Roman Golovchenko. They also aim to enhance cooperation in industrial supply chains and facilitate trade to lower costs for both sides. China is Belarus' second-largest trading partner and their largest in Asia.
07:05 Ukrainian Army Complaining About Poorly Trained RecruitsUkrainian commanders and soldiers are complaining about the poor training of new recruits and Russia's air and ammunition superiority at the eastern front. "Some people don't want to shoot. They see the enemy in firing position in the trench and don't open fire. That's why our men are dying," says a battalion commander of the 47th Brigade. "If they don't use the weapon, they're useless." In May, the government enacted a controversial mobilization law. Since then, reportedly tens of thousands of fighters have been drafted each month, primarily in infantry. However, they face logistical challenges in training, equipping, and paying so many new people.
06:35 Moscow: USA to Give Ukraine Unrestricted WeaponsAccording to Russia's ambassador to the US, Russia believes that the US will soon lift all restrictions on the use of weapons supplied to Ukraine. Anatoly Antonov, as quoted by RIA news agency, said, "The current administration behaves like someone who extends one hand and holds a dagger behind their back with the other." They're preparing the ground to lift all current restrictions without considering the consequences. Antonov said a constructive dialogue with the US is only possible if they abandon their "hostile" policy towards Russia. He also mentioned that a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during the UN General Assembly next month is unlikely.
06:09 Harris: Trump Encouraged Putin to Invade EuropeDemocratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has expressed her support for NATO and promised to continue backing Ukraine against Russian aggression. "I will stand firmly with Ukraine and our NATO allies," she stated in her speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. However, her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, threatened to abandon NATO and even encouraged Russian President Vladimir Putin to invade Europe, according to Harris.
05:38 Heads of Network Agency Warning: "Gas Alert Remains in Effect"
Despite well-stocked gas storage facilities, the president of the Federal Network Agency, Klaus Müller, continues to urge caution in gas consumption. "The federal government is still on high alert. We must still be mindful," Müller told the Augsburger Allgemeine. He also mentioned that the Ukrainian army's advance into Russian territory could exacerbate the situation. "Not the gas infrastructure itself is contested, but the area around this infrastructure is a war zone on both sides," Müller said in the Augsburger Allgemeine. This includes the Gazprom gas station in Sudzha, located a few kilometers from the Ukrainian border on Russian territory, which is a vital distribution point for gas exported to Europe.
04:40 Modi's Visit to Kyiv: "No Problem is Solved on the Battlefield"Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Ukraine for the first time today. He is expected to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. India has maintained neutrality towards the Russian invasion, refraining from imposing Western sanctions against Moscow and becoming one of the largest buyers of cheap Russian oil on the global market. New Delhi consistently advocates for a resolution through dialogue. "India is firmly convinced that no problem can be solved on the battlefield. The loss of innocent lives on battlefields is the greatest challenge for humanity," Modi said during his visit to Poland on Thursday. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk encouraged Modi to play a mediating role in the conflict.
As per unnamed government sources, the United States intends to dispatch an extra $125 million worth of military assistance to Ukraine. This fresh package includes air defense rockets, Himars multiple rocket launcher system missiles, Javelin missiles, along with various weapons, equipment, and vehicles. The official announcement is set for today, a day prior to Ukraine's Independence Day. The weapons will be sourced from Pentagon reserves, ensuring swift delivery.
02:12 Ukraine Records 53 Russian Attacks Near Pokrovsk in a Day
The Ukrainian military has reported 53 Russian assaults around the city of Pokrovsk in the east of the country on Thursday. Russian forces are targeting Pokrovsk as their primary objective in Ukraine, according to a General Staff statement. There's been no statement yet from Moscow's government. As per available information, Russian troops have been steadily advancing towards Pokrovsk recently.
01:16 SPD Leader: Ukraine Would Be Erased without Weapon Deliveries
here.
German SPD chairwoman Saskia Esken reiterated her support for Ukraine against Russia just before the elections in Thuringia and Saxony. Chancellor Olaf Scholz is working towards a fair and sustainable peace, Esken told Funke media group newspapers. "As long as Putin doesn't abandon his aggressive aims against Ukraine, peace can't be achieved diplomatically." Esken linked her remarks to criticism of the BSW party leader Sahra Wagenknecht. "If we stopped delivering weapons to Ukraine today, the country would fall to the Russians tomorrow and disappear the day after. The consequences would be disastrous for Europe's security, which wouldn't result in less militarization or peace."
23:56 Ukraine Braces for Worst Winter in History
With Russian attacks damaging Ukraine's power and energy infrastructure, the country is preparing for a harsh and dark winter. Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Haluschtschenko stated during a video conference, "We're facing the toughest winter in our history." The winter will be more challenging than the last one due to the escalating damage from Russian attacks. The Russian army is employing various weapons in coordinated attacks to cause maximum damage, Haluschtschenko added. In a mild winter, electricity consumption is around 18 gigawatts, while in a cold one, it increases to 19 gigawatts. Additionally, one gigawatt of reserves must be generated, says Haluschtschenko. Around 9 gigawatts of capacity have been destroyed by Russian attacks.
23:08 NATO Enhances Security at Geilenkirchen Airbase
Due to potential threats, NATO has increased its security level at the Geilenkirchen airbase in North Rhine-Westphalia. Non-essential employees have been sent home, a base spokesperson confirmed. The move is based on intelligence suggesting a possible threat. "This is not cause for concern and is simply a precautionary measure to ensure our ongoing critical operations," the spokesperson stressed. Police have confirmed their presence at the scene. Further details, such as the number of deployed forces, are not being disclosed.
22:07 Ukraine Reports Strike against Kursk Support Point
The Ukrainian military reported another successful strike against Russian troops in the Kursk region. Using precision-guided US bombs, they hit a Russian support point in the afternoon, according to Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk. "A drone command post, a radio-electronic combat unit, equipment, weapons, and up to 40 Russian military personnel were targeted," Oleshchuk said in a video showing the attack.
21:43 First Post-Summit Meeting of Swiss Peace Initiative
Following the June Peace Summit in Switzerland, a first post-summit meeting occurred, according to Ukraine. Representatives from over 40 nations and organizations participated in the virtual meeting. More such working group meetings are planned in the future.
You can review past developments here.
In light of the Russian military's withdrawal of some units from Saporischschja to fortify Kursk, there might be potential changes in the military operations in the region. The Russian command is trying to maintain its primary offensive front in Donetsk, despite these movements.
Given the ongoing international dispute surrounding German aid to Ukraine, any significant military operations involving German support could face scrutiny and potential complications due to the decline in confidence in German dependability.
