Germany provides additional Leopard tanks to Ukraine.

15:02: Germany sends additional Leopard tanks to Ukraine

Germany has supplied more Leopard tanks and other military hardware to Ukraine. In a statement on military aid, the German government has now sent 40 Leopard 1 A5 main battle tanks, 100 Marder infantry fighting vehicles with ammunition and spare parts from the Bundeswehr and the industry, and 18 Leopard 2 A6 main battle tanks with ammunition and spares. Additionally, various Dingo transport vehicles, multi-purpose vehicles, and armored transporters have been given. The same statement suggests that Germany has given or will provide military aid worth approximately 28 billion euros to support Ukraine.

Here are some recent events:

14:15 Border issue: Estonia summons Russian ambassador.Estonia has called upon the Russian ambassador in Tallinn due to the removal of buoys marking the fairway in the Narva River. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna expressed that this action was "provocative and unacceptable" during their meeting. Estonia is demanding an explanation for why the border markers were removed and their immediate return. On Thursday night, Russian border guards removed 24 buoys in the Narva River, which had been used by Estonia to mark the shipping lane. The Narva River forms the boundary between Estonia and Russia and also separates the EU and NATO's eastern boundary.

13:49 Ukrainian army commander: Russian forces have "completely lost their way" in Vovchansk.According to Oleksandr Syrskyj, the Ukrainian army's commander, Russian advances in the Kharkiv region are slowing down. Accounts of street battles around Vovchansk reveal that Russian troops from Moscow "got completely bogged down" and "sustained heavy losses" in the attacking units. Russia is now deploying reserves from various areas, but has not been able to capture the city so far. Vovchansk is near the Russian border and has been the focus of the ground offensive that Russia initiated two weeks ago in north-eastern Ukraine. Russian troops have made their biggest territorial gains since late 2022.

13:17 Baerbock cautions Russia against provocations at the west border.German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned Russia not to undertake any provocative acts on its western border. "Russia is setting fire to the borders of the European Union," Baerbock wrote on Platform X. She emphasized that Germany was united with its friends in Estonia, Finland, and Lithuania, and rejected this aggressive behavior. Baerbock's comments came after reports that navigation buoys had been taken from the Narva River at the Estonia-Russia border.

12:52 Romanian citizen arrested on suspicion of spying for Russia.According to local news, a Romanian man was arrested for spying on military installations and transportation of troops and equipment belonging to the Romanian army and other NATO-aligned countries. The information was allegedly given to the Russian embassy in Bucharest. A judge ordered the man into custody for 30 days and instructed police to search his home for evidence, which they discovered. TheDIICOT, Romania's counter-terrorism and fraud prevention unit, and the country's security intelligence service and the Romanian army's intelligence wing are overseeing the investigation.

12:22 Officials claim Putin wants a ceasefireSources within Putin's circle claim that the Russian leader is open to a ceasefire provided the current front line is acknowledged. One of four people with knowledge of discussions with Putin said, "Putin can fight for as long as it takes," but "Putin is also ready for a ceasefire - to freeze the war." Three of the individuals reported Putin sharing his thoughts with a small group of advisors, stating that he was dissatisfied with Western efforts to hinder negotiations. Although Putin has been publicly supportive of talks, he has expressed slight reservations during interviews, saying "we are not ready for talks based on some kind of 'wishful thinking'.

11:51 NATO state purchases over 300 million euros from Rheinmetall of ammunition.The German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall has received a contract for artillery ammunition worth nearly 300 million euros from a NATO member state. The order entails thousands of artillery shells and several hundred thousand propellant charge modules, scheduled for delivery between 2024 and 2028. According to Rheinmetall, recent conflicts like the Ukraine war have forced the European Union and NATO to replenish their ammunition stashes rapidly.

What's causing the recent purges in the Russian Ministry of Defense? Per the Institute for the Study of War, the Kremlin might be using accusations of corruption against seniors as a cover. They might not stop at just the last arrests and dismissals of high-level officials. A Russian insider claims that six other ministry officials want to resign because of the dismissal of their leader, Sergei Shoigu. Besides, many military bloggers believe that the Russian authorities aren't done with their investigation. Yet, the arrests are seen as an attempt to bring corrupt officials to justice under the new Defense Minister, Andrei Belousov. The Kremlin may allow this criticism as it targets individuals who are being targeted by the Ministry of Defense. This image of Belousov as a problem-solver, unlike Shoigu, is reinforced. Also, the Kremlin benefits from the military bloggers' assertion that no Russian defense or military official is beyond Putin's disapproval.

10:45 Orban Convinced: No Russian Attack on a NATO State

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban thinks concerns about a possible Russian attack on a NATO member state are unrealistic. "The Russian military is fighting a challenging war against the Ukrainians," Orban told the public broadcaster. "If the Russians were strong enough to crush the Ukrainians in one single strike, they'd have done it already." Compared to NATO's military power, Ukraine's is not a match. Thus, it's unlikely that Russia or any other country would take on NATO. "I don't think it's logical that Russia, which cannot even defeat Ukraine, would suddenly devour all of the Western world," he concluded, emphasizing the low chances of such an event.

10:16 Moscow Blames Islamic State (IS) for a Terror Attack Near Moscow

For the first time, Russia has fingered the jihadist group Islamic State (IS) for coordinating the deadly concert hall attack near Moscow. FSB director Alexander Bortnikov reported that terror preparations, financing, attack, and retreat were all masterminded online by Khorasan Province group members, the Afghan branch of IS. Though IS has claimed responsibility, Moscow keeps insisting on linking Ukraine with the assault, which Kiev rejects. Even now, Bortnikov claims, "Ukrainian military intelligence played a role in the attack." But he doesn't clarify how this relates to IS.

09:55 "No Forward, No Back in Vovchansk"

Kharkiv has endured heavy Russian fire again for weeks. Kharkiv's sirens sound due to ongoing Russian attacks. Correspondent Stephan Richter reports, "There is no forward or backward in Vovchansk." The city is bracing for some of its worst days.

09:29 New Ukrainian figures reveal Russian casualties nearing 500,000

The Ukrainian General Staff reports that Russian casualties will soon reach half a million. Since it launched the full-scale invasion on February 24, Russia has incurred 498,940 military deaths in Ukraine in 2022. In the last 24 hours alone, they lost 1,240 soldiers. The report adds that Russia has lost an astonishing collection of equipment: 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 a submarine.

08:57 Kharkiv sees another glide bomb assault

Two glide bombs targeted the city of Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine, which has experienced Russian air bombardment for months. In this attack, there were no casualties, but many buildings sustained minor damage, including a large literature printing house. Mayor Ihor Terekhov shared this information on Telegram. The day before, seven people were killed by Russian fire in Kharkiv. Around 15 missiles, potentially from S-300 or S-400, hit Kharkiv and its surroundings. One of the most significant Ukrainian literature printing houses was among the casualties. Notably, Ukrainian writer Serhij Zhadan posted on Facebook, "The Ukrainian book is the Ukrainian strength. That's why the enemy wants to destroy it."

Russian FSB chief implicates Ukrainian military intelligence in Moscow concert hall attackThe head of Russia's domestic intelligence service, Alexander Bortnikov, alleges that the Ukrainian military intelligence service played a direct role in the deadly attack on a concert hall near Moscow in March. According to Bortnikov, who spoke to the state news agency Tass, this assertion is already certain even as the investigation continues. Russia has made similar accusations before. Unlike his previous claims, though, Bortnikov has not provided any evidence to support his statement. He also accuses NATO of playing a part in transporting mercenaries and militant members of international terrorist organizations from the Middle East, North Africa, and Afghanistan to Ukraine to fight against Russian forces. The Islamic State militia has taken responsibility for the attack on the concert hall, which resulted in more than 140 deaths.

Ukrainians report significant damage after missile attack in CrimeaA missile attack on a Russian communications center in the city of Alushta, which is part of occupied Crimea, has caused "substantial equipment damage" and several fatalities, according to Ukrainian sources. Based on a report from the Kyiv Independent, the Atesh partisan group and the Crimean Wind telegram channel revealed details of the incident. The communications center allegedly sustained significant damage due to at least six ATACMS missiles, supplied by the U.S., that hit an antenna and several buildings housing "high-ranking military personnel."

Russian publicist: The Russian people are "doomed to live and die as idiots"Russian publicist and former Duma deputy Alexander Nevzorov has some harsh words for his fellow countrymen. He compares them to pugs, chimpanzees, and other circus animals and says that people only retain the skills taught to them throughout their lives. According to Nevzorov, who is critical of the Kremlin and now possesses a Ukrainian passport, the Russians will continue to display all the war lust, signs of decay, and patriotism fostered by Russian propaganda for many more generations. Even with the passing of Russian leader Vladimir Putin, he believes, their brains will remain unaffected.

Scholz: There will be no "EU nuclear weapons," but E.U. must strengthen defense capabilitiesGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz champions French President Emmanuel Macron's vision of enhancing European defense capabilities, including nuclear deterrence. In a piece written for the Economist, Scholz emphasizes the need to determine how to achieve the correct balance of capabilities for protecting Europe and deterring potential aggressors. Alongside nuclear deterrence, this plan involves strong conventional forces, air and missile defense, cyber, space, and precision strike capabilities. These areas would be enhanced through investment in the European defense industry. Ultimately, Scholz emphasizes the importance of developing the European pillar of their defense "in a balanced way." However, he clarifies that there will be no "EU nuclear weapons," as it is "simply unrealistic."

US responds to Georgia's controversial agent law with increased pressureAfter Georgia passed a disputed law on "foreign influence operations," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announces new visa restrictions and a review of relations with the country. The visa guidelines would target individuals "responsible for or involved in undermining democracy in Georgia" and their family members. The U.S. will also initiate a "comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation" with Georgia, Blinken announced. The U.S. will maintain hope that Georgia's leadership will reconsider the law and work towards "democratic and Euro-Atlantic aspirations."

Estonia aids Ukrainian children with €650,000 in humanitarian aidThe Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will grant more than €650,000 in humanitarian aid to support the education system in frontline areas of Ukraine and help children affected by the war, according to the Kyiv Independent. The aid will be distributed through the Estonian non-profit organization Eesti Pagulasabi, which aims to better living conditions in vulnerable regions and support Ukrainian refugees in Georgia. In addition, the non-profit organization Mondo will use a portion of the funds to organize summer camps and provide psychological support to children in Zaporizhzhya.

Russian lawmaker outlines future goals for Russian forcesA Russian parliamentary deputy, Viktor Vodolatsky, claims that Russian forces will seize more than half of the territory of Vovchansk, a border town in the Ukrainian region of Kharkiv. This information came from the Russian news agency TASS. Once Vovchansk is captured, Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, and Pokrovsk will be the next targets, according to Vodolatsky.

5:29 Putin is in Belarus for discussions with Lukashenko

Russian news outlets report that Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Belarus and had initial, casual talks. "There's plenty to discuss. Things are stable and going well for us," Putin is quoted as saying. Today's agenda includes further conversations with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko about security and military exercises with tactical nuclear weapons. Minsk will be participating in the exercises, where preparations for the launch of small nuclear warheads will be simulated.

4:33 South Korea implements sanctions against North Koreans and two Russian ships

South Korea has enacted sanctions against seven North Korean individuals and two Russian ships in connection to the arms trade between Pyongyang and Moscow. This information was shared by the South Korean Foreign Ministry.

3:39 USA prepares further assistance for Ukraine worth $275 million

The USA is preparing military aid for Ukraine worth $275 million. According to three US government officials, artillery shells, precision-guided bombs, and vehicles will be procured. The support will be provided under the Presidential Drawdown Authority, authorizing President Joe Biden to take action in emergencies without Congress's approval.

2:34 China and Brazil distance themselves from Ukraine peace conference

Brazil and China are, in a sense, distancing themselves from the planned international peace conference on Ukraine in Switzerland, where Russia has not been invited. A document signed by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's special advisor Celso Amorim and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi calls for Russia and Ukraine to engage in peace talks. The ideal scenario would be an international conference with equal participation from all parties, acknowledged by both Russia and Ukraine.

1:15 Moscow court imprisons Kremlin opponent for 25 years due to sabotage

A military court in Moscow has sentenced a 36-year-old man to 25 years in prison for sabotage and involvement with a unit battling for Ukraine. Per the public prosecutor's office, the unusually high prison sentence was imposed on Vladimir Malina for terrorism, high treason, and sabotage. As per the prosecution, the barman from Moscow was a member of the "Legion for the Freedom of Russia," a group of Russians combating for Ukraine. Working for the Russian Ministry of Defense, Malina set fire to a railroad control box and planned sabotage actions. He was detained in June.

11:55 Poland and Greece plead with EU for air defense shield

In response to the current Russian conflict, Poland and Greece are requesting the EU to establish an air defense shield to safeguard European nations. "Europe will be safe as long as its skies are safe," shared Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis in a joint letter to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. They asserted that this project is necessary to address the "great vulnerability of our security."

22:26 Crimea suffers serious attack? Video portrays suspected explosions

It is believed that a serious attack occurred in the Russian-occupied Crimea. Possibly, Ukraine struck targets on the island using the ATACMS missiles supplied by the USA a few weeks ago. A video taken on the Crimean coast in the village of Alushta probably shows at least one explosion. But there's no confirmation yet. The Russian air defense system seems active, too, evident from the recording. Crimean Governor Sergei Aksyonov, appointed by the Russian occupiers, admits to having missiles attack Simferopol and Alushta while sharing news of two fatalities and an empty commercial building. However, Russia typically downplays Ukrainian attacks or claims to have eliminated all missiles and drones.

22:00 Could another high-ranking arrest be imminent? Putin's military purge may continue

Pro-Russian channels report that Vladimir Verteletsky, leader of the Russian Ministry of Defense's department for ensuring the state defense order, has been detained. Fraud on a grand scale is projected to be his crime. Just before this, Vadim Shamarin, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, was arrested. Shamarin was the fourth senior military officer to be taken into custody since April.

For more information on past happenings,view our previous updates.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Russian_invasion_of_Ukraine