15:06 Finland closes border to Russia for migrants and asylum seekers
The Finnish Parliament passes law with large majority against migration entry from Russia. Border guards can now turn back asylum seekers at the Finnish-Russian border, according to the passed law. The Finnish government accuses Russia of encouraging migrants from Somalia or Syria to enter Finland. Russia denies this. Approximately 1300 people have already come to Finland. The government sees this as a reaction from Russia to Finland's NATO membership. The law is not only supported by government parties, but also by opposition MPs.
14:34: Alleged Russian Spies Arrested in AustraliaThe Australian Federal Police announce the arrest of two Australian citizens of Russian descent, who are accused of spying. "Two Russian-born Australian citizens, who are accused of obtaining material from the Australian military to give to Russian authorities, must answer before the Brisbane Magistrates Court today, after being charged with espionage", says a joint statement from the Federal Police and the Australian intelligence service. The suspects are identified as a 40-year-old soldier in the Australian military and her 62-year-old husband.
13:56: IAEA Condemns Russian Attack on Children's Clinic in KievThe International Atom Energy Agency (IAEA) Governing Council condemns the Russian attack on a children's clinic in Kiev. In a resolution, the body points out that the hospital operates a unit for cancer diagnosis and radiation therapy, financed 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: Russian Attack on NATO Territory will be "riskier" for RussiaThe planned deployment of US intermediate-range missiles in Germany will change Moscow's military calculations - "and that with a big minus sign for Moscow. It will simply become more expensive or riskier to attack NATO territory", says Christian Mölling, Research Director of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, in the "Stern" podcast "The Situation". Although it had been clear since 2023 that we needed these weapons, everyone had "fallen asleep again", and once again the Americans had to come to the aid 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 reportedly plans massive troop deployments in war scenarioIn the event of a possible escalation along the NATO eastern flank, Germany and the Bundeswehr plan to deploy hundreds of thousands of soldiers from NATO member states through Germany. This is reported by "Spiegel" with reference to informed circles. The plans concern the relocation of around 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 preparations are part of the secretly classified Operationsplan Deutschland, which the Bundeswehr has developed to make Germany militarily ready.
12:21 Kremlin dismisses murder plot allegations against Rheinmetall CEO as "fake news"
Russia dismisses report of planned attack on Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger as false. The Presidial Office 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 a planned attack by Russia on Papperger at the beginning of the year. German Bundestag MP Reinhard Houben now calls for a special session of the Bundesverfassungsrat. If the CNN report is true, the German government must draw clear consequences, he says. Planned attacks on German citizens in Germany represent "a new quality of escalation".
12:05 "For the new era": China holds military exercises with Russia
China, according to its own statements, is holding joint military exercises with Russia off its coast. The exercises named "Joint Sea-2024" began in early July and are scheduled to last until mid-month, according to the Chinese Defense Ministry. 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 respond to threats to maritime security and maintain global and regional peace and stability," the ministry explains. They are also meant to "deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia for the new era."
11:47 Kiev to bring artillery shelling of children's clinic 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 blames it on a Ukrainian missile defense system. Experts reject this. They point out that a missile defense rocket would have caused numerous small craters or indentations at the impact site, not a half-buried building like in Kiev.
11:14 Ukrainian Jaguar Brigade: "Wonder of technology" captured
The Ukrainian 68th Separate Jaguar Brigade reports on social media about the capture of a modern T-90 Proryv tank. This is the latest version from the T-90 series and, along with the T-14, is the most advanced combat tank of the Russian armed forces. The Ukrainian brigade refers to it as "a wonder of technology." The captured model is said to be in a nearly functioning condition. The soldiers 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 call for using the three vehicles against the 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 underscores 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 aims 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 greatest risk factor for Ukraine"
NATO announces that Ukraine will join the military alliance - after the end of the war. This news does not seem to cause euphoria or hope in Ukraine, according to 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 says on Telegram. Russia is currently assessing the damage and the time required for repairs.
09:32 Russian "troll army" spread propaganda for the AfD before EU election
Anonymous sources reportedly attempted to influence the EU 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, found that the AfD profited most from the hidden support in Germany. According to the analysis, a large volume of posts advocating for the AfD on the X platform was spread by a small group that used thousands of accounts. The analysts believe that the network is likely Russian-controlled.
09:04 Increase in GPS Disturbances - ISW Reports Intensifying 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 approximately 90 percent of the route between the Orrengrund Lighthouse Station and 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 Seem to be Intentionally Overloading 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 out of 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 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 about casualties or damages."
08:22 Greens Defend Stationing Plan: It's About Protection
Greens Fraktionsvize Agnieszka Brugger defends the planned deployment of long-range US weapons in Germany. She understands that many people may associate this with the Cold War, says the defense expert in Deutschlandfunk. These measures are not a contribution to arms race but serve defensive purposes. In the 80s, two power blocs faced each other, neither of which wanted maximum escalation, explained Brugger. However, 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. According to "Kyiv Independent", this was revealed by a confidential source from the intelligence service. The Russian pilot, who is said to serve in the 22nd heavy bomber aviation division, reportedly contacted the HUR on July 8th following the devastating Russian attack on the children's hospital in Kiev. This attack reportedly shocked him so much 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 last a long time. The current wear-out war is damaging the Russians, but it can still last forever, Papperger stated in an interview with the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung". Papperger also anticipates sustained growth for the Düsseldorf-based defense conglomerate. The sales are projected to increase by 40% in this year.
07:05 Threats Against Rheinmetall-CEO? Alleged Russian Agents Were Reportedly in the EU
The threat against 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 observed suspicious travels of presumed agents in the past 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 from Moscow.
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 regarding the Ukraine war. "In Germany, the Defense Minister speaks candidly and says we need to become battle-ready." However, his cabinet colleagues still underestimate the gravity of the situation. "I have felt until today that most responsible politicians believe they can withhold the truth from the population and say, 'We are dealing with an aggression like in the Cold War'", Heusgen lamented. Putin reportedly aims to restore the old Soviet Union. "Here, it's all still being played down a bit," Heusgen added. "People need to be told the truth and made aware of 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. The wife in question is a soldier in the Australian military. The Australian authorities accuse the couple of planning a spy offense, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
05:55 Alarm after Report on Murder Plans: "Putin Regime Threatens German Citizens"A CNN report about 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 threatening German citizens." 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 subsequently given special protection.
05:18 Hungary Accuses NATO Allies of HypocrisyThe Hungarian government accuses its NATO partners of 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 spokesperson 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 Gross Domestic Product. 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 given the serious threats to security, more needs to be done, says Starmer.
03:30 Biden: I Would Talk to Putin if He Was 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 following the NATO summit. That also applies if Putin calls him. "I'm saying I'm willing to talk to anyone, but I don't see a willingness on his part," says Biden. 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 armed forces starts today. However, the supreme allied commander Europe is expected to still need several months to set up the command so that it can take on all planned tasks, NATO representatives announced on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Washington. Until then, US military forces will continue to take on the coordination tasks. The deployment is also intended to be a precaution for the possible return of Donald Trump to the US presidency in January 2025.
01:58 Scholz rejects unlimited weapons engagement against RussiaFederal 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 adds. 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 threatsIn connection with a media report about Russian threat plans against Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, Chancellor Olaf Scholz has 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 already very well aware that we are exposed to various threats from Russian activities."
00:40 UN calls on Russia to withdraw from Zaporizhzhia NPPThe UN 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, the largest in Europe, was taken over by Russia shortly after its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Although it has been shut down, it still needs external energy to keep the nuclear material cool and prevent a nuclear meltdown.
23:36 Pistorius expects correction in budget 2025Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is convinced that there will be corrections in favor of the defense budget in the 2025 budget plan. "I assume that further talks will lead to changes," says the SPD politician in the ARD. 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. 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 over 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. However, during the Cold War, 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 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 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 is intended 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.
17:06: Zelenskyy on Cyberwar and Military DeploymentsUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses the escalating cyberwar and potential military deployments, stating that Ukraine will "continue to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, using all available instruments, including cyberwarfare."
15:48: Finland Support for Ukraine in NATO ContextFinland, with a majority in the Finnish Parliament supporting the new law against migration entry from Russia, also expresses solidarity with Ukraine in the context of NATO, emphasizing the importance of deterring Russian aggression against its neighbors.
14:40: Russia's Cyberwar and Political ImplicationsAnalysts point out that Russia's escalating cyberwar attacks on Western nations, such as the alleged arrest of Russian spies in Australia, correspond with its overall aggressive political strategy, further isolating it on the global stage.
12:38: Nato's Response to Attack on UkraineNATO allies are reportedly discussing potential military deployments in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with experts suggesting a joint military effort to strengthen the alliance's eastern flank.
11:20: NATO and Cybersecurity in Response to RussiaAmidst the rise of cyberwar, NATO officials are calling for increased cooperation on cybersecurity with its member nations, particularly in light of Russia's growing involvement in such attacks.
