15:29: The Green Party leader asserts that Ukraine is entitled to self-defense.

15:29: Green Party leader: Ukraine is entitled to defend itself.

The leader of the Green faction, Britta Haßelmann, highlighted Ukraine's right to self-defense in response to Russia's assault on the country. She stated in connection with Germany permitting the deployment of weapons from Germany against military goals in Russia, "Ukraine has been defending itself for two years against a barbaric, lawless attack by Russia. It has the right to defend itself."

1:02 Zelensky: Initiating an assault on Russia with Western weapons is imminentUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky maintains that using any type of weapon, regardless of its form, on Russian soil will eventually happen. During a press meeting in Stockholm, Zelensky stated, "I think the use of any weapon, irrespective of its type, a Western weapon, on Russian land is just a matter of time."

12:55 Steven Seagal receives an honor from PutinSteven Seagal, an American actor has been honored by Russia's President Vladimir Putin. The two were captured on camera, both grinning into the lens, as Putin bestowed the award. Seagal, who holds Russian citizenship, serves as a special envoy for Russia's diplomatic relations with the United States.

12:30 The German military has not lost an Iris-T missileThe German Defense Ministry refuted a media report that a Bundeswehr Iris-T missile is missing. "We're not missing a guided missile," a spokesperson for the ministry proclaimed and added, "At no point was a weapon missing." The Iris-T system is an air defense system supplied by Germany to Ukraine. Recently, "Business Insider" wrote that a missile of this kind had been missing from the Bundeswehr.

11:55 Russia and Ukraine exchange over a hundred prisoners for the first time in monthsRussia and Ukraine have exchanged prisoners for the first time in months due to recent negotiations. Seventy-five Russian soldiers were returned, "whose lives were in grave danger," the Russian Defense Ministry in Moscow announced. Their counterpart, the Ukrainian armed forces, handed over seventy-five prisoners in return. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also confirmed the exchange via his Telegram channel. According to his assertions, both soldiers from the National Guard, border guards, and four civilians were handed over to Ukraine. The last significant prisoner exchange occurred in February.

11:35 China refuses participation in the Ukraine peace conferenceDue to unmet conditions, China has declined to participate in the Ukraine peace conference set up by Switzerland. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated in Beijing, "There is a significant gap between the conference's design and China's expectations, and the overall anticipations of the international community. Because of this, it's tough for us to participate." The concerns raised were communicated to the relevant parties. Diplomatic circles confirmed receiving this rejection. "According to all reports and the announced setup of the meeting, it seems that the three elements proposed by China are difficult to implement," Mao elaborated. These elements represent the acceptance of the conference by both Russia and Ukraine, equal participation of all parties, and a "fair discussion of all viable peace options."

11:11 Scholz warns caution: "We must prevent global conflict"German Chancellor Olaf Scholz advocated for caution after Germany's decision to allow Ukraine to employ German weapons against objectives in Russia. "We must avert a global conflict—the war between Russia and NATO," he stated at the Catholic Congress in Erfurt. "We must also guarantee that Ukraine can defend its independence and sovereignty." Escalation cannot be "avoided without diligence," Scholz explained. "This cannot be done without meticulously considering each move and its impact on the escalation risk." And, it's crucial to "coordinate carefully with those we are allied with."

11:00 Russia announces extension of US journalist Kurmasheva's detentionA Russian court has decided to extend the detention of US journalist Alsu Kurmasheva until early August. Kurmasheva's legal team sought her release on house arrest, which the regional court in Kazan denied. Kurmasheva, a foreign correspondent for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) in Prague, has been held up in Russia for a year. Since October, she has been in jail. RFE/RL boldly condemned the detainment, claiming it to be retaliation for her journalistic work.

10:40 Medvedev issues a warning to the West: "Tactical nuclear weapons are not bluff"Russia warns of the potential re-deployment of atomic weapons in the Ukraine conflict following the relaxation of restrictions on the use of Western weapons in the sabotage. "Russia is not bluffing," cautioned former President Dmitry Medvedev, referring to tactical nuclear weapons intended to be employed on the battlefield. A top Russian parliamentarian also threatened the West with an asymmetrical war. Medvedev's comments follow an evolution in Western stances on the regulation of Ukraine's usage of Western weapons, with most countries previously forbidding their employment against Russian objectives. As per reports from American government sources, President Joe Biden has now authorized the use of US weapons against Russian targets that contribute to Russia's offensive in the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, which might involve aircraft that launch rockets at Kharkiv from Russian territory. The German government has also allowed Ukraine to protect Kharkiv without impediment.

12:18 NTV News: US Weapons Can Target Russian Territory

The United States is enabling Ukraine to utilize American weapons under certain constraints for limited attacks on Russian territory. This alteration in policy has sparked a heated debate within NATO countries. NTV journalist Kavita Sharma provides insights from Kharkiv, Ukraine.

12:01 Pistorius: Weapon Delivery Debate for Ukraine on Hold

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius of Germany defended the German government's decision to allow the usage of their weapons against military targets in Russia as a strategic adjustment to varying circumstances. "This decision is correct. It is what we've been doing since the start of the war Putin initiated against Ukraine," said the SPD politician at a gathering with his Moldovan counterpart Anatolie Nosatii in Chisinau. Pistorius also mentioned that the current debate on delivering long-range German missiles of the Taurus type to Ukraine will not be reopened by the German government. He clarified this in response to a journalist's query regarding the delivery. The minister cautioned against any discussion of long-range weapons capable of reaching hundreds of kilometers, maintaining that the boundary hasn't shifted.

11:46 Strack-Zimmermann: No Promise on Taurus Missiles

The outgoing chairperson of the Bundestag Defense Committee, FDP politician Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, still hopes for renewal of the assessment on whether Germany should provide Ukraine with Taurus missiles. Her optimism regarding this matter appears limited according to the FDP's lead candidate for the European election in Berlin. However, she mentions that the situation can frequently change, referring to the recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities. Ukraine receives substantial support from the West, but Strack-Zimmermann adds, "In these times, one cannot be predictable."

11:32 Munz: Nuclear Threats - "Kremlin Faces a Dilemma"

Putin has been threatening Europe and NATO since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war. In this context, he cautioned about the potential use of Western weapons. However, despite these threats, Western countries keep providing aid to Ukraine. According to NTV correspondent Rainer Munz, the Kremlin is left with no choice other than resorting to methods that are not advantageous.

11:19 Zelenskyy: Russian Forces Bully Ukrainians

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in an interview with the 'Guardian' newspaper that the delay in US President Joe Biden's decision to use Western weapons against Russian targets has led to Russian forces ridiculing the Ukrainians and "hunting" them. Zelenskyy sees the hesitation as absurd, with Russia trying to kill Ukrainians without repercussions. "It's like they're on a hunt for people. They know we can see them, but we can't reach them," Zelenskyy remarked.

11:08 Orban: NATO Increases Risk of War

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban believes that NATO is bringing itself closer to war each week by escalating its involvement in the Ukraine conflict. The idea of NATO intervening in Ukraine is reminiscent of a firefighter trying to extinguish a fire using a flamethrower, according to Orban. This could potentially escalate the situation into a world war instead of protecting NATO's member states. Orban, who maintains cordial relations with the Russian government, has been at odds with Western states over their stance on Ukraine since the onset of the Russian invasion in February 2022. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg recently said at a meeting of the alliance's foreign ministers in Prague that member countries should ponder some restrictions on the usage of weapons supplied to Ukraine.

10:51 Germany Allows Ukraine to Employ Their Weapons Against Russian Targets

The German administration allows Ukraine to use German-supplied weapons against military targets in Russia. This was announced by spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit in Berlin.

10:46 Insider: Zelenskyy to Attend Singapore Security Conference

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is slated to participate in a security conference in Singapore this weekend. Sources informed Reuters about this, indicating that Ukraine's request for involvement in its Switzerland-organized international conference on resolving the war will be one of the primary topics. US Defense Minister Lloyd Austin and Chinese counterpart Dong Jun will also attend. Ukraine is lobbying for participation despite allegations that Russia is blocking other nations from taking part.

The Chinese government is urging a peace conference with Russia and Ukraine, stating it is impartial and not directed against either party. Spokesperson Mao Ning confirmed China's involvement in organizing the conference, though they won't be attending. In recent reports, Russian Defense Minister Andrej Belousov stated that Ukrainian forces have withdrawn from some territories, taking control of around 880 square kilometers. Multiple energy plants in Kiev were damaged due to a Russian rocket attack, while Ukraine claimed to have damaged an oil depot in the Russian port of Kavkaz using Neptune missiles. The NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, expressed support for Ukraine's actions against Russian military targets, stating Russia's aggressive actions were escalating the situation. Kyiv reported that Ukrainian forces eliminated 4 Shahed drones and an Iskander missile. Four civilians lost their lives, and 25 were injured in a Russian rocket attack in a residential building in Charkiv. Official figures show 507,650 Russian soldiers killed or no longer in the field, and 7728 Russian tanks destroyed since the start of the war. However, these numbers can't be independently verified.

China demands Ukraine-Russia peace conference
The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, urged both Russia and Ukraine to participate in a peace conference.
The demand is considered fair and impartial, according to Mao Ning.
Ukrainian troops withdraw in Kharkiv region
Russian Defense Minister Andrej Belousov announced Ukrainian forces withdrew from key areas in Kharkiv.
Since February, the Russian army has taken control of more than 28 settlements and an area covering 880 square kilometers.
Energy plants in Kiev damaged in Russian rocket attack
The energy company DTEK reported multiple energy plants in Kiev were damaged following a Russian rocket attack.
Some private homes were also without power.
Ukrainian General Staff: Oil depot in Russian Black Sea port attacked
Ukrainian forces reported attacking an oil depot in the Russian Black Sea port of Kavkaz.
Unclear if the entire depot was destroyed but some explosions and a large fire were seen.
US weapons against Russian targets: NATO Secretary General sees no escalation risk
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg believes the decision to allow Ukraine to target Russian military assets doesn't escalate the conflict.
He urged Germany and other countries to allow attacks on Russian military targets with their weapons.
Ukrainian Defense: Four Shahed drones shot down in a night
The Air Force commander, Mykola Oleschtschuk, shared that Ukrainian air defense units and mobile artillery groups shot down four Russian Shahed drones and one Iskander missile in various regions.
Fourth victim found after rocket attack on residential building in Charkiv
Governor of the Charkiv region, Oleh Syniehubov, confirmed four people were killed and 25 injured following a Russian rocket attack on a residential building in Charkiv.
Ukrainian forces claim 4,400 Russian soldiers eliminated in Kyiv
Ukrainian Defense Ministry reports since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, 507,650 Russian soldiers were killed or can't fight, 7728 tanks destroyed.
Four civilians killed and 25 injured in a Russian rocket attack in Charkiv
Ukrainian troops shot down four Shahed drones and an Iskander missile.
Bodies found in the building rubble, bringing deaths to four.

Ukrainian Airstrikes in Southern Russia Injure Two: Regional Governor

The governor of Krasnodar, Veniamin Kondratyev, reported damage to the infrastructure of an oil depot in the Temryuk district of southern Russia through a Telegram post. Local authorities say two people were hurt during the air attack carried out by Ukrainian forces. He also mentioned that debris from shot-down drones caused a fire that was later extinguished. The Russian Defense Ministry reports that five rockets and 29 drones were intercepted by air defense systems after Ukraine launched an aerial assault on the region. Krasnodar wasn't the only targeted region, as Voronezh, Belgorod, and Tambov were also hit.

Explosions Reported in Crimea Overnight

We have received reports of multiple explosions in the Russian-occupied Crimea, according to eyewitness accounts. The Telegram channel Crimean Wind, as quoted by Ukrinform, mentions that eight to ten explosions were heard in Port Kavkaz, resulting in a fire at an oil depot in the area. Previously, there were reports of a large fire in the port involving two ferries from Kerch that had been struck by ATACMS missiles.

US Defense Intelligence Agency Confirms Use of North Korean Rockets by Russia in Ukraine

The United States military has conducted debris analysis, confirming Russia's use of North Korean rockets in its ongoing war against Ukraine. The Defense Intelligence Agency stated that rocket debris from North Korean-made ballistic missiles had been found throughout the country.

China's Support for Russia Threatens European Security

USA: China's backing for Russia not only jeopardizes Ukraine's safety but also threatens European security, the US government maintained. Deputy spokesperson of the US State Department, Vedant Patel, indicated the countries' belief that China was endangering European security by supporting the Russian arms industry. The US issued a warning of possible additional Western sanctions in response.

Kharkiv: Three Civilians Killed, 16 Injured Due to Russian Rockets

Five rockets were reportedly fired from Belgorod and impacted Kharkiv during the night. Three people lost their lives and 16 were injured, two of whom were children when a five-story residential building was hit. This incident damaged around twenty residential buildings, according to Ukrainska Pravda.

SPD Foreign Policy Politician Advocates for Use of Western Weapons against Military Targets in Russia

Nils Schmid, an SPD foreign policy politician, considers allowing the use of Western weapons against military targets in Russia. He suggests that NATO allies should decide on this collectively.

Chancellor Scholz Rules Out Deployment of German Soldiers & No-Fly Zone in Ukraine

Chancellor Olaf Scholz refuses to deploy German soldiers in Ukraine or participate in a no-fly zone. He believes that such actions would lead to war with Russia. Instead, he emphasized the importance of preventing a conflict between NATO and Russia. This stance aligns with President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron.

US Allows Use of US Weapons by Ukraine Against Russia, But with Restrictions

A US insider revealed that the United States allows Ukraine to use US weapons against Russia, though only in the Kharkiv area. The condition of not using Ukrainian-provided long-range rockets and ammunition for attacks in Russia remains intact.

Ukrainian Storm Brigade Releases Video of Street Fights in Vovchansk

The Liut Brigade, a unit of the Ukrainian armed forces, is defending the city of Vovchansk alongside other troops. The unit has now released a video showing soldiers from the Storm Regiment Tsunami preventing Russian soldiers from occupying a building in the city.