16:33 Expert explains what the F16s can do in Ukraine
Pilot Training Has Been Ongoing for Months, First F16 Fighter Jets from the West Arrive in Ukraine
The training of pilots has been underway for months, and the first F16 combat jets from the West have now arrived in Ukraine. But what can these machines do in the fight against Russian invaders? ntv asks aviation expert Walerij Romanenko.
15:49 Russian Foreign Ministry Comments on Exchange with Tasteless Joke
The reaction of Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Sacharova to the prisoner exchange between Russia and the West is a display of cynicism and insensitivity. She posted a photo on Telegram of US President Joe Biden shaking hands with someone, with the caption: "Biden welcomes Alexei Navalny, whom he exchanged for Senator (John) McCain with the Vietnamese." The Russian government often mocks Biden's advanced age and slip-ups. Opposition leader Navalny died in a penal colony on February 16, and his team believes he was killed on the Kremlin's orders. The White House confirmed yesterday that Washington sought Navalny's release as part of the exchange. John McCain spent over five years in captivity during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1973 and died in August 2018.
15:13 Hungary Eases Visa Rules for Russians - EU Sees Possible Security Threat
EU Internal Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson considers Hungary's easing of visa rules for Russians and Belarusians a "possible security threat" to the Union. She has sent a letter with questions to the Budapest government, stating that in light of the potential security risk to the Schengen area, Hungary must answer by mid-August. "Granting potential Russian spies and saboteurs easy access to the EU undermines the security of us all," Johansson says. The simplified visa procedures for Russian and Belarusian citizens in Hungary could lead to a "de facto circumvention" of EU sanctions, she explains. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban signed a decree in early July expanding the fast-track visa process to Russia, Belarus, and six other countries, allowing citizens of these nations to apply for so-called national cards to work in Hungary.
14:37 Polish Government Criticized After Prisoner Exchange
The Polish government is facing criticism for its role in the prisoner exchange with Russia, as a Polish-speaking journalist detained in Belarus was not released. Former Polish Interior Minister Mariusz Kamiński of the right-wing PiS party accuses the government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk of releasing a Russian-Spanish journalist accused of spying for Russia without getting anything in return. Andrzej Poczobut, a journalist arrested in Belarus in 2021 and sentenced in 2023, was not freed. However, Poland released Pablo González, who had been imprisoned since February 2022 for suspected espionage on behalf of Russia.
13:56 Civilians killed or injured in multiple attacks
There are reports of deaths and injuries among civilians in several Ukrainian cities due to Russian attacks. A woman died and another civilian was injured and taken to hospital after an attack on the city of Kupiansk, according to the governor of the Kharkiv region. In Derhachi, a bus carrying construction workers was attacked by a drone, with seven injuries reported. In Kherson, a 54-year-old man was killed and a 75-year-old woman was injured when a drone dropped a bomb on a street.
13:34 ISW: Russians slowly but steadily advancing in the east
Russian forces appear to be making progress in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk. They are continuing to slowly and steadily advance west of Avdiivka towards Pokrovsk, according to an analysis by the US think tank "Institute for the Study of War". This is likely due to personnel shortages in the Ukrainian army and the terrain. If Russian forces advance into areas with larger settlements, the advances are likely to slow down further.
13:12 Ukraine receives bodies of 250 soldiers from Russia
Ukraine has received the bodies of 250 of its soldiers from Russia. Among them are remains of fallen soldiers from the Donetsk region in Bachmut, Marinka, and Avdiivka, as well as from the port city of Mariupol, the coordination staff for prisoner of war affairs reported on Telegram. The handover was facilitated by international organizations. Images show employees of the International Red Cross. The bodies are to be identified and handed over to the families for burial.
12:48 CDU foreign policy expert Hardt: All Germans in Russia or Belarus could become victims
CDU foreign policy expert Jürgen Hardt sees the release of the so-called Tiergarten murderer in the context of a prisoner exchange as ambivalent. He fears that "the propaganda effect for Putin is enormous," Hardt said in the ARD "Morgenmagazin." The Russian president could now tell any hired killer practically: "You see, I get you out." The policy must be aware that "we have come onto a slippery slope," Hardt said. All Germans who are now in Russia or Belarus must be warned that they could become victims, and "we must protect those who are with us." At the same time, he welcomes the release of the 16 people imprisoned in Russia and Belarus.
12:13 Kremlin confirms Tiergarten murderer is Russian intelligence agent
The Kremlin has confirmed that Vadim Krasikov, released by Germany in a prisoner exchange, is a member of the Russian intelligence service FSB. "Krasikov is a member of the FSB," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Krasikov, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in Berlin in 2021 for murder, belonged to an elite unit of the intelligence service.
11:22 Gershkovich Proposes Interview with PutinFreed US journalist Gershkovich reportedly requested an interview with Russian President Putin just before the prisoner exchange, according to the "Wall Street Journal" which Gershkovich works for. He had to fill out an official pardon application in prison, which included a blank field for personal remarks. Instead of leaving it blank, Gershkovich filled it out in "formal High Russian, which he had acquired in 16 months of detention." In the final line, he proposed a meeting for an interview upon his release. No response from Putin is known. Read more here.
11:00 Number of Russian Contract Soldiers May be ExaggeratedRussia is trying to recruit volunteers for the war against Ukraine with monetary incentives. However, the number of new recruits may be significantly lower than claimed by the Russian Ministry of Defense, writes the independent Russian-language online media outlet "Important Stories" based in Riga. According to a joint analysis by "Important Stories" and the "Conflict Intelligence Team," which specializes in open-source information, around 426,000 Russians received a lump sum payment for signing a contract between fall 2022 and April 2024. This is indicated by data on the federal budget. The ministry, however, has spoken of 640,000 contract soldiers by the same time.
10:30 Baerbock Sees Dilemma in Release of Tiergarten MurdererForeign Minister Annalena Baerbock is relieved about the release of those imprisoned in Russia and Belarus. However, she admits in Bavarian Radio that the exchange is a "highly sensitive dilemma," as Germany had to release a "hired killer" from Russia as well. The decision to make the exchange "was not easy for anyone in the federal government." It also "rightly leads to much, much discussion," the minister says.
10:04 Jaeger: "We're Back in a Time When Russia Takes Hostages"In the largest prisoner exchange between Russia and the West since the Cold War, Moscow frees a convicted murderer. Critics see this deal as an incentive for the Kremlin to make more arbitrary arrests. The West must accept this, says political scientist Thomas Jaeger.
09:36 Röttgen Has Mixed Feelings About Deal: Major Concession for Rule of LawCDU foreign policy expert Norbert Röttgen views the deal between Russia and the West with mixed feelings. "In the end, I support the decision." In the Deutschlandfunk, Röttgen says: "This is a major concession that the German state, the rule of law, has accepted here for a higher good, which is humanity, freedom, health, and liberation from torture for 16 people, so it's a give and take." He understands those who struggled with this decision, referring to the exchange of Tiergarten murderer Vadim Krasikov.
09:00 Munz Evaluates Prisoner Exchange: "Everyone Has Seen: Germany is Vulnerable"ntv Russia correspondent Rainer Munz sees a fatal signal for Germans living abroad in the prisoner exchange between Moscow and Berlin. The Kremlin is also increasing pressure on opposition figures at home and abroad.
08:33 Biden Praises "Remarkable" ScholzAccording to US President Biden, the prisoner exchange was a "tough nut to crack" for the US's allies. Germany and Slovenia, in particular, had to make decisions that were "against their immediate interests," Biden said. He praised German Chancellor Scholz as "remarkable." An aircraft carrying released US citizens landed in the US overnight (local time). Another 13 people, including several Germans, landed in Cologne. In exchange for the release of political prisoners and Kremlin critics, Germany, the US, and partner countries allowed a convicted murderer and prisoners accused of espionage from Russia to go free. Read more here.
08:04 Analyst Believes Putin Got What He WantedAccording to analyst Tom Nichols, Russian President Vladimir Putin got what he wanted in the prisoner exchange. The US political scientist said on CNN that the Kremlin sent a clear warning to people in the West that those who set foot in Russia could become the next bargaining chip in a deal. Putin's government is treating people "like cuts of meat on a scale until they get the kind of deal they want," Nichols believes. The Russia expert also thinks Putin wanted to send a message to his supporters that he would rescue them if they were captured and that they are valuable to him.
07:26 Stationing of Long-Range Missiles Can Proceed Without Bundestag VoteCritics, particularly from the SPD, have argued that the planned deployment of long-range US weapons in Germany was decided and announced without the Bundestag's approval. However, this is not required, according to the Scientific Service of the Bundestag. The planned stationing is likely to take place "within the NATO alliance framework," the service said in a recent briefing. The legal basis would likely include the NATO treaty and the Status of Forces Agreement regulating the legal status of foreign military forces in Germany. In July, the US and German governments announced that the US would station weapons systems with a long range in Germany from 2026. Chancellor Olaf Scholz dismissed fears that this could lead to escalation with Russia. However, former SPD chairman Norbert Walter-Borjans and Union faction vice Johann Wadephul both called for a debate on this decision in the Bundestag.
06:36 Biden Visibly Moved: "It's a Wonderful Feeling"US President Biden appeared visibly moved upon the arrival of released prisoners from Russia in their home country. "It's a wonderful feeling," he said after welcoming his fellow citizens on US soil. "I was absolutely convinced we could do this." His deputy, Kamala Harris, described it as "an incredible day" – one that could be seen in the joyful tears of family members. The prisoner exchange, she said, was an "extraordinary demonstration of the power of diplomacy."
06:00 Harris Praises Courage of Freed American US Vice President Kamala Harris praised the courage of the Americans released in a prisoner exchange from Russian detention. Paul Whelan, Alsu Kurmasheva, Evan Gershkovich, and US green card holder Vladimir Kara-Murza had shown "incredible bravery" after being unjustly imprisoned in Russia.
05:55 Biden, Harris and Families Welcome Freed Americans Three Americans freed in a prisoner exchange were greeted by their families, President Joe Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris upon their arrival at a U.S. air force base. Journalist Evan Gershkovich, his colleague Alsu Kurmasheva, and former U.S. soldier Paul Whelan had spent years in Russian captivity. Read more here.
05:50 Three Freed Americans Arrive in the U.S. Three Americans freed in a prisoner exchange between Russia, Belarus, and several Western countries appear to have arrived in the U.S. The plane suspected of carrying journalist Evan Gershkovich, his colleague Alsu Kurmasheva, and former U.S. soldier Paul Whelan landed at a U.S. air force base in the early hours of Friday (local time). The flight from Ankara reached Joint Base Andrews near the U.S. capital Washington late Thursday evening (local time) after more than nine hours in the air, U.S. media reported.
04:41 U.S. Advisor: Prisoner Deal Has No Impact on Ukraine War The large-scale prisoner exchange between Russia and several Western countries has no impact on the situation in Ukraine, according to U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. He sees no connection between negotiations over the detainees and possible diplomatic efforts to end the war in the country attacked by Russia. "From our perspective, these are running on separate tracks," Sullivan said in Washington when asked if successful negotiations could also promote talks with the Ukrainians about the war situation.
03:05 Russian-Appointed Governor: Drone Fragments Hit Crimea Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Russian-appointed governor of the occupied Crimea, reports that fragments of at least four drones hit areas of the port of Sevastopol early Friday morning. The drones were previously shot down by Russian air defense. Razvozhayev writes on the Telegram platform that there are no reports of injuries. "The downed targets were equipped with destructive metal elements, according to our information," the governor said.
01:45 YouTube Only Partially Working in Russia Complaints are mounting in Russia that the video platform YouTube is only partially working. Several media outlets reported outages and referred to the service "Sboj.RF," which records reports of disruptions on websites. According to this, complaints were mainly reported in Moscow and St. Petersburg, but also from other parts of the country. Russia had already blocked large social networks like X and Facebook, which can only be used via protected connections (VPN).
00:32 Scholz: Exchanged prisoners arrived safelyChancellor Olaf Scholz welcomed a majority of the German and Russian citizens released in a prisoner exchange between Russia and the West at Cologne-Bonn Airport. "All have arrived safely," said the SPD politician shortly after midnight at the airport. He had extensive conversations with the arrivals. "That was very moving," said Scholz. "Many did not expect this to happen now." Many had feared for their health and even their lives. Two planes from Ankara landed late in the evening at Cologne-Bonn Airport. On board were approximately a dozen of the 16 people released in Russia and Belarus.
23:59 Kremlin spokesman: Putin daily involved in Ukraine warKremlin leader Vladimir Putin spends many hours daily in contact with his military on the progress of the war in Ukraine. "This is work that is not seen on camera every day, work that is not read about in newspapers," said his spokesman Dmitry Peskov in a radio interview cited by the state agency TASS. Putin deals with the progress of the special operation, as the attack on Ukraine is called in Kremlin terminology, every day of the week. He also frequently telephones front commanders and simple soldiers at the front. This is "a constant practice."
23:38 Released German prisoners land in CologneTwo planes with released prisoners landed at Cologne/Bonn Airport after the prisoner exchange between Russia, Belarus, and Western countries, according to dpa information. Chancellor Olaf Scholz had announced that he would meet the former prisoners late in the evening. The SPD politician had also landed at Cologne/Bonn Airport. Among the released are five Germans.
22:44 Federal Minister of Justice on prisoner deal: "In doubt, for freedom"Federal Minister of Justice Marco Buschmann described the release of the convicted Russian murderer Vadim Krasikov from German custody as a bitter concession in the context of the prisoner exchange. This was done to enable 16 people to have a new life in freedom, explained the FDP politician. "They faced a similar fate as Alexei Navalny did: death in inhumane arbitrariness." Buschmann referred to the Russian opposition politician who died in Russian custody in mid-February. As Minister of Justice, the principle of "in doubt, for freedom" was decisive for him. Read more here.
22:13 Putin personally receives released RussiansVladimir Putin personally received Russians released from the West at Moscow's Vnukovo Airport. The Kremlin leader Putin embraced at least one of the men on the tarmac where the presidential guard was standing, as shown in television images released by the Kremlin. Also present were Russian intelligence chiefs Alexander Bortnikov of the FSB and Sergei Naryshkin, as well as Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. "You are home, you are in your homeland," Putin greeted the released and announced that they would be proposed for state awards. Tears of joy were visible on the faces of the released. Among those released was the so-called Tiergarten murderer Vadim K., who was released early from German custody as part of the deal.
21:59 Kamala Harris Calls Nawalny's WidowFollowing the historic prisoner exchange between the West and Russia, US Vice President Kamala Harris called the widow of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. Harris spoke with Julia Navalnaya about the prisoner exchange and expressed her support, according to Navalny's spokeswoman, Kira Yarmysh. Harris highlighted the couple's efforts for a "democratic Russia," Yarmysh explained. Navalnaya described the release of Russian opposition figures as "great joy." Each liberation of a political prisoner is "a huge victory and a reason to celebrate," she said. No one should be "Putin's hostage" and suffer and die in "Putin's prisons."
21:40 Report: Ukraine Already Deploying F-16sThe Ukrainian air force is said to have already conducted its first combat missions with F-16 fighter jets, according to the "Telegraph." However, it is believed these were only for air defense. A representative of the air force did not deny this. Ukraine has remained silent about the arrival of F-16 fighter jets, a common practice to avoid helping the enemy.
Catch up on earlier developments here.
The European Union might express concerns about Hungary's decision to ease visa rules for Russians and Belarusians, as it could potentially pose a security threat to the Union.
Following the arrival of F16 fighter jets from the West in Ukraine, discussions are underway about the role these aircraft will play in the fight against Russian invaders, with aviation expert Walerij Romanenko providing insights.
