16:39 German Minister-President: The West reacts "too politely" to Moscow's hybrid warfare
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen labels Western countries' reaction to Russia's hybrid warfare as "too polite"Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen considers the reaction of Western countries to Russia's hybrid warfare as "too polite," according to a media report. Frederiksen made this statement during an expert discussion on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Washington. "I think we need to take it much more seriously," Frederiksen said, as reported by Ukrainska Prawda. "And I think we (NATO) should consider it as an attack on us, instead of just saying: 'It's happened again and again and again'". According to Frederiksen, the "hybrid war" with Moscow is already underway. However, many Western powers seem unwilling to acknowledge the reality.
15:45 Russia warns of dangerous escalation due to Western weaponsRussia views the permission given by some NATO countries for Ukraine to attack Russian territory with supplied weapons as a dangerous escalation, according to Press Secretary Dmitri Peskov. He mentioned specific statements from representatives of certain countries like Britain and others at the NATO summit in Washington. Some countries tried to maintain the balance and stated that they would be against such a relaxation of conditions for the use of rockets with longer range. Such rockets would already be used for attacks on Russia. This is pure provocation and "a new, very dangerous escalation of tensions".
15:06 Finland closes border to Russia for migrants and asylum seekersThe Finnish Parliament passes a law against the entry of migrants through Russia. Border guards can now turn away 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 had already come to Finland. The government sees this as a reaction from Russia to Finland's NATO membership. The law is supported not only 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 espionage. "Two Russian-born Australian citizens, who are accused of obtaining material from the Australian military to give to Russian authorities, must answer today before the Brisbane Magistrates Court, following charges of espionage," the joint statement from the Federal Police and the Australian Secret Intelligence Service reads. The suspects are a 40-year-old soldier in the Australian military and her 62-year-old husband.
13:56 IAEA governing body condemns Russian attack on children's clinic in KievThe governing council of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) condemns the Russian attack on a children's clinic in Kiev. In a resolution, the body draws attention to the fact that the hospital operates a wing funded by the IAEA for cancer diagnosis and radiation therapy. 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, including at least 8 children, were injured. According to Ukrainian authorities, no radioactive radiation was released during the attack.
13:30 Mölling: Attack on NATO area will be "riskier" for Russia
Security expert Christian Mölling tells the "Stern"-Podcast "Die Lage" that the planned stationing of US intermediate-range missiles in Germany will change Moscow's military calculation - with a significant disadvantage for Moscow. It will simply become more expensive or riskier to attack NATO territory, Mölling, the research director of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, states. Although it was clear as early as 2023 that we needed these weapons, everyone had "fallen asleep again," and once again, the Americans had to intervene on behalf of the Europeans. Mölling also comments on reports of assassination plans against Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger and speaks of "state terrorism" against Germany.
13:14 Germany reportedly planning massive troop deployments in war scenario
According to the "Spiegel," Germany and the Bundeswehr are planning to deploy hundreds of thousands of soldiers from NATO member states through Germany in the event of a possible escalation along the NATO eastern flank. The report refers to informed circles. The plans involve deploying around 800,000 soldiers with approximately 200,000 vehicles from North Sea ports in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany to the east within three to six months. The column would be about 13,000 kilometers long. Preparations are part of the secretly designated Operationsplan Deutschland, which the Bundeswehr has developed to make Germany militarily ready.
12:21 Kremlin dismisses murder plot allegations as "fake news"
Russia dismisses the report of a planned assassination on Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger as false. It is "fake news" based on anonymous sources, the Presidium in Moscow states. Such reports cannot be taken seriously. The US news network CNN reported on Thursday that the US and Germany had thwarted an assassination plot against Papperger planned for the beginning of the year. FDP Bundestag member Reinhard Houben now calls for a special session of the BundesSicherheitsrat. If the CNN report is true, the federal government must draw clear consequences, Houben says. Planned attacks on German citizens in Germany would represent "a new quality of escalation."
12:05 "For the new era": China holds military exercises with Russia
According to its own statements, China is holding joint military exercises with Russia off its coast. The exercises named "Joint Sea-2024" began at the beginning of July and are scheduled to last until mid-month, the Chinese Defense Ministry explains. The exercises reportedly take 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 ability of both sides to respond to threats to maritime security and maintain global and regional peace and stability, the Ministry adds. They should also deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia for the new era.
11:47 Kiev: Kinderclinic to be brought before International Criminal Court over alleged Russian shelling
The Ukrainian Prosecutor General will bring the suspected Russian shelling of a children's hospital in Kiev before the International Criminal Court (ICC). "Cases like an intentional attack on the largest children's hospital in Kiev should end up at the ICC", said Andrij Kostin. Russia denies responsibility for the shelling and speaks of a malfunction of the Ukrainian air defense. Experts refute this. They point out that a surface-to-air missile would have caused numerous small craters or depressions at the impact site - and not a half-collapsed building like in Kiev.
11:14 Ukrainian Jagdbrigade: "Wonder of Technology" captured
The Ukrainian 68th Separate Jagdbrigade reports on social media about the capture of a modern T90-Proryv-Tank. This refers to the most advanced version from the T90 series and with the T-14 to the most modern combat tank of the Russian armed forces. The Ukrainian brigade describes it as "Wonder of Technology". The captured model is said to be in almost fully functional 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 are to use the three vehicles against the Russian invaders.
10:52 Interior Ministry: "Significantly increased threat from Russian aggression"
Against the background of reports of attack plans against Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasizes the resolve of German security agencies. "We do not comment on individual threat situations", said the SPD politician. "We take the significantly increased threat from Russian aggression very seriously." Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to undermine support for Ukraine, according to Faeser. "But we will not be intimidated." Security measures have been significantly increased in the face of 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 war is over. This seems to neither cause euphoria nor hope in Ukraine. The NATO rhetoric repeats itself, the promises have become familiar to the Ukrainians, so the journalist Denis Trubetskoy.
10:03 HUR: Russian deep-sea vessel damaged
A modernized Russian deep-sea vessel is reportedly damaged according to Ukrainian reports during tests in the European North Sea. According to a report by the Ukrainian military intelligence service HUR, 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 damage that prevented further testing", it says on Telegram. Russia is currently assessing the damage and the time required for repair of the vessel.
09:32 Russian "Troll Army" disseminated propaganda for AfD before EU election
Unknown individuals, according to a report by "Spiegel," apparently attempted to influence the EU election through covert social media campaigns. This is shown in 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. In Germany, the investigation reportedly showed that the AfD benefited most from the hidden support. A massive amount of posts advocating for the AfD on the X platform was disseminated by a small group of people who used thousands of accounts for this purpose. The analysts believe that this network is likely a Russian-controlled group.
09:04 Increase in GPS disturbances - ISW sees increasingly intense hybrid campaign from Moscow
Finnish authorities report an increase in GPS disturbances in the past week. Most of the disruptions of GPS and radar in air and maritime traffic are believed to have originated 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 disruptions while guiding boats near Kotka and Hamina on the Finnish south coast. The GPS was unavailable for 90% of the stretch between the Orrengrund Lighthouse Station and the Hamina Harbor. According to the ISW, this aligns with reports of Russian GPS disruptions in the Baltic states and other areas in Europe. 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 conclusion: "Russia's obvious GPS disruptions are likely part of an intensifying hybrid campaign by Russia, which directly targets NATO countries, aiming to undermine support for Ukraine and NATO unity."
08:37 Kiev: Five Russian cruise missiles intercepted - Russians apparently want to overload air defense
The Ukrainian Air Force reportedly intercepted all five Kalibr cruise missiles of the Kh-101 type fired by the Russian military towards Ukraine. Eleven of the 19 drones were also destroyed. The main target of the Russian attack was the city of Starokostyantyniv, where there is an important military airport. The city is located in the Oblast of Chernihiv in western central Ukraine. The eleven drones were intercepted over six regions, including Sumy, Kiev, Chernihiv, and Mykolaiv. The 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 Green defends Stationing Plan: It's about Protection
Green Fraction Vice Chair Agnieszka Brugger justifies the planned armament with far-reaching US weapons in Germany. She understands if many people have associations with the Cold War, says the defense expert in Deutschlandfunk. However, these measures are not a contribution to arms race but serve defense. In the 80s, two power blocs stood against each other, both of which did not want maximum escalation, explained Brugger. Nevertheless, there were many dangerous situations back then. Today, there is a brutal aggressor who is violating international law, has switched to a war economy, and is waging the cruelest war against Ukraine. It's about solidarity and protection, but not aggression.
07:53 Shocked by Attack on Children's Clinic: Russian Pilot Leaked Apparent Commander Data
A Russian pilot is reported to have provided confidential information to the Ukrainian Military Intelligence Service (HUR) that contributed to the identification of 30 commanders of the Russian heavy bomber flight division. This is reported by "Kyiv Independent" citing a confidential source from the intelligence service. The Russian pilot, who is said to serve in the 22nd heavy bomber flight division, contacted the HUR on July 8 after the devastating Russian attack on the children's hospital in Kiev. This shocked him so much that he decided to take this step. The pilot is said to have given personal information, including photos and other confidential documents, about more than 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 harms the Russians as well. "But it can last forever, Russia has completely converted its industry to war economy," says the manager in an interview with the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung". Papperger expects sustained growth for the Düsseldorf arms company as a result. The sales are expected to increase by 40 percent in this year.
07:05 Threats against Rheinmetall CEO? Alleged Russian Agents Were Reportedly Already in the EU
The danger to Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger from alleged assassination plans was apparently more concrete than known. According to information from "Spiegel" security circles, Western intelligence services observed suspicious travels of suspected agents in the past months. The men are said to be from countries of the former Soviet Union, at least one from Russia. Some were already in the Schengen Area, others had planned entries. Suspicious individuals were detected not only near the Rheinmetall headquarters but also at Papperger's travel destinations abroad. Senior officials suspect that it could have been "proxies" of Russian intelligence services – hired hands.
06:49 Heusgen: Berlin underestimates the gravity of the situation
The chief of the Munich Security Conference, Christoph Heusgen, criticizes the German government for its communication regarding the Ukraine war. "The German defense minister speaks bluntly and says that we must become battle-ready," Heusgen criticizes. "But their cabinet colleagues still underestimate the seriousness of the situation." He laments that "I have the feeling that most responsible politicians believe they can give the population a watered-down version and say: 'We are dealing with an aggression like in the Cold War'." Putin has set himself the goal of restoring the old Soviet Union. "This is all still being downplayed a little among us," so Heusgen. "One must give the people a clear account of what Russia has broken in treaties, how Russia is arming, that Russia has nuclear-capable missiles stationed in Kaliningrad that can reach Germany."
06:22 Spying for Russia: Australian Couple Arrested
Two Australian citizens of Russian origin have been arrested in Australia on charges of espionage. The 40 and 62-year-old couple are accused of obtaining material from the Australian military to hand over 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 preparing a spying offense. A maximum sentence of 15 years in prison applies. The pair were identified as part of a complex operation by a special task force of the police and intelligence services.
05:55 Outrage after Report on Murder Plans: "Putin's regime now targets German citizens"
A CNN report on alleged Russian assassination plans against Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger has caused outrage in Germany. "It shows once again that Russia is carrying its war and terror to Europe," says the chairman of the Defense Committee, Marcus Faber of the FDP, in an interview with the "Bild" newspaper. "The Putin regime now targets German citizens." The chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Michael Roth of the SPD, tells the newspaper 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 informed and Papperger was subsequently provided with additional protection.
05:18 Hungary accuses NATO partners of moral hypocrisy and failure
The Hungarian government accuses NATO partners of moral hypocrisy and failure in dealing with Russia's aggression against Ukraine at the conclusion 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 spokesman in a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Szijjarto represented Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who had left the summit early to meet with former US President Donald Trump in Florida.
04:35 UK calls on NATO allies to increase defense effortsUK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced at the NATO summit in Washington a plan for his government to increase defense spending to 2.5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product. At the same time, he urged other allies to do the same. Currently, 23 out of the 32 alliance members spend two percent of their GDP on defense. However, more needs to be done in light of the serious security threats, according to Starmer.
03:30 Biden: Would speak with Putin if he were open to changeUS President Joe Biden currently sees no point in holding talks with Russian President Putin. In general, he is open to speaking with any state or government leader - including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Biden said at a press conference following the NATO summit. This also applies if Putin calls him. "I'm saying I'm willing to talk, but I don't see the willingness for that," Biden said. Putin must be willing to change his behavior.
02:32 NATO Ukraine Command setup begins in WiesbadenThe setup of the new NATO Ukraine Command for coordinating weapons deliveries and training activities for Ukrainian forces begins today in Wiesbaden. However, the commander for Europe will likely still need several months to set up the command so that it can take on all planned tasks, according to alliance representatives at the NATO summit in Washington. Until then, US forces will continue to handle the coordination. The deployment is also meant to be a precaution for the possibility of a return of Donald Trump as US President in January 2025.
01:58 Scholz rules out unlimited weapons use against RussiaFederal Chancellor Olaf Scholz rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's call for lifting all restrictions on the use of Western weapons against Russian territory. "Nobody is changing the previous rules and guidelines - for good reasons," Scholz said at the end of the NATO summit. "We want to support Ukraine as much as possible, but we also want to prevent the war between Russia and NATO from escalating." Zelenskyy is primarily concerned about military bases in the Russian hinterland from which rocket attacks on Ukraine are launched. More than 40 civilians, including children, were killed in rocket attacks on Ukrainian cities on Monday.
01:25 Scholz on attack report: We know the threatsIn connection with a media report about Russian hacking plans against Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, Chancellor Olaf Scholz 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 Nuclear Power PlantThe United Nations General Assembly calls on Russia to withdraw its military and other unauthorized personnel from the Ukrainian Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Russia is urged to place the facility under the full control of Ukrainian authorities, according to a UN Resolution passed with 99 Yes-votes, nine No-votes, and 60 abstentions. The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest in Europe, was taken over by Russia shortly after its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. While the plant is shut down, it requires external energy to keep the nuclear material cool and prevent a nuclear meltdown.
23:36 Pistorius expects correction in budget 2025German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is confident that there will be adjustments 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 ARD. He will not stop advocating for the Bundeswehr to be adequately equipped to carry out its mission.
22:46 Kremlin: "On the way to a Cold War"Russia criticizes the planned deployment of US long-range weapons in Germany as a return to the Cold War. "We are on the way to a Cold War. This all happened before," says Kreml spokesman Dmitri Peskov to Russian state television. Peskov accuses Germany, the US, France, and the UK of directly involvement in the conflict in Ukraine. "And all the signs of the Cold War are returning - with confrontation, with direct confrontation between adversaries," he says. "All this is being done to undermine our country. All this is being done to ensure our strategic defeat on the battlefield," emphasizes Peskov. However, during the Cold War, Europe experienced peace. Russia began its war against Ukraine in 2014, which it intensified again in 2022.
21:34 Zelenskyy: Restrictions on western weapons must endUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy demands 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 Russian territory from which rocket attacks are launched. "If they attack us and kill our children, it's crazy to ask why we can't attack that military base," says Zelenskyy.
20:58 USA announces additional aid package worth $225 millionUS President Joe Biden announces an additional 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 attacks. The package also includes NASAMS missile defense systems, multiple rocket launchers of the HIMARS type, and artillery ammunition with calibers of 155 and 105 millimeters, according to the US government. The weapons are said to come from US military stocks.
20:19 Stoltenberg accuses Russia of intimidation campaign against NATONATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg reports on a Russian campaign of hostile actions against NATO. It aims 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.
All former developments can beread here.**
- Prime Minister Frederiksen criticizes the Western response to Russia's attacks on Ukraine as "too polite," urging NATO to consider them as attacks on the alliance itself.
- Russia accuses NATO countries of providing weapons to Ukraine, which it views as a dangerous escalation, potentially leading to a new, very dangerous escalation of tensions.
- The Finnish government passes a law to turn away asylum seekers at the Finnish-Russian border, alleging that Russia is encouraging migrants to enter Finland as a reaction to Finland's NATO membership.
- Australian authorities arrest two Russian-descent citizens on charges of espionage, accused of obtaining military information to give to Russian authorities.
- The IAEA governing body strongly condemns a Russian attack on a children's clinic in Kiev, which operates a wing funded by the IAEA for cancer diagnosis and radiation therapy.
