18:47 Ukrainian warship in Turkey launched
In Turkey, a second warship of the Corvette type for Ukraine has been launched into the water. "We know like no one else how important security is, and this corvette will be a pledge of security for our entire shared region," says Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska at the ceremony in Istanbul, according to a statement. The ship, named "Hetman Ivan Vyhovsky" in March, follows the corvette named "Hetman Ivan Mazepa" which was launched in October 2022. Currently, Ukraine is conducting test drives with the ship. Both corvettes were ordered in 2020 before the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Also participating in the event are Defense Minister Rustem Ummerov and Fleet Commander Oleksiy Neizhpapa.
18:10 Former BND chief on exchange: "This is what we can build on" Gerhard Schindler, the former president of the BND, praises the federal government's actions in the prisoner exchange. "In politics, it's about working for the benefit of the population, for the benefit of people. And what does that mean, working for the benefit of people? It's about freedom and protecting life and limb," explains Schindler in an interview with ntv. "And this deal, this exchange, has precisely considered these goals, and therefore I have no doubt that the federal government has acted correctly, sovereignly, and very wisely here," emphasizes the former BND chief. "The intelligence services have fulfilled their task. And that's naturally a good step towards the future because we can say, this is what we can build on," explains Schindler. Now, new topics could be addressed, such as a larger prisoner exchange, also in connection with Ukraine. "We can also lay the foundation for talks moving towards a ceasefire," Schindler told ntv.
17:39 Kremlin: Spy children didn't know of Russian origin The two children of two spies who returned to Russia through a prisoner exchange between Moscow and Western states did not know about their Russian roots, according to Kremlin statements. "The children of the secret agents who arrived yesterday knew they were Russians only when their plane took off from Ankara," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, according to the Russian news agency Interfax. The children reportedly do not speak Russian. President Putin greeted the two children in Spanish with "Buenas Noches," as heard on a video on the Russian president's website. After the arrest of the spy couple in Slovenia in December 2022, reports also emerged about the children. At that time, it was reported that a foster care service had taken over the children after the arrest of their parents. It was also reported that the mother was Argentine.
17:06 Esken: Exchange demonstrates that negotiations with "Russian aggressor" are possibleSaskia Esken describes the prisoner exchange with Russia as a major diplomatic success. "It's a major diplomatic victory that we've managed to free many German and other Western European and Western citizens from prisons in Russia," the SPD federal chairwoman told ntv. Exchanging the Tiergarten murderer was a difficult decision. "This exchange also has painful aspects. That's often the case in diplomacy when you make a deal, you have to accept painful decisions," explains Esken. However, the result is that many people have been brought to freedom and safety. "This deal shows that it's possible to negotiate, to engage in talks, even with the Russian state, even with the Russian aggressor, on topics where they have their own interests," says Esken. Ultimately, the goal is peace, "but first, a situation must be created where the Russian state is even willing to talk to us," says the SPD federal chairwoman in the interview.
16:33 Expert explains: What F16s in Ukraine can achieveThe training of pilots has been ongoing for months, and the first F16 fighter jets from the West have now arrived in Ukraine. What can these machines do against Russian invaders? ntv asks aviation expert Walerij Romanenko.
15:49 Russian Foreign Ministry comments on exchange with tasteless jokeThe reaction of Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova to the prisoner exchange between Russia and the West is hard to beat in terms of cynicism and tastelessness. She posted a photo on Telegram showing US President Joe Biden shaking hands with someone. The caption reads: "Biden receives 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 on February 16 in a penal colony, his team believes he was killed on the Kremlin's orders. The White House confirmed yesterday that Washington also wanted Navalny freed as part of the prisoner exchange. John McCain spent more than five years in captivity during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1973. He died in August 2018.
15:13 Hungary Eases Visa Rules for Russians - EU Sees Possible Security Threat
The relaxation of visa rules for Russians and Belarusians in Hungary is considered a "possible security threat" to the Union by EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson. She has sent a letter with questions to the government in Budapest, Johansson explains to X. "Given the potential security threat to the Schengen area from these unilateral measures," Johansson demands that Budapest answer a series of questions by mid-August. "Granting potential Russian spies and saboteurs easy access to the EU would undermine the security of us all," the home affairs commissioner explains. The eased visa procedures for Russian and Belarusian citizens in Hungary could lead to a "de facto circumvention of the restrictions imposed by the EU," Johansson says. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban had signed a decree at the beginning of July, expanding the fast-track procedure for issuing visas in Hungary to Russia and Belarus, as well as six other countries. Citizens of these countries can now apply for so-called national cards to work in Hungary.
14:37 Polish Government Criticized After Prisoner Exchange with Russia
The Polish government is facing criticism for its involvement in a prisoner exchange with Russia, as a Belarusian journalist detained in Belarus was not released. Former Polish Interior Minister Mariusz Kamiński of the right-wing nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party accuses the cabinet of Prime Minister Donald Tusk on X of having released a Russian-Spanish journalist accused of spying for Russia - but "got nothing in return." The journalist Andrzej Poczobut, who was arrested in Belarus in 2021 and sentenced in 2023, was not released. However, Poland had released Pablo González, who had been posing as a Spanish journalist in Europe and was serving time in a Polish prison since February 2022 on suspicion of spying for Russia, as part of the exchange.
13:56 Civilians Killed or Injured in Multiple Attacks
Multiple Ukrainian cities have reported deaths and injuries from Russian attacks, according to authorities. A woman died and another civilian was hospitalized after an attack on the city of Kupjansk, the governor of the Kharkiv region wrote. In Derhachi, a bus filled with construction workers was attacked by a drone, with seven injured reported. In Kherson, a drone attack on pedestrians killed a 54-year-old and injured a 75-year-old, authorities said.
13:34 ISW: Russians Slowly but Steadily Advancing in the East
In the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk, Russian forces appear to be making progress. West of Avdiivka, they continue to advance slowly but steadily towards Pokrovsk, according to an analysis by the U.S.-based think tank "Institute for the Study of War." This is likely due to personnel shortages on the Ukrainian side and the terrain. If Russian forces advance into an area with larger settlements, the advances are likely to slow further.
13:12 Russia Hands Over 250 Ukrainian Soldier RemainsUkraine 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, according to the Telegram message from the Coordination Staff for Prisoner of War Issues. The handover was facilitated by international organizations. Images show staff from the International Red Cross. The bodies will be identified and handed over to their families for burial.
12:48 CDU Foreign Policy Expert Hardt: All Germans in Russia or Belarus Could Become VictimsCDU foreign policy expert Jürgen Hardt sees the release of the so-called Tiergarten murderer as part of the prisoner exchange as ambiguous. He fears that "the propaganda effect for Putin is enormous," Hardt said in the ARD "Morning Magazine." The Russian president could now tell any hired killer: "You see, I get you out." The policy must be clear that "we have come onto a slippery slope," Hardt said. All Germans currently 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 Was Russian Intelligence AgentThe Kremlin has confirmed that Vadim Krasikov, released by Germany as part of a prisoner exchange, was an agent 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.
11:55 Security Expert Umbach: Exchange Strengthens Putin's Image of Weak WestThe prisoner exchange strengthens Putin's course against the West, says security expert Frank Umbach. Russia had the upper hand in the deal and made the West look weak. For Russia's president, this is a win on multiple levels, as the expert explains.
11:22 Gershkovich Proposes Interview with PutinThe released US journalist Gershkovich reportedly asked Russian President Putin for an interview just before the prisoner exchange. He had to fill out an official pardon application to Putin while in prison, the "Wall Street Journal" reports, for which Gershkovich works. The form also had an empty field for personal remarks. Instead of leaving it blank, Gershkovich filled it out in the formal Russian he had acquired in 16 months of detention. In the last line, he proposed to Putin: Would he be ready to sit down for an interview after his release? No response from the Russian president is known. Read more about this here.
11:00 Russian Defense Ministry's Claim of Contract Soldiers' Numbers May Be ExaggeratedRussia is attempting to recruit volunteers for its war against Ukraine by offering cash incentives. However, the number of new recruits may be significantly lower than claimed by the Russian Ministry of Defense, reports 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 contracts between autumn 2022 and April 2024. This is based on data from the federal budget. Meanwhile, the ministry has spoken of 640,000 contract soldiers by the same time.
10:30 Baerbock Sees Dilemma in Exchange of 'Tiergarten Murderer'Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is relieved about the release of those imprisoned in Russia and Belarus. However, in an interview with Bayerischer Rundfunk, she acknowledges 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," Baerbock says, but it also "rightly leads to much, much discussion."
10:04 Jäger: "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 releases a convicted murderer. Critics see this deal as an incentive for the Kremlin to make more arbitrary arrests, which the West must accept, says political scientist Thomas Jäger.
09:36 Röttgen Has Mixed Feelings About Deal: 'Giant Concession for Rule of Law'CDU foreign policy expert Norbert Röttgen views the deal between Russia and the West with mixed feelings. "In the end, I support the decision," he says in an interview with Deutschlandfunk. "This is a giant concession that the German state, the rule of law, is accepting for a higher good, which is humanity, freedom, health, and liberation from torture for 16 people." He understands those who found it very difficult to accept this.
09:00 Munz Evaluates Prisoner Exchange: "Everyone Has Seen: Germany Is Blackmailable"ntv's Russia correspondent Rainer Munz sees the prisoner exchange between Moscow and Berlin as a disastrous signal for Germans living abroad. The Kremlin is also increasing pressure on dissidents at home and abroad, he says.
08:33 Biden Praises 'Remarkable' ScholzAccording to US President Biden, the prisoner exchange was a "tough nut" for the US's allies. Particularly Germany and Slovenia had to make decisions against their immediate interests, he says. He praises German Chancellor Scholz as "remarkable." A plane 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 released a convicted murderer and prisoners accused of spying from Russia. Read more about this here.
08:04 US Analyst believes Putin got what he wantedRegarding the prisoner exchange, Russian President Vladimir Putin got what he wanted, believes analyst Tom Nichols. 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 for another deal. Putin's government is "taking people and putting them on a scale like meat pieces until they get the kind of deal they want," believes Russia expert Nichols. He thinks Putin wanted to send a message to his supporters that he would rescue them if they were caught and that they are valuable to him.
07:26 Stationing of missiles can proceed without Bundestag decisionEspecially from the SPD, there is criticism that the planned relocation of long-range US weapons to Germany was decided and announced without the Bundestag. However, this is not required. This is the conclusion of the Scientific Service of the Bundestag. The planned stationing is likely to take place "within the NATO alliance framework," it says in a current briefing. The legal basis would likely be the NATO treaty and the Status of Forces Agreement, which regulates the legal status of foreign military forces in Germany. In July, the US government and the German government announced that the USA wants to station weapons systems in Germany again from 2026 that can reach far into Russia. Chancellor Olaf Scholz dismissed fears that this could lead to escalation with Russia. However, the former SPD chairman, Norbert Walter-Borjans, said that such a decision should be discussed within the SPD and in the Bundestag. Also, the deputy chairman of the Union faction, Johann Wadephul, called for a debate on this in the Bundestag.
06:36 Biden visibly moved: "It's a wonderful feeling"US President Biden appears visibly moved after the arrival of freed prisoners from Russia in their home country. "It's a wonderful feeling," he says after welcoming his fellow countrymen on US soil. "I was absolutely convinced that we could do this." His vice president, Kamala Harris, explains, "It's an incredible day" - one can see that in the tears of joy of the families. The prisoner exchange is an "extraordinary testament to the power of diplomacy" having a president who understands its power.
06:00 Harris praises courage of freed AmericansUS Vice President Kamala Harris praises the courage of the Americans released from Russian detention as part of the prisoner exchange. Paul Whelan, Alsu Kurmasheva, Evan Gershkovich, and US Green Card holder Vladimir Kara-Murza have shown "incredible courage" after being unlawfully imprisoned in Russia.
05:55 Biden, Harris, and families welcome freed AmericansThree Americans released as part of the prisoner exchange were welcomed by their families, President Joe Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris upon their arrival at an air force base in the US. Journalist Evan Gershkovich, his colleague Alsu Kurmasheva, and former US soldier Paul Whelan had spent years in Russian captivity. Read more about this here.
05:50 Three freed Americans landed in the USAThree Americans released as part of a prisoner swap between Russia, Belarus, and several Western countries have reportedly arrived in the USA. The plane suspected of carrying journalist Evan Gershkovich, his colleague Alsu Kurmasheva, and former US soldier Paul Whelan landed at a US Air Force base early Friday morning (local time). The flight from Ankara reached Joint Base Andrews near the US capital Washington late Thursday night (local time) after more than nine hours in the air, US media reported.
04:41 US advisor: Prisoner deal has no impact on Ukraine warUS National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan says the large-scale prisoner swap between Russia and several Western countries has no impact on the situation in Ukraine. He sees no connection between the 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 the successful negotiations could also promote talks with the Ukrainians about the war situation.
03:05 Russian-appointed governor: Drone fragments hit CrimeaThe Russian-appointed governor of the occupied Crimea, Mikhail Razvozhayev, 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 injuries. "The shot-down targets were equipped with destructive metal elements, according to our information," the governor said.
01:45 YouTube functioning in Russia only partiallyComplaints are increasing in Russia that the video platform YouTube is only functioning partially. 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 safelyGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomed a large number of German and Russian citizens released in a prisoner swap between Russia and the West at Cologne-Bonn Airport. "All have arrived safely," the SPD politician said shortly after midnight at the airport. He had spoken extensively with the arrivals. "That was very moving," Scholz said. "Many did not expect this to happen now." Many had feared for their health and even their lives. Two planes from Ankara landed in Cologne-Bonn late in the evening, carrying about a dozen of the 16 people released in Russia and Belarus.
23:59 Kremlin Spokesman: Putin Daily Involved in Ukraine WarRussian President Vladimir Putin spends many hours daily in contact with his military to discuss the progress of the war in Ukraine. "This is work that is not seen every day on camera, work that is not read about in newspapers," his spokesman Dmitri Peskov said in a radio interview, as quoted by the state news agency Tass. Putin reportedly devotes time every day of the week to the progress of the special operation, as the attack on Ukraine is referred to in Kremlin terminology. He also frequently calls front commanders and ordinary soldiers at the front. This is "a constant practice."
23:38 Freed German Prisoners Arrive in CologneFollowing a prisoner exchange between Russia, Belarus, and Western countries, two planes carrying freed prisoners have landed at Cologne Bonn Airport, according to dpa information. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had announced that he would meet with the former prisoners later in the evening. The SPD politician had previously interrupted his vacation and also landed at Cologne Bonn Airport. Among those released are five Germans.
22:44 Federal Justice Minister: "In Doubt, for Freedom"Federal Justice Minister Marco Buschmann described the release of 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 start a new life in freedom, the FDP politician explained. "They faced a similar fate as Alexei Navalny, who died in cruel and arbitrary detention." With this, Buschmann referred to the Russian opposition politician who died in Russian custody in mid-February. As Justice Minister, he said, the principle of "in doubt, for freedom" was decisive for him. Read more about this here.
22:13 Putin Personally Welcomes Freed RussiansVladimir Putin personally welcomed Russians freed from Western captivity at Moscow's Vnukovo Airport. The Kremlin leader embraced at least one of the men on the tarmac, where the presidential guard was standing in formation, as shown in Kremlin-published television footage. Also present were Russian security 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 freed prisoners and announced that they would be nominated for state awards. Tears of joy were visible on the faces of the freed prisoners. 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 Alexey Navalny. Harris spoke with Julia Navalnaya about the prisoner exchange and expressed her support, according to Navalnaya's spokeswoman, Kira Yarmish, on X. Harris praised Navalnaya and her husband's efforts for a "democratic Russia," Yarmish explained. Navalnaya described the release of Russian opposition figures on X as a "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 reported 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 on the arrival of F-16 fighter jets - a common practice to avoid aiding the enemy.
Catch up on all earlier developments [here].
The European Union could play a role in facilitating negotiations for a larger prisoner exchange involving Ukraine, as highlighted by Gerhard Schindler, the former president of the BND.
In light of Hungary easing visa rules for Russians, the European Union Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson has raised concerns about the potential security threat to the Schengen area due to this unilateral measure.
