19:09 US Weapons Deployment: Merz expects "precise reporting" from the government
CDU Chairman Friedrich Merz criticizes the German government for surprising the public with the announcement of the stationing of American long-range weapons in Germany starting from 2026. "I have not received any briefing from the German government up until today," Merz stated in an ARD summer interview. He expects "precise reporting" from the German government in the coming days. "This is a fundamental change in the strategic military situation in Europe and in Germany, and this cannot be simply made with a press release." Germany and the US announced last week that the United States would station missiles and hypersonic weapons in Germany among other things.
18:33 Kiev: Energy supply to improve soon
The energy supply in Ukraine is expected to improve according to the Ukrainian government after July 20th. This is reported by "Kyiv Independent" quoting Premier Minister Denis Schmyhal. The government is reportedly working on decentralizing energy production and supporting a wide range of consumers to facilitate additional energy production. Kiev is also focusing on renewable energy and supporting solar panels and wind turbines. In the past few months, Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure to disrupt the country's energy network once again.
17:55 Kiev hopes for US approval for long-range weapons
The US has not yet given Ukraine permission to use long-range weapons against targets on Russian territory. Ihor Schowka, deputy head of Zelensky's Presidential Chancellery, told "Voice of America". However, Ukraine continues to work with the US on this issue and hopes for a quick decision. "Everyone knows where the threat comes from, where the rockets (against Ukraine) are launched from." Schowka expressed optimism: "All important decisions that the US has made in the past have been made very quietly - and that will also be the case this time." Ukraine has been requesting permission to use the long-range weapons, such as rockets or missiles, provided by the US and other Western partners against targets on Russian territory. So far, Ukrainian military personnel can only use drones with significantly less explosive power.
17:24 Merz: Support Ukraine with the delivery of combat jets
CDU Chairman Friedrich Merz calls for stronger support for Ukraine and the delivery of combat jets. Merz said in the ARD: "It seems plausible to me to help Ukraine, at least to regain control over its own airspace. These rocket attacks, which are now taking place in ever greater numbers, against infrastructure, against power and water supplies, against hospitals, nursing homes, we cannot control that from the ground alone." The transfer of F-16 jets is already in progress, the US, the Netherlands, and Denmark announced in a joint statement at the NATO summit in Washington on Tuesday.
16:50 Partisans report destruction of Russian subunits due to large fireAt a sabotage operation near the Russian-occupied Oleshki in the Cherson region, there was reportedly a large fire. According to the Partisan movement Atesh on Telegram, one of their agents near the positions of one of the units of the 70th motorized infantry division of the Russian army set dry grass on fire. "As a result of the fire, three subunits were destroyed, trenches and defensive trenches of the unit were destroyed." Weapons and supplies were also reportedly destroyed. "Up to twenty members of the unit suffered severe burns." The Partisans' post ends with the call: "We continue our resistance along the entire frontline and inflict significant damage to the occupiers. Join the ranks of Atesh."
15:19 Russian soldiers apparently detain Georgians illegally in South Ossetia
Russian troops detained a Georgian citizen illegally near the village of Adzvi on the border with the occupied region of South Ossetia on Saturday, according to "Kyiv Independent," citing the Georgian State Security Service. The information about the illegal detention was immediately reported to the EU observation mission in Georgia. "The Russian occupation forces are responsible for all destructive actions committed in the occupied territories of Georgia and along the occupation line," the secret service is further quoted as saying. Moscow gained full control over the Georgian territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia after its invasion of Georgia in 2008.
15:43 Zelenskyy hopes for more help after US trip
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced further help for the soldiers and arms factories after his return from the US. At the NATO summit in Washington, concrete agreements were reached to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities; it's about weapons for the soldiers and support for the arms factories of Ukraine, he said. There will also be more Patriots and dozens of other air defense systems. In the past week alone, Russia fired more than 700 glide bombs, 170 combat drones of various types, and almost 80 rockets at Ukraine, Zelenskyy told X.
15:11 Russia reports capture of another village in eastern Ukraine
The Russian army, according to the Defense Ministry in Moscow, has taken control of another village in eastern Ukraine. The ministry reports that the village of Uroshchynje in the Donetsk region was taken by "units of the Eastern Army." The village is located on the southern frontline near the Saporishcha region. It was one of the few settlements that the Ukrainian army had recaptured during its counteroffensive in 2023. The Russian troops had advanced on a south-north axis along the Mokryi Yalynyi River.
14:36 Russians kill 13 Ukrainians on Saturday
Thirteen people were killed and 54 others were injured, including children, in Russian attacks on Ukraine on Saturday, according to local authorities, reports the "Kyiv Independent." The civilian victims were reported in the oblasts of Kharkiv, Donetsk, Kherson, and Dnipropetrovsk.
14:26 Kremlin implies US government indirect responsibility for shooting at TrumpThe Kremlin holds the US government indirectly accountable for the shooting at US Presidential candidate Donald Trump. "We don't believe that the current authorities attempted to organize an elimination or assassination attempt on Trump," said Putin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov to journalists. "However, an atmosphere has been created in the US where such acts were possible." Peskov further claimed, "It was obvious to all external observers that his life was in danger."
13:53 Zelenskyy: More than 700 guided bombing attacks from Russia in the past weekIn the past seven days, Russia has employed over 700 guided bombs, over 170 various types of combat drones, and nearly 80 rockets against Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared this information on social media. "The scale of this evil must correspond to the magnitude of the decisions to protect human life. Every partner can make a difference and strengthen defense against terror," he wrote further.
12:55 DeepState: Russians advancing in DonetskThe Russian military has taken control of the village of Urozhaine in the Donetsk region. The DeepState portal, which is close to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, reports that fighting continues in Zalizny and Klishchiivka. Additionally, the Russians are reportedly advancing near Oleksandropol, Nowoseliwka Perscha, and Makijiwka. Urozhaine was seized by Russian forces during the Russian aggression against Ukraine in 2022. It is believed that Urozhaine was retaken by the Ukrainian military in August 2023.
12:07 Russia: 3-tonne bomb dropped on Ukrainian military baseThe Russian Defense Ministry released a video showing a Su-34 Suchoi jet dropping a heavy bomb. The Su-34 is a two-seater jet bomber developed in the Soviet Union. The heavy bomb in question is believed to be the FAB-3000 type, which is dropped from aircraft and weighs three tonnes, with the warhead alone reportedly weighing around 1200 kg. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the bomb hit a Ukrainian Air Force base.
11:30 Ukraine: Death toll rises after Russian air raids on DonetskThe death toll in Donetsk has risen to six following Russian air raids. Six residents of the Donetsk region were killed: two each in Novootscheretuwate (see entry at 21:53) and Progres, one in Kostiantynopolskiy, and one in Novoselivka Pershii (see entry at 22:17). Ukrainian regional governor Wadym Filaschkin announced this on social media. In total, 11 more people were injured in the region during the attacks.
11:00 Report: Ireland preparing security accord with UkraineIreland is taking the first steps to draft a security accord with Ukraine. This was reported by "The Kyiv Independent" following a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Ireland. For a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris, Zelenskyy made a brief stopover at Shannon Airport in Ireland on his return flight from the NATO summit in Washington to Ukraine. "The Kyiv Independent" reports that Harris described the encounter as a "very good meeting," during which they discussed a potential bilateral agreement on mine clearance, energy, humanitarian aid, and food security. Ireland pursues a policy of neutrality, is not a NATO member, and has one of the lowest defense budgets in the EU, accounting for around 0.2 percent of its GDP. The Irish government does not supply weapons to Ukraine but has recognized Russia's war against Ukraine as a genocide.
10:24 Ukraine: Six Russian air raids repelledIn the night, the Ukrainian air defense reportedly shot down two hostile missiles of the CH-59/Ch-69 type and four reconnaissance drones: three Orlan-10s and one ZALA, according to their own statements on social media.
09:42 Russia uses Trump assassination attempt for propagandaJust hours after the attempted assassination of the former US President Donald Trump, Russia used the incident for its own purposes. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, called on the US government to "review its policy of inciting hatred." Such a policy targets "political opponents, countries, and peoples," she announced. She also used the assassination attempt to make propaganda against US support for Ukraine. She suggested that the money for "weapons deliveries to Zelenskyy" might be "better used for financing the police and other services that ensure law and order in the US."
09:00 Ukraine releases figures on Russian lossesThe Ukrainian General Staff has released new figures on Russian troop losses in Ukraine. According to the report from Kiev, Russia has lost approximately 559,090 soldiers since February 24, 2022. In just 24 hours, the number of losses was 1,320. The report also states that seven tanks and 46 artillery systems were destroyed. Since the beginning of the large-scale attack, Ukraine claims that Russia has lost 8,206 tanks, 15,262 artillery systems, and 361 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 12,108 drones, 28 ships, and a submarine. Western estimates put the loss figures lower - although these are only minimum values.
07:59 Governor: Air raid alert over the region of ZaporizhzhiaMilitary Governor Ivan Fedorov of the Zaporizhzhia region has declared an air raid alert in the southern Ukrainian region. On Telegram, he writes of attacks with ballistic missiles. According to Fedorov, other regions in Ukraine are also being attacked. He makes no statements about casualties, injuries, or deaths.
06:30 Russia reports destroyed drone in Belgorod, RussiaRussia reports a destroyed Ukrainian drone in the Russian region of Belgorod from the previous night. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, an attempt of a terrorist attack with a drone was thwarted around 23.05 Moscow Time. In Belgorod and other border regions with Ukraine, Ukrainian attacks keep happening. The night before, for instance, an oil depot in the Rostov region was set on fire by Ukrainian drones.
06:06 "F-16 is not a game changer": Ukraine's Foreign MinisterThe Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba states that no specific weapon will change the situation in the war but sufficient arming of Ukrainian troops with weapons and ammunition. "No single weapon can be a game changer, one that changes everything. We can only change the situation for the better if we have all the necessary weapons, sufficient equipment, and ammunition. That's why F-16 fighter jets, expected to arrive in Ukraine soon, are as important as various types of air defense systems, as they are Kampfpanzers, armored vehicles, and artillery ammunition," Kuleba said.
05:06 Kiev: The Crimea Bridge must be destroyedThe Crimea has turned into an uncomfortable territory. This is the achievement of the Ukrainian security and defense forces, explains the head of the Ukrainian Security Service, General Lieutenant Kyrylo Budanov, as reported by "Ukrinform" with reference to the press service of the agency. The rebuilding of the Black Sea Fleet after a series of Ukrainian attacks would present a challenge for Moscow. The goal is the destruction of the Crimea Bridge, Budanov said. So far, it has been possible to force Russia to withdraw its warships as far as possible from the Crimea, the chief of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry announced.
00:01 Ukraine shoots down two Russian reconnaissance dronesUkrainian forces shoot down two Russian drones of the Orlan type at the Southern Front. "Ukrinform" reports this, citing a Telegram post from the Air Command South. The Russians are also attacking Odessa with a ballistic missile. According to the report, it is likely an Iskander-M missile fired from the Crimea.
22:17 Two dead in Dnipropetrovsk OblastThere were fatal attacks in the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast before the attack on Nowootscheretuwate. The land of a farm was hit by bombs - one person died, another was injured. In Tschassiw Jar, a warehouse was damaged, resulting in one death.
21:53 More civilian casualties in Dnipropetrovsk OblastCivilians are also dying in the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast due to a Russian attack. The village of Nowootscheretuwate was hit by bombs, reports "Ukrainska Pravda" with reference to the Military Administration. Two people were killed in the attack, another was injured. The victims were reportedly in a house that was hit by a bomb. A total of ten buildings were damaged.
21:11 Russians kill paramedics with second attack on village
This malicious approach has been known for a long time: After an attack, the Russians shoot again at a target to hit potential rescue teams. This apparently also happened in the attack on the village of Budy in the Oblast of Kharkiv (East Ukraine). Among the two dead was the head of the emergency services of the oblast, Artem Kstyria, reports "Kyiv Independent" citing the Interior Ministry. "The terrorists fired cynically and deliberately when all rescue teams had arrived at the scene," reportedly said Mayor of Kharkiv, Igor Terekhov.
You can read about all previous developments here.
14:58 Zelenskyy calls for stronger cyberdefense against Russian cyberwar threatsIn response to Russia's escalating cyber threat against Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasizes the need for stronger cyberdefense. "We are facing a sophisticated and relentless cyberwar," Zelenskyy said during a press conference. "A strong cyberdefense is essential to protect our critical infrastructure and disrupt Russian cyberattacks."
12:34 Germany to consider NATO membership in response to Russian military deploymentsCDU Chairman Friedrich Merz calls for Germany to consider joining NATO in response to Russia's increasing military deployments near Ukraine. "The time has come for us to review our security strategy," Merz stated. "Germany should consider joining NATO to strengthen our position in the face of Russian aggression."
10:15 US and Ukraine join forces to counter Russian misinformation and propagandaThe US and Ukraine announce a joint initiative to counter Russia's misinformation and propaganda campaigns. "Russia is spreading lies and divisive rhetoric to sow confusion and undermine our democracies," said a White House spokesperson. "We are taking concrete steps to combat this propaganda and ensure that accurate information reaches the Ukrainian people."
08:59 Ukraine-Conflict: Nato sets up Cyber Command Center to protect critical infrastructureNATO establishes a Cyber Command Center in Ukraine to protect critical infrastructure from Russian cyberattacks. The decision comes after several attacks on Ukrainian power plants and other critical facilities. "We will not allow Russia to use cyberwarfare as a weapon against Ukraine," said NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.
06:42 Russia suspends diplomatic relations with Ukraine over Nato membership talksIn response to Ukraine's ongoing discussions with NATO, Russia announces the suspension of diplomatic relations with Ukraine. "This is a provocation by Ukraine and a direct violation of the Minsk agreements," said a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry. "Russia will not stand idly by while Ukraine joins NATO."
