20:27 Scholz draws second red line
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz rejects Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's demand to his western allies to shoot down Russian rockets and drones over Ukrainian territory with their own weapons. At the European Council summit in Britain, Scholz once again denied Zelenskyy's request to lift restrictions on the use of Western weapons against Russian territory. Regarding his alignment with other NATO countries on this issue, Scholz stated at a press conference: "I see such a consensus that such steps are not an option, and the US is very clear about this."
20:11 Stoltenberg: Further US support for Ukraine "extremely important"
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg urged the United States to continue its significant support for Ukraine after the presidential election in November. It is "extremely important" that Washington maintains its support for Kiev, Stoltenberg told the AFP news agency on the sidelines of the European Political Community (EPC) meeting in Britain. Previously, Republican vice-presidential candidate J.D. Vance had expressed his opposing stance on further US support for Ukraine. "European allies and Canada can certainly do more, but it is extremely important that the United States continues to support Ukraine," Stoltenberg said in the interview. This must be "a joint effort from North America and Europe." The United States is "by far" Ukraine's closest ally. "I therefore expect them to continue supporting Ukraine." It is also "in the security interest of the United States to support Ukraine," he emphasized.
19:29 Scholz wants to tighten fight against Russian "shadow fleet"
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced after the European Political Community meeting that the fight against Russia's old tankers used for its oil exports would be intensified. "Russia is trying to export oil using rather old tankers that it has acquired through straw men on the world market, and to finance the war against Ukraine with it," he said. "These dealers in souls are a risk for maritime security and, of course, for our seas and the environment." The EU has already reacted with sanctions. "Now we want to bundle our forces in a global coalition to choke off this shadow fleet."
18:58 Ukraine publishes figures on Russian lossesThe Ukrainian General Staff published new figures on Russian troop losses in Ukraine. According to the report from Kiev, Russia has lost approximately 563,640 soldiers in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. In one day alone, the losses amounted to 1,130. The report also states that seven tanks, twelve armed combat vehicles, 54 artillery systems, and 50 drones have been destroyed. Since the beginning of the large-scale attack, the Ukrainian General Staff reports that Russia has lost 8,245 tanks, 15,883 artillery systems, and 361 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 12,274 drones, 28 ships, and a submarine. Western estimates put the loss figures lower - although they are only minimum values.
18:07 Stoltenberg: NATO Command for Ukraine to be ready in September
The new NATO-Ukraine Command in Wiesbaden is expected to be ready in September. This was stated by NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg at the summit of the European Political Community in Oxford. The command in Wiesbaden will coordinate international military aid and training for the Ukrainian armed forces in the future. Approximately 700 people are expected to be involved in the operation at several locations.
17:31 United Kingdom: Ukrainians to decide themselves about weapons use
The United Kingdom will allow the Ukraine to decide for itself about the use of Western weapons against Russian territory. "It is important that Ukraine makes its own decisions about its deployments while it is fighting this war and its young men and women are at the front," says Foreign Secretary David Lammy in an interview with the German Press Agency in response to a question about whether he would lift the restrictions on the use of Western weapons. Lammy spoke on the sidelines of the European Political Community summit, where around 50 heads of state and government had gathered in Oxfordshire, England. The Russian offensive war against Ukraine once again dominated the agenda, as it had at previous meetings.
16:56 Ukrainian power grid operator reports "significant power deficit"
Following the failure of two power plants in Ukraine, the power grid operator Ukrenergo has drastically reduced power supply. Eleven regions and the capital Kiev are affected by the restrictions between 8 pm and 10 pm local time, according to Ukrenergo. "A significant power deficit in the Ukrainian energy system is the result of eight massive attacks that the enemy has carried out against energy facilities since the beginning of the year," Ukrenergo reports. Exact details about the allegedly affected facilities and the cause of the current failures are not mentioned. According to earlier reports from Ukraine, the country has lost almost half of its production capacity due to the attacks Russia has intensified since the spring. As a result, there are frequent power outages, and the country must import electricity in large quantities from the EU.
16:22 Germany takes in critically ill children from Kiev
Following the Russian rocket attack on the Ochmatdyt Children's Hospital in Kiev, Germany has taken in eight children who had previously been treated there. This was announced in a joint statement by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Home Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Health. According to the statement, the children are between a few months and 15 years old. Most of them are patients of the oncology department. "The rocket attack on the children's clinic in Kiev once again showed the inhumanity with which Putin is waging his war against Ukraine," says Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser. The children are accompanied by a total of ten close relatives. Since March 2022, more than a thousand severely injured and critically ill people have been taken from Ukraine to Germany for medical treatment. Germany's humanitarian support for Ukraine will be continued with all forces, Faeser added.
15:51 Russia weighs deployment of additional atomic weapons
Russia considers deploying more atomic weapons and speaks of a reaction to the recently announced stationing of conventional US weapons in Germany. The defense of the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad is in focus, according to Vice Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, regarding the Russian territory located furthest west between NATO countries Poland and Lithuania. The USA and the German government announced last week that the USA plans to station advanced US weapons systems such as Tomahawk cruise missiles and currently developing hypersonic weapons in Germany starting in 2026. "I exclude no options," says Ryabkov in response to a question about a Russian response.
15:12 Ukraine: Russian munitions depot on the Crimea destroyed
Ukraine, according to its own reports, attacked military targets on the annexed Crimean Peninsula with flying and swimming drones. Security sources report that during this joint operation of the Navy and the Ukrainian Security Service SBU, a command center and a munitions depot at the Donuslav Sea in the western part of the Crimea were destroyed or damaged. Russia had previously reported the downing of 33 Ukrainian drones over the Crimea (see entries 11:34 and 05:07), but made no specific statements about the attack targets.
14:29 Starmer to Zelenskyy: "We will stand with you"
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer warns at the European summit of a Russian threat and assures Ukraine permanent support. "You have no doubt: We will stand with you as long as it is necessary," Starmer tells Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy again urges the allies to allow the use of Western weapons against targets in Russia. "The fewer restrictions we have, the more peace Russia will seek," he says in his speech at Blenheim Palace in Oxford. He refers to the fact that the permission of some Western countries to allow attacks on targets near Charkiw in Russian territory has not led to an escalation.
14:02 Ukrainian army withdraws from another village
The Ukrainian army has withdrawn from the village of Uroschaine in the Donezk region. This reports "Kyiv Independent" quoting a spokesperson for the Chortyzja military group. In earlier media reports, it was said that Uroschaine had been captured by Russian forces. The village is located on the southern frontline in a part of the Donezk region that borders the Saporischschja region. According to the spokesperson, the Ukrainian army withdrew "because the enemy had almost completely destroyed everything in Uroschaine." The decision was made "to protect the lives and health of our soldiers who were defending there."
13:20 A US-Citizen Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison in Russia for "Drug Trafficking"A Russian court sentenced a US citizen to 13 years in prison for the charge of drug trafficking. According to the Moscow Justice Press Service on Telegram, Michael Travis Leake was found guilty of "selling narcotics." He was sentenced to serve 13 years in a strict penal colony. The defendant, who is reportedly a former paratrooper and musician from the US, was taken into custody in June of the previous year. He was accused of organizing drug sales to young people. According to CNN, Michael Travis Leake is a musician and music producer who has lived in Russia for many years.
12:43 Behind Closed Doors: Second Hearing for US Journalist Evan GershkovichThe trial against the US journalist Evan Gershkovich in Russia is continuing. The second hearing in the case is taking place behind closed doors, as confirmed by a court spokesperson in Yekaterinburg. Journalists have been denied access to the courtroom. Gershkovich, who is 32 years old, is accused of espionage. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in a penal colony. The second hearing, which was moved up from August 13 to July 18 at the request of the defense, was closed to the public from the outset. Gershkovich is the first Western journalist to be arrested in Russia since the end of the Cold War on espionage charges. He has been in pre-trial detention since his arrest in March 2023. President Vladimir Putin has stated that Russia is open for a prisoner exchange with the US.
12:10 Ukraine Sends Wheat for 100,000 Palestinian FamiliesDespite the war and constant shelling: Ukraine has shipped 1,000 tons of wheat flour to the Palestinian territories, according to "Kyiv Independent". This is reportedly the first installment of three humanitarian aid packages to be sent under the "Grain from Ukraine" program. The first package is said to be sufficient to feed more than 100,000 Palestinian families for a month.
11:34 Russia: 33 Ukrainian Drones Over CrimeaRussia shot down 33 Ukrainian drones over Crimea at night, according to its own reports. Russian military forces in the Black Sea also destroyed ten remotely operated watercraft that were on their way to the annexed peninsula, as reported by the Russian Defense Ministry on Telegram. The governor of Sevastopol, Mikhail Razvozhayev, stated that loud noises in Sevastopol on the Crimean peninsula were due to the repulsion of an "attempted attack with an over-water drone." Two more drones were reportedly intercepted by the Russian military in the Bryansk region adjacent to Ukraine. "There were no casualties or damage," the governor of the Bryansk region, Alexander Bogomaz, reported on Telegram.
11:05 Tens of Thousands Affected: All Kindergartens Near the Ukrainian Border in Belgorod Temporarily ClosedIn the southwestern Russian region of Belgorod, all kindergartens near the Ukrainian border are reportedly temporarily suspending operations due to a significant danger from shelling, according to the representative of the responsible authorities, Anna Kutasheva, in Russian media reports. The measure applies from Wednesday for the rest of the week for institutions within a 20-kilometer radius of the border. According to Russian media, the kindergarten closures affect approximately 50,000 people in the region.
10:32 Joint Exercise Concluded - "Trust Between the Chinese and Russian Navies Strengthened"China and Russia have concluded a joint naval exercise. The Chinese Navy reports that all planned projects and drills of the "Joint Sea 2024" exercise were completed on Wednesday. The six-day exercise, during which a "joint response to maritime security threats" was reportedly trained, involved seven warships. The exercise "enhanced professional exchanges, mutual understanding, and trust between the Chinese and Russian navies," and "standardized and systematized" practical bilateral cooperation, the Chinese Navy adds. The exercise took place off the coast of the Chinese port city of Zhanjiang in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong.
10:06 Von der Leyen: "We Must Give Everything Ukraine Needs to Resist and Succeed"European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen demonstrates the EU's resolve against Russia. "Russia is counting on Europe and the West giving in," she says. "And some in Europe are playing along." Von der Leyen criticizes Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's trip, which she calls a "pacification mission." However, the EU's support for Ukraine is permanent. "We must give Ukraine everything it needs to resist and emerge victorious."
09:38 Heavy Russian Attacks on the Ukrainian Eastern FrontThe Ukrainian General Staff reports on heavy Russian attacks on the front in the east of the country. There were 29 Russian storm attacks on the frontline near the town of Torezk, according to the military's morning report. The fighting was particularly intense at a village called New York. The enemy also used airdropped bombs from aircraft. Torezk is located in the Donezk region, as is the second heavily affected frontline area, Pokrovsk. There, 26 attacks were reported. Russian troops are gradually advancing in this area following the capture of the city of Avdiivka in February. The General Staff reports 144 Russian attack attempts since Wednesday morning. According to an unofficial report, Ukrainian troops are expected to withdraw from the village of Kalynivka near the city of Chasiv Yar.
09:00 Kiev Reports Success in Drone DefenseThe Ukrainian Air Force reports that it intercepted all 16 drones launched by the Russian armed forces against targets in Ukraine during the night. Additionally, two of three Russian rockets were intercepted. The projectiles were destroyed over five regions.
08:17 Russia pays out between 2.75 trillion and 3 billion Rubles (roughly 31-33.9 billion US-Dollars) to its soldiers and their families from July 2023 to June 2024
The Russian government reportedly pays between 2.75 trillion and 3 billion Rubles (roughly 31-33.9 billion US-Dollars) for soldiers' salaries and compensations from July 2023 to June 2024, according to the group Re:Russia, which condemns the war against Ukraine. This amounts to 1.4-1.6% of the expected Russian Gross Domestic Product in 2024 and 7.5-8.2% of the budget expenditures.
07:42 Umerov: US Election not decisive for Ukraine
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov reportedly does not consider the outcome of the US election to be decisive for Ukraine's success in defending against Russian aggressors. Ukraine will find a way to counter the Russian aggressors, even if Donald Trump is re-elected as US President in November and US support is jeopardized, Umerov says. He refers to the diplomatic and military challenges Ukraine faces following Trump's official nomination as a Presidential candidate and J.D. Vance as his Vice-Presidential candidate. "We believe in America's leadership role, and we believe that America wants its partners and allies to be strong," Umerov adds. "In this phase, we will focus on the battlefield." Vance advocates for blocking military and financial aid to Ukraine, while Trump wants to end the war immediately.
07:11 Lavrov sees "not all territories liberated" and rejects peace conference
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov sharply criticizes plans for another peace conference on Ukraine in the West. "There are points that are unacceptable for us," Lavrov says. "A course was taken to forcefully impose the so-called Zelenskyy Plan, which is an ultimatum in nature." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy makes the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine a condition for peace. Lavrov, however, insists on the demand of Moscow to occupy more Ukrainian territories. "There are still not all territories liberated in the east and southeast of Ukraine. We cannot leave the people who have voted for a return to Russia under the regime that is eradicating everything Russian," Lavrov says. The claim that the Russian-speaking population in Ukraine must be protected was used by Vladimir Putin as a pretext for the war against the neighboring country. Traditionally, many Ukrainians, particularly in the eastern part of the country, speak Russian - but do not want to be part of Russia.
06:35 Lavrov: "Irrefutable Evidence" for a US Journalist's Spying
According to Russia's Foreign Minister, there are "irrefutable evidence" that the imprisoned Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich is a spy. The Associated Press reports that Sergey Lavrov also accused US journalists of delaying negotiations between the US and Russia on a possible prisoner exchange by reporting on confidential talks. Lavrov stated that the Gershkovich case has nothing to do with "attacks on journalism." "I would like to assure you that we, like you, support journalism and freedom of speech," Lavrov said. However, there are no independent media left in Russia, many journalists have fled abroad, and others have faced massive repression. Gershkovich himself was arrested in Yekaterinburg at the end of March 2023 while working on a report about the recruitment methods of the Wagner-Mercenary Group and the views of Russian citizens on the war in Ukraine. The journalist has been in pre-trial detention for more than a year on espionage charges. A hearing is taking place today.
05:53 Pistorius: We Must Be Able to Defend Against an Aggressor
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius understands the fears of the population regarding the planned stationing of US long-range missiles in Germany. "We must protect ourselves as best we can. I understand the concerns of the people about an escalation," the SPD politician told the "Rheinische Post" and the "General-Anzeiger". The conditions are different now than they were five or ten years ago. "There is an aggressor on the eastern flank of NATO again." In light of this, he urges a change of direction in the country and defends his demand that Germany become "war-ready" in the coming years. "I don't like the term 'war-ready' myself. But it's the truth that we protect ourselves best if we are able to deter a possible attack war."
05:03 Drone Alarm in Russian Black Sea Port
The mayor of the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, Andrey Krawtchenko, is warning of drones at sea. Via Telegram, he calls on citizens to stay away from the coast. Ukrainian sea drones have attacked Russian ships near the port in the past and disrupted traffic. Novorossiysk is Russia's largest Black Sea port and an important transshipment point for the export of oil and oil products. Meanwhile, the governor of Sevastopol on the Crimean peninsula, Mikhail Razvozhayev, reports that Russian forces have destroyed a Ukrainian sea drone in the Black Sea near the city.
03:18 Zelensky reminds of Boeing shootdown ten years ago
Ukrainian President Zelensky mentions in his daily video address the victims of the shootdown of a passenger plane ten years ago over the Donbass region. According to him, 298 people on board, including 80 children, were killed. "I have no doubts that the trial process and the work of international justice in general will lead to absolutely just sentences for all those responsible", says he. This punishment is also necessary, just as for all other crimes Russia has committed in the war. The Malaysia Airlines Boeing was shot down by pro-Russian rebels with a Russian surface-to-air missile on July 17, 2014, over contested territory in eastern Ukraine.
02:13 Pistorius: More applicants for the Bundeswehr
The Bundeswehr reports an increasing number of applicants. "There are also more and more people who volunteer to enlist, precisely because they want to serve their homeland", says Defense Minister Pistorius to the "Rheinische Post". Compared to the previous year, 15 percent more people had applied for military service by July 8. However, SPD politician Pistorius wants to quickly implement his new military service model. "But I need a quick entry into military conscription because we are threatened. That's why I'm starting with the men, and then the women will come as soon as possible", says Pistorius. The draft law is expected to be completed in the fall.
00:56 Report: Fight for bridgehead at Dnipro costs Kiev many casualties
In the fight for a now abandoned bridgehead at the Dnipro in the southeast of the country, Ukraine has reportedly suffered heavy losses. According to media reports, more than 1000 soldiers on the Ukrainian side have died in the months-long battle for the small town of Krynki. 788 soldiers stationed there are reported missing, according to the Internet portal Slidstvo.Info, citing police sources. 262 soldiers were found dead in the same period. The battles for the town of Krynki were criticized from the start due to their futility. The troops stationed there could hardly be supplied with reinforcements across the river. Dead and wounded could rarely be transported away.
23:52 Air alert: Drones attack Kiev
There is another air alert in Kiev. Loud explosions can be heard over the city. Mayor Vitali Klitschko reports via Telegram that the air defense systems have been activated. Debris has fallen in the central district of Darnytskyi, but initial assessments show no reported damage. Shortly before that, the Ukrainian Air Force had warned that drones were on their way to Kiev from the east. Further drones were reported in the regions of Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk. At least 43 people were killed in Russian air raids on Kiev and other Ukrainian cities on July 8.
23:10 Estonia and Lithuania ban cars with Belarusian license plates
Estonia and Lithuania announce that they will no longer allow cars with Belarusian registration plates into their country at their borders with Russia and Belarus. The Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna says the ban has been imposed because Belarus "directly contributes to Russian aggression in Ukraine and supports it". Lithuania had recently announced similar measures. The three countries, as well as Poland, Finland, and Norway, had already banned the entry of cars with Russian registration plates into their territory in 2023.
22:23 Zelenskyy on Prisoner Exchange: "We must bring them all back"
In his evening video address, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy welcomes back the 95 Ukrainian soldiers who have returned from Russia (see entry at 14:36). Zelenskyy writes on X: "We are bringing our people home. Ninety-five defenders have been released from Russian captivity. Among them are fighters from the Ukrainian armed forces, the National Guard, and the Border Guard." After thanking the United Arab Emirates for their role in securing this release, he continues: "We must bring them all back."
21:56 Moscow sentences Ukrainian Traitors to Harsh Prison Terms
A Moscow military court sentenced two Russians to lengthy prison terms for attempting to join the "Freedom Legion of Russia" recruits, according to Radio Free Europe (RFE). The Legion is a paramilitary unit where deserters from the Russian military and other Russian and Belarusian volunteers fight on the Ukrainian side against Russia. The 24-year-old Andrei Morozov was sentenced to twelve years in prison, and the 56-year-old Muscovite Anatoli Poplavski to five and a half years. RFE reports that Poplavski has two young children living in Ukraine and is in the process of divorcing his wife. The announcement states that the man lived in two countries for some time.
21:00 Lavrov Blames US for Escalation of Violence
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, speaking at a UN Security Council meeting, holds the US responsible for the many deaths in Ukraine and the Palestinian territories, according to Russian news agencies in New York. "By providing diplomatic protection and weapons and ammunition, Washington has become - it's clear to everyone - a direct participant in the conflicts, just as in Ukraine," Lavrov is quoted as saying. He further states that as soon as the US ceases its support, the bloodshed in both cases would end. In reality, Russia began the offensive war in the east of Ukraine in 2014 and expanded it to the entire country in February 2022. A Russian troop withdrawal from Ukraine would also end the killing in Ukraine.
You can read about earlier developments here.**
- Secretary-General Stoltenberg of NATO emphasizes the importance of continued US support for Ukraine, stating that it is "extremely important" for Washington to maintain its aid to Kiev.
- Federal Chancellor Scholz expresses his intention to intensify the fight against Russia's "shadow fleet," used for oil exports, aiming to choke off their financing for the war against Ukraine.
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian President, demands that Western allies lift restrictions on the use of their weapons against Russian territory, but Scholz and other NATO leaders reject this demand, citing consensus within NATO against such actions.
- Russia is accused of using old tankers to export oil and finance its war against Ukraine, facing sanctions from the EU. Stoltenberg calls for a global coalition to bundle forces and combat this "shadow fleet."
- Stoltenberg announces that the new NATO-Ukraine Command in Wiesbaden, which will coordinate international military aid and training for the Ukrainian armed forces, is expected to be ready in September.
