21:22 Report: Documents provide insight into Russia's information war
Internal Documents from the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service SWR provide deep insights into Moscow's influence campaigns against the West. The documents were leaked to "Der Spiegel" and investigative platform "The Insider," with experts deeming the contents plausible. According to a strategy paper from an experienced SWR department head, drafted since the spring of 2022, the primary objective is to generate "fear" in Europe. The subconscious minds of the target audience must be overwhelmed with "panic and horror" through "cognitive attacks." Germany is named as one of the targets of this information war in further documents. Russia must focus on driving a wedge between Ukraine and its supporters to split western societies, the document states. "The most grateful topic at the moment is that of Ukrainian refugees, who are actively using European social systems," writes the intelligence service strategist further. The "increasing demands of Ukrainian migrants and the resulting irritations of local populations" are, in his assessment, "an highly effective theme for network warfare in the EU."
21:03 Kiev sets production of drones in motionThe supreme military command of Ukraine has decided at its latest meeting to focus on the future production and use of drones. Factors considered in the decision ranged from the popularity of certain drones among troops to the use of long-range drones, President Zelenskyy stated in his evening video address. The Ukrainian military has already established a new weapon category for the use of drones alongside tank troops, infantry, or artillery. A significant portion of these unmanned aerial vehicles is already being produced in Ukraine. Long-range drones are currently the only means for Kiev to strike targets deep in Russian territory.
20:45 Odessa reports one fatality after attackFollowing the impact of a ballistic missile in the southern port city of Odessa, Ukrainian reports indicate that one person has been killed. At least seven other individuals were injured in the Russian attack on the region, according to Governor Oleh Kiper. Buildings and the port infrastructure were damaged. "Civil port infrastructure has been attacked," Kiper stated on Telegram.
20:25 Apple removes VPN apps in RussiaApple has removed 25 VPN apps from the Russian App Store at the behest of the state communications regulator Roskomnadzor. Interfax reported this. After Putin's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the demand for VPN services in Russia skyrocketed due to the authorities limiting access to some Western media. Some VPN services were already blocked by the communications regulator, while others remained accessible.
20:00 Ukraine: Woman killed in Russian attackAccording to Ukrainian reports, a 55-year-old woman was killed in Russian attacks on the region of Donetsk. Eight other people were injured, including four children, Governor Vadym Filashkin announced. In the town of Nowofedoriwka, several buildings were damaged by the attack.
19:32 Orban to reportedly travel to Moscow tomorrow
Hungary's Prime Minister Orban is reportedly planning to travel to Moscow tomorrow, according to a report by the US international broadcaster Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, citing a Hungarian government source. Orban is said to meet with President Putin. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjárto will accompany the prime minister, the report adds. Hungary currently holds the EU presidency. On Tuesday, Orban visited Ukraine to urge President Zelensky to declare a ceasefire. The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, has made it clear that the EU will not negotiate with Russia without Ukraine. "The EU presidency has no mandate to negotiate on behalf of the EU with Russia," Michel wrote on Twitter. "The European Council is clear: Russia is the aggressor, Ukraine is the victim. There can be no talks about Ukraine without Ukraine." Michel does not mention Orban's name in his tweet.
18:55 Putin takes Trump's remarks on Ukraine war seriously
Kremlin chief Putin reacted to Donald Trump's announcement that he would end the conflict in Ukraine quickly if re-elected as US President. "Trump says as a presidential candidate that he is ready and willing to end the war in Ukraine," Putin said in Kazakhstan. "We take that quite seriously." Putin usually refers to the situation in Ukraine as a "military special operation." Putin added that he "cannot trust" which specific proposals Trump would make to resolve the Ukraine conflict. "That's the crucial question," Putin continued. "But I have no doubt that he will be sincere and we will support that."
18:25 Medvedev: Thousand new soldiers recruited daily
Despite heavy losses in Ukraine, the Russian armed forces report no personnel shortages. According to their own statements, the Russian army has been strengthened this year by 190,000 conscripts and contract soldiers, Dmitry Medvedev, Vice Chairman of the National Security Council, announced at a meeting at the Defense Ministry. The average daily recruitment rate remains stable and amounts to about a thousand people, Medvedev was quoted as saying by the state news agency TASS. Contract soldiers, mostly reservists, supplement the regular conscriptions.
18:04 Kuleba outlines two solutions to stop Russian advance
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba outlined two solutions to stop the advance of Russian troops on the battlefield. On the one hand, Russian bombers must be destroyed, and on the other hand, the Ukrainian troops must be adequately supplied with artillery shells, Kuleba told the Lithuanian broadcaster LRT. The trend of Russia's gradual occupation of Ukrainian territory can be reversed, but this is "very difficult" and requires "many decisions," according to Kuleba. The main reason for Russian success, he sees in the "endless number of guided bombs dropped on our ground troops." The Russian air force is a "real pain point."
17:42 Duma Prohibits Deputies Vacation AbroadRussian Deputies and Senators are no longer allowed to travel freely abroad without permission. Deputies, who sometimes have access to sensitive information or even state secrets, risk losing their mandate if they go on vacation abroad without approval. The State Duma passed such a law recently. Previously, there had been significant criticism in Russia regarding deputies' trips abroad, which were often shared on social media with images of their luxury tours, while many of their compatriots were in military service at the front in Ukraine, getting injured or killed.
17:17 After TV Debate: Putin Still Prefers Biden as US PresidentAccording to Putin's own statement, he still prefers Biden over Trump as US President. Biden's weak performance in the TV debate against Trump did not change Putin's preference, as he told Russian state television. In response to a reporter's question about whether Biden or Trump was better, Putin said, "Nothing has changed." Putin had already stated multiple times that he preferred Biden over Trump. He watched the entire TV debate but only saw some fragments. "I have enough to do," Putin said.
16:51 NATO to Significantly Expand Weapons ProductionThe NATO countries plan to commit to significantly expanding weapons production at their upcoming summit in Washington next week. The plan, according to a NATO representative, includes the submission of future national defense industry plans and more joint procurement projects and initiatives for the purchase of so-called war-winning munitions. To this category, weapons such as missiles for missile defense systems, precision-guided projectiles, and 155-millimeter artillery shells are counted. A specific investment amount is not mentioned in the agreement of the NATO countries. According to the official, several tens, if not hundreds of billions of euros may be necessary to achieve these goals.
16:30 Ukraine: Patriot Intercepts All Kiev-Targeted Ballistic MissilesAccording to Ukrainian reports, all ballistic missiles fired at targets in Kiev from Russia have been intercepted since the United States provided Ukraine with Patriot air defense systems last year. Ukrainian Air Force Major General Serhii Yaremenko made this statement in an interview with Ukrinform. "Since the beginning of May 2023, not a single ballistic missile has reached its target in the capital city of our country. More than 20 ballistic missiles were fired at Kiev, and all were successfully intercepted," Yaremenko said.
16:00 IAEA Chief: Drone Attacks at Nuclear Power Plant "Must Cease"The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported drone attacks near the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, citing the plant's Russian administration. "It is extremely alarming that these drone attacks continue, as they pose a clear danger to the people in Enerhodar and to the safety of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. They must stop immediately," IAEA Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi said.
15:35: Zelenskyy: Brigades are waiting for approved western weapons
According to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, western military aid is coming too slowly to the country. This complicates the situation at the front, he says in an interview with Bloomberg. ""We have 14 brigades that don't have the necessary weapons, which have already been approved and discussed"", so Zelenskyy. However, he is grateful for the support of western partners, he emphasizes.
15:13 London: Russia targeting Ukrainian resources
According to the British Defense Ministry, Russia may target Ukrainian resource supplies such as gold, uranium, and coal to "undermine" the Ukrainian economy. In its latest intelligence report, the Defense Ministry explains that Ukrainian government sources have "for a long time pointed to Russian theft of Ukrainian resources from the territories occupied by Russia". Iron ore, coal, titan, uran, mangan, gold, and lithium deposits are "likely to be coveted by Russia, but also potential targets, as Russia tries to destroy the Ukrainian economy".
14:48 Putin and Xi deepen anti-western alliance
At the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin confirmed their alliance as a counterweight to the western world. Xi calls on the participants to resist "interference from outside" at the end of the meeting in Astana. Xi urges the member states to "support each other, care for each other's concerns (...) and take the future and fate of our countries and the peace and development in the region into our own hands". It is of "great significance" that the SCO "stands on the right side of history". The SCO includes ten countries that represent approximately half of the world population. Among the permanent members are the current host Kazakhstan, India, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and now also Belarus.
14:24 Putin speaks of readiness for peace talks
Vladimir Putin, head of the Kremlin, emphasizes Russia's alleged readiness for peace talks in his war against Ukraine. At the summit of the security-focused Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana, Putin says that Russia has always been for a political-diplomatic solution to the conflict. Moscow, which has been waging a destructive war against Ukraine for more than two years, has recently made proposals for an end to hostilities, Putin says. Moscow insists that Ukraine renounces all annexed territories, which Kiev rejects.
14:04 Kremlin: Modi to travel to Russia for talks with Putin
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to travel to Russia at the beginning of the next week for talks with President Vladimir Putin. According to the Russian Presidential Administration, Modi and Putin will discuss the prospects for further development of bilateral relations and international and regional issues at their meetings on Monday and Tuesday. India has been trying to remain neutral in Russia's military conflict with Ukraine. Modi has repeatedly urged both sides to engage in dialogue, but has also criticized Russia's actions. Instead, India has increased its purchases of Russian oil, which helps the Russian government mitigate the effects of Western sanctions.
13:32 Russia attacks Ukrainian National Guard base
Russian troops are reported to have attacked a base of the Ukrainian National Guard in Vyschgorod in the Kiev region. According to RIA Novosti, citing the coordinator of the pro-Russian underground, Sergei Lebedev, there have been two attacks on the military base on the General Kulchitsky Street, resulting in explosions. The Ukrainian National Guard is a paramilitary organization that, unlike the Army, Air Force, and Navy, does not report to the Defense Ministry but to the Interior Ministry. RIA Novosti reports that there have been two attacks on the military base on the General Kulchitsky Street, resulting in explosions.
13:07 Russian court: Frenchman to remain in pre-trial detention
A Russian court has ruled that a French national must remain in pre-trial detention until August. The court in Moscow has rejected the habeas corpus petition of the 47-year-old political expert Laurent Vinatier. He is accused of collecting information about "military and military-technical activities" of Russia. This offense can be punished with up to five years in prison. Vinatier was arrested in Switzerland in mid-June at the large international Ukraine peace conference in Geneva. He works for the HD Centre, a Geneva-based non-governmental organization. The organization announced on June 7 that it would also contact Russian authorities for clarification of the charges against its employee.
12:30 Lithuania reports 160 illegal border crossings from Belarus
Lithuania has recorded more attempted illegal border crossings from Belarus this week. Border Guard Chief Guntis Pujats reported on television that there have been 160 such attempts since Monday. A total of 2,770 migrants have been prevented from illegally crossing the EU's green border from Belarus so far this year.
Lithuania shares a border with Belarus for approximately 172 kilometers, making it one of Russia's closest allies. Lithuania, Poland, and Latvia accuse Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko of orchestrating the organized transfer of migrants to the EU's external border to put pressure on the EU.
12:00 Baerbock: Russia remains greatest threat to Europe for the foreseeable future
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock calls for further support for Ukraine from NATO. "Russia will remain the greatest threat to our security and freedom in Europe for the foreseeable future", Baerbock says in a Bundestag debate ahead of the upcoming NATO summit coming week in Washington. The West must therefore take action to defend freedom and democracy. "We didn't choose this", Baerbock says. "We didn't want this." Germany has a special responsibility and has regained lost trust in Russia's politics. "We can't afford to lose sight of this in budget negotiations", warns the Minister, looking at the current dispute in the traffic light coalition over the budget for 2025.
11:23 Kiev: Russian intelligence "couple" arrested for spying
The Ukrainian security service SBU has detained two alleged members of the Russian Federal Security Service FSB. According to the SBU, a 23-year-old man from Odessa and his 18-year-old "wife" are suspected of spying on military infrastructure in the Ukrainian regions of Odessa and Dnipro on behalf of the Russian intelligence service. According to the SBU, the two, posing as a newlywed couple, were spotted in the area taking pictures of "necessary" objects. In addition to these photos, the two alleged FSB agents reportedly provided the Russian intelligence service with further information. The Ukrainian security service claims to have caught the "couple" in the act.
10:50 Ukraine: 21 of 22 Russian drones shot down
Ukraine reports that it has largely repelled a Russian drone attack at night. The air defense shot down 21 of 22 attacking drones, according to the Air Force. They were destroyed over six regions in northern and central Ukraine. According to the Air Force, they were Schahed drones of Iranian production.
10:33 SCO Summit in Kazakhstan: Putin and Xi want to demonstrate alliance strength
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese State Council Chairman Xi Jinping are participating in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. The regional security alliance was founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Later, India, Pakistan, and Iran joined. In addition to Putin and Xi, the guests include the host, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the presidents of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus, and Iran's acting president Mohammed Mokhber. For Iran, the businessman Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf was to participate. The authoritarian-led Belarus has officially become a new SCO member. Among the observer states and dialogue partners are Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. For Putin, the summit offers another opportunity to illustrate the failure of Western efforts to isolate his country due to the war against Ukraine.
10:02 Ukraine announces numbers of Russian losses
The Ukrainian General Staff has announced new casualty numbers for the Russian troops in Ukraine. According to this, Russia has lost approximately 547,470 soldiers in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. In the past 24 hours alone, the losses amounted to 1,200. Overall, Russia, according to Ukraine, has lost 8,132 tanks, 15,600 artillery systems, and 360 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 11,694 drones, 28 ships, and a submarine since the beginning of the large-scale attack. Western estimates give lower casualty figures - these being minimum values.
09:30 Report: Ukrainian forces withdraw from Chassiv Yar
The Ukrainian army has, according to its own reports, withdrawn from a part of the strategically important Ukrainian city of Chassiv Yar. "It was no longer possible to hold the Canal Quarter, after the enemy had advanced," says a Ukrainian military spokesperson. The defensive positions were destroyed and the lives of their own soldiers were endangered. The military command decided on a withdrawal to better fortified positions. However, even there, the enemy continued their combat activities. Chassiv Yar is located in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk, about 20 kilometers west of Bachmut, which was taken by Russian troops a year ago and reduced to rubble after months of fierce fighting.
09:07 Governor: 391 Russian attacks on Zaporizhzhia within 24 hours
Within the last 24 hours, the Russians have attacked the Zaporizhzhia region 391 times, reports the governor of the south-eastern Ukrainian region, Ivan Fedorov, in a morning report on Telegram. According to this, a man was killed in Vasylivka and a woman in Polohiv, and a man was wounded in the city of Zaporizhzhia. Fedorov reports on two air raids on Novoandriivka, 177 drone attacks on Chervonodniprovka, Gulyaypole, Levadne, Robotyno, Mala Tokmachka, Malynivka, Novoandriivka, Uspenivka, and Plavni. Twelve MLRS attacks hit Robotyne and Novoandriivka. Additionally, the Russians fired 200 artillery shells on the areas of Gulyaypole, Mala Tokmachka, Novoandriivka, Robotyne, Levadne, Malynivka, and Plavni.
08:33 Russia: Strike on Ukrainian stronghold destroys jet
With a ground-to-air missile system Iskander, Russian forces are reported to have attacked the Ukrainian airbase's aircraft parking lot in the region of Dnipropetrovsk, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. According to this, a MiG-29 fighter jet, air defense equipment, and aviation technical vehicles of the Ukrainian Air Force were destroyed. On Telegram, the Russian Defense Ministry posted a video that is said to show the destruction. This video spreads through social networks.
07:47 Video: "Vampire" of Ukraine forces Russians to pay "Price in Blood"
Dozens of Russians are reportedly killed every day by what is called the "Vampire," a multiple rocket launcher from Czech production. The Ukrainians use it to defend the front lines - "We will not give up our land for free," they say. They have enough ammunition for the monster, but they lack soldiers.
07:22 Crypto as a loophole: Russian Central Bank encourages domestic companies to use cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners to bypass sanctions
The Russian Central Bank encourages domestic companies in light of western sanctions to resort to alternative payment methods such as cryptocurrencies for international transactions. Central Bank Chair Elvira Nabiullina admitted at a conference in St. Petersburg that such payments pose a major challenge for the Russian economy. However, new financial technologies also offer new opportunities. "Therefore, we have softened our stance towards the use of cryptocurrencies in international transactions and now allow the use of digital assets in such transactions."
06:52 At least five dead and 47 injured in Russian attack on Dnipro
According to Ukrainian authorities, at least five civilians were killed and 47 others were injured in a Russian rocket and drone attack on the eastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Wednesday. The force of the explosions shattered the windows of a shopping mall. Debris fell onto the street, as photos showed, provided by local government representatives. Mayor Borys Filatov stated that the windows of two schools and three kindergartens were destroyed. Debris also hit the intensive care unit of a children's hospital. In another hospital, a fire broke out. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted a video of a rocket attack on Dnipro on social media.
06:18 France sends 41 power generators to Ukraine
France is sending 41 power generators to Kharkiv and Chernihiv. The French Foreign Ministry announced this in a statement. Russian attacks had severely damaged the energy infrastructure there. Ukraine began "load shedding" in May. In this process, the power grid is deliberately shut off. International partners (see entry 21:41) are providing financial, technical, and material assistance to help Ukraine repair its energy facilities and ensure power supply to the population.
05:44 Kiev military headquarters: Russians increasing intensity at Pokrovsk
According to the military headquarters in Kiev, the Russian military is attempting to "increase the intensity" at Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. Consequently, defense lines are being reinforced, and more ammunition is being sent to this frontline sector. According to the 47th mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces, Russian troops are trying to breach the Ukrainian defense lines. Reconnaissance drones showed "massive cemeteries" of destroyed armored vehicles. Therefore, the Russian side is trying to dominate the combat situation with strong infantry forces.
04:47 Report: Zelenskyy considering dismissing his prime minister
According to the Ukrainian newspaper "Ukrainska Pravda," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is considering dismissing Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal. Insiders told the paper that Zelenskyy is frustrated with Schmyhal. It is said to be more of an emotional issue. Zelenskyy is reportedly always looking for creative solutions and proposals that Schmyhal cannot provide. According to the sources, Schmyhal could be replaced by Julia Swyrydenko, the first deputy prime minister and economy minister.
03:59 Kyiv denies Russian victories in Chassiv Yar
The Ukraine refutes Russian reports stating that Russian forces have brought a district of the important Ukrainian city Chassiv Yar under their control. "We see no let-up in artillery attacks. The enemy is using artillery and multiple rocket launchers," says the spokesperson for the 24th Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces defending the city, speaking to the state broadcaster Suspilne. The situation is "extremely difficult," there are fights for the canal. "The situation remains tense. But the 24th Brigade is holding its positions." The Russian Defense Ministry had previously announced that its forces had brought a district of the city under their control. Chassiv Yar is approximately 20 kilometers west of Bachmut, which was taken by Russian troops a year ago and reduced to rubble after months of intense fighting. Both sides consider Chassiv Yar a strategic location.
02:45 Casualties from air raids: Zelenskyy appeals to allies
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues to call for more air defense systems for the protection of his country. He refers to the latest Russian missile attack on the major city of Dnipro, which resulted in the deaths of five people and over 50 injuries. Damages were also reported to residential buildings and a hospital. Currently, there are four Patriot air defense systems in operation in Ukraine, two of which were provided by Germany. Zelenskyy has recently estimated the additional needs of his country to be at least six more Patriot systems.
01:43 Bundeswehr: Many applicants for NATO brigade in Lithuania
Apparently, there are enough soldiers for the planned permanent Bundeswehr brigade in Lithuania. "We had to fill about 120 positions for the staff of the Lithuanian brigade. Of these, 115 were filled within a week. And we had 900 applications," says General Inspector of the Bundeswehr, Carsten Breuer, to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "During troop visits, I often encounter soldiers and soldiers who say: Yes, we want to participate. There is certainly a great willingness to establish the brigade in Lithuania. Many soldiers and soldiers have already collected positive experiences in Lithuania: the gratitude of the people and the warm welcome. They say, I can imagine a deployment there with my family."
00:45 General Inspector demands billions for Bundeswehr
The General Inspector of the Bundeswehr, Carsten Breuer, supports Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in the budget dispute over the Bundeswehr. In order to meet the security policy challenges, the defense budget must continue to grow, Breuer told the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "The parliament has given us a significant amount of money with the special fund and thus, if you will, issued the order to make the Bundeswehr battle-ready." He stands shoulder to shoulder with SPD politician Pistorius, who has demanded an additional 6.7 billion euros for the coming year. Pistorius had demanded an additional 6.7 billion euros for the coming year.
23:45 A court in Moscow sentenced three brothers to 17 years in prison in Russia for treason
According to a court announcement in Moscow, a Russian court sentenced three brothers to lengthy prison terms because they wanted to join a pro-Ukrainian unit. The three men, aged between 19 and 24, were reportedly sentenced in Moscow for treason, participation in a terrorist organization, and illegal border crossing. The eldest of the three brothers, the 24-year-old Joann Aschtscheulow, was sentenced to 17 years and six months in prison, while his brothers Timofej and Alexej must serve 17 years. According to the prosecution, the brothers attempted to cross the border to Ukraine on foot in July 2023 to join the "Freedom Legion of Russia." They were reportedly arrested about 1.5 kilometers from the border.
22:41 Due to sanctions: Russia allows corporations to use cryptocurrencies for international transactions
The Russian Central Bank encourages domestic corporations to use alternative payment methods like cryptocurrencies for transactions with foreign partners in response to Western sanctions. Cryptocurrencies are now allowed for international transactions, according to Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina in St. Petersburg. VTB Bank's CEO, Andrey Kostin, advocates for classifying these new payment methods as state secrets. "I can easily imagine that right now, in this moment, there's an undersecretary sitting in the US embassy and writing down all our public statements." Whatever Russia does, the reaction from Western countries will be "very quick," warns Kostin.
22:16 Erdogan offers "foundation" for peace, Moscow denies intermediary role
First, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared after a meeting with Putin in Kazakhstan that Turkey could help establish the foundation for ending the war. However, the Russian government spokesman Dmitri Peskov stated that Turkey would not assume an intermediary role, according to Russian news agencies. Peskov was quoted as saying, "No, that's not possible." No statement from the Turkish government is available.
21:41 Ukraine imported more electricity in June than in the entire year 2023, strictly rationed
Ukraine imported over 858,000 Megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity in June 2024, which is 91% more than the May import volume and more than the total for the entire year 2023. According to statistics from July 3. The largest electricity imports to Ukraine came from Hungary (42%). Slovakia and Romania each contributed 17%, Poland 16%, and Moldova 8%. Russia intensified attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure in the spring and brought the power grid to the brink of collapse. Since mid-May, electricity has been strictly rationed. The largest private energy company in Ukraine, DTEK, produces 90% less electricity.
- According to recent reports, Russia is using cyberwar tactics as part of its influence campaign against NATO, aiming to generate fear and panic in European societies, and specifically targeting Germany.
- In response to Russia's military operations in Ukraine, Ukraine's military has decided to focus on the production and use of drones, with President Zelenskyy emphasizing the importance of long-range drones for striking targets deep in Russian territory.
- Volodymyr Selensky, the President of Ukraine, has outlined two solutions to stop the advance of Russian troops on the battlefield, including destroying Russian bombers and adequately supplying Ukrainian troops with artillery shells.
- Following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, there has been a significant increase in demand for VPN services in Russia to bypass the authorities' limitations on accessing Western media. In response, Apple has removed 25 VPN apps from the Russian App Store at the behest of Roskomnadzor.
- Amidst the ongoing Ukraine conflict, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev announced that the Russian armed forces have been strengthened this year by 190,000 conscripts and contract soldiers, with an average daily recruitment rate of around 1,000 people.
