21:23 USA develop long-range munition for Ukraine
The US Air Force is planning the development of a new expensive Long-Range Attack Munition (ERAM) for Ukraine, according to a military procurement document. The Air Force intends to finance the first phase of the development. The munition is expected to have a 250-kilogram explosive charge and a range exceeding 400 kilometers. According to the Military portal Militarnyi, some US defense contractors are already working on prototypes.
8:27 pm Ukraine reports casualties in Russian attacks in the east At least five people have been reported killed and over a dozen injured in a series of Russian attacks on smaller towns in eastern Ukraine, according to official reports. The regional military administrator, Vadim Filaschkin, reported that Russian soldiers have been targeting Myrnohrad in particular. Myrnohrad, a city located near the frontline, had a population of nearly 47,000 before the war.
7:45 pm Weber on Putin's war economy: "Russia is self-sufficient in resources" Russia is not dependent on external resources in terms of resources, according to security expert Joachim Weber, despite the fact that the war economy is increasingly tying up resources. In an interview with ntv, he explains why a military-driven economic growth may continue for a long time.
7:11 pm US Defense Secretary Austin and Russian Defense Minister Beloussov discuss reduction of escalation risk According to Russian reports, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Russian Defense Minister Andrej Beloussov have discussed reducing the risk of "possible escalation" in a telephone conversation. The initiative for the call came from Moscow, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. During the conversation, "the question of avoiding security threats and the reduction of the risk of possible escalation was addressed".
6:30 pm Russia raises taxes to finance the war Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed legislation that includes tax increases worth billions to finance the war. Among other things, income tax rates for top earners and the corporate tax rate for companies are to be increased. The increases are estimated by the Finance Ministry to bring in approximately 27 billion Euros per year. Since the Russian troops entered Ukraine in February 2022, state expenditures have significantly exceeded revenues. Russia recorded a budget deficit of approximately 33 billion Euros in 2023, which is about two percent of its Gross Domestic Product. A deficit of around 1.1 percent is expected for the current year.
6:06 pm Historian Snyder: Putin would humiliate Trump US historian Timothy Snyder believes the chances of a peace deal between US President Donald Trump and Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin are very low. "If Trump wins the US election and there is a peace deal, Putin would immediately break it to humiliate Trump. Russia can't function any other way," says the Eastern Europe expert in an interview with the Austrian daily "Standard". To end the war, one must understand that the Russians have lost. As long as that is not done, the war will continue.
17:18 Strack-Zimmermann: "Rockets in Kaliningrad threaten Germany"For a long time, FDP defense expert Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann has been calling for the delivery of "Taurus" to Ukraine. Now, the USA is stationing Tomahawks in Germany. The politician believes that "Europe is closing a huge security gap" and urges: "He who resists lives safer."
16:39 Danish Prime Minister: West is too polite towards RussiaThe Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen characterizes the reaction of Western countries to Russia's hybrid warfare as "too polite" in a media report. "I think we need to take it much more seriously," Frederiksen told the Ukrainian Pravda at an expert discussion on the sidelines of the NATO meeting in Washington. "And I think we (NATO) should consider it as an attack on us instead of just saying: 'It's happened again and again and again'." According to Frederiksen, the "hybrid war" with Moscow is already underway. However, many Western powers seem unwilling to acknowledge the reality.
15:45 Russia warns of dangerous escalation due to Western weaponsRussia sees the permission of some NATO countries for Ukraine to attack Russian territory with delivered weapons as a dangerous escalation. The Presidial Affairs Council spokesman Dmitri Peskov made this clear. Statements from representatives of some countries, such as Britain and others, were taken note of in this context, and there were countries that tried to maintain the balance and said they would be against such a relaxation of conditions for the use of rockets with longer range. Such rockets would already be used for attacks on Russia. This is pure provocation and "a new, very dangerous escalation of tensions."
15:06 Finland closes border to Russia for migrants and asylum seekersThe Finnish Parliament passes a law against the entry of migrants over Russia. Border guards can now turn away asylum seekers at the Finnish-Russian border, according to the passed law. The Finnish government accuses Russia of encouraging migrants from Somalia or Syria to enter Finland. Russia denies this. About 1300 people had already come to Finland. The government sees this as a reaction from Russia to Finland's NATO membership. The law is not only supported by government parties but also by opposition MPs.
14:34 Alleged Russian spies arrested in AustraliaThe Australian Federal Police announce the arrest of two Australian citizens of Russian descent, who are accused of espionage. "Two Russian-born Australian citizens, who are accused of obtaining material from the Australian armed forces to pass on to Russian authorities, must answer before the Brisbane Magistrates Court today, after being charged with a spying offense," the joint statement from the Federal Police and the Australian intelligence service reads. The suspects are a 40-year-old soldier in the Australian armed forces and her 62-year-old husband.
13:56 IAEA Governing Board condemns Russian attack on children's clinic in KievThe Governing Board of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) condemns the Russian attack on a children's clinic in Kiev. In a resolution, the body draws attention to the fact that the hospital operates a unit for cancer diagnosis and radiotherapy financed by the IAEA. On Monday, a rocket hit a building on the grounds of the "Ochmatdyt" Children's Hospital. Two adults, including a doctor, were killed. Over 30 people, among them at least 8 children, were injured. According to Ukrainian authorities, no radioactive radiation was released during the attack.
13:30 Mölling: Attack on NATO territory will be "riskier" for RussiaThe planned deployment of US intermediate-range missiles in Germany will change Moscow's military calculation - "and that's a big minus for Moscow," says Christian Mölling, research director at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, in the "Stern" podcast "Die Lage". Although it was clear as early as 2023 that we needed these weapons, everyone had "fallen asleep again," and once again the Americans had to intervene on behalf of the Europeans. Mölling also comments on reports of assassination plans against Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger and speaks of "state terrorism" against Germany.
13:14 Bundeswehr reportedly planning massive troop deployments in war scenarioIn the event of a possible escalation along the NATO eastern flank, the Bundeswehr and the Federal Ministry of Defense are reportedly planning to deploy hundreds of thousands of soldiers from NATO member states through Germany. The "Spiegel" reports this, citing informed sources. The plans involve moving approximately 800,000 soldiers with around 200,000 vehicles from North Sea ports in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany to the east within three to six months. The column would be about 13,000 kilometers long. The preparations are part of the secretly designated Operationsplan Deutschland, which the Bundeswehr has developed to make Germany militarily ready.
12:21 Kremlin dismisses murder plot allegations as "fake news"Russia dismisses the report of a planned assassination on Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger as false. It is "fake news" based on anonymous sources, the Presidium in Moscow states. Such reports cannot be taken seriously. The US news channel CNN reported on Thursday that the USA and Germany had thwarted a planned attack on Papperger at the beginning of the year. FDP parliamentarian Reinhard Houben now calls for a special session of the German Bundestag's Security Council. If the CNN report is true, the federal government must draw clear consequences, he says. Planned attacks on German citizens in Germany would represent "a new quality of escalation".
12:05 "For the new era": China holds joint military exercises with Russia
According to Chinese statements, China is holding joint military exercises with Russia near its coast. The exercises named "Joint Sea-2024" reportedly began at the beginning of July and were scheduled to last until mid-month, according to the Chinese Defense Ministry. The exercises are taking place in the sea and airspace near the city of Zhanjiang in the southern province of Guangdong. The ministry explained that these joint exercises aim to "demonstrate the determination and capability of both sides to deal with maritime security threats and maintain global and regional peace and stability." They also aim to "deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia for the new era."
11:47 Kiev will bring artillery attack on children's clinic to International Criminal Court
The Ukrainian Prosecutor General intends to bring the alleged Russian artillery attack on a children's hospital in Kiev to the International Criminal Court (ICC). "Cases like an intentional attack on the largest children's hospital in Kiev should go to the ICC," said Andrij Kostin. Russia denies responsibility for the attack and speaks of a malfunction of the Ukrainian air defense. Experts reject this. They point out that a surface-to-air missile would have caused numerous small craters or indentations at the impact site - and not a half-collapsed building like in Kiev.
11:14 Ukrainian Jagdbrigade: "Wonder of technology" captured
The Ukrainian 68th Separate Jagdbrigade reports on social media about the capture of a modern T90-Proryv tank. This refers to the most advanced version from the T90 series and, along with the T-14, to the most modern combat tank of the Russian armed forces. The Ukrainian brigade describes it as "a wonder of technology." The captured model is said to be in almost fully functional condition. The soldiers cannot be independently verified, but they have published numerous photos. The soldiers also report the capture of a T-80 combat tank and a BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle. Their plans call for using the three vehicles against Russian invaders.
10:52 Interior Ministry sees "significantly increased threat from Russian aggression"
Amid reports of assassination plans against Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser reaffirms the resolve of German security agencies. "We do not comment on individual threat situations," said the SPD politician. "We take the significantly increased threat from Russian aggression very seriously." Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to undermine support for Ukraine, according to Faeser. "But we will not be intimidated." Security measures have been significantly increased in the face of Russian threats over the past two years. "The threats range from espionage, sabotage, and cyberattacks to state terrorism."
10:27 "US election is the greatest risk factor for Ukraine"
NATO announces that Ukraine will join the military alliance - after the war ends. This does not seem to cause euphoria or hope in Ukraine. The NATO rhetoric repeats itself, the promises have become familiar to the Ukrainians, says journalist Denis Trubetskoy.
10:03 Russian research vessel damaged
A modernized Russian research vessel was reportedly damaged, according to Ukrainian reports, during tests in the European North Sea. The Ukrainian military intelligence service HUR reported that the crew lost control during the launch of AS-36 on July 1st. "As a result, the Russian research vessel suffered damages that prevented it from continuing the tests," HUR stated via Telegram. Russia is currently assessing the damage and the time required for repairs.
09:32 Russian "troll army" spread propaganda for AfD before EU election
Anonymous actors reportedly attempted to influence the European election through covert social media campaigns, according to a report by "Spiegel." An analysis by the private research institute Trollrensics, which evaluated the activities of so-called troll armies in Europe on behalf of the Dutch Social Democrats, revealed that Germany was the primary beneficiary of this hidden support. The investigation found that a massive number of posts promoting the AfD during the EU election were spread by a small group that used thousands of accounts. The analysts believe that this network was likely controlled from Russia.
09:04 Increase in GPS disruptions - ISW sees increasingly intense hybrid campaign from Moscow
Finnish authorities report an increase in GPS disruptions in the past week. Most of the disruptions to GPS and radar in the air and maritime sectors are believed to have originated from Russia, according to the Institute for the Study of War. A Finnish lighthouse keeper reported experiencing severe GPS and radar disruptions while guiding boats near Kotka and Hamina on the Finnish south coast. The GPS was unavailable for approximately 90% of the route between the Orrengrund Lighthouse Station and the Hamina Harbor. This aligns with reports of Russian GPS disruptions in the Baltic states and other European regions, according to the ISW. It is believed that the Russians from the Kaliningrad region may have disrupted the GPS of a plane carrying the British Defense Minister Grant Shapps and forced Finnair to cancel several flights from Finland. The ISW's conclusion: "Russia's apparent GPS disruptions are likely part of an intensifying hybrid campaign by Russia, which directly targets NATO countries, aiming to undermine support for Ukraine and NATO unity."
08:37 Kiev: Five Russian cruise missiles intercepted - Russians apparently aim to overload air defense
The Ukrainian Air Force reports intercepting all five Kalibr cruise missiles of the Kh-101 type fired by the Russian armed forces towards Ukraine. Eleven of the 19 drones were also destroyed. The primary target of the Russian attack was the city of Starokostyantyniv, which houses a significant military airport. The city is located in the Oblast of Khmelnytskyi in western central Ukraine. The eleven drones were intercepted over six regions, including Sumy, Kiev, Khmelnytskyi, and Mykolayiv. The Ukrainian Air Force does not provide information on the fate of the remaining drones. "It is likely that the enemy is mimicking drone attacks to overload air defense. There is no information about casualties or damages."
08:22 Green defends Stationing Plan: It's about Protection
Green Fraction Vice Chair Agnieszka Brugger justifies the planned arms buildup with extensive US weapons in Germany. She understands if many people have associations with the Cold War, says the defense expert in Deutschlandfunk. However, these measures are not a contribution to arms race but serve defense. In the 80s, two power blocs faced each other, both of which did not want maximum escalation, explained Brugger. Nevertheless, there were many dangerous situations back then. Today, there is a brutal aggressor who is breaking international law, has switched to a war economy, and is waging the most brutal war against Ukraine. Therefore, it's about solidarity and protection, not aggression.
07:53 Shocked by Attack on Children's Clinic: Russian Pilot Leaked Commanders' Data
A Russian pilot is reported to have provided confidential information to the Ukrainian Military Intelligence (HUR) that contributed to the identification of 30 commanders of the Russian heavy bomber aircraft division. This is reported by "Kyiv Independent" based on a confidential source from the intelligence service. The Russian pilot, who is said to serve in the 22nd heavy bomber aircraft division, contacted the HUR on July 8 after the devastating Russian attack on the children's hospital in Kiev. This shocked him so much that he decided to take this step. The pilot is said to have given personal information, including photos and other confidential documents, about 30 Russian commanders.
07:28 Rheinmetall CEO: Russian Wear-Out War Can Last Forever
Rheinmetall Chairman of the Board Armin Papperger believes that the war in Ukraine could last a long time. The current wear-out war harms the Russians as well. "But it can last forever. Russia has completely converted its industry to war economy," says the manager in an interview with the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung". Papperger also expects sustained growth for the Düsseldorf arms manufacturer. This year, the sales are expected to increase by 40 percent.
07:05 Threats against Rheinmetall CEO? Alleged Russian Agents were reportedly already in the EU
The danger for Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger from alleged assassination plans was apparently more concrete than known. According to information from "Spiegel" security circles, Western intelligence services have observed suspicious travels of suspected agents in recent months. These men were reportedly from countries of the former Soviet Union, at least one from Russia. Some were already in the Schengen Area, others had planned entries. Suspicious individuals were detected not only near the Rheinmetall headquarters but also at Papperger's travel destinations abroad. Senior officials suspect that these could have been "proxies" of Russian intelligence services – that is, hired hands.
06:49 Heusgen: Berlin underestimates the gravity of the situation
The chief of the Munich Security Conference, Christoph Heusgen, criticizes the German government for its communication regarding the Ukraine war. "The German defense minister speaks candidly and says that we need to prepare for war," Heusgen criticizes. "But their cabinet colleagues still underestimate the seriousness of the situation." He laments, "I still have the feeling that most responsible politicians believe they can give the population a watered-down version and say, 'We're dealing with an aggression like in the Cold War.'" Putin reportedly aims to restore the old Soviet Union. "This is all still being downplayed a bit in our country," Heusgen adds. "People must be given a clear account of what Russia has broken in treaties, how Russia is arming, and that Russia has nuclear-capable missiles stationed in Kaliningrad that can reach Germany."
06:22 Spying for Russia: Australian Couple Arrested
Two Australian citizens of Russian descent have been arrested in Australia on espionage charges. The 40 and 62-year-old couple is accused of obtaining material from the Australian military to hand over to Russian authorities, according to the Australian Federal Police. The wife in question is a soldier in the Australian military. The Australian authorities accuse the couple of preparing a spy offense. The maximum penalty for this offense is 15 years in prison. The operation to uncover the couple was a complex one, involving a specialized task force of the police and intelligence services, according to Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw.
05:55 Outrage after Report on Murder Plans: "The Putin regime now targets German citizens as well"
A CNN report on alleged Russian assassination plans against Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger has caused outrage in Germany. "It shows once again that Russia is carrying its war and terror to Europe," says the chairman of the Defense Committee, Marcus Faber of the FDP, to the "Bild" newspaper. "The Putin regime now targets German citizens as well." The chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Michael Roth of the SPD, tells the paper that Putin is not only waging a war of annihilation against Ukraine, but also against its supporters and our values. US intelligence reportedly discovered plans from the Russian government to assassinate Papperger in early 2023. The German side was reportedly informed, and Papperger was subsequently provided with increased protection.
05:18 Hungary accuses NATO partners of hypocrisy and failure
The Hungarian government accuses NATO partners of hypocrisy and failure in dealing with Russia's aggression against Ukraine at the conclusion of the NATO summit in Washington. "We will continue to advocate for dialogue and diplomatic channels, as the current strategy of the past two and a half years has been a total failure," says Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, according to a spokesperson in a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Szijjarto represented Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who left the summit early to meet with former US President Donald Trump in Florida.
04:35 Britain calls on NATO allies to increase defense effortsBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced at the NATO summit in Washington a plan for his government to increase defense spending to 2.5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product. At the same time, he urged other allies to do the same. Currently, 23 out of the 32 alliance members are contributing two percent of their GDP for defense, but more needs to be done in light of the serious threats to security, according to Starmer.
03:30 Biden: I would speak with Putin if he were open to changeUS President Joe Biden currently sees no point in holding talks with Kremlin chief Putin. In general, he is open to speaking with any state or government leader - including Chinese State and Party Chief Xi Jinping, Biden said at a press conference following the NATO summit. This also applies if Putin calls him. "I'm saying I'm willing to talk, but I don't see the willingness for that," Biden said. Putin must be willing to change his behavior.
02:32 NATO Ukraine Command setup begins in WiesbadenThe setup of the new NATO-Ukraine Command for coordinating weapons deliveries and training activities for the Ukrainian armed forces begins today in Wiesbaden. However, the commander for Europe will likely still need several months to set up the command so that it can take on all planned tasks, according to alliance representatives at the NATO summit in Washington. Until then, US forces will continue to handle the coordination. The deployment is also intended to be a precaution for the possibility of a return of Donald Trump as US President in January 2025.
01:58 Scholz rules out unlimited weapons use against RussiaFederal Chancellor Olaf Scholz rejected Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's call for lifting all restrictions on the use of Western weapons against Russian territory. "Nobody is changing the previous rules and guidelines - for good reason," Scholz said at the end of the NATO summit. We want to support Ukraine as much as possible, but we also want to prevent the war between Russia and NATO from escalating, so Scholz. Zelenskyy is primarily concerned about military bases in the Russian hinterland from which rocket attacks on Ukraine are launched. More than 40 civilians, including children, were killed in attacks on Ukrainian cities on Monday.
01:25 Scholz on attack report: We know the threatsIn connection with a media report about Russian hacking plans against Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, Chancellor Olaf Scholz referred to Russian threats at the NATO summit in Washington. "I won't say anything about that in detail," Scholz said. "But I would also be happy to tell you that we are very well aware that we are exposed to numerous threats from Russian activities."
00:40 UN calls on Russia to withdraw from Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power PlantThe United Nations General Assembly calls on Russia to withdraw its "military and other non-authorized personnel" from the Ukrainian Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and place it under the full control of Ukrainian authorities, according to a UN resolution passed with 99 Yes-votes, nine No-votes, and 60 abstentions. The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest in Europe, was taken over by Russia shortly after its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Although it has been shut down, it requires external energy to keep the nuclear material cool and prevent a nuclear meltdown.
23:36 Pistorius expects correction in budget 2025German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is convinced that there will be changes in favor of the defense budget in the 2025 budget draft. "I assume that further talks will lead to changes," says the SPD politician in ARD. He will not stop advocating for the Bundeswehr to be equipped so that it can fulfill its mission.
22:46 Kremlin: "On the way to a Cold War"Russia criticizes the planned deployment of US long-range weapons in Germany as a return to the Cold War. "We are on the way to a Cold War. This all happened before," says Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov to Russian state television. Peskov accuses Germany, the US, France, and the UK of directly intervening in the conflict in Ukraine. "And all the signs of the Cold War are returning - with confrontation, with direct confrontation between adversaries," says he. "All this is being done to undermine our country. All this is being done to ensure our strategic defeat on the battlefield," emphasizes Peskov. However, during the Cold War, Europe enjoyed peace. Russia began its war against Ukraine in 2014, which it intensified again in 2022.
21:34 Zelenskyy: Restrictions on western weapons must endUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy calls for the lifting of all restrictions on the use of western weapons against Russian territory at the NATO summit in Washington. "If we want to win and save our country, then all these restrictions must be lifted," emphasizes the Ukrainian leader. The restrictions mainly concern military bases in Russian territory from which rocket attacks are launched. "If they attack us and kill our children, it is insane to ask why we cannot attack this military base," says Zelenskyy.
20:58 USA announces additional aid package with Patriot systemUS President Joe Biden announces an additional aid package for Ukraine worth $225 million. Part of the package includes a Patriot system, which is intended to strengthen the Ukrainian air defense against Russian air attacks. The package also includes NASAMS missile defense systems, multiple rocket launchers of the HIMARS type, and artillery ammunition with calibers of 155 and 105 millimeters, according to the US government. The weapons come from US military stocks.
20:19 Stoltenberg accuses Russia of intimidation campaign against NATONATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg reports on a Russian campaign of hostile actions against NATO. It aims to intimidate NATO members and prevent them from supporting Ukraine. However, this approach has had the opposite effect, says Stoltenberg at the NATO summit in Washington.
All former developments can beread here.**
- The US Air Force is developing a new Long-Range Attack Munition (ERAM) for Ukraine to counter Russian attacks, according to military procurement documents.
- NATO members are reportedly planning massive troop deployments in a potential conflict scenario, as a response to the Ukraine-Conflict and NATO-Russia tensions.
- Cyberwar has become a significant part of the Ukraine-Conflict, with both Russian and Ukrainian forces engaging in digital attacks against each other.
- The US Defense Secretary and Russian Defense Minister have discussed reducing the risk of escalation, highlighting the importance of politics in addressing military tensions between the two countries.
- Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, has called for more support from NATO and the West in the face of Russian aggression, emphasizing the continued importance of the Ukraine-Conflict in global politics.
