21:44 Intelligence chief: Russian attacks from the north alarming
Chief of Ukrainian Military Intelligence HUR, Kyrylo Budanov, expresses concern over Russian attacks from the north. According to the Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform, in an interview, Budanov reportedly responded to a question about Russian attacks from the north by saying, "if we were to address this it would cause panic. We'll put it this way: there are issues, they have a tendency to escalate." He reportedly told someone in the western press, "unfortunately, I won't have good news this year."
20:59 Stoltenberg: "No doubt", Ukraine has the right to attack military targets in Russia
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg reportedly told Ukrainian media that he supports attacks on military targets in Russia. "My position is that there is no doubt that Ukraine has the right to attack legitimate military targets on the territory of the aggressor country Russia. Since it's a war that Russia started against Ukraine, Ukraine has the right to self-defense, and that includes attacks on the territory of the aggressor," Stoltenberg said. He also reportedly pointed out that different NATO countries impose different restrictions on the use of weapons supplied by them: Some set no limits, while others offer only some restrictions.
20:15 "Burning like a match": Ukraine claims to have destroyed a Russian artillery system worth over a million dollars
Ukrainian troops reportedly destroyed a Russian artillery system called Akatsiya, worth over a million dollars, according to their own reports. "The Russian Akatsiya burned like a match," it says in the caption of a video released by the Ukrainian General Staff, as reported by "Kyiv Post." The report states that soldiers from the 47th separate mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces targeted the artillery system. It's unclear which weapon was used for the attack, and the Ukrainian newspaper couldn't independently verify the date and location of the incident. The drone footage shows a large explosion followed by smaller explosions.
19:40 TASS reports multiple drone attacks
In the Russian border region of Belgorod, near the city of Shebekino, a truck was reportedly attacked by a Ukrainian suicide drone, and the driver was wounded, according to the Russian news agency TASS. "The man suffered shrapnel wounds to his leg and arm. He was treated on the spot and could not be taken to the hospital," Belgorod region Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov was quoted as saying. In addition, TASS reported that several other settlements were attacked by Ukrainian drones. Houses in the villages of Ziborovka and Murov, as well as a multi-family house in Bezymeno, were reportedly damaged.
19:09 US Weapons Stationing: Merz expects "precise reporting" from the government
CDU leader Friedrich Merz criticized the German government for surprising the public with the stationing of American long-range weapons. "I have received no briefing from the German government up to today," Merz said in an ARD summer interview. He expected "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 that can't just be made with a press release." Germany and the United States had announced at the NATO summit that the United States would station missiles and hypersonic weapons in Germany starting in 2026.
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, as 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 generation, Schmyhal said. Kiev also supports renewable energy and is backing 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. This was stated by Ihor Schowka, the deputy head of Zelensky's Presidential Administration, to "Voice of America". Nevertheless, 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 demanding the 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 can only use drones with significantly less explosive power.
17:24 Merz: Germany also to support Ukraine with jet fighters
CDU leader Friedrich Merz calls for stronger support for Ukraine and for the delivery of jet fighters. Merz told ARD: "It seems plausible to me to help Ukraine at least to regain control over its own airspace. These rocket attacks, which are now happening in ever greater numbers, against infrastructure, against power and water supplies, against hospitals, nursing homes, that cannot be controlled from the ground alone. And that's why the delivery of jet fighters to the Ukraine is already a done deal in many countries around the world, including in Europe. We, as Germans, should not step back." The transfer of F-16 jets is already underway, the US, the Netherlands, and Denmark announced in a joint statement at the NATO summit in Washington on Tuesday.
16:50 Partisans report large fire, Russian subunits destroyedAt a sabotage action near the Russian-occupied Oleshki in the Kherson region, there was a large fire reported, 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 fortifications of the unit were destroyed." Weapons and supplies were also destroyed. "Up to twenty soldiers of the unit suffered severe burns." The post of the Partisans ends with the call: "We continue our resistance along the entire front line 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 reportedly detained a Georgian citizen near the village of Adzvi at the border with the occupied region of South Ossetia on Saturday. According to "Kyiv Independent", this information was passed on to the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia by the Georgian State Security Service. The security service is quoted as saying: "The Russian occupation forces are responsible for all destructive actions committed in the occupied territories of Georgia and along the occupation line." Moscow gained full control over the Georgian territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia following its invasion of Georgia in 2008.
15:43 Zelenskyy hopes for more help after US trip
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced further assistance for the military and arms industries following his return from the US. At the NATO summit in Washington, concrete agreements were reached to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities; this includes weapons for soldiers and support for Ukraine's military industries, Zelenskyy said. There will also be more Patriots and dozens of other air defense systems. In the past week alone, Russia has fired over 700 guided air-to-surface bombs, over 170 combat drones of various types, and nearly 80 rockets at Ukraine, Zelenskyy told X.
15:11 Russia reports capture of another village in eastern Ukraine
According to the Russian Defense Ministry in Moscow, Russian troops have taken control of another village in eastern Ukraine. The ministry announced that the village of Uroshchynje in the Donetsk region was captured by "Units of the Eastern Military District" troops. The village is located near the southern frontline, close to the Zaporizhzhia region. It was one of the few settlements that the Ukrainian army had managed to recapture 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 wounded, including children, in Russian attacks on Ukraine on Saturday, according to local authorities, reports "Kyiv Independent". The civilian victims were reported in the oblasts of Kharkiv, Donetsk, Kherson, and Dnipropetrovsk.
14:26 Kremlin implies US government indirectly responsible for Trump assassination attempt
The Kremlin implied indirect responsibility for the US government in the shooting at US presidential candidate Donald Trump. "We do not believe that the current authorities organized the attempt to assassinate or kill Trump," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists. "However, an atmosphere was created in the US where such an act could have been possible." Peskov claimed that it was obvious to all external observers that Trump's life was in danger.
13:53 Zelenskyy: More than 700 guided bombing attacks in the past week
In the past seven days, Russia has launched over 700 guided air-to-surface bombs, over 170 combat drones of various types, and nearly 80 rockets against Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on social media. "The scale of this evil must be met with the scale of decisions to protect human life. Every partner can make a difference and strengthen defense against terror," Zelenskyy wrote further.
12:55 DeepState: Russians advancing in Donetsk region, Urozhaine seized
According to the DeepState portal, which is close to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, Russian forces have taken control of the village of Urozhaine in the Donetsk region. The fighting in Zalizny and Klishchiivka is continuing, and the Russians are reportedly advancing near Oleksandropol, Nowoseliwka Perscha, and Makijiwka. Urozhaine was seized by Russian forces during Russia's attack on Ukraine in 2022. It is reported that Ukraine regained control of Urozhaine in August 2023.
12:07 Russia: 3-tonne bomb dropped on Ukrainian military base
The Russian Defense Ministry has released a video showing a Su-34 Sukhoi bomber dropping a heavy bomb. The Su-34 is a two-seat jet bomber developed in the Soviet Union. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the bomb dropped was the FAB-3000 type, which weighs three tonnes in total, with the warhead reportedly weighing around 1200 kg. The Russian Defense Ministry claims that the bomb hit a Ukrainian Air Force base.
11:30 Ukraine: Death toll rises to six after Russian air strikes in Donetsk region
Six people have been reportedly killed in the Donetsk region following Russian air strikes. Two people died each in Nowootscheretuwate (see entry at 21:53) and Progres, one person in Kostiantynopolskiy, and one person in Novoselivka Pershii (see entry at 22:17). The information was shared by the Ukrainian governor of the Donetsk region, Wadym Filaschkin, on social media. In total, 11 people were injured in the attacks throughout the day.
11:00 Report: Ireland preparing security agreement with Ukraine
Ireland is reportedly taking the initial steps to draft a security agreement with Ukraine. According to "The Kyiv Independent," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a brief stopover at Shannon Airport in Ireland during his return flight from the NATO summit in Washington for talks with Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris. "The Kyiv Independent" reports that Harris described the meeting as a "very good meeting," during which they discussed a potential bilateral agreement on mine clearance, energy, humanitarian aid, and food security. Ireland follows a policy of neutrality, is not a NATO member, and has one of the lowest defense budgets in the EU, accounting for roughly 0.2% of its Gross Domestic Product. The Irish government does not supply weapons to Ukraine but has recognized the war in Ukraine as a genocide.
10:24 Ukraine: Six Russian air raids repelled
The Ukrainian air defense reportedly shot down two enemy cruise missiles of the CH-59/Ch-69 type and four reconnaissance drones: three Orlan-10s and one ZALA during the night in the eastern part of the country. The information was shared by the Ukrainian air defense on social media.
09:42 Russia uses Trump attack for propagandaRussia utilizes the attempted assassination attempt on the former US President Donald Trump for its own purposes just hours after the incident. The spokeswoman of the Russian Foreign Ministry calls on the US government to "review its policy of inciting hatred." Such a policy targets "political opponents, countries, and peoples," announced Maria Zakharova. She also used the attack to make propaganda against US support for Ukraine. The money for "the weapons delivery to Zelenskyy" should "perhaps be better used for financing the police and other services that ensure law and order in the US," she says to republican politicians.
09:00 Ukraine publishes numbers on Russian lossesThe Ukrainian General Staff publishes new loss figures for the Russian troops in Ukraine. According to this, Russia has lost approximately 559,090 soldiers in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. Alone within 24 hours, the loss count was 1,320. According to the report from Kiev, seven tanks and 46 artillery systems were also destroyed. Since the beginning of the large-scale attack, Russia has lost 8,206 tanks, 15,262 artillery systems, and 361 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 12,108 drones, 28 ships, and a submarine, according to Ukraine. Western estimations give lower loss numbers - but these are only minimum values.
07:59 Air alarm announced in the region of ZaporizhiaMilitary Governor Ivan Fedorov of the Zaporizhia region announces a missile alarm in the southern Ukrainian region. On Telegram, he reports on attacks with ballistic missiles. According to Fedorov, other regions in Ukraine are also being attacked. He makes no statements on casualties or deaths.
06:30 Russia reports downed drone in BelgorodRussia reports a destroyed Ukrainian drone in the Russian region of Belgorod from the previous night. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, "an attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out a terrorist attack" with a drone was thwarted at approximately 23:05 Moscow Time. In Belgorod and other border regions of Ukraine, there have been regular Ukrainian attacks. The night before, for example, an oil depot in the region of Rostov was set on fire by Ukrainian drones.
06:06 "F-16 is not a game changer"The Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba states that no specific weapon will change the situation in the war, but a sufficient supply of weapons and ammunition to the Ukrainian troops. "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, as well as various types of air defense systems, are just as important as tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery ammunition," so Kuleba.
05:06 Kiev: The Crimea Bridge must be destroyedThe Crimea has transformed into an uncomfortable territory. This is the achievement of the Ukrainian security and defense forces, explains the head of the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence, General Lieutenant Kyrylo Budanov. "Ukrinform" reports this, citing the agency's press service. The rebuilding of the Black Sea Fleet after a series of Ukrainian attacks would present a challenge for Moscow, Budanov says. The goal is the destruction of the Crimea Bridge, he adds. So far, it has been possible to force Russia to withdraw its warships as far as possible from the Crimea, the head of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry explains.
00:01 Ukraine shoots down two Russian reconnaissance drones
Ukrainian 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, the report says. It is believed to be an Iskander-M missile fired from the Crimea.
22:17 Two dead in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast
There were fatal attacks in the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast before the attack on Nowootscheretuwate. The terrain of a farm in Kostiantynopolske was hit by bombs - one person died, another was injured. In Tschassiw Jar, a warehouse was damaged, resulting in another death.
21:53 Civilian deaths in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast
Civilians are dying in the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast after a Russian attack. The village of Nowootscheretuwate was hit by bombs, reports "Ukrainska Pravda" citing the military administration. Two people were killed there, 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 medics with second attack on village
This cruel tactic is well known: After an attack, the Russians fire again on a target to hit rescue forces. It seems this was also the case with the attack on the village of Budy in the Kharkiv Oblast (Eastern Ukraine). Among the two dead was the head of the emergency medical services for the oblast, Artem Kstyria, reports "Kyiv Independent" citing the Interior Ministry. "The terrorists cynically and deliberately attacked as rescue forces arrived at the scene," said the mayor of Kharkiv, Igor Terekhov.
- The Ukrainian Chief of Military Intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, expressed concerns about potential Russian attacks from the north, suggesting that addressing the issue could cause panic.
- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stated that Ukraine has the right to attack legitimate military targets on Russian territory due to the ongoing conflict, and different NATO countries have varying restrictions on the use of supplied weapons.
- A Ukrainian video report claimed that Ukrainian troops had destroyed a Russian artillery system called Akatsiya, worth over a million dollars, using an unspecified weapon.
- The Russian news agency TASS reported multiple drone attacks in the Belgorod region of Russia, resulting in injuries and damaged buildings.
- German CDU leader Friedrich Merz criticized the German government for not providing clear information about the stationing of American long-range weapons in Germany and called for more support for Ukraine, including the delivery of jet fighters.
