22:39 Russia and China start joint military exercises
Russia and China have begun joint maritime drills at a Chinese military base in Zhanjiang, according to the Chinese Defense Ministry. "The conduct of such joint maritime military drills can improve cooperation and professional levels between the two navies and contribute to maintaining maritime and regional security," the Chinese Defense Ministry reportedly quoted a Russian naval officer who led the drills from the Russian side. This news comes a few days after NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that the alliance's members were in agreement that China is a "decisive catalyst" for Russia's comprehensive invasion in Ukraine.
9:44 Intelligence Chief: Russian Attacks from the North Concerning
The head of the Ukrainian Military Intelligence HUR, Kyrylo Budanov, expresses concern over Russian attacks from the North. According to the news agency Ukrinform, in an interview he reportedly answered a question about Russian attacks from the North by saying, "If I were to answer that, it would cause panic. Let's put it this way: There are problems, they have a tendency to escalate." He reportedly told a Western journalist, "Unfortunately, I won't have good news this year."
19:59 Stoltenberg: "No Doubt", Ukraine Can Attack Military Targets in Russia
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg reportedly told Ukrainian media that he supports Ukraine's 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 aggressor's territory," so Stoltenberg. He also reportedly pointed out that different NATO countries impose different restrictions on the use of weapons they supply: Some impose no restrictions at all, while others offer only some limitations.
19:15 "Burned out": Ukraine Claims to Have Destroyed a Russian 152mm Akatsiya Howitzer Worth Over a Million Dollars
Ukrainian troops reportedly destroyed a Russian 152mm Akatsiya howitzer worth over a million dollars, according to their own statements. "The Russian Akatsiya burned out," it says in the caption of a video released by the Ukrainian General Staff, as "Kyiv Post" reports. According to the report, Ukrainian troops targeted the howitzer. Which weapon was used for the attack remains unclear, and the Ukrainian newspaper could not independently verify the date and location of the incident. The drone footage shows a large explosion, followed by smaller explosions.
18:40 TASS Reports Multiple Drone Attacks
In the vicinity of the Russian border city of Shebekino in the Belgorod region, 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," the regional governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, was quoted as saying. In addition, TASS reported that several other settlements were attacked by Ukrainian drones. So, houses in the villages of Ziborovka and Murov, as well as a multi-family house in Bezymeno, were damaged.
19:09 US Weapons Deployment: Merz expects "precise reporting" from the Government
CDU Chief Friedrich Merz criticizes the German government for surprising the public with the deployment of American long-range weapons. "I have not received any briefing from the German government up to today," Merz says in the ARD Summer Interview. He expects "precise reporting" from the German government in the coming days. "This is a fundamental change in the strategic military situation in Europe and in Germany, and that cannot be simply made with a press release." Germany and the USA announced last week at the NATO Summit that the United States plans to 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 after July 20th, according to the Ukrainian government. This is reported by "Kyiv Independent" citing Premier Minister Denis Schmyhal. The government is working to decentralize energy production and is supporting a broad spectrum of consumers to facilitate additional energy production, Schmyhal says. Kiev also supports renewable energy and is promoting solar panels and wind turbines. In recent months, Russia has intensified attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure to target the country's energy grid once again.
17:55 Kiev Hopes for US Approval for Long-Range Weapons
The USA has not yet granted Ukraine permission to use long-range weapons against targets on Russian territory. Ihor Schowka, deputy head of Zelensky's Presidential Chancellery, told "Voice of America." However, Ukraine continues to work with the USA 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 USA has made in the past have been made very quietly - and that will also be the case this time." Ukraine has been demanding permission to use the long-range weapons provided by the USA and other Western partners against targets on Russian territory for some time. So far, Ukrainian military personnel can only use drones with significantly less explosive power.
17:24 Merz: Ukraine to be Supported with Jet Fighters
CDU Chief Friedrich Merz calls for stronger support for Ukraine and the delivery of jet fighters. Merz says in the ARD: "It seems plausible to me to help Ukraine, at least to regain control over its own airspace. These rocket attacks, which are now happening in ever greater numbers against infrastructure, against power and water supply, 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 USA, the Netherlands, and Denmark announced in a joint statement at the NATO Summit in Washington on Tuesday.
16:50 Partisans report destruction of Russian subunits due to major fireAt a sabotage operation near the Russian-occupied Oleshki in the Cherson region, there was reportedly a major fire. According to the Partisan movement Atesh on Telegram, one of their agents near the positions of one of the units of the 70th motorized infantry division of the Russian army set dry grass on fire. "As a result of the fire, three subunits were destroyed, trenches and defensive trenches of the unit were demolished." Weapons and supplies were also reportedly destroyed. "Up to twenty members of the unit suffered severe burns." The Partisans' post ends with the call: "We continue our resistance along the entire frontline and inflict significant damage to the occupiers. Join the ranks of Atesh."
15:19 Russian soldiers apparently detain Georgians illegally in South Ossetia
Russian troops detained a Georgian national illegally near the village of Adzvi on the border with the occupied region of South Ossetia on Saturday, according to "Kyiv Independent," citing the Georgian State Security Service. The information about the illegal detention was immediately reported to the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia. "The Russian occupation forces are responsible for all destructive actions that are committed in the occupied territories of Georgia and along the occupation line," the secret service is further quoted as saying. Moscow gained full control over the Georgian territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia after its invasion of Georgia in 2008.
15:43 Zelenskyy hopes for more help after US trip
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced further help for soldiers and weapons factories after his return from the US. At the NATO summit in Washington, specific agreements were reportedly reached to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities; it's about weapons for soldiers and support for Ukraine's weapons factories, he said. There will also be more Patriots and dozens of other air defense systems. In the past week alone, Russia fired over 700 glide bombs, 170 combat drones of various types, and almost 80 rockets at Ukraine, Zelenskyy told X.
15:11 Russia reports capture of another village in eastern Ukraine
The Russian army, according to the Defense Ministry in Moscow, has captured another village in eastern Ukraine. The ministry reports that the village of Uroshchina in the Donetsk region was captured by "Units of the Eastern Corps" (Vostok). The village is located on the southern frontline near the region of Zaporizhia. It was one of the few settlements that the Ukrainian army had managed to retake during its counteroffensive in 2023. The Russian troops had advanced on a South-North axis along the Mokryi Yalynyi River.
14:36 Russians kill 13 Ukrainians on Saturday
Thirteen people were killed and 54 others were injured, including children, in Russian attacks on Ukraine on Saturday, regional authorities reported to the "Kyiv Independent." The civilian victims were reported in the oblasts of Kharkiv, Donetsk, Kherson, and Dnipropetrovsk.
14:26 Kremlin implies US government indirect responsibility for shooting at TrumpThe Kremlin holds the US government indirectly accountable for the shooting at US presidential candidate Donald Trump. "We don't believe that the current authorities attempted to organize an elimination or murder attempt against Trump," said Putin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov to journalists. "But an atmosphere has been created in the US where such acts were possible. It was obvious to all external observers that his life was in danger," Peskov claimed.
13:53 Zelenskyy: More than 700 guided bombing attacks by Russia in the past weekIn the past seven days, Russia has employed more than 700 guided bombs, over 170 combat drones of various types, and nearly 80 rockets against Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared this information on social media. "The scale of this evil must be met with the scale of decisions to protect human lives. Every partner can make a difference and strengthen defense against terror," he wrote further.
12:55 DeepState: Russians advancing in DonetskThe Russian military has taken control of the village of Urozhaine in the Donetsk region. This was reported by the DeepState portal, which is close to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry. The fighting in Zalizny and Klishchiivka continues. Additionally, the Russians are reportedly advancing near Oleksandropol, Nowoseliwka Perscha, and Makijiwka. Urozhaine was seized by Russian forces during the Russian aggression against Ukraine in 2022. It is reported that Urozhaine was retaken by the Ukrainian military in August 2023.
12:07 Russia: 3-tonne bomb dropped on Ukrainian military baseThe Russian Defense Ministry released a video showing a Su-34 Suchoi jet dropping a heavy bomb. The Su-34 is a two-seat jet bomber developed in the Soviet Union. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the bomb in question was a FAB-3000 type, which is dropped from aircraft and weighs three tonnes, 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 after Russian air raids on DonetskThe death toll in Donetsk has risen to six following Russian air raids. Six residents of the Donetsk region were killed: two each in Nowootscheretuwate (see entry at 21:53) and Progres, one in Kostiantynopolskiy, and one in Novoselivka Pershii (see entry at 22:17). This information was shared by the governor of the Donetsk region, Wadym Filaschkin, on social media. A total of 11 people were reportedly injured in the attacks throughout the day.
11:00 Report: Ireland preparing security accord with UkraineIreland is taking the first steps to draft a security agreement with Ukraine. This was reported by "The Kyiv Independent" after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Ireland. For a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris, Zelenskyy made a brief stopover at Shannon Airport in Ireland on his return flight from the NATO summit in Washington to Ukraine. "The Kyiv Independent" reports that Harris described the encounter as a "very good meeting," during which they discussed a possible bilateral agreement on mine clearance, energy, humanitarian aid, and food security. Ireland pursues a policy of neutrality, is not a NATO member, and has one of the lowest defense budgets in the EU, accounting for around 0.2% of its GDP. The Irish government does not supply weapons to Ukraine but has recognized Russia's war against Ukraine as a genocide.
10:24 Ukraine: Six Russian air raids repelledIn the night, the Ukrainian air defense reportedly shot down two hostile missiles of the CH-59/Ch-69 type and four reconnaissance drones: three Orlan-10 and one ZALA type. The Ukrainian air defense announced this on social media.
09:42 Russia uses Trump attack for propagandaJust hours after the attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump, Russia used the incident for its own purposes. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, called on the US government to review its "policy of inciting hatred." She claimed this policy targets "political opponents, countries, and peoples." Zakharova also used the attack to make propaganda against US support for Ukraine. She suggested that the money for "weapon deliveries to Zelenskyy" might be better used "for financing the police and other services that ensure law and order in the US."
09:00 Ukraine releases figures on Russian lossesThe Ukrainian General Staff has released new figures on Russian troop losses in Ukraine. According to the report from Kiev, Russia has lost approximately 559,090 soldiers in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. In one day alone, the losses amounted to 1,320. The report also states that seven tanks and 46 artillery systems were destroyed. Since the beginning of the large-scale attack, Russia is said to have lost 8,206 tanks, 15,262 artillery systems, and 361 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 12,108 drones, 28 ships, and a submarine according to the Ukrainian data. Western estimates put the losses at lower numbers - although these are only minimum figures.
07:59 Governor: Air raid alert over region ZaporizhzhiaMilitary Governor Ivan Fedorov of the Zaporizhzhia region has declared an air raid alert in the southern Ukrainian region. On Telegram, he writes about attacks with ballistic missiles. According to Fedorov, other regions in Ukraine are also being attacked. He makes no statements about casualties or fatalities.
06:30 Russia reports destroyed drone in Belgorod, RussiaRussia reports a destroyed Ukrainian drone in the Russian region of Belgorod from the previous night. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, an attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out a terrorist attack with a drone was thwarted around 11:05 p.m. Moscow Time. In Belgorod and other border regions with Ukraine, there have been frequent Ukrainian attacks. The night before, for example, an oil depot in the Rostov region was set on fire by Ukrainian drones.
06:06 "F-16 is not a game changer": Ukrainian Foreign MinisterThe Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stated that no specific weapon will change the situation in the war, but sufficient arming of Ukrainian troops with weapons and ammunition. "No single weapon can be a game changer, which 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, which are expected to arrive in Ukraine soon, are just as important as various types of air defense systems, as they are Kampfpanzers, armored vehicles, and artillery ammunition," said Kuleba.
05:06 Kiev: The Crimea Bridge must be destroyedThe Crimea has turned into an uncomfortable territory. This is the achievement of the Ukrainian security and defense forces, explains the head of the Ukrainian Security Service, General Lieutenant Kyrylo Budanov. According to "Ukrinform," citing the agency's press service, the rebuilding of the Black Sea Fleet after a series of Ukrainian attacks would be a challenge for Moscow. The goal is to destroy the Crimea Bridge, says Budanov. So far, it has been possible to force Russia to withdraw its warships as far as possible from the Crimea, explains the head of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry.
00:01 Ukraine shoots down two Russian reconnaissance dronesUkrainian forces shoot down two Russian drones of the Orlan type at the southern front. "Ukrinform" reports, citing a Telegram post from the South Air Command. The Russians are also attacking Odessa with a ballistic missile. According to the report, it is likely to be an Iskander-M missile launched from the Crimea.
22:17 Two dead in Dnipropetrovsk OblastThere were fatal attacks in the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast before the attack on Nowootscheretuwate. The terrain of a farm was hit by bombs - one person died, another was injured. In Tschassiw Jar, a warehouse was damaged, resulting in one death.
21:53 More civilian casualties in Dnipropetrovsk OblastCivilians have died 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, another was injured. The victims were reportedly in a house that was hit by a bomb. A total of ten buildings were damaged.
21:11 Russians kill paramedics with second attack on village
This malicious approach has been known for a long time: After an attack, Russians shoot again at a target to hit potential rescue teams. This apparently also happened in the previously mentioned attack on the village of Budy in the Oblast of Kharkiv (East Ukraine). Among the two deceased was the head of the oblast's emergency medical services, Artem Kstyria, according to "Kyiv Independent", quoting the Interior Ministry. "The terrorists cynically and deliberately attacked when all rescue teams had arrived at the scene," reportedly said Mayor Igor Terekhov of Kharkiv.
You can read about all previous developments here.
- The dispute between Ukraine and Russia continues, with concerns raised about potential Russian attacks from the North by Ukrainian Military Intelligence Chief Kyrylo Budanov.
- In response to Russia's comprehensive invasion of Ukraine, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg identified China as a "decisive catalyst," highlighting the intricate nature of global politics.
- Following Stoltenberg's comments, Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, expressed hope for the approval of long-range weapons to counter the threat from Russian territory.
- Amidst the ongoing conflict, concerns about cyberwarfare also emerge, as Cybersecurity experts warn of potential Russian cyberattacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure.
- Russia and China, both facing sanctions from the West due to their involvement in the Ukraine-Conflict, have recently increased military deployments, engaging in joint maritime drills and displaying their military strength.
