23:38 Selensky: Territorial cessions can only be done with the consent of the people
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will not agree to territorial concessions in a peace solution with Russia without his people's consent. "You must understand that any question concerning Ukraine's territorial integrity cannot be resolved by a president, a single person, or by all the presidents of the world without the Ukrainian people," says Zelensky in an interview with French newspapers "Le Monde", "Libération", "L'Équipe". No official offer has been made to Ukraine so far. "And Ukraine will never give up its territories. The leaders have no official right to give up their territories. The Ukrainian people must want this," says Zelensky. Moreover, Putin would see such a step as a victory. "Therefore, this question is very, very, very difficult."
22:15 "This is the worst" - Ukrainian firefighter experiences particularly horrific incidentThe Ukrainian Civil Protection reports a horrific incident involving the family of a firefighter in the Kharkiv region. The man was called to an incident in the village of Velykyi Burluk and found himself in the rubble of his own house. "This is the worst for rescue workers," it says in a Facebook post. The 37-year-old woman of the man died as a result of the Russian attack and his 10-year-old son was taken to hospital with burn injuries.**
21:54 "Autumn is the season of results" - Ukraine plans new agreementsIn his evening video address, Prime Minister Selenskyy says he is working on new bilateral security agreements and multilateral arrangements "that will undoubtedly strengthen Ukraine." August is the season of preparation, autumn is the season of results. Selenskyy also thanks the USA for a new support package, which includes NASAMS air defense missiles "that are always in high demand." It also contains ammunition for HIMARS and Javelins.**
21:19 Selenskyy: Ukraine cannot be against Russia at the negotiating table if the world wants itThe Ukrainian President Selenskyy says in an interview with the French newspaper "Le Monde": "I am - like most countries - of the opinion that Russian representatives must be present at the second peace summit in November, as otherwise we will not achieve any useful results. I don't want them to hinder us from working out a common plan. If the whole world wants them at the table, then we cannot be against it." Russia was not invited to the first peace summit in Switzerland. Moscow has recently indicated that it does not want to participate in a second event.**
20:28 Russia has apparently found another close partner in the worldKremlin leader Vladimir Putin has received the elected Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Moscow for talks on expanding the relations between the two countries. Despite Western sanctions against Russia, trade between the two countries has doubled, says Putin. There is hope for further growth through a basically signed free trade agreement between Indonesia and the Eurasian Economic Union led by Russia. Prabowo welcomed the fact that the state airline Aeroflot is planning direct flights to the popular Russian holiday island Bali. He also showed interest in cooperation with the Russian nuclear corporation Rosatom. "We have spoken about small modules and also about large reactors," he says.**
19:45 "Verblendungspopulism" - Clear Criticism of SPD Politician After Russia StatementsThe Russian side often conveys that it is not genuinely interested in peace, but rather determined to achieve its war goals and subjugate Ukraine entirely or in large parts. SPD MP Ralf Stegner still believes that one must engage in negotiations with Russia, as he says in WDR. "That's difficult, I'm aware of that, but militarization is the worst option we can have." Political scientist Thomas Jäger offers sharp criticism of these statements: "The argumentation cannot even be considered learning-resistant given Moscow's behavior. That's 'Verblendungspopulism'," he writes. Jäger receives support from security expert Gustav Gressel, who shares the post.
19:16 Breakthrough Attempts - Russian Troops Increase Pressure FurtherRussian troops are increasing pressure on defenders in eastern Ukraine. As reported in the daily situation report by the General Staff in Kyiv, Ukrainian positions in Torezk and Pokrovsk were repeatedly shelled while Russian soldiers attempted a breakthrough. Russian military has been focusing on this front section in Donbass for some time to break through Ukrainian lines and capture crucial supply routes behind them. According to Ukrainian reports, the Russian attacks were repelled.
18:44 Is a Prisoner Exchange Between Germany, USA, Russia, and Belarus Imminent?Amidst speculations about an impending prisoner exchange between Russia and the USA, a court in Slovenia has sentenced two Russian citizens to more than a year and a half in prison for suspected espionage. The couple pleaded guilty to "espionage and document forgery," the Ljubljana District Court said. The court also ordered their expulsion. A report by the Slovenian news platform N1 Info, citing anonymous sources, suggests that the two are part of a larger prisoner exchange between Russia, the USA, Germany, and Belarus, expected to take place in the coming hours.
18:03 First Western F-16 Fighter Jets Reportedly Arrive in UkraineUkraine has received the first of the long-awaited F-16 jets, Bloomberg News reports, citing sources familiar with the matter. However, it is said to be only a small number of the US-produced fighter jets. The Ukrainian Air Force does not initially respond to a Reuters inquiry. The Ukrainian army hopes that the aircraft will help effectively combat Russian air strikes. However, Kyiv is likely to be able to deploy only a few F-16s this year due to a severe shortage of trained pilots and maintenance personnel.
17:47 Former US Soldier Imprisoned in Russia Has Gone MissingAmidst speculation about an impending prisoner exchange, the lawyer for Paul Whelan, a former US soldier imprisoned in Russia, is investigating his whereabouts. A lawyer for Vladimir Kara-Mursa, another imprisoned Russian opposition politician, reports that visits to his client have been denied for the second day in a row. "I've received inquiries from journalists asking where Paul is," explains Olga Karlova, Whelan's lawyer, to the Russian agency Interfax. She has sent a request to the administration of his penal colony but has not received a response. The 54-year-old former US soldier, who also holds British, Irish, and Canadian citizenship, has been in Russian custody since December 2018. Whelan denies the espionage charges against him and claims he was set up by an acquaintance.
16:58 Russian Foreign Ministry Issues Indirect Threat to German CompanyGerman defense conglomerate Rheinmetall's plans to build a munitions factory in Ukraine have been met with an indirect threat from the Russian Foreign Ministry. Spokesman Andrei Nastasyin emphasized that "every factory is a legitimate target."
16:17 Another Finnish Volunteer Soldier Killed in UkraineThe fourth Finnish volunteer soldier has been killed in the war in Ukraine, according to news site Yle, citing the "Sodan kokeneet ry" (War Veterans Association). The association reports that the Finn died in mid-July north of Donetsk. Finnish authorities have confirmed this information and notified the soldier's family. Juha Kreus, the director of the association, says they are working with Finnish and Ukrainian authorities. On its Facebook page, the association states that it helps volunteers fighting in Ukraine and their families. Previously, three Finns fighting on the side of Ukrainian forces had been killed in Ukraine.
15:29 "Kremlin Lies" - UK Defense Ministry Sees Russian Economic StrugglesAccording to reports from Russia, the country's economy, particularly its defense industry, is flourishing due to the war against Ukraine. However, the UK Defense Ministry dismisses this as a lie and points to struggles. "Inflation is twice the central bank's target, and war spending is causing unsustainable growth and overheating," the ministry says. High interest rates are making Russia a poor place for investments, and the country is drawing from its sovereign fund to finance rising war costs, the ministry adds.
15:00 Ukraine Could Produce Several Million Drones per YearUkraine currently has the capacity to produce three million drones per year, according to Anna Gvozdiar, deputy minister of strategic industries. However, this requires funding, Gvozdiar notes. Drones are one of the key tools in Ukraine's defense against the Russian invasion, with some being funded by foreign donations and produced by volunteers.
14:28 Germany Delivers More Leopard Tanks to Czech RepublicAs compensation for military aid to Ukraine, Germany is delivering another 14 Leopard 2A4 battle tanks and one Buffalo-3 armored recovery vehicle to the Czech Republic. Both sides have signed the final documents for this, the Czech Defense Ministry announced. The first tanks are expected to be delivered by the end of the year, with the rest to follow by early 2026. This agreement builds on the delivery of 15 tanks from Germany in 2022 and 2023. Additionally, the NATO country plans to purchase more Leopard tanks of types 2A4 and 2A8 as part of its military modernization efforts. Talks about this are ongoing, according to the Czech Republic.
13:49 Ukraine's SBU Suspects Putin Allies of Aiding War Against UkraineUkraine's Security Service (SBU) has issued a suspicion notice to one of Russian leader Vladimir Putin's closest associates, Alexei Dyumin, and Russia's deputy defense minister, Yunus-Bek Yevkurov. This was reported by "RBC-Ukraine" and confirmed by the press service of Ukraine's Security Service. Investigations suggest that Alexei Dyumin, a former bodyguard of Putin and current secretary of the State Council of the Russian Federation, was involved in mobilizing the Tula region for combat operations in Ukraine. He is said to have organized partial mobilization of men, established a center for unmanned systems, and developed production of FPV drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles. Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, deputy defense minister of the Russian Federation, is said to be responsible for training contract soldiers and mobilized personnel who then participate in the fighting in Ukraine.
13:06 Russia Begins 'Third Phase' of Tactical Nuclear Weapon ExercisesRussia has begun the third phase of exercises aimed at testing the readiness of its forces to use non-strategic nuclear weapons. This was reported by "Kyiv Independent" citing a statement from the Russian Defense Ministry. According to the statement, units from the central and southern military districts are involved, including those stationed in the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine. "Within this phase of exercises, personnel of the missile formations of the southern and central military districts will conduct combat training, including the acquisition of special training ammunition for the Iskander-M tactical missile systems," the ministry said. The first phase of these exercises began in May. Russian President Vladimir Putin presented this as a response to what he described as "provocative statements" from the West.
12:45 Authorities: Russians Hold Children from Luhansk in Military CampChildren from the occupied Bilohorivka in the Luhansk region are being held in a Russian military camp in the Novosibirsk region of the Russian Federation. There, they are being taught shooting and drills by military personnel. This was reported by "Ukrinform" citing the Facebook page of the state regional administration of Luhansk. According to the head of the regional state administration, Artem Lysohor, schoolchildren from the Russian-occupied Bilohorivka are still in the military-patriotic tent camp of the "Youth Army" set up in the Novosibirsk region. "Sending children aged 11 to 17 to this camp, where combat officers teach them tactics, fire, and drills, is considered a benevolent act in the Russian Federation," Lysohor said.
12:30 Duma Legalizes Cryptocurrency to Circumvent SanctionsThe Duma has passed a law legalizing cryptocurrency mining in Russia. According to "Meduza," a Russian media outlet based in Latvia, the lower house of the Russian parliament's website reports that the document published there allows Russian legal entities and individual entrepreneurs registered in the relevant register to engage in cryptocurrency mining. Individuals who do not exceed the energy consumption limits set by the government can mine cryptocurrencies without being registered in the register.
12:06 Putin Doubles Special Payment for War DeploymentThe Russian leadership is offering more money to attract more volunteers for their attack on Ukraine. According to a decree signed by President Vladimir Putin, anyone who signs a contract for deployment at the front between August 1 and December 31 will receive a one-time payment of 400,000 rubles (around 4,200 euros), more than double the previous amount of 195,000 rubles. In addition, a monthly salary that is significantly higher than the Russian average income will be paid. Since the forced conscription of reservists in the fall of 2022, Russia has mainly relied on financial incentives to attract soldiers for the war. Many regions offer cash bonuses for signing contracts. For example, the city of Moscow set a one-time bonus of 1.9 million rubles (about 20,300 euros) for contracts lasting one year or longer this month.
11:30 Russian Man Sentenced to Seven Years for Attempted Arson at Recruitment OfficeA man in Russia has been sentenced to seven years in prison. The Russian was accused of attempting to set fire to a recruitment office and of maintaining connections with the "Freedom of Russia" legion. The military court of the southern district of Russia found him guilty of attempted terrorism and of collaborating "on a confidential basis with a representative of a foreign state." The "Freedom of Russia" legion was established in Ukraine in March 2022. It is an armed group of Russians who fight alongside Ukrainian forces against Russia and have also carried out cross-border actions in Russia and, according to reports, sabotage operations within the country.
11:06 Fire in Russian weapons depot near Kursk after Ukrainian strike
A fire has broken out in a Russian weapons and military equipment depot in the Kursk region following a Ukrainian strike. The General Staff in Kyiv reported on Telegram that the strike was carried out using a modified marine rocket system. Explosions were observed at the target. The Ukrainian navy has anti-ship missiles of the Neptune type, which can reach targets up to 300 kilometers away. Kursk is only about 80 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that a cruise missile of this type had been shot down over the Kursk region. The fire has been contained, according to the governor of the region, Alexei Smirnov. Additionally, the Russian military reports that 19 Ukrainian drones were shot down over the cities of Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk, Kaluga, Rostov, and the annexed Crimea.
10:36 Munz on Russia's war tactics: Motorcycle attacks follow a certain pattern
Sightings of Russian soldiers on motorcycles in Ukraine have increased, leading some observers to suggest that Russia is running out of armored vehicles. ntv correspondent Rainer Munz disagrees and explains the strategy behind these attacks.
10:02 Reisner: Russia may have lost up to 750,000 soldiers in Ukraine
Russia may have suffered 500,000 to 750,000 casualties, including up to 150,000 deaths, in its war against Ukraine, according to Markus Reisner, an Austrian Armed Forces colonel, in an interview with the Ukrainian news agency "Ukrinform". "Recently, an interesting study was published that, in my opinion, is very well-researched. It suggests that perhaps 100,000 to 150,000 Russian soldiers have already been killed," says Reisner. Considering the lessons of military history and the fact that there are about 3-4 times more wounded than killed, the losses are enormous, says the military expert. And this is realistic given the intensity of the conflict," estimates Reisner, also noting that the Ukrainian side has suffered heavy losses. Kyiv's latest update puts Russian losses at 578,120 military personnel (see entry at 07:35).
09:24 Ukraine: Attacked weapons depot in Russian region of Kursk
The Ukrainian military claims to have attacked a weapons and other military equipment depot in the Russian region of Kursk overnight. Kursk borders Ukraine and has been repeatedly targeted by Ukrainian fire. Overnight on Tuesday, the Ukrainian military claimed to have attacked a Russian oil depot in the region. "According to intelligence reports, a fire broke out in the enemy's facility as a result of the attack," the Ukrainian General Staff said on Facebook yesterday.
08:55 Kyiv Reports One of the Most Intense Russian Drone Attacks Since the Start of the WarThe Russian military attacked targets in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv and other parts of the country with dozens of combat drones overnight. "Over 40 enemy drones were shot down over Kyiv and the outskirts of the capital in two waves," the Kyiv military administration reported on Telegram. Not a single drone reached its target in the capital. The agency described the attack as one of the strongest on Ukraine during the entire war. An air alert lasting over eight hours was in effect in the city of three million people overnight (see also entries at 06:33 and 23:52). Russian drone attacks were also reported in other regions. Six were shot down over the southeastern Ukrainian region of Dnipropetrovsk, and four more over the region of Mykolajiw in the south of the country. A general overview of the Ukrainian air defense's actions overnight is still pending.
08:36 Ukraine Reports 144 Engagements Along the Front Line Over the Past DayAccording to the spokesperson of the Ukrainian General Staff, Dmytro Hutsulyak, there were 144 engagements along the front line over the past day. "Over the past day, there were 144 combat encounters. Over the past day, Russian terrorists carried out a total of 1 missile attack with 1 missile on our troops' positions and residential areas, as well as 85 air strikes. In particular, 141 guided aerial bombs were dropped. Additionally, more than 4350 attacks were carried out, 90 of which were with multiple launch rocket systems," Hutsulyak said in the "United News" broadcast.
08:09 Governor: Man Killed by Russian Shelling in KhersonRussian forces shelled the outskirts of the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson in the morning, killing a man and injuring a woman, the governor of the Kherson region, Roman Mrochko, wrote in a Telegram post. According to him, the Russian army shelled the outskirts of Kherson from the occupied left bank of the Dnipro River. A 68-year-old man was fatally injured. Rescue workers reportedly retrieved his body from the rubble. A 73-year-old woman suffered a concussion and head injuries from an explosion. She was provided with medical assistance at the scene.
07:35 Ukraine Reports Over 1000 Russian Losses in a DayRussia lost 1060 soldiers, 30 artillery systems, 20 armored combat vehicles, and 9 tanks over the past day, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported in its update on Facebook. According to the report, the total combat losses of the Russian forces since the start of the invasion on February 24, 2022, are 578,120 military personnel, 8,390 tanks, 16,161 armored combat vehicles, 16,086 artillery systems, 1,131 multiple launch rocket systems, 907 air defense systems, 363 fixed-wing aircraft, 326 helicopters, 12,853 strategic and tactical unmanned aerial vehicles, 2,407 missiles, 28 ships and boats, 1 submarine, 21,739 vehicles and fuel tanks, and 2,697 special vehicles and other equipment. These figures cannot be independently verified. Russia does not release information on its losses.
07:14 Ukraine Spots Two Russian Warships with Cruise Missiles in the Black SeaRussia is reportedly maintaining two warships in the Black Sea armed with up to eight Kalibr cruise missiles, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. There are no enemy ships in the Azov Sea. In the Mediterranean, Russia has two warships, one of which is armed with up to 16 Kalibr cruise missiles, it is reported. However, the spokesperson for the Ukrainian Navy, Dmytro Pletenchuk, told "RBC-Ukraine" that it is unlikely that Russia would dare to fire missiles at Ukraine from the Mediterranean, as doing so would violate NATO airspace.
06:33 Massive Attack on Kyiv - Over 30 Drones InterceptedThe Ukrainian air defense intercepted more than 30 Russian drones over Kyiv overnight, according to the military administration of the capital on Telegram. This is reportedly one of the most massive drone attacks on Ukraine since the start of the war. Explosions were heard in the Ukrainian capital, Reuters reported, citing eyewitnesses. The detonations sounded like air defense systems repelling enemy flight objects. An air alert had previously been declared in Kyiv and parts of Ukraine (see entry from 23:52). "This was the seventh enemy drone attack on Kyiv in July," wrote Serhii Popko, head of the military administration of the city. The air alert lasted for more than seven hours. Enemy drones entered Kyiv in waves from almost all possible directions, it is reported. There is no information available about possible damage or casualties.
06:10 Zelensky Wants to Protect Schoolchildren from Russian AttacksUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wants to ensure special protection for the schoolchildren of his country from the war. "The school year is approaching, and the priority is now to ensure that children, wherever possible thanks to the shelters, can learn normally and not remotely," Zelensky said in his evening video address. The government has been instructed to accelerate its efforts to build shelters.
04:38 Pistorius on New US Weapons: "Real Deterrence"Defense Minister Boris Pistorius dismissed criticism of the German government's approach to the agreement with the US on the deployment of long-range weapons. While he said it was not a topic that needed to be discussed in parliament beforehand, he also noted that it was not comparable to the NATO Double-Track Decision of the 1980s. At the recent NATO summit in Washington, the US and Germany announced the deployment of Tomahawk cruise missiles, SM-6 missiles, and new hypersonic weapons from 2026, citing threats from Russia as justification. Pistorius emphasized that the deployment was of conventional weapons not intended as weapons with nuclear warheads. "It's about real deterrence," said the defense minister.
02:33 Finnish Volunteer Killed in UkraineA Finnish volunteer who fought on the side of Ukraine has been killed in the northern Donetsk region in mid-July. The Finnish War Veterans' Association announced this, stating that the authorities had informed his family. This makes him the fourth Finnish citizen to fall in Ukraine. In February, the country's Foreign Ministry reported that 20 to 30 Finns were deployed on the Ukrainian front.
23:52 Air Force Reports Numerous Drones Over UkraineThe army has called for air alerts in several regions of Ukraine overnight. Russia is attacking the country from several directions with drones. An explosion was heard in Kyiv, according to reporters from the "Kyiv Independent". It is not yet clear whether the capital has been hit.
22:05 US Medium-Range Missiles in Germany: Former SPD Leader Criticizes "Solo Move"Former SPD leader Norbert Walter-Borjans regrets the lack of debate over the planned stationing of US weapons in Germany. That "such a far-reaching decision is practically not debated, that it is made and announced more or less unilaterally," is problematic, he told the "Deutschlandfunk" in an interview. Moreover, from the perspective of the former SPD leader, it is not clear whether such a measure "actually enhances security or could make us a target for a first strike." Recently, the White House and the German government announced on the sidelines of the NATO summit that the US would again station weapons systems in Germany from 2026, which can reach far into Russia. Tomahawk cruise missiles, SM-6 missiles, and new hypersonic weapons were mentioned.
21:35 Ukrainians Less "Condemned" for Contact with Russian InvadersMany Ukrainians living in their own country under Russian occupation inevitably come into contact with the invaders of the brutal illegal war - something that is frowned upon or seen as treason elsewhere. However, "Ukraine is currently experiencing a decrease in the level of condemnation towards citizens from temporarily occupied territories for their various forms of communication with the occupation authorities," says Daria Svyrydova, a member of the Advisory Board for De-Occupation and Reintegration of the Crimea regions, at an event in the Media Center Ukraine. "In general, the Ukrainian population considers possible communication of people in the occupation acceptable in certain situations." According to Svyrydova, this is an important factor for future reintegration processes and an indication of where the state should focus in developing reintegration policy. Many people believe in a "shared future with the people in the temporarily occupied territories," she says.
20:54 Reports of Large Fire in Russian Arms FactoryAmong others, the Ukrainian medium Euromaidan Press reports on a fire in a factory in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg. The factory produces parts for military rockets, among other things, and has been under Western sanctions since 2014. It is an important actor in the Russian defense industry, according to the report. There has been no official confirmation yet, and the authenticity of the videos on social networks has not been confirmed. The cause of the fire is also unknown.
20:32 Zelensky Visits Troops at Border with BelarusUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is inspecting the fortifications and defensive positions of his troops at the border with Belarus. Accompanied by senior military officials during his working visit to the Volhynia region, Zelensky is receiving a briefing from the head of the State Border Guard Service, Serhiy Deyneko, about border protection, including the number of involved soldiers, their capabilities, and weapons. Zelensky is assessing the construction of fortifications, trenches, and shelters. "We have a strong defense, both in terms of personnel and defensive lines," he says. "And we will continue to reinforce it." Ukrainian military forces have significantly reinforced the border with neighboring Belarus in recent months.
You can read about all previous developments here.
- The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, reiterates his stance that any territorial concessions in a peace solution with Russia must have the consent of the Ukrainian people, referring to the ongoing Ukrainian conflict.
- Putin may view a potential territorial withdrawal by Ukraine as a victory, adding to the complexity of resolving the Ukrainian conflict without the support of the Ukrainian people, according to Zelensky.
