23:46 Russia reports taking control of another village in Ukraine
Russia has taken control of another village in eastern Ukraine, according to its own statements. The settlement of Losuwatske, located in the Donezk region and approximately 25 kilometers east of the city Pokrowsk, near the occupied town of Otscheretyne where Russian forces have advanced relatively quickly in recent months, was "liberated," the Russian Defense Ministry reported in its daily briefing. Ukraine has not confirmed the takeover.
22:23 Blinken threatens China with "measures" over continued support for Russian defense industry US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned China that the US would take "measures" if Beijing continued to support Russia's defense industry. According to the Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Independent," Blinken made this statement during a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Laos, shortly after Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba held talks with Wang during his first visit to China since the war broke out in Guangzhou. "The minister reaffirmed his serious concerns over China's support for the People's Republic of China's defense industrial base and made it clear that the United States would continue to take appropriate measures if the People's Republic did not respond to this threat to European security," Miller said.
21:57 Zelenskyy announces better care for war wounded Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced better care for war wounded within his country. He ordered the creation of a modern rehabilitation hospital in Ukraine, Zelenskyy said in Kiev at a congress on war medicine, the first such event held in the country. "We must pay more attention to the wounded, be more attentive to those returning from the Russian hell," he said. Previously, the president had also visited wounded soldiers in the hospital. Tens of thousands of soldiers in Ukraine, which has been attacked by Russia, are in need of medical assistance due to injuries or psychological war trauma.
21:22 Switzerland will not generate revenues from Russian assets for Ukraine Switzerland will not generate revenues for Ukraine from frozen Russian assets held in Swiss banks, according to statements from the Swiss public broadcasting platform "Swissinfo," which cited a statement from the Swiss State Secretariat for Economy. In accordance with Swiss law and international obligations, Switzerland declared that it could not "earn extraordinary income in connection with the assets of the Russian Central Bank." Yesterday, the EU announced the release of 1.5 billion euros for Ukraine, which came from frozen Russian assets.
20:53 Nord Stream pipeline attack: Orban accuses the USA Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban accused the USA, according to a report, of having destroyed the Nord Stream pipeline into the air. As the Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Independent" reported, Orban made this statement during a speech to an audience at a university summer camp in the Romanian town of Baile Tusnad. Russia accused the USA and Great Britain of destroying the pipeline, which connects Russia and Germany, in September 2022. Some Western countries pointed the finger at Russia as the instigator of the attack. Ukraine was also accused of involvement in the pipeline attack. The investigations have not yet produced conclusive evidence.
20:04 Multiple civilians injured in Russian attacks on two cities in DonetskMultiple civilians, including an eleven-year-old child, have been injured in Russian air raids on Kurakhove and Myrnohrad in the Donetsk region of Ukraine, according to "Ukrainska Pravda," citing the regional prosecutor's office. The Russian army reportedly conducted three air raids on Kurakhove. Four civilians, three women and a man, were injured in the raid on the city center with guided bombs. Additionally, the city of Myrnohrad was attacked, injuring an eleven-year-old girl.
19:29 Ukrainian ground forces destroy nearly 8,000 Russian drones in a weekUnits of the electronic warfare command of the Ukrainian military have neutralized 7,916 Russian drones within a week, according to General-Leutenant Oleksandr Pavluk, commander of the ground forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, on Facebook, as reported by the state news agency Ukrinform. A total of 4,313 unmanned aerial vehicles and 3,603 FPV drones were neutralized and destroyed.
18:43 Ukraine: 60 million tons of cargo exported through the Black Sea CorridorSince the establishment of the Black Sea Corridor, Ukraine has been able to export approximately 60 million tons of cargo from the port in Odessa via this sea route. The Maritime Administration of Ukraine announced this on Facebook, as reported by the state news agency Ukrinform. "60 million tons! In eleven months! 40.6 million tons of grain shipments have been exported to 46 countries around the world," the message reads. "Despite the war and the hostile shelling of the port infrastructure by the enemy, including the storage hangars for agricultural products, Ukraine remains an important player in the global food security question, particularly in relation to grain exports to countries in Asia and Africa," the administration added.
18:14 Military administration reports ten injured in Russian shelling of city in Sumy regionSeveral people, including children, have been injured in Russian shelling of the city of Hluchiv in the Sumy region, according to the state news agency Ukrinform. Russian troops reportedly shelled the city with multiple rocket launchers. The Military Administration of the Sumy region reported on Facebook that ten people were injured, including six children. "Twelve explosions were recorded. According to preliminary reports, ten people were injured, including six children," the message reads.
17:33 Report on sabotage: Ukrainian intelligence damages three Russian helicoptersThree Russian helicopters were reportedly damaged by sabotage operations of the Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) in the past week, according to the Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Independent," citing a source from the Ukrainian intelligence services. Two Mi-28 helicopters and a Ka-226 were damaged on the grounds of the National Helicopter Center Mil and Kamov in Moscow. Explosions were reported. An Mi-8 helicopter was also reportedly damaged on the military airfield Samara Kryazh in the Russian region of Samara, about 800 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. The source did not provide further details about the attack.
16:56 Ukraine: Teenager killed in Russian attack in Sumy OblastAccording to Ukrainian reports, a 14-year-old was killed in a Russian attack in the northeastern part of the country. The attack on the small town of Hluchiw in the Sumy Oblast reportedly left twelve people injured, six of whom were children. The Ukrainian prosecutor's office shared this information. The city is approximately ten kilometers from the Russian border. During the attack, residential blocks, houses, an educational institution, a business, and vehicles were reportedly hit.
16:35 Zelenskyy visits wounded soldiers and awards decorationsUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited wounded Ukrainian soldiers and awarded decorations. The state news agency Ukrinform published a video of the event on social media. In the video, Zelenskyy is seen speaking with wounded soldiers. According to the report, he thanked the soldiers for protecting the country and for all that they do "so that our state can survive".
15:58 Blinken criticizes China for support of Russia's military industryUS Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticized China during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi for supporting Russia's military industry. He made it clear that the US would take "appropriate measures" if China did not take action against this threat to European security, according to a spokesperson for the US State Department. Blinken also expressed concern over China's "destabilizing actions" in the South China Sea. China's Foreign Minister, in turn, accused the United States of not abandoning its efforts to "contain and suppress China" but instead of having "intensified" them.
15:23 Russian fighter jet crashes for second time in a weekFor the second time in a week, a Russian fighter jet from the Defense Ministry has crashed. A Su-34 bomber crashed in the Volgograd region during a routine training flight in an unpopulated area. The pilots ejected safely and were reportedly unharmed. According to the ministry, the cause of the crash was technical. No weapons were on board. A Mi-28 combat helicopter had crashed in the Kaluga region on Thursday. The two crew members died, and the cause was also reported to be technical.
15:06 Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov dismisses Ukrainian statements on peace talks as "contradictory"Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed Ukrainian statements on potential peace talks with Moscow as "contradictory." "I can't comment on numerous ideas that are not really serious," Lavrov told journalists in Laos. "They spoke about negotiations not too long ago. Zelensky spoke about the readiness to finally sit down at the table with Russian representatives. I honestly didn't hear that from them," Lavrov said, looking at the latest statements from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. Kuleba had stated yesterday that Beijing respects Ukraine's territorial integrity. Kiev should not be forced to negotiate with Russia, Kuleba added in an interview with the Ukrainian broadcaster TSN. Zelensky himself said after Kuleba's visit to China that Beijing had sent a "clear signal" that it supports Ukraine's territorial integrity. Kuleba said this "not for the first time," Lavrov said on the sidelines of a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Laos' capital Vientiane, where he reportedly also met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. At times, Kuleba gives "completely opposite things," Lavrov added. He also mentioned that he had discussed Kuleba's visit to Beijing with Wang. In his opinion, China's position on the conflict remains "unchanged." According to Lavrov, Beijing insists that the format of any peace talks must be "acceptable to all parties."
14:27 Ukrainian Media: Drones hit Russian bomberUkrainian drones hit a strategic bomber at a military airfield in northern Russia, according to Ukrainian media reports. "As a result of an operation by the Ukrainian security service Olenegorsk, a long-range supersonic bomber of the TU-22M3 type was hit at the Olenya military airfield, which is the base for the strategic aviation of the Russian occupiers," reports "Ukrainska Prawda" citing intelligence sources. The military airfield, from which bombers launch raids on Ukraine, is located 1,800 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
14:00 Ukrainian intelligence strikes Russian military airfields and oil refinery with dronesThe Ukrainian intelligence services are attacking Russian military airfields and an oil refinery in Russia with drones, according to "Ukrainska Pravda," citing sources in the Ukrainian defense intelligence. Targeted were the military airfields Engels in the Saratov region, Dyagilevo in the Rjasan region, and Olenya in the Murmansk region. In addition, a Kamikaze drone attacked an oil refinery in Rjasan.
13:41 Report: Russia reports capture of a village in Eastern Ukraine
Russia has taken control of another village in Eastern Ukraine, according to its own reports. The village of Losuwatske was "liberated," the Russian Defense Ministry announced in its daily briefing. The village is located about 25 kilometers east of the city Pokrovsk in the area around the occupied town of Ocheretyne, where Russian forces have made significant gains in recent months. Ukraine has not confirmed the capture. The area around the village of Novoolexandriwka, only two kilometers away, is currently seeing heavy fighting. The village was reportedly taken by Russian forces last month as well. Moscow has announced territorial gains along the nearly thousand-kilometer long frontline in recent weeks. The Ukrainian army is reportedly outnumbered by Russian forces, and is suffering from a reported ammunition shortage, prompting Ukraine to urgently appeal to its Western partners for more weapons and ammunition.
13:08 Report: Russians unable to withdraw cash from ATMs after cyberattack
Customers of several Russian banks are unable to withdraw cash from ATMs due to a Ukrainian cyberattack, as their debit and credit cards are immediately blocked when they attempt to use an ATM. According to the independent Ukrainian news portal LIGA.net, citing a source within Russian intelligence services. The Russian news agency RBC Ukraine also reports on the incident, quoting insiders within the intelligence services. The Ukrainian intelligence services are said to have gained access to the databases of Russian financial institutions. Already, the online services of leading Russian banks, internet service providers, social networks, and national payment systems have been targeted. Now, ATMs have been attacked as well.
12:30 Report: Russia takes control of another village in the Donetsk region
Russian forces have taken control of the village of Vovtsche in the Donetsk region, according to a report by the DeepState portal, which is close to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, citing the commander of the 47th mechanized brigade, which is stationed in the region. Russian troops are attempting to breach Ukrainian defensive positions in the area. The Ukrainian forces are reportedly under heavy pressure around Pokrovsk, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
12:10 Lavrov: Russia's war goals in Ukraine will be achieved
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has emphasized in a press conference following a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Laos that Russia will not give up on its war goals in Ukraine. Contrary to Western demands, Russia will not surrender, Lavrov said. All war goals, including preventing NATO support in Ukraine, will be achieved, Lavrov added. "There is no doubt about that." Lavrov also mentioned that he had been briefed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on his meeting in Beijing with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. Kuleba had announced his readiness for peace talks with Russia, but also stressed that Kiev had no interest in negotiations with Moscow. Lavrov reiterated that in Kiev, President Volodymyr Zelensky himself had issued a decree banning negotiations with Russia under Putin. Moscow and Kiev accuse each other of not being sincere about negotiations.
11:50 Baerbock: "Putin shattered the notion that we don't need to defend ourselves"
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock calls on Germany and the EU to invest more in security. The European pillar in NATO must be strengthened, regardless of who is next in power in the USA, Baerbock said on Friday at an event of the "Zeit". "The notion that we don't need to defend ourselves has been shattered by Putin," Baerbock added. Germany needs a security budget that reflects this. "We in Germany have always assumed that we live on a peace continent," says the Green politician. Warning signs that the Baltic countries have seen were recognized in Germany much too late. Therefore, Germany has not invested in its defense capabilities to the same extent as other countries in comparison.
"11:31 Fire in mine after Russian attack in Donetsk breaks out"
A fire broke out in a mine in the Donetsk region due to Russian attacks the previous day. According to the press service of the Ukrainian Energy Ministry, 86 miners were in the mine at the time of the attack. Of these, 84 miners were brought to the surface. Two people remained inside to secure the mine's operation. The fire was reportedly brought under control in the morning.
"11:08 Another Russian general arrested for corruption"
A court in Moscow ordered the detention of another Russian Army general on suspicion of corruption. The state Russian news agency TASS reported that former Vice Defense Minister Dmitri Bulgakow had been taken to the Lefortovo Detention Center. Former Vice Defense Minister Timur Ivanov is also in detention there. Bulgakow reportedly asked in vain to serve his house arrest during the investigation. The general was responsible for the material-technical equipment of the troops in the first months of Russia's attack on Ukraine, but was dismissed after numerous failures on September 24, 2022.
According to investigators, under Bulgakow, a system was created to supply the troops with substandard rations at inflated prices. For example, beef was replaced with pork and poultry, and the calorie count of the rations was reduced. Soldiers who have been fighting the war in Ukraine since February 24, 2022, have received substandard rations. Bulgakow has been a holder of the high distinction "Hero of Russia" since 2016. The general is said to have lived extravagantly while the soldiers were inadequately supplied.
"10:30 Trubetskoy on contested region of Donetsk: "Situation in Donetsk complicated, but not catastrophic"
The Ukrainian armed forces are under pressure in the Donetsk region. According to President Zelensky, everything must be done to strengthen the defense positions in the region. What exactly that means and how diplomatic efforts to end the war are progressing, Journalist Denis Trubetskoy explains.
10:10 Report: Modi offers mediation in Ukraine conflict
The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi could offer New Delhi's mediation in the settlement of the Ukraine conflict during his planned visit to Ukraine in August. This was reported by the Russian news agency TASS, citing a source in the Indian Parliament. "India could offer mediation in the question of the resolution of the Ukraine crisis. Such a proposal could be made during Modi's visit to Ukraine, a possibility that is currently being discussed," TASS quoted the source. The visit is still in the planning phase and is expected to take place in the third week of August, presumably around the Ukrainian Independence Day, reported India's English language news channel WION, citing multiple sources in Delhi's diplomatic circles.
09:41 Ukraine repels Russian drone and rocket attacks
The Ukrainian armed forces reportedly repelled another Russian attack on Saturday. In the regions of Dnipro, Poltawa, Kharkiv, and Kiev, four drones and a rocket were shot down.
09:14 Ukraine deceives Russians with decoys
The Russian armed forces are firing missiles and attack drones at false targets prepared by the Ukrainian Air Force. This was reported by "Ukrinform" with reference to a statement by the Press Service of the Air Force Command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which was published on Telegram. False radar installations, aircraft, and other Air Force equipment were effectively used in deception, it said there. "The enemy is investing more resources, reconnaissance assets, missiles, and attack drones, while we are saving people and equipment and counterattacking," quoted the Ukrainian news agency from the statement.
08:53 Ukraine reports 122 engagements along the frontlines
The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported up to 122 engagements with Russian attackers for the past Friday in a situation report this morning. According to this report, the Russians attacked Ukrainian positions and populated areas with a rocket and 117 guided air-to-ground bombs in 80 air attack sorties. In addition, they conducted 4636 artillery attacks, including 71 with multiple rocket launchers, it said in the update.
08:26 Ukraine reports 1210 Russian casualties in one day
The total combat losses of the Russian troops in Ukraine since the start of the offensive war on February 24, 2022, are estimated to be around 573,510 people. Among them were also 1210 people the previous day, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported on social media. The Ukrainian defense forces reportedly destroyed a total of 8331 Russian tanks, 16,074 armored combat vehicles, 15,885 artillery systems, 1125 multiple rocket launcher artillery systems on tracked chassis (MLRS), 905 air defense systems, 363 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 12,736 unmanned aerial vehicles, 2403 cruise missiles, 28 ships/boats, 1 submarine, 21,500 vehicles and trucks, and 2671 special equipment.
08:03 Ukraine blocks import channel for counterfeit medicines from Russia and BelarusA illegal channel for the import of counterfeit medicines from Russia and Belarus into Ukraine has been blocked, according to the Prosecutor's Office in the Volyn region. This was done under the supervision of the regional prosecutor's office, as stated in a Facebook post. A resident is said to have planned to introduce counterfeit medicines through Poland and further sell them. The counterfeit medicines were sold through online shops, social networks, and messenger channels, it continues. During searches of storage sites and suspects' homes, the authorities seized Russian and Belarusian medicines, cash in various currencies worth over 2 million Ukrainian hryvnias (about 22,413 Euro), receipts, and shipping documents for the mailing of medicines.
07:22 Ukraine reports disabling of nearly 8000 Russian drones within a weekElectronic combat units of Ukraine have reportedly disabled or destroyed a total of 7916 Russian drones between July 18 and 24. This was announced by General Leytenant Oleksandr Pavliuk, Commander of the Ground Forces of Ukraine, on Facebook.
06:38 Russia reports massive drone attack on Bryansk regionThe Ukrainian military is reported to have launched a massive drone attack on the Bryansk region at night. This was reported by the Ukrainian news agency "Ukrinform" with reference to the Russian Defense Ministry and the Governor of the Region, Alexander Bogomaz, who reported the attack in a Telegram message. The Russian air defense system intercepted 21 targets over the area, according to a statement by the Ministry of Defense. "Our brave defenders intercepted and destroyed all targets", writes the Governor. There were reportedly no damages or injuries.
06:08 Russia classifies "Bild" Russian edition as "foreign agents"The Russian justice system has classified the Russian-language online edition of the "Bild" newspaper as "foreign agents". "Bild on Russian" has published false information about Russian politics, according to a statement from the TASS news agency, quoting the Justice Ministry. In addition, false information was spread that aimed to "create a negative image of the Russian armed forces". The "Bild" group spoke of an attempt to suppress free journalism. The media company also expressed opposition to the "military special operation" in Ukraine, as stated in the TASS statement further. Moscow officially refers to its military campaign against Ukraine as a "military special operation".
04:00 Polish Schools Need 80,000 More Places for UkrainiansPolish Schools will reportedly need to accommodate approximately 80,000 additional students from Ukraine for the new school year according to official estimates, as reported by the Warsaw daily "Rzeczpospolita" quoting the Education Ministry. The government has therefore decided to increase class sizes in primary schools, which could accommodate up to 29 students. Until now, Ukrainian children who had fled before the Russian aggression could attend Polish schools or continue their education in their home country through distance learning. With the new school year starting on September 1st, all Ukrainian students in Poland will be required to attend school. The Polish government aims to prevent children from falling through the cracks and not receiving an education with this measure. Additionally, the integration at their current location in Poland is to be supported.
02:30 Ambassador: Ukraine Could Lose a Quarter of Its Territory with CeasefireIn the event of a ceasefire, Ukraine risks losing a quarter of its territory under Russian control, according to Ukrainian Ambassador to Turkey Vasyl Bodnar in an interview with "Euronews". Bodnar warns that a ceasefire could allow Russia to strengthen its capabilities and renew attacks on Ukraine. "Many countries propose a ceasefire, but few understand what it would mean", Bodnar says.
01:11 Nearly Two-Thirds of EU Citizens Express Concerns about Union SecurityNearly two-thirds of EU citizens are concerned about the security of the European Union. Approximately 47% of those surveyed expressed concerns about the security of the EU in the next five years as "fairly concerned", while about 17% expressed "very concerned" concerns, according to a survey commissioned by the European Commission. The greatest security concerns were expressed by people in Portugal (77%). In Germany, 54% of those surveyed expressed "fairly" or "very" concerns about EU security. Over 25,000 EU citizens aged 15 and over were surveyed online by the Ipsos research institute between late June and early July.
00:49 Russia Reports Ukrainian Drone AttacksThe governor of the southwestern Russian border region of Bryansk reports that Russian air defense units intercepted twelve Ukrainian drones within an hour on a late Friday evening. "Our brave defenders intercepted and destroyed all aerial targets", writes Governor Alexander Bogomaz in a Telegram message. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov of the neighboring region of Belgorod, which also borders Ukraine in the southeast of the country, reports three drone attacks and a series of grenade attacks that shattered window panes and caused other damages to buildings.
US-Finance Minister Yellen optimistic about Ukraine credit from G7 by 23:34
US Finance Minister Janet Yellen is optimistic that the G7 countries can agree on the conditions for a $50-billion loan to Ukraine by October, secured by Russian assets. Yellen told the news agency on the sidelines of a G20 meeting in Brazil that the talks on the loan have been constructive. This also applies to US demands for guarantees that the assets will be frozen for a longer period. "I think we have a good chance of wrapping this up by October," said Yellen.
22:18 Ukrainian power company gives update on power grid
The situation with the Ukrainian energy infrastructure seems to be improving. According to Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, the head of the state power company Ukrenergo, the energy situation in Ukraine has improved after "some difficult weeks" due to summer heat and repair work. As "Kyiv Independent" reports, the country began experiencing power outages in the middle of May due to constant Russian attacks. The entire infrastructure was then challenged again in mid-July by summer temperatures. The recent cooler weather has now led to a decrease in energy consumption, Kudrytskyi said.
You can read about previous developments here.**
- Despite Russia's claim of taking control of Losuwatske in Ukraine, Ukraine has not confirmed the takeover, and tensions continue to rise in the region.
- The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has expressed concern over military deployments by Russia and has urged for stronger support from NATO and other international allies.
- During a politics meeting in Laos, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned China about supporting Russia's defense industry, highlighting potential consequences for China's relations with the West.
- The Ukraine-Conflict has resulted in numerous civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure, with reported attacks on cities in the Donetsk region causing injuries and damage to residential buildings.
- Cyberwar is becoming a significant aspect of the ongoing conflict, with Ukraine reportedly launching a cyberattack on Russian ATMs and financial databases, disrupting cash withdrawals and online services.
