23:52 Air Force reports of multiple drones over Ukraine
In multiple regions of Ukraine, the army declares air alerts at night. Russia attacks the country from several directions with drones. An explosion was reportedly heard in Kyiv, according to reporters of the "Kyiv Independent". It is still unclear whether the capital was hit.
22:05 Long-range missiles from the USA in Germany: Former SPD leader criticizes "solo move"The 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 more or less made and announced unilaterally," is problematic, says Walter-Borjans in an interview with "Deutschlandfunk". Moreover, from the perspective of the former SPD leader, it is not clear whether such a measure "actually increases security or whether it could not also make us a target for a first strike". On the sidelines of the NATO summit, the White House and the German government recently announced that the USA will 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 face less "condemnation" for contact with Russian invadersMany Ukrainians live in their own country under Russian occupation, inevitably coming 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, member of the Advisory Council for De-Occupation and Reintegration of the Crimea territories, at an event in the Media Center Ukraine. "In general, the Ukrainian population considers the 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 what the state should focus on in developing reintegration policy. Many people believe in a "shared future with the people in the temporarily occupied territories," says Svyrydova.
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. This factory produces parts for military rockets, among other things, it is said. The factory has been under Western sanctions since 2014 and 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. There are also no indications as to how the fire started.
20:32 Zelensky visits troops at border with BelarusUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky inspects the fortifications and defensive positions of his forces at the border with Belarus. Accompanied by senior military officials during his working visit to the Volhynia region, as reported by the presidential administration in Kyiv, "The head of the state border guard service, Serhiy Deineko, reports on the protection of the border, including the number of soldiers involved, their capabilities, and weapons," the statement reads. Zelensky gets a firsthand look at the construction of fortifications, trenches, and underground shelters. "We have a strong defense, both in terms of personnel and defensive lines," he says. "And we will continue to strengthen it." Ukrainian military forces have significantly reinforced the border with neighboring Belarus in recent months.
19:52 Military expert Gady: Situation for Ukraine 'extremely precarious'Military expert Franz-Stefan Gady considers the military situation at the front for Ukraine to be "extremely precarious" at the moment, especially due to the lack of personnel reserves, as he says to NDR. Ukraine has been facing problems with recruiting new soldiers for some time now, who are urgently needed to relieve fighters at the front or to replenish depleted units. In fact, thousands of prisoners have even been sent to the front, as has also been done by the Russian side in the past:
19:06 Ukraine: Russian supersonic bombers heavily damagedThe Ukrainian military intelligence service HUR claims an attack on a Russian air force base in the far north at Murmansk. In the attack, two Russian supersonic bombers of the Tupolev Tu-22M3 type were heavily damaged, says HUR representative Andriy Yusov to the Unian agency. The claims could not be independently verified. "We are talking about an explosion over the location of the aircraft," he says, suggesting that the military airport may have been attacked by combat drones. The attack took place in the afternoon of July 25, with the result only becoming known to the intelligence service now. Repair work on the two bombers is expected to take several months, estimates Yusov.
18:52 Hungary attracts guest workers from Russia - uproar in the EUThere is uproar in the European Union over favorable Hungarian special rules for guest workers from Russia and Belarus. Given the geopolitical context of the EU's relations with Russia and Belarus, such a mechanism is highly questionable and raises very serious security concerns, write top representatives of the European political family EVP to EU Council President Charles Michel. The move could create serious loopholes for espionage activities and allow a large number of Russians to enter Hungary and the border-free Schengen area with minimal oversight. The top representatives of EVP call on the EU Council President to investigate the situation and discuss it at the next EU summit. The goal should be to take strict measures to protect the integrity of the Schengen area, limit the already existing security risk, and prevent other member states from taking similar initiatives in the future, the letter reads.
18:07 Ukraine: "That's Insanity" - Russian Troops Launch Massive Attack Again
After the Russian mass attack with 57 armored vehicles towards Kurachowe a few days ago, there seems to be another similar attack. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense writes on X that the Kremlin troops attacked with the same number and failed again. The 79th Air Assault Brigade destroyed or damaged 12 armored personnel carriers and 8 tanks, and eliminated dozens of soldiers. "You know what insanity is? Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result - like Russian occupiers," the Ministry of Defense writes. Experts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) were already surprised after the first attack that Russia is still relying on such costly attacks. The US think tank attributed a lack of operational foresight:
17:27 Ukraine Reports Successful Attack on Russian Territory
The Ukrainian military reports that it attacked a Russian oil depot in the Kursk region last night. "Intelligence reports indicate that a fire broke out at the enemy facility as a result of the attack," the Ukrainian General Staff said on Facebook. Kursk is located on the border with Ukraine and has been the target of Ukrainian attacks several times before. Military expert Colonel Reisner said in an interview with ntv.de recently: "Experts are divided, some say that five percent of oil production has been lost due to Ukrainian drone attacks, others estimate 15 percent. Accordingly, less money is being poured into the Russian war economy. That's the Ukrainian calculation. But we can't yet see any measurable effect. These attacks will only have an impact over the coming months and years if Ukraine can continue them gradually."
16:40 Good News from the F-16 Fighter Jet Initiative for Ukraine
According to the "Wall Street Journal," the US will equip Ukraine with important ammunition for F-16 fighter jets. "Despite limited stocks and production capacity, the Pentagon will equip the F-16 with enough air-to-ground ammunition, precision-guided bomb sets, and modern air-to-air missiles to meet Ukraine's urgent needs," the newspaper writes, citing a high-ranking official. Air-to-air ammunition is used to combat targets in the sky, while air-to-ground ammunition is used for targets on the ground. It is hoped that the F-16 jets will be able to attack Russian planes and airports in the border region and on Russian territory. So far, they are often fired on Ukrainian targets from there, for example with devastating glide bombs. However, due to various issues, Kyiv's forces will likely only be able to deploy a few F-16 jets this year.
16:02 Several Opposition Figures in Russia Disappear Simultaneously
At least five imprisoned opposition figures have been transferred to unknown locations in Russia. Among them are opposition politicians and activists who protested against the Russian military offensive in Ukraine, according to lawyers and human rights organizations. Transfers in the Russian prison system are generally opaque, but the disappearance of several imprisoned opposition figures at the same time is very rare. The lawyers of the imprisoned opposition politician Ilya Yashin say on his Telegram channel that Yashin has been taken from his penal colony in the Smolensk region in the west of the country "to an unknown location."
15:29 Slim Hope for Lasting Peace? Finance Minister's Statement Offers Little OptimismWhile the word "peace" has been used here and there recently by both Ukrainian and Russian sides, the prospects for it remain slim. The two sides are still far apart. Russia continues to demand the cession of four Ukrainian regions and further assurances, while Kyiv insists on the withdrawal of all Russian troops from Ukrainian territory. Finance Minister Sergiy Marchenko expects the war to continue until 2025. In an interview with RBC Ukraine, he spoke of an additional need for $12 to $15 billion that the country requires. The Ukraine is heavily dependent on financial aid from abroad, but it also aims to increase taxes.
14:46 Russia Reportedly Begins Using Little-Known Weapon from North KoreaRussian forces are now reportedly using North Korean armored vehicles in the war against Ukraine. As reported by platforms like Militarnyi and Defence-Blog, a Ukrainian reconnaissance unit discovered a North Korean anti-tank guided missile system, the Bulsae-4, near the front in the Russian border region of Belgorod, on a field. Little is known about the North Korean Bulsae-4, but its launched projectiles are said to follow a non-ballistic trajectory and are capable of striking their target from above, where armored vehicles are typically most vulnerable. The range of the missiles is estimated to be more than ten kilometers.
14:22 Russia Aims to Mitigate Sanctions with Crypto PaymentsRussia plans to introduce international payments in cryptocurrencies this year. "We are already discussing the conditions of the experiment with ministries, agencies, and companies, and we expect the first such payments to take place by the end of this year," said Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina. The parliament is set to pass a corresponding law later today, allowing Russian companies to use cryptocurrencies in international transactions, with an expected entry into force in the fall. Russia has faced significant delays in international payments with major trading partners, as many banks have become more cautious in dealing with their Russian business partners due to sanctions imposed because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
13:53 Ukraine Invites China's Foreign MinisterThe Ukrainian government has invited Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi for a reciprocal visit. A spokesperson for the foreign ministry in Kyiv said that the government in Beijing has expressed interest. "We are ready to welcome Minister Wang Yi to Ukraine so that he can see firsthand the consequences of Russian aggression against our country," the spokesperson said. Talks could then be held on a range of bilateral, regional, and international issues. Recently, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba visited Beijing.
13:27 Russia Claims Capture of Town in DonetskAccording to the Russian Defense Ministry, Russian troops have taken the village of Piwdenne in eastern Ukraine. In its statement, the ministry refers to the town as Leninskoe, using its Russian name. Piwdenne is located in the Donetsk region, which Russia has declared annexed. Before the start of the Russian invasion, the village had around 1,400 inhabitants. Ukraine has not yet confirmed the capture.
13:02 USA sees Russia as the greatest threat of disinformation for US electionRussia is likely to try to influence the US presidential election in favor of Donald Trump, according to US intelligence, as reported by NBC News citing unnamed officials. According to their assessment, Russia continues to pose the greatest threat of disinformation to the election. In the past two presidential elections, Russia allegedly conducted a wide-ranging campaign and cyberattacks, particularly before Trump's election as US president in 2016. If Trump wins again, Ukraine may have to worry about US support - the Republican has announced that he would end the war in the shortest possible time.
12:26 UK predicts small successes for RussiaThe UK's defense ministry expects further tactical advances by Russian troops in the coming weeks, according to its daily update. However, the ministry also states that Russia's operational capabilities remain limited due to factors such as inadequate training, high attrition rates, and a shortage of officers.
11:54 Georgian volunteer dies in combatA 47-year-old Georgian volunteer fighting for Ukraine has been killed in the Luhansk region, the Georgian foreign ministry confirmed to Civil Georgia. Bondo Gagnidze died during a skirmish, and since the start of the war, 54 Georgians have lost their lives in Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
11:24 Russian man sentenced to 14 years for planning pro-Ukrainian attackA Russian military court has sentenced Artem Sanscharajew Sanscharaew to 14 years in prison for allegedly joining a pro-Ukrainian militia and planning an attack. Prosecutors accused Sanscharaew of purchasing materials for Molotov cocktails to undermine Russia's economic security and defense capabilities. Security forces reportedly foiled an attack on an electrical junction box. Sanscharaew is said to be a member of the pro-Ukrainian Legion Freedom of Russia, which consists of Russian citizens and claims responsibility for armed incursions into Russian border regions.
10:55 Munz: Russia uses gaming console parts in weaponsMedia reports reveal that Russia continues to use Western electronics in its weapons, despite sanctions. ntv correspondent Rainer Munz explains how this is possible and the role gaming consoles play in this process.
10:27 Ukraine estimates daily war costs at 120 million eurosUkraine's finance minister, Serhiy Marchenko, told the RBK-Ukraine news agency that the daily cost of the war is equivalent to over 120 million euros. The monthly costs for security and defense are estimated at over 3.7 billion euros. The current budget deficit for this year is equivalent to over 11 billion euros, which will be partially covered by tax increases.
Read more here.
09:46 Ukraine reports 440 attacks on Saporischschja in 24 hoursThe Russian army attacked 12 locations in the Saporischschja region with a total of 440 attacks within 24 hours, according to the state-run Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform, citing the head of the regional military administration. 260 drones were reportedly in use.
09:01 Kupjansk Reports Attack with InjuredRussian troops attacked the city of Kupjansk in the Kharkiv Oblast this morning, injuring one person. Ukrainska Pravda reports, citing the head of the local military administration, that the 71-year-old victim was taken to a hospital.
08:11 Meloni Criticizes China's Support for RussiaItalian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized China's support for Russia's war efforts, calling it a "source of great friction" during a visit to the country. China is considered close to Russia, with the two governments agreeing to a "limitless partnership" just days before Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. China has not condemned the Russian invasion.
07:31 Reports of Explosion in Russian City of KurskAn explosion was heard and seen over the Russian city of Kursk early this morning, according to Ukrainska Pravda, citing the local governor and Russian Telegram channels. No damage has been reported so far. Later, the governor reported that four rockets were fired over the region overnight.
06:44 Russia Increasingly Pressuring Migrants to FightTo meet the army's personnel needs, the Russian government is taking further steps to force migrants into military service. The Duma is preparing an initiative that would make obtaining a Russian passport mandatory for military service, according to the Institute for the Study of War. Proposals are also being reviewed that would require newly naturalized citizens to serve two years instead of one. Human rights activists and opposition figures report physical abuse to force migrants to sign military contracts, as well as threats to revoke citizenship and promises of citizenship in exchange for military service.
06:08 Ukraine Already Preparing for WinterPresident Zelenskyy said Ukraine is already preparing for the coming winter to prevent a larger energy crisis. In his evening video address, he reported on a visit to the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, which is frequently targeted by Russian attacks. "I held a meeting in Kharkiv to discuss security and energy issues, as energy is always one of the main topics," said Zelenskyy. A significant portion of Russia's air and missile attacks over the past months have targeted Ukraine's infrastructure.
05:29 Russian Navy Begins Large-Scale ExercisesThe Russian navy has begun large-scale exercises involving around 20,000 soldiers and 300 ships and submarines. The maneuvers will test the military command structures of three fleets and the Caspian Flotilla, according to Russian news agencies citing the defense ministry. In addition to the ships and submarines, around 50 aircraft and more than 200 units of military special equipment will be used.
03:48 Wadephul: Rocket Deployment "Necessary Response of NATO"Defense expert of the Union faction Johann Wadephul continues to see the need for a Bundestag debate on the planned deployment of US long-range weapons in Germany. "Of course, the Bundestag must discuss this question. The communication of the federal government on this is abysmal," said the CDU politician to the "Rheinische Post". "If such an important decision is only communicated via a press conference, we lose the necessary support in parliament and in the public," warns Wadephul. There are convincing arguments, he says. "The deployment is the necessary response of NATO to an already existing threat from Russian Iskander rockets stationed in the Kaliningrad region. This directly threatens Germany and potentially restricts our political room for maneuver. Therefore, we should welcome the planned deployment," says Wadephul.
01:19 BSW: Long-range rockets increase war danger for GermanyBSW chairwoman Amira Mohamed Ali criticizes German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the debate about the deployment of US long-range rockets in Germany. "Of course, Scholz should not have made such a far-reaching decision without the parliament," she said to the "Rheinische Post". "After all, we are talking about a measure that concretely increases the danger of war for Germany." Mohamed Ali, who is co-chairwoman of BSW with Sahra Wagenknecht, emphasizes: "The deployment of US long-range rockets in Germany is another step towards military escalation. This is a highly dangerous course that the federal government should turn away from."
23:35 USA delivers more rockets to UkraineThe US government announces further military aid to Ukraine worth $1.7 billion. The package, worth around €1.6 billion, includes ammunition for air defense, guns, and grenade launchers, the government says (see also entry at 19:58). It also includes rockets for combating ships and tanks. John Kirby, spokesman for the National Security Council, says Ukraine is receiving "key capabilities for combat". To be delivered are air defense missiles of the type Nasams and projectiles for multiple rocket launchers of the type Himars. However, the US Department of Defense refuses to clarify which weapons are being taken from US stocks with permission from President Joe Biden and which will be financed through long-term contracts and will therefore only reach the front in months or years.
22:14 Mayor: Transport of Russian military equipment to Saporischschja "increasing significantly"The transport of Russian military equipment to the Saporischschja region via the occupied Mariupol in the Donetsk region has "significantly increased," says Petro Andriushchenko, an advisor to the mayor of the city in exile. The news comes days after a Ukrainian military spokesman confirmed that Russia has reinforced its troops in the Saporischschja Oblast and sent at least 2,000 more soldiers there in the last few weeks. Although Russia has stationed around 90,000 soldiers in the region, intelligence information suggests that a significant change in hostilities in the Oblast is unlikely, the spokesman adds.
21:07 Ukraine Demands Clarification of Backgrounds of Attack on Prison in OlenivkaUkraine is calling on international investigators to expedite the investigation into a deadly attack on a prison controlled by Russia in the country that took place exactly two years ago. "Two years ago, Russia carried out a terrorist attack against Ukrainian prisoners of war in Olenivka. I call on the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross to fulfill their mandate and investigate this war crime," writes the Ukrainian human rights commissioner Dmytro Lubinets on the online service X. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also called for Moscow to be held accountable for "one of the worst Russian crimes of this war." The bombing of the prison controlled by Russia in the region of Donetsk, which is governed by pro-Russian separatists, resulted in the deaths of at least 50 Ukrainian prisoners of war on July 29, 2022. According to Ukrainian reports, around 130 more people were injured. Russia and Ukraine blamed each other for the attack.
20:35 Ukraine Charges Two Pro-Russian Collaborators for Killing Prisoners of WarThe Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office announced that it has identified and charged in absentia two pro-Russian collaborators who led the Russian prisoner-of-war camp in the occupied territories, where dozens of prisoners of war were killed in an explosion in 2022. According to the Prosecutor General's Office, the investigation took into account statements from 20 victims and 30 eyewitnesses, as well as forensic evidence from the deceased. The two former commanders were charged in absentia for violating the laws of war. Independently, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) stated that the two former commanders are Ukrainian collaborators identified as Serhii Yevsiukov and his deputy Dmytro Neiolov. According to the SBU, Yevsiukov and Neiolov were dismissed from their positions in November 2022 and are currently hiding in the Russian-occupied territories.
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Note: The provided text is already in English, so there is no need for translation. However, I have preserved the formatting and maintained the length as requested.
The former SPD leader Norbert Walter-Borjans expressed concerns about the unilateral decision to station US weapons in Germany, questioning its impact on security and potential to make Germany a target. Meanwhile, The Commission in Ukraine is still seeking clarity on an explosion reportedly heard in Kyiv. It is unclear whether the capital was hit.
