Videos purport to show ATACMS missiles hitting their targets in Crimea.

6:38 PM: Video purportedly depicts ATACMS assaults in Crimea.

explosions rock Crimea once more as Ukraine announces successful assault on a Russian communication site. multiple detonations and anti-air defenses can be seen in footage. Russia admits to two casualties.

18:08 Germany sends additional IRIS-T system to UkraineThe German government has made accessible another IRIS-T-SLM air defense system to Ukraine. Information from "Der Spiegel" states that this weapon system has arrived in the country under attack from Russia. As a result, Ukraine now has four medium-range IRIS-T systems and one short-range IRIS-T system.

17:59 UK knows Russian African Corps fights in KharkivPer current estimations from the UK, Russia has sent soldiers from its African Corps to the Ukrainian front. As per the British Ministry of Defense's reports, these soldiers have joined regular Russian forces and punishment units during the offensive in Vovchansk, a city in northern Kharkiv. The African Corps of the Russian Ministry of Defense was organized in December 2023 and consists of over 2,000 soldiers and officers as well as skilled mercenaries. Many of these mercenaries had previously served in the Wagner Group. They allegedly had been deployed in Syria, Libya, Burkina Faso, and Niger prior to this conflict. The Russian Ministry of Defense most likely relocated units to the Ukrainian border in preparation for this offensive in April, according to the UK. "Russia is likely reinforcing its war against Ukraine with resources previously assigned to Africa."

17:31 Putin signals readiness for a ceasefire?Rumors suggest that Putin may be signaling readiness for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict. Veteran military analyst, Ralph Thiele, explains that while negotiations are not only in Ukraine's hands, Moscow's message has the potential to divide the West.

17:07 Russian blockages hinder Ukrainian glide bombs from hitting targetsRussian jammers are stopping several of Ukraine's new long-range glide bombs from reaching their goals. Three sources familiar with the situation informed Reuters about the predicament. These glide bombs have a range of up to 160 kilometers. Their navigation system, which helps avoid obstacles like mountains and known air defense systems, has been disrupted, causing the glide bombs to miss their targets. Boeing initially claimed that the system could withstand some jamming signals. One of the sources stated that it could take months for Boeing to fix the issue, according to the report.

16:46 Scholz reaffirms disapproval for Taurus missile delivery to UkraineScholz rejects the idea of delivering Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. Fearful of expanding the war in Ukraine to a war between Russia and NATO, the Federal Chancellor believes he should retain control over targets associated with such a system. Germany has provided or promised €28 billion worth of weaponry to Ukraine and is the world's second-largest Supporter, following the United States. In addition, Germany has already given Ukraine two Patriot systems, with plans to send an additional one. "We've pushed the envelope as far as we could," Scholz said at the democracy festival in Berlin. "My responsibility is: we're aiding Ukraine in its fight for defense, but we'll prevent the war from escalating into a war between Russia and NATO." With regard to Taurus, "It's problematic to provide a weapon that can travel 500 kilometers, so precise that it would only make sense to the nation providing it if we dictate and define the targets ourselves," Scholz stated. "That, in turn, isn't possible if you don't want to be a part of this conflict yourself, but as the largest European contributor to Ukraine."

16:24 Russia disrupts Elon Musk's Starlink signal on the front linesIn the hours leading up to Russia's offensive in the Kharkiv region, they interrupted the Starlink satellite service. New York Times reported this based on information from the Ukrainian military. Starlink, operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX, has been critical to Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian aggression. The military has used this service extensively for communication, reconnaissance, and drone strikes. As the interference in the Starlink signal commenced, Ukrainian forces were forced to switch to text messages, due to the disruption in communications.

16:00 Resignation of Sellering as head of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's climate protection foundation

Erwin Sellering, the former Minister President of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (SPD), has stepped down as the Chairman of the Board for the state's climate foundation. The climate foundation is under scrutiny for its involvement in Nord Stream II. Sellering stated in a release from the foundation that it had successfully defended the foundation against all attacks and attempts to dissolve it. As there were no serious ongoing attacks, he thought it was a good time to retire early. The climate foundation was established by the state in 2021 with an additional aim of assisting the completion of the Nord Stream 2 Baltic Sea pipeline through underhand deals since companies involved in its construction faced US sanctions. The Nord Stream 2 consortium contributed 20 million euros to the foundation. The state government led by Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig attempted to dismantle the foundation with the help of the state legislature. However, the foundation strongly opposed this.

15:40 German consideration of using Russian funds for Ukraine

Democratic western countries are grappling with the issue of how to utilize the frozen funds of the Russian central bank to benefit Ukraine. Finance Minister Christian Lindner announced that Germany would be prepared to take additional steps to employ the interest income from the Russian central bank's frozen assets for the support of Ukraine. He emphasized at a G7 finance ministers' meeting in northern Italy that these steps would not have any legal or economic disadvantages. The Europeans have a common willingness to closely examine the US proposal. Nonetheless, negotiations are still distant as several key issues remain unresolved. The EU countries had previously agreed to use the interest income from the Russian central bank's assets frozen in the EU for military aid to Ukraine. The US proposes offering Ukraine a large loan secured by the interest income, which could generate significantly more than the planned 3 billion. However, the Germans are unclear about who would provide what guarantees and bear what risks.

15:18 Ukraine claims to have halted Moscow's ground offensive in Kharkiv

Ukraine maintains that it has thwarted a Russian ground advance in the eastern region of Kharkiv. "The Ukrainian defense forces have and are conducting counter-offensives against the Russian troops in the Kharkiv region," the Ukrainian army stated via online services. A representative from the General Staff described the situation as 'difficult' but 'stable and under control.' Army chief Oleksandr Syrskyj had earlier stated that the Russian army's advances in the region of north-eastern Ukraine had stalled. Syrskyj further disclosed in online networks that the Russian troops became entirely stuck and suffered considerable losses in the attacking units during street battles around the border town of Vovchansk. Moscow is currently employing "reserves from various areas" to seize the city, but unsuccessfully.

15:00 Germany sends more Leopard tanks and equipment to Ukraine

Germany is providing more Leopard tanks and other equipment to Ukraine. As the German government disclosed in an update on military support services, 40 Leopard 1 A5 main battle tanks, 100 Marder infantry fighting vehicles with ammunition and spare parts from the Bundeswehr and industrial stores, and 18 Leopard 2 A6 main battle tanks with ammunition and spare parts have all been delivered. Additionally, various Dingo transport vehicles, multi-purpose vehicles, and armored transporters. According to the report, Germany is apportioning close to 28 billion euros in military aid to support Ukraine or will soon. The following is an overview of the new equipment provided compared to the previous week.

14:00 Estonian-Russian border incident: Diplomat summoned
Estonia is recalling the Russian chargé d'affaires in Tallinn due to the removal of buoys marking the fairway in the Estonian-Russian border river Narva. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna reported that the diplomat was made aware of the removal as "provocative and unacceptable" during the meeting. Estonia is demanding an explanation for the removal of the border markings and their immediate return. On Thursday night, Russian border guards detached 24 buoys floating in the border river Narva, which had been used by Estonia to mark the shipping route. The Narva serves as the borderline between the two neighboring countries and marks the eastern exterior boundary of the EU and NATO.

13:49 Ukrainian army leader: Russian troops struggling near Vovchansk

Ukrainian army leader Oleksandr Syrskyj reveals that the Russian army's progress in the Kharkiv region of eastern Ukraine is coming to a standstill. In street fights near the border town of Vovchansk, Russian soldiers "have gotten completely stuck" and experienced considerable casualties among their attack forces, Syrskyj described in online forums. Moscow is now introducing "reserves from various locations" to seize the city but is unable to do so, he continued. Located around 5 kilometers from the Russian border, Vovchansk serves as the heart of the ground operation Russia launched two weeks ago in northeastern Ukraine. The Russian army has made its most significant territorial gains since late 2022 in this region.

13:17 Baerbock cautions Russia against assaults on western border

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock issues a warning to Russia against aggressive actions toward its western frontier: "Russia is burning the boundaries of the European Union," Baerbock tweets on Platform X. "We stand side by side with our Estonian, Finnish, and Lithuanian friends and reject this hostile conduct," she emphasizes. "On the contrary, we are united with our allies in the Baltic States and in the Baltic Sea." Media reports on Thursday claimed that surveillance buoys had vanished from the Narva River on the border between Estonia and Russia.

12:52 Romanian citizen detained on suspicion of spying for Russia

Romanian authorities have apprehended an unidentified person on suspicion of spying for Russia. The public prosecutor's office in Bucharest made this announcement. The man had been tracking and taking photos of military facilities and the movements of troops and military equipment belonging to the Romanian army as well as other NATO nations on the Romanian border near the city of Tulcea since 2022. This information was reportedly passed along to the Russian embassy in Bucharest. The Romanian citizen is expected to be held in custody for a preliminary period of 30 days. The investigation will be conducted by DIICOT, the Romanian public prosecutor's special unit for organized crime and terrorism, in collaboration with the domestic intelligence service SRI and the army's intelligence unit. Home searches have uncovered several items of evidence, the DIICOT revealed.

12:22 Alleged combat readiness for truce at current line - Putin

Based on information from four individuals familiar with the situation, Russian President Vladimir Putin is allegedly willing to accept a ceasefire based on the current front line. "Putin can keep fighting for as long as he finds necessary," one of these individuals noted to Reuters news agency. "But Putin is also prepared for a ceasefire - to freeze the war." According to reliable sources, Putin made these remarks to a small group of advisors. He expressed frustration over what he saw as western attempts to derail negotiations, they divulged. However, in an interview before his reelection, Putin remarked that he was not "prepared for negotiations based on some kind of 'drug-induced hallucination,' but I am ready for talks based on the realities that have emerged on the ground."

11:51 Rheinmetall: NATO country orders 300 million euro ammunition contract

Rheinmetall has secured a large order worth almost 300 million euros for artillery ammunition from a member country of NATO. The order consists of numerous thousands of artillery projectiles and hundreds of thousands of propellant charge modules. These weapons will be provided between 2024 and 2028, the arms manufacturer stated. This and other considerable contracts have resulted from NATO's need to replenish its ammunition supplies, according to Rheinmetall.

11:20 ISW: Corruption accusations in the Russian Ministry of Defense likely just a pretext

The waves of dismissals sweeping through the Russian Ministry of Defense have left some wondering what lies behind these changes. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) speculates that the Kremlin may be using the charges of corruption against senior officials as a cover for more secretive motives. After the arrests and dismissals of high-ranking officials, including Ministry of Defense Chief Sergei Shoigu, ISW suggests that six other ministry officials intend to resign. Russian military bloggers celebrated these arrests as the beginning of efforts to prosecute corrupt officials under the leadership of the new Ministry of Defense chief, Andrei Belousov. ISW speculates that Moscow is using the anti-corruption narrative "to conceal the true reasons for the dismissal of certain individuals" and to demonstrate that "no Russian defense or military official is immune to the consequences of displeasing Putin."

10:45 Orban says no Russian attack on NATO state likely

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban asserts that rumors of Russian attacks towards NATO member countries are baseless. In an interview with the public broadcaster, the conservative pro-Kremlin leader stated, "The Russian military is fighting a serious and challenging war against the Ukrainians." If Russia had enough power to easily defeat Ukraine, it would've already done so, he added. NATO's military capabilities significantly outweigh Ukraine's. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that Russia or any other state would initiate a conflict with NATO. "It's illogical for Russia, which can't even defeat Ukraine, to suddenly devour the entire Western world; the prospects of that happening are very low."

10:16 FSB implicates Islamic State in Moscow concert hall attack

For the very first time, Russia has fingered the jihadist organization Islamic State (IS) for orchestrating the lethal attack on a concert hall close to Moscow. Director of the Russian domestic intelligence service FSB, Alexander Bortnikov, stated to the state news agency RIA Novosti that the investigation has revealed, "The preparations, funding, attack, and retreat of the terrorists were coordinated via the internet by members of the Khorasan Province group," referring to the Afghan arm of IS. IS has repeatedly taken responsibility for the assault on March 22, causing more than 140 deaths and over 360 injuries. Nevertheless, Moscow has frequently alluded to Ukraine's involvement in this incident, which Kiev rejects vehemently. Despite the ongoing investigation, Bortnikov insists, "Ukrainian military intelligence is directly involved in the attack." However, he fails to clarify how IS is related to this assertion.

09:55 "Vovchansk has no forward or backward"

The city of Kharkiv has endured intense shelling for several weeks. Apart from Russian shelling, Vovchansk has been severely affected by this ongoing strife. Correspondent Stephan Richter of ntv described the situation as follows: "There's no going forward or going back in Vovchansk." This city is in a dire state.

09:29 Ukraine provides new Russian casualties data

Ukraine's General Staff has recently shared new figures concerning Russian fatalities. According to their latest report, Russia has lost almost 500,000 soldiers since the beginning of the full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. They've also lost 1,240 soldiers within the previous 24 hours. Other than these losses, Russia has seen 7,635 tanks, 14,775 armored combat vehicles, 17,569 vehicles and fuel tanks, 12,902 artillery systems, 1,080 multiple launch rocket systems, 813 air defense systems, 356 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 10,401 drones, 27 ships and boats, and one submarine destroyed.

08:57 Kharkiv attacked by glide bombs again

Glide bombs have struck the city of Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine overnight. Known for suffering from Russian air attacks for months, Kharkiv experienced two more this time. The news was announced on Telegram by the mayor, Ihor Terekhov. No casualties were reported, while a few residential buildings and an uninhabited facility were slightly damaged. The day before a total of seven people were killed by Russian fire in Kharkiv. More than 15 anti-aircraft missiles, such as the S-300 or S-400, descended on Kharkiv and nearby areas. Among the targets was the largest Ukrainian literature printing house. "The Ukrainian book is our strength; that's why the enemy wants to destroy it," noted renowned Ukrainian author Serhij Zhadan on Facebook.

08:26 FSB chief – Ukraine involved in Moscow terrorist attack

Alexander Bortnikov, head of the Russian domestic intelligence service FSB, has publicly accused the Ukrainian military intelligence service of direct involvement in the Moscow concert hall attack in March. Preliminary results of the investigation reveal this connection, Bortnikov told Tass. Russia has made these allegations in the past. Bortnikov did not provide any concrete evidence but also blamed NATO for enabling the transfer of "mercenaries and militant members of international terrorist organizations from the Middle East, North Africa, and Afghanistan" to Ukraine, implying that these people fight against Russian forces. The radical Islamic IS militia has assumed responsibility for the Moscow concert hall attack, which resulted in well over 140 deaths.

08:02 Ukraine: Major damage in Alustha, Crimea

A missile attack on a Russian communications center in occupied Crimea led to "significant damage to equipment" and multiple casualties, as per Ukrainian reports. Both pro-Ukrainian partisan group Atesh and the Crimean Wind telegram channel asserted that US-supplied ATACMS missiles struck the antenna and several buildings within the facility. "High-ranking military personnel ... were currently staying" there, both channels claim. Crimean Wind additionally notes that at least six ATACMS missiles were involved, while the Ukrainian Independent claims that there were numerous victims. FB; kharkiv-attacks-missiles

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07:27 Russian Publicist: "Condemned to Live and Die as Idiots for Generations"

Russian publicist and ex-Duma deputy Alexander Nevzorov, known for his critical stance towards the Kremlin, is blunt about his countrymen. Analogous to pugs, chimpanzees, or circus animals, people tend to maintain the abilities they've learned throughout their lives. "The longing for war, the signs of decay, patriotism, and other deviations hammered into them by Russian propaganda will not fade away," shares the vocal critic of the Kremlin who fled to Ukraine and acquired a Ukrainian passport. "The Russians are destined to live and die as idiots for multiple generations." Not even the demise of Putin can change their mindset.

07:03 Scholz: "No 'EU Nuclear Weapons'"

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz endorses French President Emmanuel Macron's strategy to reinforce European defense capabilities - including nuclear capabilities. In an article for The Economist, Scholz emphasizes the need to find a suitable mix of capacity to fortify Europe against any aggressor. He details a plan that incorporates nuclear deterrence, robust conventional armed forces, air and missile defense, cyber, space, and precision strike capabilities. The aim is to enhance the European defense industry by investing. "We must bolster the European pillar of our deterrence." However, Scholz clarifies, "Let me make it clear: there will be no 'EU nuclear weapons,'" states the Social Democratic Party (SPD) leader. Such an approach is "unrealistic" he remarks.

06:38 Controversial Influence Law Leads to US Sanctions on Georgia

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken imposes new visa restrictions on Georgian individuals involved in "undermining democracy" and their family members after the implantation of a contentious law on "foreign influence operations." Additionally, the United States will review their interactions with Georgia. The US hopes that Georgia's leadership rethinks the legislation and works towards promoting "democratic and Euro-Atlantic aspirations."

06:29 Estonia Provides Aid for Education in War-Torn Regions

The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to deliver over €650,000 in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, focusing on enhancing the local education system in frontline regions and helping Ukrainian children affected by the conflict. As per Kyiv Independent, some financial support will be channeled through the Estonian NGO "Eesti Pagulasabi," which will encourage better living conditions in vulnerable areas while aiding Ukrainian refugees in Georgia. Moreover, the NGO Mondo will utilize a portion of these funds to organize summer camps and deliver psychological help for children residing in Zaporizhzhya.

05:57 Russian Forces Seek to Take Over Half of Vovchansk Territory

TASS, a Russian news agency, claims that Russian troops are interested in controlling more than half of the frontier town's territory in Kharkiv, Ukraine. This assertion stems from a statement issued by Russian parliamentary deputy Viktor Vodolatsky, who added that the towns of Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, and Pokrovsk are the next targets after capturing Vovchansk.

05:29 Putin Meets with Lukashenko in Belarus for Talks

Russian news sources claim that President Putin has visited Belarus for chats with his counterpart Alexander Lukashenko. "There's a lot to talk about. Everything's going smoothly between us," stated Putin. It appears that today's discussion centers around security and Belarusian participation in collaborative exercises involving tactical nuclear weaponry.

04:33 South Korea Sanctions North Koreans and Russian Ships in Response to Arms Dealings

South Korea expands its sanctions list to encompass seven North Korean individuals and two Russian vessels over their involvement in armaments trade between Pyongyang and Moscow, reveals the South Korean Foreign Ministry.

03:39 USA Readies More Aid for Ukraine Worth $275 Million

Sources close to the US government disclose that the United States is readying a $275 million aid package for Ukraine. The package, reportedly coming under Presidential Drawdown Authority, will furnish artillery shells, accurate bombs, and vehicles.

02:34 Brazil, China Create Uneasiness Over Ukraine Peace Conference Excluding Russia

Brazil and China express their preference for a Ukraine peace conference featuring equal participation of all parties - including Russia and Ukraine - who recognize the gathering. The countries' formal communication, signed by Brazil President Lula da Silva's advisor Celso Amorim and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, urges both nations to initiate peace negotiations.

01:15 Moscow court sends pro-Ukraine activist to 25 years in prison
A court in Moscow has sentenced a 36-year-old man to 25 years imprisonment for alleged sabotage and ties to a pro-Ukraine group. As per the prosecutor's office, Vladimir Malina, a barman from Moscow, was found guilty of terrorism, high treason and sabotage. He reportedly confessed to being a member of the "Legion for the Freedom of Russia", a group of Russians supporting Ukraine. The accused is said to have set fire to a railroad control box and plotted sabotage actions. Malina was arrested in June this year.

23:55 Poland and Greece urge EU to establish air defense system
Amid the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict, Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Greece's Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis have called upon the European Union to establish a comprehensive air defense system. In a joint letter addressed to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the leaders stressed that the safety of Europe relies heavily on the protection of its skies. This proposed project is aimed at addressing the great vulnerability of their security, they added.

22:26 Suspected explosions in Crimea
There are reports of explosions in the Russia-occupied Crimea, which may be a result of Ukraine launching attacks using the ATACMS missiles provided by the US. An unverified video filmed at Alushta village on the Crimean coast seems to show at least one explosion. However, no official confirmation has yet been issued. The Russian air defense system is also visibly active, as per the recorded footage. Crimea's Governor Sergei Aksyonov has admitted via Telegram to missile attacks being carried out on Simferopol and Alushta, allegedly resulting in the death of two individuals and damage to an empty commercial building. Russia typically disregards or dismisses Ukrainian strikes while asserting that it has successfully intercepted all missiles and drones. Recent trends suggest that Ukraine has been increasingly targeting Russian air defense systems and radars.

22:00 Continuing military purge? Putin arrests high-ranking defense official
Russian state media outlets claim that Vladimir Verteletsky, head of the Russian Ministry of Defense's department responsible for ensuring the state defense order, has been detained. Allegations of large-scale fraud have been made against him. Earlier, Vadim Shamarin, the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, was arrested. He was the fourth senior military officer to be taken into custody since April.

Read about previous developments here.