American financial penalties aim at hindering Russian commodity networks
Due to Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the United States has implemented additional sanctions against Moscow. The punitive measures impact around 400 businesses and individuals, as reported by the Treasury Department in Washington. Among these are around 60 tech companies in the defense sector whose "products and services contribute to Russia's military endeavors." The objective of these sanctions is to disrupt Russia's supply chains. The impacted organizations and individuals are based not only in Russia but also in other countries. As a consequence, their assets in the U.S. are frozen, and U.S. citizens are prohibited from conducting business with them.
18:38 There might be an increase in Russian oil flow through UkraineAccording to Kyiv-based consultancy ExPro, Russia allegedly doubled its oil deliveries through Ukraine in July. The oil volume moving through the "Friendship" pipeline into EU nations rose to 1.09 million tons in July, compared to 540,000 tons in June, as per ExPro's data. Previously, Hungary and Slovakia complained about limitations in oil flow through Ukraine. Both EU countries warned of potential fuel shortages starting in September. However, Valdis Dombrovskis, the EU Commission's Vice-President, criticized both nations for failing to adequately seek alternatives to Russian oil, which was prohibited after Russia invaded Ukraine. As of now, Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic have exceptions.
17:56 Families search for missing soldiers in KurskNumerous conscripts have gone missing or have been captured during the Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region, according to media reports. At least 81 soldiers are missing, while another 38 have been identified as prisoners in videos released by the Ukrainian military, as mentioned by the BBC Russian service. The data is derived from online appeals made by the relatives of the conscripts. Initially, Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin leader, promised that only contract soldiers and volunteers would participate in the conflict zone. From the Kremlin's perspective, defending Kursk is not considered involvement in the supposed "military special operation." Russia hasn't disclosed its casualties in Kursk yet.
17:19 Authorities suspect drone activities at Brunsbuettel industrial sitesThe German military is assisting law enforcement investigations into suspicious drone flights over industrial complexes in Schleswig-Holstein. The Territorial Command spokesperson confirmed that they are providing radar data at the police's request. Both Covestro and Holcim have also agreed to contribute to the investigation. Covestro reported drone flights. The companies are situated in the ChemCoast Park industrial area in Brunsbuettel. The Flensburg State Prosecutor's Office is investigating potential espionage and sabotage related to the "drone flights over industrial facilities."
16:51 Civilian casualties in Russian attacks continueEvery day brings civilian fatalities: Eight people have lost their lives in Russian attacks, as reported by Ukrainian authorities. Two people were killed in the Sumy region, bordering Russia. Three deaths were reported in the Kharkiv region. Three fatalities were reported from the Donetsk and Kherson regions.
16:20 NATO base in Geilenkirchen announces all-clearFollowing a potential threat that raised the security level to the second-highest level, the NATO air base in Geilenkirchen has lowered its security measures again. In essence, this signifies a return to normal operations. The spokesperson did not disclose the nature of the threat. The second-highest security level in NATO terminology signifies an incident or evidence suggesting a likely terrorist attack against the alliance. Consequently, as many employees as possible were sent home.
16:01 German prisoner returned to face terrorism accusationsThe Federal Prosecutor's Office is investigating Rico Krieger, a German citizen who was released from detention in Belarus as part of a prisoner exchange. The investigation is based on accusations of causing an explosion. Krieger was sentenced to death in Belarus for terrorism and mercenary activities but was later pardoned and handed over to Germany. According to "Die Welt am Sonntag," Krieger applied to join the "Kastus Kalinouski Regiment," a Belarusian volunteer unit supporting the Ukrainian armed forces against the Russian invasion. He was then apprehended by the Belarusian secret service. Krieger denies the allegations.
15:44 Modi encourages Zelenskyy to negotiate with MoscowIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to engage in negotiations with Russia to end the war. During his visit to Kyiv, Modi offered to be a "friend" to facilitate peace efforts. "Negotiations are the only practical approach to resolving this issue. It's time to engage in discussions," Modi stated. Both sides should come together to find a way out of this crisis, without demanding the removal of Russian troops. Read more here.
15:22 Fragmentation in Wagner Group Following Prigozhin's DemiseA year after the demise of Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, his private army Wagner is reportedly fracturing, as per British assessment. The British Ministry of Defence stated that since the plane crash, several key figures have departed from the group. The group, which once had a force of 50,000 personnel in 2023, is now estimated to have approximately 5,000 personnel deployed in Belarus and Africa, according to the Ministry. Many former Wagner fighters have shifted to the Russian army or defence ministry-controlled paramilitary units, as per military expert analyses. One year ago on this very day, Prigozhin perished in the crash of his private jet, two months after inciting a mutiny against Russia's military leadership. The nine other individuals on the jet also perished. Read more here.
14:38 Ukrainian Forces Pushing Moscow to Reallocate TroopsThe advance of Ukrainian troops in the western Russian region of Kursk has reportedly prompted Moscow to redeploy troops from the neighboring country they had invaded, according to U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW) assessments. The Russian military reportedly moved some units from the southeastern Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhia to bolster defenses in Kursk, with social media posts from deployed soldiers corroborating this. However, Russia appears to be trying to maintain the primary axis of its attack in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk.
13:59 Erosion of Trust in German Aid to UkraineThe budget dispute within the German government is eroding trust in the dependability of German aid to Ukraine, according to security expert Christian Mölling of the German Society for International Cooperation. He points to discussions about potentially limiting German aid and instead supporting Ukraine with interest-free loans from frozen Russian assets. "Germany has really put its foot in it, causing significant international backlash," Mölling said on the "Die Lage" podcast by Stern. No one is sure if or when this plan will work, and the mechanism for delivering funds to Ukraine remains unclear.
13:31 Modi Embraces Zelensky in Kyiv VisitJust weeks after his controversial hug with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also greeted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Modi visited Zelensky at a memorial for Ukrainian children killed in the war, where he placed a teddy bear. Although India, the world's most populous country, maintains neutrality in the conflict, it avoids western sanctions on Moscow and advocates for a dialogue-based resolution, but has yet to propose concrete solutions.
13:03 Key Ferry Link to Crimea Remains ShutA day following a Ukrainian attack, the Russian port of Kavkaz, key for supplying Crimea, remains closed to ferry traffic. Russia's transport ministry indicated that ferry services will resume once clean-up is completed. Kavkaz is located in the Strait of Kerch, connecting the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. The Russian-occupied Crimea is visible from Kavkaz, making it a crucial transit hub for fuel and ammunition to the peninsula.
12:20 Russian Expert: "Eventually, Putin Will Take Revenge"Russian President Vladimir Putin seems hesitant in the face of Ukrainian military gains in Kursk, according to Russian political scientist Ekaterina Schulmann. She notes that this is his typical response to bad news. Other Russians experts suggest that the Kremlin is currently weighing options for a counterattack, with Putin taking his time to make a decision. "Eventually, Putin will take revenge," warns Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia-Eurasia Center in Berlin.
11:41 Russian Fuel Depot in Proletarsk Still Blazing
The Russian fuel depot in Proletarsk, in the southern Russian region of Rostov, continues to burn. According to NASA's Fire Monitoring Program, the facility persists in flames, and the Telegram channel Baza, close to Russian investigative authorities, reports that the fire still rages. According to Baza, the depot was hit again by a Ukrainian drone overnight.
11:12 Ukraine Seeks to Symbolically Welcome Modi
While India, as a BRICS member, aligns closely with Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is now receiving Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with Kyiv looking to mediate an end to the war. Due to the Kherson offensive, the Ukrainians are "more interested than ever in peace negotiations," reports ntv reporter Nadja Kriewald.
10:45 Ukrainian Air Defense System Active in Multiple Regions
The Ukrainian military claims to have shot down 14 out of 16 Russian attack drones launched overnight. "The air defense system was operational in the regions of Cherkassy, Kirovohrad, Poltava, and Sumy," the air force reports.
10:16 Ukraine Comments on Sinking of Ferry in Kavkaz
The Ukrainian Navy comments on the destruction of a ferry in the Russian port of Kavkaz. "Another undeniable military target has been eliminated," says navy spokesman Dmytro Pletentschuk on Ukrainian television. The ferry was intended to supply the enemy with fuel. The ferry sank, and the port is currently inoperable. Local authorities reported that the attack took place on Thursday, with the ferry catching fire. The port of Kavkaz on the Black Sea supplies, among other places, the Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014, with fuel.
09:44 Russian Ambassador: "No Buffer Zone on Russian Soil"
Russian Ambassador to the USA, Anatoli Antonov, speaks out on the Kherson offensive and Kyiv's goal of creating a buffer zone there: "Can't happen. No buffer zone will be established on Russian soil," TASS news agency reports him stating. Meanwhile, he warns that Moscow won't consult Washington to expel Ukrainian forces from the Kherson region. Antonov accuses the US of "pushing Russia's patience to the limit" and trying to induce "emotional, impulsive decisions."
09:10 Internet Suggests Increasing Dissatisfaction with Putin in Russia
It's no surprise that negative sentiment towards President Vladimir Putin is on the rise in Russia post the Ukrainian troops entering Russian territory two weeks ago. As per an analysis by FilterLabs AI, published by the "New York Times", many online contributors believe the Ukraine's advance is a letdown of the Russian government, particularly Putin. "Putin's reaction to the intrusion was inadequate at best, and offensive at worst," says Jonathan Teubner, CEO of FilterLabs. The company tracks opinions in Russia by examining social media.
08:36 Modi in KyivIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently visiting Ukraine, as per both Indian and Ukrainian media. He is scheduled to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky. Ukraine sees India as an influential voice in global politics and hopes for India's support. However, Kyiv has doubts about India's claimed neutrality. In July, Modi visited Moscow. Pictures of him hugging Russian President Vladimir Putin caused unease in Ukraine and many Western countries.
08:05 Russia's Alarm Over Nuclear Plant Attacks "Just Bluster"Russian President Vladimir Putin alleges that Ukraine is preparing to attack the nuclear power plant in Kursk. However, the actual danger of a nuclear disaster due to the conflict, according to ntv-reporter Rainer Munz, is assessed to be minimal.
07:33 China and Belarus to Intensify CollaborationChina and Belarus have agreed to boost cooperation in sectors like trade, security, energy, and finance, as per a joint statement following a meeting between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Belarusian Premier Roman Golovchenko. They aim to strengthen cooperation in industrial supply chains and make trade smoother for both sides. China is Belarus' second-largest trading partner and the largest in Asia.
07:05 Ukrainian Army Criticizes Poorly Trained RecruitsUkrainian commanders and troops complain about the inadequate training of new recruits and Russia's edge in the air and ammunition at the eastern front. "Some hesitate to fire. They see the enemy and hold back. That's why our soldiers are losing lives," says a commander of the 47th Brigade. "If they don't use their weapons, they're useless." Since May, when the government implemented a contentious mobilization law, tens of thousands of recruits are reportedly drafted each month, with the highest demand in infantry. However, there are challenges in training, equipping, and paying this large number of newcomers.
06:35 Moscow: US to Give Ukraine Unrestricted Weapons FundingAccording to the Russian ambassador to the US, Russia believes that the US is soon to remove all restrictions on the use of weapons provided to Ukraine. Anatoly Antonov, as quoted by the RIA news agency, said, "The current administration acts like the one hand extending aid while the other wields a blade." They are preparing the ground to lift all existing restrictions without much thought. Antonov mentioned that a sincere dialogue with the US is only possible if they abandon their "hostile" stance towards Russia. He additionally pointed out that a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during the UN General Assembly next month is unlikely.
06:09 Harris: Trump Led Putin to Invade EuropeDemocratic nominee Kamala Harris has reiterated her support for NATO and pledged to continuously help Ukraine, which is under attack from Russia. "I will stand firmly by Ukraine and NATO allies," she said in her address at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, however, had threatened to abandon NATO and had encouraged Russian President Vladimir Putin to invade Europe, according to Harris.
05:38 Head of Network Agency: "Caution Urged Despite Filled Gas Storage Facilities"Despite well-stocked gas storage facilities, Klaus Müller, president of the Federal Network Agency, continues to advise caution in gas consumption. "The federal government remains on high alert. We must remain vigilant," Müller told the Augsburger Allgemeinen. He also referred to the Ukrainian troops advancing into Russian territory, which could exacerbate the situation. "It's not the gas infrastructure itself that's under dispute, but the area near it is a war zone on both sides," Müller told the newspaper. This includes the Gazprom gas station in Sudzha, which is located close to the Ukrainian border on Russian territory and is a crucial distribution point for gas exported to Europe.
04:40 Modi in Kyiv: "Issues Can't Be Settled on Battlefield"Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will journey to Ukraine today for the first time. A sit-down with President Volodymyr Zelensky is arranged in Kyiv, as declared by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. India sustains a neutral stance regarding the Russian invasion, avoids imposing Western sanctions on Moscow, and has become one of the world's top buyers of low-priced Russian oil. New Delhi consistently advocates for a resolution through dialogue. "India strongly believes that issues can't be settled on the battlefield. The loss of innocent lives on battlefields is the most significant challenge for mankind," Modi stated during a visit to Poland on Thursday. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk encouraged Modi to mediate in the conflict.
03:31 American Aid: USA to Send Extra $125 Million in Military AidAs per government sources, the USA intends to dispatch additional military aid worth roughly $125 million to Ukraine. This newest aid package involves air defense rockets, missiles for M142 HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, Javelin missiles, along with a variety of other weapons, equipment, and vehicles. The officials announced this anonymously and the formal statement is anticipated today (Friday), a day ahead of Ukraine's Independence Day. The weapons will be drawn from Pentagon stocks, enabling swift delivery.
02:12 Ukraine Under Siege: 53 Attacks Near Pokrovsk in One DayThe Ukrainian military reported a total of 53 Russian attacks near the city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine throughout Thursday. Capturing Pokrovsk remains the primary target of Russian forces in Ukraine, according to a statement from the General Staff. No comment has been issued by the Russian government. According to current data, Russian troops have stepped up their assault on Pokrovsk over the past few days.
01:16 SPD Chief: Without Weapons Delivery, Ukraine Would Cease to Exist
Just before the state elections in Thuringia and Saxony, SPD chairwoman Saskia Esken reiterates military support for Ukraine against Russia. Chancellor Olaf Scholz is committed to a just and sustainable peace, she tells the Funke media group newspapers. "As long as Putin does not abandon his war aims against Ukraine, peace cannot be achieved diplomatically." Esken connects her remarks to her criticism of BSW party leader Sahra Wagenknecht. "Should we, like Frau Wagenknecht and others, cease delivering weapons to Ukraine today, the country would be defeated tomorrow and eliminated from the map the day after. The consequences would be disastrous for security across Europe, which would not result in less armament and certainly not in peace."
23:56 Ukraine Braces for Harshest Winter EverDue to the damage inflicted by Russian attacks on Ukraine's power and energy infrastructure, the country is expecting an exceptionally severe and dark winter. "We are facing what could be the harshest winter in our history," says Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Haluschtschenko during a conference call. This winter will be even tougher than the previous one, as the cumulative damage from the ongoing Russian attacks intensifies. The Russian military employs a variety of weapons in combined attacks to inflict as much damage as possible, he states. In a mild winter, electricity consumption is about 18 gigawatts, while in a cold one it's approximately 19 gigawatts. Additionally, a reserve of one gigawatt must be created, Haluschtschenko points out. Russian attacks have decimated around 9 gigawatts of capacity.
23:08 NATO Bolsters Security at Geilenkirchen AirbaseDue to a potential threat, NATO has heightened its security level at the airbase in Geilenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia. Non-essential staff has been sent home, a base spokesperson confirms. The decision is derived from intelligence information indicating a potential threat. "This is not a cause for concern and is a precautionary measure to ensure we can continue our critical operations," the spokesperson stresses. Police confirm they are present on the scene. Further details, including the number of deployed forces, are not being disclosed.
22:07 Ukraine Strikes Kursk Support PointThe Ukrainian military reports another strike against Russian troops in the Kursk region. Using precision-guided US bombs, they attacked a Russian support point in the afternoon, explained the commander of the air forces, Mykola Oleshchuk. "A drone command post, a radio-electronic combat unit, equipment, weapons, and around 40 Russian troops were targeted," Oleshchuk disclosed alongside a video he claimed showed the attack.
21:43 Second Meeting Held Following Swiss Peace SummitFollowing the Peace Summit in Switzerland in June, the first follow-up meeting has taken place, according to Ukraine. Representatives from over 40 nations and organizations participated in the virtual session. Additional such meetings of working groups are planned, it is said.
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