Announcing the largest drone delivery bundle yet through correspondence.
21:34 Biden Announces New Defense Aid for Ukraine, Focusing on Air DefenseU.S. President Joe Biden discloses a fresh military aid bundle to Ukraine during a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. As per the White House, this bundle includes air defense missiles, drone defense equipment, anti-tank missiles, and ammunition. Biden reiterated the "unwavering commitment of the U.S. to support the Ukrainian people" to Zelensky. No specific financial details regarding the new aid package are shared.
21:29 Zelensky Pleads for Delivery of Pledged WeaponsThe Ukrainian army is in desperate need of international aid. President Zelensky urges Western Ukraine's allies to promptly deliver the promised weapon packages. "On the front lines, they're fighting with makeshift weapons, not promises like 'tomorrow' or 'soon'," he says in his evening address. According to him, Ukraine is expecting delivered weapon or equipment "that were announced and approved, but not yet handed out". He does not disclose further details.
20:58 Frustration Growing in Kursk Residents: "Everyone is on Their Own"Despite ongoing clashes in southern Russia's Kursk region, feelings of frustration seem to be rising among residents: towards authorities whom they perceive as having abandoned them, the Ukrainian military, and even their own military. A 28-year-old shares her thoughts with "Moscow Times": "For Russia, we're just a piece on the map. For the Ukrainians, they see us as enemies supporting Putin's regime. Here, everyone's on their own." She accuses the authorities of lying and claiming there's no need to worry. A 32-year-old explains that while some blame Ukraine for the attacks, people also question the competence of the Russian military: "How could they miss such a large buildup of Ukrainian troops at the border?" If there were individuals before who sympathized with Ukraine or remained neutral, their sentiments have now shifted to intense anger, she claims. Another Kursk region resident notes: "Ukrainians are not our friends right now." However, a Red Cross volunteer in Kursk shares that she doesn't feel angry at Ukraine. "They're just victims, too, trapped in the situation."
20:12 Berlin Fears Intensified Attacks on KyivThe German government warns of potential escalated Russian attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian populations centers around the country's independence day on Saturday. There might be intensified rocket and air attacks on Kyiv and other population centers, the Federal Foreign Office states in a revised travel warning. In Kyiv and other areas, short-term curfews could be implemented. German citizens are still strongly advised to leave the country.
19:39 Ukrainian Military Repels Multiple Russian AttacksThe Ukrainian military reports repelling scores of Russian troop attacks. A total of 79 Russian attacks were reported from Ukraine's eastern frontlines during the day, some with artillery and air support, the General Staff notes in its daily report. Once more, the outskirts of Pokrovsk on the border of Donbass were the main area of conflict. Russian units attempted to reinforce and expand their territory gains from the previous day with approximately 20 attacks in a few hours. Similarly intense fighting was reported in Torez's vicinity. The Russian attacks aim to achieve full control of Donbass's surroundings.
19:07 U.S. Imposes Further Sanctions Against Russian Supply ChainsDue to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the United States has imposed additional sanctions against Moscow. The penalties affect around 400 companies and individuals, as reported by the U.S. Treasury Department. Around 60 defense technology companies are among the targets, whose "products and services support Russia's war efforts". The sanctions aim to disrupt Russia's supply chains. The affected companies and individuals are based in both Russia and other countries. Assets of the targeted companies and individuals in the U.S. are frozen, and U.S. citizens are prohibited from doing business with them.
18:38 Russia's Oil Flow Through Ukraine IncreasedRussia reportedly doubled its oil supplies through Ukraine in July, according to Kyiv-based consulting firm ExPro. The volume of Russian oil transported through the "Дружба" pipeline to EU countries increased to 1.09 million tonnes from 540,000 tonnes in June, as reported by the company. Previously, Hungary and Slovakia had voiced concerns about Ukraine limiting oil flow. The two EU countries expressed concerns about potential fuel shortages from September. However, the EU Commission's Vice-President, Valdis Dombrovskis, criticized both countries for not actively seeking alternatives to Russian oil supplies, which were put under embargo following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic currently still have exemption regulations. Learn more about this here.
17:56 Family Members in Kursk Search for Missing ConscriptsDuring Ukraine's counteroffensive in the Kursk region, numerous Russian conscripts have been reported missing or captured, according to media reports. At least 81 conscripts are unaccounted for, and 38 have been identified as prisoners of war in videos published by the Ukrainian military, as reported by BBC's Russian service. These figures are based on online search requests from the conscripts' families. At the start of the invasion of Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin had vowed that only professional soldiers and volunteers would be deployed in war zones. However, the Kremlin views Kursk's defense as non-participation in the so-called "military special operation." Officially, Russia does not provide information about its losses in Kursk. Learn more here.
17:19 Dubious Drones over Brunsbüttel: Bundeswehr Aides InvestigationThe German Military is aiding the investigation into questionable drone activity over industrial zones in Schleswig-Holstein. A representative from the Territorial Command declared that the Bundeswehr is providing radar data to the police upon their request. Covestro and Holcim, both involved organizations, are eager to contribute to the resolution. Covestro admits to detecting drone activity. These companies belong to a cluster of chemical, energy, and logistics companies situated in the ChemCoast Park industrial area in Brunsbüttel. The Prosecutor's Office in Flensburg is probing the drone incidents over industrial facilities on suspicion of espionage with intentions to sabotage.
16:51 Civilian Casualties: Eight Die in Russian AssaultsNo day spares the mourning: Eight civilians have lost their lives in Russian assaults, as reported by Ukrainian authorities. Two fatalities occurred in the Sumy region adjacent to Russia. Three individuals were discovered deceased in the Kharkiv region. Another three casualties were reported from the Donetsk and Kherson regions.
16:20 Geilenkirchen NATO Center Declares ClearanceThe NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen officially proclaims safety: After escalating the security level to its second-highest level yesterday due to a potential threat, it has now decreased again, a base spokesperson stated. Consequently, security measures at the airfield are back to their usual levels from the start of the Ukraine conflict. The spokesperson declined to comment on the nature of the threat. The second-highest security level in NATO terminology implies an incident or probable terroristic action against the alliance. As a precaution, many employees were asked to leave the premises.
16:01 Federal Prosecutor Scrutinizes Liberated Rico KriegerThe Federal Prosecutor's Office is investigating German national Rico Krieger, liberated from Belarusian detention as part of a prisoner exchange. A spokesperson confirmed the investigation revolves around the suspicion of causing an explosion using explosives. Krieger was previously sentenced to death in Belarus for terrorism and mercenary activities but received a pardon and transportation to Germany. According to "Welt am Sonntag," Krieger allegedly applied to join the "Kastus Kalinouski Regiment" in Ukraine, a Belarusian volunteer unit aiding Ukrainian forces in their fight against the Russian invasion. In the hands of the Belarusian secret service, Krieger found himself. Krieger denies the allegations.
15:44 Modi Urges Zelensky to Dialogue with MoscowIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has encouraged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to enter discussions with Russia to bring an end to the conflict. During his visit to Kyiv, Modi promised to serve as a "friend" to advocate for peace. "The path to resolution lies in dialogue and diplomacy. We should navigate towards this direction without delay," Modi stated. He urged both sides to convene to find a means out of the crisis, without demanding Russian troop withdrawal.
15:22 Wagner Division in Disarray a Year after Prigozhin's DemiseOne year since the passing of Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, his private military, Wagner, is reportedly in disarray, U.K. assessments indicate. Following Prigozhin's death in a plane crash, many leading figures departed the group, according to the British Ministry of Defense. "Compared to its peak of 50,000 personnel in 2023, Wagner now likely has about 5,000 personnel in its remaining deployments in Belarus and Africa," the Ministry stated. Many former Wagner fighters joined the Russian army or Ministry of Defense controlled paramilitary units, military experts have concluded. Exactly one year ago, Prigozhin perished in the plane crash, following a mutiny against Russia's military leadership two months prior. All nine other passengers on the jet also perished.
14:38 ISW: Ukrainian Forces Push Moscow to Redeploy TroopsDue to the progress of Ukrainian troops in the Russian region of Kursk, Moscow is alleged to be withdrawing troops from the neighboring country it invaded, according to U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW) experts. Russia is claimed to be relocating some units from the southern Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhia to strengthen defenses in Kursk, as indicated by soldiers' posts on social media. However, Russia is apparently attempting to avoid weakening its main axis of attack in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk.
13:59 Trust in German Aid to Ukraine Weakened: ExpertSecurity analyst Christian Mölling believes that the current budget dispute within the German government is significantly eroding trust in the dependability of German aid to Ukraine. Mölling, from the German Society for International Politics, refers to discussions about reducing German aid to Ukraine and instead funding it with interest from frozen Russian assets. "Germany has essentially wounded itself with this notion, provoking significant international condemnation," Mölling contends in the "Stern" podcast "The Situation." No one is confident if or when this plan will come to fruition, he adds. "The problem is: the money hasn't been received yet, and the strategy for disbursing it to Ukraine is also somewhat unclear."
13:26 Modi Shares a Warm Embrace with Zelensky in Kyiv Journey Following his contentious hug with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi now shares an affectionate greeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Modi pays a visit to a memorial honoring Ukrainian children who lost their lives during the country's conflict, leaving a toy behind as a token of respect. India, the world's most populous nation, maintains a policy of neutrality in this ongoing conflict. Despite this, India chooses not to participate in international sanctions against Russia and frequently advocates for a peaceful resolution through dialogue. However, to this point, India has yet to put forth any concrete proposals.
12:58 Suspension of Crucial Connections for Key Ferry to Crimea The Russian port of Kavkaz, which plays a critical role in supplying Crimea, remains closed to ferries a day after an attack by Ukraine. As per Russia's Ministry of Transport, ferry operations are set to resume once cleanup efforts are complete. Kavkaz is strategically located in the Strait of Kerch, connecting the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Crimea, a region annexed by Russia from Ukraine in 2014, can be vividly seen from Kavkaz, making it a fundamental transit hub on the Black Sea. Fuel and ammunition are transported to Crimea through this port.
11:44 Russian Expert Anticipates Putin's Vengeance Russian President Vladimir Putin appears unusually silent in response to Ukraine's military victories in Kursk. "This is his typical approach in such situations," Russian political analyst Ekaterina Schulmann remarks. She adds that this response underlines the negative news for the Kremlin. Alexander Gabuev, Director of the Carnegie Russia-Eurasia Center, shares similar sentiments, claiming that the Kremlin is currently considering various retaliation options. "In due time, we'll discover how Putin plans to retaliate," Gabuev warns.
11:04 Russian Oil Depot in Proletarsk Continues to Burn The burning of the Russian oil depot in Proletarsk, located in the southern Rostov region, has persisted. According to NASA's Fire Information for Resource Management System and a Telegram channel close to Russian law enforcement agencies, the depot is still on fire today. The depot reportedly sustained another hit from a Ukrainian drone last night.
10:28 Ukraine Seeks Modi's Diplomatic Intervention in Efforts to End the War Despite India's close ties with Russia as a BRICS member, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky now warmly welcomes Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit. Ukraine desires India's mediation contributions to help resolve the conflict, as Ukrainians now exhibit growing interest in peace talks following the Kursk offensive.
10:00 Ukrainian Air Defense System Stays Vigilant The Ukrainian military reports destroying 14 out of 16 Russian attack drones launched overnight. The air defense system was actively used in multiple regions, including Cherkassy, Kirovohrad, Poltava, and Sumy.
09:36 Ukrainian Navy Speaks Out on Sunken Ferry in Kavkaz The Ukrainian Navy provides commentary on the damaged ferry in the Russian port of Kavkaz. "Another unquestionably military target has been destroyed," confirms navy spokesman Dmytro Pletentschuk on Ukrainian television. The ferry had served to supply enemy forces with fuel. The ferry has sunk, making the port currently inoperable. Local authorities report that the attack transpired on Thursday, with the ferry catching fire.
08:28 Russian Ambassador Opposes Buffer Zone on Russian Territory Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov addresses the Kursk offensive and Kyiv's declared goal of creating a buffer zone there. "Establishing such a buffer zone is not feasible. There will be no buffer zone on Russian territory," Antonov states, as reported by TASS. He warns that Moscow will not seek the consent of Washington to expel Ukrainian troops from the Kursk region. He accuses the U.S. of constantly attempting to test Russian patience and provoke hasty, emotional decisions.
07:55 Growing Unsatisfaction with Putin in Russia Since Ukrainian forces breached Russian territory two weeks ago, analysts have observed a rise in negative sentiments towards President Vladimir Putin among the Russian populace. Online contributors believe the Ukrainian advance reflects a failure of the Russian government and Putin in particular, according to a report by FilterLabs AI and the "New York Times." Jonathan Teubner, CEO of FilterLabs, explains that Putin's response to the invasion has been either inadequate or offensive. FilterLabs tracks attitudes in Russia by analyzing social media.
07:26 Modi Begins Journey to Kyiv Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's arrival in Ukraine has been confirmed by both Indian and Ukrainian media outlets. Modi is scheduled to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky during his visit. Ukraine now hopes for India's support, given India's significant influence on the global political stage. However, Ukraine harbors doubts about India's declared neutrality following Modi's visit to Moscow in July, during which he shared a highly controversial hug with Russian President Vladimir Putin, receiving widespread criticism both in Ukraine and various Western nations.
07:33 China and Belarus Agree to Enhance Cooperation - Focusing on SecurityChina and Belarus plan to boost cooperation in sectors such as trade, security, energy, and finance, as per a joint statement released following a meeting between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Belarusian Premier Roman Golovchenko. They aim to bolster industrial supply chain collaboration and make trade easier to minimize costs for both parties. China is Belarus' second-largest trading partner and the leading one in Asia.
07:05 Ukrainian Troops Express Concerns over Insufficiently Trained RecruitsUkrainian commanders and soldiers express concerns about the inadequate training of new recruits and Russia's clear upper hand in the air and ammunition at the eastern front. "Some individuals are hesitant to fire. They see the enemy in their firing position in the trench and fail to return fire. This is why our men are losing lives," says a battalion commander from the 47th Brigade. "If they don't utilize their weapon, they're useless." In May, the government implemented a contentious mobilization law. Since then, reportedly tens of thousands of troops have been conscripted each month, with the greatest demand in infantry. However, there are logistical challenges in training, equipping, and compensating so many new individuals.
06:35 Russia Believes US will Relax Weapons Use Restrictions for UkraineRussia's ambassador to the US suggests that the United States will soon abolish all limitations on the use of weapons provided to Ukraine. According to Ambassador Anatoly Antonov, "The current administration behaves like someone who extends one hand and holds a dagger behind their back with the other." They are preparing the ground to lift all existing restrictions at some point without giving it much thought. Antonov points out that a constructive dialogue with the US is only possible if they abandon their "hostile" policy towards Russia. He also mentions that a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during the UN General Assembly next month is unlikely.
06:09 Harris Vows to Stand with Ukraine and NATO against Russian AttacksDemocratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris reaffirms her commitment to NATO and promises continued support for Ukraine, which is under attack from Russia. "I will stand firmly with Ukraine and our NATO allies," she says in her speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, however, threatened to abandon NATO and encouraged Russian President Vladimir Putin to invade Europe.
05:38 Federal Network Agency Chief Urges Caution in Gas ConsumptionKlaus Müller, President of the Federal Network Agency, continues to advise caution in gas consumption despite well-stocked gas storage facilities. "The federal government remains on high alert. We must still be aware," Müller told the "Augsburg General." He also referred to the Ukrainian army's advance into Russian territory, which could exacerbate the situation. "Not the gas infrastructure itself is contested, but the area around this infrastructure is a war zone on both sides," Müller said to the newspaper. This includes the Gazprom gas station in Sudzha, located just a few kilometers from the Ukrainian border on Russian territory and a crucial distribution point for gas exported to Europe.
04:40 Modi to Visit Ukraine: "Problems Can't Be Solved through War"Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Ukraine for the first time today. A meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky is planned in the capital Kyiv, as announced by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. India maintains a neutral stance on the Russian invasion, does not impose Western sanctions on Moscow, and has become one of the largest buyers of affordable Russian oil on the global market. New Delhi consistently advocates for a dialogue-based conflict resolution. "India is firmly convinced that problems can't be solved through war. The loss of innocent lives in war is humanity's greatest challenge," Modi said during a visit to Poland on Thursday. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk encouraged Modi to play a mediating role in the conflict.
03:31 Reports: US to Send Additional Military Aid to UkraineAccording to government sources, the US is slated to dispatch further military aid to Ukraine worth around $125 million. The latest aid package includes air defense missiles, ammunition for Himars multiple rocket launchers, Javelin missiles, and various other weapons, equipment, and vehicles. The official announcement is expected today, just a day before Ukraine's Independence Day. The weapons will be delivered from Pentagon stocks, enabling swift delivery.
02:12 Ukraine Reports 53 Russian Attacks Near Pokrovsk in a DayThe Ukrainian military reported 53 Russian attacks near the city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine throughout Thursday. The capture of Pokrovsk remains the main goal of Russian forces in Ukraine, according to a statement from the General Staff. No statement from the Russian government has been issued yet. According to available information, Russian troops have been steadily advancing on Pokrovsk in recent days.
01:16 SPD Leader: Without Weapons Deliveries, Ukraine would be "Lost Forever"
Before the upcoming elections in Thuringia and Saxony, SPD chief Saskia Esken stands firm on supporting Ukraine's military against Russia. Chancellor Olaf Scholz advocates for a fair and sustainable peace, Esken told Funke media group newspapers. As long as Putin doesn't abandon his hostile intentions towards Ukraine, peace can't be achieved diplomatically, Esken pointed out. She tied her remarks to criticism of BSW party leader Sahra Wagenknecht. If folks like Wagenknecht and others stopped sending weapons to Ukraine today, the nation would be conquered tomorrow and wiped off the map the day after. Such moves would bring devastating consequences for Europe's security, neither reducing armaments nor bringing peace, Esken remarked.
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23:56 Ukraine braces for toughest winter ever
Ukraine is bracing for what might be its toughest winter on record due to the annihilation of its power and energy infrastructure by Russian assaults. According to Ukrainian Minister of Energy Herman Haluschtschenko, in a video conference, "We're heading into the harshest winter in our history." This winter, he warned, will be even more challenging than the previous one, considering the accumulated damage from ongoing Russian attacks. The Russian military is employing a range of weapons in simultaneous assaults to inflict maximum damage, Haluschtschenko said. In a mild winter, energy consumption is around 18 gigawatts, but in a harsh winter, it rises to 19 gigawatts, with an additional 1 gigawatt of reserves needed, he added. Russian attacks have destroyed roughly 9 gigawatts of capacity.
23:08 NATO boosts security at Geilenkirchen airbase
Amidst a perceived threat, NATO has stepped up its security at the Geilenkirchen airbase in North Rhine-Westphalia. Non-essential staff have been sent home, as confirmed by a base spokesperson. Intelligence information suggested a potential threat, prompting this action. "This isn't a cause for alarm and merely a preventative measure to ensure we can keep our critical operations running," the spokesperson explained. Authorities confirmed that law enforcement was actively engaged. Further details, including the number of deployed forces, have not been disclosed.
22:07 Ukraine claims strike on Kursk support base
The Ukrainian military reported another attack on Russian forces in the Kursk region. Commander of the Ukrainian air forces, Mykola Oleshchuk, stated that US-guided precision bombs were utilized in the afternoon to hit a Russian support point. A drone command post, radio-electronic warfare unit, equipment, weapons, and up to 40 Russian military personnel were targeted, Oleshchuk reported in a video clip of the strike.
21:43 First post-Swiss Peace Summit meeting
After the Swiss Peace Summit in June, the first follow-up meeting took place as per Ukraine's announcement. Representatives from over 40 countries and organizations participated in the virtual event. Further meetings for working groups are scheduled to take place.
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Following the Ukrainian military's successes in the Kursk region, concerns about a potential cyber response from Russia emerge. As a result, Ukraine's cyberdefense units are on high alert, preparing to repel any potential cyberattacks in a form of 'cyberwar'.
Additionally, the United States, as a crucial ally to Ukraine, strengthens its digital defenses to protect against Russian cyber threats, recognizing the escalating possibility of a digital battlefield in the ongoing conflict.
