Ukraine releases updated estimate of over 400,000 Russian casualties.

Around half a million Russian casualties reported in Ukraine's latest update.

Ukrainian authorities indicate that the number of Russian casualties could surpass half a million by the end of the war. Since their large-scale invasion on February 24th, Russia has lost 498,940 soldiers in Ukraine in 2022, as per the Ukrainian Armed Forces' General Staff. In just 24 hours, they reported 1,240 additional losses. This data encompasses 7,635 destroyed 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 a single submarine.

In a separate incident, Kharkiv, a city previously hit by Russian airstrikes over several months, experienced another glide bomb attack during the night. Although no casualties were reported, several residential buildings and an uninhabited structure were slightly damaged. The previous day, seven people died within Kharkiv due to Russian fire. Over fifteen S-300 or S-400 anti-aircraft missiles were fired upon the city and surrounding regions. One of Ukraine's most significant literature printing houses was among the victims. In a Facebook post, internationally recognized Ukrainian writer Serhij Zhadan noted, "The Ukrainian book is the Ukrainian strength. That's why the enemy wants to destroy it."

Moreover, Russian FSB chief, Alexander Bortnikov, asserts that Ukraine's military intelligence was directly involved in the deadly March attack on a concert hall near Moscow. He made this claim despite the ongoing investigation. Bortnikov also alleges that NATO aided the transfer of "mercenaries and militant members of international terrorist organizations from the Middle East, North Africa, and Afghanistan to Ukraine" to battle against Russian troops. The radical Islamic IS militia has accepted responsibility for the assault on the concert hall, which claimed more than 140 lives.

Ukraine also reported that a missile strike on a Russian communications center in the occupied Crimea resulted in notable damage to the equipment and several fatalities. Kyiv Independent shared this information, sourcing it to Atesh (a pro-Ukrainian partisan group) and the Crimean Wind telegram channel. It is believed that six ATACMS missiles of US origin struck the antenna and various facilities where "high-ranking military personnel" were present.

Russian publicist Alexander Newsorov criticizes his fellow countrymen, comparing them to circus animals that sustain acquired skills until death. Newsorov, a publicist critical of the Kremlin, who previously received a prison sentence in absentia and now holds a Ukrainian passport, shares his opinion, "The Russians are condemned to live and die as idiots for at least a few generations." His statement highlights the potential permanence of the behaviors and ideas instilled in Russians by their country's propaganda.

Lastly, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz endorses French President Emmanuel Macron's endeavors to reinforce European defense capacities while emphasizing the necessity of nuclear deterrence. He illustrates that this involves a comprehensive defense approach covering strong conventional forces, air and missile defense, cyber, space, and precision strike capabilities. Scholz pledges to enhance the European defense industry via investment to "strengthen the European pillar of our deterrence." However, he insists there'll be "no EU nuclear weapons," deeming it an unrealistic proposition.

## 6:38 Controversial Georgia Law: Washington Applies Pressure on TbilisiAfter the implementation of a controversial law on "foreign influence operations" in Georgia, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken declares new visa rules and a review of relations with the nation. The visa regulations would affect those "responsible for or involved in undermining democracy in Georgia, along with their relatives", Blinken stated. The U.S. congressmen also announced a "comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation between the United States and Georgia," he adds. The United States plans to keep wishing that the Georgia leadership will ponder the law and make efforts to advance the country's "democratic and Euro-Atlantic aspirations."

6:29 Estonia Aids in Frontline Areas of Ukraine

The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs pledges over 650,000 euros in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, primarily geared towards boosting the education system in conflict zones and assisting children affected by the strife. As reported by Kyiv Independent, part of the aid will be distributed through the Estonian non-profit organization Eesti Pagulasabi, which will focus on improving circumstances in vulnerable spots and aiding Ukrainian refugees in Georgia. Besides, the non-profit organization Mondo will utilize a portion of the funds for the organization of summer camps and psychotherapy support for children in Zaporizhzhya.

5:57 Vodolatsky: Russian Troops to Aim for Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, and Pokrovsk

Russian troops are allegedly targeting the capture of more than half of the region in the Ukrainian city of Vovchansk in the Kharkiv area. This information comes from Russian parliamentary deputy Viktor Vodolatsky, who shared this during an interview with Russian news agency TASS. Vodolatsky enthuses that once Vovchansk is conquered, the Russian military will focus on Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, and Pokrovsk as their next primary objectives.

5:29 Putin Meets with Lukashenko in Belarus

As suggested by Russian news outlets, Russian President Vladimir Putin is currently in Belarus and has already had initial informal discussions with his counterpart Alexander Lukashenko. Putin remarks, "There's a lot to talk about. Everything is moving smoothly for us." Upcoming conversations will likely cover the areas of security and military exercises using tactical nuclear weapons. Minsk will partake in these operations, during which the launch preparations for tiny nuclear warheads will be replicated.

4:33 South Korea Sanctions North Koreans, Russian Ships over Arms Deals

South Korea enacts sanctions against seven North Korean individuals and two Russian ships in correlation with the arms trade between Pyongyang and Moscow. This was disclosed by the South Korean Foreign Ministry.

03:39 USD 275 million Propelled to Ukraine by the United States

The U.S. is readying military aid for Ukraine, which amounts to USD 275 million. artillery shells, precision-guided bombs, and vehicles are anticipated to be acquired, according to three American government officials. The assistance will be provided under the Presidential Drawdown Authority, authorizing President Joe Biden to take action in emergencies without the authorization of Congress.

02:34 China and Brazil Distance Themselves from Ukraine Peace Conference

Brazil and China are extricating themselves, albeit indirectly, from the anticipated Switzerland peace conference on Ukraine vehemently shunned by Moscow. In a document signed by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's special advisor Celso Amorim and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, both countries are making a plea for Russia and Ukraine to engage in peace talks. They emphasize the necessity of an international peace conference where all parties are equally represented, a condition acknowledged by Russia and Ukraine.

01:15 25-Year Prison Sentence for Incendiary Attacks Against Russia, Now Imprisoned

A Moscow court has sentenced a 36-year-old man to 25 years in prison for incendiary offenses and membership in a pro-Ukraine armed group. The public prosecutor's office points out that the unusually severe penalty was meted out to Vladimir Malina for terrorism, high treason, and sabotage. The indictment alleges that the Moscow barman was a member of the "Legion for the Liberation of Russia", a faction of Russians who are combatting for Ukraine. Last year, Malina was accused of setting fire to a railway control box and orchestrating sabotage measures. He was arrested in June.

23:55 Poland and Greece Seek Air Defense Shield from the European Union

Owing to the Russian war, Poland and Greece request the EU set up an air defense shield to secure European nations. "Europe will be secure if the skies above it are safe," declares Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis in a joint memo to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Such an air defense shield should be a project that answers the "considerable threat to our safety" the two heads of government elaborate.

10:26: Possible assault on Crimea? Video suggests anticipated explosions

Modern-day Crimea, now in Russian control, is believed to have experienced explosions. It's said that Ukraine may be conducting attacks against Crimean objectives, utilizing ATACMS missiles supplied by the USA merely weeks prior. A video captured on the Crimean coast in the region of Alushta possibly depicts at least one explosion. However, official confirmation is unavailable. In the same video, the Russian air defense system can also be seen in operation. Crimea's governor, Sergei Aksyonov, who was appointed by Russian invaders, has corroborated these findings on Telegram, mentioning missile attacks on Simferopol and Alushta. Two casualties have been reported, and an unoccupied commercial building sustained damages. As usual, Russia tends to downplay Ukrainian attacks or declare their interception of all missiles and drones. Ukraine has lately been stepping up its targeting of Russian air defense systems and radars. There's speculation that this is also the case presently.

10:00 pm: Another arrest? Putin's military purge may continue

Reports from pro-Russian channels indicate the arrest of Vladimir Verteletsky, head of the Russian Ministry of Defense's department that oversees state defense order execution. Verteletsky is accused of grand-scale fraud. Prior to this arrest, Vadim Shamarin, the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, was also detained. Shamarin is the fourth high-ranking military officer to be incarcerated since April.

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