At 13:31, Modi embraces Zelenskyy during their encounter in Kiev.
Following his controversial encounter with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi subsequently embraces Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Modi pays a visit to a memorial dedicated to fallen Ukrainian children alongside Zelensky, where he deposits a stuffed animal. Although India, as the world's most populous nation, maintains a policy of neutrality in the ongoing conflict, it does not impose Western sanctions on Russia and frequently advocates for dialogue to resolve the issue, yet has yet to propose any concrete solutions.
13:03: Crucial Ferry Connection to Crimea Remains ClosedA day following a Ukrainian assault, the Russian port of Kavkaz, vital for supplying Crimea, remains inaccessible for ferries. The Russian transport ministry reports that ferry services will resume post-cleanup. Kavkaz is positioned in the Strait of Kerch, connecting the Black Sea and Sea of Azov. Occupied Crimea can be seen from Kavkaz, which serves as one of the busiest cargo centers on the Black Sea. Fuel and ammunition are transported to Crimea through this port.
12:20: Russian Expert: "Eventually, We'll Discover How Putin Will Retaliate"Russian President Vladimir Putin seems hesitant in the face of Ukrainian military progress in Kursk. According to Russian political scientist Ekaterina Schulmann, "This is his typical behavior in such situations." Putin disappears until the situation stabilizes, after which he acts as if everything is normal. Other Russia experts believe that the Kremlin is considering options for a counterattack, believing that Putin tends to take his time making such decisions. "Sooner or later, we'll discover how Putin will retaliate," warns Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia-Eurasia Center in Berlin.
11:41: Russian Oil Depot in Proletarsk Continues to BurnThe Russian oil depot in Proletarsk, located in the southern Rostov region, has remained on fire. According to NASA's Fire Information for Resource Management System, the facility is still in flames today. Telegram channel Baza, close to Russian law enforcement, also reports that the fire is still raging. Baza claims that the depot was hit again by a Ukrainian drone during the night.
11:12: Ukraine Hopes to Symbolically Embrace ModiAlthough India is closely affiliated with Russia as a member of BRICS, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomes Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kyiv. They hope for mediation to end the conflict, with Ukrainians expressing increased interest in peace talks due to the Kursk offensive, reports ntv reporter Nadja Kriewald.
10:45: Ukrainian Air Defense System in Action Across Multiple AreasUkrainian military claims to have shot down 14 out of 16 Russian attack drones launched during the night. "The air defense system was active in the regions of Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Poltava, and Sumy," the air force reports.
10:16 Ukraine Comments on Sunk Ferry in CaucasusThe Ukrainian Navy has responded to the destruction of a ferry in the Russian port of Caucasus. "Another clearly military target has been eliminated," said Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletentschuk on Ukrainian television. The ferry was intended to supply the enemy with fuel. It has since sunk, and the port is non-operational. Local authorities claim that the attack occurred on Thursday, with the ferry catching fire. The port of Caucasus 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 Territory"The Russian Ambassador to the USA, Anatoli Antonov, has commented on the Kursk offensive and Kyiv's stated goal of establishing a buffer zone there: "This is impossible. There will be no buffer zone on Russian territory," TASS state news agency quoted him as saying. Simultaneously, he warned that Moscow will not consult Washington to remove Ukrainian forces from the Kursk region. He accused the USA of "constantly testing the patience of the Russians" and trying to provoke "emotional, hasty decisions."
09:10 Online Analysis Shows: Dissatisfaction with Putin Growing in RussiaSince Ukrainian troops crossed Russian territory two weeks ago, negative sentiments towards President Vladimir Putin appear to be on the rise across Russia. According to an analysis by FilterLabs AI, reported by the "New York Times", many online contributors believe the Ukrainian advance is a failure of the Russian government, and Putin in particular. "Putin's response to the invasion was perceived as at best inadequate and at worst offensive," said Jonathan Teubner, CEO of FilterLabs. The company follows Russian attitudes through social media analysis.
08:36 Modi Arrives in KyivIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently visited Ukraine, as reported by both Indian and Ukrainian media. A meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is planned. Ukraine seeks Indian support due to its significant international influence, although there are concerns about India's declared neutrality. In July, Modi visited Moscow, where images of him embracing Russian President Vladimir Putin caused unease in Ukraine and several Western countries.
08:05 Russia's Warning on Nuclear Plant Attacks "More Rhetoric"Russian President Vladimir Putin accuses Ukraine of attempting to attack the nuclear power plant in Kursk. ntv reporter Rainer Munz evaluates the actual risk of a nuclear accident due to the conflict.
07:33 China and Belarus Agree on Bolstered Collaboration - Including Security China and Belarus have decided to intensify collaboration in sectors like trade, security, energy, and finance, as per a joint declaration following a sit-down between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Belarusian Premier Roman Golovchenko. They also aim to fortify collaboration in industrial supply chains and enhance trade to lower costs for both parties. China is Belarus' second-largest trading partner and the largest in Asia.
07:05 Ukrainian Troops Express Concerns over Unprepared New Recruits Ukrainian officers and soldiers are expressing frustration over the inadequate training of new recruits, in addition to Russia's clear advantage in air power and ammunition at the eastern front. "Some individuals refuse to shoot. They spot the enemy in firing position in the trench but don't retaliate. That's why our troops are getting killed," explains a batallion commander of the 47th Brigade. "If they don't employ their weapon, they're worthless." Since May, the government has enacted a debated mobilization law, and thereafter, tens of thousands of recruits are being conscripted each month. The infantry faces the most demand, but there are logistical obstacles in training, equipping, and compensating such a large number of fresh personnel.
06:35 Moscow: US to Likely Remove All Weapons Restrictions for Ukraine According to Russia's ambassador to the US, Russia presumes that the United States will soon scrap all constraints related to weapons provided to Ukraine. As per the RIA news agency, Ambassador Anatoli Antonov stated, "The current administration acts like they're offering a hand while possessing a knife concealed behind their back." They're setting the stage to abolish all existing constraints without considering the consequences. Antonov notes that a meaningful dialogue with the US is only conceivable if they abandon their "hostile" approach towards Russia. He also suggests that a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during the UN General Assembly in the upcoming month is highly improbable.
06:09 Harris: Trump Encouraged Putin to Invade Europe Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris restates her dedication to NATO and vows to continue assisting Ukraine, which is under attack from Russia. "I will unwaveringly support Ukraine and our NATO allies," she affirms in her speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. However, her Republican rival, Donald Trump, threatened to forsake NATO and even encouraged Russian President Vladimir Putin to invade Europe.
05:38 President of Energy Agency: "German Government Still Vigilant" Despite adequately filled gas storage facilities, the president of the Federal Network Agency, Klaus Müller, continues to urge caution in gas consumption. "The German government is still on high alert. We must still remain vigilant," Müller tells the "Augsburger Allgemeine". He also references the Ukrainian army's encroachment into Russian territory, which could aggravate the situation. "Neither the gas infrastructure itself is the contested area, but the surroundings of this infrastructure is a warzone on both sides," Müller explains to the newspaper. This encompasses the Gazprom gas station in Sudzha, which is situated just a few kilometers from the Ukrainian border on Russian soil and plays a vital role in gas exportation to EU countries like Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria through Ukraine.
04:40 Modi Visits Kyiv: "No Issue Can Be Resolved on the Battlefield" Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is planning to visit Ukraine today for the initial time. A meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky in the capital Kyiv is scheduled, as announced by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. India upholds a neutral stance on the Russian invasion, does not impose western sanctions on Moscow, and has become one of the largest purchasers of affordable Russian oil in the global market. New Delhi consistently advocates for a resolution through dialogue. "India firmly believes that no issue can be resolved on the battlefield. The loss of innocent lives on battlefields is the greatest threat to humanity," Modi stated during a visit to Poland on Thursday. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged Modi to play a mediating role in the conflict.
03:31 Sources: USA to Send New Military Aid According to government insiders, the USA is reportedly planning to dispatch additional military assistance to Ukraine worth around $125 million. The latest aid package comprises air defense missiles, ammunition for M142 HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, Javelin missiles, and a range of other weapons, equipment, and vehicles, as per the sources who spoke anonymously. The official announcement is expected today, just ahead of Ukraine's Independence Day. The weapons will be extracted from Pentagon reserves, facilitating prompt delivery.
02:12 Ukraine Reports 53 Russian Attacks Near Pokrovsk in a Day The Ukrainian military reports a total of 53 Russian attacks along the front line near the city of Pokrovsk in the east of the country over the span of Thursday. The ownership of Pokrovsk remains the primary goal of Russian forces in Ukraine, according to a statement from the General Staff. No statement from the Russian government has been issued thus far. Per available information, Russian troops have been steadily advancing towards Pokrovsk in recent days.
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01:16 SPD Leader: Without Defense Aid, Ukraine Would Be Erased from ExistenceDuring the pre-election period in Thuringia and Saxony, SPD leader Saskia Esken emphasizes military assistance for Ukraine against Russia. Chancellor Olaf Scholz is working towards a fair and sustainable peace, Esken told Funke media group newspapers. "As long as Putin doesn't abandon his aggressive intentions towards Ukraine, peace through diplomatic means is not attainable." Esken connects her statements to criticism of Left Party leader Sahra Wagenknecht. "If, as advocated by Frau Wagenknecht and others, we were to halt sending defense aid to Ukraine today, the nation would fall to invasion tomorrow and vanish from the map the day after. This would result in catastrophic security implications for Europe as a whole, which would not usher in less militarization and certainly not peace."
23:56 Ukraine Braces for Most Severe Winter in Record HistoryUkraine is preparing for a severe and bleak winter due to damage to its power and energy infrastructure caused by Russian attacks. "We are facing our worst winter in history," says Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Haluschtschenko during a video conference. This winter will be harder than the previous one, as the destruction from the ongoing Russian assault has accumulated. The Russian forces are employing various weapons in simultaneous attacks to cause as much damage as possible, Haluschtschenko explains. In a mild winter, power consumption is approximately 18 gigawatts, and in a cold winter, it's 19 gigawatts, while reserves of one gigawatt need to be generated, says Haluschtschenko. Russian strikes have destroyed approximately 9 gigawatts of capacity.
23:08 NATO Boosts Security at Airbase in GeilenkirchenNATO is raising security levels at the airbase in Geilenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, due to a potential threat. All non-essential personnel who are not required for deployment have been sent home, a base spokesperson says. The decision is based on intelligence information indicating a potential threat. "This is not alarming and is a preventative measure to ensure we can carry out our critical tasks," the spokesperson says. Police have also been deployed to the scene. Further details, such as the number of deployed forces, are not being revealed.
22:07 Ukraine Claims Strike on Russian Base in Kursk RegionThe Ukrainian military alleges another attack on Russian troops in the Kursk region. Using precision-guided American bombs, they targeted a Russian base in the afternoon, explains Ukrainian air forces commander Mykola Oleshchuk. "A drone command center, a radio-electronic warfare unit, equipment, weapons, and up to 40 Russian military personnel were struck," Oleshchuk writes alongside a video that shows the alleged attack.
21:43 Post-Summit Meeting Held After Swiss Peace TalksA follow-up meeting has been held following the peace talks in Switzerland in June, according to Ukraine. Representatives from over 40 nations and organizations attended the virtual session. Further meetings of working groups are planned.
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The European Union expresses concern over India's neutrality in the ongoing conflict and its continued oil purchases from Russia. Despite the European Union's concerns, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reaffirming India's stance on resolving the issue through dialogue without imposing Western sanctions.
In the European Union, there are calls to impose sanctions on India for its oil purchases from Russia, due to its perceived lack of support for Ukraine. Despite these calls, the European Union recognizes the importance of maintaining diplomatic relations with India, considering it a significant global player.
