Ukraine reports ceasing Russia's ground assault in Kharkiv at 15:20.

At 15:20, Ukraine asserts it has halted Russia's ground offensive in Kharkiv.

The Ukrainian military has reportedly halted a Russian ground offensive in the eastern region of Kharkiv. "Ukrainian defense forces are successfully stopping Russian troops in the Kharkiv area and are retaliating," said a statement from the Ukrainian army posted on their online platforms. A spokesperson from the General Staff described the situation as "challenging," but "maintained and managed by us," he added. Previously, the army chief, Oleksandr Syrskyj, mentioned that the Russian army's advance in the Kharkiv region of northeastern Ukraine had slowed. Skirmishes near the border town of Vovchansk led to the Russian forces becoming "completely bogged down" and experiencing significant casualties among their attack teams, according to Syrskyj's remarks. Russia is now reportedly mobilizing "reserves from varying areas" to capture the city, though without success.

15:02 Germany sends more Leopard tanks to UkraineGermany has shipped additional Leopard 1 A5 main battle tanks, Marder infantry fighting vehicles with ammunition and spare parts, and 18 Leopard 2 A6 main battle tanks with ammunition and extra parts to Ukraine. The delivery also included several Dinger transport vehicles, multipurpose vehicles, and armored transporters. The effort, valued at approximately 28 billion euros, is part of Germany's ongoing commitment to support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.

14:15 Estonia recalls Russian ambassador due to removing buoys along border river NarvaEstonia recently summoned the Russian embassy's chargé d'affaires in Tallinn for a meeting regarding the removal of buoys marking the fairway in the border river Narva. Estonia's Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna, conveyed to the diplomat that the action was "provocative and unacceptable." Estonia is demanding an explanation for the removal of the border markings, which have been in place since 2007 to identify the navigational route, and for their immediate return. On Thursday night, Russian border guards removed 24 buoys from the Narva River, used by Estonia as a demarcation, that separate the EU and NATO's external border with Russia.

13:49 Ukrainian army general: Russians have "lost their way" near VovchanskUkrainian army chief Oleksandr Syrskyj has stated that the Russian army's advances in the Kharkiv region of northeastern Ukraine are faltering. Ground fighting around Vovchansk—a town five kilometers from the Russian border—has stalled the aggressors. The Russian forces have been "completely bogged down" and suffered numerous casualties among their offensive units, Syrskyj said. To save their stalling campaign, Russia is deploying "reserves from different regions" to seize the city, but they've had no such luck.

13:17 Baerbock alerts Russia against firing on western borderGerman Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned Russia against aggressive actions along its western frontier: "Russia is igniting the borders of the European Union." "We stand together with our allies in Estonia, Finland, and Lithuania and will not tolerate this hostile behavior," said the minister. "On the contrary, we stand united with our Baltic region friends." News circulated recently that navigation buoys disappeared from Norwayner river, the border between Estonia and Russia.

12:52 Romanian citizen arrested on suspicion of spying for RussiaIn Romania, a Bulgarian national has been detained on suspicion of spying for Russia. The public prosecutor's office in Bucharest announced the arrest. The individual, suspected of monitoring and photographing military installations and transports of soldiers and military equipment of the Romanian army and other NATO countries near the city of Tulcea, had been sharing the information with the Russian embassy in Bucharest. A judge has ordered the detainee to be held in custody for thirty days and is assisting the investigation. The case is being handled by DIICOT, the agency responsible for the investigation of organized crime and terrorism, in conjunction with the SRI domestic intelligence service and the army's military intelligence department. Searches at the man's residence revealed several pieces of evidence.

Vladimir Putin is rumored to be prepared for a ceasefire that acknowledges the current frontline, as per insiders who shared details of conversations within the Russian President's circle. "Putin can continue fighting for as long as necessary," stated one of the four sources, "but he is also open to the idea of a ceasefire - to halt the war." Three other individuals, who were part of Putin's confidants, confirmed his statements made to a select group of advisors. They added that the Russian President was displeased with alleged Western attempts to impede dialogues. Though Putin has occasionally signaled his readiness for negotiations, he qualified them in a past interview, expressing reluctance towards any form of agreement based on "pipe dreams" sparked by substance abuse.

Meanwhile, Rheinmetall, a German arms manufacturer, has secured an enormous order worth nearly €300 million from a NATO member state for artillery ammunition. This order encompasses tens of thousands of artillery shells and hundreds of thousands of propellant chargers for delivery between 2024 and 2028. The military's requisition for artillery ammunition, explained Rheinmetall, is due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which necessitates the restocking of the armed forces' depleted stocks.

The Institute for the Study of War posits that the continuous purges occurring within the Russian Ministry of Defense may be just a disguise for the Kremlin's real motives. According to the think tank, the authorities are using allegations of corruption against senior officials as a pretext to dismiss individuals who have incurred the Kremlin's displeasure. It's unclear whether they will stop at the previous arrests and dismissals, as a Russian informant claims that six other ministry officials are planning to resign in light of Sergei Shoigu's termination. Numerous military bloggers also believe that the Kremlin's investigation will continue. The ISW highlights that military bloggers are celebrating the dismissals as an attempt by the new Defense Minister Andrei Belousov to root out corrupt officials, enhancing his image as a solution-oriented leader within the ministry. "The Kremlin might be permitting these criticisms because they are directed specifically at personnel deemedreplaceable by the Ministry of Defense," noted the think tank.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban believes that concerns about a potential Russian attack on a NATO member state are groundless. "The Russian army is waging a challenging and daunting war against the Ukrainians," Orban told the public broadcaster, dismissing the possibility of a Russian offensive against any other Western nation. He further explained, "If the Russians could vanquish the Ukrainians within a single strike, they would have already done so. NATO's military capabilities surpass those of Ukraine, making it highly unlikely that Russia or any other country would invade NATO."

Russia has officially accused the Islamic State (IS) of coordinating the lethal attack at a concert hall near Moscow, marking the first time the authorities have linked the jihadist militia to the deadly event. The state news agency RIA Novosti cited Alexander Bortnikov, director of the domestic intelligence service FSB, as stating that "preparations, financing, the attack, and the retreat of the terrorists were coordinated over the Internet by members of the Khorasan Province group," referring to the Afghan branch of IS. IS has regularly claimed responsibility for the attack on March 22, which claimed more than 140 lives and injured around 360. However, Moscow has persistently implicated Ukraine in the incident, despite strong denials from Kiev. Bortnikov revealed, "The investigation is ongoing, but we can confidently assert that Ukrainian military intelligence is complicit in the attack." It remains unclear how this connects to IS.

Stephan Richter, a ntv correspondent, reported that there is no sign of progress in Vovchansk, a town under consistent bombardment from Russian forces. "Everything is frozen in Vovchansk," said Richter, implying that the situation has reached a point of stagnation.

09:29 Close to half a million Russian deaths reported by Ukraine
Ukrainian authorities reveal figures showing Russian fatalities approach half a million since February 24 invasion. According to the Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff, over 498,940 Russian soldiers have died in 2022 due to the ongoing conflict. This number represents a daily toll of 1,240 casualties, as documented in their latest report. The report additionally states that Russia has lost a range of military equipment, including 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.

08:57 Kharkiv witnesses another glide bomb strike
The city of Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine has been subjected to another glide bomb attack overnight, reports the Mayor, Igor Terekhov, via Telegram. The previous night caused no casualties, however, several residential buildings and an uninhabited building sustained minor damage. Kharkiv has endured months of Russian air strikes and the previous day claimed seven lives within the city. Over 15 converted S-300 or S-400 anti-aircraft missiles had reportedly fallen upon Kharkiv and surrounding areas. One of the targets was Ukraine's largest literature printing house. The internationally renowned Ukrainian writer, Serhij Zhadan, highlighted the significance of the attack, as he remarked on Facebook, "The Ukrainian book is the Ukrainian strength. That's why the enemy wants to destroy it."

08:26 FSB chief claims Ukraine's involvement in deadly Moscow attack
Alexander Bortnikov, head of the Russian domestic intelligence service FSB, accuses Ukrainian military intelligence of direct involvement in the lethal concert hall bombing in March. Although the investigation is still ongoing, Bortnikov tells the state news agency Tass that this information is already certain. Russia has previously made similar accusations. Bortnikov, however, did not provide any evidence to back up his statement. The IS terrorist organization claimed responsibility for the attack, which killed more than 140 people.

08:02 "Significant damage" in Crimea from Ukraine attack
Ukrainian reports recount a missile assault on Moscow's communications center in the Crimean city of Alushta, controlled by Russia. Citing the partisan group Atesh and Crimean Wind telegram channel, the Kyiv Independent claims the incident resulted in "significant equipment damage" and causalities. According to Crimean Wind, the communications center was hit by at least six ATACMS missiles supplied by the US. The missiles purportedly obliterated an antenna and several buildings in the facility that housed "high-ranking military personnel."

07:27 Russian publicist: People stuck with "propaganda" for generations
Russian publicist and former Duma deputy Alexander Nevzorov criticizes his fellow countrymen, comparing them to circus animals, pugs, and chimpanzees. "They'll keep those skills they have been taught until they're gone," says the once Kremlin-critical figure, now in possession of a Ukrainian passport. "All the wartime fervor, decadence, patriotism, and other brainwashing inflicted by Russian propaganda won't just vanish from their minds. The Russians will live and die as idiots for several generations." He further adds that even Vladimir Putin's death won't cure Russian minds.

07:03 Scholz affirms support for Macron's "stronger" European defense
German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, endorses French President Emmanuel Macron's vision of enhancing European defense capabilities. Scholz expresses his opinion in Economist, writing, "We have to debate how we can acquire the right mix of capabilities for European defense and deter any potential aggressors." Bearing in mind nuclear deterrence, this requires strong conventional military forces, air and missile defense, cyber and space capabilities, and precision strike systems. The chancellor additionally stresses on fortifying the European defense industry through investments: "We need to bolster the European pillar of our deterrence." Scholz does state unequivocally, "There will be no 'EU nuclear weapons,'" adding, "This is simply unfeasible."

12:06 Contentious agent law: Washington steps up pressure on Tbilisi

After the acceptance of a questionable law about "foreign impact procedures" in Georgia, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken pronounces new visa constraints and a re-examination of relations with the territory. The recent visa guidelines will be implemented for those accountable for or intricately engaged in charring democracy in Georgia, along with their family members, according to Blinken. The US is set to initiate a "substantive review of bilateral partnerships between the United States and Georgia," he adds. The US keeps believing that the rulership in Georgia will rethink the law and take measures in service of the nation's "democratic and Euro-Atlantic aspirations."

12:01 Estonia encourages kids in battle zones

The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs delivers about 650,000 euros in humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, predominantly to support the education system in conflict areas and aid children thus injured by the struggle. As detailed by Kyiv Independent, part of this aid will be spread through the Estonian non-profit association Eesti Pagulasabi, which will focus on converting circumstances in tense areas and lending support to Ukrainian refugees in Georgia. Likewise, the non-profit society Mondo will utilize a part of the funds for the creation of afternoon camps and psychoanalysis for children in Zaporizhzhya.

11:27 Russian representative lists upcoming objectives

Russian troops are anticipated to regulate more than half the area of the border town of Vovchansk in the Ukrainian province of Kharkiv. This was unveiled by the Russian news agency TASS, conceding to an assertion by Russian parliamentarian Viktor Vodolatsky. The metropolises of Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, and Pokrovsk will be Russia's ensuing essential ambitions upon the seizure of Vovchansk, TASS professed quoting Vodolatsky as saying.

10:57 Putin arrives in Belarus for discussions with Lukashenko

Russian news channels disclose that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been in Belarus and has already taken preliminary casual discussions. "There is a lot to review. Periods are stable and going advantageously for us," Putin is noted as expounding. On the itinerary for this day are more chats with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko regarding protection and military exercises with tactical nuclear tools. Minsk will collaborate in the exercises, throughout which preparations for the deployment of little atomic warheads will be nonchalantly reenacted.

09:33 South Korea orders sanctions versus North Koreans and Russian vessels

South Korea imposes sanctions versus 7 North Korean folks and 2 Russian transports in association with arms commerce between Pyongyang and Moscow. This was stated by the South Korean Foreign Ministry.

08:49 USA organizes further Ukraine aid worth 275 million dollars

The USA is solidifying military assistance for Ukraine worth 275 million dollars. Among other happenings, craft artillery shells, precision-guided bombs, and ground vehicles are to be secured, according to 3 US government specialists. The aid will be issued beneath the Presidential Withdrawal Assurance. This licenses President Joe Biden to act in emergencies without Congress' sanctioning.

07:54 Brazil and China detach themselves from Ukraine peace summit

Brazil and China are indirectly distancing themselves from the global peace assembly on Ukraine due to plan in Switzerland, to which Russia has not been invited. In a document penned by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's unique consultant Celso Amorim and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, both states call for Russia and Ukraine to engage in peace chats. Correspondently, this necessitates an international peace conference with parity engagement of every party, which is acknowledged by Russia and Ukraine.

06:15 Moscow court sentences Kremlin adversary to 25 decades in detention for sabotage

A military tribunal in Moscow has condemned a 36-year-old male to 25 years in confinement for sabotage and grouping of a band struggling for Ukraine. According to the public prosecutor's office, the unusually lengthy prison sentence was enforced on Vladimir Malina for condoned crime, high disloyalty, and destruction. In conformity with the costs, the bartender from Moscow was a participant in the "Legion for the Liberation of Russia", a gaggle of Russians simulating for Ukraine. Last year, he torched a railroad control panel and deliberated sabotage undertakings. Malina was secured in June.

05:00 Poland and Brazil demand aerial defense barrier from EU

Amid the Russian disorder, Poland and Greece are pressing the EU to build up an aerial defense sheet to shield European countries. "Europe will be safe only if the skies above it are secure," declared Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis in a joint dispatch to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Such an aerial defense shield needs to be a undertaking that responds to the "massive vulnerability of our protection", the two heads of government enumerate.

10:26 Possible bombings in the Crimean region? Videos show suspected detonations

There might be detonations occurring in the region under Russian control, Crimea. The suspected culprit is Ukraine, who is believed to be striking targets on the island using ATACMS missiles recently supplied by the United States. A video taken on the Crimean coast in the village of Alushta seems to show at least one explosion. However, there is no official confirmation on this matter. The Russian air defense system also appears to be in operation, at least from what's shown in the recording. The governor of Crimea, appointed by the Russian occupiers, Sergei Aksyonov, admitted to missile attacks on Simferopol and Alushta via Telegram. Two deaths were reported, as well as damage to an empty commercial building. Russia usually diminishes the impact of Ukrainian attacks or claims to have destroyed all missiles and drones. Ukraine has been increasingly targeting Russian air defense systems and radars in recent times. Some sources suggest that this is also happening in this instance.

10:00 Possible further arrest? Putin's military reform might be continuing

Pro-Russian channels report that Vladimir Verteletsky, responsible for ensuring the state defense order at Russia's Ministry of Defense, has been apprehended. He is said to be accused of large-scale fraud. He becomes the fourth high-ranking military officer to be arrested since April.

For more details on earlier developments, you can check here. [Brackets][]

Putin (right) is received by Lukashenko at the airport in Minsk.

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Despite Russia's claims, Ukraine maintains that its ground offensive in Kharkiv has been halted, with Ukrainian defense forces successfully stopping Russian troops and retaliating.
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Cyberwar threats have emerged as a significant concern during the Ukraine conflict, with a Romanian citizen arrested on suspicion of spying for Russia and sharing information about NATO military installations and transports to Russian embassy officials.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has placed significant strain on NATO nations, with Estonia recalling the Russian ambassador due to the removal of navigational buoys along the border river Narva, and accusations of Russian aggression along the western frontier by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.

Source: www.ntv.de