At 16:51, sixteen individuals, classified as civilians, perished in Russian airstrikes
Day after day of civilian casualties: As reported by Ukrainian authorities, eight civilians have met their demise in the aftermath of Russian attacks. Two victims were identified in the Sumy region, which borders Russia. The region of Kharkiv recorded three fatalities, and the authorities also acknowledged three more deaths in the regions of Donetsk and Kherson.
16:20 Geilenkirchen NATO base calls off alarm: The NATO air force base in Geilenkirchen has declared that all is clear. The security level in the base was raised to the second-highest level due to potential threats, but it has now been reduced back to its initial level, as announced by a base spokesperson. The increased security level signifies that an incident has either occurred or there is evidence indicating the likelihood of a terrorist attack against the alliance. Consequently, a large number of employees were sent home as a precautionary measure.
16:01 German suspect under investigation after release: The Federal Prosecutor's Office in Germany is currently investigating Rico Krieger, who was released from detention in Belarus as part of a prisoner exchange. The Germany-based Krieger is believed to be under suspicion of causing an explosion. Krieger was initially given a death sentence in Belarus for his alleged involvement in terrorism and mercenary activities. However, following his pardon, he was transferred to Germany as part of the prisoner exchange. According to Welt am Sonntag, Krieger expressed interest in joining the “Kastus Kalinouski Regiment” in Ukraine, a Belarusian volunteer unit supporting the Ukrainian military. Krieger has denied all these allegations.
15:44 Modi urges Zelenskyy to discuss with Russia: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been encouraging Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to partake in negotiations with Russia to bring an end to the conflict. While in Kyiv, Modi expressed his desire to serve as a mediator in the pursuit of peace. Following his meeting with Zelenskyy, Modi stated, "The course to a resolution can only be traced through dialogue and diplomacy, and we should tread this path forthwith." He implored both parties to engage in dialogue in order to seek a resolution to the crisis, without demanding the withdrawal of Russian troops.
15:22 Wagner group fractured after Prigozhin’s death: One year after the demise of Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, his private army Wagner has become increasingly fragmented, according to information from the British Ministry of Defence. Since Prigozhin's untimely death in a plane crash, many of his high-ranking associates have departed the group. Currently, Wagner is reported to have approximately 5,000 personnel in its remaining deployments in Belarus and Africa, a drastic decrease from its peak strength of 50,000 personnel in 2023. Several former Wagner fighters have shifted to other Russian military branches or paramilitary units controlled by the Ministry of Defence.
14:38 ISW: Kyiv Forces Put Moscow on Defense: Due to Ukraine's successful advancements in the western region of Kursk, Russia is reportedly relocating troops from invaded territory to reinforce its defense in Kursk, as per the assessments of experts at the U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The Russian military is allegedly moving forces from the southern Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhia to bolster Kursk's defenses, with social media entries by deployed soldiers serving as evidence. However, Russia is reportedly attempting to maintain its principal offensive axis in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk.
13:59 Mölling: German Trust in Ukraine Aid Undermined: A disagreement within the German government is reportedly causing significant damage to the trust in German aid to Ukraine, according to security expert Christian Mölling of the German Society for International Cooperation. Mölling indicated that the proposal of offering interest-free loans from frozen Russian assets to replace aid to Ukraine has led to international criticism. He further stated that the methodology behind delivering these funds to Ukraine is still unclear.
13:31 Modi and Zelenskyy Embrace in Kyiv: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently demonstrated a show of camaraderie by embracing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, just a few weeks after his controversial hug with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Modi and Zelenskyy visited a memorial for the fallen Ukrainian children together, where Modi placed a teddy bear as a symbol of solidarity. India, as the world's most populous nation, maintains an official stance of neutrality in the war, does not impose western sanctions on Moscow, and frequently calls for a diplomatic resolution. However, it has yet to propose any concrete measures for achieving peace.
13:03 Key Ferry Route to Crimea Remains Closed: A day after the Ukrainian attack, the Russian port of Kavkaz, which is necessary for the supply of Crimea, remains closed to ferry traffic. The Russian transport ministry has stated that ferry services will resume once the cleanup process is completed. Kavkaz is located in the Kerch Strait, connecting the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Crimea, a Russian-occupied region, can be seen from the port, making it one of the Black Sea's most crucial transit hubs. The port is utilized for transporting essential supplies, such as fuel and munitions, to Crimea.
12:20 Russia Guru: "Eventually, We'll Witness Putin's Retaliation Strategy"Russian head honcho Vladimir Putin appears uneasy in response to Ukrainian military triumphs in Kursk, as per Russian political scrutinizer Ekaterina Schulmann's assertions. She points out this as typical of Putin's response when faced with adverse information for the Kremlin. Other Russian analysts believe the Kremlin is currently mulling over potential retaliatory measures. Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia-Eurasia Center in Berlin, cautions, "Eventually, we'll witness Putin's retaliation strategy."
11:41 Proletarsk Russian Oil Depot Still Consumed by Flames
The Russian oil depot in Proletarsk, situated in southern Russia's Rostov region, is still ablaze. As per NASA's Fire Surveillance System, the facility continues to burn. Moreover, Telegram channel Baza, associated with Russian investigative bodies, confirms that the fire persists. Baza claims that the depot was bombed again by a Ukrainian drone last night.
11:12 Ukraine Aims to Symbolically Hug Modi
Although India, as a BRICS member, maintains close ties with Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is now welcoming Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in hopes of securing mediation to end the conflict. According to ntv reporter Nadja Kriewald, the Ukrainians are "more eager than ever for peace negotiations" due to the Kherson offensive.
10:45 Ukrainian Air Defense System Active in Multiple Regions
The Ukrainian army claims to have destroyed 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 informs.
10:16 Ukrainian Navy Officially States Destruction of Kavkaz Ferry
The Ukrainian Navy discusses the demolition of a ferry in the Russian port of Kavkaz. Ukrainian Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk shares, "Yet another unmistakable military target has been vanquished." The ferry was scheduled to deliver fuel to the adversaries. The ferry is now submerged, rendering the port non-operational temporarily. Local authorities report that the attack occurred on Thursday, with the ferry catching fire. The port of Kavkaz, situated on the Black Sea, supplies among other places, the annexed Crimea by Russia in 2014, with fuel.
09:44 Russian Ambassador Stands Firm Against Western Buffer Zone
Russian Ambassador to the US, Anatoly Antonov, comments on the Kherson offensive and Kyiv's goal of setting up a buffer zone there: "That's out of the question. There will be no buffer zone on Russian territory," TASS state news agency quotes him. Concurrently, he assures that Moscow will not consult Washington to oust Ukrainian forces from the Kherson region. He accuses the US of "persistently testing the Russians" and trying to instigate "emotional, impulsive decisions."
09:10 Discontent with Putin Grows in Russia as Conflict Rages On
As Ukrainian troops invade Russian territories two weeks ago, sentiments against President Vladimir Putin have allegedly intensified across Russia. According to an analysis by FilterLabs AI, reported by the "New York Times," many online contributors blame the Ukrainian advance on the Russian government and Putin personally. "Putin’s response to the incursion was at best inept and at worst offensive," says Jonathan Teubner, CEO of FilterLabs. The company monitors attitudes in Russia by tracking social media activity.
08:36 Modi Arrives in KyivIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently in Ukraine, as reported by Indian and Ukrainian media. He is scheduled to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Ukraine hopes for India's backing as it serves as an influential voice in global politics. However, Kyiv harbors doubts about India's declared neutrality. In July, the Indian Prime Minister visited Moscow. Images of Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin embracing sparked controversy in Ukraine and many Western countries.
08:05 Russian Warning Over Nuclear Plant Attacks Seems Exaggerated
Russian President Vladimir Putin accuses Ukraine of attempting to attack the nuclear power plant in Kursk. However, ntv reporter Rainer Munz estimates the actual risk of a nuclear disaster due to the conflict.
07:33 China and Belarus Agree to Boost Collaboration, Including SecurityChina and Belarus have agreed to enhance cooperation in various sectors such as trade, security, energy, and finance, as per a joint statement following a meeting between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Belarusian Premier Roman Golovchenko. They also aim to strengthen cooperation in industrial supply chains and facilitate trade to lower costs for both parties. China is Belarus' second-largest trading partner and the largest in Asia.
07:05 Ukrainian Army laments Poor Military TrainingUkrainian commanders and soldiers complain about the subpar training of new recruits and Russia's clear dominance in the air and ammunition at the eastern front. "Some fighters refuse to fire. They spot the enemy positioned in a trench and do not fire. That's why our soldiers are losing lives," says a battalion commander of the 47th Brigade. "If they don't utilize their weapon, they're useless." Since May, the government has formalized a controversial mobilization law. Since then, numerous fighters have been reportedly drafted each month, with the highest demand in infantry. However, logistical challenges in training, equipping, and compensating numerous new individuals especially pose challenges.
06:35 Moscow Time: US to Lift All Weapons Restrictions for UkraineAs stated by Russia's ambassador to the US, Russia believes that the US will soon remove all limitations on the use of weapons supplied to Ukraine. Anatoly Antonov, quoted by the RIA news agency, stated, "The current administration acts like someone who extends one hand while holding a dagger in the other behind their back." They are actively preparing to lift all existing restrictions without much thought. Antonov further expressed that a genuine dialogue with the US is only possible if they abandon their "hostile" approach towards Russia. He also mentioned 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 Encouraged Putin to Invade EuropeDemocratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has publicly committed to NATO and pledged continued support for Ukraine, which is under attack by Russia. "I will stand firmly by Ukraine and our NATO allies," she declared in her speech at the Democratic Party convention in Chicago. In contrast, her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, had threatened to abandon NATO, Harris said. She also claimed that Trump encouraged Russian President Vladimir Putin to invade Europe.
05:38 Leader of Network Agency: "German Government Remains on High Alert"Despite well-stocked gas storage facilities, the president of the Federal Network Agency, Klaus Müller, continues to advocate caution in gas consumption. "The German government remains on high alert. We must remain vigilant," Müller told the Augsburger Allgemeine. He also pointed out the progress of the Ukrainian army into Russian territory, which could worsen the situation. "Not the gas infrastructure itself is contested, but the area surrounding this infrastructure is a war zone on both sides," Müller told the newspaper. This includes the Gazprom gas station in Sudzha, located just a few kilometers from the Ukrainian border on Russian territory and serving as a significant distribution point for gas exported to Europe.
04:40 Modi in Kyiv: "No Problem Can Be Resolved on the Battlefield"Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Ukraine for the first time today. A meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky is planned in the capital Kyiv, as confirmed by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. India has maintained a neutral stance towards the Russian invasion. It has not imposed western sanctions on Moscow and has become one of the largest buyers of cheap Russian oil on the global market. New Delhi has repeatedly called for a resolution of the conflict through dialogue. "India is convinced that no problem can be solved on the battlefield. The loss of innocent lives on battlefields is the greatest challenge for humanity," Modi said on Thursday during a visit to Poland. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged Modi to play a mediating role in the conflict.
03:31 Circles: US to Provide New Military Aid to UkraineAccording to government sources, the US plans to send additional military aid to Ukraine worth approximately 125 million dollars. The latest aid package includes rockets for air defense, ammunition for multiple rocket launchers of the Himars type, Javelin rockets, and various weapons, equipment, and vehicles, the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The official announcement is expected today, Friday, one day before Ukraine's Independence Day. The weapons will be drawn from Pentagon stocks, enabling quick delivery.
02:12 Ukraine Reports 53 Russian Attacks Near Pokrovsk in One DayThe Ukrainian military recorded a total of 53 Russian attacks near the city of Pokrovsk in the eastern part of the country throughout Thursday. The capture of Pokrovsk remains the primary objective of Russian forces in Ukraine, according to a statement from the general staff. No statement has been issued by the Russian government so far. According to available information, Russian troops have been relentlessly advancing towards Pokrovsk in recent days.
01:16 SPD Leader: Without Weapons Deliveries, Ukraine Would Be "Razed to the Ground"Just before the state elections in Thuringia and Saxony, SPD chairwoman Saskia Esken reaffirmed Germany's military support for Ukraine against Russia. Chancellor Olaf Scholz is committed to a just and sustainable peace, she told the Funke media group's newspapers. "However, as long as Putin pursues his war aims against Ukraine, peace cannot be achieved diplomatically." Esken linked her remarks to criticism of Die Linke party chairwoman Sahra Wagenknecht. "If, like Frau Wagenknecht and others, we were to stop delivering weapons to Ukraine today, the country would be overrun tomorrow and wiped off the map the day after. And that would have catastrophic consequences for Europe's security, which would not lead to less armament and certainly not to peace."
23:56 Ukraine Fears Harshest Winter in HistoryDue to the destruction of Ukraine's power and energy infrastructure by Russian attacks, the country is bracing for a harsh and dark winter. "We are facing the most severe winter in our history," says Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Haluschtschenko in a video conference. This winter will be even more challenging than the previous one, as the damage from ongoing Russian attacks has accumulated. The Russian army is using various weapons in combined attacks to cause as much damage as possible, he says. In a mild winter, electricity consumption is about 18 gigawatts, and in a cold winter, it is 19 gigawatts. Moreover, reserve capacity of one gigawatt must be created, says Haluschtschenko. Russian attacks have destroyed around 9 gigawatts of capacity.
10:08 PM NATO boosts security at Geilenkirchen airbase Due to an impending danger, NATO has increased its security level at the airbase situated in Geilenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia. All non-essential workers have been sent off-site, as a representative from the base explains. This move is prompted by intelligence suggesting a potential threat. "There's no need to worry and this is merely a preventive measure to safeguard our crucial operations," the representative assures. The police have confirmed their presence on the premises. More specifics, such as the number of personnel involved, are kept confidential.
10:07 PM Ukraine reports attack on Kursk reinforcement spot The Ukrainian military claims another attack on Russian forces in the Kursk region. Employing precision-guided American bombs, they targeted a Russian reinforcement point during the afternoon, as per the air force commander, Mykola Oleshchuk. "A drone command center, a radio-electronic warfare unit, equipment, weapons, and around 40 Russian military personnel were impacted," Oleshchuk writes alongside a video alleging to depict the attack.
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10:43 PM First post-Swiss Peace Summit consultation After the Peace Summit in Switzerland in June, the first follow-up consultation has taken place, as reported by Ukraine. Over 40 states and organizations sent their representatives to participate in the virtual meeting. Future meetings involving working groups are scheduled.
You can review all earlier developments here.
The military operations in Ukraine continue to result in civilian casualties, with eight civilians reported dead following Russian attacks in various regions. Despite the NATO air force base in Geilenkirchen calling off an alarm, tensions remain high due to potential threats. The increase in security level signifies the likelihood of a terrorist attack against the alliance, leading to employees being sent home as a precautionary measure. In a separate context, German authorities are investigating Rico Krieger, who was released from detention in Belarus, for causing an explosion and allegedly expressing interest in joining a Ukrainian military unit.
