At 17:56, US Historian Snyder: Putin would humiliate Trump
US Historian Timothy Snyder considers the chances of a peace deal between US President Donald Trump and Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin to be very low. "If Trump wins the US election and there is a peace deal, Putin would immediately break it to humiliate Trump. Russia cannot do otherwise, that's how politics works in that country," says the Eastern Europe expert in an interview with the Austrian daily "Standard". To end the war, one must let the Russians understand that they have lost. As long as that is not done, the war will continue.
17:18 Strack-Zimmermann: "Rakets stand in Kaliningrad that threaten Germany" For a long time, FDP defense expert Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann has been demanding the "Taurus" delivery to Ukraine. Now, the US is stationing Tomahawks in Germany. According to the politician, Europe is closing a huge security gap with this. She warns: "Who resists lives safer."
16:39 Danish Prime Minister: West is too polite towards Russia The Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen characterizes the reaction of western countries to Russia's hybrid warfare as "too polite" according to a media report. "I think we must take it much more seriously," Frederiksen says in an interview with the Ukrainian Pravda at the sidelines of the NATO summit in Washington. "And I think, we (NATO) must consider it as an attack on us, instead of just saying: 'It's happened again and again and again'." According to Frederiksen, the "hybrid war" with Moscow is already underway. However, many western powers seem to be unwilling to acknowledge the reality.
15:45 Russia warns of dangerous escalation due to western weapons Russia sees the permission given by some NATO countries for Ukraine to attack Russian territory with delivered weapons as a dangerous escalation. Spokesperson Dmitri Peskov has taken note of such statements by representatives of some countries, such as Britain and others, at the NATO summit in Washington, and there are countries trying to maintain the balance and saying they would be against such a relaxation of conditions for the use of rockets with longer range. Such rockets would already be used for attacks on Russia. This is pure provocation and "a new, very dangerous escalation of tensions".
15:06 Finland closes border to migrants and asylum seekers The Finnish Parliament passes a law against the entry of migrants over Russia. Border guards can now turn away asylum seekers at the Finnish-Russian border. The government in Helsinki accuses Russia of encouraging migrants from countries like Somalia or Syria to enter Finland. Russia denies this. About 1300 people have already come this way. The government sees this as a reaction from Russia to Finland's NATO membership. The law is not only supported by government parties but also by opposition MPs.
14:34 Alleged Russian Spies Arrested in AustraliaThe Australian Federal Police announced the arrest of two Australian citizens of Russian descent, who are accused of espionage. "Two Russian-born Australian citizens, who are accused of obtaining material from the Australian military to give to Russian authorities, are expected to answer charges at the Brisbane Magistrates Court today," the joint statement from the Federal Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation reads. The suspects are identified as a 40-year-old soldier in the Australian military and her 62-year-old husband.
13:56 IAEA Condemns Russian Attack on Children's Clinic in KievThe International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors condemned the Russian attack on a children's clinic in Kiev. In a resolution, the body noted that the hospital operates a unit for cancer diagnosis and radiation therapy, which is co-financed by the IAEA. On Monday, a rocket hit a building on the grounds of the Ochmatdyt Children's Hospital. Two adults, including a doctor, were killed. Over 30 people, including at least 8 children, were injured. According to Ukrainian authorities, no radioactive radiation was released during the attack.
13:30 Mölling: Attack on NATO Territory Will Be More Risky for RussiaThe planned deployment of US intermediate-range missiles in Germany will change Moscow's military calculations, according to security expert Christian Mölling. "It will simply become more expensive or riskier for Russia to attack NATO territory," Mölling, the research director of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, told the "Stern" podcast "Die Lage." Although it had been clear since 2023 that we needed these weapons, everyone had "fallen asleep again," and once again, the Americans had to come to the Europeans' aid. Mölling also commented on reports of assassination plans against the CEO of Rheinmetall and spoke of "state terrorism" against Germany.
13:14 Germany Plans Massive Troop Deployments in War ScenarioIn the event of a potential escalation along the NATO eastern flank, Germany and the Bundeswehr are planning to deploy hundreds of thousands of soldiers from NATO member states through Germany. According to the "Spiegel," the plans involve moving approximately 800,000 soldiers and 200,000 vehicles from North Sea ports in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany to the east within three to six months. The column would be about 13,000 kilometers long. The preparations are part of the secret Operationsplan Deutschland, which the Bundeswehr has developed to make Germany militarily ready.
12:21 Kremlin dismisses allegations of a murder plot against Rheinmetall CEO Papperger as "fake news"Russia dismisses reports of a planned assassination attempt on Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger as false, according to the Presidial Office in Moscow. The reports are based on anonymous sources and should not be taken seriously, the office stated. CNN reported on Thursday that the US and Germany had thwarted an early-year plot by Russia to assassinate Papperger. German Bundestag MP Reinhard Houben is now calling for a special session of the BundesSicherheitsrat. If the CNN report is true, the German government must take clear consequences, Houben said. Planned attacks on German citizens in Germany would represent "a new quality of escalation".
12:05 "For the new era": China holds joint military exercises with RussiaChina is holding joint military exercises with Russia, according to Chinese statements. The exercises, named "Joint Sea-2024," began in early July and are scheduled to last until mid-month, the Chinese Defense Ministry announced. The exercises are taking place in the sea and airspace near the city of Zhanjiang in the southern province of Guangdong. The ministry stated that the joint exercises aim to "demonstrate the determination and capability of both sides to deal with threats to maritime security and maintain global and regional peace and stability." They also aim to "deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia for the new era."
11:47 Kiev to bring artillery shelling of children's clinic to International Criminal CourtThe Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office intends to bring the alleged Russian artillery shelling of a children's hospital in Kiev to the International Criminal Court (ICC). "Cases like the deliberate attack on the largest children's hospital in Kiev should end up at the ICC," said Andrij Kostin. Russia denies responsibility for the shelling and blames it on a Ukrainian missile defense system malfunction. Experts dispute this. They argue that a missile defense system rocket would have caused numerous small craters or depressions at the impact site, rather than a half-collapsed building as seen in Kiev.
11:14 Ukrainian Jaguar Brigade: "Wonder of technology" capturedThe Ukrainian 68th Separate Jaguar Brigade reports on social media about the capture of a modern T90-Proryv tank. This is the latest version from the T90 series and is one of the most advanced combat tanks in the Russian armed forces, along with the T-14. The Ukrainian brigade describes it as "a wonder of technology." The captured model is said to be in a nearly functional state. The soldiers' claims cannot be independently verified, but they have published numerous photos. The soldiers also report the capture of a T-80 combat tank and a BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle. Their plans include using the three vehicles against Russian invaders.
10:52 Interior Ministry sees "significantly increased threat from Russian aggression"
In light of reports about attack plans against Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasizes the determination of German security agencies. "We do not comment on individual threatening incidents," the SPD politician said. "We take the significantly increased threat from Russian aggression very seriously." Russian President Vladimir Putin aims to undermine support for Ukraine, according to Faeser. "But we will not be intimidated." Security measures have been significantly increased in response to Russian threats over the past two years. "The threats range from espionage, sabotage and cyberattacks to state terrorism."
10:27 "US election is the biggest risk factor for Ukraine"
NATO announces that Ukraine will join the military alliance - after the end of the war. This seems to neither bring euphoria nor hope in Ukraine. The NATO rhetoric repeats itself, the promises have become known to the Ukrainians, so journalist Denis Trubetskoy.
10:03 HUR: Russian deep-sea vessel damaged
A modernized Russian deep-sea vessel is reportedly damaged in European North Sea tests, according to Ukrainian reports. The Ukrainian military intelligence service HUR reports that the crew lost control during the launch of AS-36 on July 1. "As a result of the incident, the Russian deep-sea vessel suffered damages that prevent it from continuing the tests," it says on Telegram. Russia is currently assessing the damage and the time required for repairs.
09:32 Russian "troll army" spread propaganda for the AfD before EU election
Anonymous sources reportedly attempted to influence the EU election through covert social media campaigns, according to a report by "Spiegel." An analysis by the private research institute Trollrensics, which evaluated the activities of so-called troll armies in Europe on behalf of the Dutch Social Democrats, revealed that in Germany, the AfD profited most from the covert support. According to the analysis, a large volume of posts promoting the AfD during the EU election on the platform X was disseminated by a small group that used thousands of accounts. The analysts believe that the network is apparently controlled from Russia.
09:04 Increase in GPS disturbances - ISW reports increasingly intense hybrid campaign from Moscow
Finnish authorities report an increase in GPS disturbances in the past week. Most of the disturbances are believed to have originated from GPS and radar in the air and maritime traffic from Russia, according to the Institute for the Study of War. A Finnish lighthouse keeper reported on X that he experienced severe GPS and radar disturbances while guiding boats near Kotka and Hamina on the Finnish south coast. The GPS was unavailable for approximately 90 percent of the route between the Orrengrund Lighthouse Station and Hamina Harbor. This aligns with reports of Russian GPS disturbances in the Baltic states and other European regions, according to the ISW. It is likely that the Russians from the Kaliningrad region also disrupted the GPS of a British Defense Minister's aircraft, forcing Finnair to cancel several flights from Finland. The ISW's assessment: "Russia's apparent GPS disturbances are likely part of an intensifying hybrid campaign by Russia, directly targeting NATO countries, to undermine support for Ukraine and NATO unity."
08:37 Kiev: Five Russian cruise missiles intercepted - Russians apparently aim to overload air defense
The Ukrainian Air Force reports intercepting all five Kalibr cruise missiles of the Kh-101 type fired by the Russian military towards Ukraine. Eleven of the 19 drones were also destroyed. The main target of the Russian attack was the city of Starokostyantyniv, where there is an important military airport. The city is located in the Oblast of Khmelnytskyi in western central Ukraine. The eleven drones were intercepted over six regions, including Sumy, Kiev, Khmelnytskyi, and Mykolajiv. The Ukrainian Air Force does not provide information on the fate of the remaining drones. "It is likely that the enemy is copying drone attacks to overload air defense. There is no information on casualties or damages."
08:22 Greens defend stationing plan: It's about protection
Greens Fraktion Vice President Agnieszka Brugger defends the planned deployment of long-range US weapons in Germany in the German public broadcaster. She understands that many people may associate this with the Cold War, says the defense expert. However, these measures are not a contribution to arms race but serve defensive purposes. In the 80s, two power blocs faced each other, neither of which wanted maximum escalation, explained Brugger. Nevertheless, there were many dangerous situations back then. Today, there is a brutal aggressor who is violating international law, has shifted to a war economy, and is waging the most brutal war against Ukraine. The stationing plan is therefore about solidarity and protection, not aggression.
07:53 Shocked over Attack on Children's Clinic: Russian Pilot Leaked Apparent Data of Commanders
A Russian pilot is reportedly suspected of leaking confidential information to the Ukrainian Military Intelligence Service (HUR), contributing to the identification of 30 commanders of the Russian heavy bomber aviation division. According to "Kyiv Independent", this information was obtained from a confidential source within the intelligence service. The Russian pilot, who is said to serve in the 22nd heavy bomber aviation division, reportedly contacted HUR on July 8 following the devastating Russian attack on the children's hospital in Kiev. He was reportedly so shocked by the attack that he made the decision to do this. The pilot is believed to have provided personal information, including photos and other confidential documents, on over 30 Russian commanders.
07:28 Rheinmetall-CEO: Russian Wear-Out War Could Last Forever
Rheinmetall Chairman of the Board Armin Papperger believes that the war in Ukraine could continue for a long time. The ongoing wear-out war harms the Russians, but it can last forever, he said in an interview with the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung". Papperger also expects sustained growth for the Düsseldorf-based defense conglomerate. The sales are projected to increase by 40% this year.
07:05 An Alleged Assassination Plot against Rheinmetall-CEO? Suspected Russian Agents Reportedly Already in the EU
The danger to Rheinmetall-CEO Armin Papperger from alleged assassination plans was reportedly more concrete than previously known. According to information from the "Spiegel" from security circles, Western intelligence services observed suspicious travels of suspected agents in recent months. These men were reportedly from countries of the former Soviet Union, at least one from Russia. Some were already in the Schengen Area, while others had planned to enter. Suspicious individuals were reportedly detected both near the Rheinmetall headquarters and at Papperger's travel destinations abroad. Senior officials suspect that they could have been "proxies" of Russian intelligence services – individuals hired by Moscow.
06:49 Heusgen: Berlin Underestimates the Situation
The head of the Munich Security Conference, Christoph Heusgen, criticizes the majority of the German government for their communication on the Ukraine war. "In Germany, the Defense Minister speaks frankly about the need to prepare for war. But most of his cabinet colleagues still underestimate the seriousness of the situation," he lamented. Putin reportedly aims to restore the old Soviet Union. "Here, it's still being downplayed a bit," Heusgen said. "People need to be given a clear and honest account of what Russia has broken in treaties, how Russia is rearming, and that Russia has nuclear-capable missiles stationed in Kaliningrad that can reach Germany."
06:22 Spionage for Russia: Australian Couple ArrestedTwo Australian citizens of Russian descent have been arrested in Australia on espionage charges. The 40 and 62-year-old couple are accused of obtaining material from the Australian military to give to Russian authorities, according to the Australian Federal Police. One of them is a soldier in the Australian military. The Australian authorities accuse the couple of preparing a spy offense, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
05:55 Alarm after Report on Murder Plans: "Putin Regime Threatens German Citizens"A CNN report on alleged Russian assassination plans against Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger has caused alarm in Germany. "It shows once again that Russia is bringing its war and terror to Europe," says the chairman of the Defense Committee, Marcus Faber of the FDP, in an interview with the "Bild" newspaper. "The Putin regime is now also threatening German citizens." The chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Michael Roth of the SPD, tells the paper that Putin is not only waging a war of annihilation against Ukraine but also against its supporters and our values. US intelligence services, according to CNN, discovered plans of the Russian government to assassinate Papperger at the beginning of the year. The German side was informed, and the 61-year-old was reportedly given special protection as a result.
05:18 Hungary Accuses NATO Allies of Hypocrisy, FailureThe Hungarian government accuses its NATO allies of hypocrisy and failure in dealing with Russia's aggression against Ukraine at the end of the NATO summit in Washington. "We will continue to advocate for dialogue and diplomatic channels, as the current strategy of the last two and a half years has been a total failure," says Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, according to a spokesperson in a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Szijjarto represented Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who left the summit early to meet former US President Donald Trump in Florida.
04:35 Britain Calls on NATO Allies to Increase Defense EffortsBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces a plan for his government to increase defense spending to 2.5% of Gross Domestic Product at the NATO summit in Washington. At the same time, he calls on other allies to increase their defense spending as well. According to Starmer, 23 of the 32 NATO members currently spend less than 2% of their GDP on defense in the face of serious security threats.
03:30 Biden: I Would Talk to Putin if He Was Open to ChangeUS President Joe Biden currently sees no point in talking to Kremlin chief Putin. In general, he is willing to talk to any state or government leader - including Chinese State and Party Chief Xi Jinping, Biden emphasized in a press conference following the NATO summit. This also applies if Putin calls him. "I'm saying I'm willing to talk to anyone, but I don't see any willingness on his part," Biden said. Putin must be willing to change his behavior.
02:32 Building of new NATO-Ukraine Command in Wiesbaden beginsIn Wiesbaden, the construction of the new NATO-Ukraine Command for coordinating weapons deliveries and training activities for the Ukrainian forces starts today. However, the supreme allied commander Europe is expected to still need several months to set up the command so that it can take on all planned tasks, NATO representatives stated on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Washington. In the meantime, US military forces will continue to assume coordination responsibilities. The deployment is also seen as a precaution for the possible return of Donald Trump to the US presidency in January 2025.
01:58 Scholz rejects unlimited weapons engagement against RussiaGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's call for lifting all restrictions on the use of Western weapons against Russian territory. "Nobody intends to change the existing guidelines and regulations - for good reasons", says the SPD politician at the end of the NATO summit. We want to support Ukraine as much as possible, but prevent the war from escalating into a war between Russia and NATO, Scholz added. Zelenskyy is primarily concerned about military bases in Russian territory from which rocket attacks on Ukraine originate. More than 40 civilians, including children, were killed in attacks on Ukrainian cities on Monday.
01:25 Scholz on attack report: Aware of Russian threatsIn connection with a media report about Russian threats against Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, Chancellor Olaf Scholz referred to Russian threats. "I won't say anything about that in detail", Scholz said at the NATO summit in Washington. "But I'd be happy to tell you that we are already very well aware that we are exposed to multiple threats from Russian activities."
00:40 UN calls on Russia to withdraw from Zaporizhzhia NPPThe United Nations General Assembly calls on Russia to withdraw its military and other non-authorized personnel from the Ukrainian Zaporizhzhia NPP. Russia should restore the facility to full control of Ukrainian authorities, according to a UN resolution passed with 99 yes votes, nine no votes, and 60 abstentions. The Zaporizhzhia NPP, Europe's largest, was seized by Russia shortly after its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Although it has been shut down, it requires external energy to keep the nuclear material cool and prevent a nuclear meltdown.
23:36 Pistorius expects correction in budget 2025Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is convinced that there will be adjustments in favor of the defense budget in the 2025 budget draft. "I assume that further talks will lead to changes", says the SPD politician in the ARD. He will not stop advocating for the Bundeswehr to be equipped so that it can fulfill its mission.
22:46 Kremlin: "On the best way to a Cold War"The Kremlin criticizes the planned stationing of US long-range weapons in Germany as a return to the Cold War. "We are on the best way to a Cold War. All of this has happened before," says Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov to Russian state television. Peskow accuses Germany, the US, France, and Britain of directly involvement in the conflict in Ukraine. "And all the features of the Cold War are returning - with confrontation, with direct confrontation between enemies," he says. "All of this is being done to undermine our country. All of this is being done to ensure our strategic defeat on the battlefield," emphasizes Peskow. However, during the Cold War, there was peace in Europe. Russia began its war against Ukraine in 2014, which it expanded massively in 2022.
21:34 Zelenskyy: Demands for western weapons restrictions to endUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy demands the lifting of all restrictions on the use of western weapons against Russian territory at the NATO summit in Washington. "If we want to win and save our country, then all these restrictions must be lifted," emphasizes the Ukrainian leader. The main issue is military bases in the Russian hinterland from which rocket attacks are launched. "If they attack us and kill our children, it's crazy to ask why we can't attack this military base," says Zelenskyy.
20:58 US announces further aid package with Patriot systemUS President Joe Biden announces another aid package for Ukraine worth $225 million. Part of the package includes a Patriot system, which is intended to strengthen the Ukrainian air defense against Russian air raids. The package also includes NASAMS missile defense systems, multiple rocket launchers of the HIMARS type, and artillery ammunition with calibers of 155 and 105 millimeters, according to the US government. The weapons come from US military stocks.
20:19 Stoltenberg accuses Russia of intimidation campaignNATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg reports on a Russian campaign of hostile actions against the Alliance. It is intended to intimidate NATO members and prevent them from supporting Ukraine. However, this approach has had the opposite effect, says Stoltenberg at the NATO summit in Washington.
You can read about all previous developmentshere..
- Despite the low chances of a peace deal between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, FDP defense expert Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann calls for the delivery of Tomahawks to Ukraine, stating that Europe is closing a security gap by doing so.
- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen characterizes the western response to Russia's hybrid warfare against Ukraine as "too polite" and suggests that NATO should consider it as an attack on them, instead of treating it as a routine occurrence.
- Russia warns of a dangerous escalation due to the permission given by some NATO countries for Ukraine to attack Russian territory with delivered weapons, calling it a provocation and a new, very dangerous escalation of tensions.
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy's government in Ukraine plans to bring the alleged Russian artillery shelling of a children's clinic in Kiev to the International Criminal Court, accusing Russia of deliberate attacks on civilian targets.
- Allegations of a planned assassination plot against Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger are dismissed by Russia as "fake news," but the German Bundestag MP Reinhard Houben calls for a special session of the BundesSicherheitsrat if the CNN report is found to be true, as planned attacks on German citizens in Germany would represent "a new quality of escalation."
