At 18:08, a German Iris-T system makes its way to Ukraine.

The German government has made an additional Iris-T-SLM air defense system available to Ukraine. As per "Der Spiegel," this weapon system has arrived in Ukraine. This means that Ukraine, currently under attack from Russia, now has four medium-range Iris-T systems and one short-range Iris-T system at its disposal.

British sources claim that Russia has pulled troops from its African Corps and sent them to the front lines in Kharkiv. In the past few weeks, these units have been deployed alongside regular Russian forces and punitive units during the offensive in Vovchansk in northern Kharkiv, the British Ministry of Defense announced on X. The Russian Ministry of Defense's African Corps was formed in December 2023 and includes over 2,000 regular soldiers and officers, along with experienced mercenaries who had previously served in the Wagner Group. Troops from the Africa Corps were likely previously deployed in Syria, Libya, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The Russian Ministry of Defense is believed to have deployed units to the Ukrainian border in April in preparation for the offensive, according to London. "It is highly likely that Russia is strengthening its war against Ukraine with resources previously allocated to Africa."

As reported by British sources, Putin appears to be signaling his readiness for a ceasefire. Military expert Ralph Thiele suggests that negotiations on this are not only in Ukraine's hands and points out that the signal from Moscow could potentially divide the West.

Russian jammers are preventing many of Ukraine's relatively new long-range glide bombs from hitting their intended targets, according to three individuals familiar with the issue. The glide bomb has a range of up to 100 miles (approx. 160 kilometers). The navigation system, which avoids obstacles like mountains and known air defense systems, has been disrupted. Although Boeing claimed that the system could fend off some jamming signals, one of the sources suggests that Boeing would need several months to fix the problem, as per the report.

Scholz reaffirms his stance on not delivering Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. The German Chancellor does not want to risk an escalation of the war in Ukraine into a war between Russia and NATO. Germany has been the second-largest supporter of Ukraine globally, having provided or pledged 28 billion euros worth of weapons. Germany has already given two Patriot systems to Ukraine and plans to deliver another one, which Scholz views as necessary for other states to help Ukraine as well. "We have really pushed the envelope as far as we can," said Scholz at the democracy festival in Berlin. "The responsibility is: we are supporting Ukraine in its fight for defense, but preventing the war from escalating into a war between Russia and NATO." In Scholz's opinion, delivering a weapon that can reach 500 kilometers while being so precise is only justifiable for the country delivering it if "we determine and define the targets ourselves," which is not possible without being part of the conflict.

In the Kharkiv region, Russia abruptly interrupted the Starlink satellite service shortly before launching an offensive. This was reported by the New York Times, citing the Ukrainian military. Starlink, operated by Elon Musk's company SpaceX, has been critical to Ukraine's defenses since the start of the Russian war of aggression. The Ukrainians noticed the interference in the Starlink signal just before Russian troops crossed Ukraine's northern border. The disruption in communications forced them to switch to text messages.

Erwin Sellering, the previous President of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, has recently stepped down as the Chairman of the Board for their state's climate protection foundation. This foundation has been mired in controversy due to its connections with Nord Stream II. Sellering declared in a statement that the board had successfully defended the foundation against all attacks and efforts to dismantle it. With no genuine intentions for further attacks, he decided to retire early. This climate foundation was established in the beginning of this year along with the added purpose of assisting the completion of the Nord Stream 2 Baltic Sea pipeline. It accomplished this through covert agreements as companies building the pipeline faced impending US sanctions. The Nord Stream 2 consortium financed the foundation with €20 million. Post the inception of Russia's war against Ukraine, the state administration in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, under Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig, attempted to dismantle the foundation with the collaboration of the state parliament. The foundation resisted this extensively.

Leading democratic powers are still debating the utilization of the frozen funds from Russia’s central bank for supporting Ukraine. Proposing a better alternative, Germany's Finance Minister, Christian Lindner, hinted at continuing utilization of the interest income from these assets towards Ukraine's funding. Speaking at the G7 finance ministers meeting in Italy, he emphasized Germnay's readiness to take new steps but only if they were "free from any legal disadvantages or economic risks". The Europeans displayed an agreement to intently review the American proposition. As per current circumstances, negotiations are still a while away. In their recent decision, the EU states agreed to utilize the interest income from Russia's central bank's assets frozen within the EU to fund military aid for Ukraine. The USA, however, believes that this is too cautious. They've recommended that the G7 could extend Ukraine a large loan secured by the interest income, earning them higher funding than the EU's proposed amount of three billion. German's Lindner emphasizes that the details of guarantees and risks are still under consideration.

Ukraine claims to have stopped a Russian ground offensive in Kharkiv. As circulated by the Ukrainian Army via online media, they have prevented the Russian troops from advancing in the eastern region of Kharkiv. A representative of the General Staff described the situation as "difficult, but stable and under control". Army Chief Oleksandr Syrskyj had previously stated that the Russian Army's advances in this region had stalled. In street battles around the border town of Vovchansk, the Russian troops had "completely become tangled and suffered heavy losses among the attacking units", Syrskyj emphasized. Russia is presently deploying reserves from other areas in an attempt to capture the city, but has met no progress, Syrskyj reinstates.

Germany has delivered more Leopard tanks and other equipment to Ukraine. The German government shared an update on the military aid sent, noting the transfer of 40 Leopard 1 A5 main battle tanks, 100 Marder infantry fighting vehicles with ammunition and spare parts from Bundeswehr and industrial stocks, as well as 18 Wiesel OLD and Leopard 2 A6 main battle tanks with ammunition and spare parts. Additional types of vehicles like Dingo transportation trucks, multi-purpose vehicles, and armored transporters were also provided. Per the report, Germany has provided Ukraine with approximately €28 billion in military aid. Here's a detailed summary of the latest equipment compared to last week's updates.

Estonia has summoned the Russian chargé d'affaires in Tallinn, following a border incident. During the meeting, the diplomat was informed that the removal of buoys marking the fairway in the border river Narva was "provocative and unacceptable", as shared by Estonian Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna. The government is demanding an explanation for the uprooting of the border indicators and their immediate return. On Thursday night, Russian border guards removed 24 buoys established in the border river Narva, utilized by Estonia to demarcate the shipping route. The Narva serves as the borderline between Estonia and Russia and marks the eastern boundary of the EU and NATO.

13:49 Ukrainian army leader: Russian forces stumble in Kharkiv region near VovchanskOleksandr Syrskyj, chief of the Ukrainian army, stated that the Russian military is struggling in their push towards Vovchansk, a town in northeastern Ukraine's Kharkiv region. In street fights along the border, Russian troops have been held back and have suffered heavy losses, Syrskyj claimed on social media. Moscow has deployed additional forces from various areas to take Vovchansk, yet without any success, he added. A location approximately five kilometers from the Russian border, Vovchansk serves as the focal point for the recent ground offensive launched by Russia two weeks prior. The Russian military has seen their biggest territorial gains since the end of 2022.

13:17 Baerbock cautions Russia against attacks on western borderForeign Minister Annalena Baerbock has issued a warning to Russia against hostile actions on its western borders. In a message on Platform X, she remarked that Russia is inventing a "fire" on European Union borders. Baerbock highlighted her solidarity with allies in Estonia, Finland, and Lithuania, saying, "We will not tolerate this aggressive behavior." She also pointed out, "We stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners in the Baltic nations and the Baltic Sea." Recently, reports surfaced that navigation markers disappeared along the Narva River between Estonia and Russia.

12:52 Arrest in Romania suspected of serving as Russian spyA Romanian citizen has been arrested on suspicion of spying for Russia, according to Bucharest's public prosecutor office. This person had taken photographs and surveilled military facilities and troop transport belonging to the Romanian army and other NATO nations by the city of Tulcea on the Romanian border. The individual also sent the compiled information to the Russian embassy in Bucharest. This case is being investigated by DIICOT, the specialist unit responsible for organized crime and terrorism within the Romanian public prosecutor's office, in conjunction with SRI and the army's intelligence service. During the investigation, several pieces of evidence have been found in the suspect's home by authorities.

12:22 Putin allegedly considering ceasefire with current frontlineAccording to four people knowledgeable of discussions with Putin's circle, the Russian president is allegedly open to accepting a ceasefire deal that preserves the current frontline. "Putin can fight for as long as needed," these sources revealed to Reuters. "However, Putin is also open to a ceasefire - to pause the conflict." It is reported that he expressed frustration towards what he perceived as Western efforts to hinder negotiations during these meetings. Putin has frequently espoused his eagerness to negotiate, only to later qualify it in the context of a later interview, stating, "We are not open to talks based on some kind of 'pipe-dream' mindset associated with taking hallucinogenic substances, but we are ready for interpersonal discussion that reflects the reality on the ground."

11:51 NATO country procures $293 million in artillery ammunition from RheinmetallRheinmetall, an arms manufacturer, has secured a significant artillery ammunition order from a NATO member state, valued at nearly $293 million. The order consists of tens of thousands of artillery shells and hundreds of thousands of propellant charge modules. The deliveries are set to take place between 2024 and 2028. Rheinmetall attributes these and other large orders to the need to replenish ammunition stocks as a result of the war in Ukraine.

11:20 ISW: Moscow's Ministry of Defense corruption crackdown possibly a cover-upThe Institute for the Study of War has asserted that corruption allegations in the Russian Ministry of Defense are likely a pretext for a series of purges. The think tank shared that it is "probable that the Kremlin is using the corruption allegations against high-ranking officials as a cover to mask the real reasons behind the removal of certain disgraced individuals from the Ministry of Defense." It is speculated that the Kremlin will continue this dismissal process and has even received support from military bloggers. A Russian insider source noted that six other ministry officials may resign in response to their boss Sergei Shoigu's firing. These military enthusiasts praised the purges as part of an ongoing effort to rid the Defense Ministry of corrupt officials. The Kremlin's permissive stance on critiques of the ministry is believed to assist the image of new Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, who is seen as enacting change where Shoigu failed.

" source: https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/plus2173034470841/War-on-the-ground-Meldungen-aus-Ukraine-wuerdevogel.html

10:45 Orban Convinced: No Russian Attack on NATO States

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban expressed his belief that there's no threat of a Russian attack on any NATO member state. During an interview with the public broadcaster, he said, "The Russian military is waging a fierce and challenging war against the Ukrainians." He added, "If the Russians were powerful enough to eliminate the Ukrainians instantly, they would have done so by now." NATO's military capabilities are far beyond Ukraine's, making it unlikely for Russia or any other country to launch an attack on NATO. "It doesn't make sense that Russia, weak enough to be bogged down in Ukraine, would suddenly aim to conquer the entire Western world. The likelihood of that happening is extremely low," said Orban.

10:16 First Time Russia Accuses IS for Moscow Terror Attack

Russia has linked the terrorist attack that occurred near Moscow to the Islamic State (IS) militia for the first time. Alexander Bortnikov, the director of Russia's domestic intelligence service FSB, announced that the preparations, financing, attack, and retreat of the terrorists were coordinated through the internet by members of the Khorasan Province group, the Afghan branch of IS. IS has repeatedly claimed responsibility for the attack that took place on March 22, resulting in over 140 deaths and 360 injuries. Moscow has made attempts to link Ukraine to the attack, but Kiev continuously rejects the accusations. Bortnikov stated without providing any apparent links, "The investigation is still ongoing, but we can already say with certainty that Ukrainian military intelligence is directly involved in the attack."

09:55 "No Forward or Back in Vovchansk"

The city of Kharkiv has been targeted by heavy artillery for weeks, and Russian attacks are still causing sirens to wail. At present, the situation is dire for the residents of Vovchansk, as reported by ntv correspondent Stephan Richter. In a striking metaphor, Richter described the city as being "at the worst possible stage" with no clear direction.

09:29 Almost 500,000: Ukraine's New Russian Casualty Figures

As per the Ukrainian military, the number of Russians killed in the ongoing conflict will soon surpass 500,000. Since the initiation of the full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, Russia has allegedly lost 498,940 soldiers in Ukraine. The death toll in the past 24 hours includes 1,240 Russian armed force soldiers. The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported that Russia has also lost 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 Under Attack: No Casualties This Time

Kharkiv, a city in eastern Ukraine that has been a target of Russian air strikes, was hit by two glide bombs during the night. There were no casualties this time, despite the damage to several residential buildings and one uninhabited building. Mayor Ihor Terekhov shared this news on Telegram. The day before, seven people were reported killed in Kharkiv due to Russian fire. The total number of converted S-300 or S-400 anti-aircraft missiles fell over Kharkiv and its vicinity numbered around 15 units. Among the casualties was one of the largest printing houses for literature in Ukraine. Renowned Ukrainian writer Serhij Zhadan commented on Facebook, "The Ukrainian book is the Ukrainian strength. That's why the enemy wants to destroy it."

08:26 FSB Chief: Ukraine Directly Involved in Moscow Terror Attack

The FSB Head, Alexander Bortnikov, has accused Ukraine's military intelligence service of being directly involved in the deadly terrorist attack on a concert hall near Moscow in March. This statement comes even though the investigation is still ongoing, as quoted by the state news agency Tass. Russia has previously blamed Ukraine for the attack, which Ukraine vehemently denies. Bortnikov provided no evidence for his claim. He also accused NATO of facilitating the transfer of "mercenaries and militant members of international terrorist organizations from the Middle East, North Africa, and Afghanistan to Ukraine" in order to fight against the Russian troops in Ukraine. IS claimed responsibility for the attack on the concert hall, resulting in over 140 deaths.

08:02 "Huge Damage" After Attacks on Crimea

Ukraine claimed that a Russian communications center in the Crimean city of Alushta sustained "significant damage to equipment" due to a missile attack. Ukrainian sources, including the pro-Ukrainian group Atesh and the Crimean Wind telegram channel, provided the update. According to Crimean Wind, the area was hit by at least six ATACMS missiles provided by the USA. The facility where "high-ranking military personnel were currently staying" was also affected. There have been no reports of casualties.

07:27 Russian commentator criticizes Russian people: "Living and dying as idiots for generations"

Russian publicist and former Duma member Alexander Nevzorov is blunt about his countrymen. Just like with pugs, chimpanzees, or circus animals, individuals typically keep all the skills they're taught until they pass away. "The desire for war, signs of decay, patriotism, and other abnormalities hammered into them by Russian propaganda won't vanish just like that," states the renowned critic of the Kremlin, who has been sentenced in absentia to years in prison and now possesses a Ukrainian passport. "Russians are doomed to live and die as idiots for at least a few generations." Even the demise of Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin won't change their minds.

07:03 Scholz supports initiatives to strengthen European defense: "No EU nuclear weapons"

Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz supports French President Emmanuel Macron's plans to boost European defense capabilities - including nuclear capabilities. "We need to discuss how to acquire the right combination of capabilities to defend Europe and dissuade any aggressors," writes Scholz for The Economist. Besides nuclear deterrence, this entails robust conventional armed forces, air and missile defense, and cyber, space, and precision strike capabilities. In these areas, the intention is to enhance the European defense industry through investments. "We must fortify the European pillar of our deterrence." Nonetheless, Scholz stresses, "to clarify: there won't be any 'EU nuclear weapons,'" penned by the SPD politician. This is "unrealistic."

06:38 Controversial agent law: Washington imposes additional sanctions on Georgia

A controversial law on "foreign influence operations" in Georgia has prompted the United States to impose new visa restrictions and assess relations with the country. The new guidelines would apply to those "responsible for or involved in undermining democracy in Georgia, along with their family members," asserted US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The US would also conduct a "comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation between the United States and Georgia." The United States continues to desire that the Georgian government reconsiders the law and advances the country's "democratic and Euro-Atlantic aspirations."

06:29 Estonia aids children in war-torn regionsThe Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will contribute more than 650,000 euros in humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. The aid will primarily benefit the educational system in conflict zones, as well as assist children who have been impacted by the war. Portions of the aid will be handled by the Estonian NGO Eesti Pagulasabi, which will aim to improve living conditions in vulnerable regions and aid Ukrainian refugees in Georgia. Furthermore, the NGO Mondo will utilize a portion of the funds to organize summer camps and provide psychological assistance to children in Zaporizhzhya.

05:57 Goals for the Russian military: Control of Vovchansk and more cities

Russian troops intend to seize more than half of the territory of the border town of Vovchansk in the Ukrainian region of Kharkiv, according to Russian parliamentary deputy Viktor Vodolatsky. He also stated that the cities of Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, and Pokrovsk are Russia's next significant objectives. Capturing Vovchansk will pave the way for Russia's advance on these cities.

05:29 Putin visits Belarus for security talksRussian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Belarus for consultations with his counterpart Alexander Lukashenko on the subject of security and military exercises involving tactical nuclear weapons. "There's much to discuss. Everything is stable and going well for us," Putin is quoted as saying.

04:33 South Korea implements sanctions against North Koreans and Russian ships

South Korea slaps sanctions on seven North Korean individuals and two Russian vessels in connection with the arms trade between Pyongyang and Moscow. This information was disclosed by the South Korean Foreign Ministry.

03:39 United States prepares $275 million in military aid for UkraineThe United States is preparing $275 million worth of military aid for Ukraine. The armaments slated for acquisition include artillery shells, precision-guided munitions, and vehicles. The support will be provided under the Presidential Drawdown Authority, which authorizes President Joe Biden to act during emergencies without congressional approval.

02:34 China and Brazil steer clear of Ukraine peace conference plansBrazil and China are distancing themselves from the international peace conference on Ukraine proposed in Switzerland, where Russia has not been invited. 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 urge Russia and Ukraine to engage in peace talks. A fulfilling peace conference, recognized by both Russia and Ukraine, should feature all parties' involvement, asserted the pair.

01:31 Bulgaria holds consultations with NATO alliesBulgaria is holding consultations with its NATO allies to discuss the security situation in the region. The consultations will focus on the potential impacts of a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine on Bulgaria, Romania, and other nearby countries.

00:28 Greece announces aid for UkraineThe Greek government will provide Ukraine with one million euros in humanitarian assistance. The funds will be utilized to provide support for Ukrainian families, with a strong focus on children.

00:05 Kudelnko: "Europe will come out on the other side of the Russian invasion stronger and more united"

According to Ukrainian MP and former Minister of Defense Andriy Kudelnko, Europe will emerge from the Russian invasion fortified and more united than before. In a recent interview with Ukrinform, Kudelnko said, "At the moment, Europe is faced with multiple challenges: the Russian war in Ukraine, which has already lasted for almost nine years, the instability in Belarus, and the ongoing confrontation with a dictatorship in Minsk." However, he believes these difficulties will bring Europe closer together. "We will come out of this stronger and more united."

A Russian court in Moscow has convicted a man of 36 years old to 25 years in prison on charges of sabotage and membership in a militant unit that fights for Ukraine. The public prosecutor's office asserted the steep prison term as it imposed on this individual, Vladimir Malina, for acts of terrorism, high treason, and sabotage. It was established that Malina, who is a barman from Moscow, was a member of the "Legion for the Freedom of Russia", a group of Russians fighting for Ukraine. Last year, Malina burnt down a railroad control box and strategized sabotage acts. He was apprehended in June.

As the Russian War rages on, Poland and Greece are urging the European Union to create a comprehensive air defense shield to secure the safety of European nations. In a joint letter to the head of EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, both Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated, "Europe will remain secure only if its skies are secure." They consider the air defense shield as a necessary venture that addresses the "elevated vulnerability of our security."

At the shores of Crimea, possibly a serious attack is occurring. A video clip capturing what seems to be explosions on the Crimean coast in the village of Alushta is circulating, with suspicions that Ukraine may be utilizing the ATACMS missiles furnished by the US in recent weeks to bombard targets on the Island. Regrettably, there is no definitive confirmation of these occurrences. Additionally, the Russian air defense system appears to be responding to the potential threat, as can be ascertained from the video. Crimea's governor, Sergei Aksyonov, who was installed by the Russian occupiers, confirms on Telegram the incidence of missile assaults on Simferopol and Alushta, resulting in two casualties and a hit on an unoccupied commercial building. However, Russia typically dismisses Ukrainian attacks or professes to have repulsed all such attempts. Ukraine has been escalating its targeting of Russian air defense systems and radars. Some speculate that this is the situation in this instance as well.

A trend of arrests among high-ranking military administration continues, as pro-Russian sources reveal the apprehension of Vladimir Verteletsky, the head of the Russian Ministry of Defense's division for guaranteeing the state's defense order. Again, there are suspicions of him committing fraud. This arrest is the most recent in a series of detentions of high-ranking military officials, including Vadim Shamarin, the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces. He was the fourth senior military official captured since April. For comprehensive coverage of earlier developments, click here.