At 20:05, Zelenskyy endorses Chief Commander Syrsky
19:19 Russians Lament Over Internet Disruptions - Ukrainian Cyberattack Suspected
Ukrainian cyber soldiers, allegedly from the military intelligence, are believed to have executed a large-scale cyber attack on Russian internet providers, as reported by the Ukrainian news source "Kyiv Independent". As per an informant from the military intelligence, a handful of digital platforms in Russian industries were made inaccessible. The latest attack is said to have affected at least 33 servers and 283 office computers in industrial facilities, shut down 21 websites, and annihilated 15 cloud and data storage systems. Ukrainian cyber warriors also reportedly left pro-Ukrainian slogans on the affected digital platforms. Russian users reported issues with telecom company Rostelecom, spotty internet connections with mobile operators MTC and Beeline, and technology giant Yandex and its services. The informant claimed that Russian platforms targeted by the cyber attack backed and financed Russia's conflict against Ukraine.
18:31 Lukashenko Extends "Affection and Respect" Towards Ukrainians in Sardonic Salutation
Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko decided to send his greetings to the Ukrainian people on their Independence Day, despite deploying a significant chunk of his army to Ukraine's border. In a message sent on Pul Pervogo, a state-controlled Telegram channel, Lukashenko stated that "Belarusian land has always been affectionate towards the hardworking and cordial Ukrainian people." He added that "our shared heritage, family ties, and mutual desire to be friends and live in harmony with our neighbors link us." Lukashenko further asserted, "I am confident that peace-speak is not only feasible but also mandatory today, for the well-being of the current and future generations of Slavic people. There is no other alternative. Belarus will continue to do whatever it takes to ensure regional security as soon as possible."
17:49 Scholz and Zelenskyy Discuss Matters by Phone and Make a Promise
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Germany's "unwavering loyalty" in a telephone conversation. According to government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit, Scholz spoke with Zelenskyy on Ukraine's Independence Day regarding "the military and humanitarian situation in Ukraine." The Chancellor reaffirmed Germany's ongoing and unwavering loyalty to Ukraine in the face of Russia's continued aggression, as per Hebestreit. Zelenskyy thanked the German government for the continuous military aid, particularly in air defense. "Both agreed on the significance of the Swiss summit process and discussed its continuation," Hebestreit added, referring to the Ukraine conference in Switzerland in mid-June.
17:02 Putin's Popularity Among Russians Dips After Kharkiv Offensive
A survey conducted by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center shows a decline in approval ratings and trust in Russian President Vladimir Putin following the Kharkiv offensive by Ukrainian forces. Meduza, a Russian media outlet based in Latvia, shares this information, citing the research organization Agentstvo. Meduza reports that, according to the Russian Public Opinion Research Center's website, Putin's approval rating decreased by 3.5 percent compared to the previous week, reaching 73.6 percent, and trust in him decreased by 2.6 percent to 78.2 percent. This is the most significant decline since the onset of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
16:24 London: Kremlin's Talk of Negotiations is Just Lip Service
The British Defense Intelligence Division reports that despite high-ranking Russian officials claiming they are open to negotiations, other statements confirm that Russia remains determined to achieve the Kremlin's original objectives for Ukraine. The British Defense Ministry cites a statement made by Dmitry Rogozin, a former Russian Deputy Prime Minister and "senator" from the occupied region of Saporizhzhia, who gloated about destroying Ukrainian literature. Rogozin advocates for everything "Ukrainian to be eradicated at the root" and says that any ceasefire with Ukraine would mean "certain death for our children." "These statements are the latest in a series of pro-Ukrainian sentiments expressed by high-ranking Russian officials that undermine and threaten Ukrainian identity and culture," the British Defense Intelligence notes in its report. It is likely that many within the Russian government champion maximalist objectives for the conflict, including the eradication of Ukrainian culture, identity, and statehood, it continues. "Even with the alleged Russian willingness to negotiate, which President's spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on July 1, 2024," the report concludes.
15:50 Zelensky: Ukraine Utilizes New Drone Missile for the First Time
The Ukrainian military has retaliated against the Russians for the first time using a new weapon, the Palianytsia drone missile, as reported by President Volodymyr Zelensky during Independence Day celebrations. "This is a new method of retaliation against the aggressor. The enemy has been vanquished. I express my gratitude to everyone who facilitated this success. To all the developers, manufacturers, and our soldiers. I am proud of you," Zelensky declared. It will undoubtedly pose challenges for Russia, and it will be more difficult to precisely pinpoint what the missile or drone has targeted. It is a weapon of "a completely new class."
15:31 Ukrainian Refugees Maintain Claims as Late Repatriates
The German Interior Ministry has declared that displaced Ukrainians will retain their potential return rights as late repatriates. This will be ensured through a relevant decree, announced State Secretary Juliane Seifert of the German Interior Ministry at the "Homeland Day" event of the Association of Expellees (BdV) in Berlin. For refugees from the nation attacked by Russia for over two years, this rule will apply retroactively from the day the conflict started, she added. Even individuals who, due to their war-induced displacement, had previously unsuccessfully applied for late repatriation status, can now assert their claim and reactivate their application - provided they meet the further legal requirements of the German Expellees Act.
14:56 Zelensky Threatens Putin, Russia Could Become 'Buffer State'
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his speech marking the nation's Independence Day, emphasized the people's determination to remain free. "We will not allow the ground to be transformed into a gray zone where the blue and yellow flag (Ukraine's national flag) will continue to fly legally," Zelensky said in his speech. The Ukrainians will pay back the aggressor with all the unpleasantness - in proportion, Zelensky warned. He told Russian President Vladimir Putin that anyone who wishes to turn Ukraine into a buffer zone should be cautious, lest their country becomes a 'buffer state,' referring to the counteroffensive in the Kursk region.
14:28 Russian Attack Kills Five Civilians in Eastern Ukraine
At least five civilians were killed in a Russian attack in eastern Ukraine this morning, according to officials. Emergency services are at the scene in the city of Kostiantynivka, the governor of the Donetsk region, Vadym Fillaschkin, announced on the Telegram platform. He once again urged residents to seek safety. Kostiantynivka is near the front where Russian troops have made gains in recent months and have repeatedly targeted the nearby city of Pokrovsk, a key logistics hub for Ukrainian forces.
14:06 Home of Ukrainian Anarchist Nestor Makhno Damaged in Saporishshia Attack
The historic home and family estate of Ukrainian anarchist fighter Nestor Makhno in Huliaipole was damaged in a Russian attack on the Saporishshia region. The Kyiv Independent newspaper reported this, citing the Ukrainian National Police. The house of the famous 20th-century revolutionary had been turned into a museum. After the Russian attack, the building sustained significant damage. According to the National Police, the Russian military launched 306 attacks on nine frontline settlements in the Saporishshia region last night, damaging or destroying several houses and infrastructure. No civilians were injured or killed.
13:38 115 Ukrainian Soldiers Return from Russian Captivity
115 Ukrainian soldiers have returned from Russian captivity. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced this via Telegram. "We remember each one of them. We are searching and making every effort to bring everyone back," the Ukrainian head of state wrote. He thanked the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for facilitating the prisoner exchange with Moscow. Zelenskyy also published some photos of freed prisoners on Telegram, stating that they include members of the Ukrainian army, national guard, navy, and border guard.
13:25 Prisoner Exchange Between Russia and Ukraine to Happen Today
A further prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine is imminent: 115 prisoners each are set to be exchanged today, according to a representative of the mediating United Arab Emirates (UAE). This would be the first such action since Ukraine launched its offensive inside Russia this month. The state-run Russian news agency RIA confirmed this, citing the Russian Defense Ministry. Russian soldiers captured by Ukraine during its offensive in the Kursk region are reportedly on Belarusian territory. This would be the seventh such exchange mediated by the UAE since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Abu Dhabi, a close security partner of the US, has maintained good relations with Moscow throughout the war, much to the chagrin of Western governments. Meanwhile, relations with Kyiv have also strengthened.
13:16 Polish President Duda and Lithuanian Prime Minister Simonyte Attend Celebrations in Kyiv
Ukraine is celebrating its 33rd Independence Day today. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is receiving Polish President Andrzej Duda and Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte on this occasion. The Ukrainian Presidential Office published several photos from the celebrations in Kyiv:
12:56 Latvia to Provide $126 Million in Military Aid to Ukraine in 2024
Latvia has pledged $126 million (€112 million) in military aid to Ukraine this year and will contribute to expanding the drone coalition initiative. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov wrote this on Facebook. Umerov had previously met with a Latvian delegation led by Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds. "A particularly important topic is strengthening the drone coalition, with Latvia playing one of the leading roles," Umerov said. Latvia will provide Ukraine with thousands of drones to help repel large-scale Russian aggression. According to the Ukrainian defense minister, dozens of countries are already part of the coalition.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has taken a significant stride towards Ukraine's International Criminal Court (ICC) membership by signing a bill ratifying the Rome Statute. This moves Ukraine closer to the EU integration, viewed as a crucial step. Previously, the parliament had given its approval to this move. The ICC has issued international arrest warrants against individuals like Russian President Vladimir Putin.
11:38 "Freedom from Moscow's Influence": Zelensky Signs Bill Outlawing Pro-Kremlin Orthodox ChurchOn Ukraine's Independence Day, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a bill outlawing the pro-Russian Ukrainian Orthodox Church. He emphasized that this step would bolster Ukraine's independence. Published on the Ukrainian Parliament website, the bill was approved by the parliament on Tuesday, banning religious organizations tied to Moscow. Russia criticized the move. The bill sets a deadline for religious organizations to sever ties with Russia. Implementing the law may take years, Zelensky said, addressing the crowd, "Today, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is moving towards freedom from Moscow's influence."
11:02 News: Fire at Russian Ammunition Depot Following Drone StrikeReports suggest Ukraine has bombarded a military target: A Russian ammunition depot in the Voronezh region allegedly faced Ukrainian drone strikes, according to independent news source Astra. The target was a warehouse near the town of Ostrogoshsk, about 100 kilometers south of Voronezh. Though officials have not confirmed it was an ammunition depot, Governor Alexander Gusev declared a state of emergency in three settlements due to the "elimination of the consequences of a fire and the detonation of explosive objects."
10:26 Zelensky: "War Has Returned to Russia"Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the war has "returned to Russia." With its invasion of Ukraine, Russia attempted to "destroy" Ukraine, Zelensky stated in a video message marking his country's Independence Day. Instead, Ukraine is celebrating its 33rd Independence Day. "And what the enemy brought into our land has now returned to its source," Zelensky said. His video message was reportedly filmed in the border region from which Kyiv launched its surprise offensive in Russia on August 6.
09:54 Russia Declares Emergency in Voronezh Region After Nighttime Drone StrikeRussia announced an emergency in part of the Voronezh region bordering Ukraine following a nighttime drone strike. Governor Alexander Gusev announced on Telegram that Russian forces intercepted five drones, but debris falling caused a fire that led to the detonation of explosives. This incident did not harm any civilian buildings, Gusev stressed, but required emergency measures in three settlements. Around 200 people were evacuated, and two women were injured, one of whom was hospitalized.
09:31 Kyiv: 1160 Russian Soldiers "Defeated" in a DayOfficial Kyiv figures show high losses on the Russian side: 1160 Russian soldiers were either killed or incapacitated within a day. According to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, 606,490 Russian soldiers have been "defeated" since the beginning of the war in February 2022. The ministry also reports that the enemy has lost 9 more tanks (8,542 in total) since the invasion began. Ukraine claims to have destroyed or seized over 16,600 armored vehicles and around 14,000 drones. These figures cannot be independently verified, as Moscow keeps silent on its losses in Ukraine.
08:48 Zelensky: "We are gradually pushing the Russian army out of Kharkiv"Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that the Russian army is being driven back from the Kharkiv region. He made this statement in his evening video address following a conversation with the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, General Oleksandr Syrskyi. "Kharkiv is genuinely a heroic city, home to people and life. Since early May, our defense forces have successfully repelled Russian attempts to advance on Kharkiv and destroy our city and the entire Kharkiv region. We are gradually pushing the Russian army out."
08:10 Authorities Report 10 Injured in Russian Shelling of Kherson OblastTen people were injured in Russian shelling in Kherson Oblast yesterday, according to state news agency Ukrinform, citing Oleksandr Prokudin, head of the military administration of Kherson Oblast.
07:54 Russian Rockets Hit Grain Facilities in Sumy OblastRussian rockets struck several grain infrastructure facilities in Sumy Oblast, according to the regional prosecutor's office, as reported by state news agency Ukrinform. Russian troops launched rocket attacks on grain infrastructure yesterday afternoon.
07:29 Reports: Drone Strike Damages Munitions Depot in Russian Voronezh OblastA drone strike last night in Russian Voronezh Oblast caused a fire and the detonation of explosive objects, according to "Kyiv Independent," citing regional governor Aleksandr Gusev. Russian air defense units reportedly shot down several unmanned aerial vehicles over the oblast, with debris causing a fire and explosion at an unnamed location. Russian Telegram channel Astra reported that the explosion occurred at a munitions depot in Ostrogozhsk. In recent months, Ukrainian forces have carried out a series of drone strikes targeting Russia's military infrastructure and oil industry.
06:53 USA Imposes Sanctions on Over 400 Entities for Allegedly Aiding Russia's Conflict in UkraineAccording to the United States Department of State, around 400 organizations and individuals have been hit with sanctions for supposedly backing Russia's battle in Ukraine. Aaron Forsberg, Director of Economic Sanctions Policy at the US Department of State, stated, "Today's actions will hurt Russia where it hurts the most." The measures target various sectors in Russia, including the energy sector, and companies in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. Chinese firms suspected of aiding Moscow in evading Western sanctions and strengthening its military were also included. For example, the import-export department of the Chinese Dalian Machine Tool Group is believed to have supplied Russian firms with dual-use goods worth $4 million. The Chinese Embassy in Washington, through its spokesperson Liu Pengyu, expressed opposition to unilateral sanctions and emphasized the importance of maintaining regular trade between China and Russia.
06:18 Belarus and China Strengthen Cooperation in Security, Finance, and EnergyBelarus and China have agreed to intensify their collaboration in the areas of security, finance, and energy, as reported by the Ukrainian newspaper "Kyiv Independent." The countries aim not only to reinforce their security cooperation but also to strengthen their ties in financial and energy sectors. They also seek to bolster cooperation in industrial supply chains.
04:38 British PM Starmer Vows Long-term Support for Ukraine on Its National DayBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer has promised continuous support to Ukraine on its national day. Starmer told all Ukrainians that, "We are with you today and forever." His message echoed his previous conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where he reiterated England's commitment to Ukraine. According to Starmer, the British government and the entire nation stand behind Ukraine, pledging assistance as long as it is required.
01:29 Norway Gives Ukraine Permission for Grenade Development and FundingNorway has granted Ukraine a license for the development of 155-mm grenades and committed to financing the project. The Norwegian company, Nammo, has agreed with a Ukrainian defense company to license the production of artillery grenades in Norway. "Norway is currently providing ammunition from its own stocks and directly from the industry. Now, Nammo wants to share its plans with Ukraine. This means that the Ukrainian armed forces can be supplied more quickly," said Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.
23:54 Kiesewetter on Incident at NATO Base Geilenkirchen: Potential Target of Russian Hybrid WarFollowing heightened warnings at the NATO airbase in Geilenkirchen and indications of potential Russian drone attacks, German security politicians are calling for increased vigilance. CDU foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter told German newspaper "Tagesspiegel," "We must be aware that Germany has long been a target of Russian hybrid war, and therefore military facilities and especially those important to NATO in Germany are in the focus of potential sabotage and espionage activities." He further stated that the airbase in Geilenkirchen, an essential facility for NATO because of the AWACS early warning and control system, is currently subject to increased security measures.
22:21 Latvia Delivers Largest Drone Package Yet to UkraineLatvia has announced its largest drone delivery to Ukraine to date. According to Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds, 1400 drones manufactured in Latvia are now ready for delivery, completing more than 2700 drone procurements from the Latvian industry. Alongside the UK, Latvia is leading an alliance to supply one million drones to Ukraine, with its members, including Germany, committed to investing in drone production and delivering drones and spare parts to Ukraine.
21:34 Biden Promises New Military Aid to Ukraine, Focusing on Air DefenseUS President Joe Biden has pledged a new military aid package to Ukraine, with a focus on air defense. According to the White House, the package includes air defense missiles, drone defense equipment, anti-tank missiles, and ammunition. Biden reaffirmed the "unwavering support of the United States for the Ukrainian people." Unfortunately, no financial details of the new aid were provided.
21:29 Zelenskyj Urges Delivery of Promised Weapons to Ukraine's Urgent NeedsUkraine is in dire need of external support. President Zelenskyj is urging Ukraine's western allies to deliver the promised weapons packages. "At the front, they are fighting with outdated equipment, not with promises of 'tomorrow' or 'soon'," he said in his evening address. According to Zelenskyj, Ukraine is patiently waiting for packages of weapons or equipment that have been agreed upon but not yet delivered.
20:58 Locals in Kursk Vent Their Frustration: "We're on Our Own" During the ongoing conflict in the Russian region of Kursk's southern sector, frustration is escalating among residents. They feel neglected by authorities they believe have deserted them, disgruntled towards the Ukrainian forces, and even disappointed in their own military. A 28-year-old spoke to the "Moscow Times", expressing her sentiment: "To Russia, we're merely geographical markings. To the Ukrainians, we're allies supporting Putin's reign. Everyone here is fending for themselves." She accuses the authorities of dishonesty and downplaying the necessity for concern. A 32-year-old echoes these sentiments, implying that people fault the Ukrainians for the attack but also query the Russian military's capabilities: "How could they fail to detect the massive troop amassment of Ukrainians at the border?" If there were sympathizers or neutrals for Ukraine earlier, their feelings have now metamorphosed into outright rage, she suggests. A resident of the Kursk region admits, "Ukrainians aren't our pals right now." However, a Red Cross volunteer in Kursk maintains a level-headed attitude, empathizing with Ukraine, referring to them as "merely victims of this situation".
You can find all previous occurrenceshere.
After the large-scale cyber attack on Russian internet providers, Russian officials begin to suspect a form of cyberwar.
In light of the increasing cyber disruptions in their country, Russian authorities call for strengthening their cybersecurity measures in the face of potential cyber attacks.
