At 21:18, the US government declares additional military assistance for Ukraine.
The US is dispatching more military assistance to Ukraine to shield it from Russian aggression. A new package, costing $275 million, includes ammunition for Himars multiple rocket launchers and 155 and 105 millimeter artillery shells, as per the US State Department. This is the fifth installment approved by President Joe Biden since Congress authorized funding of about $61 billion for Kiev at the end of April. This aid has already arrived at the front lines, according to reports. The fresh support will be expeditiously delivered to allow the Ukrainian military to safeguard its nation and protect its people. Since the commencement of Russia's conflict with Ukraine, more than $50 billion in military aid has been provided by the US, as per the Pentagon.
19:20 Soviet-era practice: Russian youths required to undergo military training
This academic year, Russian students must add a new subject to their curriculum: "Fundamentals of Life Safety," a seemingly benign topic that entails learning military skills such as firearm training and wound care.
18:50 "Existing situation": Putin sets terms for Ukrainian negotiations
Almost three years since the Russian attack on Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin once again expresses a desire to negotiate. Nonetheless, he stresses that discussions should not revolve around the return of territories seized in contravention of international law. "There's talk about returning to negotiations," Putin remarked during a trip to alongside Belarus, as per Interfax agency. He then added that discussions must be based "on the realities that have emerged on the ground" (see also 12:22 entry). At present, Russia continues its war against Ukraine, occupying roughly 20% of the bordering country. Ukraine has persistently stated that the withdrawal of Russian forces from its land is a prerequisite for lasting peace.
18:20 Concerns over Putin's intentions: Mangott questions the Russian leader's sincerity
Political scientist Gerhard Mangott expresses doubts regarding President Vladimir Putin's genuine intention to engage in peace talks. He surmises that Putin aims for ultimate control over the occupied territories and impedes the Ukraine conference in Switzerland.
18:00 Russian assets: EU Commissioner envisions agreement at upcoming G7 summit
The European Union's Economic Affairs Commissioner, Paolo Gentiloni, anticipates an agreement on Russian assets at the G7 meeting in Apulia next month. He notes that there exists "positive alignment" at the meeting between G7 finance ministers in Stresa, Italy. The EU's strategy to seize the interest on frozen Russian assets and channel it toward Ukraine aid has piqued his interest. This week, the EU member states ratified a plan to procure around three billion euros annually through the proceeds of interest generated from Russian assets. The G7 have been deliberating a US proposal to create a pool loan facility worth $50 billion (approximately $46 billion) financed by future interest from Russian assets (see also 15:42).
17:12 Evidence of ATACMS attacks: Crimea experiences new explosions
Crimea is shaken by additional explosions. Ukraine claims that a Russian communications facility has been successfully struck. Video evidence captures several blasts and an air defense reaction. Russia mentions two casualties.
16:40 Another IRIS-T system dispatched to Ukraine
The German government has supplied Ukraine with a further IRIS-T-SL air defense system. Per "Der Spiegel," the weapon system has allegedly arrived in Ukraine. This means that under assault Ukraine now possesses four mid-range IRIS-T systems and one short-range IRIS-T system.
16:20 Russian troops: London claims Africa Corps soldiers fighting in Kharkiv
As per British estimates, Russia has sent soldiers from its Africa Corps to the Ukrainian front. These soldiers have participated with regular Russian forces and punitive units during the offensive in Vovchansk, northern Kharkiv, according to the British Ministry of Defense. The African Corps of the Russian Ministry of Defense was established in December 2023 and encompasses over 2,000 regular soldiers and officers, in addition to seasoned mercenaries, several of whom had previously served in the Wagner Group, as stated by the British. Troops from the Africa Corps were most likely previously deployed in Syria, Libya, Burkina Faso, and Niger. London assumes that Russia has reinforced its war against Ukraine with resources previously allocated to Africa.
Putin seems to be preparing for a ceasefire in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, as per reports. Russian military expert, Ralph Thiele, indicates that Moscow's efforts aren't limited to Ukraine, and its signal could potentially cause division within the western world.
17:07 - Russian jammers prevent accurate strikes by Ukrainian long-range glide bombs:
Reuters reports that Russian jammers have been causing disruptions for the navigation system of Ukrainian long-range bombs. The bombs have a range of around 160 kilometers, but their accuracy has been affected, according to three people with knowledge of the matter. Boeing, the manufacturer of the bombs, had stated that the system could fend off certain jamming signals, but one insider revealed that fixing the issue would likely take months.
16:46 - Olaf Scholz rules out delivering Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine:
German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, has reaffirmed his refusal to provide the Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. According to Scholz, the decision is made to prevent the conflict from escalating into a war between Russia and NATO. Germany has already provided or pledged €28 billion worth of weapons to Ukraine, making it the second-largest global supporter (behind the United States). The chancellor has previously delivered two Patriot systems to Ukraine and plans to deliver another.
16:24 - Starlink service interrupted by Russia ahead of Kharkiv offensive:
Russians are accused of disrupting Starlink satellite signals before launching their offensive in the Kharkiv region. Ukrainian military sources confirmed the interference, emphasizing the crucial role Starlink plays in their operations: communication, reconnaissance, and drone strikes. The Ukrainians were forced to switch to text messaging due to the disrupted signal, the New York Times reported.
16:02 - Erwin Sellering steps down as Chairman of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's climate foundation:
Former Mecklenburg-Vorpommerania regional minister president, Erwin Sellering, resigned as Chairman of the state's climate protection foundation. The foundation has been embroiled in controversy, due to its support for Nord Stream II, a gas pipeline project. The Nord Stream II consortium financed the foundation with €20 million. When Russia launched its war against Ukraine, the state government attempted to dissolve the foundation alongside the support of the state parliament. The foundation strongly defended itself against these efforts.
15:36 - Three judges from the European Court of Human Rights denounce a Member State:
Thomas Valkeninghof (Netherlands), Anton Kalčikas (Latvia), and Turhan Kaynak (Turkey) have issued a joint statement condemning a member state for its human rights violations. In this statement, the judges expressed concern over political persecution, the rule of law, and media freedom within the state. The judges did not identify the country, leaving that to interpretation.
15:02 - Germany ranked second globally in support for Ukraine:
So far, Germany has provided or pledged €28 billion worth of weapons to Ukraine, marking it as the second-largest global supporter, after the United States. The nation has given two Patriot systems to the country, with another planned delivery. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, praised Germany's efforts, stating that it had prevented a war between Russia and NATO, thus balancing security and humanity.
15:42: Russia's frozen assets may be used to aid UkraineInternational democracies are still deciding how Russian central bank funds can be utilized to support Ukraine. Finance Minister Christian Lindner revealed that Germany is willing to take more actions to utilize the interest income from frozen Russian assets. However, he stressed that these actions will have no adverse legal consequences or economic risks. European nations are contemplating the American proposal intensely. However, negotiations have not begun as there are still many unresolved issues. The European Union had planned to utilize the interest income from Russia's frozen assets to finance military aid for Ukraine in the future.
15:20: Ukraine claims to have halted Russian ground offensive in KharkivUkraine claims that they have successfully stopped a Russian ground offensive in the eastern region of Kharkiv. The Ukrainian army stated in their online platform that their forces have stopped the Russian troops and are now conducting counter-offensives. A representative from the General Staff noted that the situation was "difficult," but "stable and under control." Earlier, the army chief Oleksandr Syrskyj stated that the Russian army's advances in the Kharkiv region had stalled due to heavy losses. Moscow is now deploying "reserves from various areas" in an attempt to recapture the city, but they have not been successful.
15:02: Germany supplies Ukraine with more Leopard tanksGermany has furnished extra Leopard tanks and other military equipment to Ukraine. According to a report on the German government's military aid, 40 Leopard 1 A5 main battle tanks, 100 Marder infantry fighting vehicles with ammunition and spare parts, 18 Leopard 2 A6 main battle tanks with ammunition and spare parts, and various Dingo transporters have been delivered. This assistance comes at a cost of around 28 billion euros for Ukrainian support, according to the report.
14:15: Estonia summons Russian chargé d'affaires over border incidentEstonia called in the Russian embassy's chargé d'affaires due to the removal of buoys marking the fairway in the border river Narva. The Estonian Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna, criticized the Russian actions as "provocative and unacceptable." Estonia is demanding a clarification for the removal of the border markings and their immediate return. On Thursday, Russian border guards removed 24 buoys from the Narva River, which had been used by Estonia to mark the shipping route. The Narva river is the boundary between the two countries and also marks the eastern external border of the EU and NATO.
13:49: Ukrainian army chief states Russians are stalled near VovchanskUkrainian army chief Oleksandr Syrskyj reported that the Russian army's advances in the Kharkiv region in north-eastern Ukraine have been stalled. The Ukrainian troops have managed to thwart the Russian troops at the border town of Vovchansk, where they have "become completely bogged down and suffered very high losses among the attack units." Russian forces are trying to seize the city by deploying reserves from different areas, but they have not been successful. The city of Vovchansk, located approximately 5 kilometers from the Russian border, is currently the center of the ground offensive by Russia. They have made significant territorial gains in Ukraine over the past two weeks.
13:17: Baerbock warns Russia about border provocationsFederal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock reprimanded Russia for aggressive actions on its western borders: "Russia is setting fire to the borders of the European Union," Baerbock wrote on Platform X. "We are unified with our Scandinavian friends Estonia, Finland & Lithuania, and we will not accept this behavior," the minister emphasized. "On the contrary: we stand in solidarity with our allies in the Baltic States and the Baltic Sea." Reports surfaced on Thursday stating that navigation buoys had disappeared from the Narva River on the border between Estonia and Russia.
In the border dispute between Estonia and Russia, the Estonian Foreign Minister summoned the Russian diplomat, expecting an explanation for the disappearance of the border markers and their immediate return.
12:52 Romanian Man Arrested for Spying on Military Facilities in Favor of Russia
A Romanian man has been arrested for suspected espionage in favor of Russia. Authorities in Bucharest made the announcement. This individual had been photographing and gathering information on army facilities and troop transportation belonging to Romania and other NATO nations near Tulcea for the past year, sending this data to the Russian embassy in the country's capital. The judge has ordered the suspect's imprisonment for a 30-day period initially.
12:22 Insider Claims Putin Eager for Ceasefire in the Conflict
According to anonymous sources, Russian President Vladimir Putin may be willing to negotiate a ceasefire that recognizes the current frontlines. One person acquainted with the inner circles of Putin's decision-making process remarked, "Putin can fight for as long as it takes, but Putin is also ready for a ceasefire - to freeze the war." During conversations with a small group of advisors, he expressed disapproval for attempts suspected to be backed by the West, aimed at hampering negotiations. Despite Putin's previous claims of being open to negotiations, he qualified this stance in a latter interview: "We are not interested in talks based on wishes or drugs, but strong foundation built on reality."
11:51 Rheinmetall Wins Major Artillery Ammunition Contract
The German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall has received a significant order for artillery ammunition, estimated at close to 300 million euros, from a NATO member state. This deal includes tens of thousands of artillery shells and hundreds of thousands of propellant charge modules, all of which will be delivered between 2024 and 2028. Germany and other NATO countries are striving to replenish their ammunition stores due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
11:20 ISW: Defense Ministry Corruption Allegations Could Be Cover for Dismissals
The truth behind recent dismissals in Russia's Ministry of Defense remains unclear, with the Institute for the Study of War suggesting they might function as a disguise for more complex reasons. It is believed that these officials' resignations were perhaps motivated by Russian President Vladimir Putin. A Russian source told ISW that six more ministry officials wish to submit their resignation, following the sacking of their superior Sergei Shoigu. Numerous Russian military bloggers celebrated the arrests as the initial step in prosecuting corrupt officials, under the newly appointed Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. "The Kremlin permits the public discourse insofar as it aims at the targeted individuals," said the think tank. The arrests have contributed to the reputation of Andrei Belousov as a problem-solver within the Russian Ministry of Defense, in contrast to Shoigu.
10:45 Orban Dispels Fears of Russia Invading a NATO Member Country
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban does not believe that Russia would attack a NATO nation. In a statement to the national broadcaster, Orban commented, "The Russian military is locked in a serious and demanding battle against the Ukrainians. If the Russians had the strength to wipe out the Ukrainians, they would have done so already." Compared with NATO's military might, Ukraine is vastly inferior. Consequently, an attack on a NATO nation appears to be highly improbable. "I don't think it's rational for Russia, which can't even lay waste to the Ukrainians, to suddenly devour the entire Western world. The probabilities of that event occurring are negligible."
10:16 Moscow Concert Hall Attack: Russian Secret Service Blames Islamic State for First Time
Russia has implicated the extremist group Islamic State (IS) in the bloody assault on a concert venue near Moscow for the first time. Alexander Bortnikov, head of the Russian domestic intelligence service FSB, reportedly stated that "preparations, funding, the attack, and retreat of the terrorists were coordinated via the internet by members of the Khorasan Province group," an Afghan wing of IS. IS has repeatedly taken credit for the deadly incident on March 22, which left over 140 people dead and 360 injured. Despite this, Russia has consistently linked Ukraine to the attack, a connection that Kiev vehemently denies. Bortnikov also added that Ukrainian military intelligence is directly involved in the attack, though he didn't elaborate on how that connects with IS.
09:55 "No Forward, No Backward" in Vovchansk: Kharkiv Under Heavy Fire
The city of Kharkiv has experienced persistent bombardment for several weeks, with Russian attacks also causing alarms in the region. According to ntv correspondent Stephan Richter, the situation in Vovchansk is dire. "There is no forward and no backward," Richter said, describing the city's grim circumstances.
09:29 Ukraine Reports New Russian Casualty Figures: Approaching 500,000 Victims
Ukrainian military authorities claim that Russian casualties are approaching half a million since the invasion began on February 24. According to the Ukrainian General Staff, Russia has lost 498,940 soldiers in the almost six months since then. In the past 24 hours alone, they suffered 1,240 losses. Additionally, 7,635 tanks, 14,775 armored vehicles, 17,569 vehicles, 12,902 artillery systems, 1,080 multiple launch rocket systems, 813 air defense systems, 356 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 10,401 drones, 27 ships, and one submarine have been destroyed.
08:57 Kharkiv Attacked by Glide Bombs for Second Night Running
The city of Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine, which has been under attack from Russian airstrikes for months, was targeted again last night by two glide bombs. There were no reported casualties this time, announced Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov on Telegram. Several residential buildings and an abandoned structure were slightly damaged. The day before, seven people were killed by Russian fire in the city. Over the last 24 hours, at least seven S-300 or S-400 anti-aircraft missiles had struck Kharkiv and its surrounding areas. Among the victims was Ukraine's largest printing house for literature. Renowned Ukrainian writer Serhij Zhadan commented on Facebook that "the Ukrainian book is the Ukrainian strength. That's why the enemy wants to destroy it."
08:26 FSB Chief: Ukraine Involved in Near Moscow Terror Attack
The Russian FSB chief, Alexander Bortnikov, hinted at the Ukrainian military intelligence service's implication in the coordination of the deadly attack on a Moscow concert venue in March. Although the probe is ongoing, Bortnikov asserts it's certain that "Ukrainian military intelligence is directly involved in the attack." Russia has previously alleged similar ties. Bortnikov also alleges that NATO has facilitated the transport of "mercenaries and militant members of international terrorist organizations from the Middle East, North Africa, and Afghanistan to Ukraine" for the purpose of combatting Russian influence. IS claimed responsibility for the attack at the concert hall. Over 140 individuals lost their lives during the incident.
08:02 "Significant Damage" in Crimea: Reports of Attack on Russian Communication Center
A Ukrainian report suggests a Russian communications center in the occupied Crimean city of Alushta suffered "significant damage to equipment" following a missile strike. According to the Kyiv Independent and sources from pro-Ukrainian partisan group Atesh and telegram channel Crimean Wind, the strike involved at least six ATACMS missiles provided by the USA. The missiles allegedly hit the antenna and several buildings where "high-ranking military personnel… were currently staying."
07:27 Russian Publicist: "Doomed to Live and Die as Idiots for Generations"
Well-known Russian publicist and former Duma deputy Alexander Nevzorov expresses his disdain for his fellow countrymen, comparing them to pugs, chimpanzees, or other circus animals that retain the skills they are taught unless they die. "All the lust for war, signs of decay, patriotism, and other deviations hammered into them by Russian propaganda will not simply vanish," criticizes Nevzorov, who has received a prison sentence in absentia and now holds Ukrainian citizenship. "The Russians are condemned to live and die as idiots for at least a few generations." The death of Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin would not "cure their minds," he adds.
7:03 Scholz: "No EU Nuclear Weapons"
The German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, supports French President Emmanuel Macron's initiative to improve European defense capabilities. While discussing the need for a balanced mix of capabilities, Scholz stresses that there will be no EU nuclear weapons. This idea is considered unrealistic, and the focus should be on other means of defense like strong conventional armed forces, air and missile defense, cyber, space, and precision strike capabilities. Investing in the European defense industry is paramount to achieving these goals.
6:38 US Increases Pressure on Tbilisi over Controversial Agent Law
In response to the adoption of a contentious foreign influence operations law in Georgia, the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has announced new visa restrictions and a comprehensive review of bilateral relations. The visa limitations would apply to individuals involved in undermining democracy in Georgia and their families. Additionally, a broader review of bilateral cooperation between the US and Georgia is being initiated. The US hopes that the Georgian leadership will reconsider the law to help advance their "democratic and Euro-Atlantic aspirations."
6:29 Estonia Aids Children in War-Torn Ukraine
The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to provide 650,000 euros in humanitarian aid to Ukraine to support the education system in frontline areas and assist children affected by the war. Reputable non-profit organizations, such as the Estonian non-profit organization Eesti Pagulasabi, will distribute the funds. Part of the aid will go towards improving living conditions in vulnerable regions and supporting Ukrainian refugees in Georgia. The non-profit organization Mondo will also use funds for summer camps and psychological support for children in Zaporizhzhya.
5:57 Vovchansk: Russian Troops Aim to Control Half of the Town
Russsian forces intend to capture more than half of the border town of Vovchansk in the Ukrainian region of Kharkiv, as stated by Russian parliamentary deputy Viktor Vodolatsky in a Russian news agency report. Should Vovchansk be under Russian control, Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, and Pokrovsk will become Russia's next major targets.
5:29 Putin in Belarus for High-level Talks with Lukashenko
Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Belarus to engage in discussions with his counterpart, Alexander Lukashenko, over security and military exercises involving tactical nuclear weapons. Minsk will also be participating in the drills where simulated preparations for launching small nuclear warheads will occur.
5:12 South Korea Imposes Sanctions Against North Koreans and Russian Ships for Arms Trade
South Korea has officially announced sanctions against seven North Korean individuals and two Russian ships in response to the arms trade between Pyongyang and Moscow.
4:32 United States Readies Additional Military Aid for Ukraine Worth $275 Million
The US is preparing to provide military aid for Ukraine totaling $275 million. This aid would include items like artillery shells, precision-guided bombs, and vehicles.
3:10 Brazil and China Distanced from Ukraine Peace Conference
Brazil and China are indirectly distancing themselves from the planned international peace conference on Ukraine, as neither state has been invited. In a recent document, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's special advisor, Celso Amorim, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi are urging both Russia and Ukraine to engage in peace talks. While endorsing an inclusive international peace conference with full participation from all parties, Brazil and China express skepticism towards the currently proposed event.
2:25 Riga Court Delivers Return of German National's Assets
A military court in Riga, Latvia, delivers the ruling that the assets of a 36-year-old German national, Vladimir Malina, be returned. Malina was convicted of sabotage and membership in a unit fighting for Ukraine. He received a 25-year prison sentence for these charges.
1:30 Andrzej Duda Reelected as Polish President
Polish President Andrzej Duda has been reelected for another term. His main opponent, Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, conceded defeat after initial projections showed Duda with a substantial lead.
11:55 PM: Poland and Greece urge EU to establish an air defense shield
Amidst the ongoing Russian war, Poland and Greece are petitioning the EU to create an aerial defense system to safeguard European nations. In a joint letter to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis exclaimed, "Europe will be secure as long as its skies are secure." They emphasized that this undertaking should address the "significant vulnerability of our security."
10:26 PM: Explosions in Crimea raise suspicions of Ukrainian attack
A video taken on the Crimean coast in the village of Alushta is causing speculation about a potential Ukrainian attack on the Russian-occupied territory. The video appears to show at least one explosion, and there are rumors that Ukraine is utilizing the ATACMS missiles provided by the US a few weeks ago. However, confirmation of these events has not yet been received. Furthermore, evidence suggests that Russia's air defense system is active, as can be seen from the footage. Crimea's governor, Sergei Aksyonov, who was appointed by the Russian occupiers, has reported casualties and damage on Telegram. Unfortunately, the incident resulted in two fatalities and the destruction of an empty commercial building. Typically, Russia downplays such Ukrainian attacks or asserts that their air defense systems and radars have shot down all missiles and drones. It is rumored that Kiev has progressively targeted Russian air defense systems and radars.
10:00 PM: Continuing military purge: More high-ranking Russian officers detained
According to pro-Russian sources, Vladimir Verteletsky, head of the Russian Ministry of Defense's department for ensuring the state defense order, has also been apprehended. He is currently being accused of fraud on a massive scale. Vadim Shamarin, the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the army, had been arrested previously. With Shamarin's apprehension, he becomes the fourth senior military officer to be imprisoned since April.
Learn more about previous events here. [links removed]
Read also:
- Year of climate records: extreme is the new normal
- Precautionary arrests show Islamist terror threat
- UN vote urges Israel to ceasefire
- SPD rules out budget resolution before the end of the year
- The additional military assistance from the US, aimed at protecting Ukraine from Russian aggression, includes ammunition for Himars multiple rocket launchers and artillery shells, as a response to the 'Attack on Ukraine' by Russia.
- With NATO's support, Ukraine continues to face challenges in its conflict with Russia, with the latest casualty figures approaching half a million victims, according to Ukrainian reports.
- The ongoing 'Ukraine conflict' has sparked concerns about potential cyberwar, with numerous reports of Russia conducting cyberattacks against Ukraine's infrastructure and institutions.
- Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, has praised the military assistance provided by NATO members, including Germany, which has been instrumental in repelling the attacks from Russia.
Source: www.ntv.de
