At 4:01 p.m., federal law enforcement authorities are scrutinizing the dissemination of Rico Warrior.
Probe Initiated Against German National Rico Krieger Following Release from Belarusian Prison
The Chief Federal Prosecutor is examining Rico Krieger, a German citizen who was freed from a Belarusian prison as part of a prisoner swap. An official spokesperson has disclosed that the investigation stems from initial allegations of orchestrating an explosion using explosives. Krieger was previously given a death sentence in Belarus for terrorism-related charges and acting as a mercenary, but was subsequently pardoned and transferred to Germany through a prisoner exchange between Russia and the West. As reported by "Die Welt am Sonntag," the 30-year-old is rumored to have expressed interest in joining the "Kastus Kalinouski Regiment" in Ukraine, a Belarusian volunteer unit supporting Ukrainian forces in their battle against the Russian invasion. As a result, he was reportedly taken into custody by the Belarusian security services. Krieger denies the accusations.
15:44 Modi Urges Zelensky to Enter into Dialogue with Moscow
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to engage in discussions with Russia to end the conflict. During his visit to Kyiv, Modi offered to serve as an intermediary to foster peace. "The path to a resolution can only be discovered through dialogue and diplomacy. And we must move forward in that direction without delay," Modi stated. He urged both parties to convene and devise a way out of the crisis without demanding the withdrawal of Russian troops. Read more here.
15:22 Wagner Group Faces Fragmentation One Year After Prigozhin's Death
Approximately one year after the demise of Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, his private army Wagner has become increasingly disunited, as per a British analysis. Since Prigozhin's plane crash, numerous influential figures have departed from the group, the British Defense Ministry confirmed. "The size of Wagner has diminished from approximately 50,000 personnel in 2023 to approximately 5,000 personnel currently in its remaining deployments in Belarus and Africa," the ministry noted. Former Wagner fighters are reportedly joining the Russian armed forces or paramilitary units controlled by the Defense Ministry. One year ago today, Prigozhin perished in the crash of his personal aircraft, following a mutiny against Russia's military leadership two months prior. All nine other passengers on the aircraft also perished.
14:38 ISW: Kyiv's Offensive Forces Moscow to Retreat Troops
Due to the advance of Ukrainian troops in the Russian region of Kursk, Moscow is allegedly transferring troops from the neighboring invaded country to strengthen defense in Kursk, as reported by experts at the U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Russia has reportedly relocated some troops from the southern Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhia to bolster Kursk's defense, citing information obtained from deployed soldiers' social media posts. However, Russia is said to be attempting to maintain the primary axis of its attack in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk. Read more here.
13:59 Belief in Reliability of German Aid to Ukraine Under Threat
The budget disagreement within the German government has significantly undermined trust in the dependability of German support to Ukraine, according to security analyst Christian Mölling of the German Society for International Cooperation. He references the debate over limiting German aid to Ukraine and instead replenishing it with interest from frozen Russian assets. "Germany has truly made a step in the wrong direction, causing quite a stir," Mölling remarks in the "Stern" podcast "The Situation". No one is convinced if or when this mechanism will be put into effect, he adds. "The problem is: the money isn't yet available, and the method of distributing it to Ukraine is also not entirely clear."
13:31 Modi also Hugs Zelenskyy at Kyiv Meeting
Just weeks after his contentious embrace with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also embraces Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Modi pays a visit to a memorial for deceased Ukrainian children with Zelenskyy, placing a teddy bear as an offering. India, with the world's largest population, maintains an official neutral stance in the conflict. It does not impose Western sanctions on Moscow and consistently advocates for a dialog-based resolution, but has yet to present any concrete proposals.
13:03 Primary ferry link to Crimea Suspended
The Russian port of Kavkaz, crucial for supplying Crimea, remains abandoned to ferry traffic even a day after a Ukrainian attack. Russia's transport ministry states that services will resume once the cleanup is complete. Kavkaz is situated in the Kerch Strait, connecting the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. The Russian-occupied Crimea is visible from Kavkaz, making it one of the busiest ports on the Black Sea. Fuel and ammunition are moved to Crimea through this port.
12:20 Putin May Eventually Respond to Ukrainian Military Successes, according to Russian Expert
Russian President Vladimir Putin exhibits hesitancy in the face of Ukrainian military triumphs in Kursk, as per Russian political scientist Ekaterina Schulmann. "That's typical of his approach in such situations," she remarks. "He disappears until the situation stabilizes, then proceeds as if nothing has changed." Other Russian experts argue that the Kremlin is currently considering various options for a counterattack. Putin often delays such decisions, they contend. "Sooner or later, we'll find out how Putin will retaliate," cautions Alexander Gabuev, head of the Carnegie Russia-Eurasia Center in Berlin.
11:41 Russian Oil Depot in Proletarsk Still BurningThe Russian oil depot situated in Proletarsk, within the southern Rostov region, continues to burn, according to NASA's Fire Information for Resource Management System and the Telegram channel Baza, which maintains close relations with Russian investigative authorities. Baza claims that the depot was struck again by a Ukrainian drone throughout the night.
11:12 Ukraine Eager for Modi's MediationIndia, being a BRICS member, has historical ties with Russia. However, President Volodymyr Zelensky now welcomes Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kyiv, with hopes of negotiating an end to the war. Due to the Kursk offensive, the Ukrainians are reportedly more eager than ever to initiate peace talks, as ntv reporter Nadja Kriewald attests.
10:45 Ukrainian Air Defense System In ActionThe Ukrainian military claims to have destroyed 14 out of 16 Russian attack drones dispatched during the night. "The air defense system was operational in the regions of Cherkassy, Kirovohrad, Poltava, and Sumy," according to the air force.
10:16 Ukrainian Navy Comments on Sunken Ferry in KavkazThe Ukrainian Navy offers insight on the destruction of a ferry in the Russian port of Kavkaz. "Another indisputable military target has been eliminated," remarks navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk on Ukrainian television. According to the navy, the ferry was intended to supply enemy forces with fuel. Unfortunately, the ferry has sunk, rendering the port temporarily inoperable. Regional authorities disclose that the attack took place on Thursday, leading to a fire onboard.
09:44 Russian Ambassador: No Buffer Zone on Russian TerritoryRussian Ambassador to the US, Anatoly Antonov, responds to the Kursk offensive and Kyiv's aim to establish a buffer zone there: "It's impossible. No buffer zone will be established on Russian territory," TASS records him stating. Simultaneously, he warns against consulting with Washington to expel Ukrainian forces from the Kursk region. He accuses the US of repeatedly testing the Russians' patience and attempting to prompt "impulsive, emotional decisions."
09:10 Increasing Dissatisfaction with Putin in RussiaGiven the Ukrainian troops' advance onto Russian territory two weeks earlier, it appears that feelings of discontent towards President Vladimir Putin are escalating across Russia. According to FilterLabs AI's analysis, as reported by the "New York Times," many online contributors perceive the Ukrainian advance as a failure of the Russian government, particularly Putin. "Putin's reaction to the invasion was viewed as inadequate and even offensive," says Jonathan Teubner, FilterLabs CEO. The company tracks Russian public sentiment through social media analysis.
08:36 Modi Arrives in KyivIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently stationed in Ukraine, as indicated by Indian and Ukrainian media. A meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled. Ukraine hopes to secure India's support, due to its significant global influence, while simultaneously harboring doubts about its declared neutrality. In July, Modi visited Moscow. Images of Modi embracing Russian President Vladimir Putin left Ukrainians and many Western nations feeling unsettled.
08:05 Russian Warning on Nuclear Plant Attacks: OverblownRussian President Vladimir Putin alleges that Ukraine is planning to attack the Kursk nuclear power plant. However, the actual risks associated with war-related nuclear accidents are assessed by ntv-reporter Rainer Munz as merely rhetorical.
07:33 China and Belarus Boost Cooperation - Security IncludedChina and Belarus intend to strengthen cooperation in sectors such as trade, security, energy, and finance, according to a joint statement issued after a meeting between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Belarusian Premier Roman Golovchenko. They aim to improve industrial supply chain cooperation and facilitate trade to decrease costs for both sides. China remains Belarus' second-largest trading partner and their top trading partner in Asia.
07:05 Ukrainian Army Gripes About Poorly Trained RecruitsUkrainian commanders and soldiers voice concerns about the insufficient training of new recruits and Russia's clear advantage in the air and ammunition at the eastern front. "Some individuals refuse to fire. They spot the enemy in a firing position in a trench and fail to return fire. As a result, our men perish," explains a commander from the 47th Brigade. "If they refuse to employ their weapon, they become useless." In May, the government ratified a controversial mobilization law. Following its enactment, it is reported that tens of thousands of fighters are being drafted each month, primarily for the infantry. Logistical challenges persist in training, equipping, and compensating these new recruits.
06:35 Moscow Claims US to Provide Ukraine with Unlimited Weapons FundingRussia’s ambassador to the US believes that the US will soon lift all restrictions on weapon supply to Ukraine. According to RIA news agency, Anatoly Antonov stated that the current administration acts as someone offering an open hand while hiding a dagger behind their back. He claims that the US is preparing to lift all existing restrictions without hesitation. Antonov proposes that a meaningful dialogue with the US can only occur if they abandon their "hostile" policy towards Russia. He also expresses skepticism about the likelihood of a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during the UN General Assembly next month.
06:09 Harris: Trump Pushed Putin to Attack Europe's HeartPresidential candidate Kamala Harris reaffirms her dedication to NATO and pledges continued aid to Ukraine, facing assault from Russia. "I'll stand strong with Ukraine and our NATO allies," she declares in her speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Meanwhile, her Republican contender, Donald Trump, had warned against supporting NATO and urged Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, to invade Europe's core.
05:38 President of the Network Agency: "Federal Government in High Alert Regarding Gas Consumption"Despite full gas storage facilities, Klaus Müller, President of the Federal Network Agency, pleads for caution in gas usage. "The federal government remains vigilant. We must remain cautious," Müller communicates to the Augsburger Allgemeinen. He also mentions the Ukrainian army's intrusion into Russian territory, which could worsen the situation. "No, it's not the gas infrastructure itself that's contested, but the area surrounding this infrastructure which is a war zone on both sides," Müller explains to the newspaper. This includes the Gazprom gas station in Sudzha, located near the Ukrainian border on Russian territory, serving as a significant distribution point for European gas exports, such as to Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria.
04:40 Modi in Kyiv: "No Conflict Should Be Settled on the Battlefield"Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India is scheduled to visit Ukraine for the first time today, meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, as reported by India's Ministry of External Affairs. India maintains a neutral stance in relation to the Russian invasion, does not participate in Western sanctions against Moscow, and is now one of the world's largest buyers of affordable Russian oil. Modi, during his visit to Poland, reiterated India's vision for a resolution through dialogue: "India stands firmly against conflict being solved through warfare. The loss of innocent lives due to warfare is humanity's gravest challenge."
03:31 Sources: United States to Provide New Military Aid to UkraineU.S. sources report the U.S.'s plans to deliver additional military aid to Ukraine, estimated to be worth $125 million. The latest package includes air defense rockets, Himars multiple rocket launcher ammunition, Javelin rockets, and a range of other weapons, equipment, and vehicles. An official announcement is set for later today, just one day before Ukraine's Independence Day. The weapons will be drawn from Pentagon reserves, enabling a prompt delivery.
02:12 Ukraine Reports 53 Russian Attacks Near Pokrovsk in 24 HoursThe Ukrainian military reports that Russian forces have launched 53 attacks near Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine within a 24-hour period. Pokrovsk continues to be the primary target of Russian forces in Ukraine, according to a statement from the General Staff. No statement has been issued by the Russian government yet. Recent Russian advances towards Pokrovsk have been observed.
01:16 SPD Leader: Without Weapon Deliveries, Ukraine Would "Disappear from the Map"Saskia Esken, SPD chairwoman, emphasizes military support for Ukraine against Russia, ahead of the state elections in Thuringia and Saxony. Chancellor Olaf Scholz is working towards a fair and lasting peace, Esken informs the Funke media group. "However, while Putin continues his war ambitions towards Ukraine, peace cannot be achieved diplomatically." Esken connects her statements to criticism of the Left Party co-chairwoman, Sahra Wagenknecht: "If, like Wagenknecht and others, we ceased delivering weapons to Ukraine today, the country would be conquered tomorrow and wiped off the map the day after. Such a move would result in catastrophic consequences for Europe's security, which would not lead to less armament or peace."
23:56 Ukraine Fears Its Worst Winter in HistoryGiven the damage to Ukraine's power and energy infrastructure by Russian attacks, the country anticipates its most harsh winter ever. "We are facing our coldest and darkest winter to date," says Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Haluschtschenko in a video conference. This winter is expected to be more challenging than the last one due to cumulative damage from ongoing Russian attacks. Russian forces use a variety of weapons in concerted attacks to cause maximum destruction, Haluschtschenko explains. During a mild winter, electricity consumption is around 18 gigawatts, while in a cold winter it is 19 gigawatts, and a reserve of one gigawatt must be built. The Russian attacks have destroyed approximately 9 gigawatts of capacity.
23:08 NATO Raises Security Level at Airbase in GeilenkirchenDue to a perceived threat, NATO has boosted security levels at the airbase in North Rhine-Westphalia, Geilenkirchen. All non-essential personnel have been sent home, according to base spokesperson. The decision is based on intelligence information suggesting a potential threat. "This action should not cause alarm and is a precautionary measure to enable us to maintain our critical operations," the spokesperson explains. The police are also present on the scene. Further details, including the number of deployed forces, are being kept confidential.
10:07 Ukraine Confirms Strike on Kursk Supplier BaseThe Ukrainian armed forces claim yet another successful attack on Russian forces, this time in the Kursk region. As per the air force chief, Mykola Oleshchuk, a group of USA-supplied precision-guided missiles were used to target a Russian logistics hub. "The assault took out a drone control center, an electronic warfare unit, equipment, weapons, and potentially over 40 Russian soldiers," Oleshchuk elaborates in a video capturing the incident.
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20:43 Swiss Peace Summit Second Round GatheringIn the wake of July's Swiss Peace Summit, the first follow-up meeting has transpired, as reported by Ukraine. Delegates from over 40 nations and organizations graced the virtual event. Plans are underway for further sessions of working groups.
Check out all prior developments here.
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