Berlin expresses concerns about potential assaults targeting Kiev.
19:39 Pokrowsk Remains the Main Battlefield Ukrainian forces report repelling numerous Russian assaults. Throughout the day, 79 Russian attacks were reported from the eastern frontlines, with some including artillery and aerial support, according to the General Staff's situational report. Once again, Pokrowsk, situated on the Donbass's edge, saw the most intense activity. Russian troops attempted to secure and expand the territorial gains from the previous day, with reports of 20 attacks in just a few hours. Similarly intense fighting was reported near Torezk. The objective of the Russian attacks is to gain complete control over the Donbass region.
19:07 Additional US Sanctions Against Russian Supply Chains In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the US has imposed additional sanctions on Moscow. The sanctions target approximately 400 companies and individuals, as stated by the Treasury Department in Washington. This includes around 60 technology firms in the defense sector whose "products and services support Russia's war efforts." The sanctions aim to disrupt Russia's supply chains. The affected companies and individuals are based in Russia and other countries. Their U.S. assets are frozen, and U.S. citizens are prohibited from doing business with them.
18:38 Increased Russian Oil Flow Through Ukraine Russia reportedly doubled its oil deliveries through Ukraine in July, as reported by the Kyiv-based consulting firm ExPro. The amount of Russian oil flowing through the "Friendship" pipeline to EU countries increased to 1.09 million tons from 540,000 tons in June, the company stated. Previously, Hungary and Slovakia complained about Ukraine restricting oil flow. The two EU countries warned of potential fuel shortages starting in September. However, the EU Commission's Vice-President, Valdis Dombrovskis, criticized both countries for not adequately seeking alternatives to Russian oil supplies, which were placed under embargo following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic currently enjoy exemptions. Read more here.
17:56 Search for Missing Russian Conscripts in Kursk During the Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region, numerous Russian conscripts have been captured or reported missing. At least 81 conscripts are missing, with another 38 identified as prisoners in videos released by Ukrainian military, according to the Russian service of the BBC. The data is based on online search notices from the relatives of the recruits. At the start of his invasion of Ukraine, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin promised that only contract soldiers and volunteers would be deployed to the war zone. However, from the Kremlin's perspective, the defense of Kursk is not considered participation in the so-called "military special operation." Officially, Russia does not provide information on its losses in Kursk. Read more here.
17:19 Suspicious Drones Over Brunsbüttel: Bundeswehr Assists Investigation The Bundeswehr is helping with the investigation of suspicious drone flights over industrial facilities in Schleswig-Holstein. A spokesperson for the Territorial Command confirms they are providing radar data, upon request from the police, to aid in the clarification. Covestro and Swiss construction company Holcim also want to contribute to the investigation. Covestro states that it has detected drone flights. The companies are part of a group of chemical, energy, and logistics firms situated in the ChemCoast Park industrial area in Brunsbüttel. The State Prosecutor's Office in Flensburg is investigating the suspicious drone flights over the industrial facilities due to suspected espionage with the aim of sabotage.
16:51 Civilian Casualties in Russian Attacks Sadly, daily casualties include civilians: Eight civilians have been killed in Russian attacks, according to Ukrainian authorities. Two people died in the Sumy region bordering Russia. Three fatalities were found in the Kharkiv region. The authorities also report three deaths from the Donetsk and Kherson regions.
16:20 NATO Base in Geilenkirchen Issues All-Clear The NATO airbase in Geilenkirchen has reverted to normal operations: After raising the security level to the second-highest level yesterday due to a potential threat, it has now been lowered. A spokesperson for the base declines to comment on the nature of the threat. The second-highest security level in NATO jargon indicates that an incident has occurred or there is evidence that some form of terrorist action against the alliance is likely. As a precaution, as many employees as possible were sent home.
16:01 Federal Prosecutor Investigates Freed Rico Krieger The Federal Prosecutor's Office is investigating German national Rico Krieger, who was released from Belarusian custody as part of a prisoner exchange. A spokesperson confirms that the investigation focuses on the suspicion of causing an explosion using explosives. Krieger was initially sentenced to death in Belarus for terrorism and mercenary charges but was later pardoned and transferred to Germany as part of the prisoner exchange. According to "Die Welt am Sonntag," the 30-year-old reportedly applied to join the "Kastus Kalinouski Regiment" in Ukraine, a Belarusian volunteer unit supporting Ukrainian forces in their fight against the Russian invasion. Krieger denies the accusations.
15:44 Modi Advocates Dialogue Between Modi and Zelensky to End ConflictIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has advised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to engage in discussions with Russia to bring an end to the ongoing conflict. During his trip to Kyiv, Modi offered to serve as a "mediator" to foster peace. He emphasized the necessity of resolving the issue through dialogue and diplomacy, urging both parties to come together swiftly to find a way out of the predicament, sans explicitly calling for the withdrawal of Russian troops. Read more here.
15:22 Wagner Group Undergoing Internal Disintegration Post Prigozhin's DemiseA year since the demise of Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in a plane crash, his private army Wagner has reportedly started to disintegrate, according to British intelligence assessments. Since Prigozhin's passing, numerous high-ranking personnel have departed from the group, as mentioned by the UK's Ministry of Defense. Consequently, Wagner has reduced in size, with an estimated 5,000 personnel remaining in its ongoing deployments in Belarus and Africa, as compared to its peak strength of 50,000 personnel in 2023. Several former Wagner fighters have reportedly joined the Russian army or paramilitary units under the control of the Ministry of Defense, as per military analysts. Today marks the anniversary of Prigozhin's passing in that plane crash, following his unsuccessful coup attempt against Russia's military leadership two months prior. All ten passengers on the aircraft perished as well. Read more here.
14:38 ISW: Ukrainian Offensive Forces Moscow to Adjust Troop PlacementsOwing to the progress of Ukrainian troops in the Russian region of Kursk, Moscow is reportedly relocating troops from the neighboring country it invaded, as per analysts from the U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The Russian military has apparently moved some units away from the southern Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhia to reinforce the defense of Kursk, citing soldier posts on social media. However, Russia is attempting to maintain a firm footing in the main attack region of its eastern Ukrainian base in Donetsk. Read more here.
13:59 German Aid Reliability to Ukraine Questions RaisedSecurity expert Christian Mölling from the German Society for International Affairs has expressed concerns over the reliability of German aid to Ukraine, due to budget disagreements within the German government. He is focused on the discussion of limiting German aid to Ukraine and instead considering defected Russian assets as a financing option. "Germany has mistakenly stepped on a diplomatic landmine, causing widespread damage," Mölling stated in the "Stern" podcast "The Situation". It remains unclear if or when this plan will come into fruition, he adds. "The problem lies in the fact that the funds have not yet been received, and the methodology for disbursing the aid to Ukraine is also not crystal clear."
13:31 Modi Embraces Zelensky in Kyiv MeetingJust a few weeks following his contentious hug with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also shared an embrace with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Modi paid a visit to a memorial for Ukrainian children lost in the conflict, where he placed a teddy bear. As the world's most populous country, India maintains diplomatic neutrality in the conflict. It does not impose western sanctions on Russia and consistently advocates for a peaceful resolution through dialogue, although it has yet to formulate concrete proposals.
13:03 Kavkaz Ferry Link to Crimea Remains ClosedA day after a Ukrainian attack, the Russian port of Kavkaz, vital for supplying Crimea, remains closed to ferries. The Russian Ministry of Transport assures that ferry traffic will resume after cleanup is completed. Kavkaz is located in the Kerch Strait, connecting the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. The Russian-occupied Crimea can be seen from Kavkaz, making it one of the most important transit hubs on the Black Sea. Fuel and ammunition are routed to Crimea through this port.
12:20 Anticipation Grows Over Putin's Response to Ukrainian AdvancementRussian President Vladimir Putin appears pensive in the face of Ukrainian military successes in Kursk. "This is his typical reaction in such situations," says Russian political scientist Ekaterina Schulmann. "He withdraws until the situation stabilizes, then proceeds as if nothing has happened." Other Russian analysts suspect that the Kremlin is presently weighing the feasibility of a counterattack. Putin is known for his deliberate decision-making, they assert. "Sooner or later, we'll learn how Putin will retaliate," warns Alexander Gabuev, head of the Carnegie Russia-Eurasia Center in Berlin.
11:41 Russian Oil Depot in Proletarsk Continues to BurnThe Russian oil depot in Proletarsk, located in the southern Russian region of Rostov, is still in flames. According to NASA's Fire Information for Resource Management System, the facility is still ablaze today. Telegram channel Baza, close to Russian law enforcement, also reports that the fire continues to rage. Baza additionally states that the depot was reportedly struck by a Ukrainian drone during the night.
11:12 Ukraine Seeks Modi's Mediation in Conflict ResolutionAlthough India, as a BRICS member, aligns closely with Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is now receiving a visit from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with Kyiv seeking mediation to end the conflict. As a result of the Kursk offensive, the Ukrainians are reportedly more interested than ever in engaging in peace talks, according to ntv journalist Nadja Kriewald.
10:45 Ukrainian Air Defense in Action Across multiple RegionsThe Ukrainian military reports successfully intercepting 14 out of 16 Russian assault drones launched throughout the night. The Ukrainian air defense system was active in the regions of Cherkassy, Kirovohrad, Poltava, and Sumy, as stated by the air force.
10:16 Ukraine Reports Destruction of Ferry in Kavkaz PortThe Ukrainian navy shares its thoughts on the destruction of a ferry in the Russian port of Kavkaz. Dmytro Pletentschuk, navy spokesperson, mentions on Ukrainian television that another obvious military target was taken out. The ferry served to provide fuel to the enemy, and it sank, rendering the port inoperable. The incident reportedly happened on Thursday, with the ferry catching fire.
09:44 Russian Ambassador: No Buffer Zone in Russian TerritoryRussian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov discusses the Kursk offensive and Ukraine's aim to establish a buffer zone. He stresses, as TASS reports, that such a buffer zone cannot occur on Russian territory. Moreover, he warns against consulting with Washington to expel Ukrainian forces from the Kursk region, claiming that the US persistently tests the patience of the Russians and encourages emotional, hasty decisions.
09:10 Negative Sentiment Towards Putin Growing in RussiaAfter Ukrainian troops advanced onto Russian territory, negative sentiments towards President Vladimir Putin seem to be increasing among the Russian population. This is according to an analysis by FilterLabs AI, reported by the "New York Times." Many online commentators believe that the Ukrainian advance represents the failure of the Russian government and Putin. "Putin's response to the incursion was at best inadequate and at worst offensive," says Jonathan Teubner, CEO of FilterLabs, who tracks Russian sentiment through social media analysis.
08:36 Modi Visits KyivIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently in Ukraine, as confirmed by both Indian and Ukrainian media. He is reportedly set to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky. Kyiv is seeking India's support due to its global influence, while also expressing concerns about its declared neutrality. Modi's trip to Moscow in July caused discontent in Ukraine and other Western countries upon seeing images of him and Russian President Vladimir Putin embracing.
08:05 Warning on Nuclear Power Plant Attacks is Just Empty WordsRussian President Vladimir Putin accuses Ukraine of planning an attack on the nuclear power plant in Kursk. However, ntv-reporter Rainer Munz assesses that the real danger of a nuclear incident is merely speculative, due to the ongoing conflict.
07:33 China and Belarus to Enhance CooperationChina and Belarus aim to strengthen cooperation in various sectors, such as trade, security, energy, and finance. The countries intend to increase cooperation in industrial supply chains and reduce trade costs for both sides. China is Belarus' second-largest trading partner, with significant relevance in Asia.
07:05 Ukrainian Army Criticizes Poorly Trained RecruitsUkrainian commanders and soldiers criticize the poor training of new recruits and Russia's dominance in the air and ammunition situation at the eastern front. A battalion commander of the 47th Brigade confirms the challenges in engaging the enemy due to insufficient willingness from some recruits to use firearms, resulting in their ineffectiveness.
06:35 Moscow Suggests Lifting Weapons Restrictions for UkraineRussian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov believes that the US will soon eliminate all restrictions on the use of weapons provided to Ukraine. He claims that the US administration is behaving tactically, holding out one hand while concealing a dagger with the other, aiming to lift all current constraints without warning.
06:09 Harris Reminds Support for NATO and UkraineDemocratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris reaffirms her commitment to NATO and promises continued support for Ukraine, currently under Russian attack. She emphasizes her promise to stand by Ukraine and NATO allies firmly. Her Republican rival, Donald Trump, however, threatened NATO's withdrawal and encouraged Russian President Vladimir Putin to invade Europe.
05:38 Network Agency President: Federal Government on High AlertThe President of the Network Agency reiterates that Germany remains on high alert due to the ongoing conflict. She stresses that the federal government is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to respond accordingly.
Despite fully stocked gas storage facilities, Klaus Müller, the President of Germany's Federal Network Agency, continues to urge caution in gas consumption. "The German government remains on high alert. We must still be mindful," Müller told the "Augsburger Allgemeinen". He also mentioned the Ukrainian army's advance into Russian territory, which could worsen the situation. "Not the gas infrastructure itself is disputed, but the area around this infrastructure is a war zone on both sides," Müller said to the newspaper. This includes the Gazprom gas station in Sudzha, located just a few kilometers from the Ukrainian border on Russian territory and serving as a key distribution point for gas exported to Europe.
04:40 Modi Visits Kyiv: "No Problem Can Be Solved on the Battlefield"
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Ukraine for the first time today. A meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is planned in the capital Kyiv, as announced by India's Ministry of External Affairs. India maintains a neutral stance on the Russian invasion, does not impose western sanctions on Moscow, and has become one of the largest buyers of cheap Russian oil on the global market. New Delhi consistently advocates for conflict resolution through dialogue. "India is firmly convinced that no problem can be solved on the battlefield. The loss of innocent lives on battlefields is the greatest challenge for humanity," Modi said during a visit to Poland on Thursday. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged Modi to play a mediating role in the conflict.
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03:31 Sources: US to Send New Military Aid
According to government sources, the US plans to send additional military aid to Ukraine worth approximately $125 million. The latest aid package includes air defense missiles, ammunition for Himars multiple rocket launchers, Javelin missiles, and a range of other weapons, equipment, and vehicles, the sources said on condition of anonymity. The official announcement is expected today, one day before Ukraine's Independence Day. The weapons will come from Pentagon stocks, allowing for swift delivery.
02:12 Ukraine Records 53 Russian Attacks Near Pokrovsk in One Day
The Ukrainian military reported a total of 53 Russian attacks near the city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine throughout Thursday. The capture of Pokrovsk remains the main goal of Russian forces in Ukraine, according to a statement from the General Staff. There has been no statement from the Russian government so far. According to available information, Russian troops have been steadily advancing on Pokrovsk in recent days.
01:16 SPD Leader: Without arms deliveries, Ukraine would be "erased from the map"Just before the state elections in Thuringia and Saxony, SPD chairwoman Saskia Esken reaffirms her support for Ukraine's military against Russia. Chancellor Olaf Scholz is committed to a fair and sustainable peace, says Esken to the Funke media group newspapers. "As long as Putin does not abandon his war aims against Ukraine, peace cannot be achieved diplomatically." Esken connects her statements with criticism of the BSW party leader Sahra Wagenknecht. "If, like Frau Wagenknecht and others, we were to stop delivering weapons to Ukraine today, the country would be conquered tomorrow and erased from the map the day after. And that would have catastrophic consequences for security throughout Europe, which would certainly not lead to less armament and not to peace."
23:56 Ukraine fears its worst winter in historyGiven the destruction of Ukraine's power and energy infrastructure by Russian attacks, the country is expecting a cold and dark winter. "We are facing the worst winter in our history," says Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Haluschtschenko in a video conference. This winter will be even harder than the previous one due to the damage caused by the ongoing Russian attacks. The Russian army is using various weapons in combined attacks to cause as much destruction as possible, he says. In a warm winter, electricity consumption is about 18 gigawatts, in a cold one it is 19 gigawatts. Moreover, reserves of one gigawatt must be created, says Haluschtschenko. Russian attacks have destroyed around 9 gigawatts of capacity.
23:08 NATO raises security level at Geilenkirchen airbaseDue to a potential threat, NATO increases its security level at the airbase in North Rhine-Westphalia, Geilenkirchen. All non-essential employees have been sent home, a spokesperson for the base says. The base is responding to intelligence information indicating a potential threat. "This is not a cause for concern and is a precautionary measure to ensure that we can continue our critical operations." The police confirm their presence. Further details are not being disclosed, including the number of deployed forces.
22:07 Ukraine reports strike against Kursk support pointThe Ukrainian military reports another strike against Russian troops in the Kursk region. With precision-guided US bombs, they attacked a Russian support point in the afternoon, explains the commander of the air forces, Mykola Oleshchuk. "A drone command post, a radio-electronic combat unit, equipment, weapons, and up to 40 Russian military personnel were hit," Oleshchuk writes alongside a video showing the attack.
21:43 First follow-up meeting of Swiss Peace SummitFollowing the Peace Summit in Switzerland in June, a first follow-up meeting has taken place, according to Ukraine. Representatives of more than 40 states and organizations participated in the virtual session. Further such meetings of working groups are to follow, it is said.
You can read all previous developments here.
The European Union has been heavily involved in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, implementing sanctions and working towards alternative energy sources. For instance, the US has imposed additional sanctions on Russia, targeting approximately 400 companies and individuals, including technology firms in the defense sector. This is an attempt to disrupt Russia's supply chains and put a strain on its ability to support its war efforts. Similarly, Germany is currently investigating suspicious drone flights over industrial facilities in Schleswig-Holstein due to suspected espionage with the aim of sabotage. These incidents highlight the EU's efforts to weaken Russia's ability to continue its invasion and support to Ukrainian forces.
In addition, there are ongoing negotiations between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv. Modi has advised Zelensky to engage in discussions with Russia to bring an end to the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the necessity of resolving the issue through dialogue and diplomacy. This is a testament to the European Union's continued push for diplomacy and peace talks, involving international leaders in the effort to end the conflict in Ukraine.
