Biden guarantees additional military aid, with a focus on strengthening air defense capabilities, for Ukraine.
President Biden Talks Military Aid with Zelensky, No Financial Details GivenIn a recent conversation, President Biden and Ukrainian President Zelensky discussed a new military aid package. According to the White House, the package includes air defense missiles, drone defense equipment, anti-tank missiles, and ammunition. President Biden reiterated the United States' "steadfast commitment to the Ukrainian people," expressing this support to Zelensky. Details regarding the financial aspect of this new aid package have not been disclosed.
21:29 Zelensky Urges Quick Delivery of Promised WeaponsUkraine's military is currently seeking foreign aid due to the urgent situation it's facing. President Zelensky is pushing for his Western allies to expedite the promised weapons deliveries. He stated, "At the front, they're not fighting with words like 'tomorrow' or 'soon', but with grenades and equipment." The country is anxiously awaiting weapons or supply packages that have been agreed upon and decided upon, but not yet dispatched.
20:58 Frustration in Kursk: "Everyone is on Their Own"The conflict in Kursk's southern Russian district has incited frustration among its residents. They accuse the authorities of abandoning them, view Ukrainian military as adversaries, and even question their own military's competence. A 28-year-old resident expressed her feelings towards the situation to the "Moscow Times," stating, "For Russia, we're just a part of the map. For the Ukrainians, we're enemies supporting Putin's regime. Everyone here is on their own." She doubts the government's trustworthiness and their claims of no reason for panic, while a 32-year-old resident hints at the possibility of dissatisfied pro-Ukrainian and neutral individuals turning into fierce opponents. Another resident echoes their dislike for Ukraine and puts the blame on Kyiv for the attacks. However, a Red Cross volunteer in Kursk doesn't resent Ukraine, seeing them as "hostages in the situation" as well.
20:12 Germany Warns of Intensified Attacks on KyivGermany forecasts an escalation of Russian attacks on Kyiv in the vicinity of the nation's independence day on Saturday. The Federal Foreign Office has updated their travel warning, hinting that Kyiv, along with other urban centers, may experience intensified rocket and air attacks, as well as temporary curfews. German citizens are encouraged to leave the country.
19:39 Ukrainian Forces Counter Russian Attacks, Pokrowsk Remains Focal PointUkrainian forces report the repulsion of numerous Russian attacks. Throughout the day, 79 attacks were recorded from the eastern Ukraine fronts, some with artillery and aerial support. The General Staff's situation update highlights Pokrowsk on the Donbass outskirts as the primary hotspot, with 20 assaults taking place within a few hours. Heavy fighting was also observed in the Torezk region, with the Russian army aiming to assert control over Donbass.
19:07 U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Russian Supply ChainsIn response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the United States has imposed new sanctions. The penalties target around 400 entities and individuals, including approximately 60 defense sector technology companies. The U.S. Treasury Department noted their objective to dismantle Russia's supply chains. The affected individuals and companies are based in Russia and other countries. Their U.S. assets have been frozen, and U.S. citizens are prohibited from conducting business with them.
18:38 Increased Russian Oil Flow Through UkraineRussian oil deliveries through Ukraine rose in July, according to the Kyiv consulting firm ExPro. The "Дружба" pipeline fulfilled 1.09 million tons of Russian oil to EU nations, doubling its June delivery. Previous complaints arose from Hungary and Slovakia about Ukraine limiting oil flow, causing potential fuel shortages during the September period. However, Valdis Dombrovskis, the EU Commission's Vice-President, criticized these countries for inadequately exploring alternative Russian oil supply alternatives, which were imposed after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic maintain exemptions.
17:56 Missing Conscripts and Prisoners in Kursk from U.K. ReportsRecent reports suggest several Russian conscripts have been captured or gone missing during the Ukrainian counteroffensive in Kursk. At least 81 conscripts have disappeared, and another 38 have been identified as prisoners in videos shared by Ukrainian military through the Russian-language BBC service. The data relies on search requests published by conscripts' relatives. During the start of the invasion, Vladimir Putin assured that only contract soldiers and volunteers would be engaged in the conflict zone. However, Russia refuses to disclose its losses in Kursk.
17:19 Mysterious Drones Over Brunsbuettel: German Military Aids InvestigationThe German military is providing aid in the investigation of peculiar drone activities observed around industrial facilities in Schleswig-Holstein. A representative from the Territorial Command explains that they're supplying radar data to the police upon request. Both Covestro and Holcim, two industrial companies, also wish to be involved in the clarification. Covestro states that they've registered drone activities. The companies are part of a cluster of chemical, energy, and logistics firms situated in the ChemCoast Park in Brunsbuettel. The investigation is being handled by the State Prosecutor's Office in Flensburg over fears of espionage with sabotage intentions.
16:51 Fatalities in Russian Attacks: Eight Civilian CasualtiesEvery day comes with its share of tragedies: Eight civilians have succumbed to Russian attacks, as reported by Ukrainian authorities. Two lost their lives in the Sumy region, which shares a border with Russia. Three bodies were discovered in the Kharkiv region, while authorities also reported three fatalities in the Donetsk and Kherson regions.
16:20 All-Clear Issued at NATO Hub in GeilenkirchenThe NATO air base in Geilenkirchen has declared the all-clear. Following the escalation of security measures to the second-highest level on account of a potential threat the previous night, the security level has now been lowered. A base representative shares that the security measures on the airfield have returned to their previous state, which has been operational since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict. The representative chose not to comment on the nature of the threat. The second-highest security level in NATO terminology signifies that an incident has occurred or there is evidence of an impending terrorist action against the alliance. In response, as many employees as possible were sent home as a precautionary measure.
16:01 Federal Prosecutor Investigates Freed KriegerThe German Federal Prosecutor's Office is examining Rico Krieger, a German who was recently released from detention in Belarus as part of a prisoner exchange deal. A spokesperson reveals that the investigation is sparked by suspicions of explosive tract. Krieger was sentenced to death in Belarus over charges of terrorism and mercenary activities, but later received a pardon and was transferred to Germany as part of the prisoner exchange with Russia. According to "Welt am Sonntag", Krieger is said to have applied to join the "Kastus Kalinouski Regiment" in Ukraine, a Belarusian volunteer unit supporting the Ukrainian military against Russian invasion. Krieger himself rejects the accusations.
15:44 Modi Advises Zelenskyy to Engage with MoscowIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is urging Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to engage in talks with Russia with the objective of ending the war. During his visit to Kyiv, Modi offers to mediate as a "friend" to foster peace. "The path to resolution can only be found through dialogue and diplomacy, and we should proceed towards this without delay," Modi says. He encourages both parties to engage in discussions to navigate out of the crisis, without prescribing the withdrawal of Russian troops. Click here for further details.
15:22 Dissension within Wagner Group after Prigozhin's DeathA year after the demise of Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, his private army Wagner is reportedly exhibiting signs of fragmentation, as per British evaluations. Since Prigozhin's passing in a plane crash, several leading figures have parted ways from the group, as per the British Ministry of Defence. "From its peak of 50,000 employees in 2023, Wagner now likely employs around 5,000 individuals in its remaining deployments in Belarus and Africa," the ministry reports. Many former Wagner fighters have transitioned into the Russian army or paramilitary forces under the Ministry of Defence's control, as per assessments by military experts. The anniversary of Prigozhin's passing marks one year since his death in a private jet crash, following his instigation of a mutiny against Russia's military leadership two months earlier. All nine other passengers in the jet perished alongside him. Read about it here.
14:38 ISW: Ukrainian Offensive Forces Moscow to Adjust TacticsDue to the advance of Ukrainian troops in the Russian region of Kursk, Moscow is reportedly repositioning troops from the neighboring country it invaded for the first time, as per expert opinions from the U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The Russian military leadership is alleged to have redeployed some units from the southern Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhia to reinforce Kursk's defense, citing entries from reassigned soldiers on social media. However, Russia is continuing its primary attack in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk. Click here for more information.
13:59 Trust in German Aid to Ukraine ErodesThe internal turmoil within the German government is reportedly eroding the trust in the credibility of German aid to Ukraine, as per security expert Christian Mölling of the German Society for International Affairs. He refers to the controversy surrounding the possibility of caps on German aid to Ukraine, in favor of interest-free loans derived from frozen Russian assets. "Germany has essentially sabotaged its own foot with this proposal, causing significant international backlash," Mölling said in the "Die Lage" podcast by "Der Spiegel". It remains uncertain as to whether or when this mechanism will be implemented, he adds. "The challenge lies in the fact that the money isn't readily available yet, and the methodology for how to transfer it to Ukraine remains largely unclear."
13:31 Modi Shares a Hug with Zelensky, Following Putin's EmbraceJust a few weeks after his questionable hug with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also embraces Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his visit to Kyiv. Modi pays a visit to a memorial for Ukrainian children who perished in the conflict with Zelensky, placing a toy as a tribute. India, the most populous nation globally, maintains an official stance of impartiality in the conflict, refrains from imposing Western sanctions on Moscow, and consistently advocates for a resolution through dialogue, although there have yet to be any concrete proposals presented.
13:03: Service Suspension on Key Ferry Route to Crimea
A day after an Ukrainian attack, the Russian port of Kavkaz, essential for supplying Crimea, remains closed to ferry traffic. The Russian Ministry of Transport has announced that ferry services will resume once the cleanup operations are completed. Kavkaz is located at the Strait of Kerch, connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov. The occupied Crimea is visible from Kavkaz, making it one of the Black Sea's most critical transshipment points. Fuel and ammunition are transported to Crimea through this port.
12:20: Expert Speculates on Putin's Retaliation
Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to be showing hesitation in the face of Ukrainian military successes in Kursk. "That's his usual reaction in such situations," says Russian political scientist Ekaterina Schulmann, referencing Putin's typical response to unfavorable news for the Kremlin. "He disappears until the situation stabilizes and then acts as if everything is normal." Other Russia experts believe that the Kremlin is currently evaluating options for a counter-attack. The Russian president tends to take his time with such decisions, and Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia-Eurasia Center in Berlin, warns, "Sometime, we'll see how Putin will retaliate."
11:41: Russian Fuel Depot in Proletarsk Continues to Burn
The Russian fuel depot in Proletarsk, situated in the southern Rostov region, continues to burn. According to NASA's Fire Information for Resource Management System, the facility is still on fire, and the Telegram channel Baza, close to Russian investigative authorities, reports that the fire is still active. Baza claims that the depot was targeted by a Ukrainian drone again last night.
11:12: Kyiv Hopes to Establish a Symbolic Connection with Modi
While India, as a BRICS member, has close ties with Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy now receives Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the hope to mediate the conflict. Ukrainians are reportedly more eager than ever for peace talks due to the Kursk offensive, according to ntv reporter Nadja Kriewald.
10:45: Ukrainian Military Claims Down 14 of 16 Russian Attack Drones
Ukrainian military reports destroying 14 out of 16 Russian attack drones launched overnight. "The air defense system was active in the regions of Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Poltava, and Sumy," the air force reports.
10:16: Ukraine Discusses the Destroyed Ferry in Kavkaz
The Ukrainian Navy makes a comment on the destruction of a ferry in the Russian port of Kavkaz. "Another undeniably military target has been destroyed," says naval spokesman Dmytro Pletentschuk on Ukrainian television. The ferry was intended to supply the enemy with fuel. The ferry has sunk, and the port is currently inoperable. Local authorities report that the attack occurred on Thursday, with the ferry catching fire. The port of Kavkaz on the Black Sea supplies, among other things, the Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014, with fuel.
09:44 Russian Ambassador: "There will be no buffer zone on Russian territory"Russian Ambassador to the USA, Anatoly Antonov, speaks out on Kursk offensive and Kyiv's announced goal of establishing a buffer zone there: "It's impossible. There will be no buffer zone on Russian territory," TASS state news agency quotes him. Simultaneously, he warns that Moscow will not consult with Washington to expel Ukrainian forces from the Kursk region. He accuses the US of "continually testing the patience of the Russians" and attempting to provoke "emotional, hasty decisions."
09:10 Online Analysis Shows: Dissatisfaction with Putin on the Rise in RussiaIt's hardly surprising: Since Ukrainian troops entered Russian territory two weeks ago, negative feelings towards President Vladimir Putin seem to be increasing across Russia. According to an analysis by FilterLabs AI, reported by the "New York Times," many online contributors believe the Ukrainian advance is a failure of the Russian government, and Putin, in particular. "Putin's response to the incursion was at best inadequate and at worst offensive," says Jonathan Teubner, CEO of FilterLabs. The company tracks attitudes in Russia by analyzing social media.
08:36 Modi Departs for KyivIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently visiting Ukraine, according to Indian and Ukrainian media. A meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is planned. Ukraine seeks India's support due to its significant global influence, while also harboring doubts about its declared neutrality. In July, Modi visited Moscow. Images of him embracing Russian President Vladimir Putin were controversial in Ukraine and many Western countries.
08:05 Russia's Warning on Nuclear Plant Attacks "More Rhetoric"Russian President Vladimir Putin accuses Ukraine of attempting to attack the nuclear power plant in Kursk. ntv reporter Rainer Munz evaluates the actual risk of a nuclear accident due to the war.
07:33 China and Belarus Agree to Boost Cooperation - Including SecurityChina and Belarus decide to amplify collaboration in sectors like trade, security, energy, and finance, as per a joint statement post a meeting between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Belarusian Premier Roman Golovchenko. They also wish to enhance cooperation in industrial supply chains and better trade facilitation to decrease costs for both parties. China is Belarus' second-largest trading partner and top China in Asia.
07:05 Ukrainian Commanders and Soldiers Worry About Inexperienced RecruitsUkrainian leaders and soldiers are voicing worries about the inadequate training of new recruits and Russia's air power and ammunition superiority at the eastern front. "Some individuals refuse to shoot. They spot the enemy in a firing position in the trench and don't open fire. That's why our men are losing lives," says a battalion commander of the 47th Brigade. "If they don't use their weapon, they're worthless." In May, the government implemented a contentious mobilization law. Since then, reportedly tens of thousands of fighters are being conscripted each month. The demand is highest in the infantry, but there are logistical struggles in training, arming, and paying so many newbies.
06:35 Moscow: US to Likely Lift Restrictions on Ukraine Weapons UseAs per the Russian ambassador to the US, Russia assumes that the United States will soon eliminate all limitations on the usage of weapons supplied to Ukraine. As reported by the RIA news agency, Ambassador Anatoli Antonov said, "The current administration behaves like someone who extends one hand and holds a dagger behind their back with the other." They're preparing the ground to remove all existing constraints without considering it at a particular point. Antonov says that a genuine dialogue with the US is only viable if they cease their "hostile" policy towards Russia. He also emphasizes that a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during the UN General Assembly next month is unlikely.
06:09 Harris: Trump Sought to Encourage Putin to Invade EuropeDemocratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has publicly supported NATO and promised to persist in backing Ukraine against Russian aggression. "I will stand firmly with Ukraine and our NATO allies," she said in her speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, however, threatened to abandon NATO and tried to persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to invade Europe.
05:38 President of Network Agency: "Federal Government Still Alert"Despite well-stocked gas storage facilities, the president of the Federal Network Agency, Klaus Müller, continues to advocate for prudence in gas consumption. "The federal government is still on high alert. We still need to be mindful," Müller told the "Augsburger Allgemeine". He also pointed to the Ukrainian army's advance into Russian territory, which could exacerbate the situation. "Not the gas infrastructure itself is contested, 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, which is located just a few kilometers from the Ukrainian border on Russian territory and is a crucial distribution point for gas exported to Europe to EU countries like Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria via Ukraine. Gas from Siberia is pumped from here into EU nations like Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria via Ukraine.
04:40 Modi Visits Kyiv: "No Conflict Can Be Resolved on the Battlefield"Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Ukraine for the first time today. A meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky is planned in the capital Kyiv, as announced by the Indian 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 a resolution through dialogue. "India firmly believes that no conflict can be resolved 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 encouraged Modi to play a mediating role in the conflict.
03:31 Sources: USA to Send New Military Aid to UkraineAccording to government sources, the USA intends to dispatch additional military aid to Ukraine, worth around $125 million. The latest aid package includes rockets for air defense, missiles for Himars multiple rocket launchers, Javelin missiles, and a variety of other weapons, equipment, and vehicles, the sources reported, speaking anonymously. The official announcement is expected today, a day before Ukraine's Independence Day. The weapons will be sourced from Pentagon stocks, enabling swift delivery.
02:12 Ukraine Reports 53 Russian Attacks Near Pokrovsk in a DayThe Ukrainian military reports a total of 53 Russian attacks near the city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine over the course of Thursday. The capture of Pokrovsk remains the main objective of Russian forces in Ukraine, according to a statement from the General Staff. No statement from the Russian government has been released yet. According to available information, Russian troops have been progressively advancing on Pokrovsk in recent days.
01:16 SPD Leader: Without Adequate Weapons, Ukraine Could Face ObliterationIn the lead-up to the state elections in Thuringia and Saxony, SPD leader Saskia Esken reaffirms Germany's military backing for Ukraine against Russia. Chancellor Olaf Scholz is striving towards a just and sustainable peace, Esken told the Funke media group. "As long as Putin doesn't abandon his hostile intentions against Ukraine, peace can't be attained diplomatically." Esken connects her remarks with criticisms of Die Linke party leader Sahra Wagenknecht. "If, as Frau Wagenknecht and others suggest, we ceased supplying weapons to Ukraine today, the nation would be subdued tomorrow and eliminated the day after. The consequences would be disastrous for security throughout Europe, which would not result in reduced armament nor peace."
23:56 Ukraine Braces for Challenging WinterUkraine is preparing for a severe and dark winter due to the devastation of the nation's power and energy infrastructure by Russian attacks. "We're up against our severest winter ever," says Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Haluschtschenko in a virtual conference. This winter will be more difficult than the last, as the damage from ongoing Russian attacks has accumulated. The Russian army is employing various weapons in combined attacks to cause maximum damage, he adds. In mild winters, energy consumption is approximately 18 gigawatts, and in cold ones, it jump to 19 gigawatts. Additionally, a gigawatt in reserves needs to be produced, Haluschtschenko says. Russian attacks have annihilated about 9 gigawatts of capacity.
23:08 NATO Boosts Security at Geilenkirchen AirbaseNATO is increasing its security level at the airbase in Geilenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, due to an alleged threat. All non-essential personnel have been sent home, a spokesperson for the base confirms. The decision is based on intelligence information suggesting a potential threat. "This isn't a cause for alarm and is a precautionary measure to ensure we can carry on our critical operations," the spokesperson adds. Police confirm their presence on the scene. Further details, including the number of personnel involved, are not being disclosed.
22:07 Ukraine Claims Strike on Russian Base in KurskThe Ukrainian military claims to have struck Russian troops in the Kursk region. Using precision-guided U.S. bombs, they targeted a Russian base in the afternoon, states air force commander Mykola Oleshchuk. "A drone command post, a radio-electronic warfare unit, equipment, weapons, and up to 40 Russian military personnel were impacted," Oleshchuk wrote alongside a video allegedly showing the strike.
21:43 Post-Summit Meeting Held for Ukraine Peace EffortsA follow-up meeting was held following the peace summit in Switzerland in June, according to Ukrainian reports. Representatives from more than 40 nations and organizations attended the virtual session. Additional such working group meetings are planned.
You can check out all previous developments here.)
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In the context of the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, the situation could potentially lead to a new dimension of conflict, as President Zelensky urged for expedited delivery of promised weapons, citing the urgent situation his military is facing. A possible scenario could involve a Cyberwar, where cyberattacks are used to disrupt communications, infrastructure, or intelligence operations between the opposing sides. Such an attack could significantly impact the war effort on both sides, potentially swaying the balance of power. However, this is purely speculative and should not be considered as an imminent threat without further intelligence or analysis.
