19:17 EU Commissioner hints at potential G7 consensus on Russian assets.

EU Commissioner hints at possible G7 agreement regarding Russian assets.

Euro Economic Affairs Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni predicts a potential deal regarding the confiscated Russian assets at the approaching G7 event in Apulia. In the recent discussions at Stresa, Italy, between G7 finance ministers, a noticeable rehearsal occurred, as Gentiloni disclosed. Utilizing the method implemented by the EU to gather the interest from Russian assets for aid to the Ukraine appears to be an intriguing move, he added. This week, the EU states moved forward with a scheme allowing them to produce a yearly income of around three billion euros by tapping into the interest profit gathered from the frozen Russian assets for additional military assistance to Ukraine. Moreover, the G7 are contemplating an American proposal involving a 50 billion dollars (roughly 46 billion euros) loan facility, which will be funded by the future interest from Russian assets.

19:06 Videos show ATACMS attacks in Crimea

Loud blasts rattle Crimea once more. The Ukraine government claims a successful raid on a Russian communication hub. Motion picture footage flaunts numerous explosions, resulting in air defense reactions. The Russian authorities mention two fatalities.

18:34 Additional German IRIS-T system given to Ukraine

The German administration has donated another IRIS-T-SLM air defense mechanism to Ukraine. "Der Spiegel" discloses the weapon device's alleged delivery into Ukraine. With this addition, the Ukraine is endowed with four medium-range IRIS-T systems and one short-range one.

18:00 London: Russian African Corps engaged in Kharkiv

Driven by British intelligence witnesses, it's ascertained that Russia has withdrawn the soldiers from the Africa Corps and transported them to Kharkiv's frontier. Pertaining to the recent advance in northern Kharkiv's Vovchansk region, these units have been seen collaborating alongside regular Russian forces and those engaged in punitive actions. The African Corps of the Russian Ministry of Defense was established in 2023, counting more than 2,000 regular soldiers and officers, along with experienced mercenaries. Several had previously worked in the Wagner Group. The British Ministry of Defense suspects that forces of the African Corps might have earlier participated in Syria, Libya, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Moscow is likely to have deployed troops from the African Corps at the Ukrainian border in April, in preparation for the offensive, London indicates. "It's highly probable that Russia is reinforcing its war against Ukraine with funds previously allocated to Africa."

17:22 Serious promises from Putin? There's a likelihood that Putin is giving cues to entice a ceasefire

Academic expert Ralph Thiele introduces that the fraternization over a truce is not only Ukraine's decision, stressing that Moscow's enablement for a truce offers the chance to polarize the West.

16:51 Russians foil Ukrainian long-range glide bombs

Russian jammers hinder the functionality of most of Ukraine's freshly acquired long-range bombs. Reuters uncovered three individuals who shared information regarding the thrashing Ukrainian glide bombs' navigation systems, ensuring they miss their intended targets. The range of this glide bomb reaches approximately 100 miles (160 kilometers). Despite Boeing's public claims that their system can repel malign jamming, one insider mentioned it would take the firm several months to mend the issue, as stated in the report.

16:18 Scholz opposes Taurus Attack Missile delivery to Ukraine

Olaf Scholz rethises the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles to the Ukraine. Scholz deliberated not wanting to spiral the war into a full-scale battle between Russia and NATO and Germany being in control over the desired targets. Germany has supplied and pledged 28 billion euros in weapons to Ukraine, making it the second-largest worldwide backer after the United States. Since the beginning of the Ukrainian conflict, Germany has provided two Patriot systems, with the intention of delivering one more. Scholz expresses that its imperative for other nations to help Ukraine, yet granting Taurus is dubious. "We've trespassed the boundaries as much as we can." Scholz clarifies, regarding Taurus, "it's problematic to deliver a weapon reaching 500 kilometers with extremely precise airstrikes, which would only be justifiable for the nation furnishing it if we determine and designate the targets on our own. That, nevertheless, is not realistic if you aim to cease being an active participant in this war."

16:24 Russia disrupts Elon Musk's Starlink service on Ukraine's frontline

Just before Russia began their offensive in the Kharkiv region, they interfered with the Starlink satellite service. According to a report by The New York Times, the Ukrainian military noticed the interference in the Starlink signal. Starlink is operated by Elon Musk's company, SpaceX, and has been crucial to Ukraine since the start of the Russian aggression war. The Ukrainian military uses the service heavily for communication, reconnaissance, and drone strikes. Recently, the interference caused them to switch to text messages.

16:02 Erwin Sellering resigns as head of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's climate protection foundation

Former Minister President of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Erwin Sellering (SPD), has stepped down as the Chairman of the Board of the state's climate foundation due to its controversial involvement in Nord Stream II. The foundation has successfully defended itself against all attacks and attempts to dissolve it, according to Sellering in a statement from the foundation. He believes it's a good time for him to resign early, as no one is likely to continue the attacks. The climate foundation was established by the state at the beginning of 2021 to support the completion of the Nord Stream 2 Baltic Sea pipeline. It was funded through covert deals due to threats from US sanctions against companies involved in its construction. After the start of the Russian war against Ukraine, the state government of Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig tried to dissolve the foundation but failed. The foundation strongly opposed the dissolution.

15:42 Germany considers legal steps to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine

Germany is discussing how to use the frozen assets of the Russian central bank to aid Ukraine. Finance Minister Christian Lindner states that Germany is open to taking further steps to use the interest income from the assets for Ukraine, but not in any way that would have "legally disadvantageous or economically risky consequences." Europeans are open to examining the US proposal thoroughly. However, negotiations are not close as there are still many unresolved issues. The EU states initially planned to use the interest income from the Russian central bank's frozen assets to finance military aid for Ukraine, but the US considers this approach too reluctant. They propose a large loan secured by interest income that would raise significantly more than the EU's $3 billion. Lindner emphasizes that it's unclear who would provide which guarantees and bear which risks.

15:20 Ukraine claims to have stopped Moscow's ground offensive in Kharkiv

Ukraine claims to have halted a Russian ground offensive in the eastern region of Kharkiv. The Ukrainian army stated in online services that they have stopped Russian troops in the area and initiated counter-offensives. A representative from the General Staff described the situation as "difficult" but "stable and under control." According to Army Chief Oleksandr Syrskyj, the Russian army's progress in the region in northeastern Ukraine has stalled. In street battles around the border town of Vovchansk, Russian troops "became completely bogged down and suffered very high losses among the attacking units." Syrskyj explained in online networks that Russia is deploying "reserves from various areas" to take the city but without success.

15:02 Germany sends more Leopard tanks and equipment to Ukraine

Germany has sent more Leopard tanks and other equipment to Ukraine. The German government announced in an update on military support services that 40 Leopard 1 A5 main battle tanks, 100 Marder infantry fighting vehicles with ammunition and spare parts from Bundeswehr and industrial reserves, and 18 Leopard 2 A6 main battle tanks with ammunition and spare parts have been delivered. Additionally, various Dingo transport vehicles, multi-purpose vehicles, and armored transporters have been supplied. Germany has sanctioned over $28 billion in total for military aid to support Ukraine or will in the coming years.

14:15 Border controversy: Estonia summons Russian ambassador's second-in-command
Estonia calls in the second-in-command at the Russian embassy in Tallinn after several buoys setting out the shipping route in the river Narva were taken away. These floating markers were used by Estonia to indicate the border and are said to have been removed by Russian border guards overnight. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna has stated that this action was perceived as "provocative" and "unacceptable". Estonia is now requesting an explanation for the removal of these marks and for their immediate return. The Narva serves as the border between Estonia and Russia, as well as marking the eastern border of the EU and NATO.

13:49 Ukrainian military chief: Russian forces falter near Vovchansk town
The Ukrainian military chief, Oleksandr Syrskyj, states that Russian troops have encountered difficulties in their attacks around the town of Vovchansk in north-eastern Ukraine. In local skirmishes near this border settlement, Russian advance units have met with extensive losses. Russia is currently trying to push forward and capture the city by reinforcing troops from elsewhere. The town is situated approximately five kilometers from the Russian border, and is currently the focus of the ground offensive initiated by Russia two weeks ago in north-eastern Ukraine. The troops from Moscow have so far made their biggest gains since late 2022.

13:16 Baerbock warns Russia against attempts to disrupt the European Union's borders
Germany's Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warns Russia against any provocations at the EU's western borders. "Russia is setting fire to the borders of the European Union," Baerbock writes in a public statement. "We stand united with our friends in Estonia, Finland & Lithuania, and do not accept this hostile behavior." Earlier on Thursday, there were reports that the buoys marking the route in the Narva River, shared by Estonia and Russia, had been removed.

12:48 Romanian arrest on suspicion of spying for Russia
A Romanian individual has been arrested in connection with allegations of spying for Russia. The Romanian public prosecutor's office in Bucharest has confirmed this information. This person is said to have been photographing and surveilling military installations and troop movements near Tulcea for over a year, sending the collected data to the Russian embassy in Bucharest. The man is being held in custody for an initial period of 30 days, pending completion of the investigation. The Romanian investigating agency DIICOT and SRI (the domestic intelligence service) are working together with the Romanian army's intelligence service on this case.

12:16 Putin possibly ready to consider a ceasefire with the current frontlines
Sources report that President Putin is possibly prepared to consider a ceasefire recognising the existing frontlines. "Putin is more than capable of continuing the conflict," one of four people knowledgeable about discussions within Putin's close circle communicated to the Reuters news agency. "But Putin also appears to be prepared for a ceasefire - to halt the war." Three of these insiders have disclosed comments made by the President to a select group of advisors. He was allegedly displeased by what he perceived to be efforts backed by the West to hinder negotiations, but has on multiple occasions expressed his willingness to negotiate, before later specifying that such talks would need to be based on the current battlefield realities.

11:45 NATO state places €300 million order for artillery ammunition with Rheinmetall
Arms manufacturer Rheinmetall has received a massive order for artillery ammunition from a NATO member state, valued at approximately €300 million. The order incorporates tens of thousands of artillery shells and hundreds of thousands of propellant charge modules. The ammunition is scheduled for delivery from 2024 to 2028. The motivation behind this and other large orders is the need to re-stock ammunition reserves as a result of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

11:15 The allegations of corruption in Moscow's Ministry of Defense could be just a cover-up
Reports suggest that the Russian Kremlin might be using the claims of corruption against high-ranking defense officials as a cover for dismissing certain disgraced individuals from the Ministry of Defense. This is according to the Institute for the Study of War, which mentions that six other ministry officials want to resign due to the dismissal of Sergei Shoigu, their top boss. Military bloggers also believe that the Russian authorities' investigation is far from over. As they welcome the arrests as a sign of bringing corrupt officials to justice under the new Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, they argue that criticism is directed towards individuals targeted by the Ministry of Defense. This further strengthens Belousov's image as a leader willing to solve issues within the Ministry unlike Shoigu. The Kremlin is likely to take advantage of the situation to silence those displeasing Putin's favor.

10:35 Orban is convinced: No Russian attack on NATO member state
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban shared his opinion that the fear of Russia attacking a NATO member state is unfounded. In an interview, he stated that the Russian military is currently embroiled in a "serious and difficult" war against the Ukrainians and would not be able to overwhelm them easily. Given the far superior military capabilities of NATO compared to Ukraine, it's highly unlikely that Russia or any other country would attack NATO. He expressed his belief that it's illogical to think Russia would suddenly consume the whole Western world when it's struggling to beat Ukraine.

10:00 Moscow accuses Islamic State for the first time in Moscow attack
Russia for the first time blamed the terrorist group Islamic State (IS) for coordinating the deadly attack on a concert hall near Moscow. FSB Director Alexander Bortnikov confirmed that the preparations, financing, attack, and retreat of the terrorists were coordinated online by members of the Khorasan Province group, the Afghan branch of IS. While IS has repeatedly claimed responsibility for the attack on March 22, resulting in over 140 deaths and 360 injuries, Moscow has persistently connected Ukraine to the attack, which Kiev denies. Bortnikov's statement, however, doesn't provide evidence of the connection between Ukraine's intelligence service and IS.

09:25 "Stuck in the middle" - the situation in Vovchansk
Kharkiv has faced continuous attacks from the Russian military for weeks, with its sirens going off frequently. Correspondent Stephan Richter of ntv described the situation in the city of Vovchansk as "no forward and no backward", implying that it's facing its worst moments.

08:50 Nearly 500,000 Russians killed in Ukraine?
Ukrainian authorities have released new figures for Russian casualties, estimating that they've lost 498,940 soldiers in Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24. The casualties include 1,240 losses suffered by the Russian armed forces in a 24-hour window. Other numbers include 7,635 tanks, 14,775 armored combat vehicles, 17,569 vehicles and fuel tanks, 12,902 artillery systems, 1,080 multiple launch rocket systems, 813 air defense systems, 356 aircraft, 326 helicopters, 10,401 drones, 27 ships and boats, and one submarine.

08:19 Kharkiv hit by another glide bomb attack
Kharkiv, a city that has faced continuous Russian air strikes, was hit by two glide bombs again during the night. According to the mayor, there were no casualties this time. Several residential buildings and a vacant building were slightly damaged. The day before, seven people lost their lives due to the Russian bombings. Over the past few days, a total of approximately 15 converted S-300 or S-400 anti-aircraft missiles hit Kharkiv and its surrounding area. Among the casualties was one of Ukraine's largest printing presses for literature. Writer Serhij Zhadan appreciated the strength and resilience of Ukrainian literature, commenting, "The Ukrainian book is the Ukrainian strength. That's why the enemy wants to destroy it."

08:26 Russian intelligence chief links Ukraine to Moscow bombing
The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) head, Alexander Bortnikov, charges Ukrainian military intelligence with involvement in the fatal bombing of a concert hall near Moscow in March. Although the investigation is still ongoing, Bortnikov's assertion is firm, according to the Russian state news agency Tass. Russia has made similar allegations previously. Bortnikov does not provide any proof for this claim. He also implicates NATO in aiding the transfer of "terrorist members from the Middle East, North Africa, and Afghanistan" to Ukraine, enabling them to fight Russian forces. The extremist Islamic IS militant group has taken responsibility for the concert hall attack. Over 140 people were killed at the scene.

08:02 Damage reported after attacks on Crimea
A missile strike on a Russian communications facility in Crimea's Alushta caused significant equipment destruction and casualties, as per Ukrainian reports. Reference to the pro-Ukrainian guerrilla group Atesh and the Crimean Wind telegram channel is made by Kyiv Independent. Alushta's communications center was allegedly damaged by at least six ATACMS missiles sent by the US, according to Crimean Wind. Additionally, the antenna as well as several buildings of the center where "high-ranking military personnel..." were staying were targeted, the source reports.

07:27 Russian activist: Russians 'doomed to be idiots for decades'
Critical Russian publicist and ex-Duma deputy Alexander Nevzorov scrutinizes his compatriots. Just as domesticated animals like pugs or chimpanzees, Nevzorov contends, Russians retain the abilities trained into them until death. "The lust for war, symptoms of decay, patriotism, and other Kremlin-instilled deviations cannot simply vanish," the publicist, who has a Ukrainian passport and is often critical of the Kremlin, says. "The Russians are destined to live and die as idiots for at least a few generations," he adds. Even Putin's death won't alter their minds.

07:03 Chancellor Scholz: Europe to fortify defense capabilities
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz backs plans by French President Emmanuel Macron to reinforce European defense capacities, including nuclear capabilities. "We must deliberate how to attain the optimal blend of capabilities to defend Europe and deter any aggressor," Scholz writes for the Economist. This necessitates conventional armed forces, air and missile defense, cyber, space, and precision strike capabilities. Improving the European defense sector through investment and collaboration is the aim. Soldiers, airplanes, and missiles are some examples of what these include.

06:38 Washington's response to questionable law in Georgia
Following the passage of a contentious "foreign influence operations" law in Georgia, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announces new visa restrictions and a reassessment of the relationship between the US and Georgia. The sanctions would impact people "involved in undermining democracy in Georgia and their family members," Blinken explained, as quoted by TASS. The US is also commencing a "comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation between the US and Georgia." The US hopes the Georgian government will reconsider the law and promote the country's "democratic and Euro-Atlantic aspirations."

06:29 Estonia provides humanitarian aid to Ukraine
The Estonian Foreign Ministry is donating over EUR 650,000 in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, primarily to support the country's frontline education system. As per Kyiv Independent, the aid will be administered through the Estonian non-profit organization Eesti Pagulasabi, which helps improve living conditions in vulnerable areas and helps Ukrainian refugees in Georgia. In addition, the organization Mondo plans to use part of the funds for organizing summer camps and offering psychological help to children in the city of Zaporizhzhya.

5:29 Putin in Belarus for conversation with LukashenkoReports from Russian news agencies state that Russian President Vladimir Putin has flown into Belarus and has engaged in initial, informal discussions. Putin was quoted as expressing, "There's a lot to discuss. Everything is in order and going smoothly for us." Topics of discussion for the day include additional talks with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko about security matters and military exercises involving tactical nuclear weapons. Belarus will be involved in these exercises, which simulate preparations for the launch of small nuclear warheads.

4:33 South Korea imposes sanctions against North Koreans and Russian shipsSouth Korea targets seven North Korean individuals and two Russian vessels in response to arms deals between Pyongyang and Moscow. The South Korean Foreign Ministry made the announcement.

3:39 USA prepares further Ukraine assistance worth 275 million dollarsThe U.S. is planning military support for Ukraine valued at 275 million dollars. The assistance includes artillery shells, precision-guided missiles, and vehicles. This aid will be granted using the Presidential Drawdown Authority, which allows President Joe Biden to take action in the event of an emergency without Congress's approval.

2:34 China and Brazil step back from Ukraine peace conferenceChina and Brazil are distancing themselves, indirectly, from the international peace conference on Ukraine scheduled in Switzerland, where Russia has been excluded. In a joint statement signed by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's advisor, Celso Amorim, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, both countries urge both Russia and Ukraine to initiate talks. The document asserts that any future conference must include equal participation from all involved parties, recognized by both nations.

1:15 Moscow court condemns Kremlin dissenter to 25-year sentence for sabotageA military court in Moscow has convicted a 36-year-old man to 25 years behind bars for sabotage and associating with a pro-Ukrainian combat unit. The public prosecutor claimed that the Moscow barman, identified as Vladimir Malina, was a member of the "Legion for the Freedom of Russia," a group of Russian fighters participating in Ukraine. Malina allegedly set fire to a railroad control box while enacting plans for further sabotage. Arrested in June, he was sentenced for terrorism, high treason, and sabotage.

23:55 Poland and Greece request EU-funded air defense systemIn response to the current conflict, Poland and Greece are advocating for the establishment of an EU-funded air defense system to safeguard European nations. Prime Minister Donald Tusk of Poland and Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis penned a joint letter to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, emphasizing the need for this system to address the "great vulnerability of our security."

22:26 Explosions in Crimea: Possible Ukrainian attackThere are reports of explosions in the Russian-controlled Crimea. Suspected Ukrainian attacks using ATACMS missiles supplied by the United States a few weeks ago are believed to have targeted several areas, potentially including the village of Alushta. Confirmation is pending, but the Russian air defense system appears to be active, as evidenced by a video recording. Crimean Governor Sergei Aksyonov, appointed by the Russian occupiers, disclosed that missile attacks on Simferopol and Alushta had occurred, resulting in two fatalities and unspecified property damage.

22:00 Continued military purge: Another senior officer detainedRussian authorities have arrested Vladimir Verteletsky, head of the Russian Ministry of Defense's department for maintaining the state defense order, on allegations of large-scale fraud. This follows the arrest of Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Vadim Shamarin, who himself was previously the fourth senior military official detained since April.